| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08999078B2 |
Forging heat resistant steel, manufacturing method thereof, forged parts and manufacturing method thereof
A forging heat resistant steel of an embodiment contains in percent by mass C: 0.05-0.2, Si: 0.01-0.1, Mn: 0.01-0.15, Ni: 0.05-1, Cr: 8 or more and less than 10, Mo: 0.05-1, V: 0.05-0.3, Co: 1-5, W: 1-2.2, N: 0.01 or more and less than 0.015, Nb: 0.01-0.15, B: 0.003-0.03, and a remainder comprising Fe and unavoidable impurities. |
| US08999073B2 |
Medical implement cleaning device
A device for cleaning a site of a luer activated valve (LAV) is disclosed. The device can include a cap having an inner cavity for receiving a site of the LAV. The cap can be formed to provide at least one aperture to the inner cavity when the site is received into the inner cavity. The device can also include one or more protrusions that extend inwardly from the cap to engage the site to maintain the cap on the site. The device can also include a cleaning agent that occupies some of the inner cavity. The cleaning agent can be formulated to clean the site as the inner cavity receives the site and when the cap is maintained on the site. The device can further include a removable seal that seals the cleaning agent within the inner cavity prior to the inner cavity of the cap receiving the site. |
| US08999070B2 |
Blockage removal apparatus and method
The invention provides a method and apparatus for removing a blockage from a fluid conduit. An apparatus comprises a first portion containing a fluid volume separated from the fluid conduit via a controllable valve. The valve is cyclically opened and closed such that a pressure differential between the first portion and the fluid conduit causes a series of pressure pulses in the fluid conduit. The pressure differential is regulated to control the amplitude of the pressure pulses of the series. |
| US08999069B2 |
Method for producing cleaning water for an electronic material
A method for producing cleaning water for an electronic material, includes obtaining oxygen gas and argon gas from air with a PSA oxygen concentration apparatus, dissolving the oxygen gas and argon gas obtained from the PSA oxygen concentration apparatus in pure water or ultrapure water. A concentration of dissolved oxygen is in a range of 8 to 50 mg/L, and a content of dissolved argon gas is in a range of 2 to 50 volume % of a total amount of dissolved oxygen gas and the dissolved argon gas. |
| US08999067B2 |
Fractionation of a lignocellulosic material
A method for fractionating a lignocellulosic material, the method comprising; contacting (2) the lignocellulosic material with an ionic liquid (3) and dissolving the lignocellulosic material therein, providing a second liquid (7) which is immiscible with the ionic liquid and is also a non-solvent for cellulose, adding the second liquid to the ionic liquid so as to form a biphasic system (6) which comprises an ionic liquid phase essentially free of lignocellulose and a second liquid phase comprising lignin in solution and cellulose as a precipitate, separating the two phases and recovering (8) the precipitated cellulose from the separated second liquid phase. |
| US08999054B2 |
Method of manufacturing aluminum flake pigment, aluminum flake pigment obtained by the manufacturing method and grinding media employed for the manufacturing method
In order to provide a method of manufacturing an aluminum flake pigment having a small mean particle size as well as high brightness, a method of manufacturing an aluminum flake pigment including a step of flaking aluminum powder in an organic solvent with a grinder having grinding media, which grinding media contain steel ball grinding media formed by spherical media consisting of a material including steel and having diameters in the range of 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, is provided. The mean particle size (D50Al) of this aluminum powder is preferably in the range of 1.0 to 10.0 μm. Further, this grinder is preferably a ball mill. |
| US08999053B2 |
Solution comprising propyl-functional alkali siliconates, silicates and method of production thereof
The invention relates to a solution and to methods for producing the solution comprising propylfunctional alkaline siliconates, silicates and, optionally, the cocondensation products thereof. |
| US08999052B2 |
Method for producing fine mesoporous silica particles, fine mesoporous silica particles, liquid dispersion of fine mesoporous silica particles, composition containing fine mesoporous silica particles and molded article containing fine mesoporous silica particles
Fine mesoporous silica particles are provided by which not only the functions of low reflectance (Low-n), low dielectric constant (Low-k) and low thermal conductivity but also improved strength of a molded article are achieved. The fine mesoporous silica particles are manufactured by a process including a surfactant composite fine silica particle preparation step and a mesoporous particle formation step. In the silica fine particle preparation step, a surfactant, water, an alkali and a hydrophobic part-containing additive including a hydrophobic part for increasing the volume of micelles are mixed with a silica source to thereby prepare surfactant composite fine silica particles. In the mesoporous particle formation step, the mixture is mixed with an acid and an organosilicon compound to thereby remove the surfactant and hydrophobic part-containing additive from the surfactant composite fine silica particles and provide the surface of each silica fine particle with an organic functional group. The fine mesoporous silica particles have mesopores inside each particle, and are modified on the surface with organic functional groups. |
| US08999048B2 |
Exhaust gas purifying apparatus for diesel engine
An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for a diesel engine includes a diesel particulate filter (DPF) in an exhaust system in the diesel engine. The exhaust gas purifying apparatus is constructed to execute regeneration of the DPF by raising a temperature of the DPF in a case where a predetermined DPF regeneration condition is fulfilled, interrupt the regeneration of the DPF, execute idling stop, automatically restart the diesel engine and then restart the regeneration of the DPF, and when shifting to the idling operation is carried out during regeneration of the DPF, delay execution of the idling stop until a temperature of the DPF at a time at which the idling stop is started becomes not less than a temperature of the DPF at a time at which shifting to an idling operation is carried out even in a case where the predetermined idling stop condition is fulfilled. |
| US08999047B2 |
System for processing mercury in flue gas
A system for removing Hg contained in flue gas from a boiler, the system includes: a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange of the flue gas from the boiler; a precipitator for removing soot and dust in the flue gas; a wet desulfurization device for removing mercury oxide Hg2+ in the flue gas using an alkali absorbent; and; a removal assistant supply unit for supplying a removal assistant for removing impurities into a limestone and gypsum slurry that circulates through the wet desulfurization device. |
| US08999045B2 |
Regenerative air dryer
A regenerative air drying system including at least one dryer module including a housing having a inlet air passage, an outlet air passage, and a wash air passage. The air dryer system further includes a desiccant canister mounted to the housing and in communication with the inlet, outlet, and exhaust air passages, and a single controllable valve selectively moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the single controllable valve, when in the first position, forms a supply air flow path from the inlet air passage, through the desiccant canister in a first direction, and to the outlet air passage, and when in the second position, forms a wash air path from the outlet air passage, through the desiccant canister in a direction opposite the first direction, and to the exhaust air passage. |
| US08999044B2 |
Gas chromatography inlet liner having a colored region
A liner for mixing the sample gas and a carrier gas and delivering the gas mixture to the inlet end of a capillary tube of a gas chromatograph for analysis, comprises (a) a transparent tube having an inlet and an outlet and a bore with an inside surface, and (b) at least one glass subcomponent permanently affixed to the liner tube wherein the subcomponent is at least one color. |
| US08999042B2 |
Cyclone having a pure gas line
A cyclone for separating solid particles from an exhaust gas flow includes a housing with a jacket area that is cylindrical at least in some sections, with a cover area, and with a bottom area. An exhaust gas line opens into an inlet opening and is for an exhaust gas flow mixed with solid particles. A discharge opening is for the solid particles separated from the exhaust gas flow. An immersion pipe has a penetration area passing through the housing and has an open end area protruding into the interior of the housing and used as an outlet opening for the purified exhaust gas flow from the housing. At least one pure gas line supplies pure gas, creating a second boundary layer flow to replace a first boundary layer flowing having an increased concentration of solid particles. |
| US08999040B2 |
Method and system for discharging an electrostatic precipitator
A method for cleansing an electrostatic precipitator having a collecting electrode and an emission electrode includes applying a voltage between the collecting electrode and the emission electrode and reducing the applied voltage from a first voltage to a second voltage upon an occurrence of a spark between the collecting electrode and the emission electrode. |
| US08999039B2 |
Oxygen separation membrane
The invention relates to membranes, in particular oxygen separation membranes, which enable improved gas separation conditions with respect to cost, price, size, weight, and noise. The membrane, in particular oxygen separation membrane, according to the invention comprises a support layer (28) and a separation layer (30), wherein the separation layer (30) is permeable for oxygen and has a sorptive affinity for at least one other gas, in particular for nitrogen, wherein the membrane (20) is designed such that substantially only the separation layer (30) is heatable by a heating device. |
| US08999037B2 |
Carbon molecular sieve membrane (CMSM) performance tuning by dual temperature secondary oxygen doping (DTSOD)
The various embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to carbon molecular sieve membranes (CMSM) and their associated fabrication processes, and more particularly to CMSM that maintain high gas selectivities without losing productivity. Methods for enriching a mixture of gases in one gas via the use of the CMS membranes, and gas enrichment devices using the same, are also disclosed. |
| US08999033B2 |
Method and system for producing direct reduced iron and/or hot metal using brown coal
The present invention provides a method for producing direct reduced iron and/or hot metal using high-moisture content carbonaceous material, including: agglomerating carbonaceous material from the high-moisture content carbonaceous material with a metal oxide-bearing material to form an agglomerate suitable for use in a direct reduction and/or hot metal producing process. The method also includes distilling the high-moisture content carbonaceous material. The method further includes dry quenching the carbonaceous material obtained from the distilling step. The method still further includes drying the high-moisture content carbonaceous material with energy from a hot off gas from a furnace for producing direct reduced iron and/or hot metal prior to the distilling step. |
| US08999032B2 |
Application of carbon nanotubes on agglomerates of ore fines to increase the mechanical strength thereof
An application of carbon nanotubes on agglomerates of ore fines to increase the mechanical strength is provided. A process for the preparation of ore agglomerates having enhanced mechanical strength by the application of the carbon nanotubes is also provided. |
| US08999028B2 |
Apparatus and method for collecting powder generated during film deposition process
An apparatus for controlling a flow of gas comprises a spiral path guiding member. The spiral path guiding member comprises at least two groups of guiding plates. Each guiding plate of each group is disposed in an axial direction to form a longitudinal axis. Each group is spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. A surface of each guiding plate is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. At least one guiding plate of each group has a guiding plate opening. Guiding plate openings of the guiding plates may facilitate gas to flow in a spiral flow path. |
| US08999017B2 |
Method and apparatus for fast pyrolysis of biomass in rotary kilns
Described herein are systems and methods for achieving fast pyrolysis of wood and other carbonaceous solids in rotary reactors. Novel heating, feeding and condensing methods result in high oil yields near those currently achieved with more complicated fast pyrolysis systems. High intensity burners are arranged and controlled to produce high heating rates and uniform temperature of the rotating cylindrical walls of the reactors. The feeding system delays the onset of pyrolysis until the solids fall onto the heated kiln walls. The pyrolysis gases and vapors are rapidly withdrawn and quenched with recycled liquids. The first condenser incorporates a clean out nozzle. Char products are readily separated and discharged into a heat exchanger where heat is recovered and used together with heat from reactor flue gas to dry the solids prior to being fed to the reactor. |
| US08999011B2 |
Fuel compositions and methods for making same
This invention relates to low sulfur marine/bunker fuel compositions and methods of making same. Contrary to conventional marine/bunker fuel compositions/methods, the inventive lower sulfur compositions/methods focus on use of mostly uncracked components, such as (cat feed) hydrotreated gasoils, and/or can also have reduced contents of residual components. |
| US08999008B2 |
Method of forming an electrode assembly
When electrode films are prepared for lithium electrochemical cells, problems are often encountered in laminating the films with an appropriate intervening electrolyte layer. This presents a significant challenge because proper alignment of the three layers and complete lamination at the interfaces are crucial to good cell performance. Often lamination is imperfect with gaps and defects at the interfaces. The disclosure herein describes a method of casting or extruding a polymer electrolyte directly onto an electrode film to create an electrode assembly with a continuous, defect-free interface. In some arrangements, there is some slight intermixing of the layers at the interface. A complete cell can be formed by laminating two such electrode assemblies to opposite sides of an additional electrolyte or to one another. |
| US08999006B2 |
Selective tinting method
The invention relates to a selective dyeing method used for dyeing a substrate (10), selectively within a first exposed surface portion (S1) of said substrate. For this purpose, the substrate consists of a material (2) that is impervious to a dye with the exception of the first portion of the exposed surface. In particular, the impervious material can form a layer which covers a base portion (3) of the substrate in a second portion (S2) of the exposed surface. The substrate is heated such that the dye (C) penetrates a pervious material (1) which constitutes the first portion of the exposed surface. The method is particularly useful for eliminating light diffused by the walls of a multilayer structure which is supported by means of ocular glass. |
| US08999003B2 |
Control system for prosthetic limb
A controller for a prosthetic device includes a processing section, an interface section connected to the processing section, and a power supply connected to both the processing section and the interface section. A dorsal indicator and a dorsal switch are disposed in a hand portion of the prosthetic device, and are both connected to the interface section. |
| US08999002B2 |
Devices and methods for altering eating behaviour
A device for modifying an eating behavior of a subject is provided. The device includes a device body which is attachable to GI tract tissue of a subject and functions in altering an eating behavior thereof. |
| US08999001B2 |
Biocompatible implant
A biocompatible implant for bone repair comprising a flexible membrane fitted around a bone defect and a platelet-rich plasma gel composition contained within the void space created by the membrane, its application and kit of parts thereof are described. |
| US08998997B2 |
Implantable mobile bearing prosthetics
A knee prosthesis including a femoral implant, a tibial implant, a tibial insert and a cam post. The femoral implant is secured to a femur and has a gap for receiving a natural PCL. The tibial implant is secured to a tibia. The tibial insert comprises a medial cavity with a rotational axis. The tibial insert has articulating surfaces that match the contours of the condyles of the femoral implant and a notch for retaining the natural PCL. The tibial insert has a medial boss that aligns with the medial cavity allowing it to rotate about the rotational axis. A post is secured to the tibial implant and enters a hole of the tibial insert providing anterior and posterior stops for the rotation of the tibial insert about the rotational axis. |
| US08998995B2 |
Elbow prosthesis
An elbow prosthesis according to the present teachings can include a stem structure and an articulating component. The stem structure can be operable to be positioned in a bone of a joint. The stem structure can include a stem portion that is operable to be positioned in the bone and a C-shaped body portion having a first retaining mechanism formed thereon. The articulating component can have a second retaining mechanism formed thereon. One of the first and second retaining mechanisms can include an extension portion and a first anti-rotation portion. The other retaining mechanism can include a receiving portion and a second anti-rotation portion. The articulating component can be advanced from an insertion position to an assembled position, such that the first and second mechanisms cooperatively interlock to inhibit translation and rotation of the articulating component relative to the C-shaped body portion of the stem structure. |
| US08998992B2 |
Devices and methods for treating bone
A device is disclosed for reducing a vertebral compression fracture, comprising a superior end plate and an inferior end plate disposed along a vertical axis. The superior end plate and the inferior end plate are slidably separable in a vertical direction along the vertical axis. An interior chamber is provided in fluid communication with a port extending from an exterior to the interior chamber. The device is deployable within a vertebral body and expandable within the vertebral body by injecting a flowable material into the interior chamber thereby displacing the superior and inferior end plates along the vertical axis. |
| US08998987B2 |
Orthopedic implant with porous polymer bone contacting surface
The present disclosure relates to orthopedic implants including a porous, non-metallic, bone interface or outer bone contacting surface adapted for promoting bone ingrowth into the pores of such surface. The present disclosure also relates to orthopedic implants having a porous, non-metallic and/or polymeric bone interface or outer bone contacting surface wherein the implant has a stiffness that approaches or substantially matches the stiffness of the surrounding bone and thereby reduces the effects of stress shielding. The present disclosure also relates to methods of making such implants. |
| US08998981B2 |
Prosthetic heart valve having identifiers for aiding in radiographic positioning
A prosthetic heart valve having identifiers for aiding in radiographic positioning is described. |
| US08998978B2 |
Stent formed from bioerodible metal-bioceramic composite
Medical devices and methods of fabricating such medical devices, such as stents, formed at least in part from a metal matrix composite including bioceramic particles dispersed within an erodible metal are disclosed. |
| US08998976B2 |
Coupling system for medical devices
Techniques are described for delivering a replacement valve to a target location in a patient. In one example, a medical device system includes an implantable medical device comprising an expandable anchor, a locking member engaged to a first end of the anchor, two posts configured to engage the locking member, each of the posts being engaged to a portion of the anchor, each post defining a hole at a distal end of the post, and a fastening element extending through each hole of a respective post and being engaged to a second end of the anchor, where, in a locked configuration, the posts are secured to the locking member. |
| US08998974B2 |
Woven fabric with carbon nanotube strands
A woven fabric for an implantable medical device includes a plurality of carbon nanotube strands interwoven with a plurality of textile strands, where each carbon nanotube strand comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes. An implantable medical device comprises a component and a fabric secured to the component, where the fabric includes a plurality of woven carbon nanotube strands, and each of the carbon nanotube strands comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes. |
| US08998973B2 |
Medical devices including metallic films
An endoprosthesis for deployment within a body passage includes a framework and a metallic film, which can circumferentially surround the framework or be surrounded by the framework. The framework and metallic film can be attached without using a third material, e.g., without sewing. The framework can define a circumferential recess along at least a portion of its length and circumference. The recess accommodates at least a portion of the metallic film therein. |
| US08998964B2 |
Bone screw retaining and removal system
A bone screw retention system is provided for a plate which defines a plurality of transversely extending bores that are configured to receive a bone screw for engaging the plate to the cervical spine. One or more retention members, having an elliptical, arcuate, straight, or other shape, can be positioned therein a cavity of the plate such that portions of the retention member(s) extend into a portion of an upper region of each bore to retain a bone screw therein. A bone screw removal device is provided, having at least one tongue member configured to selectively displace the one or more retention members to allow the bone screw to be removed from the respective bore. |
| US08998963B2 |
Plate/screw locking mechanism devices, systems and methods
The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to locking mechanisms for a fastener (e.g., a bone screw) and associated devices, systems, and methods. According to some embodiments, a lockable bone plate assembly may comprise, for example, a bone plate and a bone screw assembly. A bone plate may comprise, in some embodiments, at least one through hole, the at least one through hole having at least one bone plate hole circumferential recess. According to some embodiments, a bone screw assembly may comprise (a) a bone screw, (b) at least one deployable protrusion, and/or (c) a protrusion driver. The present disclosure further relates, in some embodiments, to methods for bone (e.g., vertebral) fixation. For example, a method may comprise contacting at least a portion of a spine (e.g., cervical spine) of a subject with a lockable bone plate assembly. |
| US08998961B1 |
Spinal rod connector and methods
A spine rod connector includes a base member and a plurality of set screws. The base member includes multiple apertures or bores arranged in different relative orientations. The spine rod connector is configured to couple at least two non aligned rods to each other. |
| US08998955B2 |
Interspinous vertebral distractor for percutaneous implantation
Interspinous distractor for percutaneous implantation comprising a central body (10) and two couples of stabilizears (14a, 14b; 14c, 14d), hinged at the end of the body (10) in order to rotate from a closed position, which assists the percutaneous implantation of the distractor, to a spread apart position, which limits its movement stabilizing it in the interspinous gap. Means are provided for causing the rotation of the stabilizears that can be operated percutaneously, in particular, by means of cam shaped elements sliding axially and adapted to engage a cam-shaped surface, or by a system of tie members, and special tools. With respect to the known distractors it can implanted end extracted percutaneously and in a much easier way. |
| US08998952B2 |
Facet joint replacement instruments and methods
A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface, and an optional crossbar. The inferior implant and the superior implant are each polyaxially adjustably connected to fixation elements which anchor the implants to adjacent vertebrae. The optional crossbar may be polyaxially adjustably connected to bilateral implants. The system components may be provided in kits which provide components of various sizes and shapes. A set of surgical instruments may facilitate implantation of the facet joint replacement system by providing tools for bone preparation, trialing, implant insertion, implant alignment, and lock-out of modular interconnections. |
| US08998949B2 |
Soft tissue conduit device
A method of conducting biological materials to soft tissue. The method includes loading a conduit device onto a delivery shaft of an inserter, inserting at least a portion of the delivery shaft into soft tissue, expelling the conduit device from the delivery shaft into the tissue, and delivering biological material through an access port of the inserter into at least one outer longitudinal channel of the conduit device. |
| US08998947B2 |
Devices and methods for the treatment of vascular defects
Devices and methods for treating vascular defects, such as, for example, balloon-type aneurysms, are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an insertion portion and an expandable implant. The expandable implant is configured to be deployed in an aneurysm and is coupled to the insertion portion. The expandable implant has a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The expandable implant is movable between a first configuration in which the first portion and the second portion are substantially linearly aligned and a second configuration in which the second portion at least partially overlaps the first portion. |
| US08998943B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for fluoro-less or near fluoro-less percutaneous surgery access
A needle access assembly and method for obtaining percutaneous needle access with little or no fluoroscopy. The method can include selecting a target for percutaneous access, directing a laser guide at a desired needle-insertion angle and in line with the selected target, aligning the needle access assembly with the laser, and inserting the needle into the target. |
| US08998938B2 |
Fluid ejection device, driving method of fluid ejection device, and operating instrument
A fluid ejection device includes: a fluid chamber whose capacity is variable; an inlet flow path and an outlet flow path communicating with the fluid chamber; a capacity changing unit which changes the capacity of the fluid chamber; a fluid supplying unit which supplies fluid to the inlet flow path; a fluid ejection opening disposed at an end of the outlet flow path opposite to an end communicating with the fluid chamber; a vibrating unit which vibrates a component in the vicinity of the fluid ejection opening; a vibration detecting unit which detects the level of vibration of the component in the vicinity of the fluid ejection opening; and an operation control unit which controls operation of the capacity changing unit based on the level of the vibration detected by the vibration detecting unit. |
| US08998933B2 |
Surgical fastening clips, systems and methods for proximating tissue
A surgical fastener clip for proximating tissue, the clip providing an undeflected state in which the clip comprises a center portion, a first leg, and a second leg. The center portion has a perimeter defining a circle-like shape. The legs project outwardly relative to the perimeter from a point of departure to a tip. Extension of each of the legs relative to the perimeter defines an identical wind direction that is either clockwise or counterclockwise. The clip optionally includes a linear cross-member extending across the perimeter. The surgical clip can be formed by a wire that is partially wound onto itself in a spiral-like fashion, with the center portion and the legs being co-planar in the undeflected state. During use, the clip is rotated, drawing tissue into the center portion. Systems incorporating the clip are also provided. |
| US08998929B2 |
Medical device system and apparatus for guiding the placement of a subcutaneous device
A medical device system for advancing a subcutaneous device to a desired implant site that includes a strap extending along a length from a proximal end to a distal end, a first flange and a second flange extending along a portion of the length of the strap, a base portion extending along a portion of the length of the strap between the first flange and the second flange, and an indentation extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the strap, the indentation formed by the first flange, the second flange, and the base portion, wherein the first flange and the second flange include curved bottom portions that make contact with and compress a tissue layer to position the tissue layer within the indentation during the placement of the subcutaneous device. |
| US08998925B2 |
Fixation system for orthopedic devices
A fixation system configured to releasably secure an orthopedic implant to a bone. The orthopedic implant has at least one lumen extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion configured to extend through cortical portions and into cancellous portions of the bone. The fixation system includes a flowable biomaterial that flows through the lumen into the cancellous portion of the bone in an expanded configuration with at least one dimension greater than a corresponding dimension on the orthopedic implant located generally along a pull-out direction of the orthopedic implant. An insert is positioned in the lumen and in engagement with the flowable biomaterial located in the cancellous portion of the bone, such that the orthopedic implant is detachable from the biomaterial in the cancellous portion of the bone to facilitate subsequent removal of the orthopedic implant from the bone. |
| US08998920B2 |
Insertion tool for inter-body vertebral prosthetic device with self-deploying screws
An apparatus for inserting an intervertebral prosthesis within a spine of a mammal includes: a handle including a drive nut operating to produce rotational torque in response to user-input about a central axis; a first drive shaft including a proximal end in communication with the drive nut, receiving rotational torque therefrom, and imparting rotational torque to the first drive shaft about a first axis, which is laterally offset from the central axis; and a distal end of the first drive shaft including a first drive head; and a chuck disposed at a distal end of the tool for engaging the intervertebral prosthesis during implantation, wherein the first drive shaft extends through the chuck and the first drive head engages a first gear of the intervertebral prosthesis, such that rotation of the first gear causes rotation and deployment of a first anchoring element of the intervertebral prosthesis. |
| US08998918B2 |
Device and method for allograft and tissue engineered osteochondral graft surface matching, preparation, and implantation
A device and technique for the preparation and implantation of osteochondral allografts for resurfacing of a human joint. The grafts are prepared to a uniform shell thickness using the described invention. |
| US08998911B2 |
Methods and apparatus for performing knee arthroplasty
Methods and apparatus for performing knee arthroplasty, including, but not limited to, bicruciate retaining knee arthroplasty, are described herein. Methods and apparatus for preparing a distal femur for a femoral implant as well as methods and apparatus for preparing a proximal tibia for a tibial implant are described. These methods and apparatus, in at least some embodiments and uses, facilitate decreasing the complexity of knee arthroplasty procedures such as bicruciate retaining procedures, while maintaining, if not improving on, the safety, accuracy and/or effectiveness of such procedures. |
| US08998908B2 |
Instruments for minimally invasive surgery total knee arthroplasty
An anti-backout stylus comprising a stylus and a locking stylus holder. The locking stylus holder engages the stylus at a series of discrete positions during insertion of the stylus into the holder. The locking stylus holder prevents inadvertent backing out of the stylus by preventing the stylus from being withdrawn to a previous one of the discrete positions. The locking stylus holder can preferably be selectively disengaged from the stylus to allow for selective withdrawal of the stylus. Each engagement of one of the discrete positions by the locking stylus holder preferably indicates a femoral size. The discrete positions are preferably defined by detents formed on the stylus and a stop member on the locking stylus holder. The locking stylus holder can be provided on an anterior rough cut guide, with the anterior rough cut guide preferably mountable on an intramedullary rod. |
| US08998902B2 |
Multi-pin clamp and rod attachment
The present invention provides a clamp assembly which allows the surgeon to snap a bone fixation assembly onto a bone fixation rod at an intermediate location along the length of the rod. It is not necessary to “thread” the clamp onto the rod starting at the end and sliding it down the length of the rod to the desired location. In particular, this invention provides a novel clamp assembly for use with standard bone fixation rods, and bone pins. The clamp allows the interconnection of a bone fixation rod with a bone pin locking assembly including a bone pin vise. The clamp is a single-piece construction, having a jaw capable of loosely capturing the bone fixation rod when the surgeon presses the jaw onto the rod. The assembly may be rigidly fixed to the rod using a bolt which tightens the jaw onto the rod. |
| US08998895B2 |
Electrosurgical instrument and method for producing an electrosurgical instrument
An electrosurgical instrument including a probe tube for transporting fluid, at least one electrode for devitalizing tissue, and at least one conducting foil electrical lead arranged along the longitudinal axis of the probe tube for providing a high frequency (RF) voltage at the electrode. A method of producing an electrosurgical instrument, including applying a conductive foil to a probe tube that extends along the longitudinal axis of the probe tube, and providing at least one electrode on the probe tube, wherein the electrode electrically connects to the conductive foil. |
| US08998892B2 |
Ablation device with cooled electrodes and methods of use
An electrosurgical end effector for ablating tissue is provided that comprises at least one electrically-conductive ablation member adapted to be connected to a source of RF energy, with the ablation member having a tissue engaging surface and an internal fluid passageway. Preferably, the end effector includes two electrically conductive ablation members that are electrically isolated from one another. |
| US08998889B2 |
System and method for control and monitoring of conformal thermal therapy
A system and method are disclosed for thermal therapy that takes into account predictive calculations of tissue temperature, and can be used to control the operation of a conformal thermal therapy procedure and device. In some embodiments, the tissue ablation area is part or all of a prostate gland. The method includes, in preferred embodiments, simulations and or calculations of future temperatures based on some or all of the following information: current temperatures, heat diffusion in the tissue, blood perfusion in the tissue, and planned ultrasound energy depositions. The calculated temperature maps can be used to design, control, or terminate the therapy. |
| US08998884B2 |
Remote controlled in situ reaction method
Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled reaction device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to various embodiments, a reaction device is placed in an environment in order to perform a chemical reaction in an environment. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used. |
| US08998883B1 |
Female urethral catheterization assisting device
A female urethral catheterization assisting device may include a handle, an elongated shaft and a catheter holding mechanism. The catheter holding mechanism may hold a catheter securely so that a patient may position, orient and insert a catheter into the patient's urethra. The handle and elongated shaft assist in positioning, orienting and inserting the catheter by extending the patient's reach. |
| US08998882B2 |
Enhanced pre-wetted intermittent catheter with lubricious coating
The present disclosure relates to a packaged urinary catheter. The catheter includes a conduit having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end includes at least one aperture for receiving urine from the bladder. The catheter is contained within a sleeve having a length, a width, and a size configured to receive the catheter. According to one embodiment, the catheter and the sleeve may be arranged in a helical coil. The outer surface of the catheter may have a lubricious and/or an antimicrobial coating. |
| US08998880B2 |
Airless mixing with a by-pass syringe
A method for transferring and mixing a pharmaceutical mixture utilizing a by-pass cartridge and a syringe. After mixing the dry component and the diluent in the by-pass cartridge, the mixture can be passed to a syringe which includes a syringe plunger having a fluid passageway therein with a hydrophobic membrane covering the passageway. The mixture can be transferred back and forth between the by-pass cartridge and the syringe through a small bore to achieve mixing, particularly in the case of microspheres held in suspension. |
| US08998874B2 |
Resilient laminate and reinforced non-woven fabric
Hook part of a self-gripping hook and loop closure, in particular for a nappy, comprising a hook element comprising a sheet from which hooks protrude and a laminated element fixed to the hook element, the laminate extending in a transverse direction between two respective left and right lateral edges, comprising a layer fixed to at least one layer (2, 3) of non-woven fabric by a layer of adhesive, in particular interposed between two layers of non-woven fabric by being fixed by one respective layer of adhesive to each layer of non-woven fabric, the layer being in one piece or an integral layer and comprising a resilient zone (6; 16) in the form of film, in particular made of an elastomeric material. |
| US08998871B2 |
Absorbent article with compressed channel portions
An absorbent article is provided that improves adhesion to the skin and reduces leaks of bodily fluids by ensuring stable deformation thereof. The absorbent article has a liquid-permeable top sheet disposed on body-facing side of the absorbent article; a liquid-impermeable back sheet disposed on a clothing-facing side of the absorbent article; and a liquid-retainable absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent body has a compressed channel formed into a concave shape in the body-facing side; and a space formed into a convex shape in the clothing-facing side toward the body-facing. The space is formed on both sides or on one side of a channel backside located on an opposing side of the compressed channel portion in the clothing-facing side. |
| US08998869B2 |
Package structure of absorbent article and method of manufacturing package structure
A packaging medium is provided only on non-skin side surfaces of a third portion and a fourth portion. The length of the packaging medium in a lengthwise direction of a sanitary napkin is shorter than the length of the sanitary napkin. A second portion includes a folded end portion which is formed by a first folded portion provided on a side of a first portion of the sanitary napkin which opposes a first folding portion. The folded end portion is folded over a non-skin side surface of the second portion. |
| US08998866B2 |
Provision of wound filler
A process of manufacturing a wound dressing filler and/or wound dressing. |
| US08998860B2 |
Systems and methods for identifying an access port
An access port for subcutaneous implantation is disclosed. Such an access port may comprise a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting a needle therethrough into a cavity defined within the body. Further, the access port may include at least one feature structured and configured for identification of the access port subsequent to subcutaneous implantation. Methods of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port are also disclosed. For example, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided and at least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may be perceived. Further, the subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature. In one embodiment, an identification feature is engraved or otherwise defined by the access port, so as to be visible after implantation via x-ray imaging technology. |
| US08998857B2 |
Cartridge holder assembly for a drug delivery device
The present invention relates to a cartridge holder assembly for a drug delivery device comprising of a cartridge holder adapted to receive a cartridge filled with a medicament to be dispensed by the drug delivery device, wherein the cartridge holder comprises a first through opening at a distal end section to receive a piercing element adapted to penetrate a sealing member of the cartridge, a support structure adjacently arranged to the first through opening; and a constriction member arranged between the support structure and a distal end face of the cartridge and having a second through opening smaller than the first through opening. |
| US08998853B2 |
Syringe body/needle assembly and method for producing same
A syringe body/needle assembly and a method for producing such a syringe body/needle assembly are provided that if free of an organic adhesive bond. |
| US08998851B2 |
Compact spring inserter for drug deliver infusion set
An infusion set (201) includes a base (221) and a flexible catheter (242) movable from a first catheter position disposed substantially entirely within the base (221) to a second catheter position in which a free end of the catheter (242) is disposed externally of the base (221). An introducer needle (234) is located within the catheter (242) and is movable between a first introducer needle position disposed substantially entirely within the base (221) and a second introducer needle position in which a free end of the introducer needle (234) is disposed externally of the base (221). A torsion spring (281) is activated to move the catheter (242) from the first to the second catheter position and the introducer needle (234) from the first to the second introducer needle position to facilitate insertion of the catheter (242). The introducer needle (234) is thereafter moved by the torsion spring (281) back to the first introducer needle position to store the introducer needle (234) within the base (221) with the free end of the catheter (242) remaining disposed externally of the base (221). |
| US08998846B2 |
Drug releasing coatings for balloon catheters
Balloon catheters, methods for preparing balloon catheters, and uses of balloon catheters are disclosed. The balloon catheter includes an elongate member, an expandable balloon, and a coating layer overlying an exterior surface of the expandable balloon. The coating layer includes a total drug load of a hydrophobic therapeutic agent and a combination of additives including a first additive and a second additive. The hydrophobic therapeutic agent is paclitaxel, rapamycin, or paclitaxel and rapamycin. The first additive is a surfactant. The second additive is a chemical compound having one or more hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl, carboxyl, acid, amide, or ester groups. |
| US08998837B2 |
Apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment
An apparatus (1) for extracorporeal blood treatment comprising a blood treatment device (2) having a semipermeable membrane (5) which separates a blood chamber (3) from a fluid chamber (4). A used fluid line (7) connects the fluid chamber to a used fluid discharge. A first pump (8) controls the ultrafiltration through the semipermeable membrane. A second pump (9) arranged in the used fluid line downstream of the first pump keeps pressure between the first and the second pump at a constant predetermined value. The invention provides a protection system against any possible pressure change in the used fluid discharge in a hemodialysis or hemo(dia)filtration apparatus. |
| US08998833B1 |
Orthopedic device and method for correcting skeletal abnormalities in a new-born baby
An orthopedic device for correcting abnormalities in the wrist, hand, fingers and thumb of a newborn baby comprises a lightweight glove shaped semi rigid shell constructed and dimensioned to fit a newborn baby within a few hours of birth. A wrist or lower arm and hand engaging portion are rotatably connected and adjustable in one millimeter increments. The adjustments are made with no more than one millimeter correction per 24 hour period. The shell includes a wrist and lower forearm engaging portion, a hand engaging portion and a finger engaging portion and is adjustable for rotationally clockwise or counterclockwise about the longitudinal axis of the lower arm bone. Further adjustments may be made to rotate the fingers upwardly or downwardly, to the left or right and rotationally and/or rotational movement between the hand and lower arm. The invention also contemplates an orthopedic method for correcting skeletal abnormalities of the wrist, hand, fingers and thumb of a newborn baby. |
| US08998832B2 |
Body therapy device
The body therapy device includes a thoracic pad having a top edge and a rear surface with a base having a bottom edge, a front angled surfaced and a rear surface. A spherical member is attached to the angled front surface of the base and includes a hard inner core therein. A pump, with active and passive elements, is provided to enable the user to adjust the hardness of ball portion of the device for customized therapy to a head and neck region. As a result, the device of the present invention is effective for physical therapy and treatment of a wide range of ailments and conditions. |
| US08998830B2 |
Monitoring, predicting and treating clinical episodes
Apparatus and methods are described, including apparatus for use with a plurality of clinicians. The apparatus includes a patient-monitoring system. A clinical sensor measures a clinical parameter of a patient, and generates a clinical-sensor signal in response thereto. In response to the clinical-sensor signal, a control unit determines that an alert event has occurred, and communicates an alert to a first subset of the plurality of clinicians before communicating the alert to any other clinician. The control unit designates the first subset of the plurality of clinicians in response to respective numbers of alerts that the plurality of clinicians have received within a previous given time period. Other applications are also described. |
| US08998828B2 |
Visualization testing and/or training
The visual and/or visualization skills of a subject may be tested and/or trained using systems and methods in accordance with the present invention. Visual stimuli may be presented to a test subject. Measurements relating to the performance of the subject, such as stability information, eye movement data, physiological information, or other information, may be made both with and without visual stimuli being provided to a subject. Similar measurements may be made while the subject visualizes the visual stimuli, and the collected data may be compared to evaluate the subject's ability to visualize visual stimuli. Secondary stimuli may also be provided to subject as part of this process, or mental activities may be required by subject as well. |
| US08998814B2 |
Diagnostic ultrasound apparatus
A novel diagnostic ultrasound apparatus has a plurality of ultrasound probes 1, delay means pairs 4 and 7 arranged respectively in the plurality of ultrasound probes to electronically delay the timings of transmissions or receptions of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducers, position/orientation detecting means 10 and delay control signal generating means for generating a delay control signal to control signal delays of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers of the plurality of ultrasound probes, using information acquired from the means 10. The delay control signal is input to the delay means to control the timings of transmission of ultrasonic waves to a target object of examination. |
| US08998813B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus has acoustic transducers; and an image processing unit which calculates intensity of acoustic waves irradiated from regions inside a subject respectively by processing received signals, which are output from the acoustic transducers, by a Fourier-domain method. The image processing unit includes: a coefficient memory which stores coefficients computed in advance, the coefficient being a value determined only by a position of the acoustic transducer, position of the region and a time of receipt of the acoustic wave; a multiplier unit which multiplies the received signal of the acoustic transducer by the corresponding coefficient; and a voxel memory which accumulates multiplication results of the multiplier unit for each region. |
| US08998809B2 |
Systems and methods for calibrating minimally invasive and non-invasive physiological sensor devices
A calibration system is disclosed for calibrating a first physiological monitoring device using a second physiological monitoring device. The first physiological monitor measures a first indication of a physiological parameter. The second physiological monitor measures a second indication of the physiological parameter. The first and second indications are used to calibrate the first physiological monitoring device. |
| US08998806B2 |
Insertion aid for oral and nasal medical devices
Embodiments of the present invention include an insertion aid device with a handle, a tongue depressor, a tracheal suction catheter guide, and a guide with a recess formed by a pair of prongs. The guide may be configured to accommodate the cross-sectional shape of a tracheal suction catheter, a nasogastric tube, or an orogastric tube. The tracheal suction catheter guide may include a connection port configured to couple to an in-line suction catheter. A light source may be included with the insertion aid device. |
| US08998805B2 |
Laryngoscope
A laryngoscope is provided with which an operator can directly observe the trachea inlet portion of a patient easily by safely and surely lifting the epiglottis of the patient with a proximal end portion of a laryngoscope blade which is inserted in the mouth of the patient. The blade is connected to a distal end portion of a grippable handle, a first electrode is mounted on a distal end portion of the blade, and a second electrode is configured to adhere to a skin surface of the patient in the vicinity of the epiglottis, and a low frequency current is supplied to flow between the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US08998803B2 |
Dissection and retraction device for vaginal sacral colpopexy
In one embodiment the apparatus includes a first retractor, a second retractor, and a shaft. The shaft defines a central channel extending from a first end portion of the shaft to a second end portion of the shaft. The first retractor and the second retractor are configured to collectively form a lumen. The shaft is configured to be disposed within the lumen. In one embodiment method of disposing a graft within a body of a patient, includes making an incision in the body of the patient, inserting a medical device into the body of the patient through the incision, removing the shaft of the medical device from the body of the patient, and moving the first refractor within the body of the patient away from the second retractor. |
| US08998802B2 |
Endoscope, endoscopic apparatus, and examination method using endoscope
An endoscope includes an insert section to be inserted into the body cavity, an illumination window for directing illumination light therethrough and an observation window for observing an illuminated internal portion of the body cavity, arranged at a distal end portion of the insert section, and a blood flow changing section for changing a blood flow of blood flowing through a vessel in a near-surface region of a living organ inside the body cavity by providing one of a temperature change and vibration energy. |
| US08998795B2 |
Stimulation apparatus
The present invention concerns apparatus (1) for applying targeted stimulation at or adjacent the base of the area of the glans (5) of the penis (2), wherein the apparatus comprises a contact portion having a first contact surface (3) conforming substantially to the longitudinal profile of the penis, the contact portion further having a second contact surface (4), raised, in use, inwardly of the first contact surface towards the penis, to project in use into positive engagement with the area at or adjacent the base of the glans of the penis. |
| US08998793B2 |
Feeder-free method for culture of bovine and porcine spermatogonial stem cells
The present invention relates to the production and culture of undifferentiated spermatogonial stem cells that can be maintained long term and are feeder free. The resultant feeder-free populations can be used in any of a number of protocols including the generation of progeny bulls. The present invention includes novel methods required for the successful enrichment of bovine spermatogonial stem cells, novel cell lines and other components used for the same, as well as the resultant stem cell compositions. |
| US08998791B2 |
Esthetic apparatus useful for increasing skin rejuvenation and methods thereof
The present invention provides a system for increasing skin rejuvenation of a region of a patient's skin comprising a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) frequency generator for constantly providing electromagnetic pulses to the region of a patient's skin and a deep tissue diathermy device for constantly applying heat to the region of a patient's skin up to temperature T. The system is adapted for simultaneously applying heat and PEMF to the region of a patient's skin; wherein application of the system increases skin rejuvenation such that the skin rejuvenation increase (SRI) is greater than the sum of the SRI provided by electromagnetic pulses increase and the SRI provided by the deep tissue diathermy device increase. |
| US08998790B2 |
Method and composition for sequestration of arsenic
A method for sequestrating arsenic oxides, comprising forming an insoluble and stable glass incorporating a fully oxidized form of arsenic generated by oxidation of an initial lower oxide of arsenic and stabilization by calcium salt formation. The glass composition for sequestration of arsenic comprises from 50 to 75% silica; from 0.5 to 3% Al2O3; from 1 to 15% MnO; from 5 to 15% CaO; from 1 to 20% As2O5 and from 8 to 14% Na2O, less than four percent of iron oxides, magnesium oxide and other oxides. |
| US08998788B2 |
Apparatus and method for folding articles
An apparatus for folding articles advancing in a machine direction including a rotatable roll having a roll surface, at least one protrusion that defines an outermost surface of the roll and at least one pocket that defines an innermost surface of the roll. The apparatus also includes a peel assembly and a folding assembly. The peel assembly and/or folding assembly may be configured as one or more movable heads for receiving an article or article portion from a first carrier at a first speed and transferring the article to a second carrier travelling at a second speed. |
| US08998786B2 |
Process for producing conductive rubber roller, and roller for electrophotographic apparatus
This invention provides a process for producing a conductive rubber roller having small aspect ratios of inner and outer diameters, having a stable measure of its inner diameter, having uniform cell distribution and being free from non-uniformity of hardness and electrical resistance in the peripheral direction. The process has a step of continuously extruding a tube composed of a specific unvulcanized rubber composition from a rubber extruder in a microwave vulcanizing unit, and a step of foaming and vulcanizing the tube by using a microwave irradiator having a microwave irradiation zone 4 m or less in length while being transported at given speed. The foamed rubber tube has an inner diameter 20 to 35% smaller than the outer diameter of the conductive core material over the whole region in the lengthwise direction, and the conductive core material is press-fitted into the foamed rubber tube without using any adhesive. |
| US08998785B2 |
Machine tool including tool radius adjusting device
A tool radius adjusting device executes an operation for adjusting the tool radius of a boring holder in parallel with execution of a machining program for executing an operation of a spindle head and an operation of a tool changer. A carrier control unit determines whether the tool changer is executing a tool changing process. When the tool changing process is not being executed, the carrier control unit allows the carrier device to execute an operation for picking the boring holder out from the tool magazine and an operation for returning the boring holder, of which the tool radius has been adjusted, to the tool magazine. |
| US08998784B1 |
Cheerleader training device
A training apparatus for use by a user in learning balance when standing on one leg and having no external balance support includes a stable base assembly, a support column extending vertically from the stable base assembly, a rigid standing surface member, and means for providing rotation in a horizontal plane to the rigid standing surface member. Rotation may occur at a constant vertical height or as the apparatus is raising or lowering. The apparatus may also include a balancing assembly with a deflectably resilient member. The apparatus promotes proper alignment and mimics the feel that a flyer cheerleader experiences when being supported by a base cheerleader. |
| US08998780B2 |
Fitness equipment
The disclosed fitness equipment allows a user to target different muscle groups using tri-planar coordination of movement, which was previously difficult (if not impossible) to achieve using conventional suspension training equipment. This is done by providing a resistance between suspension training straps, namely, by mechanically coupling an elastic band between the suspension training straps. |
| US08998778B2 |
Exercise weights and barbells therefor
An exercise weight comprises a plate having a width, a length and a thickness. The length is substantially greater than the width, and the width is substantially greater than the thickness. The plate has opposed longitudinal edges and opposed end edges, and has opposed lengthwise grip apertures adjacent respective longitudinal edges and opposed end grip apertures adjacent respective end edges. The grip apertures cooperate with their respective edges to form lengthwise handgrips and end handgrips. A barbell comprises a main support portion for receiving exercise weights and which includes at least one mounting projection adapted to be received in a corresponding aperture in one of the exercise weights to support the exercise weight on the barbell. Opposed lifting handles extend outwardly from opposite ends of the main support portion and an elongated lifting bar is carried by and spaced from the main support portion. |
| US08998775B1 |
Oblong orbital exercising machine
An oblong orbital exercising machine includes a main frame, an upright, two swinging handles, a cycle movement mechanism, two tread bars, two sliding bars, two pedals, two cranks, two rollers, two guiding tracks, two pivot members, and two ball bearings. The top face of each of the guiding tracks has an arcuate convex shape to correspond to the respective roller. Each of the guiding tracks has two upward extending side wings formed on two opposite sides thereof. Each of the pivot members has a threaded rod threadedly connected with a respective one of the swinging handles. Each of the ball bearings is located between a respective one of the pivot members and a respective one of the swinging handles. Each of the ball bearings is mounted on the threaded rod of the respective pivot member. |
| US08998774B2 |
Brake apply and release detection for stop/start vehicle
A vehicle is provided with an engine that is configured for automatic shutdown and restart. The vehicle is also provided with a controller that is configured to shutdown the engine in response to brake effort exceeding a first threshold and to restart the engine in response to brake effort decreasing below a second threshold. The first threshold and the second threshold are based on an estimated vehicle mass and a road gradient. |
| US08998772B2 |
Automated manual transmission for vehicle
An automated manual transmission for a vehicle may include a shifting section provided with a plurality of shifting units for implementing different gear ratio between an input shaft and an output shaft, and a variable power transfer unit transferring continuously and variably power of a power providing device to the shifting section in series by self-controllable slip operation, wherein the variable power transfer unit may be disposed between the power providing device and the shifting section. |
| US08998769B2 |
Planetary gear set having an anti-turn mechanism
The invention relates to a planetary gear set having an anti-turn mechanism, comprising a sun fear and at least one planet gear revolving in a fear housing having an internal toothing, wherein the gear housing is connected to at least one bearing flange on the output side and/or on the input side, and for the anti-turn connection to the gear housing, toothing means are provided which engage with the internal toothing. According to the invention at least one tooth segment is provided as a toothing means, the tooth segment comprises a tooth segment body, and the bearing flange has an opening for positively receiving the tooth segment body. |
| US08998765B2 |
Axle assembly with torque distribution drive mechanism
An axle assembly with a motor, a differential assembly, a housing, a transmission and a reduction gearset. The transmission has a first and second planetary gearsets that have associated (i.e., first and second) ring gears, planet carriers and sun gears. The first planet carrier is coupled to a differential carrier of the differential assembly for common rotation. The second ring gear is non-rotatably coupled to the housing. The second planet carrier is coupled to the second differential output for common rotation. The second sun gear is coupled to the first sun gear for common rotation. The reduction gearset is disposed between an output shaft of the motor and the first ring gear and includes a first gear, which is coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith, and a second gear that is coupled to the first ring gear for rotation therewith. |
| US08998757B2 |
Chain cleaner for chain driven vehicle
A chain cleaner capable of cleaning dirt and debris from the roller chain of a chain driven vehicle is provided. The chain cleaner is a polymer sheet. The sheet has a leading and a trailing edge, upper and lower surfaces, and a bilateral axis defining a chain line. The chain line extends from the leading to the trailing edge. A clear slot is positioned in the sheet adjacent to the trailing edge. The slot has a predetermined height and width which is at least equal to a respective height and width of the chain to be cleaned. The chain is thereby capable of biased directional travel against the lower and upper surfaces and through the slot, along the chain line when operating the chain drive of the vehicle. The chain cleaner includes an assembly for attaching the sheet to the vehicle adjacent to the leading edge. |
| US08998755B2 |
Vehicle powertrain having a hydraulic continuously variable transmission
A vehicle powertrain has an engine, a driving shaft having a passage defined therein, a driven shaft, a pump, a hydraulic fluid reservoir, and a CVT. A driving pulley of the CVT includes a fixed sheave and a movable sheave disposed on the driving shaft for rotation therewith, a spring biasing a movable sheave away from the fixed sheave, and a CVT chamber fluidly communicating with the passage of the driving shaft. The pump supplies hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the passage in the driving shaft. The hydraulic fluid flows from the passage to the CVT chamber to create a hydraulic pressure in the CVT chamber. The hydraulic pressure in the CVT chamber biases the movable sheave toward the fixed sheave. |
| US08998752B2 |
Soccer skills and techniques training mat set
A training device for teaching and practicing simple and advanced soccer skills and techniques. The device includes a set of mats with printed indicators or indicia on the upper side or surface of each mat, the printed indicators are left and right foot indicia which are either printed in solid lines, or dashed lines, a printed circle indicating the soccer ball placement, solid and dashed lines with arrows for indicating the direction of travel, numbers for designating the sequence and order for the foot indicia, and instructional text for carrying out the designated soccer technique. Each training mat demonstrate a different soccer technique. The soccer student follows the instructions printed on the mat surface by placing their feet on the foot indicia and follow the sequence of steps shown on the mat. |
| US08998749B2 |
Golf ball
A golf ball includes a spherical core and a cover covering the spherical core, wherein the cover is formed from a polyurethane composition containing a polyurethane elastomer as a resin component, the polyurethane composition has a shear loss modulus G″ of more than 5.03×106 Pa and 1.17×108 Pa or less when measured in a shear mode using a dynamic viscoelasticity measuring apparatus at the conditions of the temperature of 0° C., and the oscillation frequency of 10 Hz, the golf ball has a hardness distribution that R2 of a linear approximate curve determined by a least-squares method is 0.95 or more, when plotting center hardness (JIS-C) of the spherical core, hardness (JIS-C) measured at intervals of 2.5 mm from the center of the spherical core, surface hardness (JIS-C) of the spherical core, and slab hardness (JIS-C) of the cover versus distances from the center of the spherical core. |
| US08998748B2 |
Golf ball
A golf ball 2 includes a core 4, a mid layer 6, a reinforcing layer 8, and a cover 10. A hardness Hm of the mid layer 6 is greater than a hardness Hc of the cover 10. A difference (Hm−Hc) is greater than 28. A hardness Hs2 at a surface of a sphere consisting of the core 4 and the mid layer 6 is greater than a hardness Hs3 at a surface of the golf ball 2. A difference (Hs2−Hs3) is less than 5. A thickness Tm of the mid layer 6 is larger than a thickness Tc of the cover 10. A ratio (Tm/Tc) is greater than 3.0 and less than 5.0. A diameter of the core 4 is equal to or greater than 38.2 mm. The hardness Hc of the cover 10 is equal to or less than 37. |
| US08998742B2 |
Progressive iron set
The present invention is direct to a set of golf clubs comprising long irons, mid-irons and short irons. The long irons have a first center of gravity positioned horizontally from the face center by a first distance. The mid-irons have a second center of gravity positioned horizontally from the face center by a second distance. The short irons have a third center of gravity positioned horizontally from the face center by a third distance. The first distance and the second distance are preferably similar and the third distance is at least about 30 percent greater than the first and second distances. Preferably, the first and second distances are between about 1 mm and 3 mm and the third distance is between about 3 mm and 4 mm. |
| US08998739B2 |
Swing training device
A swing training system which includes a light-reactive surface, and a training device having a light source capable of striking the light-reactive surface and creating a temporary visual representation of the path of the light over the surface. The device can include multiple light sources, which according to the arrangement of the illuminated paths on the surface indicate if the proper alignment was achieved during a swing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, an individual can use the swing training system to perform a stroke to simulate striking a golf ball on the surface. The movement path of the device over the pad is visually illustrated by the reaction of the light source with the light-reactive material such that the individual can observe the actual stroke direction and alignment indicated by the light source path. The visual representation of the actual path fades in a short amount of time such that the individual can perform subsequent strokes in order to improve the correspondence between the actual stroke and the optimal stroke. |
| US08998735B2 |
Game table assembly structure
A game table assembly structure includes a table frame and a table face board, the table frame is composed of two pairs of sideboards. Four connection boards are disposed on top edges of the sideboards. At least one support board is disposed in the table frame with two ends connected with a pair of sideboards. The top edge of the support board is higher than the connection boards. Four connecting boards are connected under the bottom face of the table face board and define a locating space therein. When assembled, the table face board is placed on the table frame with the connecting boards and the connecting boards up and down corresponding to each other for connection, the top end of the support board fitted in the locating space. The table face board can be easily located on and assembled with the table frame. |
| US08998732B2 |
Device for damping vibrations in a drive train
A device for damping vibrations in a drive train, in particular for plug screws in the pulp and paper industries. The device is principally characterized in that a cylindrical shaft, preferably designed as a hollow shaft, is provided, wherein the cylindrical shaft is arranged between the halves of a coupling and at least one ring having friction surfaces is arranged around the cylindrical shaft. Stick-slip vibrations that occur can thereby be favorably eliminated, and thus the gearbox and the motor of the drive train can be protected. |
| US08998731B2 |
Wheel bearing device
A shaft portion of a joint outer ring where projections extending in an axial direction are provided is press-fitted into a hole portion of a hub wheel to thereby form recesses by the projections in an inner diameter surface of a shaft fitting hole of the hub wheel, by which a recess-projection fitting structure is constructed. An entire area of fitting sites of the projections and the recesses are brought into close contact. Moreover, a bolt member is fastened in a bolt hole provided in the shaft portion of the joint outer ring after the construction of the recess-projection fitting structure, which restricts separation between the hub wheel and the joint outer ring. As the bolt member, if an outer diameter of a seating surface thereof is d1 and a shaft diameter is d2, a bolt member satisfying a relational expression of 2.3≦(d1/d2)2≦4.9 is used. |
| US08998730B2 |
Driveshaft containment device
A driveshaft containment system and a method of its use. In preferred embodiments, the invention takes the form of a two component system including a first component mounted to a device such as a differential housing, coupled to driveshaft, and a second component comprising a tubular driveshaft containment housing. A driveshaft containment ring is preferably mounted to the forward end of the tubular housing which in turn is provided with a mechanism at its rearward end for rotationally engaging and disengaging the first component. The first and second components are also provided with a mechanism for preventing relative rotational movement of the first and second components while engaged with one another. |
| US08998728B2 |
Torque fluctuation absorber
A torque fluctuation absorber includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member arranged coaxially with the first rotating member, a control plate arranged between the first rotating member and the second rotating member in an axial direction and engaging non-rotatably with the second rotating member, a thrust member arranged between the first rotating member and the control plate in the axial direction, engaging with the first rotating member in an axially movable and non-rotatable manner, and slidably making contact with the control plate, and an elastic member arranged between the first rotating member and the thrust member in the axial direction, supported by the first rotating member and pressing the thrust member against the control plate. |
| US08998721B2 |
Method and arrangement for improved client extension management
A poker gaming server configured to support a plurality of connected poker clients and a plurality of connected operator servers, each said poker client being associated with at least one of said plurality of operator servers, said poker gaming server comprising a gaming data feed unit configured for providing a gaming data feed relating to each connected poker client to its respective associated operator servers, a notification unit configured for receiving and forwarding client notifications to a connected poker client from its associated operator server, and an authentication unit configured for authenticating at least one of a plurality of operator specific extension units upon request from a connected poker client. |
| US08998715B2 |
Control of vehicles in three dimensional virtual environments
Methods and systems for controlling vehicles within graphically simulated environments are described herein. A video game such as a vehicle-based combat game may have vehicles (such as airplanes) operating in a simulated three dimensional space. In a destination based control mode, users may partially control vehicles using two-dimensional input devices by inputting a new destination for the vehicle to go to, and the game's control logic may then automatically calculate how to control the vehicle toward the new heading. Fight and assault (bombing) control sub-modes may be provided. In addition, in an immediate control mode, a user may provide input that indicates a direction and speed of rotation, to provide more direct control of a vehicles control systems and/or control surfaces. |
| US08998714B2 |
Gaming system and display control method
A gaming system including a control lever having an operation unit which is rotatable by a player and resembles a reel, a display, a storage unit and a controller is provided. When it is determined that the fishing is failed, the controller obtains the number of rotation of the operation unit until a predetermined time elapses from the timing at which fish is hooked by a fishline in a fishing game, and selects one of a plurality of levels based on the obtained number of rotation. The controller then obtains a set of display state data associated with the selected level and causes the display a failure image representing failure in fishing in one of a plurality of display states, based on the set of display state data. |
| US08998713B2 |
Gaming machine and gaming system having control lever
A control lever which is included in a gaming machine and rotatable forward and backward includes a grip which is held by a hand of a player and allows the player to fix or rotate the control lever in forward and backward directions and a reel unit including a rotation axis, a reel handle configured to rotate the rotation axis, a rotation sensor configured to detect the number of rotation of the rotation axis, and a rotation resistance imparting unit configured to impart resistance to the rotation axis such that torque increases in accordance with the rotational speed of the rotation of the rotation axis in one direction. The reel unit is formed on a side of the grip such that, while the control lever is fixed as the player holds the grip by one hand, the reel handle can be rotated by the other hand of the player. |
| US08998711B2 |
Method of gaming and a gaming system
A method of gaming comprising: awarding a feature game in response to a trigger event occurring; and conducting a feature game comprising: displaying a plurality of objects for selection; receiving player selections of a plurality of objects, making one or more awards to the player based on the player selected objects; forming a composite image based on the player selected objects; and displaying the composite image on a display. |
| US08998704B2 |
Mechanical wheels for game machines
Electronic gaming machines having mechanical or electro-mechanical wheel devices are described herein. The gaming machines include a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a wheel coupled to the cabinet. The wheel includes a plurality of wheel segments positioned axially about a center point of the wheel. The plurality of wheel segments may be configured to rotate about the center point and to transform an appearance of the wheel. The wheel further includes an indicator configured to indicate an indicated wheel segment. The indicator may be configured to rotate about the center point. |
| US08998701B2 |
Gaming machine reel alignment
An electromechanical wager-based gaming machine includes a plurality of reels that are aligned as they are spun so that the reels can be rapidly stopped in response to a player's input. One reel is selected as a reference reel and other reels are brought into alignment using feedback from reel position sensors. |
| US08998699B2 |
Slot machine
A processor executes either of two kinds of game modes, including a base game which is carried out by consuming gaming values in accordance with a bet amount on which the player has placed a bet, and a free game which is carried out without the consumption of any gaming values. If a second scatter symbol 23 is positioned during execution of the base game, a payout amounting to 100 credits is awarded. Alternatively, if the second scatter symbol 23 is positioned in the free game, a payout amounting to 500 credits, which is higher than the value of the payout in the base game, is awarded. |
| US08998694B2 |
Casino games
Apparatus and methods related to multi-player casino games are described. An electronic gaming device is provided that allows a live player to compete against a virtual player in a multi-player wager-based game using playing cards derived from the insertion of a physical denomination of currency. The electronic gaming device can be configured to simulate the decision making of a virtual player and associated behaviors of the virtual player during game play. In some instances, the simulated behaviors of the virtual player output at the electronic gaming device can be learned by a live player so that the live player can make better or more advantageous game play decisions. The simulated behaviors of the virtual player can be conveyed to the live player via visual images, such as simulated facial expressions of the virtual player. |
| US08998692B2 |
Systems, methods and articles to facilitate delivery of sets or packets of playing cards
A system and method may provide sets or packets of playing cards for forming part or all of a hand of playing cards. Each set or packet may be formed before starting to form another set or packet. Sets or packets may be formed in respective playing card receiving compartments. The playing cards may be withdrawn from a plurality of playing card receiving compartments of an intermediary playing card receiver in random or pseudo-random fashion, which may, or may not, be based at least in part on the selected payout or house odds and/or house advantage. |
| US08998691B1 |
Air cooling system for a building structure
An energy efficient and quiet air cooling system for a building structure is provided. The air cooling system includes an evaporator system mounted in the wall of the building, a remotely mounted fan, an air intake, and a sound and heat insulating duct. The fan is mounted in the attic and configured to draw air from the living area of the building through the sound insulating duct with sufficient power to create a negative static pressure in the living area. The negative static pressure in turn causes outside air to flow through the evaporator system which removes heat from the outside air. The cooled air is in turn drawn into the building and pulled into the attic through the duct and expelled through the attic. |
| US08998689B2 |
Cooling mechanism
A cooling mechanism for cooling an object includes a duct that leads a fluid for cooling, multiple fans that are placed on a channel in the duct and send forth the fluid for cooling, and a bypass channel that detours at least one of the multiple fans. |
| US08998688B2 |
Exhauster baffle
An exhauster baffle is provided that may be used to prohibit fluid flow through a cavity except when a pressure on one side of the exhauster baffle is greater than a pressure on another side of the exhauster baffle. The exhauster baffle includes a body portion defining an opening, a sealer disposed on the body portion, and a flap disposed over the opening for regulating fluid flow through the opening. In one embodiment, the flap exposes the opening of the body portion to allow fluid to flow through the cavity when the pressure on one side of the exhauster baffle greater than the pressure on another side of the baffle to equalize pressure. |
| US08998684B2 |
Apparatus for the tooling of a workpiece
A portable apparatus (1) for the tooling of a workpiece (9) comprises a motor (3) with a cyclic movement output member (4), a tool holder (5) adapted to carry a tool (6) and a movement transmitter (7) engaging the motor output member (4) and the tool holder (5) to set the tool holder (5) in a cyclic movement, wherein the movement transmitter (7) comprises a transmission ratio adjuster (8) that, in response to a preset reduction of the cyclic movement speed (ω_m) of the output member (4) of the motor, increases the transmission ratio (ω_m/ω_ph) thereby reducing the cyclic movement speed (ω ph) of the tool holder (5) with respect to the cyclic movement speed (ω_m) of the output member (4) of the motor (3). |
| US08998682B2 |
Devices and methods for automatically cleaving and abrading cables
An apparatus includes: a cleaver configured to automatically cleave a bare fiber extending from an end face of a terminus or connector of a fiber optic cable, the cleaver including a bending element configured to bend the bare fiber and a defect-formation device configured to create a surface defect in surface of the bare fiber under tension when the bare fiber is bent by the bending element; and an abrader configured to automatically finish the end face of the terminus or connector after the bare fiber is cleaved. |
| US08998680B1 |
Sharpener for cutting tools
Apparatus and method for sharpening cutting tools. In accordance with some embodiments, an abrasive medium is presented adjacent a guide housing. The guide housing includes a guide slot to facilitate presentation of a magnetically permeable tool against the abrasive medium. A magnet positioned adjacent the guide slot exerts a biasing force upon the tool that both draws the first tool against a guide surface of the guide slot and draws the tool into the guide slot along the guide surface to hold the tool at a neutral position at which a cutting edge of the first tool applies a contacting force against the abrasive medium. |
| US08998676B2 |
Retaining ring with selected stiffness and thickness
A retaining ring for holding a substrate below a carrier head during chemical mechanical polishing includes an annular lower portion and an annular upper portion secured to the lower portion. The annular lower portion has a main body with a bottom surface for contacting a polishing pad during polishing, and is a first material. A top surface of the upper portion is configured to be secured to the carrier head. The upper portion is a second material that is more rigid than the first material. A thickness and stiffness of the lower portion is selected for a particular polishing environment to improve polishing uniformity near an edge of the substrate. |
| US08998665B1 |
Body board system
The present invention features a body board system for giving a user a greater sense of maneuverability and control when using the body board. The system features a generally planar body board having a channel located in a body board top surface. The system features a first pivoting base located in a channel first end and a second pivoting base located in a channel second end. A handle assembly is pivotally located on the top surface and features a handle with a handle first end pivotally located on the first pivoting base and a handle second end pivotally located on the second pivoting base. For a first position, the handle is adapted to be pivoted from the channel and raised to an angle for use by a user and for a second position the handle is adapted to be pivoted into the channel. |
| US08998664B2 |
Skier controlled watercraft
A water ski handle system used with a personal water ski towing watercraft that includes a handle component that selectively attaches to a standard water ski handle and contains a manual control module. The control module includes directional control buttons, power ON and OFF buttons, and power Up and Down buttons. Coupled to the control module is a self-correcting propulsion and steering system that senses undesirable changes to the watercraft's motion caused by the water-skier when pulled by the watercraft. When a difference is detected, a command module located in the watercraft automatically controls the watercraft's propulsion and steering systems so the watercraft follows the desired path and velocity. The system also includes an auto-back tracking feature that automatically reduces power to the last known marked geographic point the skier was upright. |
| US08998663B1 |
Methods of making and operating outboard motors
An outboard motor and a method of making an outboard motor provide an exhaust conduit having a first end that receives exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine and a second end that discharges exhaust gas to seawater via a propeller shaft housing outlet. An exhaust conduit opening is formed in the exhaust conduit between the first and second ends. The exhaust conduit opening is for discharging exhaust gas from the exhaust conduit to atmosphere via a driveshaft housing of the outboard motor and via an idle exhaust relief outlet and a driveshaft housing outlet in the driveshaft housing. The driveshaft housing outlet is vertically located between the propeller shaft housing outlet and the idle exhaust relief outlet. A cooling pump pumps cooling water from a cooling water inlet for cooling the internal combustion engine to a cooling water outlet for discharging cooling water from the outboard motor. The exhaust conduit opening and cooling water outlet are configured such that the cooling water collects by gravity in the driveshaft housing to a level that is above the exhaust conduit opening. |
| US08998661B2 |
Water jet propulsion boat
A water jet propulsion boat includes a boat body, an engine, a jet propulsion mechanism, a first accelerator operation section, a second accelerator operation section, a reverse gate, and a control section. The engine is accommodated in the boat body. The jet propulsion mechanism generates a propulsion power using a drive power from the engine. The reverse gate is arranged to move to a first position and to a second position. The boat body advances when the reverse gate is in the first position. The reverse gate reduces the propulsion power which advances the boat body when the reverse gate is in the second position. The control section is programmed to set the position of the reverse gate and a throttle opening of the engine based on an operation amount of the first accelerator operation section and an operation amount of the second accelerator operation section. |
| US08998658B2 |
Connecting terminal having clamp contacts
The invention relates to a terminal with a housing, with at least two clamp contacts to produce an electronic connection to electric contacts and with connection elements for producing an electric connection to an electronic sub-assembly arranged outside the electrical terminal block, with the electrical terminal block comprising an electronic sub-assembly and with the clamp contacts being connected via the electronic sub-assembly to connection elements as well as an electrical terminal block-circuit board arrangement with an electronic sub-assembly in the form of a circuit board and with a terminal electrically connected to the electronic sub-assembly. |
| US08998653B2 |
Insertion/extraction force reducing connector
A second connector housing 20 to be fitted into a first connector housing 10 is equipped with a first housing 21 which holds second terminal metal fittings belonging to a first group and a second housing 22 integrally formed with the first housing 21. The second housing 22 holds second terminal metal fittings belonging to a second group. The second housing 22 is connected slidably to a portion located on the one side of the first housing 21 so that during a manipulation for fitting the second connector housing 20 into the first connector housing 10 fitting of the second terminal metal fittings belonging to the second group with corresponding ones of the first terminal metal fittings is completed earlier than fitting of the second terminal metal fittings belonging to the first group. |
| US08998650B2 |
Connector with FPCB pin module
A connector includes a front seat, an FPCB pin module, an FPCB, a plurality of terminals and a flexible support. The front seat has a socket and a room for receiving the socket. The flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) pin module is received in the room. The FPCB has a fixing portion, a connecting portion bendingly extending from an edge of the fixing portion and a terminal insertion portion extending from another edge of the fixing portion and corresponding to the socket. The terminals pass through and are fixed on the terminal insertion portion. The flexible support is attached on the fixing portion and the connecting portion for supporting the connecting portion. |
| US08998649B2 |
Serial electrical connector
A serial electrical connector includes a connector plug and a connector jack. The connector plug includes an audio plug with a hollow cylindrical space formed in the center thereof; a coaxial cable being inserted into and filling the space; and an engagement element being disposed at a tip of the audio plug and configured to electrically connect the audio plug to the connector jack. |
| US08998647B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a fastening part, a connector body assembled under the fastening part and defining at least one receiving groove at a mating end thereof, a base board positioned under the connector body, and a shielding shell. The connector body and the base board can be firmly fastened in the shielding shell by means of the fastening part. At least one end edge of the shielding shell is bent inward to form a positioning tail positioned in the receiving groove to position the mating end of the connector body with a front face of the mating end being flush with the end edge of the shielding shell and a contact face of the connector body being substantially flush with a top edge of the positioning tail, so as to avoid the mating end of the connector body wrapping in use. |
| US08998644B2 |
Connector holder
Provided is a connector holder (25) suitable for use when connecting wire harnesses (10, 12) to each other by mating a plurality of connectors (40A to 40C, 41A to 41C). The connector holder is configured to be fitted into and fixed to a through hole (2a) in a vehicle body panel (2) that creates partitions, and to accommodate and hold the plurality of connectors (40A to 40C) that are connected to a group of electric wires of the wire harness (10) routed on one side of the vehicle body panel, the connectors being mated to connectors (41A to 41C) for a wire harness (12) routed on the other side of the vehicle body panel. |
| US08998639B2 |
Board connector with anchor tab
There is provided a board connector that prevents loads due to thermal changes in a connector housing from being directly imposed on soldered areas of anchor hardware and that enhances anchoring reliability of the anchor hardware. A board connector includes a connector housing to be populated on a circuit board, anchor hardware for soldering the connector housing to the circuit board, holding grooves that are formed on the connector housing and capable of press-fitting and holding upper lugs of the anchor hardware, and tapered portions that are formed in the respective holding grooves and that guide the upper lugs of each of the pieces of press-fitted anchor hardware in a direction away from each side surface of the connector housing, thereby creating clearance S between the anchor hardware and respective opposing side surfaces of the connector housing. |
| US08998635B2 |
Junction box for photovoltaic module
A junction box includes a cable connecting box, a cover covering the cable connecting box and a cable electrically connecting with the cable connecting box. The cable connecting box including an insulative box and a wire connecting module, the insulative box comprising a plurality of walls extending upwardly and a receiving cavity surround by the walls, the walls including a front wall defining a plurality of mounting holes for the cable passing through. The cover includes a plurality of separating walls extending downwardly from a peripheral of the cover to engage with the walls of the insulative box and a pretending wall being parallel to the separating wall and located in front of the front wall. The adding pretending wall provides a longer distance for the junction box to ensure a safe creepage distance for the user to use the junction box. |
| US08998629B2 |
Terminal and connector including the same
A terminal is formed of an electrically conductive plate, and includes a first support part and a second support part facing each other such that the first and second support parts sandwich a printed circuit board to make contact with opposite surfaces of the printed circuit board. The second support part is comprised of a portion of the plate expanding in a first direction intersecting with a second direction in which the printed circuit board expands, and the second support part is formed with a recess opening in the second direction. |
| US08998628B2 |
Rotatable connector device
A fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section is provided at an outer circumferential edge of a fixed-side ring plate, and an outer cylinder rotation regulation section is provided at an outer circumferential edge of an outer cylinder at a position corresponding to the fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section. The fixed-side ring plate and the outer cylinder formed of different members from each other are fit to each other such that the fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section and the outer cylinder rotation regulation section are in contact with each other so as not to rotate about a rotation axis thereof. |
| US08998626B2 |
Connector and connector assembly
A female connector (F) is formed such that a block-shaped terminal accommodating portion (21) accommodating female terminal fittings (24) is surrounded by a substantially rectangular tubular fitting (35). A male connector (M) includes a rectangular tubular receptacle (11) to be fit into a clearance between the terminal accommodating portion (21) and the tubular fitting (35) and tabs (13) at the leading ends of male terminal fittings (12) are surrounded by the receptacle (11). Bulges (51, 52 and 53) are formed on four wall portions (37, 38 and 39) of the tubular fitting 35 and bulge outward of the tubular fitting (35) from an opening edge part at a front side of the tubular fitting (35). |
| US08998625B2 |
Electrical connector for self loading electronic package
An electrical connector for use with an electronic package, includes an insulative housing with a number of periphery sidewalls formed with a cavity. A guiding member is located upon the insulative housing, and includes a guiding frame with an opening and a sliding plate moveable mounted in the guiding frame. The electronic package is supported by the guiding member and pulled the sliding plate away from the guiding frame to let the electronic package enter into the cavity by passing through the opening. |
| US08998624B2 |
Connector
Each terminal member of a first connector includes a protruding terminal, and each terminal member of a second connector includes an opening able to accommodate a protruding terminal. The terminal members form a plurality of rows at a fixed interval in the width direction of the main body portion, and each terminal member is staggered in the width direction with respect to the terminal member in the adjacent row. At least the terminal members on the first connector or the second connector are connected to the tip of the plurality of parallel wiring provided in a different layer than the terminal member in the main body portion. |
| US08998622B2 |
Electrical connectors with applicators for electronic devices
Electronic devices may be provided with electronic components and electrical connectors coupled between the electronic components. A connector may be formed in a small gap between the electronic components. The connector may be a thin sheet of flexible conductive material with a conductive adhesive on one surface. The connector may be installed between the components using an applicator that is attached to the connector. The applicator may be a pull-tab liner having a first surface that is tacky and a second opposing surface that is non-stick. The applicator may have an extended portion that can be held by a technician while installing the connector. The connector may be installed by inserting the connector and applicator between the components, pinching the components against the connector and applicator, and removing the applicator by pulling the extended portion to peel the applicator from the connector. |
| US08998617B2 |
System, method, and computer software code for instructing an operator to control a powered system having an autonomous controller
A method for training an operator to control a powered system is disclosed including operating the powered system with an autonomous controller, and informing an operator of a change in operation of the powered system as the change in operation occurs. A system and a computer software code are also disclosed for training the operator to control the powered system. |
| US08998616B2 |
Laser curettage
Laser ablation is used in curettage to treat periodontal disease. After an initial step of ablating afflicted tissues, an anti-microbial rinse is applied. A flexible fiber optic guide is the preferred means of directing radiant energy to the afflicted tissues. Sulcular disinfection may also be achieved by similar associated processes. Various anti-microbial agents and laser sources are disclosed. |
| US08998615B2 |
Method and apparatus for preparing denture
In a method of obtaining a gum impression of a patient's mouth and measuring jaw relations, a dental impression tray assembly including a lower tray and an upper tray to fabricate a denture, is used. The lower tray includes a first piece and a pair of second pieces and the upper tray includes a third piece and fourth piece. The method includes inserting the lower tray loaded with an impression material into the mouth to take an impression; taking out the lower tray from the mouth and cutting the impression material along a borderline between the first piece and the pair of second pieces; separating the first piece from the pair of second pieces; attaching an intra-oral tracer to the first piece and inserting the first piece, to which the intra-oral tracer is attached, and the third piece into the mouth to measure the jaw relations. |
| US08998610B2 |
Dispensing device for a dental substance
A dispensing device for a dental substance which comprises a body formed in a single piece. The body connects a first passageway and a second passageway which extend along different paths. The body further comprises a nozzle with a free dispensing end. The second passageway extends into the nozzle and tapers toward the dispensing end. The invention helps to reduce manufacturing costs, and helps facilitating handling of the device. |
| US08998608B2 |
Three-dimensional occlusal and interproximal contact detection and display using virtual tooth models
Occlusal contact between upper and lower virtual three-dimensional teeth of a patient when the upper and lower arches are in an occlused condition are determined and displayed to the user on a user interface of a general purpose computing device. Various techniques for determining occlusal contacts are described. The areas where occlusal contact occurs is displayed on the user interface in a readily perceptible manner, such as by showing the occlusal contacts in green. If the proposed set-up would result in a interpenetration of teeth in opposing arches, such locations of interpenetration are illustrated in a contrasting color or shading (e.g., red). The ability to calculate distances and display occlusal contacts in a proposed set-up assists the user in planning treatment for the patient. The process can be extended to interproximal contact detection as well. The concepts also apply to dental prosthetics, such as crowns, fillings and dentures. |
| US08998603B2 |
Container treatment device with stretching device
Described is a container treatment device for the expansion of pre-forms into containers, having at least one blow moulding device for the introduction of a flowable medium under pressure into an inner space of the pre-form, and at least one stretching device for stretching the pre-form during an expansion procedure. The blow molding device has at least one blow molding nozzle piston and the stretching device has at least one stretch rod which is movable at least locally and at least for a time through a through opening of the blow molding nozzle piston in a translational manner and which is operatively connected to at least one portion of a stretch rod drive device, wherein at least one bearing element is arranged in the region of the through opening in order to guide the stretch rod. |
| US08998602B2 |
Blow mold unit and blow molding apparatus using the same
A blow mold unit includes a first and a second blow cavity split mold, and a plurality of raised-bottom molds. The blow mold unit also includes a first and a second securing plates on which the first and the second blow cavity split mold are secured, a plurality of first pressure-receiving plates respectively secured on the first and the second securing plates, a third securing plate disposed between the first and the second securing plates, the plurality of raised-bottom molds secured on the third securing plate, a plurality of shafts suspended from the third securing plate, and a plurality of second pressure-receiving plates secured on the first and the second securing plates at a position below the third securing plate. |
| US08998601B2 |
Stereolithography machine
Stereolithography machine (1) comprising: a supporting frame (2); a tank (3) suited to contain a liquid substance; a supporting plate (4) associated with the supporting frame (2), suited to support the tank (3); a stopping unit (5) suited to firmly hold the tank (3) on the supporting plate (4) in a resting position; emitter means (6) suited to direct a predefined electromagnetic radiation (6a) towards the tank (3); a holding unit (7) of the tank (3) operatively associated with the supporting plate (4) through first actuator means (8) configured so as to move the tank (3) with respect to the supporting plate (4) according to a predefined trajectory of movement. The stopping unit (5) comprises second actuator means (17) that define for the stopping unit (5) an active configuration for holding the tank (3) and a rest configuration for releasing the tank (3). |
| US08998596B2 |
Scroll compressor
A scroll compressor includes a pressing mechanism and a back-flow prevention mechanism. The pressing mechanism includes a back-pressure chamber facing a back surface of a movable-scroll end plate, and a back-pressure supply path arranged to allow the back-pressure chamber to communicate with a compression chamber which is in a state right before the compression chamber communicates with an outlet port or a state in which the compression chamber communicates with the outlet port. The back-flow prevention mechanism allows refrigerant of the back-pressure supply path to flow from the compression chamber to the back-pressure chamber, and prevents fluid of the back-pressure supply path from returning from the back-pressure chamber to the compression chamber. |
| US08998585B2 |
Liquid pump apparatus and method
Embodiments of the invention provide liquid pump apparatus. The apparatus may comprise an immersion assembly comprising at least one immersion member having a liquid conduit provided therein along at least a portion of a length thereof, the immersion assembly being arranged whereby in use at least a portion of the immersion assembly is immersed in liquid to be pumped, the apparatus being arranged to provide a supply of gaseous fluid to liquid in the tank through the at least one immersion member at one of a plurality of vertically spaced apart locations of the assembly thereby to cause passage of liquid through the assembly from a liquid inlet aperture to a liquid outlet aperture of the assembly, the apparatus being configured whereby a location at which gaseous fluid is supplied to the immersion assembly is selected to be a location at which a head of pressure of liquid in the tank is within a prescribed range of values. |
| US08998582B2 |
Flow vector control for high speed centrifugal pumps
An impeller for a centrifugal pump includes a radially inner hub, and a plurality of blades extending straight and along a direction that is perpendicular to a rotational axis of the impeller. The blades extend from a radially outer end to a radially inner end, and define a generally frusto-conical envelope. A flow control feature is formed between the radially inner end of the blades and the hub. The flow control feature has a curved upper surface. |
| US08998578B2 |
Method and device for adjusting the rotor position in a gas turbine or steam turbine
A method is provided for adjusting the position of a rotor of a turbine. The turbine includes a first casing and a second casing. The second casing, in a bearing region of the rotor, has a fixed relative position, with regard to a rotor end, and is screwed to the first casing via a threaded connection. The method includes releasing the threaded connection; adjusting the relative position of the rotor to the first casing, which encloses the rotor in the flow region, by the relative position of the second casing to the first casing being adjusted; and refastening the threaded connection. Furthermore, a gas turbine or a steam turbine with such a device for adjusting the relative position of rotor and casing is also described. |
| US08998572B2 |
Blade outer air seal for a gas turbine engine
A blade outer air seal (BOAS) segment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can include a seal body having a radially inner face and a radially outer face that circumferentially extend between a first mate face and a second mate face and axially extend between a leading edge face and a trailing edge face. At least one of the first mate face, the second mate face, the radially outer face and the radially inner face can include an inner wall having a ledge and an undercut passage radially inward from the ledge that extends uninterrupted along a length of the ledge. |
| US08998570B2 |
Method of moving the rotating means of a wind turbine during transportation or stand still, method of controlling the moving of the rotating means, nacelle, auxiliary device, control and monitoring system and use hereof
Methods of moving a rotating device of a wind turbine during transportation or standstill are provided. The methods include securing at least one auxiliary device to a position and connecting the device to one or more shafts of the rotating device at transportation or standstill. The auxiliary device is able to store, generate and/or convert energy during transportation, transferring energy continuously from at least one auxiliary device to one or more shafts of the rotating device during transportation or standstill, and moving one or more shafts of the rotating device continuously or discontinuously from a position to another. Also provided is a nacelle for a wind turbine, an auxiliary device, a control system for controlling moving of a rotating device of a wind turbine nacelle during transportation of the nacelle and use thereof. |
| US08998562B2 |
Hollow rotor core for generating a vortex in a wind turbine
A hollow rotor core assembly for a wind turbine with at least one set of cylindrical stacks having a plurality of guiding vanes on the internal surface of the cylindrical stacks, having at least one set of air openings to accept airflow into the hollow rotor core for creating when in rotation a vortex inside the hollow rotor core, having at one end a partial blocking device as such to allow the exhaust of only a fraction of the peripheral portion of the vortex and to redirect the remaining central portion of the vortex towards the other end of the hollow rotor core where the bulk of the airflow will be exhausted from the hollow rotor core. |
| US08998559B2 |
Reduced effort manual boom lock
The present disclosure provides a backhoe boom lock for engaging a hook member of a boom in a transport position. The boom lock includes a pair of side members disposed parallel to one another along a substantially horizontal axis, each side member having a first end and a second end. A transverse member is coupled between the first end of the pair of side members, the transverse member is configured to engage the hook member in the transport position. The boom lock further includes a pivot point defined near the second end of the pair of side members, the pair of side members being pivotally coupled with respect to the pivot point such that the boom lock pivots about the pivot point. A flange is disposed between the second ends of the pair of side members and is further disposed outwardly from the pivot point at an angle with respect to the horizontal axis. The boom lock also includes a counterweight body integrally coupled to the second ends of the pair of side members. |
| US08998557B2 |
Pickup truck loading system
An apparatus for loading a camper-insert, or other large-volume load, onto the bed of a pickup truck comprises a stiff-leg frame for supporting the load from the ground, the frame preventing the load from applying weight to the tail end of the bed with damaging consequences while the load is being cantilevered into position over the frame by the draw of a winch and cable system. The apparatus uses at least one telescoping leg to lift the rear of the load as part of a novel hoist assembly, which dynamically braces the telescoping leg on a foot while providing minimal interference to nesting the camper-insert closely to the host surfaces. |
| US08998556B2 |
Load-n-go platform lift systems
A cargo platform system which can be uncoupled from a vehicle frame and lowered to a ground surface using a self-contained jack system after the vehicle has been removed from beneath the platform. The cargo platform system may comprise a sub-frame having deck-rails for attachment to a vehicle frame, a platform having deck-rails for removably coupling to the sub-frame, and a jack system comprising a first jack, a second jack, a third jack, and a fourth jack removably attached to a left front corner, a right front corner, a left rear corner, and a right rear corner respectively. All four jacks of the jack system are in communication together such that extension and retraction of the jacks are simultaneous and electric motors atop each jack are removable for storage. |
| US08998550B2 |
Hardware attachment system
A system for attaching an article of hardware to another article made of wood, particle board, plastic or fiberglass. The article of hardware is provided with at least one through hole and the article of hardware is fixed to the other article by a screw that extends through a through hole into the article of hardware. A head of the screw is fixed to the article of hardware by threads located on a tapered shank of the screw. |
| US08998546B2 |
Fixture for retaining an end of a member
A fixture for attachment of an end of a member, such as a wind turbine tower section, blade or hub for a wind turbine characteristically has an end flange. To enable clamping while being able to compensate for different hole patterns in the flanges, by the invention, the fixture provides for retaining of ends of members with flanges, regardless of flange diameter and hole patterns, and which is also quickly and easily installed. Additionally, it is possible to firmly clamp the flange end to upstanding frame parts of the fixture with fastening elements, thereby providing a stable connection between a console of the fixture and the upstanding frame parts. |
| US08998544B1 |
Load balancer
According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises an interface and one or more processors. The interface receives a request for a web page from a web browser. The one or more processors select a subset of web servers from a resource pool according to a load balancing determination. The one or more processors send the request to at least two of the web servers of the subset before receiving any response from the other web servers. Upon receiving one or more responses from distinct web servers, the one or more processors selects a response to communicate to the web browser. |
| US08998543B2 |
Blank and tool with cooling channels
The application comprises a blank for producing a cutting tool with at least one inner bore for conducting fluids, wherein the blank comprises at least a first and a second portion along, its longitudinal axis, wherein the inner bore in the first portion is formed substantially in a straight line and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blank, and the inner bore in the second portion has a first twist with a first twist angle greater than zero, wherein the blank can be obtained by a continuous pressing operation, in particular a continuous extruding operation. The application also describes an extrusion device for producing a blank, wherein the extrusion device comprises a control element for controlling the twist angle, in particular the first and/or second twist angle. |
| US08998541B2 |
Rock bolt
A rock bolt to be installed into a borehole (1) drilled in a rock is described. The rock bolt includes wherein an expansion member (9) of the rock bolt includes an internal second cone abutment surface (12) in the interior of the expansion member in the vicinity of a second end thereof. A second cone member is at least partially fitted in the interior of the second end of the expansion member. The second cone member includes a hole (14), through which a drawbar is adapted to extend with a clearance, and a second cone surface (15) tapering inward relative to the expansion member and abutting against the second cone abutment surface (12) of the expansion member. A first end (17) of an elongated pushing member bears on tightening members and a second end (18) bears against the second cone member on the opposite side relative to the expansion member so that, as the drawbar is tightened by the tightening members, the pushing member simultaneously pushes the second cone member to the interior of the expansion member for expanding the expansion member and engaging the expansion member to the wall of the borehole. |
| US08998540B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for attaching an anchor member to a floor of a body of water
A remotely operable drilling apparatus (6) comprises a body such as frame (10) and drive means arranged to drill annular pile (8), which is loaded in the drilling apparatus (6) into the floor of a body of water. The annular pile comprises a cutting shoe (24). The drive means comprises a power swivel (12) which attaches to the top of the annular pile (8) by means of a drive head. Delivery means is also provided which comprises at least one nozzle to enable flushing fluid and grout to be injected around annular pile (8). The power swivel (12) is raised and lowered by rack and pinion means 14 disposed on either side of the power swivel (12). |
| US08998538B2 |
Pipe replacement system
Pipe replacement devices, and systems are shown. Devices and systems may include jointed cutters and floating cutters to navigate difficult pipe replacement conditions. Devices and systems may also include replacement pipe with pre-installed supply hoses, such as lubricant supply and/or pneumatic supply hoses. Methods of pipe replacement are also described, including splitting old pipe and pulling in new pipe behind the equipment as splitting progresses. |
| US08998537B2 |
Method and portable apparatus for forcing a pipeline into or out of a borehole
A portable pipe thrusting apparatus for inserting and removing a pipe from a borehole, comprising a collar configured to releasably grip the pipe; and a bi-directional driver coupled between the collar and the support frame, the driver configured to drive the collar toward and away from the borehole, to insert and remove the pipe from the borehole, wherein the support frame is portable and is transportable by a truck to the drilling site. |
| US08998536B2 |
Method and device for mechanized geophone deployment
A method and a mechanized system for deploying plural geophones underground for collecting seismic data. The mechanized system includes a vehicle configured to travel above ground and having a storage area that stores the plural geophones; a digging mechanism attached to the vehicle and configured to dig a trench when in contact with the ground; and a damping mechanism attached to the vehicle and configured to hold a geophone behind the digging mechanism relative to a traveling direction (X) of the vehicle. |
| US08998535B2 |
Method and system of retriever systems for marine geophysical survey sensor streamers
Retriever systems for marine geophysical survey sensor streamers. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including attaching a retriever system to a sensor streamer by: wrapping a lifting bag assembly at least partially around the sensor streamer, the lifting bag assembly comprising a deflated lifting bag, a gas cylinder, and a depth trigger mechanism; and covering the lifting bag assembly with an outer cover. |
| US08998525B2 |
Structure for mounting a clip for a writing implement
A structure for mounting a clip for a writing implement which has a barrel extending along a longitudinal axis. The structure includes a fastening member made of plastic material integral with the barrel and having a proximal wall and a distal wall with respect to the barrel, the proximal and distal walls being arranged opposite each other and overall extending in substantially parallel respective planes in order to form between them a recess having an open insertion end. The clip includes a fastening portion having a substantially uniform thickness and is suitable for mounting in the recess by the open insertion end. |
| US08998518B2 |
Dual cleaning apparatus
A cleaning apparatus providing a user with the ability to perform two cleaning functions with the same apparatus. According to one aspect of the present disclosure the cleaning apparatus includes an elongated body portion having first and second ends, a first tip integral with the first operative end, the first tip including a first solution for performing a first cleaning function, and a second tip integral with the second operative end, the second tip including a second solution to the second operative end for performing a second cleaning function. |
| US08998516B2 |
Tandem printing system having a web transport controller with a derived drum diameter
A tandem printing system for imaging a continuous web of material includes a first printer serially coupled to a second printer wherein the speed of the web can be adjusted to maintain image quality and to compensate for a change in a diameter of a driver drum. The change in the diameter of the driver drum can be derived from characteristics of the printing system including the amount of sag of the continuous web of material moving between the first printer and the second printer. |
| US08998515B2 |
System and method for media curler characterization
Embodiments described herein are directed to characterizing a media curler for a printing. Test curls can be imposed on media having input curls with known input values using a media curler to be characterized. The media curler can impose the test curls based on curler settings of the media curler. Resulting output values from an interaction between the test curls and the input curls can be measured and the curler settings can be characterized based on the known input values and the resulting output values so that the media curler can be configured to respond to incoming media having a known input curl by applying curler setting to achieve a desired output curl. |
| US08998511B2 |
Cladding alignment for fusion splicing optical fibers
In aligning ends of optical fibers, e.g. for performing a prealignment of ends of large mode area double-clad fibers (LMA-DCFs) in order to thereafter perform a core alignment process, in a fiber optic fusion splicer a best, optimum or near optimum position or setting of the optical system for observing the self-focusing effect is first determined and then the very alignment operation may be performed using the determined setting. The very alignment process may then be performed by adjusting stepwise the offset distance between the observed fiber ends by e.g. using a cascade technique. |
| US08998508B2 |
All-outdoor microwave enclosure having a built-in memory cardholder
A microwave transmit/receive enclosure comprises an enclosure housing and one or more I/O connection ports that are mounted on one side of the enclosure housing. The enclosure housing contains a removable communication connector and a removable memory card. Both the removable communication connector and the removable memory card can be inserted into or removed from the enclosure housing via the same I/O connection port. |
| US08998507B2 |
Fiber optic connectors and structures for optical fibers and methods for using the same
In one embodiment, a device comprises at least one ferrule having a bore, the bore extending from a rear of the ferrule toward a front of the ferrule, wherein the bore is sized to receive an optical fiber with a buffer at a rear end face of the ferrule, wherein the front end of the ferrule includes an optical component. |
| US08998501B2 |
Bearing component for a rolling bearing or for a sliding bearing
The invention concerns a bearing component (Ia, Ib, 1, 7, 9) for a rolling (13, 14, 16) or sliding bearing (19), wherein the bearing component (Ia, Ib, 1, 7, 9) is one of an inner ring (Ia, 1), an outer ring (Ib, 7), a rolling element (9), a cage, or a guide ring. The bearing component (Ia, Ib, 1, 7, 9) comprises a first material (2), and a second material (3) joined to the first material (2), wherein the second material (3) and the first material (2) having been joined by a semi-solid metal process. |
| US08998500B2 |
Bearing seal structure
A bearing seal structure includes: a ridge portion provided on an inner race; a groove portion provided on an outer race; and a grease reservoir that is defined by the ridge portion and the groove portion and contains grease for providing a seal between the inner race and outer race. |
| US08998492B2 |
Bearing assembly for a marine turbine shaft, and marine turbine including such a bearing assembly
To recover the axial forces transmitted by a rotating shaft, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of distributed bearing units. Each bearing unit comprises: a stationary base; a resilient member having a stationary portion and a portion that is completely movable in a main direction of the forces to be supported; and a bearing surface that defines, together with the shaft, a water film. The bearing surface is connected to the movable portion. The minimum radius of the bearing surface is between 1 m and 3 m. The resilient member and the base define at least one water chamber. A plurality of ducts are arranged so as to connect the chambers together, thereby defining a closed circuit. |
| US08998488B2 |
Radiographic projector
A radiographic projector (10) for housing and projecting a radioisotope for use in radiography is described. The front end of the projector has a chamfered surface (12) for receiving an ancillary shielding component. The material used for the front end surface of the projector is tungsten powder in a less dense material matrix. A locking mechanism (30) for a projector is described, including a locking bar for locking a source holder in the projector. The locking mechanism includes an interlock section for retaining the locking bar in an unlocked position while a source holder is not in its storage position, and a latch section for latching the locking bar in the unlocked position prior to engagement of the interlock section. A holster for mounting a radiographic projector and a retraction cage for a remote windout mechanism are also described. |
| US08998486B2 |
Extremity imaging apparatus for cone beam computed tomography
An apparatus for cone beam computed tomography of an extremity has a digital radiation detector and a first device to move the detector along a circular detector path extending so that the detector moves both at least partially around a first extremity of the patient and between the first extremity and a second, adjacent extremity. The detector path has radius R1 sufficient to position the extremity approximately centered in the detector path. There is a radiation source with a second device to move the source along a concentric circular source path having a radius R2 greater than radius R1, radius R2 sufficiently long to allow adequate radiation exposure of the first extremity for an image capture by the detector. A first circumferential gap in the source path allows the second extremity to be positioned in the first circumferential gap during image capture. |
| US08998483B2 |
Concentration and dispersion of small particles in small fluid volumes using acoustic energy
A method of manipulating particles suspended within a fluid droplet using a microfluidic system including a piezo-electric substrate (1) and a wave generation means (3) for generating a wave within the piezoelectric substrate (1), and a working surface (2) through which the wave can be distributed and upon which fluid droplets (9) can be located, the method including locating one or more droplets of fluid on the working surface (2), varying the power applied to the wave generation means (3) or varying the distribution of the wave across the working surface (2), such that particles (1 1) suspended within the fluid droplet (9) are either dispersed within the droplet or concentrated in an area within the droplet in dependence on the power or wave distribution applied by the wave generation means (3) to the piezoelectric substrate (1), or to facilitate rotation of the fluid within said fluid droplets (9) located jn the path of the wave. |
| US08998481B2 |
Double screw extruder
What is described is a twin screw extruder having two extruder screws (10, 34), each extruder screw (10) having a cylindrical core (12) and at least one web (14) running helically over the periphery of the outer cylinder face of the core (12), the surface of the web (14) comprising a peripheral side (18) and two flanks (22, 24), and a channel (30) being formed between adjacent web windings. The flanks (22, 24) of the web (14) have a waved progression in the peripheral direction. |
| US08998480B2 |
LED lighting device
An LED lighting device, in particular an LED retrofit lamp, comprising a light-emitting means (2) having at least one LED (16) and a lampholder (1) for accommodating the light-emitting means (2), and at least one elastic element (12), which braces the light-emitting means (2) in the lampholder. |
| US08998476B2 |
Lighting device, display device, and television receiving device
The backlight device 24 according to the present invention is provided with: an LED substrate 30; an LED light source 28; a light guide plate 20 having a light entrance surface 20a on a side surface; a chassis 22 having a bottom plate and a side plate; and spacer members that regulate the distance between the side plate and the light guide plate 20. The side plate has three first side plates 22c and 22d on the surface of which an LED substrate 30 is arranged, and one second side plate 22b on the surface of which the LED substrate 30 is not arranged. The spacer members have an elastic spacer member 34a and a non-elastic spacer member 34b. The space between the first side plate 22c that is opposite the second side plate 22b, across the light guide plate 20, and the light guide plate 20 is regulated by the non-elastic spacer member 34b. The space between the other side plates 22b and 22d and the light guide plate 20 is regulated by the elastic spacer member 34a. |
| US08998471B2 |
Lighting units having light-diffusing optical fiber
Lighting units include a light source, a light-diffusing optical fiber assembly, and a support substrate. The light-diffusing optical fiber assembly includes a plurality of light-diffusing optical fibers that are arranged in a bundled portion surrounded by a jacket and a splayed portion free from the jacket. The plurality of light-diffusing optical fibers in the splayed portion scatter light optically coupled into the plurality of light-diffusing optical fibers from the light source. The plurality of light-diffusing optical fibers within the splayed portion are structurally coupled to the support substrate. |
| US08998468B2 |
Solid state light source with hybrid optical and electrical intensity control
A solid state illumination system is provided as a replacement for conventional arc light, metal halide and Xenon light sources for applications in microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and endoscopy. The illumination system includes hybrid optical and electrical control of output intensity in which the light output of one or more of the light sources is attenuated optically such that it is not necessary to reduce the electrical drive power/current of the LEDs at a level where the spectral power distribution is variable. One or more fixed, selectable, or variable neutral density filters is interposed in the output beam of one or more sources to achieve optical attenuation of the light output. The hybrid optical and electrical control of output intensity allows greater dynamic range of intensity to be achieved than could be achieved with electrical control of the LEDs alone while maintaining the desired spectral power distribution. |
| US08998463B2 |
Light-emitting apparatus and automotive headlamps
A light-emitting apparatus is provided with: a light-emitting module; a control circuit unit configured to control the lighting of the light-emitting module; a heat-radiating substrate configured to support the light-emitting module and the control circuit unit in such a manner as to recover the heat produced by the light-emitting module and the control circuit unit; and a connection support unit mounted on the heat-radiating substrate in such a state as to support an electrically conductive member by which to electrically connect the light-emitting module and the control circuit unit. |
| US08998461B2 |
Electrically illuminated flame simulator
An electrically powered flame simulator comprises at least two light sources, an integrated circuit electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently illuminating at least one of the light sources independently of other light sources such that the light sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement, and a power source for providing power to the integrated circuit. The flame simulator may be mounted in a decorative or ornamental device such as a candle or fire log, or used on decorative clothing, or may be part of a hazard or warning system. One or more solid state light sources may also be used. |
| US08998459B2 |
Illuminating apparatus
An illuminating apparatus includes a lamp member, a lighting member, a waterproof member, and cooling liquid. The lamp member has a closed chamber, in which the cooling liquid is filled. The lamp member has at least a metal heat sink in the chamber, and the heat sink has at least a slot. The lighting member is isolated from the cooling liquid by the waterproof member. Therefore, the heat of the light emitting diode may be dissipated quickly through the cooling liquid. |
| US08998457B2 |
Self-ballasted lamp and lighting equipment having a support portion in contact with an inner circumference of a base body
A self-ballasted lamp includes: a base body; a light-emitting module and a globe which are provided at one end side of the base body; a cap provided at the other end side of the base body; and a lighting circuit housed between the base body and the cap. The light-emitting module has light-emitting portions each using a semiconductor light-emitting element, and a support portion projected at one end side of the base body, and the light-emitting portions are disposed at least on a circumferential surface of the support portion. A light-transmissive member is interposed between the light-emitting module and an inner face of the globe. |
| US08998456B2 |
Optical transmission apparatus having temperature control function
An optical transmission apparatus having a temperature control function includes: a package having a cavity; a cooler mounted in the cavity and controlling temperature; and a substrate mounted on the cooler and including a light source mounted thereon to generate light. In spite of the presence of the cooler, the apparatus can be implemented to be compact and have a simple structure. |
| US08998453B2 |
Calibration light source
The invention relates to a calibration radiation source comprising the following: a housing (2) having an opening (12), a board (22) held in the housing (2), a semiconductor radiation source (18) mounted on the board (22) for generating a light beam, and an exit opening support element (14) having, in the area of the opening (12), a light exit opening (15) through which the light beam radiates outwards from the housing (2). The exit opening support element (14) is decoupled from the housing (2), and is attached to the board (22) of the semiconductor radiation source (18). |
| US08998443B1 |
Beacon light having a lens
A beacon light and lens system includes a base, a light emitting diode assembly having at least one light emitting diode secured to the base, a lens including optics configured to capture and direct light from the at least one light emitting diode, a driver board configured to power the at least one light emitting diode, a power source connected to the driver board wherein the lens is mounted on the base. The system generates a 360° horizontal beam pattern and a predetermined vertical beam pattern. |
| US08998429B2 |
Printed material and photographic material
A printed material includes a printed material body with a surface, and an optical element disposed on the surface of the printed material body. The optical element includes multiple structures formed at a pitch not longer than the wavelength of visible light. The structures have an aspect ratio of 0.6 or more and 5.0 or less. |
| US08998423B2 |
Image Projection apparatus
Assuming that a normal line of an image display surface of a DMD is a normal line Ax of the image display surface, that a direction in which a light beam specularly reflected by a mirror is outputted is a specular reflection direction R, and that an angle that the specular reflection direction R forms with respect to the normal line Ax of the image display surface is denoted by γ, an image projection apparatus satisfies the following conditional expression: β(2·k−1)≧2·γ−β(2·k)≧β(2·k+1), where β(2·k−1) and β(2·k+1) represent a diffraction angle of an odd-order diffracted light, and β(2·k) represents a diffraction angle of an even-order diffracted light. |
| US08998412B2 |
Ophthalmologic apparatus and control method for the same
A tracking apparatus including: a fundus imaging apparatus for acquiring a fundus image; and a measurement unit that extracts a characteristic image of a fundus image from a first fundus image captured by the fundus imaging apparatus, detects the characteristic image from a second fundus image that is different from the fundus image, and measures a position change in the fundus images from coordinates of the extracted characteristic image and the detected characteristic image in the respective fundus images, wherein a region in which the characteristic image is detected from the second fundus image is determined so that a region searched for the characteristic image from the first image includes the extracted characteristic image and is broader than a range of movement of the characteristic image resulting from movements of the eye ball within measurement time. |
| US08998410B2 |
Corneal endothelial cell photographing apparatus
An apparatus including: a main unit including a system for irradiating illumination light from a light source to a cornea of an eye from an oblique direction and a system for obtaining a corneal endothelial cell image by receiving reflection light from the cornea by a first imaging element; an anterior segment observation optical system including a second imaging element, the anterior segment observation optical system configured to pick up an anterior segment image of the eye by the second imaging element to observe the anterior segment image from front; a controller adapted to turn on the light source and obtain a plurality of picked-up images output from the first imaging element; and a unit adapted to detect an alignment state of the main unit with respect to the eye based on a picked-up image output from the second imaging element during obtaining of the picked-up images by the controller. |
| US08998407B1 |
Anti-glare eyewear
An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to an eyewear article for reducing glare. The eyewear article comprises an upper opaque or semi-opaque panel and a lower opaque or semi-opaque panel. The upper panel and lower panels are separated by a slit, the slit being configured for being placed in front of a user's eye to enable light propagating from a task located ahead of the user's eye to reach the user's eye, and the upper and lower panels being configured for preventing at least a portion of light propagating from at least some locations other than the task from reaching the user's eye. |
| US08998404B2 |
Transportation device and recording apparatus
A transportation device includes a transportation unit that transports continuous paper, and an image capturing unit that has a light irradiator capable of irradiating the continuous paper which is transported by the transportation unit with light and detects a transportation amount of the continuous paper based on reflected light of the light irradiated onto the continuous paper by the light irradiator. The light irradiator is arranged so as to irradiate the continuous paper with light obliquely with respect to the detection region of the continuous paper from the width direction side of the continuous paper, which is orthogonal to the transportation direction of the continuous paper. |
| US08998403B2 |
Media tacking to media transport using a media tacking belt
When tacking print media to a print media transport belt in a printer, a tack module having a pair of nips is employed to control charge migration in across the print media in order to tolerate lead edge curl while ensuring uniform printing. An upstream nip is formed by a first bias transfer roll and a first backup roll, and a downstream nip is formed by a second bias transfer roll and a second backup roll. The respective backup rolls are offset slightly upstream of the respective bias transfer rolls. Charge of opposite polarities is applied to the first backup roll and the second bias transfer roll to facilitate taking of the print media to the print media transport belt. |
| US08998401B2 |
Image recording device having color ink head, transparent ink head and light irradiation unit
An image recording device is provided with a plurality of color ink heads, first irradiation units which are disposed between the color ink heads which are adjacent, a second irradiation unit which is disposed more to the downstream side in the transport direction than the plurality of color ink heads and which irradiates light which is stronger than the light which is irradiated by the first irradiation units, and a transparent ink head which is disposed more to the downstream side in the transport direction than the second irradiation unit and which discharges transparent ink onto the image, wherein an interval, where a furthermost downstream color ink head and the transparent ink head are lined up, is wider than an interval where the plurality of color ink heads are lined up. |
| US08998394B2 |
Ink cartridge, and ink-jet recording apparatus using the same
There is provided an ink cartridge which is formed from an ink-filled ink pack and a hermetic outer shell case for housing the ink pack and which supplies ink to a recording head by means of application of air pressure to a space between the outer shell case and the ink pack. The outer shell case is formed by coupling an upper case and a lower case together. The ink-filled ink pack is housed in the lower case, and the upper case is laid on the lower case from above. The upper and lower cases are hermetically sealed by vibratory welding or heat welding, thus constituting the ink cartridge. |
| US08998392B2 |
Liquid supplying and collecting apparatus
An ink supplying and collecting apparatus includes a case, ink cartridges detachably attached to the case, and a collecting container detachably attached to the case. The ink cartridges supply ink to a recording head of a printer via ink supply tubes. The collecting container collects ink drained from the recording head via an ink drain tube. The case is located outside of and is separate from the printer. Thus, the sizes and shapes of the ink cartridges and the collecting container can be freely designed. |
| US08998391B2 |
Method for stimulation range detection in a continuous ink jet printer
A method for determining the quality of a break-off of an ink jet of a CIJ printing machine is disclosed. In one aspect, this method includes: generating a first line of N1 drops, all charged by the charge means, at the same voltage V1. Also included is: generating at least one drop G1, charged by the charge means, at a second voltage (VG1), followed by at least one drop G2, charged by the charge means, at a third voltage (VG2) lower than V1; generating a second line of N2 drops, all charged by the charge means, at a same voltage V2; and measuring, using an electrostatic sensor, the charge variation of a non-deflected jet of drops including at least the first line of drops and the second line of drops, separated by the drops G1 and G2, during the passage of the jet in front of the sensor. |
| US08998389B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head comprises a pressure generation chamber communicating with a nozzle opening, a vibrating wall provided as one surface of the pressure generation chamber and vibrates so that ejects the liquid from the nozzle opening, and a resin portion having a recessed arc-shape and formed in a corner of the pressure generation chamber and formed of a resin material having a Young's modulus of less than or equal to 10 GPa. A ratio r/w of a radius r of the surface of the resin portion to a width w of the pressure generation chamber defined by the vibrating wall is greater than or equal to 0.017 and less than or equal to 0.087. |
| US08998386B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
Provided is a liquid ejecting apparatus which comprises a pressure generation chamber, a piezoelectric element, and a driving unit which supplies a driving signal to the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric layer shows electric field induced phase transition and when among voltages at which the piezoelectric layer shows the electric field induced phase transition a voltage having a higher absolute value is defined as VF and a voltage having a lower absolute value is defined as VAF, the driving unit supplies to the piezoelectric element a driving signal which allows the voltage to be applied to the piezoelectric layer, allows the voltage that passes through VF and of which the absolute value is equal to or higher than VAF to be set as a start point, and allows the voltage to be changed within a range where the absolute value is equal to or higher than VAF. |
| US08998385B2 |
Thermal head, printer, and method of manufacturing thermal head
A thermal head including: a laminated substrate including a support substrate and an upper substrate at least one of which has a recess formed in a surface thereof; a heat generating resistor formed on a surface of the upper substrate in the laminated substrate at a position opposed to the recess; and a pair of electrode portions connected to each of both ends of a heat generating resistor, wherein the laminated substrate further includes: an intermediate metal layer sandwiched between the support substrate and the upper substrate and bonded thereto in a laminated state; and a surrounding metal layer formed of a metal material, the surrounding metal layer provided in contact with the intermediate metal layer and formed from a surface of the support substrate extending in a thickness direction thereof to a surface thereof opposite to a portion bonded to the upper substrate. |
| US08998383B2 |
Inkjet nozzle device with symmetrically constrained bubble formation
An inkjet nozzle device for symmetrically constrained bubble formation includes: a firing chamber having and an end wall, opposite sidewalls and a nozzle aperture defined in a roof thereof; a baffle plate positioned between the sidewalls of the firing chamber, such that a pair of firing chamber entrances are defined between side edges of the baffle plate and the sidewalls; and an elongate heating element bonded to a floor of the firing chamber, the heater element extending longitudinally between the baffle plate and the end wall. The baffle plate is wider than the heater element. Further, a centroid of the heater element coincides with a midpoint between the baffle plate and the end wall. |
| US08998373B2 |
Ink-jet head and method of manufacturing ink-jet head
According to one embodiment, an ink-jet head includes a main body, electrodes, electrically conductive portions, an insulating film, a frame member, a lid member, an electronic component, a protective agent. The main body includes pressure chambers. The insulating film covers the electrodes and a part of the electrically conductive portions. The frame member is attached to the main body from above the insulating film. The protective agent covers an end portion of the insulating film located between the frame member and the electronic component and the electrically conductive portions between the electronic component and the end portion of the insulating film. |
| US08998372B2 |
Scanning optical apparatus and image forming apparatus
A scanning optical apparatus includes a light beam detection unit, a reference signal generation unit, and a returned light detection unit. The light beam detection unit decides whether the light beam reflected by the reflecting surface of a polygon mirror has entered the BD sensor, through comparison between an output value of the BD sensor and a predetermined first threshold. The reference signal generation unit generates a scan start reference signal in response to the decision that the light beam has entered the BD sensor. The returned light detection unit decides whether the light beam reflected by the reflecting surface has entered the internal light sensor, through comparison between an output value of the internal light sensor and a second threshold corresponding to light beam intensity higher than the intensity of the light beam reflected by the reflecting surface and corresponding to the first threshold. |
| US08998368B2 |
Printer and printing method
A printer includes a roll driving mechanism for causing a roll to rotate and a medium to be conveyed, a roll driving section for driving the roll driving mechanism, a first conveying mechanism for conveying the medium, a first driving section for driving the first conveying mechanism, a second conveying mechanism for conveying the medium, and a second driving section for driving the second conveying mechanism, and a controller for performing a control in such a way that when there is a change in the rate at which the first conveying mechanism conveys the medium, the maximum amount of the difference between the amount of the medium conveyed by the roll driving mechanism and the amount of the medium conveyed by the second conveying mechanism exceeds the maximum amount of the difference. |
| US08998367B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
There is provided an image processing apparatus in which in a case of tone-expressing one pixel corresponding to a plurality of areas (printing resolution) in a multi-pass print, it is possible to output a uniform image without graininess or density unevenness over all-tone regions from a low-density region to a high-density region. To this end, by referring to dot patterns in which a print or a non-print of dots onto each pixel (area) corresponding to a printing resolution are in advance defined, quantization data is converted into binary data having the higher printing resolution. At this time, the dot patterns are prepared to be different from each other for M times of scans in a multi-pass print of M passes. In consequence, it is possible to restrict a variation of a coverage ratio due to a printing position displacement in each printing scan. |
| US08998366B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
A serial type inkjet printing apparatus performs the following processing. A slant is set between the nozzle arrayed direction and the carriage moving direction for each printing column in the carriage moving direction. The carriage position is detected. Image data stored in a print buffer in association with each printing column is divided based on the detected carriage position and the slant in the printing column corresponding to the set position of the carriage. The image data is read by separating it into respective data used for first-and-second-scan printings by the printhead in an identical region, based on the detected carriage position, and the slant in the printing column corresponding to the set position of the carriage. Printing is performed by first-and-second-scanning the printhead on the identical region, using the read image data. |
| US08998360B2 |
Dot data generating method, dot data generating device, inkjet recording device, and inkjet recording system
A dot data generating method uses a first inkjet recording device and a second inkjet recording device, in which a first image is printed using the first inkjet recording device based on first dot data which determines formation or non-formation of dots, and second dot data is generated to print a second image based on the second dot data using the second inkjet recording device in which a speed of a relative movement of the inkjet head and a recording medium when printing an image is small compared to the first inkjet recording device. The dot data generating method includes generating the second dot data by converting the first dot data such that data of each dot in which formation of a dot is determined is converted to form a plurality of dots at predetermined intervals between the dots in a relative movement direction in place of the each dot. |
| US08998355B2 |
Drawer guide system
A drawer guide system having a case runner plastic assembly and a drawer guide plastic assembly for receiving the case runner plastic assembly. The case runner plastic assembly includes a case runner plastic adapted to be secured to a drawer frame, and a case runner attached to the case runner plastic and having a pair of cam mechanisms. The drawer guide plastic assembly includes a drawer guide adapted to be secured to a drawer, and a drawer guide plastic secured to the drawer guide. The drawer guide plastic includes a pair of tabs, and the drawer guide includes a pair of side walls, each of which has a window for receiving the pair of tabs. Upon contact with the tabs of the drawer guide plastic, the cam mechanisms automatically rotate into the corresponding windows, temporarily securing the case runner plastic to the drawer guide. |
| US08998353B2 |
Hybrid brake control
A method to control a vehicle including control of regenerative brakes and friction brakes includes monitoring a desired corner force and moment distribution, monitoring real-time actuator constraints including a braking torque limit of each of the regenerative brake, determining a regenerative braking torque for each of the regenerative brakes based upon the desired corner force and moment distribution and the real-time actuator constraints, determining a friction braking torque for each of the friction brakes based upon the desired corner force and moment distribution and the determined regenerative braking torque for each of the regenerative brakes, and controlling the vehicle based upon the determined regenerative braking torques and the determined friction braking torques. |
| US08998351B2 |
Brake control device for vehicle
A brake control device for a vehicle includes: a hydraulic brake device including a master cylinder, a wheel cylinder, a differential pressure control valve, and a pump; and a differential pressure control unit that operates the pump and transmits a differential pressure instructing output to the differential pressure control valve to perform a differential pressure control such that a differential pressure is generated; wherein the differential pressure control unit includes a correcting unit, wherein the correcting unit calculates a differential pressure instructing correction amount, based on an increased amount of the differential pressure which is generated by the differential pressure control valve when the increased amount of the differential pressure during the differential pressure control and then corrects the differential pressure instructing output based on the differential pressure instructing correction amount such that the differential pressure instructing output becomes larger than the increased amount of the differential pressure. |
| US08998348B2 |
Hydraulic brake architectures for aircrafts for braking at least one wheel of the aircraft
Aircraft hydraulic parking architecture, including a brake with a wheel braking hydraulic actuator, a pressure source (Alim) of high-pressure fluid, a normal braking hydraulic circuit (C1) including at least pressure control servo valve with a supply port (P) connected to the pressure source (Alim), a return port (R), a utilization port (U) connected to the actuator, the brake architecture further including a parking hydraulic circuit (C2) including a parking brake valve (PkBV) having an outlet port (Ps1) selectively connected either to the pressure source (Alim) or a low-pressure return circuit (CR).The outlet port (Ps1) of the parking brake valve (PkBV) is connected to the return port (R) of the pressure control servo valve. |
| US08998347B2 |
Brake system for a vehicle and method for operating a brake system of a vehicle
A brake system and method for operating same for a vehicle having a master brake cylinder, a brake medium reservoir, a first wheel brake cylinder, into which a first brake medium volume is displaceable from the master cylinder, a second wheel brake cylinder, into which a second brake medium volume is displaceable from the master cylinder, and a pump, which is hydraulically connected to the brake medium reservoir, the first wheel brake cylinder being hydraulically connected to the pump via a first non-return valve and the second wheel brake cylinder being hydraulically connected to the pump via a second non-return valve so that the pump can pump a third brake medium volume from the brake medium reservoir through the first non-return valve into the first wheel brake cylinder and a fourth brake medium volume from the brake medium reservoir through the second non-return valve into the second wheel brake cylinder. |
| US08998344B2 |
Self-propelled building machine
A road cutting machine has a machine frame and at least one left-hand running gear and at least one right-hand running gear. A device is provided for raising or lowering the running gears resting on the ground, in relation to the machine frame, and also a control unit is provided for activating the device for raising and lowering the running gears, so that the height of the running gears can be adjusted to the machine frame. The control unit comprises sensors for detecting changes in the height of the ground to be covered by the running gears in relation to the machine frame, whereby the control unit contains a control mode for initiating actions in the control system for adjusting the height of the running gears. The control unit is configured in such a way in the control mode that if a change is detected in the height of the ground, the respective running gear or the respective running gears are raised or lowered so as to compensate any lateral tilting due to a change in the height of the ground. |
| US08998340B1 |
Passenger restraint for amusement park ride
A passenger restraint including a buckle, a locking arm, a power supply, a bracket, a mount, and a rod. The buckle has a button capable of being depressed. The locking arm has first and second extensions extending outwardly therefrom, and first and second prongs extending downwardly from the first and second extensions, respectively. The buckle includes an opening arranged to receive the first and second prongs. Furthermore, there is a bracket secured to the locking arm, a mount having first and second mount sides and first and second mount side fastening means. The power supply is secured to the mount and the bracket is secured to and pivotable about the mount via first and second mount side fastening means. The locking arm is in an open position but when an electrical signal is applied the locking arm extends downwardly into the opening of the buckle into a closed position. |
| US08998336B2 |
Head restraint having an anti-turn mechanism
A head restraint assembly is provided for the rotationally secure arrangement of a head restraint on a vehicle seat formed from a backrest and a seat base part. The head restraint is arranged on the backrest by at least one head restraint rod such that the height thereof can be adjusted. A region is formed at an upper end of each head restraint rod. In the region the course of the head restraint rods defines a curve having a radius. The head restraint rods are arranged with the curved region in the head restraint in a form-fitting manner. |
| US08998335B2 |
Vehicle seat and commercial vehicle
The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a seat part and with a seat back part for supporting a driver of the vehicle in the sitting position on the vehicle seat, wherein the vehicle seat has an additional vehicle driver's torso support device which can be disposed outside the seat part and the seat back and which can be temporarily disposed at least partially in an otherwise seat-free torso support region in front of the seat back part and laterally and/or above the seat back part, in order to provide support, laterally off-center of the seat back part, at least at the level of the shoulder region of the driver who is sitting on the vehicle seat when he adopts a seated working posture oriented to the side or backwards, and wherein the additional vehicle driver's torso support device comprises a seat back extension device which is disposed on the seat back part (3) so as to be movable in translation along a horizontal axis in order to be able to move the additional vehicle driver's torso support device substantially horizontally from an approximately central starting position into an off-center additional torso support position. |
| US08998334B2 |
Head support that can be moved in the X direction
The invention relates to a head support comprising a head support case that can be moved in relation to at least one stay bar in the X direction. The invention also relates to a locking system. |
| US08998332B2 |
Locking device for a fold-over backrest of a seat
A locking device for a fold-over backrest of a seat, has a locking housing in which a handle is pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position, by which handle a pawl of a locking mechanism can be carried between a locked position and an unlocked position. A blocking bolt is movable manually by a closable lock between a blocked position blocking the handle and a released position releasing the handle. A transmission element is driveable displaceably in a guide from a first end position into a second end position. The transmission element has a retaining element and, upon movement of the handle out of the locked position, is movable into a retaining recess of the blocking bolt and prevents the blocking bolt from being able to move from the released position into the blocked position. |
| US08998330B2 |
Reclining device
[Problem] The present invention addresses the problem of providing a reclining device in which a pawl moves smoothly, does not slip and locks well.[Solution] A cam part that moves a pawl (33) in the direction of a locked position is configured from a rotating cam (first cam) (31) that pushes the pawl (33) in the direction of the locked position and a cam (second cam) (34) that is pressed by the rotating cam (31) and pushes the pawl (33) in the direction of the locked position while pressing same against a guide (25c). The cam part is configured so that when the pawl (33) located at the unlocked position moves to the locked position, the cam part initially presses the pawl (33) with the rotating cam (31), and when the pawl (33) is at the locked position, presses the pawl (33) with the cam (34). |
| US08998329B2 |
Fitting for a vehicle seat
A fitting for a vehicle seat has a first fitting part and a second fitting part. The fitting parts can be rotated relative to one another about an axis. A toothed ring is formed on one of the fitting parts, and guide segments for guiding bolts are formed on the other of the fitting parts. A rotatably mounted eccentric acts on the radially displaceable bolt which then interacts with the toothed ring in order to lock the fitting. A spring arrangement acts on the eccentric and is arranged in a central receptacle in the second fitting part. The second fitting part has a guide part having the guides and a cover for covering the spring arrangement, wherein the guide part and the cover are formed separately and are connected to one another. |
| US08998327B2 |
Marine seat
A reclining marine seat is provided. An embodiment of the reclining marine seat marine seat comprises a seat back retainer section having at least one sidewall. The sidewall defines a top surface. The reclining marine seat further comprises a back having at least one sidewall. The sidewall defines a bottom surface. The back is pivotal between first and second positions with respect to the seat back retainer section. The bottom surface of the back does not extend above the top surface of the seat back retainer section during movement of the back between the first and second positions. The reclining marine seat further includes a seat. First and second frames are provided to support the back and seat. |
| US08998326B2 |
Vehicle seat assembly
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat, a pedestal, a swivel mechanism connected to the pedestal for permitting the seat to rotate about a vertical axis and a latch located external to the swivel mechanism for preventing rotation of the seat. The seat assembly may further include a bracket for mounting the seat to the swivel mechanism in any one of a plurality of positions. Another vehicle seat assembly includes a track, a seat having a seating portion and a seat back, a base connected to the seat and engaging the track so as to permit longitudinal movement of the seat along the track and a locking mechanism for retaining the seat in a desired position along the track. The locking mechanism includes a vertically extending pin located beneath the center of the seating portion of the seat. |
| US08998324B2 |
Vehicle seat
A seat main body is mounted on a seat mount base on a vehicle body floor through left and right seat rails. The seat mount base includes left and right side members and a connection member connecting substantially central portions of the side members to each other. The seat rails each include a lower rail and an upper rail. Force sensors are disposed between the side members and the corresponding lower rails. The upper rails are secured to the seat main body. A central region of the connection member, located substantially in a center in a seat width direction, protrudes toward the front compared to joining portions where the connection member is joined to the left and right side members. A space opening toward the rear is formed between the joining portions. |
| US08998322B2 |
Reaction force mechanism for backrest of chair and chair mounted with the same
Reaction force mechanism for backrest of a chair has clear large space under the seat and uses a longer reaction force spring than the prior art. The mechanism includes a base member supported on a leg, a back support member coupled by a rotation shaft to the base member to recline and support the backrest, a seat support member to which the seat is mounted, a weight-dependent reaction force mechanism for moving the seat support member in a lifting direction, and a reaction force spring for applying a spring force for returning the back support member to an original position, in which the reaction force spring is disposed in a lateral orientation between the back support member and the seat support member. |
| US08998321B2 |
Chair with a pivoting backrest
A chair having a fixed support structure including two side uprights, a backrest having two side portions, and a pair of elastic joints connecting said side portions of the backrest to said side uprights, wherein each of said elastic joints comprises: a bushing fixed to a respective side upright, a helical spring having a longitudinal axis, the helical spring having an upper end resting against a front wall of the bushing, a compression member resting against a lower end of the spring, an upper attachment fixed to a corresponding side portion of the backrest, and a rigid connecting rod having an upper end and a lower end. |
| US08998317B2 |
Support base for a child safety seat
A support base for a child safety seat includes a shell body, an adjustable arm assembled with the shell body and having a rear end provided with a fastener operable to attach with an anchorage fixture of a vehicle, a safety lock, and a coupling portion assembled through an interior of the adjustable arm. The shell body is movable along the adjustable arm to adjust a distance between the fastener and a rear of the shell body. The safety lock is assembled with the shell body, and includes a latch operable to engage and disengage an opening of the adjustable arm. The latch is operable to lock the shell body with the adjustable arm, and a locking engagement of the fastener with the anchorage fixture causes a displacement of the coupling portion that pushes the latch to disengage from the opening for allowing displacement of the shell body toward the fastener. |
| US08998316B2 |
Seating assembly with a blow molded seat back
An improved seating system that includes a blow molded seat back assembly that is fabricated to include a seat back comprising a double walled design having a foreword (14) and a rearward (16) wall wherein there is at least one or more sections comprising a single wall (213). Further, the blow molded seat back may include an integrated reinforcement structure. |
| US08998315B2 |
Headrest which can be adjusted in the X direction
The present invention relates to a headrest having a headrest box which is mounted on at least one retaining rod and can be displaced in the X direction. |
| US08998309B2 |
Vehicle seat assembly having a permeable cushion with a colored coating and method of making the same
In at least one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a vehicle seat assembly comprising a frame, a flexible foam cushion supported on the frame, the cushion having an outer surface comprising a major surface portion and a colored minor surface portion, a trim material secured over the cushion to cover the major portion of the surface, the colored minor portion of the outer surface being uncovered by the trim material, and the major surface portion of the cushion having a first permeability of 5 to 30 ml/cm2/min. and the colored minor surface portion having a second permeability of at least 80% of the first permeability and the colored minor portion comprising a plurality of dried flexible in-mold colored coating disposed on discrete surface areas of the cushion. |
| US08998307B1 |
Header beam of a vehicle frame and method of forming the same
A header beam couples between A-pillars of a vehicle frame. The header beam is formed from a generally straight beam segment that is extruded to have a hollow body portion with supportive legs extending within the hollow interior along the length of the beam segment, defining uninterrupted forward and rearward box sections for supporting continuous load paths on the header beam. The end portions of the beam segment are clamped and the beam segment is stretch bent to form a curvature between the end portions that remain generally straight. A front flange extends forward along the body portion and is struck proximate the end portions to form an edge that is parallel to the curvature formed between the end portions. The end portions are attached to the A-pillars and the edge of the front flange is attached to a windshield. |
| US08998306B2 |
Front-end module for a motor vehicle
A front-end module (1) for a motor vehicle; includes a supporting part (3, 7, 8), wherein the supporting part (3, 7, 8) includes two headlight brackets (5), each of which is attached onto a separate side of the supporting part (3, 7, 8), the headlight bracket (5) including a mechanism (53) for attaching the supporting part (3, 7, 8) to an attachment area (4), thus forming an attachment axis (A) about which the headlight bracket (5) can pivot relative to the mounting part (3, 7, 8) in the event of an impact. |
| US08998305B2 |
Automotive rear vehicle body structure
Disclosed is an automotive rear vehicle body structure which comprises a rear subframe (21) provided with right and left side member segments (22). Each of the right and left side member segments (22) has a rear region provided with a rear fixing section (26) attached to a respective one of right and left rear side frames (7), and a front region provided with a front fixing section (25) attached to a vehicle-body cross member (10). A position of the front fixing section (25) of each of the side member segments (22) is set to be located inward of the respective one of the rear side frames (7) in a vehicle width direction, and each of the side member segments (22) is provided with an arm support section (28) configured to pivotally support a suspension arm (32), at a position rearward of the front fixing section (25). |
| US08998304B2 |
Cab rear mounting device
A cab rear mounting device includes: a pair of posts disposed at a predetermined interval in a width direction of a vehicle, and fixedly mounted to a vehicle body; strikers mounted to the pair of posts, respectively; a pair of locking devices mounted to the cab, and coupled to each striker to be locked, so as to fix the cab to the vehicle body, or separated from each striker to be unlocked, so as to release the cab from the vehicle body; and damper devices mounted to the posts, respectively, and configured to absorb vibration or shock, thereby promoting a decrease in the number of components, and weight and cost of the vehicle. |
| US08998303B2 |
Cab frame with integrated rollover protective structure
The cab for a mobile machine includes a seat for an operator, and a rollover protective structure (ROPS). The ROPS being positioned on either side of a first vertical plane centrally located on the seat and extending along a length of the cab. The ROPS may include a C-post positioned behind the seat, and a B-post positioned in front of the seat. The C-post may include a first portion extending upwards and angled towards the seat. The first portion may extend from a first end proximate a bottom rear corner of the cab to a second end proximate the first vertical axis. The ROPS may also include a second portion extending upwards from the second end to a third end proximate a roof of the cab. The ROPS may further include a third portion extending in a direction away from the seat from the third end to a fourth end proximate a top rear corner of the cab. |
| US08998294B2 |
Deflector apparatus
A deflector apparatus for regulating air flows at a rear of a vehicle includes a movable portion arranged at a rear of a roof panel and an upper of a rear window of a vehicle and extended in a vehicle width direction. The movable portion is movable to increase and decrease a protrusion amount of a front end portion of the movable portion in a vehicle front-rear direction from an upper surface of the roof panel to upward. The deflector apparatus further includes a driving system for driving the movable portion to decrease (increase) the protrusion amount as a vehicle speed increases (decreases) to decrease (increase) an amount of air introduced by the movable portion and flowing along the rear window. |
| US08998288B2 |
Tailgate cover
A tailgate cover includes at least one pocket to securely fit over a tailgate. In some embodiments, the tailgate cover includes two or three pockets. The tailgate cover is made of stretchable material such as a stretchable fabric which enables the cover to be stretched securely over the tailgate. To further secure the tailgate cover over the tailgate, any coupling device is able to be used. The tailgate cover is able to include any graphic and/or text. |
| US08998287B2 |
Roll tarp system
A roll tarp system is provided which includes a container, a roll pipe, a tarp sized to cover an open top of the container, a power mechanism for rolling the roll pipe from a closed position in which the tarp covers the open top to an open position in which the open top is exposed, and an arm assembly having a flexible arm portion. The arm assembly biases the roll pipe toward the closed position when the roll pipe is in the open position. |
| US08998282B2 |
Trim for a motor vehicle
A trim made of plastics for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprises a first component (7) made of plastics and a second component (8) made of plastics. To improve such trim, the first component (7) is at least partly transparent or semi-transparent. The second component (8) includes one or more recesses (10, 11, 12) for a display element and/or for an input element (FIG. 2). |
| US08998281B2 |
Clamping mechanism
A mechanism for clamping workpieces includes a base body, a first clamping unit, a second clamping unit, and an inserting member. The base body includes at least two elastic members. Both the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit include a splint assembly movably sleeved on the base body and a moving member. The inserting member is coupled to the base body. When the inserting member is withdrawn from or inserted into a space between the two moving members, the two splint assemblies can be moved away from each other to release a workpiece, or brought together to clamp a workpiece. |
| US08998278B2 |
Striker concealment mechanism and method
A vehicle closure assembly includes a closure movable relative to a vehicle opening between closed and open positions. A latch is coupled to one of a threshold of the vehicle opening and the closure, and a striker is coupled to the other of the threshold of the vehicle opening and the closure. The striker and latch are engageable to secure the closure in the closed position. A striker cover is movable relative to the striker between a concealing position in which the striker is substantially concealed from the latch, and an exposing position in which the striker is substantially exposed to the latch. An actuator is coupled to the striker cover and is operable to move the striker cover to the concealing position or the exposing position from the other position in response to movement of the closure relative to the vehicle opening. |
| US08998276B2 |
Latching system for storage unit
A storage system including peripheral walls providing a storage area and a pivotally mounted door closing an opening into the storage area. A latching mechanism includes a latch member attached to a peripheral wall cooperating with an inturned latching member on the door to maintain the door closed. The cooperating latch member and inturned latching member extend for more than 25% of the height of the door and most preferably approximately 100% of the height of the door. In another aspect of the invention the latch member and the inturned latching member overlap each other when the door is closed and are forced in a direction to further overlap when a prying force is applied between contiguous surfaces of the door and peripheral wall. |
| US08998275B2 |
Unitary latch, blast lock, and release handle assembly for vehicle door
An assembly is provided for opening a heavy weight door, such as on a military vehicle, by an occupant in the vehicle. The assembly includes a latch module with a catch and rotor adapted to engage and disengage the striker on the door frame, a blast lock module including a pawl adapted to engage and disengage the door frame, and a release handle module with a single interior handle for controlling the engagement and disengagement of the latch and blast lock modules. The three modules are pre-assembled on a carrier plate so as to form a rigid, unitary assembly for mounting on the inside of the door. When a person chooses to exit the vehicle, the handle is actuated so as to retract the blast lock and then release the latch. When the door is closed, a person inside the vehicle can actuate the handle so as to engage the blast lock for safety. |
| US08998271B2 |
Fixing device for fixing an actuation device with push-push kinematics
Disclosed is a fixing device for fixing an actuation device with push-push kinematics on a component of a motor vehicle. The fixing device includes a housing with a guiding element and a locking recess on its outer surface, an opening in the component for inserting the actuation device, a guiding element on the component, and a locking projection on the component. The guiding elements of the actuation device and the component corporate such that the actuation device is guided into the opening in a predetermined rotational position, and the locking projection and the locking recess lock with each other upon the actuation device being inserted fully into the opening in the predetermined rotational position, and thus fix the actuation device on the component. The locking can be released again by rotating of the actuation device out of the predetermined rotational position. |
| US08998270B2 |
Threaded adaptor
A threaded adaptor has a first end and an opposite second end of a generally hollow cylinder. At least one end has threading for connection to a hose or fitting and the ends form the male half of the connection. Centered upon the adaptor, a collar provides at least two faces for gripping of the adaptor by a tool. Within the adaptor, the two ends open into a smooth chamber that allows for uninterrupted fluid flow. To further seal the adaptor, at least one O-ring and at least one gasket are provided as alternate embodiments. In another alternate embodiment, the adaptor has one threaded end, an opposite barbed end with a clamp, and a collar with six faces. These two ends open into a chamber with a stepped diameter. The adaptor provides for flow of fluid with little turbulence. |
| US08998268B2 |
Sinter bonded ceramic articles
A sintered ceramic article includes a silicon carbide tube and a silicon carbide base component circumscribing at least a portion of the tube and sinter-bonded to the tube. The sinter bond between the tube and the base component is defined as an interface bond and includes no bond materials. The interface bond has at least one of the following performance characteristics: a Shear Strength not less than about 25 MPa, a Nitrogen Seal Performance of not greater than 10%, a Helium Seal Performance of not greater than 10%, and/or a Vacuum Seal Performance of not greater than 10%. |
| US08998264B2 |
Identification document having a personalized visual identifier and method for production thereof
An identification document (10) comprises a personalized first visual marking (14) that is arranged in a first region (12) of the identification document (10), the first region (12) being configured in such a way that, upon laser irradiation of the same, local darkenings of the optical impression of the identification document (10) are produced, resulting from material transformations. The identification document (10) further exhibits a second visual marking (26) that produces the optical impression of a copy of the first visual marking (14) and is arranged in a second region (22) of the identification document (10), the second region (22) being configured in such a way that, upon laser irradiation of the same, local lightenings of the optical impression of the identification document (10) are produced, resulting from material transformations. |
| US08998262B2 |
Seat-belt load limiter
A device that limits a load of a seat belt includes various elements. For example, the device includes a seat-belt webbing and a shoulder anchor to which a portion of the webbing is secured. A button is attached to the webbing at a position that is a distance away from the portion secured to the shoulder anchor. The button is able to engage a lever, when the webbing is pulled out, to control energy absorption of the seat belt. |
| US08998260B2 |
Frame support, suspension stop, and method of improving a motor vehicle
An apparatus, kit, and method for improving a motor vehicle. Embodiments include right and left frame supports, a cross beam, and two mounts for air bump stops, for instance, outboard of the vehicle frame. Damage to the frame can be prevented in severe suspension impacts and vehicle handling and performance can be improved both on and off road surfaces. Certain embodiments include impact pads clamped to the axle of the vehicle, hardware or bolts that attach components together or to the frame of the vehicle, or a combination thereof. Components can be configured to attach to the vehicle frame. Particular embodiments support the frame at the top, bottom, outboard side, or a combination thereof, and some frame supports have a channel portion, a hollow box portion, and two parallel gusset plates, for example. In some embodiments, the cross beam can fit between and attach to the gusset plates. |
| US08998259B2 |
Steering apparatus
A steering apparatus includes an engaging portion movable in a predetermined moving direction at a time of a secondary collision; a fixation portion fixed to a vehicle body; and an absorbing member. The absorbing member includes a fixed portion fixed to the fixation portion, an engaged portion facing the engaging portion, and a connecting portion that includes a curved portion and connects the fixed portion and the engaged portion. An area of a cross-section of the curved portion taken along a plane perpendicular to a creeping direction along the curved portion varies depending on a position in the creeping direction. The connecting portion of the absorbing member is deformed so that the absorbing member absorbs energy of the secondary collision. |
| US08998252B2 |
Restraint system
A restraint system for a motor vehicle unfolds from a storage position to a restraint position. The unfolding is carried out by at least one supporting structure that can be inflated by a gas pressure source; and in the restraining position, the occupant is provided with a carrier volume for restraining the occupant in the displacement position, whereby the carrier volume is enclosed by at least one carrier structure. The dimension of the restraint system is adapted to the respective load condition, and the flexible carrier structure is fixed for enclosing the carrier volume by inflating the supporting structure. |
| US08998250B2 |
Curtain airbag for a vehicle
A curtain airbag for a vehicle includes a main chamber shaped in such a way that, in a position being mounted on the vehicle, in the inflated state the main chamber covers an inner side structure of the vehicle. The curtain airbag further includes an additional chamber which, in the mounting position, is located on the in driving direction of the vehicle front portion of the main chamber, and deploys in the direction of the interior of the vehicle when the curtain airbag is inflated. |
| US08998249B2 |
Wrap-around airbag device
An airbag device for a vehicle including at least one airbag housing interface chamber that attaches to an airbag housing; at least one airbag cushion chamber downstream of the at least one interface chamber; an elbow that fluidly connects the housing interface chamber with the cushion chamber and configured so that it controllably regulates gas flow into the at least one airbag cushion chamber; the elbow having an internal configuration, which includes at least one opening that permits back and forth gas flow between the elbow and the least one airbag cushion chamber, and which controls the directional deployment of the airbag cushion chamber so that upon deployment the downstream end of the cushion chamber exits an airbag housing outwardly in a first direction and then in at least one second direction, so that the direction of deployment of the cushion chamber changes in direction to thereby wrap at least partially around a structure of a vehicle of the vehicle and at least temporarily interpose the cushion chamber between any occupant and the vehicle structure. |
| US08998248B2 |
Mounting arrangements for airbags
An airbag cushion assembly can include a mounting assembly and an airbag cushion. The mounting assembly includes a plate which may be coupled to the airbag cushion, and which may also include a fastener which is used to attach the assembly to a vehicle. |
| US08998245B1 |
Folding wheelchair
A wheelchair includes left and right side frames and a folding mechanism for connecting the left and right side frames to each other in a folding and unfolding relationship. The folding mechanism includes cross struts rotatably connected to the lower side frame members, hinge links connected to the upper side frame members, and a lock for locking the hinge links together when the folding mechanism is unfolded to form a rigid truss between the left and right upper side frame members. |
| US08998242B2 |
Dual-purpose safety baby carrier
A dual-purpose safety baby carrier includes a seat having armrests and a bottom to which a cover defining a receiving chamber is mounted. Upper and lower positioning sections are mounted to a back of the seat. A control bar is movable along the upright tubes between a position where a push key of a safety switch engages the upper positioning section to allow a wheel frame carrying wheels to be retracted into the receiving chamber for serving as a safety seat and a position where the push key engages the lower positioning section to allow the wheel frame to be expanded to form a stroller. The safety switch also includes a push button biased by a spring for locking the push key in position of engaging the upper or lower positioning section. A securing structure includes coupling members mounted to the seat for coupling a seat belt. |
| US08998241B1 |
Foldable structure for baby stroller
A foldable structure for baby strollers is revealed. The foldable structure includes two joints at each side thereof. A push rod, a front support with a sliding member and a rear support are pivotally connected to each joint. The sliding member is linked to the push rod and the rear support by an upper link and a lower link respectively. A quadrilateral linkage is arranged between the two front supports while a seat is pivotally connected to and located above the quadrilateral linkage. The quadrilateral linkage is linked to front wheel sets and the sliding members. Thereby the quadrilateral linkage is driven to move through the upper and the lower links and the sliding members when the joint is released from a locked state and the push rod is pushed forward. The front wheel sets are also folded. Thus the baby stroller is folded into a compact size. |
| US08998239B2 |
Trailer and method of use
A low profile trailer and method of use with mountable equipment includes an axle system allowing reduced trailer deck height, open trailer sides, and peripheral trailer stabilizer legs, said axle system comprising aligned axle structures at each of two sides of the trailer, each said axle structure including a sleeve fixedly attached to the trailer body and including an axle assembly slidably received in the sleeve such that the sleeve and axle assembly is structured to allow removal and insertion of an axle assembly on one trailer side without the necessity of replacing the axle assembly on the other trailer side. |
| US08998235B2 |
Bicycle rear suspension system
A rear suspension bicycle in which a lower linkage member between the front triangle and the rear wheel swingarm of the bicycle extends a significant distance backward toward the rear wheel. Rear suspension configurations according to the present teachings may exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: (i) the center of curvature of the rear wheel axis of rotation and the instant center of the bicycle may be substantially equidistant from the pedaling axis when the shock absorber is fully compressed, (ii) as the shock absorber is compressed from a fully uncompressed state to a fully compressed state, a rate of change of chainstay length may decrease substantially linearly, and (iii) as the shock absorber is compressed from a fully uncompressed state to a fully compressed state, the acceleration anti-squat value may decrease from a value substantially equal to 100% to a value of substantially equal to zero. |
| US08998232B2 |
Recumbant style powered unicycle
A powered unicycle device for use upon a riding surface. The unicycle device includes a single wheel rotatably coupled to an axle, the wheel extending substantially in a fore-aft direction. A motor for driving the wheel is provided and electronic equipment, in communication with the motor, is configured to maintain fore-aft balance of the unicycle device while being ridden. An elongated curved rail, defining a curved path, is coupled to a support frame of the unicycle device and extends laterally in a side-to-side direction substantially transverse to the fore-aft direction. A seat is disposed above the wheel and is movably coupled to the rail such that the seat is capable of moving laterally along the curved path of the rail, in the side-to-side direction substantially transverse to the fore-aft direction, while the unicycle device is being ridden. |
| US08998231B2 |
Bicycle suspension system
A bicycle suspension system of the invention generally includes at least two bicycle suspensions and a hydraulic control assembly. The hydraulic control assembly includes a pair of fluid pumps, and a fluid responder and a fluid path for each of the bicycle suspensions. The fluid pumps are mountable to a bicycle handlebar and form part of the hydraulic control assembly. A fluid responder is mountable each of the bicycle suspensions. The fluid paths link the fluid pump to a respective fluid responder. Each fluid responder is operatively connected to one of the bicycle suspensions to operate the bicycle suspension system between first and second suspension settings in response to fluid displacement between each fluid pump and each of the fluid responders. |
| US08998224B2 |
Scooter
A scooter includes a footboard, a steering column having an upper end connected to a handlebar and a lower end connected to a front fork, a head-tube frame assembly having a head tube coupled to the steering column and a frame assembly coupled to the footboard, a front ball bearing wheel rotatably mounted to the front fork, and a rear ball bearing wheel rotatably mounted to a rear fork the footboard. The scooter further includes a folding mechanism in the head-tube frame assembly for folding up the scooter. |
| US08998223B2 |
Braking system, rollator and transport chair with the same
A braking system is mounted on a rollator or a transport chair and includes a braking part and an operating system. The braking part is mounted adjacent to a wheel of a rollator or a transport chair. When the operating system is unactuated, the braking part abuts a corresponding wheel to avoid a rotation of the corresponding wheel. When a user wants to walk and move the rollator or the transport chair, the user can press the operating system such that the braking part departs from the wheels and releases a brake. When the user wants to sit on the seat cushion and rest, the user can keep the braking system actuated without pressing the operating system, and accordingly the rollator or the transport chair would not be slidable when sat on, thereby avoiding danger. In addition, when the user walks on a slope, the user can release their hands from the rollator or the transport chair without making the rollator or the transport chair slide down the slope. |
| US08998217B1 |
Footwear with selectively retractable skating wheels
A footwear product (10) with a selectively retractable skating mechanism (30) that permits a user to selectively change from WALK to SKATE. Mechanism (30) includes two coaxially disposed elongated rail assemblies (40; 60) conforming to each other and snuggly fitted to allow them to slide and cammingly deploy and retract wheel assembly (80) that protrudes outwardly in the SKATE position. Upper rail assembly (40) is totally housed within the sole assembly (20) in the WALK position. |
| US08998216B2 |
Vehicle
A vehicle includes a pair of rear wheels, a frame portion, a roll-over protection cage supported by the frame portion, a pair of suspension assemblies at a rear region of the frame portion to suspend the pair of rear wheels, an engine supported by the frame portion, with at least a portion of the engine being at a more rearward position than the roll-over protection cage, and a rear stabilizer connecting the pair of suspension assemblies to each other. Each of the pair of suspension assemblies includes an arm portion supported pivotably by the frame portion, and a shock absorber which connects the arm portion and the frame portion to each other. The rear stabilizer overlaps the engine in a plan view, passing in front of the pair of shock absorbers and below the engine. |
| US08998212B2 |
Leaf seal
A leaf seal is provided for effecting a seal between two coaxial, relatively rotating components. The leaf seal has an annular pack of leaves which are stacked face-to-face within the pack, and which are mountable to one of the components at respective root portions of the leaves such that the leaves extend towards the other component and respective edges of the leaves are presented for wiping contact with the other component. The pack includes a plurality of spacers, each spacer separating the root portions of neighboring leaves to form therebetween interleaf gaps which allow an axial leakage flow through the pack. The spacers are distributed around the pack such that the leaves are divided into blocks of two or more leaves sandwiched at their root portions between nearest-neighbor spacers. |
| US08998211B2 |
Methods of randomizing cards
Apparatuses and methods for moving playing cards from a first group of cards into plural hands of cards, wherein each of the hands contains a random arrangement of cards. The apparatus may comprise a card receiver for receiving the first group of cards, a single stack of card-receiving compartments generally adjacent to the card receiver, the stack generally vertically movable, an elevator for moving the stack, a card-moving mechanism between the card receiver and the stack, and a microprocessor that controls the card-moving mechanism and the elevator so that an individual card is moved into an identified compartment. The number of compartments receiving cards and the number of cards moved to each compartment may be selected. Apparatuses for feeding cards may comprise a surface for supporting a stack of cards, a feed roller with a frictional outer surface, a drive mechanism for causing rotation of the feed roller, a pair of speed-up rollers to advance the cards out of the feed roller, and a clutch mechanism for disengaging the feed roller from the drive mechanism as the card comes into contact with the speed-up rollers. |
| US08998193B2 |
Device and method for conveying sheets and conveyor system
According to the invention, in the transport path between the input device and the output device, at least one intermediate buffer is arranged that serves as input device and as output device. The input device, the output device and the intermediate buffer are positioned adjacent to the conveyor belt and operated by the control device in such a way, that sheets forwarded from the input device or sheets stocked in the intermediate buffer are coupleable pneumatically to the lower side of the conveyor belt, and that sheets pneumatically attached to the lower side of the conveyor belt are selectively decoupleable at the intermediate buffer or at the output device. |
| US08998190B2 |
Machine vice quick locking system
A machine vice quick locking system being a machine vice unit with modified mounting blocks, each having a plurality of vertically inclined continuous hole spaces with the mid-space portion of each hole space being amenable to receipt of the nut portions of a plate-bolt-nut complex unit serving to quickly facilitate a locking fast of either one and ultimately both of a pair of equivalently sized jawplates to either of the anterior or posterior walls of either modified mounting block portion of the machine vice unit with each jawplate featuring a pair of horizontally inclined counterbored holes for receipt by each, of one bolt portion of each complex unit. |
| US08998188B2 |
Elastomer components that can be prestressed by pressure means and method for the production thereof
Elastomer components (104), which are to have an elastomer volume with a sufficiently large prestress, as is required, for example, for use in wind energy plants. The elastomer components (104) are substantially based on the incorporation and integration of separating elements (105) into the elastomer body of the component, the elements are disposed either individually or in structures. The body may be compressed by pressure supplied into the region, between the separating elements and the surrounding elastomer material, or directly into the separating elements, such that elastomer components are prestressed in a dynamically adjustable manner. |
| US08998186B2 |
Hydraulic mount for vehicle
Disclosed herein is a hydraulic mount for a vehicle, wherein a serpentine wall that protrudes from a bottom surface of a membrane wherein the membrane operates as a bottom surface of the upper chamber, is bonded to an orifice lower plate and separates a central chamber and a serpentine inertia track. Furthermore, the serpentine inertia track is disposed along a circumference of the central chamber. The hydraulic mount additionally includes a plurality of orifice apertures that are formed in the orifice lower plate and configured to allow communication between the central chamber and the lower chamber. |
| US08998185B2 |
Vibration damping device for vertically cantilevered pump assemblies
A Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) for damping oscillations of a hanging vertical pump structure includes a removable mass symmetrically configured within the pump structure diameter and supported by a mechanism which provides damped mobility relative to the pump structure so as to absorb and dampen pump vibrations and oscillations. The TMD mass is easily removable before tipping of the pump between horizontal and vertical orientations during maintenance. In some embodiments, the TMD mass comprises fluid pumped by the pump to fully or partially fill a housing, the fluid being gravitationally drained therefrom when the pump is not operating. In other embodiments the TMD mass is supplied by removable solid weights. Damped mobility is provided by springs damped by mechanical or fluid friction, or by obstructed movement of fluid within a partially filled housing. In embodiments, the TMD mass is at least 5% of the total mass of the pump structure. |
| US08998184B2 |
Ventilated air bellows for a pneumatic spring, pneumatic spring containing a ventilated air bellows, and pneumatic spring system containing ventilated air bellows
The invention relates to an air bellows for a pneumatic spring, in particular of a commercial vehicle, the air bellows including an axle-side region and a body-side region, wherein the axle-side region is arranged on a plunger and movable by a compression or extension movement between a first, compressed position and a second, extended position, and further including an interior space adapted to be filled with compressed air via a compressed air opening that is connectable to a compressed air line. The air bellows further comprises a valve connected to the atmosphere for ventilating the interior space, wherein by applying compressed air present in the interior space to the valve the valve is moved to a closed position. |
| US08998183B2 |
Suspension apparatus
A suspension apparatus 100 includes a leaf spring 110 in which a front end and a rear end are rotatably supported by a frame 2 of a car and an intermediate portion thereof in a longitudinal direction is attached to an axle 3; and a stay 160 having an engaging portion 161 for blocking rotation of a portion to a rear of a breaking point of the leaf spring 110 when the leaf spring 110 is broken at a portion to a rear of the intermediate portion thereof. |
| US08998181B2 |
System and method for vibration isolation
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes a connection body and a connection element arranged at least partially within the connection body. The connection body is operable to couple to a first element in a link arrangement and the connection element is operable to couple to a second element in the link arrangement. The apparatus further includes a metallic spring system arranged circumferentially around at least a portion of the connection element. The metallic spring system is operable to compress in response to relative movement between the connection body and the connection element. |
| US08998178B2 |
Scent pad and mechanism for housing the same
An improved scent pad and mechanism for housing the same. The mechanism is preferably a part of a humidifier or similar device and positioned adjacent to a heated surface. The mechanism preferably includes a cover, a keyed portion and a rib portion which allows the scent pad to fit properly and prevents other shaped pads from being inserted into or otherwise used in the housing mechanism, insuring optimal performance. In one embodiment the scent pad includes an upper straight edge, side edges, two lower beveled edges and a lower straight edge situated between the beveled edges. The upper straight edge and lower straight edge are preferably substantially parallel to each other. The side edges are preferably substantially parallel to each other and the beveled edges are preferably arranged at an angle that intersects both the lower straight edge and a side edge. |
| US08998177B2 |
Humidifying and fresh-keeping device for refrigerator
A humidifying and fresh-keeping device for a refrigerator is provided, including a device container and a top cover. The container has a drawer for storing fruits and vegetables, and a containing chamber is disposed at one side of the container. A drawer-type water tank is disposed in the containing chamber, with a water storing box at one end and an ultrasonic humidifying device at the other end. A supply air box is disposed at a wind outlet of the ultrasonic humidifying device, and an atomizing air duct is distributed in the container. An inlet of the atomizing air duct corresponds to an outlet of the supply air box, and outlets of the atomizing air duct are provided in the containertop cover. As a result, the fruits and vegetables preserved in the container have an environment humidity of 90-95%, and can be kept fresh in seven days. |
| US08998175B2 |
Rail crossover
A railing assembly that, in one embodiment, includes a first rail, a second rail, and a post that are coupled with a rail crossover assembly. The rail crossover assembly may include a first end with a first flange configured to be received in a cavity of the first rail, a second end with a second flange configured to be received in a cavity of the second rail, and a post coupling member configured to be received in a cavity of the post. The first end, the second end and the third end of the rail crossover assembly are oriented so the post is substantially orthogonal with respect to the first rail and the second rail. |
| US08998165B2 |
Reinforced plastic locking dogs
A hold open rod may include: an outer tube and an inner tube; a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the inner tube with the outer tube; a locking groove in an outer surface of the inner tube; a locking dog and an outer housing covering the locking dog and at least part of the locking mechanism, the outer housing defining a cavity to contain the locking dog when the locking dog is in the outer radial position and also having an angled inner wall configured to engage the locking dog to move the locking dog to the inner radial position when the outer housing is moved to a locking position. A method of actuating a locking rod may be provided. |
| US08998164B2 |
Insulated foot pad for a tripod
An insulated foot pad for a tripod has an insulated block sandwiched between two plates. The plates are made of a material that is a poor conductor of heat. Tripod legs placed on the foot pads will not sink into the snow on sunny days nor into warm asphalt on hot days. |
| US08998163B2 |
Device and method for springing a vehicle seat
The invention relates to a spring device for a vehicle seat, in particular a utility vehicle seat having at least one air spring arranged between a seat part and a lower part for the height adjustment (5) of the seat part and having a control device for controlling the supply and discharge of at least one additional air volume to or from the air spring, wherein at a predefined run in and/or run out position (9) of the air spring, the additional air volume that can be supplied or discharged can be changed or switched off by means of the control device such that inclines in the profile of a force-path air spring characteristic (1; 1a, 1b, 1c) of the air spring in a first and in at least one further range (2, 3,4) are different from one another. Furthermore, a description is given of a method of springing a vehicle seat. |
| US08998160B1 |
Conveyor support frame method and apparatus
A L-shaped bracket having aligned vertical and horizontal slots is mounted on a telescopic stand. A frame member is positioned on a horizontal support plate of the bracket. A bearing plate extends vertically from the support plate. The support plate includes spaced apart open ended slots aligned beneath elongated vertically extending slots in the bearing plate. A J-bolt having a cap at one end and a threaded portion at an opposite end extends through the aligned slots to a position where the cap abuts the bearing plate and the threaded end portion extends down through the slot in the support plate. A bell nut is tightened on the threaded end of the bolt to draw the bolt into clamping engagement with the frame where the bolt is adjustable along the length of the vertical slot in the bearing plate to receive frames of a variable range of height. |
| US08998156B2 |
Fascia mounting bracket assembly
A bracket for attaching a post to one or more fascia boards is provided. In one embodiment, the bracket comprises a flat top surface with openings sized to receive fasteners for attachment to the post. A back surface comprises openings sized to receive fasteners for attachment to the fascia boards. Two flanges extend substantially perpendicularly to both the top surface and the back surface. A cover is releasably attachable to the flanges. In another embodiment, the bracket comprises a top surface, a plurality of walls extending down from the top surface, and a plurality of angled faces extending from an edge of the walls. The top surface, the walls, and the angled faces form a semi-enclosed space. |
| US08998155B2 |
Quick threaded rod locking devices and method
A threaded rod hanger has quick lock plunger mechanism that includes plunger pieces within a tapered hole in a housing. The plunger pieces have tapered outer surfaces. A spring within the housing presses the plunger pieces toward the narrow end of the bore, with the spring located between the plunger pieces and a back plate that closes off part of a wide end of the tapered bore. The plunger pieces have internally threaded surfaces that engage threads on a threaded rod that is inserted into the bore, between the plunger pieces. Once the threaded rod has been inserted between the plunger pieces and released, the plunger pieces are pushed toward the narrow bore end. This causes the plunger pieces to press inward, automatically causing the internal plunger half threads to engage the external threads on the threaded rod. |
| US08998152B2 |
Portable barrier installation system and release mechanism
A portable barrier installation system and release mechanism is provided. A support frame comprising a first support arch is coupled on each end to a first and second support base. A second support arch, parallel to the first support arch, is coupled on each end to the first and second support base. A hopper assembly is coupled to the support frame. Rotation of the hopper assembly causes the hopper assembly to be in a fill or storage position. A release mechanism facilitates the release and placement of filled bags. |
| US08998148B2 |
Acoustical warning system
A locomotive warning system includes an acoustical warning subsystem configured to emit variably directed sound. A controller subsystem is responsive to an initiation command and is configured to trigger the acoustical warning subsystem to begin a sounding sequence when the initiation command is received at a first directivity angle and to continue the sound blast sequence at increasing directivity angles for a pre-establish time and/or distance traveled. |
| US08998142B2 |
Device for linking a stringer and a frame of an aircraft structure
A device for linking a frame and a stringer of an aircraft structure, including a first portion connected to a support surface of a frame, a second portion connected to a support surface of a stringer and a third portion referred to as intermediary portion connecting the first portion to the second portion. The second portion is connected to the intermediary portion by means of an articulation allowing for a relative movement between the two portions along a rotation axis perpendicular to the support surface of the stringer. The first portion is connected to the intermediary portion by means of an articulation allowing for a relative movement between the two portions along a rotation axis parallel to the support surface of the frame and to the support surface of the stringer. |
| US08998141B2 |
Aircraft hatch emergency opening actuator including opening delay means
An aircraft hatch emergency opening actuator, includes, a cylinder connected to the hatch at one end to a reference frame at the other end to which the hatch is connected, fluid means feeding the cylinder for emergency opening of the hatch, means for injection of the fluid means at a point of a fluid circuit feeding the cylinder for emergency opening of the hatch, said injection means configured to adopt: a rest position, in which the fluid means are isolated from the cylinder, and an active position, in which the fluid means are injected at the point of the fluid circuit, means for delaying the injection of the fluid means into the cylinder including a mobile element in the fluid circuit, delaying opening of the circuit when the injection means are in the active position, the injection delay being determined by a time of movement of the mobile element. |
| US08998140B2 |
Window of aircraft, closing member for opening and gasket seal
An electromagnetic shield mesh 25 is provided on a window part 21, and a gasket seal 50 is provided between the electromagnetic shield mesh 25 and a window frame 30 made of a conductive material. The first seal part 51 of the gasket seal 50 has a low volume resistivity, and makes it possible to prevent electromagnetic noise from entering the inside of an airframe between the window part 21 and a window frame 30. Moreover, the second seal part 52 of the gasket seal 50, which is made in contact with the electromagnetic shield mesh 25 of the window part 21 on the outer perimeter side of window panels 23A and 23B, has a volume resistivity of, for example, 300 Ωcm or more, so that it becomes possible to prevent corrosion from occurring at contact portions with a clamp 28, a clip 29 or the like. |
| US08998138B2 |
Seating installation for a passenger vehicle
A seating installation for a passenger vehicle, especially an aeroplane, the installation comprising a plurality of seat units, each seat unit having a back, two opposite sides and comprising a seat, which seat has a back-rest and a seat-pan and defines a longitudinal seat axis. The plurality of seat units are arranged in two adjacent files, each file defining a file axis, and the seat units in each file being oriented such that the axis of each seat unit subtends an acute angle with the respective file axis and being offset from one another along their respective seat axes to form at least one bay in each file behind the back of at least one seat unit and to one side of an adjacent seat unit in the same respective file, the seat units in the two respective files being staggered with respect to one another and the two files being disposed relative to one another such that at least one seat unit in each one of the files nests partially within a corresponding bay of the other file such that the seat units in the two respective files are arranged generally back-to-back with one another; and wherein each file comprises a succession of shields that are spaced along the respective file axis, the space between each pair of adjacent shields accommodating a respective seat of the file, the shields forming side screens for the seats, and the shields being configured and arranged such that a portion of at least one shield in each one of the files extends between two adjacent shields in the other file to form a rear screen for a corresponding seat in said other file disposed between the two adjacent shields. |
| US08998137B2 |
Connecting element and fastening arrangement for seat rails in an aircraft
A connecting element includes a first leg, a second leg and a third leg that are connected to each other and are each disposed at an angle to each other. The first leg includes a first fastening section and the second leg includes a second fastening section. A bending edge is disposed between the first leg and the second leg. The first leg includes at least one supporting section adjacent to the first section in a direction parallel to the bending edge, with the supporting section being connected to the second leg. The second leg forms an extension part in the first direction that is adjacent to the second fastening section, has a free end and is longer than the first fastening section of the first leg. The third leg is connected to the first leg and to the second leg. |
| US08998133B2 |
Landing gear system
A method and apparatus for changing a length of a landing gear system. A first cylinder and a second cylinder are moved relative to each other along an axis extending centrally through the first cylinder and the second cylinder such that the first cylinder and the second cylinder are in an extended position. In response to the first cylinder and the second cylinder being in the extended position, a flow of a fluid is substantially prevented between a first chamber formed between the first cylinder and the second cylinder and a second chamber within the first cylinder and the second cylinder. In response to a pressure applied to the first chamber, the first cylinder and the second cylinder are moved relative to each other along the axis such that a length of the first cylinder and the second cylinder is reduced. |
| US08998129B2 |
Landing gear
Aircraft landing gear including an axle pivotally connected to a bogie beam and a locking device. The locking couples the axle to the bogie beam, and has a movable member and a follower. The movable member is movable between first and second configurations. Movement of the movable member towards the second configuration causes corresponding movement of the follower so as to transfer a steering force to the axle through the follower which causes the axle to rotate in a first direction. With the movable member in the first configuration, the follower is in a first configuration that inhibits the movable member being moved by an external force applied to the axle. With the movable member in the second configuration, the follower in a second configuration that permits the movable member to be moved by an external force applied to the axle. |
| US08998127B2 |
Pre-landing, rotor-spin-up apparatus and method
A method and apparatus for reducing roll of rotorcraft landing in autorotation may include executing a flight with a rotorcraft. The flight may include first, second, and third portions ordered sequentially. During the first portion, the rotorcraft may be flown with the rotor exclusively in autorotation. During the second portion, the rotorcraft may be flown with the rotor powered at least partially by an engine of the rotorcraft, which may increase the rotational speed of the rotor. During the third portion, the rotorcraft may be flown with the rotor exclusively in autorotation. The flight and the third portion may terminate simultaneously with a touch down of the rotorcraft. Kinetic energy stored in the rotor during the second portion, during the third portion, bring the ground speed of the rotorcraft to substantially zero before touching down. |
| US08998125B2 |
Method and apparatus for in-flight blade folding
A foldable rotor system for a rotorcraft, the foldable rotor system comprising a rotor assembly operably associated with a driveshaft, the driveshaft being operable associated with an engine, the rotor assembly comprising a rotor blade connected to a grip pin. A swashplate is operable associated with the grip pin in order selectively change a pitch of the rotor blade. A blade fold actuator is operably associated with the grip pin such that the blade fold actuator is configured to fold and unfold the rotor blade about a blade fold axis. During an airplane mode, the rotorcraft can stop and fold the rotor blades so that the rotorcraft relies upon thrust from the engine for propulsion. The rotor blades are folded in a spiral fold path so that the rotor blades remain substantially edgewise, or feathered, during the folding process. The spiral fold path minimizes the aerodynamic drag experienced by the rotor blades while being folded during flight of the rotorcraft. |
| US08998115B2 |
Injection valve comprising a transmission unit
An injection valve for injecting fuel into an internal combustion engine may include an actuator, an injection needle associated with a sealing seat, and a transmission unit that establishes an effective connection between the actuator and the injection needle. The transmission unit may include a pressure chamber including two movable pistons that are guided within a movable pot. The first piston may be guided through a bottom of the pot while maintaining a first sealing gap, and the second piston may be guided within a sleeve section of the pot while maintaining a second sealing gap. One piston may be effectively connected to the injection needle, while the other piston may be effectively connected to the actuator. |
| US08998114B2 |
Pressure swirl flow injector with reduced flow variability and return flow
A reagent injector with a cartridge design has a body with a reagent inlet, outlet, and a swirl chamber, which has an exit orifice that may be covered and uncovered by a solid, movable pintle. Reagent flows through the injector when the exit orifice is covered and uncovered to cool the injector. An insulator may be disposed between the injector body and a mounting flange connectable to an exhaust system. A flow path ensures cooling of an electromagnetic actuator. Reagent may bypass an orifice swirl chamber when the pintle blocks the exit orifice. Fluid may flow between an outside diameter of a pole piece and an inside diameter of an electromagnetic actuator, through an orifice chamber and return through a central bore housing a solid pintle, around which fluid may flow. Different inner injector body passages may direct fluid into an orifice distribution chamber and out to the solid pintle. |
| US08998108B2 |
Sprinkler apparatus
A sprinkler apparatus includes a sprinkler and a frame for supporting the sprinkler. The frame includes two lateral members and first and second cross members. Each of the first and second cross members includes two lateral edges each connected to a corresponding one of the lateral members. The lateral members and the first and second cross members are made of metal by punching. |
| US08998101B2 |
RFID tag enabled article and a method therefor
A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag assembly enabled article and methods therefor are provided. The RFID tag assembly enabled article includes a RFID tag assembly connected to an article with a pair of conducting strips, wherein the pair of conducting strips is connected between each end of the RFID tag assembly, respectively, and the article to form an electrical association of said RFID tag assembly with the article. The RFID tag assembly further comprising an antenna formed from said electrical association of the RFID tag assembly with the article and a RFID microchip securely embedded within at least one layer of a substrate of the RFID tag assembly, wherein said RFID microchip coordinates with the article and the antenna to establish a stable impedance matching network. A support structure holds at least one end of the article. |
| US08998100B2 |
Infusion system configured for transfer of data
A system and a method are configured to program, track and/or monitor infusion data (such as proper medication, dosage information, drug identification, patient identification, and/or other information believed to be relevant) for a drug infusion system. An electronic data tag, such as a radio frequency identification device (“RFID”) tag, may be coupled to one or more components of the infusion system, such as a medication container or infusion set. |
| US08998093B2 |
Systems and methods for a product authorization service
A product authorization service is described, including receiving, from a first source, an item serial number (ISN) of a product and an item-specific key (ISK) for the product; receiving, from a second source, a product-package serial number (PPSN) associated with the product and information about the second source; storing the received PSN with an authorized indication based on the information about the second source indicating an authorized source; receiving, from the product, the PSN and the ISN; determining whether the PSN is the same as the receive PSN with the authorized indication; and if the PSN is the same as the receive PSN, transmitting the ISK to the product, the ISK enables activation of one or more features of the product. |
| US08998092B2 |
Systems and methods of optical code reading using a color imager
Systems and methods of optical code reading include production of image data by a color image sensor array and processing of the image data to decode an optical code. In one configuration, the color image sensor array includes first and second sets of sensor pixels sensitive to light having different wavelengths. Reflected light is focused by an optical system to form one or more images of an optical code on the color image sensor array. The optical system includes optics to form first and second images of an object bearing the optical code, where the first image excludes light of the second wavelength and the second image excludes light of the first wavelength, thereby enabling the first set of sensor pixels to sense the first image without substantially sensing the second image and the second set of sensor pixels to sense the second image without substantially sensing the first image. |
| US08998091B2 |
Hybrid-type bioptical laser scanning and digital imaging system supporting automatic object motion detection at the edges of a 3D scanning volume
A hybrid-type bi-optical bar code symbol reading system has a vertical housing section with a vertical scanning window and a horizontal housing section with a horizontal scanning window from which laser scanning planes are projected and intersect within a 3D scanning volume defined between the vertical and horizontal scanning windows. An automatic object edge-motion detection subsystem is provided for detecting the entry and exit of objects at the edge of the 3D scanning volume and generating control signals in response thereto. A digital imaging subsystem is supported within the system housing and automatically projects a field of view (FOV) within the 3D scanning volume in response to control signals generated by the automatic object edge-motion detection subsystem and timer settings managed by a system controller. |
| US08998086B2 |
Management device and management method
There is provided a management device including a position identification unit that identifies, based on identification information that is acquired from a plurality of antennas, a plurality of terminals, or antennas and terminals and indicates an object, a position of the object that stores the identification information. A distance between the antennas, a distance between the terminals, or a distance between the antennas and the terminals is a distance at which no mutual interference occurs. |
| US08998084B2 |
Mobile device for tracking evidence
A system for tagging, organizing and tracking evidence during the course of an investigation has one or more mobile communication devices that collect physical, photographic and interpretive evidence, such as materials from a crime scene, interviews with witnesses and an establishing shot of the crime scene or other areas or persons of interest for surveillance operations. The mobile devices can be in two-way communication with a central server computer which is in communication with other mobile devices. The mobile device users can enter descriptive information about the evidence into the mobile devices while other information pertaining to the evidence may be obtained from other sources and automatically provided to the users for their review and possible incorporation into the record. Each mobile device can store information in memory and communicate the information to the central server computer where it may then be made available to groups of mobile device users. |
| US08998082B2 |
Multimedia system and methods for controlling vending machines
A wireless system for managing a plurality of remote vending machines includes an enterprise control center; and a two-way wireless network coupling the enterprise control center and the plurality of remote vending machines. A touch screen may be associated with each of the plurality of vending machines for selecting items to be vended therein, and means for displaying a plurality of advertisements on the touch screen. The touch screen may also include means for paying for the items to be vended within the plurality of vending machines. |
| US08998081B2 |
Stored-value card management method and system
A computerized system for activating, issuing and otherwise managing transactions and activities pertaining to stored-value cards over a communications network. A central information database is provided for storing stored-value cardholder and card purchaser information received directly from respective stored-value cardholders and card purchasers PCs through a universal central processor via respective communication gateways. The central processor is coupled for communication realtime to multiple unaffiliated stored-value card processing networks normally operated by respective hosts. Each network includes a stored-value card processor coupled to a stored-value card database and multiple respective merchant communication devices. The central processor is programmed for managing the activation and issuance of transactions and activities for the stored-value card through the respective unaffiliated networks. The universal central processor is programmed to issue the stored-value cards directly to the cardholder or card purchaser by download over respective communication gateways. The universal central processor is further programmed for reporting the card activations, issuances, transactions and activities to the cardholders and the merchants thereby providing a universal management system. |
| US08998078B2 |
Automated banking machine with slide mounted devices
An apparatus including an automated banking machine is operative to cause financial transfers responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that is operative to read card data usable to identify at least one of a user of the machine and a financial account. A computer associated with the machine is operative to cause card data to be read through operation of the card reader, and to cause a determination to be made that read card data corresponds to a financial account authorized to conduct a transaction through the machine. The computer is operative responsive at least in part to the determination to cause the financial account to be at least one of assessed and credited with a value associated with a financial transaction. Transaction function devices of the machine are supported through slides that can be configured in different ways to facilitate mounting of devices within the machine. |
| US08998077B2 |
Automatic teller machine using banknote packages packed in advance
An automatic teller machine comprises a plurality of banknote boxes (2) in different amounts, in which a plurality of banknote packages (11) packed in advance are loaded, each banknote package (11) having therein one to hundreds of banknotes, both the top and bottom of the banknote package (11) being printed with the same identification bar codes (1102), such that when a banknote package (11) is output from the banknote box (2), the banknote box (2) can know if the output banknote package (11) is overlapped or wrong by using the two identification bar codes (1102) at the top and bottom of the banknote package (11). When withdrawing money, the control and communication circuit unit (1) controls said banknote box (2) and the transfer roller (7) within the automatic teller machine to output a banknote package (11) corresponding to the amount of money to be withdrawn to a banknote output opening (8) for the payee to withdraw. Besides, since the banknotes are packed in a banknote package in advance, both new and old banknotes can be used as long as they can be packed in a banknote package (11). Further, some paper small changes can also be packed into a banknote package (11). |
| US08998076B2 |
Establishing connections among electronic devices
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for establishing connections among electronic devices. Embodiments of the invention can use a context code, such as, for example, a QR code to facilitate electronic device networking. The connection process between electronic devices is automated. For example, upon snapping a picture, a communication application establishes connection between devices and also serves as a port between the connected devices. Networking code can be greatly simplified, permitting application developers to devote more resources to developing application code. |
| US08998074B2 |
Displayable shipping container
A container includes a first blank and a second blank. The first blank includes a first plurality of panel and a plurality flaps. The first plurality of panels includes a first side panel, a second side panel opposing the first side panel, a back panel, and a front panel of the container, the first plurality of flaps defines a bottom of the container and a first exterior portion of a top of the container. The front panel includes a first breakaway portion. The second blank includes an insert front panel and a top flap. The top flap defines a second exterior portion of the top of the container. The insert front panel includes a second breakaway portion that is attached to the first breakaway portion of the front panel. |
| US08998072B2 |
Foldable containers
Embodiments of foldable containers, such as foldable, plastic, produce containers, and related methods. In some embodiments, a substantially planar sheet for folding into a three-dimensional container may be provided comprising a plurality of side portions, each side portion comprising opposing flaps positioned on opposite sides. Each of the side portions may comprise opposing flaps, some of which may comprise tabs extending therefrom to be used for coupling with an adjacent side portion during a folding process. One or more of the side portions may also, or alternatively, comprise a stacking tab and/or a stacking tab receiving opening. The stacking tabs may be configured to be positioned within a stacking tab receiving opening of an adjacent container after the sheet has been folded into a three-dimensional container. |
| US08998071B2 |
Three-pronged box flap closure device
A three-pronged box flap closure device is provided for securing together three box flaps of a moving box or carton without the use of adhesive tape or overlapping the box flaps to secure the same together. One or more closure devices are contemplated for each box end, wherein each closure device comprises a first and second upper prong member forming a substantial V-shape with a common apex. A third prong member extends from the apex and between the first and second prong members, wherein the third prong member is disposed below the plane created by the first and second prong members. The first and second prong members are adapted to be positioned over a pair of aligned box flaps, while the lower prong member extends beneath a third, undermost box flap below the aligned box flaps, thereby sandwiching the three box flaps together along one side of the box end. |
| US08998063B2 |
Wire loop forming systems and methods of using the same
A wire bonding system is provided. The system includes a bond head, a bonding tool carried by the bond head, a wire supply configured for bonding by the bonding tool, and a wire shaping tool carried by the bond head. The wire shaping tool is independently moveable with respect to the bond head and the bonding tool. |
| US08998058B2 |
Detachable motor powered surgical instrument
A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement. |
| US08998052B1 |
Skateboard carrier strap with reflective stripe
This is a skateboard carrier strap that is designed in a manner to that of a waist belt. This is a skateboard carrier strap that is worn in said manner when not appropriating a skateboard. It is a carrier body strap in its separated state [FIG. 2] having a lower carrier body strap 10a member and an upper carrier body strap member 10b. Additionally there are loop straps 12 members located and attached at each end of upper member carrier body strap and lower member carrier body strap. Alternatively there are VELCRO (hook&loop) fastener open loop straps with high friction adhesive inlay, making this skateboard carrier suitable to appropriate multiple dimensions of long boards, skate boards and deck boards.The essence of this present art; it is a skateboard carrier strap designed and styled to be worn like a fashionable belt, when not being used to appropriate a skateboard. It is a no bulk, unobtrusive skateboard carrier suitable and desirable to those skilled in the present art. Its design makes it very accommodating to the skateboarder's persons, also appreciated by one skilled in the present art. It has a illuminating stripe that contours to the carrier's complete and entire length on both sides of the skateboard carrier strap webbing.Its illuminating stripe suggestively implies usage as a safety strap, in both its reflective feature and or, (see Specifications) its extended strap form design. It is a carrier for today's times and those in it, who are avid purchaser and appreciators of skateboard paraphernalia that is, the board pushers of today. The transparency of this present invention's superiority is that it has eluded the unattractiveness, balky and cumbersomeness, that plagues the outdated and out of touch prior art, and the other skateboard carriers. |
| US08998048B1 |
Electronic device holder on bicycle
An electronic device holder on a bicycle may include a frame body and a standpipe connection seat, and the frame body is composed of a body, a clamping device, two rotation controls and the nip unit pressing as the combination. The standpipe connection seat is provided with a fine adjustment unit, and the fine adjustment unit, is located on the beam of the glove with the set of risers, and provided to assemble for the anchor of body. |
| US08998043B2 |
Fluid-cooled vibratory apparatus, system and method for cooling
A vibratory apparatus includes a trough assembly comprising first and second plates, the first and second plates joined together in close proximity so as to define a space through which a fluid may pass at a high velocity, a vibration generator coupled to the trough assembly, and a frame resiliently coupled to the trough assembly. Also included is a system including the vibratory apparatus and other equipment, and a method of using the vibratory apparatus. |
| US08998039B2 |
Caulking guns
An electric caulking gun may include a cartridge setting portion to which a cartridge containing a caulking material can be set, an electric motor, a push rod driven by the electric motor via a power transmission path and configured to be pressed against the cartridge for dispensing the caulking material from the cartridge, and an interruption device provided in the power transmission path and operable for interrupting the power transmission path and allowing the push rod to be freely moved. |
| US08998035B2 |
Liquid beverage concentrate dispensing system
A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for controllably dispensing a liquid beverage concentrate for use in dispensing a beverage. The beverage may contain liquid beverage concentrate in combination with a liquid dilution ingredient such as water and may also include one or more additional ingredients. This system, method, and apparatus provides more precise control of the quantity of beverage concentrate dispensed by operating a pump used to dispense the concentrate based on the number of pulses of concentrate dispensed. A calibration is made to determine the measure of concentrate in each pulse. This volume per pulse is recorded and stored in a controller to controllably dispense a precise volume for a specific type of concentrate based on a predetermined recipe retained in the controller for each drink, type, and volume of the finished beverage. |
| US08998034B2 |
Device with co-molded closure, one-way valve and variable-volume storage chamber, and related method
A device includes a first part having a co-molded first support, valve cover and elastic actuator, and a second part having an injection molded second support, valve seat, and variable-volume storage chamber pre-form. The pre-form is blow molded into a flexible pouch defining the variable-volume storage chamber. The one-way valve includes a semi-annular, curvilinear, relatively rigid valve seat defining axially-extending, opposing first marginal portions, and an axially-extending first mid-portion angularly extending between the opposing first marginal portions. A flexible valve member is superimposed on the valve seat and defines axially-extending, opposing second marginal portions fixedly secured on or adjacent to respective first marginal portions of the valve seat, and an axially-extending second mid-portion angularly extending between the opposing first marginal portions and superimposed onto the first mid-portion of the valve seat. The flexible valve cover and valve seat form a normally closed axially and angularly extending valve seam therebetween. |
| US08998033B2 |
Material dispenser
A material dispenser includes a base, a platen, a spring, a casing, a material pick-up mechanism, and a cap. The spring is connected in between the platen and the base, and the casing encloses the spring and the platen and removably attaches with the base. The material pick-up mechanism is rotatably connected with the casing opposite from the base. The cap attaches with the casing opposite from the base and positions adjacent with the material pick-up mechanism. The material dispenser includes stored materials in between the platen and the material pick-up mechanism. The casing provides a parameter wall for the stored materials. The users of the material dispenser can dispense an exact amount of the stored materials through a top opening of the casing by rotating the material pick-up mechanism. |
| US08998032B2 |
Cartridge with a wheel for sealing the opening
A dispensing mechanism is adapted to eject a test sensor from a cartridge opening formed in a cartridge containing test sensors. The dispensing mechanism comprises a gear rack, a gear, and a wheel. The gear rack includes a first portion and a second portion located generally parallel to one another. The second portion of the gear rack includes a first plurality of teeth. The gear includes a second plurality of teeth that are adapted to be engaged by the first plurality of teeth upon movement of the gear rack. The wheel is operatively engaged by the gear and is adapted to dispense the test sensor from the cartridge opening and to seal the cartridge opening. The movement of the gear rack in a first direction causes the gear to rotate causing the wheel to rotate. The rotation of the wheel dispenses the test sensor through the cartridge opening. |
| US08998022B2 |
Food storage insert
The present invention describes a food container insert. The device comprises a silicone insert with multiple holes and feet on the bottom to raise the device off of the base of a food container when positioned therein. The device is placed in the bottom of a food container and facilitates the draining of fluids through the holes thereon, thereby preventing any fruit or food products contained therein from spoiling or becoming overly saturated with fluid. This keeps produce or other food separate from fluid and juices while being stored or served, preventing the same from becoming soggy and enabling the container contents to remain fresh for longer periods of time. |
| US08998014B2 |
Lid and container provided therewith
A resin lid for a container body with an opening in an upper part, including a body part that closes the opening and has an air hole, and a flap that includes a base, a hinge on a first end of the base, and a projection provided on a second end side of the base and fitted in the air hole. The flap is swingable around the hinge between a first position in which the projection fits in the air hole and a second position in which the air hole is open. The body part and flap are integrally formed. When the flap travels from the second to the first position, a tip of the projection comes into contact with a circumferential edge of the opening of the air hole on a side opposite the hinge, and the projection fits in the air hole as the flap elastically deforms. |
| US08998009B2 |
Wall assembly for goods display
Provided is a wall assembly for goods display constituted by horizontal tracks fixed to a wall body and disposed in a lateral direction at equal intervals, vertical posts disposed on the horizontal tracks and disposed in a vertical direction at equal intervals, an interval adjustment unit configured to couple the vertical post with respect to the horizontal track to adjust an interval, an insert member inserted into the vertical post in the vertical direction, and an outer panel coupled to the vertical post. Accordingly, even when flatness of the wall body is bad, the wall assembly can be instructed and the flatness of the panel after construction can be appropriately maintained so that an appearance of a wall surface can be excellently finished. In addition, since removal and exchange of only a damaged panel are easy when the outer panel is damaged, construction and exchange can be easily performed. |
| US08998007B1 |
Snow ski, snowboard and accessory storage device
A snow ski, snow board and accessory storage device includes a backing plate; a hinge assembly carried by the backing plate, the hinge assembly including at least one hinge rotatable with respect to the backing plate; at least one backing arm carried by the at least one hinge of the hinge assembly, the at least one backing arm having an outer arm segment and an inner arm segment spaced-apart and parallel to the outer arm segment; the at least one backing arm adapted to receive a snow ski or snowboard between the outer arm segment and the inner arm segment; and a spreader and hanging bar carried by the backing plate, the at least one backing arm normally resting by gravity against the spreader and hanging bar and capable of being raised from the spreader and hanging bar as the at least one hinge rotates relative to the backing plate. |
| US08997998B2 |
Controller for an acoustic standing wave generation device in order to prevent clogging of a filter
The invention relates to a method and apparatus to continuously monitor and control acoustic energy and vacuum pressure to maintain a net unidirectional flow of multi-phase heterogeneous fluids through a porous filter or membrane. The heterogenous fluid may come form a variety of sources including biological sources such as, blood, bone marrow aspirate (BMA), adipose tissue (lipoaspirate), urine, saliva, etc. |
| US08997993B2 |
Stackable envelope trays
A stackable tray is provided that includes a tray having a bottom, a pair of side walls each having an upper edge, and a rear wall. A pair of support columns is provided on each side wall. Each of the support columns includes: a protrusion extending upwardly from a top portion of the support column; a first groove formed in a bottom portion of the support column, the first groove being aligned with the protrusion in the vertical direction; and a second groove formed in the bottom portion of the support column, the second groove being aligned with the upper edge of the respective side wall in the vertical direction. |
| US08997991B2 |
Wafer vial with inert intermediate layers
The invention relates to a packaging unit comprising a container and hygroscopic or humidity softenable film-like materials. For this purpose, said film-like materials are stacked in the container and a separating material which is chemically inert and physically stable with respect thereto is arranged at time between said film-like materials. Each time, said separating material is brought into contact with two film-like materials and does not adheres or adheres less strongly to at least one film-like material that to the other film-like material. Said invention makes it possible to develop a packaging unit provided with a container which guarantees a reliable individual withdrawal of the hygroscopic film-like materials. |
| US08997989B2 |
Double hinge display package and method of use
A clamshell package for supporting an article is provided including a covered manufacturing hinge adapted to divide the clamshell into first and second parts adapted to form a cavity. The first and second parts partially overlap to form a flange adjacent the manufacturing hinge. The second part includes an uncovered operating hinge, about which the second part is adapted to pivot away from the first part to an open position. The clamshell package includes a panel adapted to engage the manufacturing hinge and flange to retain the manufacturing hinge in a folded position, with the panel being spaced from the operating hinge. |
| US08997986B2 |
Carrier with retention features
A carton for carrying a plurality of articles. The carton having a plurality of panels at least partially extending around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising at least one bottom panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel. The carton further having at least one retention tab foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel. The at least one retention tab is for engaging at least a portion of an article of the plurality of articles, and the at least one retention tab comprises a first portion foldably connected to the bottom panel at a first fold line and a second portion foldably connected to the first portion at a second fold line. |
| US08997982B2 |
Container
A container of the present invention includes a bridging member disposed between a pair of inner side faces of a band insertion groove formed in a bottom wall. A rolling bearing is arranged above the bridging member and a band can be wound around the bearing and the bridging member together. Thus, since both a sideslip and jumping of the rolling bearing can be prevented without covers, the container is more superior in usability to a conventional container requiring a cover, and the stacking height can be suppressed as well. |
| US08997980B2 |
Slide-open package of tobacco articles with a coupon, and packing method and machine for producing the same
A slide-open package of tobacco articles, having a parallelepiped-shaped inner container housing a group of tobacco articles and having a bottom wall, an extraction opening opposite the bottom wall, two parallel opposite major lateral walls, and two parallel minor lateral walls interposed between the major lateral walls; a parallelepiped-shaped outer container, which houses the inner container to allow the inner container to slide between a closed position, in which the inner container is inserted inside the outer container, and an open position, in which the inner container is at least partly extracted from the outer container; and a coupon folded about the group of tobacco articles and located between the group of tobacco articles and the inner container. |
| US08997975B2 |
Sprockets for a flexible conveyor belt and conveyor belt system
A sprocket is provided, the sprocket having a body with a central opening for engaging a shaft and rotating about an axis. The sprocket has a plurality of teeth disposed around the periphery of the body. The teeth are angularly spaced about the axis such that each tooth is spaced from the adjacent teeth by a first opening. Each tooth has a belt-contacting surface which is convex in shape such that the outer-most periphery of the sprocket is generally circular. The belt-contacting surfaces of the teeth guide the belt around the periphery of the sprocket in order to minimize the ability of the belt to buckle. |
| US08997974B2 |
Transversely deformable endless conveyor belt for a conveyor device
An endless conveyor belt for a conveyor device, includes a planar body (2) that is transversely deformable into a tubular configuration, the body having a plurality of longitudinal reinforcing members built into the body thereof. The body has an upper layer (10), a portion of the lower surface of which is combined with a lower layer (11). The two layers are made of two different elastomer materials, with the lower layer made of a first elastomer material, whose hardness is greater than that of the second elastomer material constituting the upper layer, and the lower layer includes a plurality of softening recesses (13) that are distributed across the entire length of the lower layer and each of which extend over at least a portion of the body thereof so as to reduce the resistance thereof to longitudinal deformations in order to reduce the resistance to the bending of the conveyor belt into the tubular configuration thereof. |
| US08997973B2 |
Conveyor system, belt, and method for measuring and controlling static electricity
Conveying systems and method for detecting the presence of static electric charge on a conveyor. The conveyor system includes a conveyor with an outer conveying surface. Embedded or external static-electricity sensors make measurements of static electricity on the belt's conveying surface. A controller uses the measurements to control the level of electric charges on the belt by transferring charge to or from the belt. |
| US08997969B2 |
Production cell with a workpiece transfer device, and transport device for workpieces and part carriers
A production cell for automated processing of workpieces has a protective fence and, arranged therein, at least one production device, for example a bending press, and at least one handling device. A workpiece transfer device for part carriers or workpieces is arranged in the production cell which workpiece transfer device forms a supply position and a delivery position. Here, a delivery device of the workpiece transfer device forms a first delivery path and a second delivery path which extends parallel to the former, wherein, furthermore, a conveyor for optional transfer of a part carrier between the delivery paths is provided on an actuating device. |
| US08997966B2 |
Sliding parking switch
A sliding parking switch assembly and method for a vehicle includes a transmission operating mode selector for an automatic transmission moveable between a park position and a drive position and a parking switch slidably moveable between a parking brake engaged position and a parking brake disengaged position. The parking switch blocks movement of the transmission operating mode selector from the park position to the drive position when the parking switch is in the parking brake engaged position. |
| US08997964B2 |
Load sensitive magnetic clutch device
A load sensitive magnetic clutch device includes: a magnetic pole rotating body having magnetic poles arranged on the circumference thereof and provided with a clutch projection of a claw clutch at an end thereof; a yoke rotating body configured to rotate about an axial center of rotation identical to that of the magnetic pole rotating body; and a high-torque input member configured to rotate about the identical axial center of rotation and having a clutch engaging portion engaging the clutch projection. The clutch projection is formed of a magnetic body. The clutch engaging portion includes a clutch retaining magnetic body configured to attract the clutch projection by a magnetic force. The clutch projection is attracted by the clutch retaining magnetic body by an application of a load torque exceeding a torque which is transferrable between the magnetic pole rotating body and the yoke rotating body. |
| US08997961B2 |
Dual clutch assembly for a transmission having two input shafts
A dual clutch arrangement for a transmission that is provided with a first input shaft and a second input shaft has a clutch housing that is connectable to a drive train in a rotationally fixed fashion. The first and second friction clutches can transmit a torque between the clutch housing and the first and the second input shafts, respectively. The first and second friction clutches are nested in the radial direction with respect to each other and actuated by a first and a second actuating unit that have pistons for pressuring clutch disk packs. The compressive force exerted by the piston of the first actuating unit and the compressive force exerted by the piston of the second actuating unit are directed in axially opposite directions with respect to each other. |
| US08997960B2 |
Oil passage structure for hydraulic clutch of an engine
A cavity 135 having a closed end wall 135a facing an end of a rotational shaft 71 and receiving the end of the rotational shaft 71 therein is defined in an inner surface of a case cover 55 such that supply oil passages 125, 126 are open at inner circumferential surfaces of the cavity 135. At least one radial joint hole 138 is defined in an end portion of the rotational shaft 71 and extends radially of the rotational shaft 71, the radial joint hole 138 having an inner end connected to another oil passage 111 in the rotational shaft 71 than a particular oil passage 112 in the rotational shaft 71. The radial joint hole 138 is connected to a corresponding supply oil passage 125 of the supply oil passages 125, 126, in the cavity 135. |
| US08997957B2 |
Coupling arrangement
A coupling arrangement for a drive train of a motor vehicle includes at least one clutch which is arranged on a rotating shaft in order to couple the rotating shaft optionally with a drive element of the drive train, in which to couple the rotating shaft with the drive element, a first clutch part and a second clutch part can be brought into a form-fit engagement with each other by moving one of the clutch parts along the axis of the rotating shaft. To prevent jerks and vibrations in the drive train, a hydraulic damping device is provided which acts between the first clutch part and the second clutch part. |
| US08997954B2 |
Variable-elastomer semi-active damping apparatus
A variable semi-active damping assembly comprising a shock body defining a fluid-filled chamber; a piston tube having a first end slidably disposed within the shock body; an inner rod slidably disposed within the piston tube and the shock body, the inner rod having a first end connected to a lower piston mount and a second end extending outward from the piston tube and engaging an adjustment mechanism that is configured to move the inner rod with respect to the shock body; an upper piston mount slidably disposed within the shock body and connected to the piston tube; and a deformable member disposed between the lower piston mount and the upper piston mount, the deformable member being configured to transition between a compressed state and a non-compressed state in response to movement by the lower piston mount. |
| US08997953B2 |
Shock absorber having a full displacement valve assembly
A shock absorber includes a piston assembly disposed within a pressure tube. The piston assembly has a first and a second housing and a valve assembly located adjacent the first housing. The valve assembly has a valve disc which engages the first housing to close at least one of a first plurality of passages extending through the first and second housings and a biasing member for applying a load to the valve disc. |
| US08997948B2 |
Hand-detecting brake system for baby stroller
A hand-detecting brake system for baby stroller is equipped on a stroller frame, including a handle holder, a brake mechanism, an electric motor, and a battery. The handle holder is connected to one end of the stroller frame equipped with a hand-detecting device for creating a signal when user's hand being held or touched on the handle holder. The brake mechanism is operatively mounted on one side of a first wheel of the stroller frame for braking and un-braking the first wheel. The electric motor is capable of driving the brake mechanism to brake the first wheel when being received the signal from the hand-detecting device, and un-brake the first wheel when the signal from the hand-detecting device being disappeared. The battery electrically connected to the hand-detecting device and the electric motor for supplying needed power thereto. |
| US08997947B2 |
Brake device
A friction brake device for a vehicle includes: a hydraulic brake unit including a piston member for pressing a friction member by advancement; an electric brake unit including a nut member being relatively movable in a piston movement direction with respect to the piston member by a motor and for pressing the piston member by advancement; a piston return mechanism including a biasing member for making biasing force, oriented in a retreat direction, elastically act on the piston member in accordance with a relative advancement amount of the piston member with respect to the nut member; and a controller for controlling the motor. The controller determines whether an adjustment permission condition associated with a wear amount of the friction member is satisfied. When the condition is satisfied, the controller allows the motor to perform a relative position adjustment of the nut member with respect to the piston member. |
| US08997944B1 |
Automatic rope brake and lowering device
Linear brake systems are provided. For example, in one embodiment, a baseplate having a linear brake housing mounted thereto is provided. A linear brake is partially disposed within the brake housing. The linear brake includes a braided cable; a collar attached to the proximal end of the braided cable; a member attached to the distal end of the braided cable; a rope having a portion that passes into a bore in the collar, through a tunnel formed by the braided cable and the collar, and exits the braided cable by passing between cable strands; and an interface mounted to the baseplate to extend the braided cable constrict the braided cable upon the rope. The collar secures the proximal of the braided cable to the brake housing and the member secures the distal end of the braided cable to the interface. |
| US08997943B2 |
Bicycle brake with synchronized brake arms
A bicycle brake apparatus includes first and second brake arms. The first brake arm includes a first brake arm mounting portion for mounting the first brake arm to a bicycle frame member, a first brake pad mounting portion, and a first control interface portion. The second brake arm includes a second brake arm mounting portion for mounting the second brake arm to the bicycle frame member and a second brake pad mounting portion. A synchronizing link communicates a synchronizing force that arises from one of the first brake arm or the second brake arm to the other one of the first brake arm or the second brake arm so that the first brake arm and the second brake arm move in synchronization. |
| US08997941B2 |
Elevator safety circuit with safety relay delay
An elevator safety circuit can be used to decelerate an elevator car during an emergency stop in a controlled manner. The safety circuit includes a series chain of safety contacts having an input connected to a power source and a first safety relay deriving electrical power from an output of the series chain of safety contacts. A delay circuit is arranged between the output of the series chain of safety contacts and the first safety relay. Hence, if any of the safety contacts open to initiate an emergency stop, a process controlled by the operation of the first safety relay is delayed. |
| US08997939B2 |
Control system for a hydraulic elevator, which includes a speed regulator for controlling the speed of displacement of the elevator car
A control system for a hydraulic elevator. The system (10) controls an elevator (1) which includes an elevator cylinder (5) with a piston (5a) coupled to a car (2), a pump (4) having an outlet coupled to the elevator cylinder (5), and an electric motor (3) coupled to the pump (4). A speed regulator (11) for controlling the speed of the car (2) is driven in predetermined modes, such that the pump (4) rotates at predefined speed. The speed regulator (11) is driven such that the motor (3) of the pump (4) is supplied with a voltage having a frequency (f) the value of which corresponds to a predefined speed value (ω), increased by an amount (cft; fts, ftD) which is a predetermined function of the working pressure (P1) of the pump (4). This balances the effect of the leakage of operating hydraulic fluid in the pump (4). |
| US08997938B2 |
Modernizing an elevator installation
A method for modernizing an elevator installation includes installing story terminals for input of a destination story on the stories of the building, which terminals are so coupled with an elevator control device connected with an input device in the elevator cage that, at least in a standard mode, after input of the destination story call detected by means of the story terminal, the cage automatically travels to the selected destination story, and in that case a story selection in the cage by use of the input device is no longer possible. The indicating means for representing selected stories of the input device are so incorporated in the control system that the indicating means, after input of a story call by way of the story terminal, are activated. |
| US08997937B2 |
Direct drive rotation device for passively moving fluid
The device is configured for moving a fluid within a gearbox. In one illustrative embodiment, the device includes a base portion coupled to a rotatable member within the gearbox. An inlet portion of the device is configured to draw the fluid from a reservoir portion of the gearbox. The device is configured to utilize a centrifugal force for moving the fluid from the inlet portion toward the base portion along an interior surface of a conical portion. In another illustrative embodiment, the device includes a conical portion having an external threaded portion configured to capture a fluid during a rotation of the device. In such an embodiment, the threaded portion is configured to utilize a centrifugal force for moving the fluid captured by the threaded portion along an exterior surface of the conical portion. |
| US08997936B1 |
Environmental compressor protection assembly
A compressor lubrication system including a positive displacement pump, a pressure relief valve assembly, and a divider block. The pressure relief valve assembly includes a housing that has an opening to the fluid distribution system and a relief passage. A conduit is connected from the relief passage to a fluid reservoir. The assembly also includes a pressure relief valve that has an open position in which fluid from the fluid distribution system can enter the relief passage, and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from entering the relief passage. A biasing element maintains a biasing force on the pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is maintained in the closed position when the biasing force exceeds the fluid force on the pressure relief valve and the pressure relief valve moves into the open position when the fluid force exceeds the biasing force. |
| US08997935B2 |
Continuous supply fluid reservoir
An assembly for holding a fluid includes an auxiliary reservoir inside a main reservoir. The auxiliary reservoir includes an auxiliary reservoir shell with a fill passage at or near its bottom. The auxiliary reservoir shell also has a vent passage at or near its top. The fill passage and the vent passage fluidically connect the auxiliary reservoir to the main reservoir. A fluid inlet is located inside the main reservoir and outside of the auxiliary reservoir. A fluid outlet located inside the auxiliary reservoir between the fill passage and the vent passage. |
| US08997931B2 |
Stepladder with latch stud and method
A stepladder includes a front section having a first front leg and a second front leg and a step attached to the first front leg and the second front leg and a latch engaged with the step. The stepladder includes a rear section having a first rear leg and a second rear leg and a cross bar attached to the first rear leg and the second rear leg. The rear section has a first stud which extends from the first rear leg toward the second rear leg and separate and apart and not in contact with the second rear leg and not in contact with the cross bar. The latch is engaged with and latched to the first stud to define an engaged position where the first front leg and the first rear leg are in an open position and form an inverted v shape and are prevented from folding together. |
| US08997925B2 |
High temperature resistant sound absorbing materials for vehicle
Disclosed is a highly heat resistant sound absorbing material for a vehicle capable of maintaining a shape even at high temperatures of about 200° C. or above and which satisfies UL 94V-0 flame retardancy. More particularly, the a highly heat resistant sound absorbing material includes a fiber material having a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of at least about 25% and capable of maintaining a shape at a temperature of about 200° C. or above, and a thermosetting binder resin capable of maintaining a shape at a temperature of about 200° C., wherein the fiber material and thermosetting binder resin are provided at a specific proportion. |
| US08997924B2 |
Utility materials incorporating a microparticle matrix
A utility material can include microparticles, an organic binder and an inorganic binder. The microparticles can be present in an amount from about 25 wt % to about 60 wt %, based on wet formulation. The inorganic binder can optionally include sodium silicate. The organic binder can optionally include a vinyl acetate. The utility material can be formed into a variety of different products or building materials, such as wallboard, shear panels. In addition, the building material may be particularly used to attenuate sound. |
| US08997921B2 |
Exhaust system of saddle-ride type vehicle
An exhaust system of a saddle-ride type vehicle includes an end cap and a muffler close to each other to achieve uniformity therebetween and which is capable of preventing the occurrence of a knocking sound. The exhaust system of a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a muffler connected to an exhaust pipe for discharging exhaust of an engine E and an end cap is attached to a muffler rear end portion. In the end cap, an insertion portion thereof is inserted into and held by an end cap inserted portion provided in the muffler rear end portion, and multiple protruding portions are formed on an outer surface of the insertion portion at a predetermined interval in a circumferential direction of the outer surface. The multiple protruding portions come in contact with an inserted portion inner peripheral wall surface of the end cap inserted portion. |
| US08997918B2 |
Protective device for an articulated vehicle
The invention relates to protective device for an articulated vehicle (1) comprising at least a first and second vehicle portion (4, 6); a control gear (8) connected to the respective vehicle portion (4, 6); and an actuating member (16) for, via the control gear (8), changing the relative position of the vehicle portions (4, 6) in relation to one another. The protective device (2) comprises at least one stiffening means (22), which fixes the position of each respective vehicle portion (4, 6) in relation to one another whenever the acceleration and/or speed of at least one of the vehicle portions (4, 6) exceeds a predetermined limit value. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a stiffening means of such a protective device (2) for an articulated vehicle (1). |
| US08997906B2 |
Air mover reversing for work vehicle cooling package
A method for reversing an air mover to remove debris from a cooling system of a work vehicle. In one embodiment, the largest required fan speed for cooling the engine coolant, hydraulic oil and the charge air is used as the set point speed for a fan. The fan is operated at the set point speed to generate airflow across each of the heat exchangers. Multiple conditions are evaluated for reversing the direction of the fan. |
| US08997902B2 |
Windrower steering system
A steering system for a differential steered self-propelled agricultural windrower, windrower speed and direction controlled by adjusting the pivotal position of rotatable pintel arms to control the output of a pair of tandem-mounted hydraulic drive pumps and provide motive power for the windrower. A control input shaft that is both rotatable and axially moveable manages the relative positioning of the pintel arms. A hydraulic steering motor is operably connected to the input shaft. Rotation of the hydraulic steering motor is managed by a steering control valve attached to a cab-mounted windrower steering wheel. |
| US08997899B2 |
Cutting element, cutter tool and method of cutting within a borehole
A cutting element includes a modified gilmoid having two planes defining a plurality of cutting edges thereon, and a first support extending from a central area of a first of the two planes and a second support extending from a central area of a second of the two planes. The supports are sized and positioned such that when the cutting element is resting against a planar surface such that one of the plurality of cutting edges and the first support are in contact with the planar surface the first plane forms an acute angle with the planar surface. |
| US08997893B2 |
Multi-ram drill rig and method of operation
A drill rig (10) comprises a tower (12) and a drill head (14) that is able to travel linearly up and down the tower (12). The drill head (14) provides torque to a drill string (16) attached to the drill head (14) ad thus to a drill bit (18) coupled to a distal end of the drill string (16). The drill head (14) is traversed along the tower (12) by a plurality of rams (22a, 22b) and (22c) (hereinafter referred to in general as “rams 22”). The rams (22) provided hold back and pull down for the drill bit (18) via the drill head (14). The rams (22) are selectively operable to enable the hold back and pull down applied to the drill bit to be selectively varied. Thus for example a first of the rams (22a) is selected to operate when drilling to a first depth, then the rams (22b) and (22c) are selected to operate when drilling to a second greater depth; and finally all three rams (22a, 22b) and (22c) are selected to operate when drilling to a third greater depth. |
| US08997891B2 |
Earth boring apparatus
An earth boring apparatus includes a drill rod, a source for a drill fluid, and a voltage source. The drill rod has a hollow rod casing provided for throughflow of the drill fluid, and a conductor located within the rod casing, with the voltage source being connected with the conductor and the rod casing. The voltage source is so connected as to prevent the electric conductor to act as anode in the event the drill fluid establishes an electrically conductive connection between the rod casing and the conductor. |
| US08997890B2 |
Boring tool control using remote locator
A drilling system performs underground boring using a drill rig and a boring tool which is configured for moving through the ground under control of the drill rig to form an underground bore. A monitoring arrangement, forming part of the system, includes a detection arrangement at the drill rig for monitoring at least one operational parameter to produce a data signal relating to at least one of a utility to be installed in the underground bore, the drill rig and the boring tool. A portable device forms another part of the system for receiving the data signal relating to the operational parameter for use by the portable device. A communication arrangement, for example using telemetry, transfers the data signal from the drill rig to the portable device. The operational parameter may be monitored for the purpose of preventing equipment failure. |
| US08997889B2 |
Underwater drilling arrangement and method for introducing a foundation element into a bed of a body of water
The invention relates to an underwater drilling arrangement and a method for introducing a foundation element into a bed of a body of water comprising a submersible working platform for placement onto the bed of a body of water, several ground contact elements which are arranged in an adjustable manner on the working platform for aligning the working platform on the bed of a body of water, and at least one guide pipe for receiving and guiding the drilling tool. For an improved anchoring provision is made according to the invention for the guide pipe to be supported in a longitudinally displaceable and rotatable manner on the working platform and for a guide pipe drive to be provided on the working platform for driving the guide pipe in a rotating manner. |
| US08997887B2 |
Power tool
A power tool performs a predetermined operation by using a tool bit and has a grip part and a dust suction device. The dust suction device has a dust suction part that extends in an axial direction of the tool bit and sucks and collects dust generated during operation at a tip of the tool bit. The dust suction part can be moved between a first position in which the dust suction part covers a bit tip of the tool bit and a second position in which the bit tip is exposed. The dust suction device further has an operation mode switching mechanism that is capable of switching between a first operation mode in which the dust suction part is allowed to move between the first and second positions and a second operation mode in which the dust suction part is locked in the second position. |
| US08997885B2 |
Cartridge monitoring system
A cartridge monitoring system for use in a cartridge-operated fire suppression system having an enclosure with an opening, sidewalls, an interior space, a cover, and a regulator assembly having a cartridge-receiving opening for receiving a cartridge and a regulator mount. The system includes a fixture positioned in the interior space in a fixed position relative to the regulator assembly; an elongate member having a rotation point fixed to a hinge member, a free end, and an arm portion between the free end and the rotation point, with the elongate member being rotatable about the axis of rotation between a first position in which the free end of the elongate member is within the interior space and a second position in which the free end is outside of the interior space. |
| US08997876B2 |
Retrievable flow module unit
A retrievable flow module (RFM) apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the RFM apparatus is a standalone assembly configured to mate with a subsea device, such as a production tree. The RFM apparatus may include a frame within which various flow control and monitoring elements are disposed. The frame may have an alignment system that enables the RFM apparatus to horizontally mate with the tree. Because the RFM apparatus provides for the collocation of flow control and monitoring elements within a standalone assembly, deployment or retrieval of the flow control and monitoring elements may be accomplished in single operation. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed. |
| US08997873B2 |
In situ transfer and support of tensioned system and method for a flexible link
The disclosure provides an in-situ system and method for transferring a load from a tensioned flexible link between at least two bodies, such as between a buoyancy can and a subsea riser or between a moored offshore platform and a pile. The system and method provides a tether assembly having a hydraulic cylinder and/or a transfer assembly, where the hydraulic cylinder is configured upon actuation to decrease a distance between the two bodies; and the transfer assembly includes a mechanical interlock configured upon actuation to maintain the decreased distance between the two bodies independent of the hydraulic cylinder. The mechanical interlock can include various embodiments that can be selectively activated and deactivated position to allow the hydraulic cylinder to operate at various times in the transfer process. A support assembly can provide additional support to the flexible link independent of or in addition to the transfer assembly. |
| US08997872B1 |
Cap assembly for use with a tubing spool of a wellhead
A cap assembly for use with a tubing spool of a wellhead has a body with an interior passageway body and a mandrel extending upwardly therefrom. The body has a connector extending from an opposite end thereof. The interior passageway extends though the mandrel and the connector. A valve is affixed to the body and extends into the interior passageway. The valve is movable between a first position closing the interior passageway and a second position opening the interior passageway. An actuator is connected to the valve so as to move the valve between the first and second positions. A tubing hanger stab is affixed to the body and extends through the connector so as to join with a tubing hanger in the tubing spool. |
| US08997870B2 |
Method and apparatus for separating downhole hydrocarbons from water
An apparatus for downhole separation of an oil/water fluid and the injection of the separated water into the formation includes a casing in a borehole, a tubing string in the casing, first perforations in the casing at a production zone in the borehole for admitting the mixture into an annulus between the casing and the tubing string, second perforations in the tubing string for admitting production fluid from the casing into the tubing string, third perforations in the casing for discharging separated water from the annulus into the formation, a packer in the annulus separating the first perforations from the third perforations, a first check valve in the tubing string above the packer for admitting the mixture from the tubing string into the annulus where water separates by gravity from the hydrocarbons for discharge through the third perforations, and a second check valve in the tubing string above the first check valve for admitting separated hydrocarbons from the annulus into the tubing string for passage to the top of the borehole. |
| US08997865B2 |
Process of sealing a breakthrough created during the production of hydrocarbons in a subterranean formation
A method for sealing a breakthrough penetrating an injection well. |
| US08997864B2 |
Method for hydrocarbon resource recovery including actuator operated positioning of an RF applicator and related apparatus
A method of hydrocarbon resource recovery from a subterranean formation may include forming a plurality of spaced apart injector/producer well pairs in the subterranean formation. Each injector/producer well pair may include a laterally extending producer well and a laterally extending injector well spaced thereabove. The method may include forming an intermediate well adjacent a given injector/producer well pair, and operating a positioning actuator to position a radio frequency (RF) applicator coupled to the positioning actuator to at least one predetermined location within the intermediate well. The method may further include supplying RF energy to the RF applicator at the at least one predetermined location within the intermediate well to selectively heat at least one corresponding portion of the subterranean formation adjacent the given injector/producer well pair. The method may also include recovering hydrocarbon resources from the plurality of injector/producer well pairs including the given injector/producer well pair. |
| US08997857B2 |
System and method for anchoring an expandable tubular to a borehole wall
The present invention provides a system for anchoring an expandable tubular to a borehole wall. The system comprises a support member having a first end fixed relative to the outside of the tubular and a second end comprising a ramping surface. An anchor member has a first end fixed relative to the outside of the tubular and a second end extending toward the support member, said second end being movable relative to the outside of the tubular. Said support member includes a ramp surface that tapers in the direction of said anchor member. Expansion of the portion of the expandable tubular between the first support end and the first anchor end causes the axial device length to shorten, wherein the difference in length is sufficient to cause the second anchor end to move radially outward and engage the borehole wall as a result of engagement with said ramping surface. |
| US08997855B2 |
Reduction of expansion force via resonant vibration of a swage
An apparatus includes a body shaped to deform a wellbore tool in a predetermined manner. A vibration device applies a vibration to the body to reduce a frictional force caused when the body deforms the wellbore tool. In one arrangement, the vibration devices imparts a resonant wave motion to a swaging apparatus that is being pushed through a passage of a wellbore tubular. A swaging body vibrates at a resonant frequency along the long axis of the wellbore tubular and/or normal to long axis of the wellbore tubular. The relative motion between the swaging body and the tubular member reduces the force required to expand the wellbore tubular. Optionally, a controller operatively connected to the vibration device adjusts the operation of the vibration device in response to the sensor measurements of the vibrations in the swage body. |
| US08997854B2 |
Swellable packer anchors
Anchor areas are provided that are engaged by swelling of a swellable element of a downhole tool. When engaged with an open hole or casing, the anchor areas provide additional holding power for the swellable element. The anchor areas may be formed as separate elements disposed about the swellable element or may be formed into the surface of the swellable element. |
| US08997853B2 |
Downhole tool and method of use
Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a composite slip for a downhole tool, the composite slip having a circular slip body having one-piece configuration with at least partial connectivity around the entire circular slip body, and at least two grooves disposed therein. In aspects, the slip body may be made from one of filament wound material, fiberglass cloth wound material, and molded fiberglass composite. |
| US08997851B2 |
Grinding arrangement for tool joints on a drill string
A grinding arrangement is described to remove sharp edges on a pipe coupling (51) of a drill string (50), as a consequence of marks from the jaws of pliers and machines used to connect the pipe couplings (51) on a drill deck. A receiving unit (30) is arranged to receive a grinding unit (36) which is equipped with at least one grinding element (38), as the grinding unit (36) is arranged to be driven into the receiving unit (30) with the help of the drill string (50) or a suitable running tool and to be locked securely into the receiving unit (30). Furthermore, the receiving unit is arranged in a riser, landing string or in other connections between the drill deck and a wellhead and over a sealing arrangement for dynamic sealing around the drill string (50) during pressure controlled drilling. |
| US08997850B2 |
Method and apparatus for dropping a pump down plug or ball
An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator. |
| US08997849B2 |
Isolated shearing mechanism for downhole tools
A shearing mechanism in which a male component mates into a female component, the male component having a first groove extending around the male component and the female component having a second groove extending around the female component, the first groove and the second groove cooperating when the male component is inserted into the female component to define an annular recess. A shearing component is provided within the annular recess, the shearing component having a shear load that is controlled by the material and size of the shearing component. An opening is provided within one or both of the male component and female component, the opening being aligned with the annular recess. Stress relief is provided. |
| US08997848B2 |
Pressure balanced ultrasonic flowmeter
A system, including an ultrasonic flow meter with a conduit including a conduit wall and configured to flow a fluid, an housing disposed about the conduit to define a fluid chamber about the conduit, wherein the conduit facilitates fluid flow into the fluid chamber and through the ultrasonic flow meter and a first ultrasonic transducer disposed in the fluid chamber. |
| US08997843B2 |
Confinement group for a plate heat exchanger, a method of obtaining such an exchanger, and a method of absorbing stress in a confinement group for pack-type plate heat exchangers
The present disclosure relates to a confinement group for a pack-type plate heat exchanger including at least one pair of end heads (2) designed to be located one opposite to the other with respect to the plate pack and to be tightened against the plate pack by means of tightening means (5, 8), the confinement group including at least one end head (2) of the pair of heads (2), which comprises: a block (3) made of a first material resistant to compression stress and having an internal front portion (3a) designed to contact the plate pack, an external front portion (2a, 2b) on which the tightening means (5, 8) are designed to act, and at least one reinforcement element (4, 40) made of a second material resistant to traction stress and located at the external front portion (2a, 2b). |
| US08997842B2 |
User selectable heat exchange apparatus and method of use
A selectable heat exchange apparatus and method of use are provided. The heat exchange apparatus comprises a plurality of half-tubes fabricated from any selected material and in any selected method of manufacture. |
| US08997841B2 |
Flat heat exchanger plate and bulk material heat exchanger using the same
A flat heat exchanger plate typically used in a bulk material heat exchanger having an improved construction which increases heat transfer and service period by reducing bulk material accumulation. The flat heat exchanger plate is designed to operate under a negative internal pressure to eliminate depressions or dimples that are typically formed into the sides of these types of heat exchanger coils during the manufacture process. The dimples are created to reinforce the heat exchanger plate from positive internal pressures that other wise would cause the heat exchanger plate to bow due to internal positive pressures. With the removal of the depressions or dimples the tendency for bulk material to accumulate to the exterior surface of the plate is reduced, thereby increasing the service period of the plate and heat transfer. The flat heat exchanger plate tapers from wide to narrow along the direction of flow of bulk material across the plate to further reduce accumulation of bulk material. |
| US08997838B2 |
Vehicular air conditioning apparatus
In a vehicular air conditioning apparatus, a pair of covers are provided on the respective sides of the casing that is constituted by respective air passages. The covers rotatably support a pivot shaft for a defroster damper and a pivot shaft for a sub-defroster damper. The sub-defroster damper is disposed in a passage directly connecting the heater core with the defroster blow-out port, and is disposed on an upstream side of the defroster damper. First and second blower units supply air into the casing. The sub-defroster damper is disposed so as to face a passage which is disposed even inside the casing. Thus, the flowing direction and the amount of air is adjusted. |
| US08997837B2 |
Seal and drain structure for a front and rear integrated HVAC system
A dual-integrated HVAC system for an automotive vehicle is provided that includes a housing, a front HVAC unit with a front blower, and rear HVAC unit with a rear blower whereby both the front and rear HVAC units are housed in the housing. The front blower generates an airflow through a front airflow path and the rear blower generates an airflow through a rear airflow path. A separating wall separates the front airflow path from the rear airflow path. The HVAC system further includes an evaporator with a first portion in the front airflow path, a second portion in the rear airflow path, and a seal situated between the first portion and the second portion. |
| US08997836B2 |
Ceramic core with composite insert for casting airfoils
A multi-wall ceramic core for casting an airfoil with one or more internal cooling passages is made by preforming at least one fugitive core insert to have a joint-forming surface with a male and/or female joint feature and then forming at least one fugitive core insert in-situ adjacent and integrally connected and fused to the at least one preformed core insert at the joint-forming surface to form an interlocked, fused joint to form a composite core insert that includes features to form internal passage surfaces in the core when the composite core insert is removed. Another aspect involves preforming first and second fugitive core inserts to have respective joint-forming surfaces with respective snap-fittable joint features and assembling the first and second fugitive core inserts to form a composite core insert by snap fitting the snap-fittable joint features together to form an interlocked joint. The composite core insert is placed in a core molding die cavity, and a fluid ceramic material is introduced into the die cavity to form the ceramic core body incorporating the fugitive composite core insert therein. |
| US08997835B2 |
Core sand filling device and core sand filling method in core making machine
The core sand filling device includes the core box, a blow head which is placed below the core box so as to move up and down in a relative manner to the core box and divided into a sand blowing chamber and a sand storage chamber that are communicatively connected to each other, a compressed air supply unit which is communicatively connected to the sand storage chamber and supplies compressed air into the sand storage chamber, an aeration air supply unit which is communicatively connected to the sand blowing chamber and supplies into the sand blowing chamber aeration air for suspending and fluidizing core sand inside the sand blowing chamber, and an exhaust valve which is communicatively connected to the sand blowing chamber and exhausts compressed air remaining in the sand blowing chamber. |
| US08997834B2 |
Method for producing of hollow die cast products
A method for the production of a hollow body from die casting aluminum in a die casting machine with a die casting die having mould parts with a stationary mould part and with at least two movable mould parts. The movable mould parts are guided in at least one further movable mould part of the die, so that, in the closed position of the die, the movable mould parts are blocked at least by way of an interlock which is attached to the stationary mould part. |
| US08997833B2 |
Method of producing ingot with variable composition using planar solidification
Molten metal of a first composition is fed into a mold cavity, via a first control apparatus, wherein the control apparatus is open, wherein the feeding includes at least flowing out of a first feed chamber. The first control apparatus is closed. A second control apparatus is opened. Molten metal of a second composition is fed into the mold cavity, via the second control apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the metal of the first composition in the mold cavity is sufficiently molten so that an initial feed of molten metal of the second composition mixes with the molten metal of the first composition in the mold cavity, wherein the feeding includes at least flowing out of a second feed chamber, wherein the second composition is different from the first composition. An ingot is removed from the mold cavity, wherein the ingot as a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section, wherein the bottom section is composed of metal of the first composition, wherein the top section is composed of metal of the second composition, wherein the middle section is composed of a mixture of metal of the first composition and the second composition. |
| US08997829B2 |
Roller blinds controller structure
An improvement of roller blinds controller is provided, it mainly comprises a cylindrical rod passing through a side cover and fixing therewith; a bead chain sprocket and a number of torsion springs fitted on the cylindrical rod, and an outer sleeve cover fitted on the outside, wherein: the cylindrical rod has a ridge portion protruded from the circumferential surface thereof, while the side cover has a has a central aperture with a annular edge portion, the cylindrical rod can be fixed with the side cover by the snap-fitting of the annular edge portion between the flange portion and the ridge portion. |
| US08997828B2 |
Shield system
A shield system adapted for use in an air cooler structure (100). The shield system includes at least one flexible sheet (304) and at least one arrangement (106) for fixing, in use, the at least one flexible sheet to an air cooler structure. |
| US08997825B1 |
Roll-up door guard
A roll-up door guard assembly includes a first guard mount and a second guard mount capable of being mounted at ends of a roll-up door, a bar extending between the first guard mount and the second guard mount, the roll up door disposed between the bar and a wall to which said roll-up door is connected, the guard mounts connected to one of a wall and the roll-up door. |
| US08997820B2 |
Method and machine for labelling bunches of cloths
The method comprises the steps of arranging a bunch of cloths stacked onto one another; taking a label (4) containing a respective identifying code of the upper cloth (30) of the bunch, laying onto the label one end (23), provided with a cavity, of a gripping element (21) and creating in the cavity a pressure lower than an ambient pressure, so that the label obstructs the cavity; laying the label onto a labeling area (3b) of the upper cloth, and fixing the label to the upper cloth; moving the labeling area (3b) of the upper cloth by shifting the gripping element (21), maintaining in the cavity a pressure lower than an ambient pressure; increasing pressure in the cavity of the gripping element until the label gets off it, so that the labeling area (3b) of the upper cloth (30) reaches a firm position away from the respective labeling area (3b) of a cloth (31) lying directly below the upper cloth, so as to enable a subsequent application of a respective label (4) onto the respective labeling area (3b) of the cloth (31) lying directly below. |
| US08997819B2 |
Labelling machine for labels printed on pre-pasted continuous film
A labelling machine for labels printed on pre-pasted continuous film, comprising a rotating carousel provided with elements for supporting the individual containers to be labelled, adapted to turn such containers about their own axis, and alignment elements and tension adjustment elements for the film that unwinds from a reel and a cutting and transfer drum comprises a structure for supporting actuation elements for individual blades designed to cut the labels, the supporting structure being adapted to support a number of circumferential portions of peripheral shells provided with film retention elements and adapted to be inserted in the gaps formed by the blades that are present in each one of the groupings, so as to form a continuous cylindrical surface for supporting the film. |
| US08997817B2 |
Plastic bag making apparatus
An apparatus makes plastic bags in succession by intermittently feeding webs of plastic film longitudinally along a path. Movable units are spaced apart along the path and are driven by drive units, one for each movable unit, longitudinally of the film webs. Control switches, one for each movable unit, works on each drive unit to move the corresponding movable unit for position adjustment. The film webs are processed by at least some of the movable units whenever being fed intermittently, to successively make the plastic bags. |
| US08997811B2 |
Studless tire
Provided is a studless tire capable of achieving both the traction performance and the steering stability at the time of traveling on the ice and snow at a high level.A tread surface 10 is disposed on the studless tire such that, among lateral grooves 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 5 extending in an axial direction within each block array 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, an axial length of a lateral groove 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D opening to at least one straight circumferential groove 1, 1A, 1B adjacent to the block array provided with the lateral groove is referred to as a groove edge component, a proportion of the total length of the groove edge components on the inner tread surface IN to the total length of the groove edge components on the outer tread surface OUT is 1.03-1.3, and, a proportion of a negative ratio of the outer side surface OUT to a negative ratio of the inner side surface IN is 0.85-1.0. |
| US08997810B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having notch portions in shoulder block
A pneumatic tire has a tread pattern having shoulder blocks arranged in a tire circumferential direction in a shoulder portion of a tread surface, and slits to sectionalize the shoulder blocks. Slit wall surfaces in a trailing side and a leading side of the shoulder blocks are inclined to the slit side from both end portions in a width direction of the shoulder block toward a center portion in the width direction. A notch portion is provided in the center portion in the width direction in the slit wall surface in the trailing side or the leading side of the shoulder block. |
| US08997808B2 |
Motorcycle tire
A motorcycle tire has a unidirectional tread pattern having an intended rotational direction. The tread portion is provided on each side of the tire equator with main oblique grooves, each comprising a main portion extending from the tire equator toward a tread edge while inclining toward the direction opposite to the intended rotational direction. The main portion includes a part overlapping the tire equator which part has an inclination angle of not more than 20 degrees with respect to the tire equator. The main portion has such a dimension that the circumferential ends thereof are positioned outside a ground contacting area of the tire in its normally inflated loaded state at the camber angle of 0 degree. The land ratio of a tread center region between the ground contact edges is in a rage of from 75 to 95%. |
| US08997803B2 |
Dispensing system and method of controlling the system
A dispensing system is provided that includes a vessel having a base portion with an aperture, and a dispenser containing a control system. The dispensing system controls the flow of a liquid into the vessel to provide for a rapid fill. |
| US08997801B2 |
Puncture repair kit
Disclosed is a puncture repair kit in which a bottle unit is positioned with greater stability. A puncture repair kit (1) comprises a compressor device (2), and a bottle unit (3) in which a cap (6) is attached to an opening (5) in a bottle container (4) which houses a puncture sealing agent. The compressor device (2) comprises a compressed air discharge port (8). The cap (6) comprises an air intake port (27) for feeding compressed air from the compressed air discharge port (8) into the bottle container (4), and a sealing agent/compressed air removal port (7) for removing puncture sealing agent and compressed air in succession from the bottle container (4) by feeding in compressed air. The compressed air discharge port (8) and the air intake port (27) can be directly connected. |
| US08997800B2 |
Apparatus and process for removing substances from pre-filled containers
A system (10) for removing a pipettable substance from a pre-filled container (20), which is closed off by a top (30) having at least one opening area (40), comprises an opening tool (100) having a tube (110), which has a cross-section corresponding substantially to the shape of the opening area and which comprises at a distal end (120) an endpiece (140) extending substantially obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube, which moves a part of the top (30) located inside the opening area (40) towards the container when the opening tool is applied, so as to form an opening in the top, and a point of attack (150) for a transporting tool (200). The opening tool (100) is designed to remain on the container (20) after use. Moreover, the system comprises a transporting tool (200) for moving the opening tool (100) through the top, and a cannula (250), which is adapted to be inserted over at least part of its length through the tube (110) into the interior of the container (20), in the position of use of the opening tool (100), and one end of which can be connected to a suction device (300) for sucking a pipettable substance out of the interior of the container (20). |
| US08997797B2 |
Fluororesin and riser pipe
An object of the present invention it to provide a novel fluororesin that has excellent mechanical strength and chemical resistance, and very low permeability at high temperature. The fluorine resin a copolymer that includes copolymerized units derived from tetrafluoroethylene, vinylidene fluoride, and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer other than tetrafluoroethylene and vinylidene fluoride. The fluororesin has a storage modulus E′, as measured at 170° C. by a dynamic viscoelasticity analysis, in the range of 60 to 400 MPa. |
| US08997793B2 |
Flexible conduit for use in fresh air intake and gas vapor outlet incorporated into a vehicle fuel tank to eliminate whistling within the conduit
A tubing incorporated into a vehicle fuel tank system including an elongated and flexible tubular shaped body having a hollow interior exhibiting pluralities of alternating inner and outer diameter spaced locations. The inner diameter locations exhibit a first plurality of annularly projecting ribs, the outer diameter locations exhibiting a second plurality of ribs exhibiting a larger dimension. In this fashion, a plurality of individual tubing sections are incorporated into each of gas vapor (outflow) vent lines and fresh intake air (inflow) lines such that an inner airflow profile is established within the body to retard the generation of sound associated with volumetric airflow. |
| US08997790B2 |
Touch switch outlet mechanism
A touch switch outlet mechanism has a fixation unit and a switch unit. The fixation unit includes an inlet waterway connected to the water source, a water diversion cavity connected to the inlet waterway, N number of water diversion holes connected to the water diversion cavity and several outlet functions with same number as the water diversion holes and one to one corresponding to the water diversion holes, N is equal to or more than 2; The switch unit includes N−1 number of sealing balls and N touch buttons, the N touch buttons are separately disposed with a touch end inside the water diversion cavity and a controlled end controlled by the user, the touch ends of the N touch buttons corresponding to N water diversion holes and sliding connected to the fixation unit, the N−1 sealing balls can close N−1 of the N water diversion holes. |
| US08997784B2 |
Electronic fluid flow controls with integrated manual fluid flow controls
In various embodiments, a flow selector of a fluid flow control system may be used to select a flow rate of a fluid. When the system is in an electronic mode, an encoder may electronically encode the fluid flow selection. A controller may receive the electronically encoded flow selection and transmit a corresponding control signal to an electronic valve to allow the fluid to flow at the selected flow rate. An engagement device, such as a clutch, may disengage the flow selector from a mechanical valve when the fluid flow control system enters a manual mode. When the system is in a manual mode, the engagement device may engage the flow selector with the mechanical valve, allowing the flow selector to directly control the flow rate of the fluid through the mechanical valve. Applications to gases and anesthesia delivery are disclosed herein. Various alternative components and embodiments are described herein. |
| US08997781B2 |
Vacuum pump
The invention relates to a vacuum pump, in particular a vane pump, having a pump housing in which an intake chamber is provided, and a pump housing opening which feeds into the intake chamber, wherein an intake check valve is arranged in the pump housing opening and communicates with the atmosphere or feeds into an external vacuum chamber, with the intake check valve being accommodated in a pot-shaped valve housing, and with the pot-shaped valve housing having a housing bottom and a housing jacket, wherein the housing bottom is connectable to the housing jacket and the housing bottom can be snapped onto the housing jacket. |
| US08997780B2 |
Fuel float valve
In one example, a fuel system includes a fuel tank having a wall with an opening. A fuel float valve has a float and a seal plate on opposing ends of a beam. The fuel float valve also includes a fulcrum about which the beam is configured to pivot in response to a change in fuel level. The fuel float valve is movable between unsealed and sealed positions in which the seal plate is respectively unsealed and sealed relative to the opening. The seal plate includes first and second portions. The first portion seals against the wall, and the second portion is movable relative to the first portion in the sealed position from a closed position to an open position with respect to the first portion. |
| US08997768B1 |
Retractable canopy assembly
A retractable canopy assembly includes a recoiling member that has a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall extending between the first and second ends. A mount is attached to the recoiling member and is configured to engage a dwelling surface. A canopy has an attached end, a free end, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The attached end extends through the canopy aperture and is attached to the spindle of the recoiling member. The recoiling member retracts the canopy into the recoiling member when the spindle rotates in the first direction. A pair of legs each is pivotally attached to the canopy adjacent to the free end. A pair of side panels each has a fixable end and a hanging end. Each of the first and second lateral edges has one of the fixable ends removably coupled thereto. |
| US08997767B2 |
Multi-layer shelter insulation system
A portable, insulated shelter consists of flexible inner and outer layers, lightweight fabric panels located therebetween, and connected to each other, a suitable support frame, and a system, such as a HVAC unit and a suitable connector, for actively controlling the interior environment of the shelter. The shelter may be used to protect and provide livable conditions in harsh, remote locations. Methods of selectively installing and removing the fabric panels are also provided, along with methods of setting up and disassembling the shelter. |
| US08997764B2 |
Method and apparatus for liquid treatment of wafer shaped articles
An apparatus for treating a wafer-shaped article, comprises a spin chuck for holding a wafer-shaped article in a predetermined orientation, at least one upper nozzle for dispensing a treatment fluid onto an upwardly facing surface of a wafer-shaped article when positioned on the spin chuck, and at least one lower nozzle arm comprising a series of lower nozzles extending from a central region of the spin chuck to a peripheral region of the spin chuck. The series of nozzles comprises a smaller nozzle in a central region of the spin chuck and a larger nozzle in a peripheral region of the spin chuck. In the method according to the invention, a heated liquid is supplied through the series of nozzles so as to supply more heat to peripheral regions of a wafer than to central regions. |
| US08997751B2 |
Surgical instrument
A surgical instrument has a gas-delivery device to supply a noble gas or other inert gas to a tissue-treatment region and a rinsing device for rinsing a target region, in particular a tissue-treatment region. In the instrument the rinsing pressure is generated by the inert gas supplied by the gas-delivery device. |
| US08997748B2 |
Dilator assembly, a device for facilitating tracheostomy and methods of making a percutaneous tracheostoma
A dilator assembly for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy includes a dilator element having a wall and a proximal end part extending into a distal tip part via an intermediate part. The wall has a substantially U-shaped cross section defining a dilator opening. The assembly extends towards the distal tip part. The dilator assembly is part of a tracheostomy device. The device has a first branch for arranging inside the trachea, and a second branch co-operative with the first branch. The first branch has a first end and a receiving member while the opposing second end has a first coupling part. The second branch has a first end with a guide for a neck penetration member and an opposing second end with a second coupling part for coupling with the first coupling part of the first branch. The first and second branches are detachably coupled together at their respective second ends. |
| US08997743B2 |
Breathable respiratory mask
A patient interface is disclosed which is comfortable for the user to wear and includes at least in part a moisture permeable or breathable area in the body of the patient interface. In another embodiment the patient interface is a strapless mask that is moulded to fit the contours of a user's face and maximise the mask-to-skin seal. An adhesive material is bonded to the mask cushion and is stamped in place to form substantially the same shape as the cushion such that it fits the facial contours of the user. |
| US08997732B2 |
Method and apparatus for the thermal protection of LED light modules in a range hood appliance
A method and apparatus for the thermal protection of LED light modules in a range hood appliance is provided. If the temperature of the LED light module reaches a predetermined temperature, one or more protective actions are taken to prevent over heating the LED light module. Such protective actions can include e.g., decreasing and/or terminating the power to the LED light module, opening a damper to provide air for cooling the LED light module, and/or activating a fan to provide forced convection cooling of the LED light module. |
| US08997729B1 |
Archery bowstring release
An archery bowstring release has a single jaw for retaining a bowstring within a bowstring hook, in contrast to dual-jaw pincer-type releases. The bowstring hook is situated on a release head which bears a trigger for actuating the jaw and releasing the bowstring, and a release body extends between the release head and a release mount (which can connect the bowstring release to a wrist strap, glove, or other anchor affixed to the user's body). The release head and body are pivotally joined, and when the release is ready to fire, the central axis of the release body, and at least the rear of the release head, have central longitudinal axes which are aligned with the notch in the bowstring hook, and are thus aligned with the bowstring, and are parallel to or in line with the arrow. The release therefore has a comfortable, natural, and intuitive feel during operation. |
| US08997724B2 |
Spark-ignition engine
A spark-ignition engine capable of reducing the content of hydrocarbon in exhaust gas is provided. When viewed from a direction parallel to a cylinder center axis, given a central virtual line passing a squish area maximum-width section and the center of a combustion chamber recessed section, and one area a and the other area b divided by the central virtual line, an intake valve port or an exhaust valve port is opened in one area of any opposed section of opposed sections of the combustion chamber recessed section. A spark-plug attachment hole is formed in the other area of the opposed section, such that, when viewed from the direction parallel to the cylinder center axis, a spark discharge section at a tip of a spark plug does not overlap the central virtual line. |
| US08997722B1 |
Tunable throttle plate
A tunable throttle plate for customizing fuel delivery to a supercharged engine includes a plate that may be coupled to intake manifold of an engine. A fuel aperture extends through the plate. A spray rod is coupled to the fuel aperture. A fuel nozzle is coupled to the spray rod. The fuel nozzle delivers a fuel to the plate through the spray rod. A solenoid is coupled to the fuel nozzle. The solenoid is coupled to a fuel source so the solenoid delivers the fuel to the fuel nozzle. |
| US08997716B2 |
Controlled nozzle injection method and apparatus
A nozzle injection apparatus for use in internal combustion engines includes a fuel pump for intermittently pressurizing fuel, an injection conduit in fluid communication with the fuel pump, the injection conduit permitting the pressurized fuel to be communicated to a fuel injection nozzle a control valve in fluid communication with the nozzle, wherein the control valve dynamically and selectively controls a pressure of said pressurized fuel within the injection conduit. |
| US08997715B2 |
Common rail system with leak containment and detection
This disclosure provides a fuel system for supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine, an internal combustion engine that includes such a fuel system, a connector for connecting a single-walled high pressure common rail to a double-walled fuel line segment, and a fluid containment system. Each embodiment includes drain plumbing having a leakage drain connector that can be used to provide an interface between a single-walled high pressure common rail and a double-walled high pressure fuel line segment, and also provide part of a low pressure passage fluidly connected with a low pressure passage of the double-walled high pressure fuel line segment. The drain plumbing also can provide an interface with a low pressure fuel drain line fluidly coupled to a leakage detector. |
| US08997705B2 |
Variable valve actuation apparatus of internal combustion engine
In a variable valve actuation apparatus with a speed reducer between a timing sprocket and a camshaft for changing a phase of the camshaft relative to the sprocket, while reducing normal-rotation/reverse-rotation of an electric motor, the speed reducer includes an eccentric rotation member connected to an output shaft of the motor, an annular member connected to the sprocket, a plurality of rollers installed between an inner toothed portion of the annular member and an outer peripheral surface of the eccentric rotation member, and a cage connected to the camshaft for circumferentially partitioning the respective rollers, while permitting a radial displacement of each roller. Depending on a dimension of a clearance space between the eccentric rotation member and the annular member, a suitable one of a plurality of roller sets, each having a different outside diameter, is selected, and then the selected rollers are installed. |
| US08997704B2 |
Apparatus for the variable setting of the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine
An apparatus for variable setting of control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine which has a drive element an output element and a side cover. The drive element is brought into drive connection with a crankshaft, the output element is brought into drive connection with a camshaft, and the output element is arranged such that it can be pivoted with respect to the drive element. The side cover, which has a sealing cover with an opening and a mating element, axially delimits the output element and/or the drive element, and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the drive or output element by means of a fastening element. The fastening element reaches at least partially through the opening and interacts with the fastening element producing a rotationally fixed connection between the side cover and output element or drive element. |
| US08997702B2 |
Actuator unit with reduced actuator pin friction
An actuator unit (1) of a cam shifting system, which actuator unit is mountable on an internal combustion engine or a component thereof and has at least one actuator pin (5) for moving shifting cam units of the cam shifting system into different axial positions by means of at least one shift groove formed on the periphery of the shifting cam units and cooperating with the actuator pin (5). The actuator pins (5) are spring-loaded in a direction toward the shifting cam unit, operable by a solenoid unit, and slidably supported in a housing (2) of the actuator unit (1). The housing (2) of the actuator unit (1) is provided with at least one enlargement in each inner surface facing an actuator pin (5). |
| US08997701B2 |
Rotary synchronous charge trapping
An exemplary two-stroke internal combustion engine can comprise one or more cylinders comprising exhaust ports, one or more pistons configured to cyclically cover and uncover the exhaust ports during reciprocation of the pistons within the cylinders, and one or more rotary exhaust valves associated with each exhaust port. The exhaust valves can be configured to rotate around a valve axis that is substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of a crank shaft of the engine. Each exhaust valve at least partially obstructs the associated exhaust port during a portion of the exhaust valve's rotation about the valve axis while the associated exhaust port is at least partially uncovered by the associated piston, thereby trapping fresh charge within the combustion chamber. |
| US08997698B1 |
Adaptive individual-cylinder thermal state control using piston cooling for a GDCI engine
A system for a multi-cylinder compression ignition engine includes a plurality of nozzles, at least one nozzle per cylinder, with each nozzle configured to spray oil onto the bottom side of a piston of the engine to cool that piston. Independent control of the oil spray from the nozzles is provided on a cylinder-by-cylinder basis. A combustion parameter is determined for combustion in each cylinder of the engine, and control of the oil spray onto the piston in that cylinder is based on the value of the combustion parameter for combustion in that cylinder. A method for influencing combustion in a multi-cylinder engine, including determining a combustion parameter for combustion taking place in in a cylinder of the engine and controlling an oil spray targeted onto the bottom of a piston disposed in that cylinder is also presented. |
| US08997689B2 |
Treat dispenser
One embodiment of a treat dispenser for an animal comprises a first and second chamber separated at a junction of the chambers by a dividing wall, wherein each chamber is formed from a skeletal framework, wherein the skeletal framework of the first chamber is substantially open and the skeletal framework of the second chamber is substantially closed, and further comprising a sound device disposed within the second chamber. |
| US08997685B2 |
Single axis applicator
A single axis application unit for processing a glass workpiece includes a workpiece supporting table, an applicator movable on a traveler shiftable along a first linear axis and a central suction unit that is activateable to grip the glass workpiece that travels along a second linear axis oriented generally perpendicular to the first linear axis. A central suction unit brake selectively secures the central suction unit both rotationally and translationally. The central suction unit is freely moveable both translationally and rotationally when the central suction unit brake is released. A mid-peripheral suction unit is located at a fixed location remote from the central suction unit and selectively activateable to grip the glass workpiece to hold the glass workpiece in a fixed orientation. A corner suction gripper is movable with the applicator parallel to the first linear axis, and is selectively activateable to grip the glass workpiece. |
| US08997684B2 |
Prevention of particle adders when contacting a liquid meniscus over a substrate
A method for meniscus processing a substrate is provided. The method initiates with generating a meniscus spanning at least a length of the substrate. A pre-wetting liquid or vapor is dispensed. A substrate is moved through the dispensed pre-wetting liquid or vapor and the meniscus. The dispensed pre-wetting vapor condenses a pre-wetting liquid over a region of the substrate adjacent to a region of the substrate where the meniscus is generated. The pre-wetting liquid is deposited without substantially generating surface flow of the pre-wetting liquid on the substrate, and the pre-wetting liquid prevents the leading edge of the meniscus from contacting a dry surface region of the substrate. |
| US08997682B1 |
Moisture indicator for potted plant soil
The patent application is directed to a moisture indicator that reversibly changes between two different colors depending on whether the moisture indicator is in a wet state or in a dry state. The moisture indicator is used to provide visual information about dryness/wetness of a substrate such as plant soil. The moisture indicator comprises a porous body member having a moisture indicating color and a moisture indicating material over the moisture indicating color. Water passed through the porous material activates the moisture indicating material from a dry opaque state to a transparent clear state. In the transparent clear state, the moisture indicating material reveals the moisture indicating color. |
| US08997680B2 |
Detachable animal alert device and method of use thereof
An animal alert device comprising a sound emitting device, the sound emitting device having an internal geometry configured to emit sound while a vehicle is in motion, an attachment portion having a first portion, a second portion, and a transition portion, wherein the attachment portion is configured to engage a window of the vehicle when in a first position, and an extension portion operably connecting the sound emitting device and the attachment portion, wherein the animal alert device is movable from the first position to a second position from a position within the vehicle is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided. |
| US08997678B2 |
Underwater load-carrier
An underwater load-carrier is disclosed that includes an underwater-balloon detachably attached to a container that is loaded with ballast. The underwater load-carrier is lowered into the water of an ocean and allowed to descend to the ocean bottom and there connected a mining-vehicle. The mining-vehicle loads mined nodules into the container while the container ejects ballast to maintain the container at a specified altitude above the ocean bottom. When nodule loading is complete, nodules and/or ballast is ejected to allow underwater load-carrier to rise to the ocean surface where mined nodules is unloaded from the container. |
| US08997677B1 |
Miniature torpedo and targeting control apparatus
A miniature torpedo has a contact and attachment assembly 106 that is operable to hold the torpedo to a ship, a plurality of flammable elements that are sequentially ignited and burn against the ship's hull, and a propulsion and steering assembly that propels and directs the torpedo to the ship. The torpedo is constructed to be carried by and launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle. A targeting and control apparatus is employed with the torpedo that provides wire guidance to the torpedo and an ability to communication with other aparatus to coordinate an attack with multiple torpedos. |
| US08997672B2 |
Surface topographies for non-toxic bioadhesion control
An article has a surface topography for resisting bioadhesion of organisms and includes a base article having a surface. A composition of the surface includes a polymer. The surface has a topography comprising a pattern defined by a plurality of spaced apart features attached to or projected into the base article. The plurality of features each have at least one microscale dimension and at least one neighboring feature having a substantially different geometry. An average feature spacing between adjacent ones of the features is between 10 μm and 100 μm in at least a portion of the surface. The surface topography can be numerically represented using at least one sinusoidal function. In one embodiment, the surface can comprise a coating layer disposed on the base article. |
| US08997671B2 |
Free motion sewing disk set
A set of sewing disks for controlling the movement of a piece of fabric over the free arm and under the needle of a sewing or quilting machine. Each disk is flat and has an oval or circular configuration and comprises three registered, stacked adhesively attached layers—a first contact layer made of open cell foam, a semi-rigid intermediate stiffener member, and a second contact layer made of closed cell foam. When each disk is placed over a piece of fabric with the lower contact layer is placed adjacent thereto, the individual's fingers are exposed at all times and placed over the opposite contact layer. The intermediate stiffener layer spreads and evenly dissipates the forces exerted by the fingers to the top contact layer to the lower contact layer. Because the finger tips are not in contact with the fabric, soiling of the fabric by the finger tips is prevented. |
| US08997670B2 |
Conveyance system that transports fabric
A conveyance system that transports fabric comprises a work space having a surface that the fabric can be transports across, and at least one budger that moves and/or provide force to the fabric in a servo controlled motion. |
| US08997669B1 |
Thread tensioner for a sewing machine
Thread tensioner for a sewing machine. In one example embodiment, a thread tensioner for a sewing machine includes a first disk, a second disk, a spring, a knob, and a sensor. The second disk is positioned next to the first disk. The spring is configured to apply tension to a thread positioned between the first disk and the second disk by exerting a force against the second disk. The spring defines a length between a first end and a second end. The knob is configured, when rotated in one direction, to travel along a threaded shaft toward the spring and thereby cause the length of the spring to shorten. The knob is configured, when rotated in another direction, to travel along the threaded shaft away from the spring and thereby allow the length of the spring to lengthen. The sensor is configured to track a current length of the spring. |
| US08997668B1 |
Overtufting station
An overtufting machine/method provides additional yarn per area in an area of design than in areas lacking the overtufted design. Specifically, for many embodiments, a carpet is first tufted, and then run past an overtufting station which preferably moves in a lateral direction relative to the direction of feed to direct at least one needle through the carpet in at least one selectable height option. Rails are preferably used to shuttle the needle supported by a head on at least one carriage to shuttle along the rail(s). |
| US08997667B2 |
Control system mounting arrangement for an agricultural implement
An agricultural implement includes a storage tank, a pump positioned below a bottom portion of the storage tank, and a control system disposed above the bottom portion of the storage tank. The storage tank is configured to hold a flowable agricultural product. The pump is configured to direct the flowable agricultural product out of the storage tank. The one or more controls are configured to control application of the flowable agricultural product. |
| US08997665B2 |
Slag-melting burner apparatus
A leading end located in a two-stage entrained-flow bed coal gasifier has a double-walled structure including an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, and cooling water for cooling the leading end is supplied through an interior of the inner cylinder to cool the leading end and is then returned to a base end through a space formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. The space formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder has a smaller channel area than the interior of the inner cylinder, and a swirling flow along a guide formed on an outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder and a substantially linear flow in a longitudinal direction of the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder are applied to the cooling water returned to the base end through the space formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. |
| US08997663B2 |
Table with nesting table top
A table may be sized and configured to nest with another table to reduce a height of a plurality of stacked tables in a nested configuration. The table may include a table top with a receiving portion disposed at least proximate an intersection of an upper surface and a sidewall. The table top may also include a lip and a lower portion of the lip may include a contact surface that is sized and configured to contact an upper surface of an adjacent, nested table. The lower portion of the lip may also include an engaging portion that is sized and configured to be disposed in a receiving portion of an adjacent, nested table. The contact surface and the engaging portion may be directly adjacent to each other in the lower portion of the lip. |
| US08997659B2 |
Furniture element comprising an articulated plate of variable surface
A furniture element forming a table (1) including a base box (2) and several coplanar main plates mobile in circular translation in a common plane. A mechanism (4) enables synchronized displacement in the common plane, wherein the plates (3) can assume at least two relative configurations, one in which they combine to form a full plate, the other in which the plates jointly define a central space 51. A mobile central plate (5) can be displaced according to an axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the main plates (3), to move from a low position in which the central plate (5) is retracted by the main plates (3) to a high position in which it is placed in the plane of the main plates (3) at the level of the central space (51), forming a full plate with the main plates (3). |
| US08997657B2 |
Ballast load device and method
A ballast load device for increasing a tractive effort of a railcar mover having a coupler includes a side member and a bottom attached to the side member. The bottom is adapted to support a weight. A primary coupler is attached to the side member and is adapted to removably connect to the coupler of the railcar mover such that the railcar coupler may lift the ballast load device. |
| US08997656B2 |
Vehicle sling bag rail system
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle having a cargo area that includes an internal surface. A longitudinally extending bar is located within the cargo area of the vehicle. A bag configured to hang onto and slide along the longitudinally extending bar. A movable rail assembly is attached to the internal surface and includes: a rail moveable between extend and retract positions with respect to the cargo area; a bearing engageable with the rail to assist moving the rail between the extend and retract positions; and a bracket attachable to the bearing to suspend the bearing and the rail in the cargo area and away from the internal surface. |
| US08997655B1 |
Gas generating system
A gas generator containing perforate internal chambers, each chamber in vapor communication with at least one other chamber in the gas generator, is provided. When granulated compositions are utilized in one or more of the chambers, permeable materials such as cheesecloth, neoprene, Tyvek™, metal or non-metallic screen, and other suitable fluid permeable materials, may be provided to physically seal the perforations of the various chambers, thereby separating the granulated composition(s) contained therein. In this way, off-gas products formed naturally over time may be effectively managed to ensure expected performance criteria of the associated inflator. |
| US08997654B2 |
Guided munition
A guided munition (10) includes a warhead (20) within the nose section (60) and processing electronics (30) arranged within the munition (10) behind the warhead (20). A plurality of sensors (50) are arranged within the nose section (60) for sensing a target. The sensors (50) are remote from but in communication with the processing electronics (30). |
| US08997653B1 |
Stroke inducing bullet
A bullet is formed with a hollow interior compartment which contains particles. The bullet side-wall surrounding the hollow interior compartment breaks after impact with the target to release the particles from the hollow interior compartment. Preferably, each particle in the hollow interior compartment has a core substance and a coating surrounding the core substance. The coating is designed to release the core substance after the bullet contacts a target. The core substance swells when in contact with blood, which may be time delayed in order to enter the blood stream. |
| US08997650B2 |
Ink supply method and ink supply apparatus
An ink supply method in an ink supply apparatus including an ink fountain, a plurality of ink fountain keys, an ink fountain roller, an ink ductor roller, and an ink roller group. An ink film thickness distribution corresponding to an image on a printing plate is formed in the ink roller group. The ink roller group is divided into a plurality of roller subgroups. After or before division, a throw-on operation is performed for at least one of the plurality of roller subgroups, and a plate cylinder on which the printing plate to be used for printing of the next job is mounted. Ink in at least one of the plurality of roller subgroups is supplied to the printing plate mounted on the plate cylinder by rotating the plate cylinder and at least one of the plurality of roller subgroups. An ink supply apparatus is also disclosed. |
| US08997649B2 |
Cliché for electronic printing device, and electronic printing method and device using the same
The present invention relates to a cliché, and it particularly relates to a cliché with a partition formed thereon for controlling a blanket and the partition to be parallel with each other by the partition when a partition is protrusively formed on the cliché and the blanket is not combined with the cliché according to a predetermined method, controlling functional ink disposed between the blanket and the cliché to be transferred while not spreading so that it may be transferred to a substrate in a shape to be patterned when the blanket does not contact the cliché, and an electronic printing device and method using the same. |
| US08997648B1 |
Screen-printing frame
A system for attaching mesh to a frame and applying tension to the mesh is described. The system includes a locking strip slot in a movable frame member that permits mesh and an attached locking strip to be inserted into the slot from the top. The locking strip may be asymmetric. The system further includes a rigid frame that can hold the movable frame member under tension. The system also includes gripping the movable frame member at the locking strip slot to apply tension to the mesh. A simple hand tool may be used for engaging the locking strip slot and leveraging against the rigid portion of the frame to apply the tension. A simple hand tool may be used for separating the movable frame member from the rigid frame to remove the mesh. |
| US08997647B2 |
Silk screen printing device with two modes of printing
Device for silk screen printing on an object, comprising a screen holder module for holding a screen; and a squeegee holder module for holding a squeegee for scraping over the screen along a direction of scraping. The squeegee holder module comprises a support mounted on the chassis, and a removable squeegee holder attached to the support, the support having a receiving surface for receiving the squeegee holder, and the squeegee holder having a fastening plate for fastening the squeegee holder on the receiving surface with a scraping direction extending along a direction of printing (Ox), and an alternative fastening plate for fastening the squeegee holder in an alternative printing position with a scraping direction extending along an alternative direction of printing (Oy). |
| US08997641B2 |
Automatic banding packing machine and automatic banding packing system
An automatic banding packing machine is provided with a packing machine body having an upper-face table on which the object to be packed passes, a pair of vertical band guide arches arranged separately from each other above the upper-face table in a direction parallel with a passage direction of the object to be packed, and a horizontal band guide arch arranged above the upper-face table in the direction parallel with the passage direction of the object to be packed, and the pair of vertical band guide arches is configured to be movable between a standby position separated from the horizontal band guide arch and a communication position communicating with the horizontal band guide arch in a direction orthogonal to the passage direction of the object to be packed. |
| US08997639B2 |
Smoker box for holding food flavoring wood chips or the like
A smoker box for a cooking grill is formed to fit between and be supported by adjacent parallel heat deflector bars of the cooking grill. The open top of the smoker box is preferably covered with a perforated lid that can be removably placed onto or hingedly connected to the top of the smoker box. |
| US08997637B2 |
Dual bladder system and method for treatment and reduction of microbial content in fluids by means of high pressure
A system for treating edible fluids under high pressure to reduce microorganisms. The system comprises a high pressure housing having an interior chamber containing two parallel flexible bladders adapted to hold the fluid to be treated under high pressure within the confines of the chamber. A pressurizing fluid fills the interior chamber outside the bladders. When one bladder is filled the other bladder is collapsed. In operation pressure is exerted throughout the interior chamber by means of the pressurizing fluid for a period sufficient to reduce microorganisms in the fluid within the filled bladder. Pressure will be released and the collapsed bladder will then be filled with an edible fluid causing treated fluid to be removed from the first bladder due to expansion caused by the filling of the second bladder such that the first bladder is collapsed. The process can then be repeated. |
| US08997636B2 |
Programmable device and method for storing food
An improved food storage device for holding food items in a controlled environment, typically heated, is disclosed. The device can hold different foods under different conditions for different amounts of time. Among the improvements is an intuitive programming interface. The device may be programmed by selecting different options displayed on different displays associated with different specific food storage positions by pressing a button associated with the display displaying the option. The device may have synchronized displays allowing users to more quickly assimilate displayed information. |
| US08997635B2 |
Vertical grill
A vertical grill (11) for cooking food items is disclosed wherein the vertical grill is comprised of a body (12) containing at least one vertical grilling area disposed between at least two sources of radiant heat energy (24), and wherein the body (12) is adapted to direct fats and breakaway solids generated during the cooking of the food into an external receptacle (32) via the external opening (22). It achieves this by including (Evacuation Slides) guides (28) and (30) which are contained within the body (12) of the grill (11) and arranged in various shaped assemblies such that food and fats falling on (Evacuation Slide) guide 28 travels down until it is collected by (Evacuation Slide) guide (30) which delivers the food and fats to the external receptacle (32) where they are not in any danger of catching fire. |
| US08997634B2 |
Charbroiler and method of charbroiling
A charbroiler having both heated grids and at least one radiant heater and a method of charbroiling a food product are disclosed. Each heat source of the charbroiler can be an independently regulated heat source. The independently regulated heat sources can be adjusted to each contribute to the overall cooking of a food product in a cooking cycle. Each of the independently regulated heat sources can be many types of heat sources capable of being regulated either manually or automatically by a cooking control system. |
| US08997633B2 |
Air agitation controllable beverage making apparatus, system and method
An apparatus, system, and method of use in making beverages. The apparatus includes components and structures for making beverages by mixing heated water or other liquid and a beverage making substance in combination with controllable evacuation, pressurization, or both of a mixing vessel. The method includes controllable brewing using a vacuum, positive pressure, or both to control one or a combination of active controllable agitation of ingredients, steep time, pressurization, extraction time, agitation pulsing, dispensing pulsing as well as other numerous other beverage preparation characteristics and controls. |
| US08997632B2 |
Cylinder apparatus and method of manufacturing cylinder apparatus
A metallic protecting cover is formed from two axially split members, i.e. a first protecting cover member secured to a mounting eye, and a second protecting cover member having an overall length shorter than that of each of first and second cylinders and having a predetermined gap between itself and the second cylinder. The second protecting cover member is press-fitted into the first protecting cover member secured to the mounting eye to integrate the first and second protecting cover members into the protecting cover. Accordingly, the lower end of the second cylinder can be caulked in a state where the second protecting cover member has been temporarily assembled to the second cylinder. Thus, it is possible to ensure the required strength of the protecting cover and to increase the degree of freedom in assembly process. |
| US08997631B2 |
Wobble plate-type variable displacement compressor
Disclosed is a wobble plate type variable displacement compressor that uses a constant velocity universal joint mechanism, which comprises an inner ring and an outer ring, balls that are held between guide grooves of the inner ring and the outer ring to transmit power, wherein a wobble plate is connected and fixed to the outer ring. In the compressor, the wobble plate is provided with a cylindrical part which extends in the axial direction of a swash plate, and in the relative rotation structure between the swash plate, and the wobble plate and the outer ring, the swash plate is supported to be able to relatively rotate only in relation to the wobble plate via a bearing interposed at least between the cylindrical part and the inner diameter portion of the swash plate, without being supported to be able to rotate relative to the outer ring. With this wobble plate type variable displacement compressor using the specified constant velocity universal joint mechanism, the relative rotation structure between the wobble plate and the outer ring, and the swash plate, can be improved, workability and productivity can be improved, and the cost and weight can be reduced. |
| US08997624B1 |
Jet pipe servo with flexure pivot
A servomechanism has a jet pipe mounted by a flexure pivot driven by an electromagnet to control the position of the jet pipe. A fixed seal tube surrounds the armature and keeps the coil isolated and dry. The flexure pivot has two parts that can move with respect to one another. The jet pipe can be fixed with respect to one part and movable with respect to the other such that when the electromagnet armature moves pivotal motion is imparted to the jet pipe. A multi-port jet receiver receives media from the jet pipe in different orifices dependent upon armature position. That in turn can extend or retract an actuator, such as a piston, depending upon which receiver orifice receives greater pressure. A feedback mechanism can link the actuator to the jet pipe to provide feedback input used to improve the accuracy of the device. |
| US08997620B2 |
Handle assembly for charging a direct gas impingement firearm
A firearm includes a receiver. A bolt carrier is moveable relative to the receiver between a firing position and a rearward position. A hand guard is coupled to the receiver. A gas tube is disposed at least partially within and fixed relative to the hand guard. A handle assembly is at least partially disposed in the hand guard and is moveable between a forward position and a charging position. The handle assembly has a body and an elongated member extending from the body toward the bolt carrier. The elongated member is disposed about the gas tube and is movable relative to the gas tube between the forward and charging positions. The elongated member engages the bolt carrier to move the bolt carrier from the firing position to the rearward position when the handle assembly moves from the forward position to the charging position. |
| US08997613B2 |
Method and device for trimming heavy plates
With known trimming shears having a pair of scrap-cutting blades on the discharge side, the moving upper scrap-cutting blade must be moved as closely as possible past the trimmed plate edge in order to push the cutoff edge still hanging on the plate downward against the lower fixed scrap-cutting blade, which requires precise adjustment of the upper scrap-cutting blade. To that end, according to the invention, the distance between the upper scrap-cutting blade (2) or the lower scrap-cutting blade (3) and the trimming blade plane (5) is set prior to trimming in accordance with the thickness of each heavy plate (10) to be trimmed by displacement of the upper scrap-cutting blade (2) and/or the lower scrap-cutting blade (3) in a displacement direction with at least one component transverse to the trimming blade plane (5). |
| US08997611B1 |
Bearing assembly for use with a rotating machining device
A rotating machining device includes a segmented support housing arranged to be mounted on a work piece and a segmented headstock mounted on the support housing and rotatable relative to the support housing about an axis. The rotating machining device also includes at least one bearing assembly disposed between the headstock and the support housing. The at least one bearing assembly includes a first race having a first set of bearing elements arranged to dynamically contact a first portion of the headstock and reciprocate within the bearing assembly in a first direction. The at least one bearing assembly also includes a second race having a second set of bearing elements arranged to dynamically contact a second portion of the headstock and recirculate within the bearing assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction so as to promote distribution of a load applied to the bearing assembly. |
| US08997610B2 |
Cutting insert, cutting tool, and method of manufacturing machined product using the same
A cutting insert according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an upper surface; a lower surface; a side surface located between the upper surface and the lower surface; at least one concave part extending in a thickness direction in the side surface, and having one end thereof located at the upper surface; and a cutting edge which is located at an intersection region of the upper surface and the side surface, and is divided into a plurality of divided cutting edges with the at least one concave part interposed therebetween. The upper surface includes a first raised part located inwardly of the at least one concave part, and a plurality of second raised parts respectively located inwardly of the plurality of divided cutting edges. The plurality of the second raised parts are located inward compared to one end of the first raised part close to the cutting edge in a top view. A cutting tool including the cutting insert, and a method of manufacturing a machined product using the cutting tool are also provided. |
| US08997609B2 |
Flex-head wrench
A wrench including a handle having a first yoke at a first end and a first plurality of tool heads coupled to the first yoke at a first pivot axis, at least a first tool head of the first plurality of tool heads having a drive cavity. Each tool head of the first plurality of tool heads is pivotable about the first pivot axis independently of the other tool heads of the first plurality of tool heads. |
| US08997603B2 |
Steering column assembly with improved attachment to a vehicle structure
A steering column assembly comprises an upper column jacket, a collar assembly, a position lock bracket, and a guide clamp. A guide shaft extends from a guide end of the collar assembly, and a cam shaft extends from a cam end of the collar assembly. The guide shaft extends through an adjustment channel defined in the position lock bracket, and the cam shaft extends through an adjustment channel defined in the position lock bracket. A guide clamp is disposed along the guide shaft between the upper column jacket and the position lock bracket, and a guide retainer is fixed to the guide shaft such that, when the steering column assembly is in a locked mode, the guide clamp is placed in compression between the upper column jacket and the position lock bracket, which is placed in compression between the guide clamp and the guide retainer. |
| US08997601B2 |
Steering column comprising a steering bearing, and a steering bearing of a steering column
A steering column with a steering-column tube, a steering spindle and at least one steering bearing for the rotatable mounting of the steering spindle in the steering-column tube, the steering bearing having an outer ring sitting in the steering-column tube, an inner ring and rolling bodies arranged between the outer ring and a track section of the inner ring, wherein the inner ring bears against the steering spindle at only two points and, for this purpose, has a first section which axially adjoins the track section and bears under prestress against the steering spindle at the first point, and a second section which is axially spaced apart from the first section, which axially adjoins the track section, and which has a first end of the inner ring in interaction with the steering spindle at the second point. |
| US08997599B2 |
Motorized joint with two pivot connections and humanoid robot which implements the joint
A motorized joint having two degrees of freedom in rotation connecting two elements is provided. The joint includes two pivot connections such that a first one of the pivot connections establishes a first pivot axis, and a second one of the pivot connections establishes a second pivot axis. The first pivot axis is not parallel to the second pivot axis. A first motor is disposed in fixed relation to a first one of the two elements and has a drive shaft aligned with a first drive axis so as to cause by means of a first speed reducer with parallel axes the two elements to rotate about the first pivot axis. A second motor having a second drive shaft aliened with a second drive axis parallel to the first drive axis of the first motor is affixed to an output portion of the first speed reducer for axial rotation therewith about the first pivot axis so as to cause by means of a second speed reducer including a bevel gear relative rotational movement of the two elements with respect to one another about the second pivot axis. Also, the joint may be implemented as part of a humanoid robot. |
| US08997597B2 |
Power steering system
A power steering system, and more particularly a power-assisted steering system for a vehicle, comprises a lead screw which is driven by a servo motor and is composed of a nut, which is mounted axially non-displaceably in a frame, and an axially displaceable component, the thread of which is engaged with a thread of the nut, and further comprising a belt pulley, which is non-rotatably connected to the nut and forms part of a traction mechanism gear between the servo motor and the nut, wherein the nut is mounted in the frame by a rolling bearing. So as to provide a power steering system which produces little noise and is easy to install, very precise in operation and also cost-effective to produce, the belt pulley is produced from plastic. |
| US08997594B2 |
Transmission gear ratio changing without disassembly for a work machine
A transmission (12) for a vehicle (10) includes a gear arrangement having a gear shaft (44) and a gear (48,66) mounted to the gear shaft (44). The gear (48,66) is axially movable and rotationally fixed relative to the gear shaft (44). A housing (28) includes an access opening (56) and an access cover (54) over the access opening (56). The access cover (54) rotatably carries one end of the gear shaft (44). The access opening (56) is sized and shaped to allow the gear (48,66) to be moved through and out of the housing (28). |
| US08997592B2 |
Assembly and method for IC unit engagement
A picker assembly includes a plurality of pickers in selective variable spaced relation, a shaft having a plurality of cam plates, the cam plates co-axial with said shaft and having a variable thickness. The cam plates are in engagement with the pickers and positioned in interstitial spaces between the pickers. The selective variability in spacing is provided by rotation of the shaft such that thickness variation of the cam plates move the respective pickers along an axis parallel to the shaft. |
| US08997587B2 |
Needle seal force sensor
Described are techniques for force sensing. A computing device is configured to have a desired force setting. A first vertical position of a needle is determined using the computer device. A control signal is sent from the computing device to a positioning device. In response to the control signal, the needle is positioned at the first vertical position. When in the first vertical position, surfaces of a tip of the needle are in contact with surfaces of an opening of a sealing member and positioning the needle causes application of a force at surfaces of the opening in contact with surfaces of the tip of the needle. In response to application of the force, a spring is compressed a distance that is proportional to the force. The force is measured using a force sensor. |
| US08997583B2 |
Ultrasonic flow sensor for use in a fluid medium
An ultrasonic flow sensor for use in a fluid medium is described. The ultrasonic flow sensor includes at least two ultrasonic converters which are situated in a flow tube offset relative to one another, longitudinally with respect to a flow of the fluid medium. The ultrasonic flow sensor also includes a reflection surface, the ultrasonic converters being set up to exchange ultrasonic signals via simple reflection on the reflection surface. In addition, a deflection device is provided between the ultrasonic converters which is set up to essentially suppress parasitic ultrasonic signals, which are reflected from the reflection surface and which strike the deflection device, by deflection away from the ultrasonic converters. |
| US08997581B2 |
Flow rate measuring device
[Problem] A flow rate measuring device in which guided waves are used, wherein the frequency of ultrasound is optimized; and energy injected from ultrasound transmission/reception elements is increased and the flow velocity sensitivity is raised; whereby the measurement accuracy is improved.[Solution] A frequency of an isolated peak of group velocities of guided waves, from among a plurality of peaks of group velocities of guided waves, and a resonance frequency of the ultrasound transmission element/reception element are set to agree; and the semi-amplitude of a power spectrum of ultrasound excited/received by the ultrasound transmission element/reception element is set to a value that does not overlap with another peak of group velocities. |
| US08997580B2 |
Angled insert magnetic flow meter
A flow metering apparatus, includes: a sensor insert body configured to enter a fluid conduit at an angle with respect to a wall of the fluid conduit; at least one electrode mounted on the sensor insert body; and a coil assembly including at least one magnetic coil in the sensor insert body. |
| US08997579B2 |
Mount assembly for compression testing of protective articles of apparel
A mount assembly for compression testing of an article of apparel on a compression testing machine. The machine has a head and a sensor. The mount assembly includes a substantially rigid core member and a resilient member that is supported on and that at least partially covers the cover member. The resilient member is configured to support the article of apparel thereon. The resilient member is configured to resiliently deform in response to a compression applied to the article of apparel from the head of the impact testing machine. As such, the sensor detects an effect of the compression on at least one of the resilient member and the core member. |
| US08997577B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring residual stresses in a component
A process for measuring the through stress distribution (12) in a workpiece (10) by taking progressive cuts (14, 16) and measuring the deflection of the workpiece at the cut point. |
| US08997576B2 |
Method and system for monitoring gas pressure for reference cavity of capacitance diaphragm gauge
A system and method detect the presence of an unacceptable quantity of gas molecules in the reference vacuum cavity of a capacitance diaphragm gauge (CDG). An independent pressure transducer has an active portion exposed to the reference vacuum cavity. The transducer includes a ring anode, a cylindrical inner wall surface that forms at least one cathode, and a magnet positioned with respect to the ring anode such that the magnetic flux of the magnet is generally aligned with the central axis of the ring anode. A high voltage source applies a voltage between the ring anode and the cathode. A current sensor senses a magnitude of any current flowing between the ring anode and the cathode via ionized gas molecules. A monitoring unit monitors the magnitude of the current sensed by the current sensor and activates an alarm when the magnitude of the current exceeds an acceptable magnitude. |
| US08997573B2 |
Internal stringer inspection system for integrated structures
An inspection apparatus and method for inspecting an interior surface of a hollow composite part. The inspection apparatus may have a first plug, a second plug, and a trolley positioned between the first and second plugs. The first and second plugs may form a leak-proof seal against the interior surface of the hollow composite part. The trolley may support at least one inspection probe for testing the interior surface of the composite part. A method of inspecting the composite part may include the steps of inserting the inspection apparatus into the hollow composite part, pushing or pulling the inspection apparatus with an elongated actuation element to a desired area to be inspected within the composite part, then filling a space between first and second plugs with a liquid. Finally, the method may include a step of inspecting the interior surface of the hollow composite part with the inspection probe. |
| US08997569B2 |
Compound sensor
A compound sensor includes a first unit including first and second oscillators symmetrically disposed to each other and being able to be displaced in a driving direction and a detecting direction; a second unit including third and fourth oscillators symmetrically disposed to each other and being able to be displaced in the driving direction and the detecting direction; a drive unit to drive the first through fourth oscillators so as to oscillate the first and second oscillators in opposite phase, and the third and fourth oscillators in opposite phase, and so as to oscillate the first and second unit in opposite phase; and a detection unit configured to detect displacements of the first through fourth oscillators in the detecting direction, wherein an acceleration, angular rate, angular acceleration and centrifugal force are independently detected by canceling unnecessary inertial force components from the displacements of the first through fourth oscillators. |
| US08997563B2 |
Vehicle sensor system
A sensor system includes a housing defining a cavity, an actuator formed from an alloy transitionable between first and second states, a plunger attached to the actuator, and a resilient member configured for translating the plunger within the cavity. The plunger is not translatable during a first condition in which a coating of debris is disposed on the housing as the alloy transitions between the first and second states to define a first stress on the actuator. The plunger is translatable during a second condition in which the housing is substantially free from the coating as the alloy transitions to define a second stress on the actuator that is less than the first stress. The alloy transitions from the first to the second state at a first transformation temperature during the first condition, and at a second transformation temperature that is less than the first temperature during the second condition. |
| US08997558B2 |
Combustor probe for gas turbine
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a turbine combustor probe having a combustion dynamics monitoring probe configured to monitor combustion dynamics within a turbine combustor. The turbine combustor probe also has a gas sampling sleeve configured to collect a gas sample from an airflow path between a liner and a flow sleeve of the turbine combustor. |
| US08997556B2 |
Apparatus for determining and/or monitoring a process variable
An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: at least one mechanically oscillatable unit, which comes in contact at least partially with the medium; at least one transducer unit, which excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations and which receives mechanical oscillations from the mechanically oscillatable unit; and at least one housing. At least one limiting element is provided. The limiting element is embodied and arranged in such a manner that the limiting element at least partially surrounds the mechanically oscillatable unit and the therefrom resulting reduction of volume surrounding the mechanically oscillatable unit increases the measuring sensitivity of the apparatus. Furthermore, the invention relates to a limiting element. |
| US08997554B2 |
Method and apparatus for solid-liquid separation of drilling fluids for analysis
A system and method for solid-liquid separation and analysis of drilling fluids is described. The method includes heating a retort body to a pre-determined temperature, with an inner wall of the retort body at least partially defines a chamber within the retort body. A sample drilling fluid may be automatically injected into the inner chamber, and a film of the sample drilling fluid may be generated on the inner wall of the retort body. The film may be separated into a solid portion and a vapor. The method may further include collecting vapor using a vent that provides fluid communication with the inner chamber, and condensing the vapor into a fluid portion of the film. The volume of the fluid portion may them be automatically measured. |
| US08997552B2 |
Method for leak-testing hand-held piston stroke pipettes and associated leak-testing apparatus
A method for leak testing of hand-held piston stroke pipettes and a corresponding leak testing apparatus (1) for performing the method. Essential to the system is a holder (8) for the sealed connection of a pipette tip (3) to the leak-testing apparatus. A line system (9) with connecting sections of the leak-testing apparatus forms a specific connection volume. The pipette tip (3) is evacuated to a measuring pressure below atmospheric pressure. With the vacuum pump (5) disconnected and the connection volume sealed off, the pressure is measured after a specific time interval, and any possible rise in pressure is determined. An indication of the serviceability of the pipette (2) is generated from the pressure rise determined. |
| US08997545B1 |
Method and apparatus for impacting metal parts for aerospace applications
An apparatus and method are provided for changing physical characteristics of a workpiece which may have been pre-loaded before being further processed. The workpiece is supported in a fixed position during processing. A driven member applies multiple impacts to one surface of the workpiece. The driven member is operated within adjustable parameters. A controller, having the adjustable parameters, is operatively connected to the driven member for causing the driven member to apply multiple impacts against a surface of the workpiece while under the control of the pre-adjustable parameters for changing physical characteristics of the workpiece. |
| US08997539B2 |
Methods and apparatus for monitoring and conditioning strip material
Methods and apparatus for monitoring and conditioning strip material are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a plurality of sensors located along a width of a moving material. Each of the plurality of sensors corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of longitudinal zones located along a width of the moving material. The apparatus also includes a material condition monitor configured to determine the condition of the moving material, and a feedback unit coupled to the material condition monitor and configured to be coupled to a plurality of different types of material conditioners. The feedback unit is configured to map each of the plurality of sensors to at least a respective one of a plurality of adjustable backup bearings based on being coupled to any one of the material conditioners. |
| US08997538B2 |
Magnetically repelling lock assembly
A lock assembly (10) including a plug (12) having a keyway (14) for inserting therein a key (16), and a movable element (18) movingly disposed in the plug (12), the movable element (18) being divided into at least two separate magnetic portions (20, 22) arranged to move relative to one another and having identical magnetic polarity, wherein the magnetic portions (20, 22) are sufficiently near one another such that one of the magnetic portions (20, 22) applies a magnetic repelling force on the other magnetic portion (20, 22). |
| US08997534B2 |
Privacy override function for a door lock
A door lock includes a deadbolt and a latchbolt each movable between a thrown position and a retracted position, an inside lever operable to move the latchbolt between the thrown and retracted positions, and an outside lever configured in one of a locked and unlocked state in which the outside lever is operable to move the latchbolt between the thrown and retracted position. A thumbturn is coupled to the deadbolt and is movable between a first position in which the deadbolt is in the thrown position, the latchbolt is in the thrown position, and the outside lever is locked, a second position in which the deadbolt is in the retracted position, the latchbolt is in the thrown position, and the outside lever is locked, and a third position in which the deadbolt is in the retracted position, the latchbolt is in the thrown position, and the outside lever is unlocked. |
| US08997533B2 |
Laundry machine
The present application relates to a laundry machine for washing laundry, including a tub for holding washing water, the tub including at least one fastener for fastening and wiring a wire harness along an outside surface thereof, a drum in the tub for holding laundry, a rotation shaft connected to a rear surface of the drum, a tub back which forms a rear side of the tub and through which the rotation shaft passes, a bearing housing for supporting the rotation shaft, a rear gasket connected between the tub and the tub back, and a suspension unit for supporting the bearing housing. |