Document Document Title
US08939645B2 Methods and systems for micro bearings
A micro drive assembly may comprise a substrate, a micro shaft oriented in-plane with the substrate and at least one micro bearing to support rotation of the micro shaft. The micro shaft and micro bearing may be in or less than the micrometer domain.
US08939641B2 X-ray imaging apparatus having vibration stabilising means, and method for operating such an X-ray imaging apparatus
An X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The X-ray imaging apparatus comprises an imaging assembly mounted on a rotary arm, the imaging assembly comprising an X-ray source and an X-ray detector coupled to the rotary arm so that X-rays emitted by the X-ray source are incidental to the X-ray detector. The X-ray imaging apparatus further comprises a first vibration measurement device coupled to the X-ray source and a second vibration measurement device coupled to the X-ray detector, and a first actuator and a second actuator configured to move the X-ray source and the X-ray detector to suppress at least one component of the vibrations measured by the first and second vibration measurement devices.
US08939635B2 Waterproof warning whip base and connector
A warning whip assembly includes an elongate whip, a light, wiring, a base, and an electrical connector assembly. The elongate whip has first and second ends. The light is mounted to the first end of the warning whip. The wiring extends from the light to the second end of the warning whip. The base is connected to the second end of the warning whip. The electrical connector assembly includes a first connector portion connected to the base with a waterproof connection. The wiring is connected to the first connector portion. The electrical connector assembly also includes a second connector portion that is releasably connected to the first connector portion.
US08939634B2 Egress lighting for two module luminaires
Embodiments of the invention provide for a lighting system for illuminating aisles with shelving. A rail can include a plurality of LEDs that extend along the length of the rail. The rail can be coupled with a node that includes various components along with an egress light source. The LEDs can be used to primarily illuminate the shelving on both or one side of the aisle. The egress light can be used to illuminate the aisle during times of emergency, at night, or when egress may be required.
US08939632B2 Liquid crystal display device, illuminating device, and television receiving device
Provided is an edge light type illuminating device, in which an adverse effect of noise and the amount of electric wires are decreased by reducing the length of power supply wires arranged to supply electric power to light sources. An illuminating device (20) includes a chassis plate (22) having a square shape in a plan view, edge light type light sources (28) disposed along at least one side face of the plate and another side face perpendicular to the one side face, power supply means (30) arranged to supply electric power to the light sources, and a power supply wire arranged to electrically connect the light sources and the means, wherein at least a portion of the power supply wire includes bridging wires (33ac, 33bd) arranged to connect the light sources perpendicular to each other.
US08939631B2 Controlling device with an insulating portion
A control apparatus is provided with a substrate disposed inside a main case and on which light sources are mounted. A surface panel in which light-source display windows are formed at positions opposite the light sources, is also disposed in the main case. The outer rim of the surface of the surface panel facing the main case is affixed to the front-surface rim of the main case with an insulating part sandwiched therebetween.
US08939630B2 Backlight assembly and display apparatus having the same
A backlight assembly includes a light guide plate, a light source module spaced apart by a gap from the guide plate, a receiving container and a gap adjusting element. The gap adjusting element is inter-coupled between the receiving container and the light source module and is actuatable to adjust the gap distance between the light source module and the light guide plate. Accordingly, a display quality may be prevented from being decreased, and the productivity may be enhanced.
US08939628B2 Driving method of light source apparatus
A driving method of a light source apparatus includes causing a primary light source to emit checking light. The checking light has light intensity sufficient to check a state of the light source apparatus and unharmful to the human body even when the checking light leaks. This emission is based on an output signal from a photodetector having detected a light radiated from a light conversion unit. The method further includes checking a state of the light source apparatus. The checking the state of the light source apparatus is based on an output signal from the photodetector having detected light radiated from the light conversion unit and entering the photodetector based on the checking light.
US08939627B2 Vehicle lighting unit
A vehicle lighting unit can not only promote the dissipation of heat from a semiconductor light emitting device and a drive circuit for the device, both of which are the heat generation members, but also improve its maintenance workability. The vehicle lighting unit can include a light source module having a module main body. The module main body can include first and second semiconductor light emitting devices, drive circuits configured to drive and control the first and second semiconductor light emitting devices, and a heat dissipation fin for dissipating heat generated by the semiconductor light emitting devices and the drive circuits. Both the semiconductor light emitting devices and the drive circuit are directly attached to the module main body.
US08939626B2 Warning light assembly
A warning light for attachment to a vehicle comprising a thermally conductive longitudinally extending base, a plurality of light head mount assemblies, a plurality of LED warning light assemblies, and a plurality of electronic control circuits. Said base has a pair of generally parallel longitudinal edges and a pair of ribs projecting perpendicularly from said base. Said light head mount assemblies comprise a bracket and a light head retention shoe. Said bracket has a generally planar bracket first portion and a generally planar bracket second portion oriented perpendicular to said first portion. Said light head shoe has a sole configured to engage said bracket first portion, a rib engaging portion, and a brace extending angularly therebetween. Said LED assemblies are mounted on said bracket second portion. Said dome has a main body portion, sidewalls configured to engage said edges, and end walls.
US08939621B2 Headlamp with backlit side bezel signature image
A lighting system for a vehicle comprises a headlamp light source. A trim piece is mounted adjacent the light source having an inner surface illuminated by light from the light source and an outer surface visible from outside the vehicle. The trim piece comprises a light transmitting plastic body, wherein a signature image is formed on the body having a foreground region and a background region. The foreground region has a corresponding surface characteristic on the inner and outer surfaces within the foreground region different from a corresponding surface characteristic on the inner and outer surfaces within the background region so that more light from the light source is transmitted through the foreground region than through the background region. The outer surface may be fully metalized to provide a pleasing appearance under ambient light conditions.
US08939614B2 Light guide panel and apparatus for forming pattern on light guide panel
A pattern forming apparatus for a light guide panel is provided. The apparatus may include a pattern design system, a control system, a header moving unit including an XY moving unit and a header unit, a laser system, beam splitters, and an optical unit. The pattern design system may have an input of data on a pattern. The control system may connect with the pattern design system and transmits a position signal. The XY moving unit may mechanically move up/down and left/right in response to the position signal. The header unit may be coupled with the XY moving unit and reflects a scanned laser beam. The laser system may output a laser beam by a pulse signal. The beam splitters may split a laser beam into two or more laser beams. The optical unit may reflect and collect the two or more laser beams.
US08939605B2 Controllable lighting system
A lighting system comprising a plurality of controllable light emitting elements 3 is disclosed. The lighting system further comprising a spreading optical element 5 arranged in front of the plurality of light emitting elements to shape the light emitted from the lighting elements, and a controller 7 for varying a light emission angle range of light emitted from the spreading optical element 5 by controlling each of the plurality of controllable light emitting elements. This allows the light emitted from the spreading optical element to be varied without varying any physical parts of the lighting system, because the controller now controls each of the light emitting elements, by e.g. dimming one or more of the light emitting elements or by switching one or more of the light emitting elements off.
US08939600B1 Landscape down light fixture configured for water drainage
A down light fixture that is suitable for installation on building structures and around lawns and gardens of residential and commercial properties for providing aesthetically pleasing illumination and security illumination. The down light fixture includes a body having a hollow interior and a circuit board mounted in the hollow interior. A transparent cover extends across a lower end of the body. A wire extends through a pivotable mounting device secured to an upper end of the body and through a potting cup to the circuit board for carrying electrical power to a source of illumination. The body is formed with a drain port located so that any water that accumulates in the interior of the body when the body is in a downwardly directed orientation will drain from the body before it can reach an upper end of the potting cup.
US08939598B1 Landscape light fixture with slide and lock mounting bracket assembly
A light fixture includes a housing having a hollow interior and an open end. A circuit board is mounted in the hollow interior of the housing. A source of illumination is mounted on the circuit board. A light transferable cover extends across a lower end of the housing. A bracket assembly mounted to the housing includes a housing bracket and a mounting bracket that is configured for mating and subsequent relative sliding motion to releasably lock the housing bracket to the mounting bracket.
US08939597B2 Illumination device, display device, and television reception device
An illumination device 12 of the present invention is provided with: a housing member 22 that has a bottom plate 22a, a side wall 22b, and a pair of protrusions 22c; a light guide plate 26 having a pair of first end faces 26d, a pair of second end faces 26b that extend in a direction intersecting the first end faces 26d, and a pair of recesses 26e at the respective first end faces 26d, the light guide plate being disposed in the housing member 22 in a manner so that the rear surface 26c thereof faces the bottom plate 22a and the recesses 26e respectively engage the protrusions 22c; a light source unit 2 having light sources 24 and being disposed in the housing member 22 in a manner so that the light sources 24 face at least the second end surfaces 26b of the light guide plate 26; and a frame 27 having a frame-shaped covering plate 27a covering the outer edges W of the plate surface 26a of the light guide plate 26, and a pressing part 27c that protrudes downwards from the covering plate 27a in a manner so as to selectively press the peripheral portion S0 of the recess 26e of the plate surface 26a of the light guide plate 26.
US08939595B2 Backlight assembly and display device including the same
This invention relates to a backlight assembly having improved heat dissipation performance and a simplified structure and to a display device including the same. The backlight assembly includes a light source unit for generating light, a housing for accommodating the light source unit and having an aperture, a middle frame coupled to the housing and receiving the light source unit, and an LED fixing frame which is adjacent to the light source unit and is coupled to the housing and at least a part of which is exposed through the aperture.
US08939590B2 Vehicle mirror device
A covering member appropriately covers an opening hole in a accommodating body. In a vehicle door mirror device, look of a visor body at the outer periphery of a mirror is enhanced by an upper covering plate and a lower covering plate of an inner cover covering an upper recess portion and a lower recess portion, respectively, in a peripheral wall of the visor body. The upper covering plate and the lower covering plate abut the upper recess portion and the lower recess portion, respectively. The upper covering plate and the lower covering plate can accordingly be positioned in the upper recess portion and the lower recess portion, respectively. The upper covering plate and the lower covering plate can accordingly appropriately cover the upper recess portion and the lower recess portion, respectively.
US08939585B2 Stereo display system
A stereo display system including a plurality of projection apparatuses and a screen module is provided. The projection apparatuses project a plurality of image beams. The screen module is disposed in front of the projection apparatuses, wherein the image beams are transmitted toward the screen module. The screen module includes a light diffusion layer and a beam splitting layer. The light diffusion layer has at least one diffusion direction, and the light diffusion layer diffuses the image beams with a diffusion angle. The light diffusion layer is disposed between the beam splitting layer and the projection apparatuses, wherein each of the image beams is divided into a plurality of sub image beams by the beam splitting layer. The sub image beams of each image beam transmit with different angles, such that the image beams form a plurality of stereo image viewing zones after passing through the screen module.
US08939576B2 Optical element for correcting color blindness
Described herein are devices, compositions, and methods for improving color discernment.
US08939573B2 Transfer ink jet recording method
Provided is a transfer ink jet recording method, which provides satisfactory transferability and satisfactory wet scratch resistance of a final image even at high printing duty. The transfer ink jet recording method includes using an aggregation liquid, in which the aggregation liquid includes a polymer compound including one of a polyamino acid and a polyamino acid salt each having an amino group, each of which is obtained by polymerization of an amino acid compound represented by the general formula (1).
US08939572B2 Control of air-based media dryer
Examples are provided of controlling sheet media dryers. A controller operates a fan at plural duty cycles and correlates a resulting air pressure to each to define empirical data pairs. A parabolic curve fit to the empirical data is used to derive additional data pairs, and a lookup table is defined using the empirical and derived data pairs. The controller uses the lookup table to operate the fan during normal operations of a sheet media dryer.
US08939571B2 Ink jet recording apparatus and ink jet recording method
An ink jet recording apparatus performs recording by discharging an ink composition onto a recording medium. The apparatus includes an ink jet head including a pressure-generating chamber containing an ink composition and applying a discharge pressure to the ink composition, a discharge port from which the ink composition is discharged, and a communicating path for communicating between the pressure-generating chamber and the discharge port. The ink composition is discharged from the discharge port at a discharge rate of 5 m/sec or more and 15 m/sec or less. The communicating path has a length of 40 μm or more and 600 μm or less. The ink composition contains a self-dispersible pigment and an organic solvent having a Hansen solubility parameter of 14 (cal/cm3)1/2 or more and 16 (cal/cm3)1/2 or less.
US08939569B2 Inkjet ink with non-swellable latex particles
An inkjet ink includes a non-polar carrier, a colorant dispersed in the non-polar carrier, a dispersant, and non-swellable latex particles of a cross-linked polymer dispersed in the non-polar carrier. The colorant is chosen from a pigment, a dye, or a combination of a pigment and a dye. The cross-linked polymer consists of: an acrylic monomer having a molecular weight less than 1000, a vinylic monomer having a molecular weight of less than 1000, or combinations thereof.
US08939566B2 Ink jet printing ink
An ink jet printing ink for use in an ink jet printing method. The ink is ejected from a print head by the action of thermal energy and includes water, a self-dispersing pigment, and at least two types of resin particles. One of the at least two types of resin particles (resin particle A) and another of the at least two types of resin particles (resin particle B) have an average particle size of 80 nm or more but 220 nm or less and an acid value of 25 mgKOH/g or more but 150 mgKOH/g or less. The resin particle A has a glass transition temperature of 25 degrees Celsius or less. The resin particle B has a glass transition temperature of 25 degrees Celsius or more. A difference in glass transition temperature between the resin particle A and the resin particle B is 10 degrees Celsius or more.
US08939555B2 Compact organic vapor jet printing print head
A first device is provided. The first device includes a print head, and a first gas source hermetically sealed to the print head. The print head further includes a first layer further comprising a plurality of apertures, each aperture having a smallest dimension of 0.5 to 500 microns. A second layer is bonded to the first layer. The second layer includes a first via in fluid communication with the first gas source and at least one of the apertures. The second layer is made of an insulating material.
US08939553B2 Head chip that circulates liquid in opposite directions while supplying the liquid to liquid jet channels, liquid jet head, and liquid jet recording apparatus
A head chip for a liquid jet head of a recording apparatus has liquid jet channels arranged in a longitudinal direction of the head chip, and nozzle holes that communicate with the liquid jet channels. A flow path plate covers the liquid jet channels and has first and second circulation paths that extend in the longitudinal direction of the head chip and communicate with the liquid jet channels to supply liquid thereto. First and second inflow ports are provided at opposite longitudinal ends of the head chip for inflowing liquid into the first and second circulation paths, respectively, so that liquid flows through the first and second circulation paths in opposite directions while being supplied to the liquid jet channels. The sum of pressures of liquid supplied to each liquid jet channel from the first and second circulation paths is uniform throughout the longitudinal direction of the head chip so that high image quality is realized.
US08939548B2 Lamination processes
A process where there is deposited on a supporting substrate at least one first polymer layer and optionally at least one second polymer layer followed by treating the resulting formed layers or laminate with a laser.
US08939546B2 Coordinated printhead operation
A method includes moving an assembly of printheads with a bidirectional lateral motion. A direction of the lateral motion is substantially perpendicular to, and the lateral motion is concurrent with, a longitudinal motion of a substrate relative to the printhead assembly. Nozzles of the printheads are arranged in two rows that are oriented substantially parallel to the direction of the lateral motion. The longitudinal motion and the lateral motion are coordinated such that a nozzle in one of the rows and a nozzle in the other of the rows trace a common path on the substrate.
US08939543B2 Inkjet ink composition and inkjet recording method
To provide an inkjet ink composition that has excellent discharge stability and gives an ink image film having excellent substrate adhesion and film hardness, and an inkjet recording method employing the inkjet ink composition.An inkjet ink composition comprises (Component A) a dendritic polymer compound having a weight-average molecular weight of 3,000 to 100,000 and having a constituent repeating unit represented by Formula (I); (Component B) a polymerization initiator; and (Component C) a radically polymerizable compound. (In Formula (I), R1 and R2 independently denote a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbons, R3 denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbons, and R2 and R3 may be bonded to form a ring structure.)
US08939540B2 Method of measuring printer characteristics
A method (300) is described of determining characteristic of an ink jet printer (15). A chart containing multiple regions or patches is printed (320) on a print medium (115) using the ink jet print (15). The chart includes at least a first region printed using a first set of nozzles, and at least a second region printed using a second set of nozzles. The first and second sets of nozzles are a predetermined distance apart in the printer head of the printer (15). The printing of the first and second regions is also separated by a print medium advance operation equal to the predetermined distance. This causes the first and second regions to be aligned in the direction of the print medium advance operation. The chart is then imaged using scanner (16) chart to form a chart image. The positions of the regions appearing in the chart image are next determined (340). The spatial alignment characteristic of the printer is calculated from the distance, in the medium advance direction, between said first and second regions.
US08939538B2 Liner-free label printer with label adhesive activation
An apparatus for printing and activating an adhesive upon labels with fluid activatable adhesive having a print head and a path along which a label travels to the print head for printing on a front surface of the label. The path after printing reverses the orientation of the label to present the back surface of the label to the print head for applying a fluid for activating a layer of adhesive material on back surface of the label prior to the label exiting the apparatus.
US08939537B2 Inkjet printing apparatus and inkjet printing method
By performing an average process of a result of a plurality of times of samplings by the temperature sensor provided on a printing element substrate, temperature of the printing element substrate is obtained. In this case, the number of times of samplings is determined on the basis of a simultaneously driven number in the printing element substrate. This enables the number of times of samplings for the temperature sensor to be determined depending on a simultaneously driven number at each time, and therefore while suppressing an influence of noise, the temperature of the printing element substrate can be measured in a highly reliable state where there is no separation from an actual temperature.
US08939534B2 Liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection apparatus which, by applying a drive voltage waveform to a piezoelectric element which drives an ejection nozzle, ejects a liquid from the ejection nozzle. The apparatus includes a reference voltage generating unit which generates a plurality of reference voltages, a drive voltage waveform data storage unit classifies the drive voltage waveform as either a voltage increasing section, decreasing section, or holding section, and stores drive voltage waveform data including a required time of a waveform section configuring the drive voltage waveform, and a voltage, selected from the plurality of reference voltages for the waveform section. The apparatus also includes a drive voltage waveform application unit which, in accordance with information relating to an adjustment of the ejection amount of the liquid ejected from the ejection nozzle, changes the required time included in the drive voltage waveform data, and applies the drive voltage waveform to the piezoelectric element.
US08939532B2 Inkjet head driving method and driving device
According to one embodiment, a driving device applies an ejection pulse signal that deforms a partition in such a way that an ink drop is ejected from a nozzle and an auxiliary pulse signal that deforms the partition to such an extent that an ink drop is not ejected from the nozzle, as a drive signal for providing a potential difference between electrodes, to an inkjet head at different timings so that the two pulse signals are not applied simultaneously. A constraint on output of the auxiliary pulse signal is significantly relaxed.
US08939530B2 Pixel data processing
A system includes a first memory to store pixel data, a first processing stage to process the pixel data in a nozzle axis major order to provide pre-aligned nozzle data, a second memory to store the pre-aligned nozzle data, a second processing stage to process the pre-aligned nozzle data in a print sweep axis major order to provide post-aligned nozzle data, a third memory to store the post-aligned nozzle data, and a third processing stage to process the post-aligned nozzle data in the nozzle axis major order to provide processed nozzle data.
US08939529B2 Image forming device and method of image forming
An image forming device which includes a first nozzle group, a second nozzle group, and are arranged by being deviated from the first nozzle group to one side in a predetermined direction, a light irradiation unit which is extended at least in the predetermined direction, a control unit which repeats an ejection operation in which the photo-curable ink is ejected from the nozzle while moving the nozzle group and the light irradiation unit in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction, and a transport operation of the medium in a state where a non-ejection region where the ink is not ejected is provided between the first nozzle group and the second nozzle group in a predetermined direction, and overlappingly forms a main image using the first photo-curable ink, and a background image using the second photo-curable ink.
US08939524B2 Shelter
A shelter comprises an enclosure for delimiting an air-conditionable enclosure interior and a container that is externally mounted to the enclosure and has a container space for receiving a cooling installation. The enclosure comprises at least one passage for heat recirculation from the enclosure interior to the container space. The shelter provides protection against detrimental exterior influences so that a reliable and energy-efficient cooling of the enclosure interior is ensured.
US08939522B2 Cover opening-closing device and multi-function printer with the same
A cover opening-closing device for opening or closing a cover relative to a base is provided. The cover opening-closing device includes an actuation module, a transmission module, and a rotating shaft. The actuation module is disposed on the base and between the base and the cover. The transmission module is engaged to the actuation module. The rotating shaft has a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is joggled to the actuation module, and the second end is connected to the cover. The actuation module drives the rotating shaft to rotate through the transmission module, so as to allow the cover connected to the rotating shaft to move to an open position or a close position relative to the base. Thereby, a user's time is saved and proper opening and closing of the cover is ensured. A multi-function printer with the cover opening-closing device is further provided.
US08939518B2 Tractor and trailer spindle assemblies
An improved replacement axle spindle includes a cylindrical wall exhibiting increasing thickness at increasing distances from the inner end which is secured to an axle. The wall thickness increases in correspondence with the load borne by the replacement spindle resulting in no loss of necessary strength and load carrying ability. Several different profiles are embodied in the present invention: a first embodiment utilizes a straight internal taper; a second embodiment utilizes a dual internal taper, first at a small angle and then at a larger angle; another embodiment utilizes a parabolic internal taper and yet another embodiment utilizes a straight external taper. All may be utilized to replace a tractor or a trailer axle spindle. The spindles save weight and facilitate lubricant flow from the tractor differential into the axle roller bearing assemblies after a repair procedure.
US08939513B2 Rotating head rests
A head rest for a seat assembly includes a rotation mechanism that allows the head rest to rotate with respect to the seat assembly. The rotation mechanism may allow the head rest to incline when in a raised position to provide clearance for an occupant seated in the seat assembly. The rotation mechanism also may allow the head rest to rotate outward from the seat assembly when in a lowered position to displace the occupant with respect to the seat assembly.
US08939511B2 Lock mechanism for automobile rear seat
A first and a second surface of a latch for a seat permit sliding passage of the latch relative to a front leg of a striker, upon contact of the front leg with either of the first and second surfaces. A third surface in a containing space of the latch stops the latch by contacting the front leg. The third surface is arranged such that a rear leg of the striker is brought in alignment with a lock groove of the latch upon contact of the front leg with the third surface. The latch can be guided along the second surface when the second surface contacts the front leg, so that the second surface slides on and past the front leg. By continuously unfolding the seat back upwards until the third surface contacts the front leg, the seat back can be set to a design reference position.
US08939505B1 Adjustable portable booster cushion for adults
An adult booster seat in the form of two cushions connected by a folding panel to allow use on a seating surface alternatively with either one or both under a seated adult. The second cushion serves as a back support when rotated away from use upon a seat.
US08939503B2 Head and neck protection apparatus for vehicle
An object is to provide a head and neck protection apparatus for vehicle which is simple in a structure and an operation principle and excellent in reliability and safety and can protect the head and neck part by alleviating not only a rearward impact received by the head part at a rear-end collision but also a forward impact.A head and neck protection apparatus for vehicle according to the present invention is attached to a vehicle seat, provided with a fixed frame having a mounting stay, a swing frame swingably connected with respect to the fixed frame, and a lock stopper for locking the swing frame with respect to the fixed frame, in which the swing frame has a rear-head part contact member with which the rear head part is brought into contact and a front-head part buffer member alleviating an impact of the front head part.
US08939500B2 Ergonomic productivity workstation having coordinated and harmonized movement of head rest, backrest, seat, leg rest, arm rests, monitor support, and work trays through sitting, standing, and reclining configurations
An ergonomic workstation that includes a base; an effective hip axis affixed to the base; a seat bottom that rotates about the effective hip axis; a seat back that rotates about the effective hip axis; an effective shoulder axis positionally fixed to the seat back; an effective elbow axis positionally fixed to the seat back; a monitor support having a monitor mount that rotates about the shoulder axis; and an input device tray support configured such that an input device tray on the support rotates about the elbow axis. As the workstation moves through a broad range of operational zones, it maintains a fixed eye-to-monitor distance and fixed angle between the user's head and the monitor throughout a significant portion of the range of motion, and a fixed distance from the user's elbow to an input device throughout the entire range of motion.
US08939496B2 Vehicle structure
A vehicle structure, comprising a front wheelhouse covering a front wheel, the front wheel comprising a rear face and a slant face which slants forward and inward from an inward end portion, in a vehicle width direction, of the rear face, a footrest, on which a passenger's foot is placed, the footrest being arranged near and on an inward side of the slant face of the front wheelhouse in a plan view of a vehicle, and a gusset connected to the rear face of the front wheelhouse and extending inward from a connection portion thereof to the rear face, wherein an inward end portion, in the vehicle width direction, of the gusset is arranged in the vicinity of a front-side portion of the footrest such that the footrest is restrained from moving forward by contacting the inward end portion of the gusset in a vehicle collision.
US08939495B2 Spoiler structure
A spoiler where when a weld face is inclined with respect to a pressurization direction, a weld rib is uniformly welded, and an outer member and an inner member are welded and fixed to each other at a stable strength. An inner member is welded and fixed to on an interior face side of an outer member by a vibration welding method. The outer member and/or the inner member before being welded has a weld rib formed on a face inclined with respect to a pressurization direction at the time of welding; a cross section of the rib is formed in a triangular or quadrangular shape; and in the cross section, two corners at both ends of a bottom edge each form an angle of 90 degrees or less.
US08939493B1 Instrument cluster finish panel with tear seams
An instrument panel trim apparatus mounts in a vehicle to frame an instrument cluster above a collapsible steering column. An integrally molded plastic panel has an upper collar section, a lower bridge section, and a shroud section, wherein the upper collar section and lower bridge section are configured to form a frame around the instrument cluster. The upper collar section and lower bridge section converge along a pair of tear seams. The shroud section extends downward from the lower bridge section and has an arched shape to receive the steering column. A plurality of risers are disposed between the shroud section and the lower bridge section for concentrating stress at the tear seams when the shroud section is impinged by the steering column when collapsing, so that the tear seams separate and the lower bridge section and the shroud section can deflect upward.
US08939488B2 Rail wheel
A rail wheel with a wheel body and wheel brake discs connected thereto with fastening elements on both sides is designed in such a way that at least in the respective contact regions of the wheel brake discs a mechanically and thermally highly resilient intermediate layer is arranged on the wheel body.
US08939484B2 Ergonomically designed multi-handled tool
Described is a multi-handled tool that is ergonomically designed to maximize the efficiency of the tool by the use of a handle, optionally rotating, affixed to the shaft of the tool. The rotating handle may be rotated and locked into any desired position so the user can adjust the tool to create maximum efficiency. In addition, a footstep is optionally provided above the tool that allows for a greater digging force. A combination of the first, top handle with the ergonomically spaced handle placement that is completely adjustable combined with the footstep above the head of the tool provides for a tool that is much more efficient than the standard tools used today.
US08939483B2 Handle structure for a portable terminal
Disclosed is a handle structure formed on the rear surface of the portable terminal, which comprises: fixing holes parallel formed in an shape on the rear surface; and a belt-type handle of which both ends are inserted and fixed into the fixing holes. The belt-type handle comprises: a fixing part, folded parts, and a human body contact part extending from and connecting both folded parts. The human body contact part has a curved shape the width of which is narrow at the center and gradually increases toward both folded parts. Each of the folded parts has a cylindrical shape, and a silicone layer is pressed and attached to the inner surfaces of the folded parts. The silicone layer extends to surround a hole jaw within each of the fixing holes.
US08939477B2 Clutch mechanism for a lock assembly
A lock assembly that has a locked state and an unlocked state. The lock assembly includes a latch assembly that has a latch and a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a first retractor that is movable in response to movement of an interior handle assembly and selectively in response to movement of the exterior handle assembly, and a second retractor that is movable in response to movement of the interior handle assembly and the exterior handle assembly. The first retractor is always engaged with the latch assembly to move the latch between the extended position and the retracted position. The second retractor is selectively disengaged from the latch assembly and is movable relative to the first retractor when the lock assembly is in the locked state.
US08939476B2 Easily installed and non-defacing security latch
Embodiments of the present invention include door-securing latches that allow an occupant of a room or other space accessed through a door to secure the door, from inside the room or other space, in order to prevent entry or access by others. Embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanically strong and secure latch that cannot be easily broken or compromised by application of force to the door or by insertion of a tool or device between the door and an adjacent door frame to disable the latch, but that can be disabled by a knowledgeable individual, such as an apartment manger seeking to rescue a disabled apartment occupant in an emergency situation.
US08939475B2 Two-way lock mechanism and related electronic device
A two-way lock mechanism includes a gear, a first sub-gear, a second sub-gear, a third sub-gear, a fourth sub-gear, a first hook, a second hook and an actuator. The actuator moves a first distance along a first direction to simultaneously rotate the gear, so as to respectively rotate the second sub-gear and the third sub-gear relative to racks on the first hook and the second hook, and to separate the first hook and the second hook from corresponding fixing portions. The actuator further moves a second distance along a second direction opposite to the first direction for simultaneously rotating the gear, so as to respectively rotate the first sub-gear and the fourth sub-gear relative to the racks on the first hook and the second hook, and to separate the first hook and the second hook from the corresponding fixing portions.
US08939465B2 Safety restraint protection for aircraft occupants seated facing the side of the aircraft
A restraint system (120, 120a) for protecting at least one aircraft occupant, the aircraft including a cabin having at least one seat (54, 56, 58) facing a longitudinal center line of the aircraft, the restraint system including a first airbag (162) inflatable from a stored position to an inflated position, the airbag when inflated being adjacent the seated occupant and located on a side of the occupant facing the front of the aircraft, the airbag reducing occupant movement toward the front of the aircraft and cushioning the occupant from any impact, the system also includes a mechanism (222, 240) to lessen movement of the lower legs of the occupant.
US08939461B1 Tow head apparatus for use with different sized aircraft tow pins
An aircraft tow head apparatus for use with aircraft tow pins of different diameters has a pair of side plates each having a first side plate and a second side plate both having a longitudinal axis and having a wall thickness sufficiently large to accommodate a plurality of apertures extending through the wall perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis to permit the first and second plate to be mechanically fastened together in one of a plurality of relative positions, where in a first position, the space defined by the first and second plates for the tow pin has a first general nominal diameter and where in a second position, the space defined by the first and second plates for the tow pin has a second general nominal diameter, whereby a user may reposition the first plate relative to the second plate as needed to accommodate tow pins of differing diameters.
US08939457B2 Arm and leg powered vehicle
A vehicle is provided that includes a frame having a drive member supported for rotation thereon. A handlebar is supported for pivotal movement relative to the frame. A drive mechanism is provided on the frame that is configured to rotate the drive member in a first rotational direction when the handlebar is pivoted in either a first direction using a push-stroke or a second direction using a pull-stroke.
US08939455B1 Ride-on vehicle and game seat for infants and young children
This invention is a child's detachable-seat ride-on vehicle which can be used in an autonomous mode for infants, thereby providing soothing motion for the child, or, with a different detachable seat, a child-controlled ride-on vehicle for young children that are beyond the infant stage. For the latter, the vehicle can be driven by the child using finger control on a touch screen, or it can operate in an autonomous mode coordinated with displayed material, thereby providing enhanced game or educational experiences.
US08939452B2 Metal gaskets for cylinder heads, and methods for manufacturing same
Provided is a metal gasket for a cylinder head that is capable of improving engaging force between a substrate and a step adjustment plate. A method for manufacturing the metal gasket for a cylinder head includes the steps of: forming a prepared hole 3c in each of a plurality of protruding pieces 3b of the step adjustment plate 3; forming a tubular portion 3d including a plurality of projecting segments 3d1 by inserting a die 4 including a polygonal pyramidal punch 4a into the prepared hole 3c so as to bend up a peripheral portion around the prepared hole 3c while cutting the peripheral portion into segments; forming in the substrate 2 an fastening hole 2h in correspondence with a position of the tubular portion 3d formed in the step adjustment plate 3; and engaging the protruding piece 3b through the substrate 2 by inserting the tubular portion 3d of the step adjustment plate 3 through the corresponding fastening hole 2h formed in the substrate 2, and subsequently folding the plurality of projecting segments 3d1 of the tubular portion 3d over to an outside of the substrate 2 and flattening out the projecting segments 3d1.
US08939448B2 Image forming apparatus
There is provided an image forming apparatus including a driving source, a switchback roller which switches between a normal rotation direction and a reverse rotation direction, first and second gear train for rotating the switchback roller in the normal and reverse rotation directions, respectively, a switching mechanism which switches among a first mode for transmitting driving force to the first gear train, a second mode for transmitting the driving force to the second gear train, and a third mode for not to transmit the driving force, a switching element which switches between a first state allowing switching of the switching mechanism into the first or third mode and a second state allowing switching of the switching mechanism into the second mode; and a controller which controls a state change of the switching element between the first state and the second state.
US08939442B2 Double clamp vise
The vise includes a seat body having two movable jaws separately with two inner threads, a fixed jaw and a rail. A screwing rod has a rear portion and a front portion whose diameter is less than the rear portion. A first outer thread is formed on the rear portion. A step is formed between the front portion and the rear portion. A screwing tube telescopically and unrotatably sheathes the front portion of the screwing rod and has a second outer thread. The two movable jaws are separately engaged with the screwing tube and screwing rod by screwing the outer threads and the inner threads. A spiral direction of the first outer thread is contrary to the second outer thread. A main spring is nipped between the screwing rod and screwing tube. A crank is axially connected to the front portion of the screwing rod for rotating the screwing rod.
US08939440B2 Vibration absorption device
A vibration absorption device includes a cylindrical bracket coupled with one of a vibration generating section and a vibration receiving section and having an inner surface formed in a linear shape in a cylinder axial direction, an external cylinder made of resin and including a small diameter section that is formed in a cylindrical shape, press-fit into a cylinder of the bracket, and has a small diameter surface formed to an outer surface configured to a press-fit leading end to the bracket, a large diameter section that has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the bracket and the outer diameter of the small diameter section and a thickness which is configured to a portion nearer to a press-fit rear end side to the bracket than the small diameter section and is thicker than the small diameter section before the press-fit, and a large diameter surface formed to an outer surface, and an intermediate section that is configured between the small diameter section and the large diameter section and has a standing surface formed on an outer surface for coupling the small diameter surface and the large diameter surface, an internal cylinder that is disposed to an inner peripheral side of the external cylinder as well as coupled with the other of the vibration generating section and the vibration receiving section, and an elastic body that is interposed between an inner peripheral surface of the external cylinder and an outer peripheral surface of the internal cylinder for coupling the external cylinder and the internal cylinder to each other.
US08939438B2 Plastic spring and method and apparatus for making the same
This invention provides a helical spring formed of plastic material, comprising a pair of end coils situated at respective ends of said helical spring; at least one full pitch active coil between said pair of end coils; a pair of transition coils, each transition coil interconnecting an end of a respective end coil to an end of a respective proximate full pitch active coil, and having a varying pitch.
US08939434B2 Method and device for removal of vertical manway cover
A lift for maneuvering a heavy manway cover, the lift including a wheeled base and a generally horizontal arm connectable to the cover. A pair of spaced lifts connecting the arm to the base and a shaft rotatably held within the arm. A wheel crank connected to the shaft to rotate the shaft in a pivotable connection on the end of the shaft. Wherein the shaft having a first position wherein the cover is held against rotation and a second position wherein the weight of the cover allows the cover to pivot under the shaft while an axis of the cover rotates from being perpendicular to the arm to being parallel to the arm.
US08939432B1 Expanding dual disc gate valve
An expanding dual disc gate valve that can be used in applications requiring double block and bleed type systems. A stem is positioned in the center of a valve body with a first and second gate arranged on opposite side of the stem with respect to each other. The first and second gates are slidingly engaged with the stem so that the stem controls their movement between an open and a closed position with respect to an inlet and an outlet of the valve body. As the gates approach the closed position they encounter a shoulder of the valve body preventing further downward movement, whereby further force from the stem wedges the first and second gates outward to create a sealing arrangement with a seat ring of the valve body.
US08939429B2 Spout assembly for an electronic faucet
An electronic faucet includes a spout assembly and a controller configured to control the flow of water through the spout assembly in response to the position of a spray head. A sensor may be positioned to detect an object in a detection zone near the faucet. The controller may disable the sensor upon the spray head being uncoupled from the spout.
US08939424B2 Seat slide device
A seat slide device of the present invention comprises a lower rail (102) and an upper rail (101). The lower rail (102) has a bottom wall (102b) and includes a foreign-object catching member (1). The foreign-object catching member (1) has an elastic body (2). A height of the elastic body (2) with respect to a bottom wall (102b) of the lower rail (102) is set to become higher than a height of a positioning pin (105) as a protruding object provided inside the lower rail (102) to protrude from the bottom wall (102b).
US08939422B2 Support device
A support device is disclosed. The support device includes a connecting element and a first support frame. The connecting element is used for connecting the support device to a portable electronic device and includes a plurality of positioning protruding points. One end of the first support frame includes a positioning hole used for connecting to one of the plurality of the positioning protruding points; another end of the first support frame contacts a plane so that a clamping angle between the portable electronic device and the plane is formed, and the clamping angle is different if the positioning hole connects to different positioning protruding points.
US08939417B1 Mounting systems for electronic devices
Mounts can hold electronic devices. Some mounts can attach digital media players to a wall, such as a wall of a home or a backside of a television. In some embodiments, mounts include a tray with side walls that hold electronic devices at least partially inside the mounts. In several embodiments, mounts include flexible necks connected to adhesive surfaces. The flexible necks can flex independently of each other to enable a mount to attach electronic devices to a wall that is not flat.
US08939413B2 Seal support system
A seal support system for a device for sealing an item of rotating equipment, including a device for generating air movement, includes a vessel for holding fluid for supplying to the sealing device. The system further includes an adjustable stand on which the vessel is mounted and a device for deflecting air along a path into which the vessel can be positioned.
US08939412B2 Train-position locating device and train-position locating method
A train-position locating device includes an onboard control device incorporated in a train and a ground control device installed on a ground. The onboard control device decides a track on which a train is present based on position information and a result of a nearest track search, transmits identification information for identifying the own train and track information to the ground control device, and shifts to an onboard-oriented train control mode when receiving a response indicating “position is located” from the ground control device. The ground control device transmits a response indicating “tentative position is normal” to the onboard control device when another train located to be present on a track is not present on the tentative position, and transmits the response indicating “position is located” to the onboard control device when a change from a previous track to the changed track is correct.
US08939406B2 Joining composite fuselage sections along window belts
A fuselage having a longitudinal window belt has a composite outer skin including upper and lower composite skin sections. The skin includes at least one window opening located at the window belt. The upper and lower skin sections are joined together by a longitudinal splice joint located at the window belt.
US08939397B2 Aircraft capable of hovering having an exhaust duct with thermoelectric conversion circuit
An aircraft, capable of hovering, having drive means; and at least one exhaust duct connected to an outlet of the drive means to expel the exhaust gas, produced by fuel combustion, from the aircraft. At least part of the exhaust duct has a thermoelectric conversion circuit for Seebeck-effect converting to electric energy the thermal gradient produced between the inside and outside of the exhaust duct by flow of the exhaust gas.
US08939395B2 Tail fan apparatus and method for low speed yaw control of a rotorcraft
Apparatus and methods for controlling yaw of a rotorcraft in the event of one or both of low airspeed and engine failure are disclosed. A yaw propulsion provides a yaw moment at low speeds. The yaw propulsion device may be an air jet or a fan. A pneumatic fan may be driven by compressed air released into a channel surrounding an outer portion of the fan. The fan may be driven by hydraulic power. Power for the yaw propulsion device and other system may be provided by a hydraulic pump and/or generator engaging the rotor. Low speed yaw control may be provided by auxiliary rudders positioned within the stream tube of a prop. The auxiliary rudders may one or both of fold down and disengage from rudder controls when not in use.
US08939389B2 Block ice shaver
The disclosure pertains generally to shave ice confection machines and processes, and more particularly to a block ice shaving apparatus, system and method whereby an improved blade and blade assembly produce more consistent output with increase machine life.
US08939387B2 Spray gun
A spray gun, which is convertible for use with and without an extension wand, may use the valve mechanism and nozzle attached adjacent to the handle of the gun. When spraying requires the spray to be released away from the gun handle and for spot applications of the spraying liquid, the spraying nozzle is removed and the extension wand or tube is attached to the gun handle. The valve assembly remains in place and another valve assembly and nozzle is provided at the end of the extension furthest away from the handle. A rod is attached to and extends between the valves so that they both move together from closed to open positions responsive to the trigger of the spray gun. When the valves are closed, there is no spraying liquid in the extension. The valving is dripless both with and without the extension.
US08939384B1 Planetary gear drive rotor-type sprinkler with adjustable arc/full circle selection mechanism
An irrigation sprinkler includes a riser and a nozzle turret rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A drive assembly is supported in the riser and is coupled to the nozzle turret for rotating the nozzle turret. The drive assembly has a reversing planetary gear drive, a reversing mechanism, and a manually adjustable arc setting mechanism including a pair of arc tabs. A position of one of the arc tabs is adjustable through the arc setting mechanism to change a size of an angle through which the nozzle turret oscillates back and forth. The manually adjustable arc setting mechanism is further adjustable to allow the nozzle turret to continuously rotate.
US08939378B2 Smartcard connector with RFID module
The present invention relates to a smartcard connector with RFID module, wherein the smartcard connector is integrated with a RFID module for providing the functions of radio frequency identification and smartcard reading simultaneously. The smartcard connector with RFID module comprises a base having a card slot for receiving a smartcard, and the four corners on upper surface of the base have four support portions; a wave absorption material positioned on top of the upper surface of the base; a RFID module positioned on top of the four support portions of the base and spaced from the wave absorption material with a predetermined interval; a first transmission element connected to one side of the base; and a second transmission element connected to one side of the RFID module.
US08939376B1 Encoding of microcarriers
Encoded microcarriers, and more specifically microcarriers having codes written on them. Methods for writing the codes on the microcarriers, methods of reading the codes, and methods of using the encoded microcarriers. A preferred method of encoding the microcarriers involves exposing microcarriers containing a bleachable substance to a high spatial resolution light source to bleach the codes on the microcarriers. The encoded microcarriers may be used, for example, as support materials in chemical and biological assays and syntheses.
US08939375B2 Magnetic stripe reader apparatus
A magnetic stripe reader apparatus comprises a first casing, a second casing, a magnetic stripe reader unit, and at least a connecting element. The first casing has an opening, a first positioning portion, and an adjustable fixing portion. The second casing has a second positioning portion disposed corresponding to the first positioning portion, and a through hole disposed corresponding to the adjustable fixing portion. The magnetic stripe reader unit is disposed between the first and second casings, and has a magnetic stripe reader head and a fixing element disposed on a side of the magnetic stripe reader head. In assembly, the connecting element passes through the through hole and connects to the adjustable fixing portion to fix the first and second casings. The second positioning portion and the first positioning portions hold the fixing element, and the magnetic stripe reader head is exposed from the opening.
US08939372B2 Mobile terminal and decoding method thereof
A mobile terminal and a decoding method thereof are disclosed. The decoding method comprises: capturing an image of a target barcode; invoking built-in decoding software to decode the target barcode; determining whether the decoding is successful, wherein if the decoding is successful, then barcode information of the target barcode is displayed and the process ends; and otherwise, if the decoding is unsuccessful, then the target barcode is sent to a decoding server; receiving barcode information obtained by the decoding server through decoding the target barcode; and displaying the barcode information of the target barcode. In this way, the present disclosure can decode various types of barcodes quickly and effectively so that the user can be informed of the barcode information of the various types of barcodes quickly and accurately.
US08939359B2 Game access device with time varying signal
Systems and methods for controlling access to wireless gaming devices and networks are provided. For example, access is controlled through one or more levels of security checks, such as a hard security check instead of or in addition to a soft security check. In a hard security check, the user employs an apparatus such as a card or other physical token that can be used to access the wireless gaming device. Such an apparatus may communicate information that identifies the user to the device or may simply be used to produce a signal without which the device is locked to users. The apparatus may further emit a time varying signal to enhance security.
US08939358B2 System controlled responsive to data bearing records and operative to cause financial transfers
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to data card read from user cards. The machine is operative to cause financial transfers responding at least in part to a determination that the read card data corresponds to at least one of an authorized user or an authorized financial account. The automated banking machine includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transfers carried out with the machine. The automated banking machine includes a housing including a chest. The automated banking machine may also includes a blast resistant and dispersement accessory in operatively supported connection with the chest.
US08939357B1 System and method for combining disparate commercial transactions under a single identification mechanism
A single swipe system is constructed that allows a person to use a single financial card to receive loyalty benefits (or conduct other non-payment operations) concurrently with a payment transaction. In one embodiment, the user simply swipes his/her financial card and the processing system then concurrently processes a non-payment transaction along with a payment transaction. In some situations, the non-payment transaction can be blended into the payment transaction to allow for discounts and other awards from one or more databases other than the payment processing database. In one embodiment, a single swipe of a financial card connects the consumer with one or more loyalty systems and the consumer can select from the ones desired during the course of payment processing. Discounts and other advantages can be applied to the payment transaction, all based upon a single entry of the consumer's ID.
US08939356B2 Portable prescription payment device management platform apparautses, methods and systems
The PORTABLE PRESCRIPTION PAYMENT DEVICE MANAGEMENT PLATFORM APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“PPD”) provides a portable coupon payment device includes a substrate having surface with an image rendering thereon that corresponds to a free sample. The portable coupon payment device also has memory, in contact with the substrate, having data encoded therein including (i) an identifier for the free sample, (ii) a quantity for the free sample; (iii) a sponsor company account for a selling merchant to charge the cost of the free sample for payment to a selling merchant account to reimburse the selling merchant for the free sample; (iv) an image corresponding to the free sample; and (v) an identifier for a coupon provider donating the free sample to a consumer.
US08939353B1 Personalized mailbox flag system
A personalized mailbox flag system for displaying a sports team logo or other design such as a seasonal symbol or religious symbol. A mailbox sleeve is mounted over an existing mailbox. A decorative component is disposed on the mailbox sleeve. A decorative component is also disposed on the flag, which can pivot about the mailbox sleeve. Disposed on the free end of the flag is a décor mount, which displays a decorative component. The décor mount can pivot so as to orient the decorative component such that onlookers can read it.
US08939352B2 Tray, assembly of cardboard blanks, and device and method for forming such a tray
The invention relates to a cardboard tray made of three parts, to an assembly of blanks, and to a device and method for producing such a tray. The tray comprises a first part defining a bottom connected by first fold lines to two first opposite sidewalls and two second parts defining second opposite sidewalls, each comprising at least one longitudinal first flap connected to said second wall by a second fold line and glued on the bottom, and two sets of transverse flaps, each comprising at least one transverse flap glued to a first corresponding opposite side wall, respectively.
US08939350B2 Reclosable and stackable food tray and tray blank
Disclosed are reclosable and stackable food trays formed from a single blank that are capable of being folded and glued on standard machinery. Embodiments of the invention include raised gussets that extend beyond the top edge of the side panels of the formed tray and beyond the top of the formed tray. In some embodiments, the raised gussets help prevent distortion in all dimensions and facilitate the stacking of multiple trays on top of one another such that the stacked trays cannot slide off the lower tray.
US08939349B2 Disposable cup
The present invention relates to a cup with a built-in straw and a method of making it. The cup is made from a blank including a flat body portion having a top and bottom edge and two side edges. A first cut-away along the top edge of the body portion defines two portions along the side edges and extending beyond the top edge. A second cut-away is formed adjacent one of the side edges. The body portion is configured to be folded such that the first extending portion is in registration with the second extending portion, and a first side edge of the body portion engages an outer wall of the body portion while the second side edge engages an inner wall of the body portion, to form a cup body with a built-in straw on an inside wall of the cup body with the second cutaway inside the cup body.
US08939338B2 Automatically-adjusting web media tensioning mechanism
An automatically-adjusting tensioning mechanism for use in a roll-fed web media transport system, the tensioning mechanism adding tension to the web media, comprising a bracket assembly being adapted to freely pivot around a pivot axis, and first and second tensioning shoe having curved surfaces attached to the bracket assembly. The web media feeds through the tensioning mechanism in an S-shaped media path where the web media is wrapped around the first and second tensioning shoes. The pivot angle of the bracket assembly automatically adjusts in response to differences in a coefficient of friction between the web media and the tensioning shoes such that the tension in the web media has a reduced level of variability relative to configurations where the bracket assembly is held in a fixed position.
US08939336B2 Polycrystalline silicon portion and method for breaking a silicon body
The invention relates to a polycrystalline silicon portion having at least one fracture surface or cut surface, which includes metal contamination of from 0.07 ng/cm2 to 1 ng/cm2. The invention also relates to a method for breaking a silicon body, preferably a rod of polycrystalline silicon, including the steps: a) determining the lowest natural bending frequency of the silicon body; b) exciting the silicon body in its lowest natural bending frequency by means of an oscillation generator, the excitation being carried out at an excitation point of the silicon body such that the silicon body breaks at the excitation point; so that a silicon portion having a fracture surface results which includes metal contamination of from 0.07 ng/cm2 to 1 ng/cm2.
US08939334B2 Holster clip for a concealed item
The present invention is a holster clip that allows conversion of most generic holsters into a concealable holster which allows a wearer to tuck a shirt or jacket within the waistband of the wearer's pants. The holster clip is fashioned in an “M” shape, with longer inner walls forming a deep passage to allow space for the shirt or jacket and a structure to form a pant clip between a first outer wall and a first inner wall. An alternate embodiment forms the clip from two pivoting or non-pivoting halves to allow for canting and color coordination for further camouflage of the holster.
US08939333B2 Wrist holder for transporting and using electronic devices, with anti-electromagnetic radiation protection
It comprises a hollow box with openings for permitting operate most of its functions while the device is inside, open by one of its sides for introducing the device, an oscillating piece for closing the case, a pair of belts, a quick coupling system to connect the case and its base by way of a circular coupling that is part of the base, which will be attached to the wrist of the user, having in between an anti-radiation protection. Furthermore is suitable for devices with or without cover, in this latter case the openings are designed to be watertight by assembling some elements on them.
US08939329B2 Sewage silo with centripetal action discharge arm
A sewage sludge silo is provided, having a central discharge arm for discharging sludge via a central discharge opening, by means of the discharge arm sweeping across a preferably sloped silo floor, with the discharge arm having upper and lower ends, with the lower end extending forward of the upper end in transverse generally vertical cross-section, as the discharge arm moves in a forward direction across the silo floor. The silo floor can be of multi-layer construction, with one of the layers being molded to facilitate a sloped configuration for the silo floor. The movement of a silo discharge arm can be computer controlled to adjust the speed of the discharge arm to maintain a predetermined or substantially constant rate of discharge of sludge from the silo, with such control being facilitated by appropriate sensor mechanisms.
US08939328B2 Cleaning fluid cartridge
The cartridge 10 provides an inexpensive, effective, clean, reliable means of supplying pressurized cleaning fluid for two component applicators 14. The low friction piston 18 design reduces drag and provides consistent cleaning fluid 12 pressure.
US08939327B2 Pump and bottle fitments and methods for using the same
A pump and container connector fitment system (210) for retaining a pump (200) on a container (120) and allowing the pump to be removed through rotational forces from the container.
US08939325B2 Dispenser for a foaming liquid composition with improved foam recovery feature
A foaming pump mechanism for dispensing a foamable or foaming liquid composition, as well as dispensers for delivery of a foaming or foamable liquid composition therefrom which is operable by a non-contact interaction with the user. The foaming pump mechanism includes foam recovery.
US08939317B2 Container body and its method of making
The present invention relates to a method of making a container body (8), comprising the steps of: i) providing a round container body (8); ii) forming at least one circumferential bead (2) in the container body (8); and iii) axially compressing the container body (8) to kink and axially close the kinked bead (10), and to such container body (8) and container comprising same.
US08939316B2 Method for producing blow-molded containers and blow-molded container
A blow-molded container includes an opening section that can be closed, a side wall, and a closed bottom. The material in the region of the side wall is shaped by blow forming an injection-molded preform. At least three recessed grips are arranged along an outer perimeter of the container. At least two longitudinal ribs oriented in a longitudinal direction of the container are arranged between each pair of recessed grips. The longitudinal ribs are separated from each other by a recess, which also extends in a longitudinal direction. At least one circumferential rib, which extends in a circumferential direction of the container, is arranged inside each of the recessed grips.
US08939313B2 Anodized clad copper cookware
An article of cookware has a copper core and is surrounded by relatively thinner outer aluminum layers. The outer aluminum layers are preferably anodized to provide a relatively inert hard and scratch resistant durable finish. This anodized finish also readily accepts non-stick finishes.
US08939308B2 Full aperture beverage end
A full aperture beverage end has a center panel, a countersink surrounding the center panel, a main score arranged in proximity to the countersink to define a removable aperture panel and a vent score. The beverage end is adapted for use with products that are pressurized to over 30 psi (200 kPa) when opened, and during opening the vent score is adapted to sever first, controlling the pressure differential between the external surface and internal surface of the center panel, thereby allowing the main score to tear in a controlled and reliable manner.
US08939303B2 Knock down wood box system
A knock down wood box system is a storage container system that is provided with an initial easily transportable disassembled configuration that is constructed into a sturdy assembled configuration without tools or adhesives. The knock down wood box system creates an enclosable storage compartment that can be collapsed when not in use such that it inhabits a much smaller amount of space. The knock down wood box system accomplishes this through the use of a plurality of panel sections that are particularly arranged to a plurality corner clips. The knock down wood box system in the assembled configuration may also serve as a decorative piece. Resultantly, it is also an object of the knock down wood box system to create a box that is aesthetically pleasing to the user.
US08939301B1 Combination locking storage container
This invention pertains to a combination locking storage container consisting of a tray and a detachable combination locking cover assembly used to secure the contents held within. The tray has an integrally formed key post at its uppermost position. The tumblers of the cover assembly engage the key post and lock to it. When the indicia of the tumblers and correct unlocking code are in alignment with a marker, the cover assembly may be installed or removed.
US08939300B2 Friction/elastomeric draft gear
A friction/elastomeric draft gear having a housing, a spring assembly arranged within the housing, and a friction clutch assembly having a wedge member and defining first sliding friction surface disposed at an angle θ relative to a longitudinal axis of the draft gear and a second friction surface disposed at an angle β relative to a longitudinal axis of the draft gear. The spring assembly is designed in combination with the angles θ and β of the first and second friction sliding surfaces relative to the longitudinal axis such that the draft gear consistently and repeatedly withstands between about 100 KJ and 130 KJ of energy imparted at less than three meganewtons over a range of travel of the wedge member in an inward axial direction relative to the draft gear housing not exceeding 120 mm.
US08939295B2 Multi-layer, fluid transmissive fiber structures containing nanofibers and a method of manufacturing such structures
A multi-layer, fluid transmissive structure is provided that comprises first and second fiber layers each comprising a plurality of polymeric fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points. The polymeric fibers of these fiber layers have diameters greater than one micron and collectively define interconnected interstitial spaces providing tortuous fluid flow paths through the first and second fiber layers. The structure also comprises a plurality of nanofibers disposed intermediate at least a portion of the first fiber layer and at least a portion of the second fiber layer.
US08939293B2 Composite membrane with integral rim
Composite membranes that are adapted for separation, purification, filtration, analysis, reaction and sensing. The composite membranes can include a porous support structure having elongate pore channels extending through the support structure. The composite membrane also includes an active layer comprising an active layer material, where the active layer material is completely disposed within the pore channels between the surfaces of the support structure. The active layer is intimately integrated within the support structure, thus enabling great robustness, reliability, resistance to mechanical stress and thermal cycling, and high selectivity. Methods for the fabrication of composite membranes are also provided.
US08939292B2 Screen machine, in particular star screen machine
The invention refers to a screening machine, in particular a star screening machine, comprising at least two driven shafts provided with stars and/or discs, the shafts being arranged in a screening plane parallel spaced to each other, wherein the stars and/or discs are provided on different shafts staggered or comb-like engaging with each other, with a hopper or filling area in which the material to be screened can be filled. Wherein on the side facing the filling area in a plane above the screening plane and spaced parallel from it two distribution devices are provided one after the other in the direction of screening or conveying for distributing the material to be screened on the screening plane.
US08939291B2 Flotation reagent for iron ores containing magnetite and/or haematite
The present invention relates to a flotation reagent for iron ores containing magnetite and/or haematite and to the use of a composition containing A) at least one amine alkoxylate ester of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein A and B, independently of one another, represent a C2-C5 alkylene radical, R1 is a C8 to C24 alkyl or alkenyl radical, R2, R3 and R4, independently of one another, are H or a C8 to C24 acyl radical, with the proviso that at least one of the radicals R2, R3 or R4 stands for a C8 to C24 acyl radical, x, y and z, independently of one other, are an integer of from 0 to 50, with the proviso that x+y+z is an integer of from 1 to 100, and B) a compound of formula D-NH2, in which D stands for a hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, which can contain either an oxygen atom or an oxygen atom and a nitrogen atom, in amounts of 10 to 5.000 g/tonne as a collector in the reverse flotation of iron ore containing magnetite, haematite or both.
US08939288B2 Packaging for cylindrical containers
A packaging including a grouping nest for receiving syringes, a packaging tub, and a sealing cover for sealing the packaging tub. The packaging includes a plate intended to be positioned close to the flanges of the syringes before sealing of the tub; this plate includes a plurality of first surfaces intended to be placed in contact with the flanges and a plurality of second surfaces located on the side of the cover plate opposite this plurality of first surfaces, the distance between the plurality of first surfaces and the plurality of second surfaces being chosen in such a way that, when the plurality of first surfaces lies against the flanges, the plurality of second surfaces is in contact or in close proximity to the sealing cover.
US08939285B2 Display package for steering wheel lock
A display package for containing and displaying a steering wheel locking device having an elongate central tubular rod member and first and second pairs of spaced hooks connected to the tubular rod member includes a pair of generally equally sized, equally shaped front and rear panels that are superimposed and joined together to partially enclose a steering wheel locking device, the front and rear panels being configured to generally conform to the shape of the steering wheel locking device. Multiple packages can be stacked such that portions of adjacent steering wheel locks nest partially within one another and reduce otherwise wasted space between adjacent packages.
US08939279B2 Modular conveying systems and methods
Various modular conveyors, conveying systems, conveyor modules, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the conveyor comprises a module body and an upper member. The module body can be configured to receive one or more rolling elements. In some embodiments, the rolling elements protrude through openings in the module body and the upper member. In various embodiments, the rolling elements can be configured to engage a surface below the module body and/or an item on the conveyor, thereby facilitating multi-directional travel of the item.
US08939270B2 Tabbed separation clutch plate
A multiplate clutch assembly for use in an automotive powertrain is provided that includes a first member, a second member, a plurality of first clutch plates attached to the first member, and a plurality of second clutch plates attached to the second member. The first and second clutch plates are disposed alternatively with one another. At least two of the first clutch plates have separator portions that are configured to contact each other and provide a separation force therebetween. A clutch plate is also provided that includes an annular main body portion defining an aperature therethrough and defining and outer edge and an inner edge. Separator teeth extend from a tooth edge, the tooth edge being one of the inner and outer edges of the main body portion. Each separator tooth is bent at an acute angle with respect to the main body portion.
US08939269B2 Segmented friction material for clutches
A friction plate for a clutch assembly includes a core plate and a plurality of friction segments made of a friction material. A plurality of grooves are disposed between said plurality of friction segments. Each segment has tapered sides so that the grooves have a first width adjacent the outer diameter of the core plate and a smaller second width smaller adjacent the inner diameter of the core plate. This tapered groove structure directs oil from the outside the clutch assembly to the inside to improve cooling efficiency.
US08939266B2 Composite brake disc
A brake disc arrangement has a mounting portion formed of a metal, with a plurality of radial protuberances extending radially outward therefrom. The radial protuberances each have a radially distal tip portion, and a ceramic coating is applied to the radially distal tip portion of the radial protuberances. The brake plate portion is cast so as to surround the radially distal tip portions. However, it is isolated therefrom by the ceramic coating. At least some of the radially distal tip portions are formed of metal having a microstructure created by electrical discharge machining to increase dampening. A sand core within a core box holds the mounting portion in a predetermined fixed orientation. The molten metal is poured into the core box mold, and the metal brake plate portion is prevented by the ceramic coating from welding to any of the plurality of radial protuberances.
US08939263B2 Elevator system with assigned car confirmation
In an elevator system having a destination call registration device with which a user registers a destination call before boarding the elevator car and an assigned car confirming device with which a user makes sure of an assigned car by inputting his or her personal information when an elevator has been assigned to a destination call registered from the destination call registration device, information on an assigned car and personal information of a user are stored by associating these pieces of information with each other. An assigned car confirming device provides information on the assigned car to the user on the basis of the stored personal information.
US08939261B2 Support element system for elevators
A support element system, particularly for elevators, has at least one support element having two load-bearing tensile carriers which are arranged horizontally adjacent to one another and which are enclosed in a common elastomeric casing separating the two tensile carriers. The tensile carriers respectively have an opposite direction of wrap. The system has a drive pulley for transmission of a drive force to the at least one support element, wherein the drive pulley has a contoured traction surface with two support surfaces, which are provided for transmission of the drive force and which co-operate with the support element.
US08939260B2 Double-clutch transmission of a vehicle
A double clutch transmission of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a clutch chamber (3) which is designed as a first oil chamber, for accommodating a double clutch, and a transmission chamber (8) which is designed as a second oil chamber, for accommodating a double clutch transmission gear set. A partition wall (9) separates the oil chambers from one another. An oil pump (11) is positioned in the transmission chamber (8) and can be driven by a drive shaft (7) which extends through the partition wall (9) from the transmission chamber (8) into the clutch chamber (3).
US08939258B2 Wind turbine for generating electric power
The invention relates to a wind turbine for generating electric power by an air stream (1) onto a rotor (48) rotatable about a rotor axis (2), said rotor comprising a plurality of rotor blades (3, 4) and being coupled via a rotor shaft (5) to a generator (6), wherein a primary transmission (8) is present between the rotor shaft (5) and generator input shaft (7) for multiplication of the rotational speed, wherein the pressure-feed or force-feed lubricating system of said main transmission comprising a lubricating pump (9) enables the supply to components (46, 47) subject to wear, wherein the wind turbine (10) has an emergency pump (11) for lubricant supply, which during normal operation of the wind turbine is not operational and during spinning operation and/or a power failure can be connected and which is operated by the rotating rotor (48).
US08939253B1 System and method for suppression of unwanted noise in ground test facilities
Systems and methods for the suppression of unwanted noise from a jet discharging into a duct are disclosed herein. The unwanted noise may be in the form of excited duct modes or howl due to super resonance. A damper member is used to reduce acoustic velocity perturbations at the velocity anti-node, associated with the half-wave resonance of the duct, weakening the resonance condition and reducing the amplitudes of the spectral peaks.
US08939252B2 Protective material for acoustic transmission
A protective material for acoustic transmission is disclosed which optimizes sound transmission of the material while also providing a barrier from ambient conditions to transducers. The protective material of the disclosure is a self-tensioning membrane with properties such that sound attenuation is minimized as the membrane transfers acoustic energy. In one embodiment, the self-tensioning membrane is used to cover an opening in an electronic device enclosure by securing the entire outer edge of the membrane with an adhesive. Such a construction creates an unbound region where the self-tensioning membrane can effectively transmit sound energy by moving in response to incoming sound waves. The self-tensioning membrane allows sound to travel out of the protective enclosure while also preventing liquid or particulate intrusion.
US08939250B2 Self-powered apparatus
Self-powered apparatus are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a front chassis portion and a rear chassis portion. The front chassis portion is to be coupled to the rear chassis portion. The front chassis portion is substantially the same as the rear chassis portion. When the front and rear chassis portions are coupled, the front chassis portion includes a first end of the apparatus and the rear chassis portion includes a second end of the apparatus.
US08939249B2 Vehicle hood hinge assembly for a pedestrian protection device
A hinge assembly including a vehicle body hinge member configured to be connected with a vehicle body and a hood hinge member configured to be connected with a vehicle hood. The vehicle body hinge member and the hood hinge member are pivotally connected so the hood can be opened for servicing and closed for driving. In one embodiment, a pedestrian protection device includes a bracket movable between an extended position in which a rear portion of the vehicle hood is in an elevated position and a retracted position in which the rear portion of the vehicle hood is in a drivable position. A shear pin extends through the bracket for maintaining the bracket in the retracted position until a threshold force is applied to the bracket. The device includes an actuator configured to apply at least the threshold force to shear the shear pin, thereby moving the bracket to the extended position. A reset latch relocks the bracket in the retracted position after the shear pin has been sheared.
US08939248B2 Utility vehicle transmission controls with common pivot shaft
Utility vehicle transmission controls include a common pivot shaft extending transversely across at least part of the operator station. The common pivot shaft has an integral collar. A shift lever has a sleeve pivotably mounted on the common pivot shaft with a portion of the sleeve extending over the integral collar. A differential lock lever has a lower end with a sleeve pivotably mounted on the common pivot shaft with a portion extending over the integral collar adjacent the shift pivot so that the shift lever and differential lock lever independently pivot.
US08939241B2 Front mounted agricultural work vehicle power takeoff system
A drive system for an agricultural work vehicle. The drive system includes a front power takeoff device configured to extend from a front portion of the agricultural work vehicle and to be driven by an engine. The drive system also includes a first gearbox and a second gearbox positioned between the engine and the front power takeoff device. The first gearbox is configured to be driven by the engine and to provide power to drive the second gearbox. The second gearbox is configured to be driven by the first gearbox and to provide power to drive the front power takeoff device. The first gearbox and the second gearbox each provide a vertical shift between a respective driven input and a respective driving output.
US08939238B2 High quality PCD compact
A sintered cutting element including a superabrasive layer supported on a substrate. The superabrasive layer includes superabrasive material and secondary phase, and the substrate includes a binder phase. The sintered cutting element is formed by a high temperature high pressure sintering process in which separate source elements melt and sweep first through the superabrasive layer, and then to the substrate to form the secondary phase and binder phase. The superabrasive layer is substantially free of or free of eta-phase, Co3W3C. Further, the portion of the substrate nearest the interface between the superabrasive layer and the substrate has equal or more binder phase than portions of the substrate further from the interface. In certain embodiments, the superabrasive material includes polycrystalline diamond, and the substrate includes cobalt tungsten carbide.
US08939237B2 Underground drilling apparatus
A drilling apparatus is adapted for connection to a drill string such that the drill string rotates the drilling apparatus in a rotational cutting motion. The drilling apparatus includes a sonde housing having a distal end and a proximal end. The sonde housing includes a top platform positioned adjacent the distal end of the sonde housing and further includes a tongue positioned on the top platform. The drilling apparatus further includes a rotary cutting tool mounted to the distal end of the sonde housing.
US08939231B2 Rear handle
A power tool, including a housing and a handle having two ends. The first end of the handle being moveably mounted to the housing via a first mounting assembly and the second end being moveably mounted to the housing via a second mounting assembly. One part of the first mounting assembly including a sleeve and the other part including a rod mounted in an axially slideable manner in the sleeve. A biasing mechanism connected between the two parts. One part of the second mounting assembly including a support and the other part including a pin located in the support which is capable of being rotated in the support to enable the second end of the handle to rotate relative to the housing and to move linearly in the support to enable the second end of the handle to move linearly relative to the housing.
US08939227B2 Pressure protection valve for hydraulic tool
A pressure protection valve is provided which provides a fluid short circuit between a fluid pressure inlet of a hydraulic tool such as a hydraulic hammer and a low pressure region when the pressure at the fluid pressure inlet exceeds a first trigger pressure equal to a predetermined permissible pressure. This prevents damage to the hydraulic tool which can arise through operation at excessive fluid flow or pressure from hydraulic fluid supplied by a carrier vehicle. The pressure protection valve may maintain fluid communication between the fluid pressure inlet and the low pressure region until the pressure at the fluid pressure inlet reduces to a pressure below a predetermined second trigger pressure which is less than the first trigger pressure, to prevent further operation of the tool until the flow of fluid to the fluid pressure inlet has been stopped by an operator.
US08939221B2 High pressure lock assembly
A lock assembly including a mandrel having one or more windows arranged alternatingly with one or more struts. One or more dogs are included corresponding to the one or more windows and are radially extendable therethrough. A member is operatively arranged for radially extending each of the one or more dogs. Each of the one or more dogs is operatively coupled between the member and the mandrel when fully radially extended by the member for bypassing loading in the one or more struts during loading of the assembly.
US08939214B2 Riser connector
Various implementations include a system for introducing upwardly a flexible member into a tubular fixed structure with a sleeve surrounding the flexible member in the region where the flexible member attaches to the tubular fixed structure. The system allows for the flexible member to be drawn upwardly into a bore of the tubular fixed structure. In one implementation, a plurality of locking dogs are attached to and are radially moveable with respect to the sleeve between an inner locking position in which they engage with the flexible member, and an outer release position in which they are disengaged from the flexible member. In addition, a latch ring is disposed on a substantially cylindrical surface so that it may be deflected axially along said surface on contact between the sleeve and tubular fixed structure to permit release of the locking dogs.
US08939210B2 Drill collar severing tool
A pipe severing tool is arranged to align a plurality of high explosive pellets along a unitizing central tube that is selectively separable from a tubular external housing. The pellets are loaded serially in a column in full view along the entire column as a final charging task. Detonation boosters are pre-positioned and connected to detonation cord for simultaneous detonation at opposite ends of the explosive column. Devoid of high explosive pellets during transport, the assembly may be transported with all boosters and detonation cord connected.
US08939208B2 Additives for improving hydrocarbon recovery
Processes for recovering hydrocarbons from subterranean formations are disclosed. The hydrocarbon can be contacted with water or steam and one or more additives, and subsequently recovered. The hydrocarbon can be selected from heavy or light crude oil, bitumen, an oil sand ore, a tar sand ore, and combinations thereof. The additive can be, for example, a fluorinated hydrocarbon. Compositions or mixtures including hydrocarbons, water or steam, and additives are also disclosed.
US08939207B2 Insulated conductor heaters with semiconductor layers
A heater used to heat a subsurface formation includes an electrical conductor, a semiconductor layer at least partially surrounding the electrical conductor, an insulation layer at least partially surrounding the electrical conductor, an electrically conductive sheath at least partially surrounding the insulation layer. The heater may be located in an opening in the subsurface formation.
US08939206B2 Process for mineral oil production using hydrophobically associating copolymers
A process for mineral oil production, in which an aqueous formulation comprising at least one water-soluble, hydrophobically associating copolymer is injected through at least one injection borehole into a mineral oil deposit, and crude oil is withdrawn from the deposit having a deposit temperature of 35° C. to 120° C., preferably 40° C. to 90° C., through at least one production borehole, wherein the water-soluble, hydrophobically associating copolymer comprises at least acrylamide or derivatives thereof, a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer having anionic groups and a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer which can bring about the association of the copolymer.
US08939205B2 Method and apparatus for generating seismic pulses to map subterranean fractures
The methods described are for determining distribution, orientation and dimensions of networks of hydraulically-induced fractures within a subterranean formation containing fluids. Micro-seismic events are generated, after cessation of fracturing and establishment of fracture networks, by particles introduced into the fractures which are capable of explosive or chemical reaction. In one method, attachment site particles are positioned within the formation during fracturing and additional reactive particles are later introduced. The reactive particles attach to the attachment sites and, upon a triggering event, react to produce micro-seismic events. The waves generated by the micro-seismic events are used to provide mapping of the effective fracture space. Additionally, time-lapse mapping is provided with use of “species” of attachment sites and reactive particles.
US08939204B2 Method and apparatus for communicating with a device located in a borehole
A method of communication comprising: providing a string of a plurality of connected components (2,3,5,6,7), one or more vessels running along the string to form a continuous fluid path (13); incorporating a device (3) into the string so that the device is in communication with the fluid path; inserting the string into a borehole (18) so that the device is located below a surface into which the borehole is formed and the fluid path extends from the surface to the device; providing a pressure sensor at the surface, adapted to sense the pressure of the fluid in the fluid path; filling it with a pressurized fluid; over a communication period, venting fluid, under the control of the device, from the fluid path (13) to an exterior of the string (17) at the device on occasions, so that the resulting decrease in pressure in the fluid in the fluid path can be detected by the pressure sensor; and during the communication period introducing fluid into the fluid path at a rate below 30 gallons/minute [0.113 m3/minute].
US08939202B2 Fracturing nozzle assembly with cyclic stress capability
A fracturing jet nozzle assembly features a series of angles nozzles on a rotatably mounted plate that operates in conjunction with a central nozzle or nozzles. The slanted nozzles are aimed into the perforation where the central nozzle is aimed directly so that the rotation of the nozzle plate from the slanted nozzles results in cyclic impacts in the perforation from where the fractures will propagate. The cyclic loading results in greater fracture formation and propagation. In another variation, relatively movable plates employing slanted nozzles rotate one plate with respect to another to get the effect of cyclic pulses of jetting fluid impingement in the perforation to enhance formation and propagation of fractures from the perforation.
US08939200B1 Tunable hydraulic stimulator
Selected designs for reciprocating pumps and down-hole well-stimulation equipment reflect disparate applications of identical technical principles (relating to, e.g., the vibration spectrum of an impulse). In certain of these designs, the vibration spectrum is controlled, suppressed and/or damped using tunable components to limit destructive excitation of resonances; in others the vibration spectrum is tuned at its source for maximum resonance excitation. For example, tunable fluid ends control valve-generated vibration to increase fluid-end reliability. By down-shifting the frequency domain of each valve-closing impulse shock, initial excitation of fluid end resonances is minimized. Subsequent damping and/or selective attenuation of vibration likely to excite one or more predetermined (and frequently localized) fluid end resonances represents further optimal use of fluid end vibration-control resources. Vibration generation in stimulators, in contrast, includes techniques for production of desired frequency bands (vibration spectra) and amplitudes (vibration energy) near explosively-formed perforations in a wellbore.
US08939199B2 System for repositioning a coiled tubing tensioner
A system for positioning a trailer mounted coiled tubing tensioner either in a first stowed position on the deck of a transport trailer or in a second position resting on an elevated rig floor of a drilling rig is described. The system for selectably elevating a coiled tubing tensioner from its first stowed position to its second position on the rig floor of a drilling rig includes the cooperative operation of the coiled tubing tensioner and its frame, multiple pivotable swing arms attached to the trailer at one end and the tensioner frame at the other end, an elevatable mast, a crown block, a drawworks winch, a top drive, a pair of tensioner lifting winches and multiple lifting lines deployed from the mast and reeved through sheaves mounted on the tensioner frame and the top drive.
US08939198B2 Apparatus and methods for deploying equipment at a wellsite
A system for transporting and deploying a natural gas processing system comprises a base. In addition, the system comprises a plurality of natural gas processing units mounted to the base. Further, the system comprises a plurality of jacking units attached to the base and configured to raise and lower the base. Each jacking unit comprises a post, an upper lift member moveably coupled to the post, a lower lift member moveably coupled to the post, and a pair of actuators. Moreover, each actuator has an upper end coupled to the upper lift member and a lower end coupled to the lower lift member.
US08939196B2 Secondary pump type heat source and secondary pump type heat source control method
A secondary pump-type heat source system includes: heat sources connected in parallel; a load system in which the heat source water flows; a primary pump supplying the heat source water to the load system; a secondary pump provided for each heat source and supplies the heat source water subjected to heat exchange in the load system to the heat source; and a heat source controller calculating flow quantity of the heat source water flowing in the heat source side and flow quantity of the heat source water flowing in the load system side by assigning a result from measurement by a water temperature sensor detecting heat source temperature to an operating characteristic of each heat source and controlling operation of the secondary pumps based on the calculation result.
US08939195B2 Heat exchanger
A plate for the use in a heat exchanger cassette, where the plate comprises a corrugated pattern having a plurality of ridges (9) and valleys (10), and where the plate comprises a sealing gasket groove (3) encircling a heat transfer surface (8) that will be part of a contact-free fluid channel when two cassettes comprising at least one plate each are positioned adjacent each other, wherein the sealing gasket groove (3) comprises a base surface with a first, flat section (12) and a second, bent section (13), and where the bent section is angled with the angle α. The advantage of the inventive plate is that an airtight heat exchanger cassette can be obtained in an easy and cost-effective way.
US08939193B2 Method and apparatus for filtered and controlled flow metal molding
Method and apparatus for flowing molten metal substantially vertically into a mold by means of a feeder tube while concurrently impeding the flow of oxides that collect at the perimeter of the head of the feeder tube. This reduces inclusions in the molten metal and improves the quality of a molded component as the molten metal solidifies.
US08939191B2 Temperature measurement in a chill mold by a fiber optic measurement method
A method for measuring the temperature in a mold by a fiber-optic measurement method and a correspondingly designed mold. For this purpose, light waveguides, through which laser light is conducted, are arranged in grooves in the outside surface of the copper mold plate. The temperature at several measurement points along the measurement fiber is determined by a temperature detection system. In particular, the method makes it possible to achieve much greater local resolution of the temperature measurements than that achieved by thermocouples.
US08939189B2 Vehicle window shade device
A window shade device for vehicles covers a first window and a second window provided adjacent to each other to be shielded and opened. The window shade device for vehicles includes: a guide and support mechanism including a guide rail disposed along a drawing/housing direction of the second window shade and a movable member movable along the guide rail; a rack member connected with the movable member and configured to move along the guide rail; and an intermediate transmission mechanism including a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear and transmitting the rotation of a windup shaft member of the first windup device as a force for moving the rack member along the guide rail, the first bevel gear being connected to the windup shaft member so as to rotate in association therewith, the second bevel gear being disposed to mesh with the first bevel gear.
US08939187B2 Machine for producing a cup
A machine uses a method for producing a cup from an outer shell and inner cup. For this purpose, the machine includes first holding devices that are arranged on a first rotatably housed star- or wheel-like holding device carrier, and second holding devices arranged on a second rotatably housed star- or wheel-like holding device carrier. Further, a first working station arranged at least in the region of the first holding devices for carrying out first working steps and at least one second working station arranged in the region of the second holding devices for carrying out second working steps are provided. Finally, the machine includes a transfer station for transferring a finished outer shell from a first holding device to a second holding device.
US08939184B2 Rubber composition and pneumatic tire using same
A tire sidewall may be formed from a composition including a rubber component and a non-ionic surfactant.
US08939180B2 Apparatus and methods for filament crimping and manufacturing
Apparatus and methods for filament crimping. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a body and a filament crimp element. The filament crimp element comprises a first set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a first set of features and a second set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a second set of features. The first and second set cavities are substantially opposite one another. The first set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the second set of cavities and the second set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the first set of cavities. Methods and apparatus for the manufacture of the device are also disclosed. In addition, methods for automated placement and manufacture of assemblies using the crimp elements are also disclosed.
US08939178B1 Variable-aperture reciprocating reed valve
A variable-aperture reciprocating reed valve includes a valve body defining a through hole region having a contoured-profile portion. A semi-rigid plate is affixed on one side thereof to the valve body to define a cantilever extending across the through hole region. At least one free edge of the cantilever opposes the contoured-profile portion of the through hole region in a non-contact relationship.
US08939171B2 System for microfluidic flow control
A system and method for controlling fluid flow within a microchannel includes a fluid circuit comprising a fluid outlet well and one or more fluid inlet wells, all in communication with a microchannel. A negative pressure differential is applied to the outlet well and fluid flow from an inlet well into the microchannel is controlled by opening or closing the inlet well to atmospheric pressure. To stop fluid flow from the inlet well, a negative pressure differential may be applied to the inlet well to equalize pressure between the inlet and outlet wells. By sequentially opening and closing different inlet wells to atmosphere, controlled amounts of different reagents can be serially introduced into the microchannel.
US08939170B2 Valve for pressurized fluid and tank furnished with such a valve
A valve for pressurized fluid comprising a body (1) accommodating a fluid circuit (2) having an upstream end (3) designed to be placed in communication with a reserve of pressurized fluid and a downstream end (4) designed to be placed in communication with a using device, the circuit (2) comprising an isolation valve element (5) in order to selectively close off the circuit (2), the valve element (5) being controlled by a lever (8) mounted so as to pivot on the body (1) between a rest position in which the isolation valve element (5) is held in a position of closing the circuit (2) and an active position in which the lever (8) moves the isolation valve element (5) into a position of opening the circuit (2).
US08939167B2 Adjustable fixed pressure relief assembly and regulator comprising same
A pressure relief assembly may include an actuator stem having a plurality of retaining grooves. A relief plate may be operatively connected to the actuator stem and a diaphragm plate may be operatively connected to the actuator stem. A diaphragm may be least partially disposed between the relief plate and the diaphragm plate. A relief spring seat may be releasably attached to the actuator stem at one of the plurality of retaining grooves. The relief spring may be adjusted by moving the attachment point from one retaining groove to another retaining groove.
US08939161B2 Cleaning system for an electric shaver
A cleaning system for an electric shaver having a shaving head generally includes a housing having an interior space configured to retain cleaning fluid within the housing. The housing is further configured for supporting the shaver in a generally upright orientation with the shaving head disposed at least in part within the interior space of the housing. A displacement apparatus is disposed within the interior space of the housing and is selectively positionable within the housing between a first position in which the cleaning fluid within the housing defines a lower fluid level relative to the shaving head to be cleaned, and a second position in which the cleaning fluid defines a higher fluid level relative to the shaving head such that at the higher fluid level at least a portion of the shaving head of the shaver is submerged in the cleaning fluid within the housing.
US08939160B2 Masking device for cosmetic hair treatment
A masking sheet for hair coloring has first and second surfaces encompassed by first and second longitudinal edges and first and second transverse edges where the first and second transverse edges embody respective substantially convex curves.
US08939158B2 Agents, compositions and devices for temporary coloring local hair areas
Hair-coloring applicators comprising a shield to protect the scalp, polymers of tannic acid having iron ions bound thereto, hair-coloring compositions comprising same and/or melanoidin, and novel alcohol-free carriers, are disclosed, as well uses thereof for coloring hair.
US08939156B2 Banded papers, smoking articles and methods
Wrapper for cigarette manufacture includes transversely extending band regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The band regions comprise starch, an anti-wrinkling agent such as 1,2 propylene glycol or glycerin, and optionally calcium carbonate. Any suitable printing technique can be used to apply the aqueous solution to the banded regions. The pattern of banded regions may be bands, stripes, two-dimensional arrays, undulated regions, and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The pattern can be applied in one or more layers. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate.
US08939154B2 Magnetic levitation of an intraluminal microelectronic capsule
A method and apparatus for magnetically levitating and further steering of an intraluminal device, such as a swallowable microelectronic capsule, for monitoring bodily functions is provided. The method comprises diamagnetically-stabilized levitation, followed by dynamic modification of the external magnetic field producing the said levitation, so that the levitating intraluminal device can be steered in desired direction. The said intraluminal device contains appropriate sensors and reports in real time the forces and pressures exerted on it, as well as its position, so that the levitation and the steering can be dynamically adjusted using appropriate dynamic control of external magnetic devices such as solenoids.
US08939151B2 Respiratory mask sealing interface
A sealing interface forms part of an apparatus for supplying a flow of respiratory gases to a user. The sealing interface comprises a foam or gel inner cushion and a thin resilient rubber outer sheath. A face side of the inner cushion resiliently supports the outer sheath. The inner cushion has a toothed profile formed on the face side of the inner cushion. The toothed profile consists of at least one tooth having an apex on the perimeter of the inner cushion. The apex is positioned between two valleys in the perimeter of the inner cushion. In use the apex of each tooth of the toothed profile is in supporting contact with the outer sheath.
US08939147B2 Identification system and method for mask and ventilator components
Components of a CPAP or other patient ventilation apparatus have a remotely-readable identification tag encoded with component identification data. The flow generator controller is programmed to receive data derived from the identification tag from a tag reader, and to adapt functions of the flow controller to coordinate with the component.
US08939145B2 Apparatus and methods for treating sleep apnea
An apparatus and method for treating sleep apnea and/or snoring is provided. The apparatus includes an appliance sized and structured to be placed in the pharyngeal region of a human or animal and being effective in treating sleep apnea and/or snoring, for example in maintaining openness of an oropharyngeal region of a human or animal during natural sleep, advantageously while not interfering with normal functioning of the epiglottis. Preferably, the appliance is non-circumferential in form and includes rounded, spaced apart end portions.
US08939143B2 Solar array column cap
Disclosed herein is a solar array column cap that includes a main body extending between a left side and a right side to define a channel, the channel configured to at least partially receive a vertical column of a solar array support structure such that the main body surrounds the vertical column. The main body further includes a left flange extending radially outwardly from the left side of the channel and right flange extending radially outwardly from the right side of the channel. Further, the main body includes an left upper flap extending from a top edge of the left flange, and a right upper flap extending from a top edge of the right flange, the right upper flap and left upper flap being co-planar. In another embodiment, a body has an opening extending along a center axis from a bottom to a top, the opening configured to receive the vertical column such that the body surrounds the vertical column, and an upper support surface configured to receive a horizontal beam, the upper support surface being located in a plane that is non-perpendicular with the center axis.
US08939141B2 Air intake modulator and method of using
An air flow modulating device comprising a flapper, a mount and a conduit. The conduit may be T-shaped and may be attached to an intake conduit of a sealed combustion condensing appliance, or other appliance having an air intake conduit, through a first portion of T-shaped conduit. The mount may be connected to a second portion of T-shaped conduit and the flapper may rotate between an open position and a closed position about an axle of the mount. The device operates to allow for a sealed combustion condensing appliance to immediately intake interior air when an exterior air source is obstructed, limited or reduced, or in response to changes in air pressure due to uncontrollable natural forces.
US08939140B2 Bow stabilizer with camera attachment feature
A kit for mounting a camera to a bow is provided. The kit includes a bow stabilizer for attachment to the bow; and a mounting bracket for attachment to the stabilizer, the bracket including a seat for the camera, an arm extending from the seat at a first end, and a connector at a second end for attaching the arm to the stabilizer.
US08939138B2 Sight cover
A hunting equipment sight cover comprises a pouch shaped to receive a sight; first and second flaps extending from the pouch to wrap about a frame of the sight or a portion of an equipment from which the sight extends; and connectors for connecting distal portions of the first and second flaps to the pouch.
US08939137B2 Gated full capture archery rest
An arrow rest for retaining an arrow in a shooting position on an archery bow. The arrow rest includes a generally ring shaped structure surrounding a center opening. The ring structure includes a gap configured to receive the arrow in the center opening. A gate is pivotally attached to the ring structure and biased to extend across the gap in a closed position. At least one fixed arrow support is attached to the ring and extends into the center opening toward the shooting position. At least two pivoting arrow supports are pivotally attached to the ring and biased toward the shooting position of the center opening. The pivoting arrow supports are biased to capture the arrow against the fixed arrow support in the shooting position of the center opening and to rotate away from the shooting position when the arrow is launched from the archery bow.
US08939133B2 Outboard motor
An outboard motor includes an engine and a casing. The engine includes a cylinder unit, ahead cover and an ignition coil device. The cylinder unit is made of metal. The head cover is made of resin and is attached to the cylinder unit. The ignition coil device is attached to the head cover. The casing is made of resin and covers the engine. The coil ignition device includes a radiated noise reducer portion. The radiated noise reducer portion is configured to reduce noise that is radiated from the ignition coil device.
US08939132B2 Ignition control apparatus
Ignition is performed in such a way that a bias voltage is applied to a first electrode of an ignition plug and a current detection device detects a current that flows in the first electrode, that based on the value of the detected current, a smolder level detection device detects the level of a smolder produced in the ignition plug, and that a control device controls, based on the detected smolder level, at least one of the timing of ignition, the number of ignition events per power stroke of an internal combustion engine, and the amount of energy accumulated in an ignition coil device.
US08939131B2 PCV valve apparatus
A PCV valve apparatus includes a PCV valve main body and a cover member. The PCV valve main body includes a first connection portion, a second connection portion, and a fastened portion. The first connection portion includes a first end and a second end. The cover member includes an attachment portion and a covering portion. The fastened portion includes a locking portion protruding toward the cover member in a state where the covering portion covers a fastening member. In a covering position where the covering portion covers the fastening member, the locking portion is received in a receiving portion, and the attachment portion is located at the second end. In a non-covering position where the covering portion does not cover the fastening member, the attachment portion is in contact with the locking portion to be locked by the locking portion and is located at the first end.
US08939130B2 Evaporated fuel treatment device for vehicle
An evaporated fuel treatment device is provided to treat evaporated fuel by using a fuel supply cap with a small size while the flowout of fuel can also be suitably prevented. The evaporated fuel treatment device includes a positive pressure adjusting valve which opens when an inner pressure of a fuel tank becomes a predetermined pressure or more, and a spherical rollover valve which closes the positive pressure adjusting valve when the fuel tank is inclined at an angle equal to or larger than a predetermined angle. The positive pressure adjusting valve and the spherical rollover valve are mounted on one cylindrical portion formed on a fuel supply cap.
US08939124B2 Balancing shaft with bearing point having separated first and second bearing surfaces
A balancing shaft may have at least one unbalance portion and at least one bearing point, wherein the at least one unbalance portion is associated with the at least one bearing point. The balancing shaft on the bearing point may define a transverse opening which separates a first part bearing surface from a second part bearing surface.
US08939123B2 Countershaft
The invention relates to a countershaft for a single or multiple cylinder motor having at least one unbalanced weight section (21, 22; 23, 24) and at least one bearing point (16, 17) that is allocated to the at least one unbalanced weight section (21, 22; 23, 24), wherein the bearing point (16, 17) has a radial circumferential surface (18) that extends only partially over a circumference of the bearing point (16, 17) so that a centrifugal force resulting from rotation of the countershaft (11) lies within a region of the bearing point (16, 17) that is formed by the circumferential surface (18) extending partially over the circumference of the bearing point (16, 17) and having a ring (25) that surrounds the partially extended circumferential surface (18) of the bearing point (16, 17) and is connected by a force and/or form and/or material fitting connection to the bearing point (16, 17), wherein the circumferential surface (18) of the bearing point (16, 17) has a receptacle region (33) for receiving the ring (25) and at least one axial outer edge region or at least one ring-shaped region of the ring (25) is connected at least to one contact surface (37) of the receptacle region (33) in a force and/or form and/or material fitting manner. (Refer to FIG. 5.)
US08939121B2 Glow plug fitted with combustion pressure detection sensor
A glow plug in which a convex portion (70) is formed in an outer peripheral surface (10b) of a heater (10) in a part facing an inner peripheral surface (137b) of a leading end part (137) of a housing (110) and interposed in a leading end side annular gap K1, so as to maintain a gap with the inner peripheral surface (137b). A decline in detection accuracy can be prevented to the extent that combustion gas can be received by the leading end (72) of the convex portion (70) even if soot clogging should occur.
US08939119B2 Camshaft adjustment device
A camshaft adjuster (3), comprising a camshaft axis of rotation (D) and an electromagnetic multi-tappet actuating device (4) having at least two electromagnetic drive units, which for exerting an actuating force on a corresponding number of elongated tappet units (9, 10, 11) which are mounted axially parallel to one another, each defining a tappet longitudinal center axis (A1, A2, A3) arranged perpendicularly to the camshaft axis of rotation (D) are activatable, in order to engage with the tappet units (9, 10, 11) in shifting grooves (8) of an adjustable cam piece (7), wherein the drive units each on a facing acting end on one of the associated tappet units (9, 10, 11) form an acting surface that is moveable in an actuating direction of the drive units and an end face on the acting side facing away from the respective associated shifting groove (8) of a respective one of the tappet units (9, 10, 11) interacts with the acting surface, wherein at least one of the tappet units (9, 10, 11) is arranged relative to the camshaft axis of rotation (D) in such a manner that its tappet longitudinal center axis (A1, A2, A3) running parallel to the tappet longitudinal center axes (A1, A2, A3) of the at least one other tappet unit (9, 10, 11) is spaced from the camshaft axis of rotation (D) in a plane (E) receiving the camshaft axis of rotation (D) and running perpendicularly to the tappet longitudinal center axes (A1, A2, A3).
US08939118B2 Rocker arm providing cylinder deactivation
A rocker arm assembly to provide either cylinder deactivation or reduced valve lift. The rocker arm assembly includes inner and outer portions that are rotatably connected to one another. In one state, the inner and outer portions are locked together to provide traditional valve lift. In a second state, the inner portion is allowed to rotate relative to the outer portion to deactivate the cylinder or provide reduced valve lift. Bearings on both the inner and outer portions provide rolling contact with corresponding cam shaft features. A hydraulic system provides transition between the first and second states.
US08939116B2 Liquid-cooled internal combustion engine
A liquid-cooled internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder with a cylinder head in which there are disposed a lower partial cooling chamber adjacent to a fire deck and an upper partial cooling chamber which is flow-connected thereto by way of at least one main overflow aperture.
US08939115B2 Cylinder head cooling system
A cylinder head for a motorcycle engine in which the cylinder head includes an intake side including an intake passage and an intake valve movably disposed within the intake passage, and an exhaust side including an exhaust passage and an exhaust valve movably disposed within the exhaust passage, the exhaust side being positioned remote from the intake side. A cooling liquid inlet port and a cooling liquid discharge port are located on the intake side. A cooling liquid passage runs through the cylinder head to reduce an operating temperature of the cylinder head.
US08939112B2 Buckstay connecting system
A buckstay connecting system includes a socket part that is fixed to the horizontal buckstay being separated from a lower end of the vertical buckstay between the lower end of the vertical buckstay and the horizontal buckstay, and an insertion part that is fixed to a lower portion of the vertical buckstay, is inserted into the socket part so as to be able to slide in a vertical direction, inhibits the horizontal buckstay from being inclined, and is allowed to be fastened to the socket part.
US08939111B2 Method and system for fencing animals without using a physical fence
A system for invisible fencing for animals, that is a device mounted on animals. The device checks Global Navigation Satellite System (“GNSS”) position measurements against an area that is defined in the device. The area can be defined as a combination of several areas with different characteristics. An area may also be defined as dynamic. The system calculates the shortest distance to this area based on actual GNSS position. If position measurements show that the animal has a position that is outside the area, correction will be performed as a combination of audio signal and electric shock. The correction is made by increasing the audio frequency proportionally with the calculated distance to the area. When the audio frequency has reached an upper limit, one single electric shock is given, and possible further correction is resumed from the position where the electric shock was given.
US08939105B1 Oceanic platform to extract and discharge salt water
An oceanic platform is configured to discharge water into an atmosphere to create rain and thus more fresh water. The oceanic platform comprises a floating platform mechanically coupled to a deck grate. The deck grate is further mechanically coupled to a telescoping shaft. The telescoping shaft is mechanically coupled to a water intake. A pump can push the water through the water intake up the telescoping shaft and into the atmosphere, thus creating the rain and more of the fresh water.
US08939098B2 Sewing machine accessory for circular sewing
A sewing machine accessory includes a plate for attaching to a sewing machine workbed and to be located below a needle, the plate includes an opening and a guiding track, and a positioning device includes a sliding member slidably engaged with the guiding track of the accessory plate, and a pointed member extended from the sliding member for engaging with a cloth material to be stitched and for forming of an arced stitch on the cloth material, and the pointed member is movable close to the needle for stitching or forming a circular or arced stitch that includes a relatively decreased or smaller outer diameter.
US08939096B2 Apparatus, sewing machine, and non-transitory computer-readable medium
An apparatus includes a processor and a memory. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, instruct the processor to perform processes including acquiring pattern data, specifying an outline of the embroidery pattern based on the pattern data, creating hole data for causing the sewing machine to form a plurality of holes including one or more first holes and one or more second holes, creating first stitch data for causing the sewing machine to sew one or more stitches for the one or more first holes, and creating embroidery data for causing the sewing machine to form one or more first holes, and sew the one or more stitches for the one or more first holes, and causing the sewing machine to form the one or more second holes, before causing the sewing machine to sew an outline pattern.
US08939095B2 Furrow closing assembly and method
Agricultural planter row units feature soil finishing assemblies for closing a seed groove after seed is placed in the soil. An adjustable furrow closing assembly enhances upper seed groove coverage and closure with soil resulting in sustained relative humidity levels and optimum seed-to-soil contact for faster seed germination. The furrow closing assembly includes a closing wheel assembly having at least one closing wheel and a press wheel assembly having a press wheel following behind the closing wheels. The closing wheels and press wheel are attached to the planter row unit in a manner allowing the press wheel to move vertically relative to the closing wheels. Adjustable down-force systems are provided to vary the down force applied to the closing wheels and the press wheel to maintain optimum soil contact in irregular terrain and in varying soil densities and conditions to provide optimum soil coverage and compaction of the seed bed.
US08939092B2 Table system
Provided is a table system that allows for multiple table frame arrangements using various combinations of fundamental building pieces. An adjustable height table leg includes two parallel and horizontal slots adapted to receive and clamp two independent frame members of the frame. The frame members may be bent or angled in a plurality of configurations to achieve a desired shape for the table frame. Sections of the frame members may also include apertures through which fasteners may be threaded to connect two frame members at right angles.
US08939091B2 Display rack
A display rack capable of being transformed between a first configuration, in which a plurality of rack boxes are arranged in tiers and a second configuration, in which the plurality of rack boxes are vertically arranged in line, the display rack comprising an upper rack having an upper rack box and an upper back plate for holding the upper rack box, a lower rack having a lower rack box and a lower back plate for holding the lower rack box, and a connection member for connecting the upper rack and the lower rack the connection member being rotatably supported at a horizontal line lower than the upper rack box on a front side of the upper back plate and a horizontal line higher than the lower box on a back side of the lower back plate.
US08939088B2 Bottom door opening-closing mechanism, bottom door device and drop-bottom hopper car
A bottom door opening-closing mechanism includes a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, a swing rod, a bottom door opening-closing drive cylinder and a transmission shaft. The swing rod is hinged to the second connecting rod and the piston rod of the bottom door opening-closing drive cylinder. One end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the second connecting rod, and the transmission shaft is connected to the second connecting rod. The cylinder body of the bottom door opening-closing drive cylinder is fixedly connected with a first locking hook, and the swing rod is fixedly connected with a second locking hook which can be caught by the first locking hook. A bottom door device and a drop-bottom hopper car are further provided. In the present invention, the first locking hook and the second locking hook are caught with each other to achieve a secondary locking. Such an arrangement has some advantages such as a simple structure and low manufacture and maintenance costs. Further, a secondary locking may be achieved while closing the bottom door only by controlling the bottom door opening-closing drive cylinder, so that the complexity of the control system is reduced.
US08939085B2 Monorail vehicle apparatus with gravity-augmented contact load
Apparatus and method for gravity-augmented preload of drive wheels in a monorail vehicle travelling along a guide rail bearing and contact surfaces that are non-parallel with the gravity vector. The vehicle has a structure defining a pivot location against the bearing surface, as well as first and second assemblies for engaging the rail on the bearing and contact surfaces, respectively. The vehicle is mounted so its center of gravity is at a rear longitudinal offset rrl from the pivot location and a vertical offset rvert from the guide rail. A force and moment balance thus created in a normal load on a drive wheel engaged with the bearing surface at the pivot location, where the load value exceeds a standard normal load generated by the mass of the monorail vehicle alone.
US08939083B1 Fuze safing system
The safing system employs a multi-axis accelerometer system and multi-axis gyroscope system and a processor that is programmed to iteratively read acceleration data from the accelerometer system and apply a multi-axis rotation on the acceleration data using gyroscope data iteratively read from the gyroscope system to generate rotationally corrected acceleration data and further programmed to calculate a cumulative distance measure using the rotationally corrected acceleration data. The processor then compares the cumulative distance measure with a predetermined reference measure and to issue a control signal to enable arming of the device when the cumulative distance measure exceeds the reference measure.
US08939082B2 Blasting arrangement
For use in a blasting system (10), a visible, throw-away, safety lockout device (30) which operates automatically, to interrupt power to the blasting system (10), upon the occurrence of one or more defined fault conditions.
US08939081B1 Ladar backtracking of wake turbulence trailing an airborne target for point-of-origin estimation and target classification
A weapon-locating ladar system estimates a backward trajectory of an airborne target by using flow field measurements to follow the wake turbulence trailing the airborne target from a position at which the target is detected backwards until the wake is no longer observable. The system may use the backward trajectory to estimate the point-of-origin of the target. The system may also use the flow field measurements along the backward trajectory to classify the target. Target classification may be used to refine the point-of-origin estimate, to influence counter-fire or to adapt the flow field measurements.
US08939079B2 First printing plate and second printing plate
Disclosed are a printing plate and a mirror thereof, the printing plate including: printing portions for transferring an immersed solution, the printing portions being formed flat and arranged at regular intervals on one side of an upper part of the printing plate; and non-printing portions corresponding to a remaining area other than the printing portions, the non-printing portions being formed with at least two concavities and convexities respectively and arranged at regular intervals on the other side of the upper part of the printing plate.
US08939077B2 Wiping device
A wiping device includes an intaglio cylinder, a cylinder cleaning device, and a wiping liquid supply device. The intaglio cylinder is rotatably supported. The cylinder cleaning device removes excess ink adhered to an outer surface of the intaglio cylinder. The wiping liquid supply device supplies a wiping liquid for cleaning to the cylinder cleaning device. The wiping liquid supply device includes a waste liquid tank, a new liquid tank, a first pump, and second pump. The waste liquid tank stores a waste wiping liquid discharged from the cylinder cleaning device. The new liquid tank stores a clean wiping liquid. The first pump supplies the clean wiping liquid from the new liquid tank to the cylinder cleaning device. The second pump supplies a supernatant liquid of the waste wiping liquid stored in the waste liquid tank and separated into a precipitate and the supernatant liquid to the cylinder cleaning device.
US08939065B2 Brew chamber packet ejector
A brew basket for a brewing apparatus is disclosed having a housing adapted to couple the brew basket to a brewing apparatus and a platform extending from the housing, the platform including a brewing chamber defined by a continuous peripheral wall and a perforated floor. The perforated floor is coupled to a vertically reciprocating member at a first end for raising and lowering the perforated floor of the brew basket with respect to the continuous peripheral wall, the vertically reciprocating member extending below a lowermost surface of the platform so that it can be raised by lowering the platform onto a flat surface.
US08939062B2 Double-acting hydraulic cylinder with integrated gas spring action and method for making the same
The invention relates to a method for constructing a gas-filled double-acting hydraulic cylinder (1) with gas spring action, comprising: —a cylinder sleeve (3) with a cylinder bottom (3a) and cylinder head (3b) —a piston/piston rod assembly (5) a hydraulic fluid seal on the piston (9) —a connection for the head-side chamber (13) to a hydraulic line; —a connection for the bottom-side chamber (15) to a hydraulic line, —a gland (20) with a bore, the gland being attached between the cylinder bottom (3a) and the piston (9), the piston rod (7) extending over the entire stroke of the piston rod through the bore, wherein the gland comprises two seals —(25), one for providing a seal with the cylinder sleeve (3) and one for providing a seal with the piston rod.
US08939058B1 Portable ballistic resistant shield
A portable ballistic resistant shield device is provided. The device includes an attachment portion for coupling the device to an arm of a user, wherein the user has full function of a hand of the arm the device is coupled to. The device may also include a shield member operatively coupled to the attachment portion, a securing mechanism operatively coupled between the attachment portion and the shield member and an activation switch coupled to the attachment portion and operatively connected to the securing mechanism. The shield member is moveable between a stored position and a deployed position, wherein the securing mechanism retains the shield member in the stored position and releases the shield member to automatically deploy in response to activating the activation switch.
US08939056B1 Systems, devices, and/or methods for managing targeted payload descent
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, providing a guided descent from a release zone and toward an entry zone.
US08939045B2 Control pedal assembly
A control pedal assembly includes a pedal bracket, a control pedal, an urging device and a communicating portion. The pedal bracket is secured to a vehicle body and has a housing space. The control pedal is swingably supported by a support shaft disposed in the housing space of the pedal bracket. The urging device is to urge the control pedal toward a rear of a vehicle body. The communicating portion is provided at a rear of the support shaft relative to the vehicle body between the control pedal and the pedal bracket to connect a space above the control pedal and a space below the control pedal.
US08939043B2 Linear actuator
Linear actuator comprising a housing (1) consisting of at least two parts (1 a, 1 b) a mounting console (2) a reversible motor (7) with a transmission (22), a spindle (5) which over the transmission is driven by the motor, a bearing (16) for embedding the spindle (5), a spindle nut (6) secured against rotation on the spindle, an outer tube (3) which surrounds the spindle, an activation element (4) telescopically mounted in the outer tube (3) and connected to the spindle nut (6), a front mounting (8) on the outer end of the activation element (4), a rear mounting (9) arranged in the housing. In the rear mounting (9) is a seat for the bearing (31) of the spindle. The motor (7), the transmission (22) and the outer tube (3) is secured to the console (2). The mounting console (2) is constructed as a separate element around which the two parts (1a, 1 b) of the housing is assembled and the mounting console (2) constitutes alone the bearing chassis of the actuator. Thus a possibility for a compact actuator with low manufacturing costs together with high performance and quality properties is achieved.
US08939042B2 Scotch yoke arrangement
A portable, refrigerant recovery unit for transferring refrigerant from a refrigeration system to a storage tank. The recovery unit includes two, opposed piston heads rigidly attached to respective piston rods that extend along a common fixed axis. The piston rods are rigidly attached to the yoke member of a scotch yoke arrangement. In operation, incoming refrigerant from the system is simultaneously and continuously directed to the opposing piston heads wherein the forces of the pressurized refrigerant on them counterbalance or neutralize one another. The scotch yoke arrangement includes a two-piece slide mechanism mounted about a cylindrical crank pin and a single piston embodiment is additionally disclosed.
US08939041B2 Nanomechanical testing system
An automated testing system includes systems and methods to facilitate inline production testing of samples at a micro (multiple microns) or less scale with a mechanical testing instrument. In an example, the system includes a probe changing assembly for coupling and decoupling a probe of the instrument. The probe changing assembly includes a probe change unit configured to grasp one of a plurality of probes in a probe magazine and couple one of the probes with an instrument probe receptacle. An actuator is coupled with the probe change unit, and the actuator is configured to move and align the probe change unit with the probe magazine and the instrument probe receptacle. In another example, the automated testing system includes a multiple degree of freedom stage for aligning a sample testing location with the instrument. The stage includes a sample stage and a stage actuator assembly including translational and rotational actuators.
US08939037B2 Embedded data acquisition
Embodiments are generally directed to methods and apparatuses having electronic device cover glass that includes embedded sensors. In particular, one embodiment may take the form of a device having a device housing and a cover glass coupled to the device housing. The device includes a plurality of sensors coupled to the cover glass and configured to acquire data related to stress and strain experienced by the cover glass. The plurality of sensors is embedded within the cover glass.
US08939036B2 System and method for airflow sensing and monitoring using manometer with special readout scale
A system and method for measuring the airflow in an air handling unit, includes placing two sensor tubes having apertures along the thereof at specific locations within the air handling unit that, when attached to a manometer, measuring the differential pressure loss across the two locations and, by means of a special readout scale, providing the airflow through the air handling unit.
US08939035B2 Multiphase metering system
A multi-phase fluid is passed through a Coriolis flowmeter and a watercut meter. The multi-phase fluid includes two phases during a first time period and three phases during a second time period. It is determined that the multi-phase fluid includes two phases during the first time period, and a first value of a parameter of the multi-phase fluid is determined using a value measured by the Coriolis flowmeter during the first time period. A second value of a parameter of the multi-phase fluid is determined using a value measured by the watercut meter during the first time period. The first value is compared to the second value, and it is determined, based on the comparison, that the first value and the second value are inconsistent with each other.
US08939033B2 Flow meter system and method for measuring an amount of liquid in a largely gaseous multiphase flow
Both a flow meter system and method are provided for accurately measuring the percentage amounts of liquid and gas phases in a multiphase flow through a conduit when the liquid phase constitutes a small minority portion (e.g., less than about 20%) of the multiphase flow. The system includes a flow meter that includes a differential pressure sensor connected across a Venturi in the conduit, and a dual energy fraction meter, each of which is operably connected to a digital processor. The system further includes a pump connected to the conduit upstream of the flow meter that introduces at least one pulse of a known quantity of liquid, the pulse being sufficient in volume to temporarily increase the liquid phase by a detectable amount. After the liquid pulse is introduced into the multi-phase flow, the digital processor computes the changes in the percentage amounts of the liquid and gas phases which should have occurred as a result of the pulse, and compares the computed changes with the actual changes measured by the flow meter in order to calibrate the flow meter. The measured increase in the liquid flow is then subtracted from the total measured liquid flow to determine the actual percentage of liquid flow.
US08939032B2 Mobile anchor tester
A mobile anchor tester for testing an earth anchor or a deadman or any other suitable assembly. A mobile system is provided for testing in-ground anchors, the system including a mobile platform, such as a trailer or the bed of a pickup truck having a horizontal support surface spaced above the ground. A pair of adjustable leg assemblies are provided engaging the rear end of the mobile anchor tester. The legs are adjustable, typically having hydraulic cylinders engaged therewith. The adjustable leg assemblies will extend from the back or rear end of the mobile platform to the ground. An anchor testing assembly engaged with the horizontal support surface on the mobile platform has a cable at the removed end thereof. The cable includes a hook to engage the in-ground anchor.
US08939029B2 MEMS sensor with movable Z-axis sensing element
A MEMS sensor includes a substrate and a MEMS structure coupled to the substrate. The MEMS structure has a mass movable with respect to the substrate. The MEMS sensor also includes a reference structure electrically coupled to the mass of the MEMS sensor. The reference structure is used to provide a reference to offset any environmental changes that may affect the MEMS sensor in order to increase the accuracy of its measurement.
US08939027B2 Acceleration sensor
An acceleration sensor includes an acceleration detector, a first fixed portion and a second fixed portion, and first to fourth beams that connect the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion to the acceleration detector. A support substrate includes a fixed first substrate piece, a movable second substrate piece, and a hinge that connects the first substrate piece and the second substrate piece to each other. The longitudinal direction of the acceleration detector extends along the direction perpendicular to a detection axis thereof, and a central portion of the acceleration detector in the short-side direction overlaps with the hinge in the short-side direction. The length of the second substrate piece along the longitudinal direction of the hinge is greater than the length of the second substrate piece along the short-side direction of the hinge.
US08939026B2 Frequency modulated micro gyro
A sensing device comprises a rotationally oscillating proof mass resonator and a detector resonator. The detector resonator, actuated to produce an oscillating signal, is coupled to the proof mass resonator and the frequency of the oscillating signal is modulated by a change of motion of the proof mass resonator.
US08939025B2 Adaptive modifications in micro opto-electro-mechanical systems
A micro-opto-electromechanical rotation rate sensor (MOERRS) device, in which a rotation rate sensor is associated with peripheral circuitry. The magnitude of the output signal of the MOERRS is adaptable to correspond to a range of mechanical stimuli to which the sensor is sensitive, in order to accommodate the signal magnitude to the dynamic range available in the MOERRS device. The signal emanating from the rotation rate sensor is facilitated to exploit the dynamic range of said MOERRS device, by modifying some properties of one or more items on the MOERRS.
US08939022B2 Level indicator
A level indicator having a support, a thick-film resistor network arranged on the support, a bow that carries a contact structure that produces, depending on the position of the bow, an electrical signal in the thick-film resistor network, a lever arm that is retained in the bow and has a float on its other end. The float has a seat for the lever arm. The lever arm has a pivoting range in a first plane. The float has a second plane that is perpendicular and that extends perpendicular to the first plane and through the center of mass of the float. The float is mounted on the lever arm to be positionally immobile. The seat for the lever arm is arranged in a region of the float which is arranged on the side of the second plane that faces away from the seat of the bow and that is delimited by the second plane and the outer periphery of the float.
US08939018B2 Analyzing device and method for controlling same
An analyzing device includes a feeder connected to a container in which a sample is contained for sucking the sample from the container and feeding the sample, and a controller for performing control for feeding from the feeder to a measurer. In measuring the sample, the controller performs control so that results of a plurality of times of measurement are obtained with respect to the single container in which the sample is contained, without changing the container. This arrangement allows quick accuracy check.
US08939016B2 Flow sentinel
A flow sentinel for improved remote monitoring and control of the flow in a water line serving a residential or commercial structure comprises: (1) a watertight case having a first side and a second side oppositely placed; (2) a water inlet positioned in the first side of the watertight case; (3) a water outlet positioned in the second side of the watertight case; (4) a water flow meter in operable contact with the water inlet and the water outlet; (5) at least one means for display and/or remote transmission of the flow rate of the water; (6) an alarm; (7) means for shutting off the flow in a water line; and (8) means for powering the water flow meter.
US08939015B2 Testing imbibition of fluid
A convenient method of testing imbibition of one or more imbibant fluids by a matrix of particles with a fluid already therein, comprises making a body 4 of packed particles with a matrix fluid filling the interstices between the particles, placing an imbibant fluid in each of a plurality of capillaries 6, 7, partially inserting each capillary into the body 4 so that part of the capillary with imbibant fluid therein projects from the body 4 and observing time for fluid to be taken from each capillary into the body. The method allows comparison of multiple imbibant fluids by placing each fluid in a respective capillary.
US08939014B2 Identification and use of an isomorphously substituted molecular sieve material for gas separation
The identification, synthesis, and use of an isomorphously substituted molecular sieve material having structural frameworks substituted with a preselected substitution element for a framework element of the molecular sieve material can result in a preferred transport controlling window size range for the optimal separation of a target gas component from a gaseous mixture containing said target gas component.
US08939011B2 On-line analyzer for VOCs and method of using the same
The present invention relates to an on-line analyzer for VOCs in gas and method of using the same, comprising: a sampling device, a gas supply device and a refrigerating device connected to the sampling device and the gas supply device respectively; the on-line analyzer for VOCs in gas with two cryo-focuses in empty tubes and two detectors also comprises a gas flow control device connected to the sampling device and the gas-supply device respectively, an analyzing device connected to the gas flow control device, and a data acquisition and processing device connected to the analyzing device. Therefore, the present invention has a following advantage: the present invention runs automatically and continuously over a long period since it uses electronic refrigeration technique to achieve cryo-refrigeration, instead of using liquid nitrogen refrigeration technique which needs frequent addition of liquid nitrogen and limits application conditions.
US08939010B2 System and method for diagnosing faults in an oxygen sensor
A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an error period module and a sensor diagnostic module. The error period module determines an error period based on an amount of time that a first air/fuel ratio and a desired air/fuel ratio are different. A first oxygen sensor generates a first signal indicating the first air/fuel ratio. The sensor diagnostic module diagnoses a fault in the first oxygen sensor when the error period is greater than a predetermined period.
US08939008B2 Calibration artefact for calibrating an articulating probe head
A method of calibrating an articulating probe head comprising the steps of measuring an artifact of known dimensions with the workpiece sensing probe mounted on the articulating probe head, in which the articulating probe head is unlocked. An error functional map is generated corresponding to the difference between the measured and known dimensions of the artifact. Subsequent workpieces are measured with the articulating probe head unlocked and the corresponding correction applied. The true dimensions of the artifact may be determined by measuring it with a probe mounted on an articulating probe head in which the axes of the articulating probe head are locked. A mechanical lock is provided to lock the axes of the articulating probe head.
US08939007B2 Inertial force sensor and zero point correction method used therein
A detecting unit outputs an object signal corresponding to an inertial force. A corrected signal is generated by correcting the object signal. A first environment value is obtained at a first time point. A second environment value is obtained at a second time point after the first time point. An environment difference value which is a difference between the first and second environment values is calculated. An environment change detection signal is output when an absolute value of the environment difference value is larger than a predetermined determination threshold. A first averaged signal is output by averaging a corrected signal in a predetermined period continuing to the first time point. A second averaging signal is output by averaging the corrected signal in a predetermined period continuing to the second time point. An offset difference value which is a difference between the first and second averaged signals is calculated. The offset difference value is stored when the environment change detection signal is output. The corrected signal is generated by adding the stored offset difference value to the object signal. This method can easily reduce the output offset even if an environment, such as an ambient temperature, abruptly changes.
US08939006B2 Photoacoustic detector with long term drift compensation
A photoacoustic detector wherein control circuits compensate for long term variations of components therein including a light source and sensing microphones. The control circuits intermittently energize the source to evaluate changes in at least source resistance. The control circuits intermittently energize an acoustic generator to evaluate changes in one or more generator responsive microphones.
US08939003B2 Method and device for the production of a stamping with almost smooth cutting and enlarged functional surface
A method and device for production of stampings with an almost smooth cutting and enlarged functional surface, especially fine blanking and/or forming a workpiece out of a flat strip, wherein flat strip is clamped between an upper part consisting of a shearing punch, a pressure pad, a V-shaped projection and an ejector arranged on the pressure pad, and a lower part consisting of cutting die, ejector and an inner form stamp. By adjusting the state of stress in the cutting zone to a position oriented compressive stress by movement slightly retarded with regard to movement of the shearing punch additionally pressing in material in a direction almost perpendicular to the cutting direction by a tool element acting with controlled force depending on the part geometry and thickness of the workpiece parallel to the cutting line between shearing punch and cutting die, tears at cutting and reduced rollover are achieved.
US08938994B2 Method for re-establishing the symmetrical temperature profile at the exit from a bend in a feeder, and feeder for implementing the method
A method for re-establishing or tending to re-establish symmetrical distribution of temperatures between right-hand and left-hand sides of a cross section of a flow of molten glass that has been routed in a feeder including at least one bend area, thermal asymmetry having been induced by flowing round a bend. The feeder includes a flow channel, formed from refractory and insulative material elements and including a horizontal sole plate and two lateral walls, and a vault capping the channel, formed of a refractory roof and lateral parts including burners. In an area of each bend, the flow channel is modified by choosing a corresponding inclined sole plate portion, the inclination being chosen so that the flow channel is deeper in an outside region of the bend than in its inside region, heights of the two lateral walls of the channel being modified accordingly.
US08938993B2 Glass strengthening and patterning methods
High intensity plasma-arc heat sources, such as a plasma-arc lamp, are used to irradiate glass, glass ceramics and/or ceramic materials to strengthen the glass. The same high intensity plasma-arc heat source may also be used to form a permanent pattern on the glass surface—the pattern being raised above the glass surface and integral with the glass (formed of the same material) by use of, for example, a screen-printed ink composition having been irradiated by the heat source.
US08938988B2 Multichannel heat exchanger with dissimilar flow
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems and heat exchangers are provided that include multichannel tube configurations designed to promote flow of refrigerant within the multichannel tubes near the edges of the tubes that are contacted first by an external fluid. The tube configurations include flow paths of varying cross-sections, spacings, and sizes. Flow control mechanisms, such as inserts, blocking plates, sleeves, crimped sections, and crushed sections, may be employed with the flow paths to favor flow near the edges of the tubes that are contacted first by an external fluid.
US08938981B2 Vapor compression dehumidifier
A dehumidification apparatus comprises an air inlet configured to receive an inlet airflow that is separated into a process airflow and a bypass airflow. An evaporator unit is operable to cool the process airflow by facilitating heat transfer from the process airflow to a flow of refrigerant as the process airflow passes through the evaporator unit. A condenser unit operable to (1) reheat the process airflow by facilitating heat transfer from the flow of refrigerant to the process airflow as the process airflow passes through a first portion of the condenser unit, and (2) heat the bypass airflow by facilitating heat transfer from the flow of refrigerant to the bypass airflow as the bypass airflow passes through a second portion of the condenser unit. The process airflow is discharged into the structure via a process airflow outlet and the bypass airflow is discharged into the structure via a bypass airflow outlet.
US08938980B2 Integrated ice maker pump
A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, an ice maker disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, a pump fluidly connected to the ice maker and configured for pumping cooling media to the ice maker, and a motor operatively connected to the ice maker and configured to provide oscillating movement to the ice maker. The pump is operatively connected to the motor such that driving of the motor results in the pumping of the cooling media with the pump.
US08938976B2 Structural frame for gas turbine combustion cap assembly
An intermediate support frame (68) that spans an inner diameter of a support ring (48) of a gas turbine combustor cap assembly (24) at a position intermediate the length of the support ring. The intermediate support frame may have a central encirclement (72) that receives a central fuel pre-mix tube (44) of the combustor cap assembly, and may further have a circular array of outer stabilization rings (70) that each receive a respective outer pre-mix tube (42). The central pre-mix tube may be affixed to the central encirclement (72), for example by welding. The outer pre-mix tubes may be slidably engaged in the outer stabilization rings (70), providing lateral stability while allowing differential thermal expansion. The intermediate support frame may have holes (74) for coolant passage, and perimeter tabs (76) for attachment to the support ring (48).
US08938969B2 Combustor and rotating machine
A combustor includes: a combustor basket configured to surround a fuel nozzle from an outer circumferential side, and a plurality of connecting members formed in a circumferential direction at intervals to connect a rear end of the combustor basket and a casing and configured to define a flow path through which compressed air introduced into the combustor basket flows. A circulation direction of the compressed air flowing through the flow path is configured to be reversed at a rear end of the combustor basket and the compressed air is introduced into the fuel nozzle. The flow path is partially or entirely inclined in the circumferential direction to blow the compressed air.
US08938965B1 Thermal powered reciprocating-force motor
A thermal-powered reciprocating-force motor includes a shutter switchable between a first position that passes solar energy and a second position that blocks solar energy. A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator is coupled to the shutter to control switching thereof between the shutter's first and second position. The actuator is positioned with respect to the shutter such that (i) solar energy impinges on the SMA when the shutter is in its first position so that the SMA experiences contraction in length until the shutter is switched to its second position, and (ii) solar energy is impeded from impingement on the SMA when the shutter is in its second position so that the SMA experiences extension in length. Elastic members coupled to the actuator apply a force to the SMA that aids in its extension in length until the shutter is switched to its first position.
US08938962B2 Exhaust system
An exhaust system for an engine includes a first exhaust manifold configured to receive exhaust from the engine, a second exhaust manifold configured to receive exhaust from the engine in parallel with the first exhaust manifold, and at least two turbochargers configured to receive exhaust from the first and second exhaust manifolds. The system also includes a first turbocharger valve fluidly connected to one of the at least two turbochargers. The first turbocharger valve is configured to selectively fluidly connect the one of the at least two turbochargers to the first and second exhaust manifolds. The system further includes a recirculation circuit in fluid communication with the first exhaust manifold. The recirculation circuit includes a first recirculation valve configured to regulate passage of exhaust through the recirculation circuit.
US08938961B2 EGR flow sensor for an engine
A disclosed method of operating an engine may include discharging exhaust gas from at least one combustion chamber of the engine. The method may also include recirculating at least a portion of the exhaust gas to the at least one combustion chamber through an EGR system, including directing at least a portion of the exhaust gas through an EGR duct. Additionally, the method may include sensing pressure in a portion of the EGR duct by directing the pressure to a first pressure sensor via a first sensor passage having a first end connected to a portion of the EGR duct and a second end connected to the first pressure sensor, while maintaining a temperature of gas in the first sensor passage adjacent the second end at a bulk temperature of at least about 75 percent of a bulk temperature of gas in the first sensor passage at the first end.
US08938954B2 Integrated exhaust treatment device having compact configuration
An exhaust treatment device is disclosed. The exhaust treatment device has a compact configuration that includes integrated reactant dosing, reactant mixing and contaminant removal/treatment. The mixing can be achieved at least in part by a swirl structure and contaminant removal can include NOx reduction.
US08938953B2 Exhaust gas purifying method
A method of purifying an exhaust gas, includes: disposing a NOx trapping catalyst in an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine, the NOx trapping catalyst including: a metal substrate including cells, a corner portion of each of cells having an acute angle; and a catalyst layer supported in the metal substrate and including a noble metal, a heat-resistant inorganic oxide and a NOx trapping material, the catalyst layer having pores formed by addition of a pore formation promoting material, and the NOx trapping catalyst: adsorbing NOx in the exhaust gas when an exhaust air-fuel ratio is in a lean state; and desorbing and reducing the adsorbed NOx when the exhaust air-fuel ratio is in a stoichiometric state or a rich state; and removing the NOx by the exhaust air-fuel ratio being shifted between the lean state and the rich state.
US08938951B2 Device for storing and supplying ammonia and exhaust line equipped with such a device
A device for storing and supplying ammonia to an exhaust line of an automobile vehicle, includes a solid material provided for absorbing the ammonia, a reservoir for storing the solid material, and a heating unit to heat the solid material to desorb the ammonia. The solid material comprises solid elements with a mass of less than 50 grams. The heating unit is insulated from the reservoir. The device also includes a first assembly for transferring solid elements from the reservoir to the heating unit.
US08938950B2 Turbocharger mixing manifold for an exhaust aftertreatment system for a locomotive having a two-stroke locomotive diesel engine
A turbocharger mixing manifold for an exhaust aftertreatment system for a two-stroke locomotive diesel engine providing for a transition of a non-uniform exhaust gas flow field exiting a turbocharger into a regulated, uniform exhaust gas stream with minimal aerodynamic losses and an even distribution (mixing) of hydrocarbons in liquid, gas or burning states in order to ensure optimal performance of the attached exhaust aftertreatment system.
US08938940B2 Crop divider for an agricultural harvesting head
A crop divider (110, 112) for an agricultural harvesting head (100) is pivotally coupled to a ground engaging arm (136) that is pivotally coupled to a frame (102) of the agricultural harvesting head (100). A mechanical link (154) is also coupled to both the crop divider (110, 112) and to the frame (102) to support the crop divider (110, 112) as the ground engaging arm (136) pivots up and down.
US08938936B2 Method and device for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks and dosing and packaging unit
Disclosed is a method for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks, wherein a product flow of polysilicon chunks is transported via a feed channel, separated by at least one screen into coarse and fine chunks, weighed and dosed to a target weight by a dosing balance, discharged via a discharge channel and transported to a packaging unit where a first plastic bag is filled with the polysilicon chunks and sealed, the plastic bag containing polysilicon chunks being packaged with a further plastic bag which is formed by a shaper and subsequently welded, wherein the at least one screen and the dosing balance at least partially include a hard metal on their surfaces and the shaper for forming the plastic bag includes a wear-resistant coating. Also disclosed are a dosing unit, a packaging unit and a device for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks, which contains a dosing unit and a packaging unit.
US08938934B2 Corner post application system
A corner post application system comprises a conveyor subsystem and an enveloping machine adapted to envelope the plurality of units with a material. The system further includes a swing arm, an applicator arm coupled to the swing arm and adapted to move linearly, a corner post gripper coupled to the applicator arm, and a controller. The controller rotates the swing arm about a vertical axis until a corner post held by the corner post gripper is aligned with adjacent sides that define a corner of the load. The controller thereafter stops rotation of the swing arm and moves the applicator arm linearly toward the corner of the load until the corner post held by the corner post gripper contacts the adjacent sides of the load. A sensor may be included for detecting a corner of the load, with the controller aligning the corner post based on detection by the sensor.
US08938932B1 Rail-less roof mounting system
A rail-less roof mounting system for installing photovoltaic (PV) modules on a roof structure comprises a base mount assembly that engages with a clamp assembly and attaches to the roof structure. The base mount assembly comprises a base member having a waterproof means, a block slider, a top slider and a covering means. An elevated seal portion of a block slider includes a borehole to receive the waterproof means. A vertical engaging portion of the block slider is attached with a sliding seal member of the top slider. The clamp assembly includes a clamp member and a plate member and the clamp member is attached with a track of the top slider. The clamp member interlocks the PV modules to provide a corner-to-corner coupling arrangement, which enables the connection of PV module corners to adjacent PV module corners by sandwiching above and beneath frame members of the PV modules.
US08938929B2 Set of panels with clip
The present subject matter relates to a set of panels, in particular floor panels, including a first panel and at least one second panel, wherein the panels have a first edge and a second edge; the first edge and the second edge are configured to establish a connection between the first and the second panels; the first edge includes a lower lip with a step; the second edge includes a downwardly open locking groove, which in a connected state of the panels, or of the edges, cooperates with the step and ensures a lock in a horizontal direction; the connection can be established by a vertical relative movement of the panels with respect to each other; a separate clip is provided which is disposed on the first edge and includes a movable clip head and a clip base.
US08938928B2 Roofing batten snap spacer
At least one embodiment of the invention describes roofing batten snap spacers that elevate a roofing batten from a roof. In one or more embodiments, the roofing batten snap spacer includes a base element having a first vertical height and having a first side, an opposing side, a first end and an opposing end. According to at least one embodiment, the base element couples with a roofing batten and elevates the roofing batten. The roofing batten may comprise an elongated portion of material having a top surface, a bottom surface and a portion therebetween of a second vertical height, such that the material couples with a roofing material. In at least one embodiment, the base element elevates the roofing batten from a roof by the first vertical height. This enables the roofing material to be offset from the roof by a sum of the first and second vertical heights.
US08938925B2 Insulating floor underlayment
A flooring material having a textile pad substructure with a density of greater than 10 pounds per cubic foot is provided. The textile pad has reinforcement and binding fibers. The binding fibers are thermoplastic and are used to bind the reinforcement fibers together. The pad is created by heating and compressing a fibrous textile batt so that it has a density of greater than 13 pounds per cubic foot.
US08938924B1 Standing seam metal panel roof recover
Metal panel standing seam roof recovers installed over existing metal panel standing seam roof. The metal panel standing seam roof recover system comprises a plurality of recover panel clips mounted to the existing roof and a recover attached to the recover panel clips. The recover panel clips are arranged in linear arrays running along the pitch of the existing roof. The recover panel clips are mounted to the cover panels by a clip fastener extending through a cover sidelap or through a shoulder adjacent a cover sidelap formed in the standing seam metal panels of the existing roof. The recover comprises a plurality of elongated metal recover panels having upstanding sides defining lateral edges with a trough therebetween. The recover panels are interconnected along adjacent lateral edges by sidelaps formed on the recover panel clips.
US08938918B2 Raised floor system grounding
A raised floor pedestal including a base configured to sit on a floor; and a post extending up from the base. The post includes a metal member having a general tube shape. A top of the post forms a support surface configured to support a portion of a raised floor system thereon. A side of the post includes an integrally formed ground conductor connector piece extending therefrom. The ground conductor connector piece is configured to have an electrical ground conductor connected directly thereto.
US08938912B2 Door actuator
A power boost assembly is disclosed that can be used with a door actuator, such as a door closer. The power boost assembly is structured to store an energy during a first movement of a door and release the stored energy during a second movement of the door. In one form the power boost assembly can be structured as a module that can be added to an existing door and door closer installation. In one form the power boost assembly is used to increase a closing force imparted to a door to ensure a latching event.
US08938911B2 Device for sprouting
A device for sprouting includes an element (1; 101; 201) with opposing first and second openings (2, 7; 102, 7; 202, 7), a water and air-permeable material layer (15; 215), wherein the material layer (15; 215) can be removably mounted on the element (1; 101; 201) so that it covers the first opening (2; 102; 202) of the element (1; 101; 201). The device is characterized in that the element (1; 101; 201) is shell-shaped and extends continuously between the first and second openings (2, 7; 102, 7; 202, 7), and the second opening (7) can be closed.
US08938907B2 Anti-snag fishing device
Anti-snag fishing devices suitable for attachment to a fishing hook are disclosed. The fishing hook has a hook eye, a shank, at least one curved hook section and at least one hook point. The anti-snag fishing device includes an elongated body member which when fitted to the fishing hook forms an arc which projects upwardly from at or near the hook eye, reaches its highest point above the plane of the hook point substantially parallel to the shank, then projects downwardly passing by and under the hook point, where it terminates behind the curved section of the fishing hook.
US08938906B2 Winter fish traps and methods of using the same
Winter fish traps and methods of using the same are disclosed. A method of trapping fish is provided that includes locating a substantially immobile group of fish in a body of water, providing a semi-rigid water-permeable trap having a bottom opening, lowering the trap opening over the group of fish onto a bottom surface of the body of water to trap the group of fish, remotely operating a semi-rigid door to cover the trap opening while the fish trap is resting on the bottom surface, and retrieving the fish trap from the body of water.
US08938903B2 Firearm barrel having cartridge chamber preparation facilitating efficient cartridge case extraction and protection against premature bolt failure
To permit ease and efficiency for the extraction of spent cartridge cases from the cartridge chamber of a firearm barrel within a wide range of temperature conditions, the internal tapered surface of the body region of a cartridge chamber is prepared by establishing circumferentially spaced longitudinal straight or curved regions of the internal surface finish to create an internal cartridge chamber geometry having gradually tapered spaced longitudinally relieved linear or spiral areas having longitudinal linear or spiral lands between each of the relieved areas. The circumferentially spaced lands develop controlled impedance to rearward cartridge case movement on cartridge firing to effectively protect the bolt and extractor mechanisms of the firearm against early failure.
US08938898B2 Devices for the identification of medical products
Devices in which components of medical kits are carried are identifiable by means other than by the naked eye. The means for identification is attached to or integral with the device and may comprise raised and lowered surfaces that can be read by touch; serrations disposed on an edge or surface; a fluorescent coating viewable under infrared or ultraviolet light; or a pattern that is viewable using a thermal imaging device such as night vision goggles. A package for retaining a medical item includes an identifying element of a material that is selectively viewable in response to light attributes of the material. A device for the visual identification of a package containing a medical item includes an identifying element comprising a material that is visually discernible in reduced-light environments via the use of night vision devices.
US08938894B2 Automatically adjustable snowthrower chute
A snowthrower includes a body, a chute rotatable relative to the body among multiple chute positions, wherein the chute is configured to discharge snow from the snowthrower, a motor for rotating the chute, a chute position detector configured to detect a current chute position, a compass sensor configured to detect a snowthrower bearing, and an electronic control unit configured to, in a compass guidance operating mode, control the motor to move the chute to an appropriate chute position to maintain the chute at a preferred chute bearing in response to a comparison of the snowthrower bearing detected by the compass sensor and the current chute position detected by the chute position detector.
US08938893B2 Athletic positioning apparatus and applications thereof
An apparatus includes a heel section, a mid-foot section, and a toe section. The heel section, the mid-foot section, and the toe section collectively have a geometric shape having a first slope of a polarity along an inner edge of the apparatus from the toe section to the heel section and a second slope of the polarity along the inner edge of the apparatus to an outer edge of the apparatus at the toe section.
US08938892B2 Systems for activating and/or authenticating electronic devices for operation with footwear and other uses
Articles of footwear and footwear systems include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or for performing other functions. Such systems and methods may use physical or other interaction(s) between the module and the article of footwear for activating and/or deactivating the module and/or sensing devices included with the module, for confirming whether the module and footwear are authorized for use with one another, and/or for automatic data algorithm selection methods. Additionally, such systems and methods also may use the activation and/or authentication systems for the module for data input to the module. Some examples of such systems and methods may utilize magnets and magnetic sensing systems and/or light (or other radiation) sources and sensing systems for activation, authentication, data input, and/or algorithm selection.
US08938884B2 Electric hair grooming appliance including touchscreen
An electric hair grooming appliance is configured to have one or more operations to facilitate grooming of hair. The electric hair grooming appliance includes a control circuit, and a touchscreen for receiving one or more inputs from a user and to facilitate communication between the user and the control circuit. The touchscreen is configured to send one or more command signals to the control circuit in response to receiving the one or more inputs from the user. The control circuit is configured to control one or more operations of the electric hair grooming appliance in response to receiving one or more of the command signals.
US08938880B2 Method of manufacturing an integrated cold plate for electronics
A cold plate is manufactured by obtaining a base plate with a top surface, a bottom surface, and an edge. An inlet trough and an outlet trough are machined in the top surface. Fins are cut into the base plate with a tool that contacts the base plate in either the inlet trough and the outlet trough and then exits the base plate in the other of the inlet trough and the outlet trough. An inlet nozzle indent is machined from the inlet trough to the edge of the base plate, and an outlet nozzle indent is machined from the outlet trough to the edge of the base plate. A cover covers the inlet and outlet nozzle indents, and an inlet nozzle and outlet nozzle are secured to the inlet and outlet nozzle indents.
US08938876B2 Method of mounting a circuit board
Various circuit board sockets and methods of manufacturing and using the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes forming a socket that is operable to receive a circuit board. The socket includes a surface for seating a first portion of a circuit board, a floor and a first support structure projecting away from the floor to support a second portion of the circuit board. The support structure includes a plurality of nested frames. In another aspect, a socket with a with socket cover coupled to a socket housing is disclosed. The socket housing includes a support structure to support a portion of the socket cover.
US08938875B2 Component aligning apparatus and electronic component manufacturing method
A component aligning apparatus includes a component aligning jig, in which electronic components to be aligned have a rectangular parallelepiped shape whose length dimension is L, width dimension is W, and thickness dimension is T, the component aligning jig includes electronic component accommodating recesses opening on a surface, the depth Z of the accommodating recesses is shorter than the length L of the electronic components so that a single electronic component is held in each of the electronic component accommodating recesses while partially projecting upwards from each of the recesses with the WT surface on one side facing up, and letting s be the shortest separation that is larger than the thickness T and is the narrowest distance between opposing inside surfaces of each of the accommodating recesses when each of the accommodating recesses is seen in plan view, W>S>T.
US08938870B1 Convertible high/lower pressure outdoor cooking apparatus, kit, and method
An outdoor cooking apparatus includes a frame having a base for engaging an underlying support surface, a cooking surface for receiving a pot and a wind guard having upper and lower edges and a side wall or walls. A first removable support bracket removably attaches to the wind guard, the first bracket supporting a low pressure burner element. A second removable support bracket removably attaches to the wind guard. The second bracket supporting a high pressure burner element includes: i) a cylindrically shaped, vertically oriented tube having a tube wall that surrounds an open ended bore of uniform diameter, the bore communicating with upper and lower end openings, ii) a high pressure gaseous fuel nozzle supported within the open ended bore, the nozzle having a nozzle opening spaced inwardly of the tube wall, iii) a fuel supply tube that enables transmission of a gaseous fuel to the nozzle.
US08938861B1 Removably attachable button
A removably attachable button includes a pin assembly and a cap assembly. The pin assembly has a pair of pins which releasably engage the cap assembly. The cap assembly has a front surface which has the appearance of a button and a rear surface which accepts the pin assembly. The button is utilized to embellish or to replace a missing button on a piece of clothing without needing to access sewing equipment.
US08938857B2 Slide hinge
To provide a slide hinge which can be easily attached to a door or a cabinet main body of honeycomb cardboard, on which attaching screws do not work well, and which is further devised to eliminate a risk of escape from the door after the fixation, fittings enabling a coupling case to be attached to the door even without attaching screws or nails are provided; furthermore, each of the fittings comprises an attaching case part integrally connected to each side portion of the coupling case, and an fitting for each attaching case part; then, this fitting comprises a locking plate housed into the attaching case part and a diameter expanding means pushing out craw portions of the locking plate; the diameter expanding means further comprises an operating plate with pressurizing portions protruding on an outer circumference and a cap locked by a locking plate on each attaching case part.
US08938855B2 Gear hinge device for portable apparatus
Disclosed is a gear hinge device employed in a portable apparatus including first and second housings. The gear hinge device connects the first and second housings in such a manner such that the first and second housings can be rotated about first and second hinge axes, respectively. The gear hinge device includes: a first driving unit comprising a first driving cam gear that is rotated about the first hinge axis and a second driving unit comprising a second driving cam gear that is engaged with the first driving cam gear and rotated about the second hinge axis that is parallel to the first hinge axis and a flexible auxiliary gear that is arranged coaxially to the second driving cam gear.
US08938850B1 Stair vacuum device
A stair vacuum device for automatically vacuuming stairs includes a pair of vacuum units coupled together by a connector. Each vacuum unit comprises a vacuum housing having a slot extending through a bottom surface of the vacuum housing. A plurality of side rollers is coupled to the vacuum housing for moving the vacuum housing in a first direction. A plurality of forward rollers is coupled to the vacuum housing for moving the vacuum housing in a second direction transverse to the first direction. A suction device is coupled to and positioned in the vacuum housing such that the suction device provides suction through the slot in the vacuum housing. The connector couples the vacuum units together in spaced relationship wherein the vacuum units move in tandem to vacuum the adjacent stair surfaces simultaneously.
US08938845B2 Liquid heating device with two flow paths for an automobile
The invention relates to a liquid heating device for an automobile that comprises two independent liquid flow paths (10a, 10b) integrally formed in at least one part (1a) made of a heat-conducting material, each liquid flow path (10a) being capable of enabling a flow of liquid between a connection terminal defining an inlet and a connection terminal defining an outlet (12a, 12b), each of the connection terminals being capable of sealingly receiving a liquid supply duct or tube, and a heating means (14) thermally coupled with said part (1a) and capable of heating said part (1a) so that the liquid flowing through said flow paths can absorb the heat of said part (1a). The invention advantageously enables the very flexible use thereof for one or more systems requiring heated liquid inside a single vehicle.
US08938844B1 Vehicle and utility drying cloth
A drying cloth for drying a large vehicle or structure. The drying cloth may be made of absorbent fabric sewn to form a fabric shell with a hollow center extending between a first and a second opening. The drying cloth may also have a pole opening formed therethrough mid-way between the first opening and the second opening and a first seam edge and a second seam edge extending between the pole opening and the second opening to cooperatively form an openable seam. The openable seam may be placed in an attached and an unattached configuration via attaching and detaching attachment devices of the drying cloth. The drying cloth may be attachable to a cleaning tool having an elongated handle and an end fixture attached to the handle. The elongated handle may fit through the pole opening and the drying cloth is sized to loosely fit over the end fixture.
US08938841B1 Tooth brushing system
A tooth brushing system for effectively removing debris and bacteria has an elongated linear handle with a conical flossing brush pivotally located on a handle second end. The system has a tooth brush head with a generally spherical surface with a brush head first side and a brush head second side each having a pair of angular notches and an angular secondary projection linearly located from the brush head top side to the brush head bottom side. A plurality of bristles of a first length is located on a tooth brush head spherical surface. A plurality of bristles of a second length, smaller than the first length, is located on the surfaces of the angular notches, and the angular secondary projections.
US08938840B2 Hygienic door handle system and method
The invention provides a system and method for self-cleaning a door handle (4) by utilizing the kinetic energy of opening a door (1). A cable (3), for example a multi-link chain, fixed to the door frame (2) and a gear assembly (10, 11, 12) is provided such that linear displacement of said cable is converted to potential energy in response to movement of said door. The invention provides a means for rotating a drive roller (5) to co-operate with the door handle to clean said door handle, only when the door handle is released and the door is closing or closed. The potential energy provides the energy to enable the rotation of the drive roller.
US08938832B2 Wheel weight tool
A wheel weight tool includes a handle connected to a hammer head on a first end and having a first hook on a second end. The first hook may be adapted for removing a wheel weight. The hammer head has a soft end and a hard end. The hard end may include a second hook.
US08938826B2 Patient positioning support structure
A patient support system includes independently adjustable columns supporting a hinged bending or breaking patient support structure. At least one column includes at least two sections. A coordinated drive system provides for upwardly breaking and downwardly breaking orientations of the two sections in various inclined and tilted positions.
US08938821B2 Coupler for improved flow to an external drain
A bushing (58) has an entry portion (68) which is secured to a urinal housing (50) and an exit portion (70) which faces a drain pipe (54, 54a, 54b). The entry portion interior surface (74) is fittable about and sealingly grips the urinal exit tube (52). The interiors of the entry and exit portions lie on a common axis (58x) and with the axis (52x) of the urinal exit tube. These axes define a sloped incline and, thus, a built-in, gravitationally-directed downwardly-disposed inclination. Because the axes usually do not fall on the axis (56x) of the conduit, they are angled and offset from the conduit axis. The offset of the bushing raises it above the axis of the conduit. Tubing (60, 60a) is secured at its end (62, 62a) to the bushing exit portion so that the tubing axis at its end (62, 62a) similarly is raised above the conduit axis. The tubing extends from the bushing at an incline that is determined by the built-in incline of the bushing. This tubing is smaller in its outer diameter than the inner diameter of the conduit so that the tubing can pass through the conduit and into the drain pipe. The interior surface (74) of the bushing is offset from its outer surface which is secured to the conduit. Thus, the tubing is allowed to ensure that the conduit will not so contact the tubing as to deleteriously affect the downward inclination of the tubing. An orientation indicator tab (92) on the bushing ensures that its inclined orientation is properly positioned vis-a-vis the conduit. The exterior surfaces of the bushing are designed to enable it to fit within a variety of conduits, to accommodate new and existing connections such as flanges and hardware associated with the drain pipe, to ensure its durability, and to otherwise enable retrofitting to new and existing installations.
US08938818B2 Sports helmet
A football helmet includes a plastic shell having an offset band extending around a rear region of the shell and above the lower edge surface of the shell. The offset band includes an offset band wall having an inner band surface offset from an inner shell wall surface, and an outer band surface offset from and outer shell wall surface. A pair of angled transition walls extends between the offset band wall and a rear region of the shell. The shell also includes a raised central band integrally formed as part of the shell and extending across the crown region to the rear region.
US08938814B2 Glove, and method for producing the same
A glove comprising a glove body made from fibers; and a plurality of convexities fixed at least on the palm side area of the external surface of the glove body, the convexities comprising a base material made of a rubber or a resin, and a filler contained in the base material.
US08938812B1 Deodorant stain protector for clothing
A pair of protectors or shields for protecting an exterior of clothing from deodorant stains or smudges while getting dressed is disclosed. The shield is constructed of a material/materials that, when worn, cover and shield deodorant-covered areas of armpits of the user while the user is getting dressed. A strap is provided on each shield, the strap typically positioned on respective shoulders, and which hold the deodorant shields in place in the armpits. After the user finishes donning clothes and the clothes are in place, the deodorant shields are removed. Disposable and reusable deodorant shields are disclosed.