US08932072B2
A charging device starts charging a battery mounted on an electrically driven vehicle in accordance with simplified operating steps. A charging supply connector is connected to a charging port mounted on a vehicle body side. The charging supply connector includes a lock lever displaceable between a locking position, for engagement with a hook mounted on the charging port, and a lock release position where the lock lever is released from the hook. The lock lever is spring-biased to the locking position. A manipulation lever is connected to the lock lever by a link, and is operable to move the lock lever between the locking position and the lock release position. When the lock lever is at the lock release position, the lock lever, the link or the lock lever and the link interferes with an operation range of a charging start switch, to prevent operation thereof.
US08932069B2
A terminal in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a terminal body, a substrate mounted onto the terminal body, and a socket module coupled to the substrate to transfer an electrical signal by being electrically connected to an inserted plug, and the socket module includes a housing having an opening at one surface thereof, the plug being inserted into the opening, and a coupling unit formed at at least one side of the housing, and slidable with respect to the substrate upon being coupled to the substrate. This may allow a substrate assembly coupled with the socket module to become slimmer by a thickness of the substrate, resulting in providing a more size-reduced terminal.
US08932068B2
A computer includes a number of hard disk drives (HDDs), a number of Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) connectors correspondingly connected to the HDDs, and a number of jumpers. Each SATA connector includes a power supply pin, a spin-up pin, a ground pin, and a pin base with first to third pins. The first to the third pins are respectively connected to the power supply pin, the spin-up pin, and the ground pin. The second pin of each SATA connector is connected to either the first pin or the third pin by a corresponding jumper, thereby the corresponding HDD starts up with the computer or starts up at a preset time after the computer has started up.
US08932064B2
An apparatus for supporting an electrical connection, the apparatus including attachment means for enabling the apparatus to be mounted to a surface, a frame means rotatably coupled to the attachment means, an electrical connection coupled to the frame means, and an electrical wire coupled to the electrical connection.
US08932055B2
Methods employing an electric field for disinfection of a root canal preparation during an endodontic procedure. A monopolar electrode probe sized and configured for insertion into a root canal of a tooth is inserted within the root canal preparation. A ground electrode is electrically connected to the patient to complete the circuit with the monopolar electrode probe. An electrical voltage is applied between the probe and ground, resulting in virtually no current flow between the electrodes, but rather the generation of an electric field within the root canal and adjacent dental tissues. The electric field kills microbes within the root canal system of the tooth without significant heating or damage to surrounding dental tissue.
US08932050B2
A system for calcination of oil green coke has a rotating furnace and a rotating cooler, the furnace being serviced by boiler, a combustion chamber and a chimney. There is a feeding system defined by a first mat carrying the green coke into a silo and another mat transporter to feed the furnace. At the end of the silo there are two discharge breadths for the oil green coke, where each breadth has two drawer-like feeders for feeding the green coke onto the mat transporter and, from this to the inside of the rotating furnace through a fall set.
US08932045B2
A mold turnover system for turning over the rotating side mold over the fixed side mold includes a turnover device and a quick releasing mechanism, characterized in that the quick releasing mechanism comprises a hook associated with the turnover device and an engaging member associated with the rotating side mold, wherein the hook can be quick engaged onto or disengaged from the engaging member.
US08932043B2
Disclosed is a plastic trim reclaim process that recycles otherwise wasted trim into for reuse or densified composite bricks for resale. The device combines four sections to process trim scrap from a typical plastic extrusion process. The four sections comprise an input and feed section, a grinding and pre-sizing section, a compaction and sizing section, and a repelletizing and recovery section. The final product takes one of two forms: a compacted plastic brick or pellet-sized beads that can be directly reused in a new extrusion process. The compaction and sizing section utilizes a heating chamber and ram to force ground trim through an extruder, which is then cut into sections to form brick. The repelletizing and recovery section utilizes an extrusion process that feeds into a cutting plate, whereafter the sized pellets are cooled to solidify their structure prior to being vacuum transported into a container for reuse.
US08932041B2
A mold structure, a patterning method thereof and a method of fabricating an LCD device using the same are disclosed, which can realize a conformal contact by applying a voltage between a mold structure and a material layer being opposite to each other in an In-Plane Printing process, so as to prevent defective patterns, wherein the mold structure comprises a mold whose surface is provided with patterns; a backplane for supporting the mold; and a conductive film formed between the backplane and the mold.
US08932040B2
An injection unit includes a cylinder casing comprising an inner cylindrical surface extending along an axis, and a piston housed in the casing and translatable along the axis between an advanced and a retracted position. The piston includes a piston radial surface in facing relation to the inner cylindrical surface, and the piston radial surface has a measurement detection feature. A probe is fixed relative to the cylinder casing, the probe communicating with the measurement detection feature when the piston is in and moving between the advanced and retracted positions to measure the translation of the piston.
US08932038B2
A sealing apparatus that includes a first mold in which a core is formed and a second mold in which a skin is formed which are combined to attach the core and the skin to seal a foaming space between the core and the skin. The apparatus further includes a slide mold installed to be moved horizontally in the first mold or the second mold to be moved forward by a restoring force of a support member to attach the skin to the core. The resilient support member is installed to support the slide mold and a position constraining member is coupled to the slide mold to release the constraint of the slide mold to allow the slide mold to be moved forward when the foaming space is sealed while the movement of the slide mold is constrained.
US08932035B2
An electric water pump apparatus may include a body having a stator chamber and a rotor chamber therein, a stator having a hollow cylindrical shape and being disposed in the stator chamber and generating a magnetic field, wherein the stator fluidly insulates the stator chamber and the rotor chamber, a rotor disposed in the rotor chamber and enclosed by the stator, wherein the rotor is rotated by the magnetic field, and a pump cover connected to the body and forming a volute chamber therein, wherein the volute chamber and the rotor chamber are fluidly-communicated through a connecting hole formed to the body and a coolant is supplied to the rotor chamber through the connection hole, wherein the stator includes a stator groove formed in an inner circumference therein and the stator groove is fluid-connected to the rotor chamber and the volute chamber through the connection hole.
US08932019B2
A fan wheel (1) is designed as a radial or diagonal fan, comprising a top plate (2) with an inlet port (4), a base plate (6) and a plurality of fan blades (8) distributed around the inlet port (4) and around an axis of rotation (Z). Blade ducts extend (10) respectively between the adjacent fan blades (8). The blade ducts lead radially or diagonally outward from the area of the inlet port (4) and form blow-out ports in the outer region. The blade ducts (10) are designed, with respect to their effective flow cross-section, as large enough that during operation, a turbulent flow with a Reynolds number markedly greater than 2300 is achieved. The top plate (2) or the base plate (6) or both feature a rotationally asymmetrical geometry with a continuous profile, at least in angular sections encompassing the fan blades (8).
US08932016B2
A deicing device for propfan-type aircraft propulsion unit blades, wherein the propulsion unit includes a turbomachine that drives in rotation at least one rotor including a plurality of blades arranged around an annular crown moving with the blades, which forms with its outer wall part of an outer envelope of the propulsion unit, the outer envelope being subjected to atmospheric conditions outside the propulsion unit, the turbomachine generating a flow of hot gases that exit via an annular vein, which is concentric with the moving annular crown, and defined for part of its surface by the inner wall of the moving annular crown. The deicing device includes: a mechanism capturing thermal energy from the annular vein, within the moving annular part; a mechanism transferring thermal energy towards the rotor blades; and a mechanism distributing the thermal energy onto at least a part of the surface of the blades.
US08932012B2
An axial turbomachine compressor drum rotor stage includes an axis of rotation, a wall generally symmetrical in revolution about the axis of rotation. The wall forms a hollow body and includes a veil and an annular area integrally formed with the veil for supporting a row of vanes. The annular area includes a central part raised in relation to that of the veil.
US08932007B2
An axial flow gas turbine (20) includes a rotor (13) and a stator, and a hot gas path through which hot gas passes. The rotor (13) includes a rotor shaft (15) with axial slots for receiving a plurality of blades (B1-B3) arranged in a series of blade rows, with rotor heat shields (R1, R2) interposed between adjacent blade rows. The rotor shaft (15) is configured to axially conduct a main flow of cooling air along the rotor heat shields (R1, R2) and the lower parts of the blades (B1-B3), and the rotor shaft (15) supplies the interior of the blades (B1-B3) with cooling air (18). Stable and predictable cooling air parameters at any blade row inlet are secured by providing air-tight cooling channels (21), which extend axially through the rotor shaft (15) separate from the main flow of cooling air (17), and supply the blades (B1-B3) with cooling air (18).
US08932006B2
A rotary blood pump includes a casing defining a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber has a blood inlet and a tangential blood outlet. One or more motor stators are provided outside of the pumping chamber. A rotatable impeller is within the pumping chamber and is adapted to cause blood entering the pumping chamber to move to the blood outlet. The impeller has one or more magnetic regions. The impeller is radially constrained in rotation by magnetic coupling to one or more motor stators and is axially constrained in rotation by one or more hydrodynamic thrust bearing surfaces on the impeller.
US08931996B2
A portable storage silo comprising a tank has a peripheral wall, a top wall and a bottom wall. There is provided a filling opening at or adjacent a top of the tank and a discharge opening at or adjacent a bottom of the tank. A support assembly for holding the tank with the bottom wall raised from the ground such that the discharge opening is raised for discharge into a receptacle at the ground. The support assembly includes a base for resting on the ground. The base including a plurality of arms connected to the base and located at spaced positions around the base. The discharge opening has an electrically actuated gate arrangement. The filling opening has an electrically actuated lid. The actuators at the discharge opening and the filling opening are solar powered.
US08931988B2
A plastic screw grommet includes a head portion provided with a screwing hole for a tapping screw, and a leg portion expanded or prevented from deflecting by screwing the tapping screw. A hole diameter of the screwing hole is made smaller than an outer diameter of the above-mentioned tapping screw and larger than a root diameter of the tapping screw. Also, a projecting portion for filling a screw groove of the tapping screw to be screwed is formed in an inner face of the screwing hole.
US08931986B2
An end stop device for restraining an ULD from movement across a cargo deck surface of an aircraft includes a main body; and a mounting interface connected to the main body which is configured and arranged to attach the end stop device to the cargo deck by means of a corresponding tie down ring. Each mounting interface includes a tongue-like support plate which is partially protruding below a bottom side of the main body, at least one recess arranged in an area above the support plate, wherein side walls of the recess form a frame-like structure. and a bolt portion extending from the support plate into the recess and partially surrounded by the frame-like structure. The bolt portion is configured to engage the tie down ring in an operation mode where the end stop device is fixed to a tie down ring.
US08931980B2
Tap and die devices are provided to repair internal and external threads, respectively. The tap and die devices are provided with components that coaxially align the tap and die to the nut or fitting being repaired. The tap and die devices are easily portable, compact tools that can be used in tight places.
US08931975B2
A mobile asphalt production machine which includes support for different asphalt concrete recipes including a plurality of aggregate storage bins which work on combination with a fines or sands storage bin. The individual bins have separated feeding chutes to the mixing trough. The machinery also includes a removable pan at the elevator transfer station to accommodate changeover from one grade aggregate material to another. Further, a controller is provided which delivers appropriate ingredients while also measuring process parameters to adjust various input requirements. Further, a dust and particulate recapturing system is provided which recycles particulate matter back into the ribbon of mixed material with a binding agent.
US08931967B2
When an imaging apparatus performs normal image-capturing, an energization control unit energizes a driving source to move a body release lever from a locking position to a releasing position, and then does not energize the driving source. When the imaging apparatus performs continuous image-capturing, the energization control unit energizes the driving source to move the body release lever from the locking position to the releasing position, and then energizes the driving source to regulate bounding of the body release lever.
US08931966B2
An optical triplexer and/or optical line terminal (OLT) compatible with 1.25 and 10 Gb/s passive optical networks is disclosed. The triplexer/OLT includes an optical fiber, first and second laser diodes, a photodiode, and first and second lenses. A hemispherical lens may be at an end face of the photodiode or receiver subassembly housing. A first optical splitter is mounted between the first and second lenses, and a second optical splitter is mounted between the optical fiber and the second laser diode. The first lens and first laser diode, and the second lens and second laser diode share respective common linear optical axes. The present triplexer/OLT advantageously accords with an interface standard IEEE802.3av-2009 PRX30. In addition, the present triplexer can advantageously implement analog receiving and digital transceiving, save optical fiber resources, and provide high efficiency coupling. Thus, requirements for high power output and smaller housing outlines can be served.
US08931962B2
The present disclosure relates generally to connectors such as audio connectors and in particular to a dual orientation audio connector with side audio contacts that can be used in place of standard audio connectors. The connector has an intuitive insertion orientation and a smooth, consistent feel when inserted and extracted from its corresponding receptacle connector. A corresponding connector jack may be configured to receive the dual orientation audio connector.
US08931957B2
A bearing comprises a resin matrix filled with fluoropolymer, graphite, and other discrete particles of an additive material that is attached to a backing material. The specific selection and mix of fillers with the resin matrix provides the desired blend of bearing properties such as wear resistance, fatigue and erosion resistance and low friction whilst maintaining sufficient flexibility for being formed into flanged cylindrical geometries without detriment to the adherence of the lining to the backing. A method for manufacturing a bearing comprises depositing to a backing material a fluid polymer bearing material comprised of a resin matrix filled with fluoropolymer, various fillers, and discrete particles of an additive to form a continuous consolidated bearing material, and curing the lining material to bond the lining material onto the backing material.
US08931952B2
A temperature monitoring device that can automatically collect temperature data and wirelessly interface with a workflow management system. The device is provided in a portable housing and incorporates one or more temperature sensors, such as a physical probe, infrared sensor, or RFID transceiver, along with an interface for wirelessly communicating with a host personal device that has been programmed with temperature management tasks. The device may be used to automatically collect temperatures and provide wirelessly provide the data to the host for monitoring and tracking as part of a comprehensive workflow management system that includes food safety monitoring and compliance programs.
US08931941B2
A vehicular light includes a body having a base. A cover is mounted to a surface of the base and made of transparent material. A circuit board is mounted in the base. A light emitting element is mounted to the circuit board. An intermediate member is mounted between the cover and the circuit board. The intermediate member includes a light transmittable section covering the light emitting element. A frame is mounted between the light transmittable section and the light emitting element and has a substantially bowl-shaped inner side. The frame and the intermediate member are separable from each other and detachable from the cover and the circuit board. The frame includes a frame wall. A through-hole is formed in a bottom of the frame. The light emitting element extends through the through-hole and received in the frame and faces the light transmittable section.
US08931940B2
An exemplary vehicle lamp module includes a lighting module and a controlling system for controlling the lighting module. The lighting module includes a light source, a reflecting mirror arranged on the light path of the light source and a reflecting cup. Light emitted from the light source is reflected to the reflecting cup by the reflecting mirror. The reflecting mirror is moveable relative to the reflecting cup, by which, a direction of the light reflected to the reflecting cup is capable of being changed by moving the reflecting mirror relative to the reflecting cup correspondingly, such that light reflected to the reflecting cup by the reflecting mirror is capable of being reflected by the reflecting cup to the far front side, near front side and lateral sides of the vehicle by moving the reflecting mirror correspondingly.
US08931937B2
A lighted bollard system that has significantly enhanced internal structural strength while providing for the replacement of the outer bollard cover and that allows users to select from a plurality of different lighting fixtures suited for different applications.
US08931935B2
An air cooling LED lamp is disclosed. The lamp has air passages for natural air flow for cooling the lamp without using any electric fan to reduce electric energy consumption. The air passages still work for natural air cooling for the lamp when the lamp is configured either in a top down position or in a lateral position.
US08931932B2
A moisture release valve for an outdoor light including a valve body having a stem received in a valve guide and having a head seating with a valve seat integrally formed of part of a sidewall of a light casing of the light fixture. Valve body is gravity displaced between a closed position and an open position depending upon light fixture orientation and can include a counterweight carried by its stem interiorly disposed within the fixture helping to cause displacement of the valve body toward the desired open or closed position in response to a change in light fixture orientation. Valve body can be a rivet, such as a split rivet, and the counterweight can be a washer, such as an annular washer, having an opening generally in registry with the valve guide permitting fluid within the fixture to drain from the fixture when the valve is open.
US08931929B2
LED components are described having primary optics provide improved LED component emission characteristics. Light fixtures are also described that utilize the LED components to provide improved light fixture emissions. One LED component according to the present invention comprises an LED chip emitting an LED chip emission pattern. A primary optic is included directly on the LED chip with LED light from the LED chip passing through the primary optic. The primary optic shapes the LED emission pattern into an LED component emission pattern with the LED component emission pattern being broader than the LED chip emission pattern.
US08931917B1
A work light for multi-occasions includes a rectangular lamp body, and a radiating surface disposed on a front side for connecting with a power cord. Radially protruded heat dissipating fins and spacedly apart heat dissipating grooves are formed on cross sections besides the radiating surface of the rectangular lamp body. One end cover coupled to one end surface is disposed with a switch for controlling the radiating surface, and another end cover coupled to another end surface is disposed with a power socket. At least one fixing device includes a platy fastener with fastening portions oppositely formed at two ends for slidably fastening in the heat dissipating grooves on an outer wall of the rectangular lamp body. A flexible supporting rod is disposed with coupling portions at two ends for coupling with coupling holes of the fastener and the magnetic fixing element.
US08931913B2
A motorcycle is provided a trunk having a storage compartment. The trunk includes a trunk body member having an upper opening, and including an outer body member and an inner body member provided inside the outer body member, and a lid member attached to the trunk body member so as to cover the opening of the trunk body member and provided with a lamp device for illuminating a rear side of the trunk, the lid member including an outer lid member and an inner lid member provided inside the outer lid member. A wire cord of the lamp device is passed through a gap between the outer lid member and the inner lid member and a gap between the outer body member and the inner body member.
US08931910B1
A container apparatus includes a container and a light assembly. The light assembly can include four elongate light members. The container can include a rectangular base and a rectangular sidewall extending upwardly from the base. The sidewall defines four corners of the container, and four elongate recesses are formed in the sidewall proximate the four corners of the sidewall to receive the elongate light members. The recesses are sized and shaped to conform to the elongate light members so that the light members can be releasably retained within the elongate recesses.
US08931902B2
The present invention relates to an illumination device for a stereomicroscope, in particular a surgical microscope for eye surgery, having at least one light source (10), a collector lens system (14), an aperture diaphragm (16), a condenser lens system (18), and an objective (22), illumination light being directed from the light source (10) through the collector lens system (14), the aperture diaphragm (16), the condenser lens system (18), and the objective (22) into the object plane (E19), the aperture diaphragm (16) being provided as a double orifice plate or four-orifice plate.
US08931896B2
Eyewear is provided including a frame and an electronic docking station. The docking station may be configured to provide power to a docked electrical component, such as a camera, an audio player, a video player, etc. The electrical component docked into the docking station may provide a power source. The eyewear may also include an electro-active lens and/or a heads up display.
US08931886B2
An inkjet head according to an embodiment includes a base portion, a driving element, a wire, a protection portion, and a boundary portion. The base portion includes a mounting surface. The driving element is mounted on the base portion. The wire is formed on the mounting surface and connected to the driving element. The protection portion is formed on the mounting surface, covering a portion of the driving element and the wire, and possesses an insulation property. The boundary portion is provided at an end of the protection portion contacting the wire that is exposed. The boundary portion is thinner than the protection portion and possesses an insulation property. Thus, an inkjet head in which stripping of an insulating portion can be restrained is provided.
US08931883B2
A head driving mechanism includes a first cam follower an end portion of which is attached to a first holding unit and the other end portion of which includes a first sliding-contact surface disposed in sliding contact with a cam, and a second cam follower an end portion of which is attached to the second holding unit and the other end portion of which includes a second sliding-contact surface disposed in sliding contact with the cam. The first cam follower and the second cam follower are each displaced by rotation of the cam so as to move the first printing head and the second printing head, while the first sliding-contact surface and the second sliding-contact surface are in sliding contact with an outer circumferential surface of the cam.
US08931882B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a carriage having a removable liquid receptacle that holds a liquid or a removable connector connected via a flexible liquid channel to an external liquid receptacle that holds a liquid, an ejecting head, mounted in the carriage, that has a nozzle that ejects the liquid, and a maintenance unit that runs maintenance on the ejecting head; the ejecting head has a filter disposed so as to be capable of contact with a liquid absorption member provided in the liquid receptacle and in the connector.
US08931879B2
A method for assembling a printhead such as an ink jet printhead can include the use of a laser to bond two or more printhead layers together. In an embodiment, a laser beam is directed through a transparent layer to an energy-absorbing layer, where the energy-absorbing layer is melted such that after removal of the laser beam the melted layer solidifies to adhere the energy-absorbing layer to the transparent layer. In another embodiment, heating the energy-absorbing layer melts the transparent layer to adhere the energy-absorbing layer to the transparent layer after removal of the laser beam. The laser transmission lamination process described can result in a fluid-tight seal which requires less processing time and materials over an adhesive-based process.
US08931877B1
An apparatus enables alignment of the position of a printhead independent of other printheads in a printhead assembly. The apparatus includes a printhead configured to eject ink onto an image receiving member, a plate to which the printhead can be rigidly mounted and selectively removed, and a translation carriage to which the plate is rigidly mounted. The apparatus also includes a track ball operatively coupled to two actuators for movement of the plate in an X and a roll direction relative to the translation carriage.
US08931870B2
According to one example there is provided a method of printing an image on a substrate using a printing system having a printhead. The method comprises forming, using ink from the printing system, a spittoon on the substrate, printing the image on the substrate, and whilst printing the image, ejecting ink from a printhead into the formed spittoon during a printhead maintenance operation.
US08931864B2
An ink jet printer for printing on an at least partially cylindrical objects comprises one or more printheads positioned above a line of travel and a carriage assembly configured to hold an at least partially cylindrical object axially aligned along the line of travel and to position said object relative to the printheads, and then rotate the object relative to said one or more printheads. The printer also includes a curing device located along the line of travel and configured to emit an energy suitable to cure the deposited fluid.
US08931861B2
In some example implementations, a drawer slide assembly may including an elongate member including a first slot extending through an upper region and a second slot. The drawer slide assembly may further include a first end cap coupled to the first end region of the elongate member, in which the first end cap has a first projection that extends at least in part through the first opening. The drawer slide assembly may also include a second end cap coupled to the second end region of the elongate member, in which the second end cap has a second projection that extends at least in part through the second opening.
US08931859B2
A consumer appliance has a soft open door mechanism. The mechanism may include a damping device with a first end mounted to the cabinet and a second end mounted so as to move with the door. The damping device includes a partial fill damper activatable by an opening movement of the door toward the horizontal position to provide an opposing force to slow the door motion. The damper may be configured so as to initiate the opposing force only when the door has moved at least about 45 degrees from the upright position toward the horizontal position, and/or may be configured so that the damper includes a damping coefficient of about 200 to about 240 lb*s/ft.
US08931857B2
A chiller for an aircraft galley is disclosed having a housing defining an interior space, the housing including dividers to segregate the interior space into separate chambers. The chambers are enclosed by a pair of doors on a front of the housing that allow a user to gain access to the chambers, a first door providing access to at least one chamber and a second door providing access to at least one different chamber. A side door is also provided that permits access to at least one chamber, wherein at least one chamber is not accessible through said side door.
US08931856B2
A brake control apparatus obtains a required braking force using a hydraulic braking force in combination with a regenerative braking force. The brake control apparatus includes a hydraulic brake unit that controls the hydraulic braking force. When the deviation of an actual hydraulic pressure from a target pressure falls outside a permissible range (d), the hydraulic brake unit controls the actual hydraulic pressure in such a manner that the deviation falls within the permissible range. On the other hand, when the deviation is within the permissible range (d), the hydraulic brake unit maintains the actual hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic brake unit includes a control unit that detects timing (Ta) at which usage of the hydraulic braking force needs to be started to compensate for a deficiency from the required braking force, and that raises (r) the target pressure at the detected timing (ta).
US08931855B1
A formable handle toothbrush has a handle portion that allows a user to heat and form the handle to the shape of their hand to provide for more secure grip of the toothbrush. In one embodiment, a hand formable toothbrush has a toothbrush head attached to a shank that can be inserted into a socket within the toothbrush handle. This configuration allows for the use of replacement toothbrush heads. This makes manufacturing of higher cost handles more economical, as the formable handle portions would not be thrown out when the toothbrush head needs replacement. To customize the formable handle portion, a user may simply place the toothbrush, or handle portion of the toothbrush, in boiling water for a period of time and then remove the toothbrush handle, allow it to cool to a safe temperature and then grasp the handle to form it into the shape of their hand.
US08931846B2
A seat for a transport vehicle includes a seat surface, an armrest, and a child armrest. The child armrest is configured to adopt an adult position and a child position. In the adult position the child armrest is arranged in a stowed position in which the child armrest is incorporated in a contour of the armrest. In the child position the child armrest is arranged in a use position in which the child armrest has a reduced spacing from the seat surface in the vertical direction and a reduced spacing from an opposing armrest in the horizontal direction.
US08931844B2
A vehicle seating assembly including a seat having a top surface. A seatback includes a back support surface. A tab extends forward from the seatback. A track assembly includes a rail and a slide. A bracket is coupled to the slide and includes an elongate slot disposed at a mid-portion thereof. A linkage includes a first end coupled with the seat. A second end is coupled with the tab. A protrusion is disposed at an intermediate portion of the linkage and is engaged with the elongate slot. Movement of the protrusion is relative to the elongate slot, causing translation of the seating assembly between a deployed position, in which a planar extent of the seatback extends substantially orthogonally relative to a planar extent of the seat, and a stowed position, in which the top surface of the seat and the back support surface of the seatback are in abutting contact.
US08931842B2
An adjustment device for a seat and more particularly, a carrier in the adjustment device having anti-rock features and increased longevity and a method of forming the outer gear out of hardened steel without the need for heat treating.
US08931841B2
A synchronous mechanism for a chair, such as an office chair, including a base unit, a seat support arranged above and moveably on the base unit, a backrest support arranged on the base unit so as to be capable of being pivoted about a pivot axis oriented horizontally and in transverse direction of the chair, and a prestressing device. The prestressing device exerts a prestressing force acting upwards on the seat support and forwards on the backrest support. The seat support is connected to the base unit via a coupling mechanism providing movability of the seat support relative to the base unit. The coupling mechanism is arranged to positively control the movements of the seat support relative to the base unit such that the seat support can be moved back and forth on its own between positions which are parallel to one another when the backrest support is fixed.
US08931838B2
In a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, having a seat part, a rest and retaining elements for securing a child seat which is placed on the seat part of the vehicle seat, wherein the child seat can be connected to at least a first retaining element by means of at least one connector in its lower region and can be connected to at least a second retaining element by means of at least one retaining belt in its upper region, and wherein the rest has a rest frame and a cushion which is held by the rest frame, the second retaining element simultaneously supports the cushion.
US08931836B2
A child safety seat includes a seat back and a head rest disposed on the seat back. When a child sits on the child safety seat, his back is against the seat back, and his head is against the head rest. The child safety seat also includes two sliding slot structures, formed on the seat back, and two sliding rods. The two sliding rod are connected to two opposite sides of the head rest corresponding to the two sliding slot structures and slidably disposed in the corresponding sliding slot structures. When the sliding rod is at a first restraining position of the sliding slot structure and the child safety seat shakes because of an impact, the head rest moves relative to the seat back, so that the sliding rod slides to a second restraining position sliding slot structure, which reduces possible harm to the head of the child.
US08931834B2
An armrest assembly for a seat of the type that is convertible into a lie flat bed, the armrest assembly including an armrest, an armrest housing in which the armrest is mounted for vertical movement, and a planar bed extension having an upper bed surface is mounted in the armrest housing for movement between a stowed position wherein the bed extension is contained in a vertical position in the armrest housing and a deployed position wherein the bed extension is positioned exterior to the armrest housing in a raised, horizontal position, wherein the armrest and bed extension reside in horizontal alignment with a seat back and seat bottom of the seat to collectively define a portion of a bed.
US08931833B2
A vehicle seat may include a seat bottom, a seatback and a head restraint. The seatback may engage the seat bottom and may be movable relative thereto between a normal use position and a second position. The head restraint may be coupled to the seatback and may include front and rear portions attached to each other for relative movement therebetween. The front and rear portions may define a first thickness when the seatback is in the normal use position and a second thickness when the seatback is in the second position.
US08931831B2
A lightweight, compact foldable beach chair is presented. The present invention beach chair features an upper seatback portion and a lower sand engagement portion. The seatback portion forms the backrest of the chair and the sand engagement portion anchors the chair in sand. The beach sand itself serves as the seat support for a user. The seatback and sand engagement portions are interconnected by a hub such that the seatback portion and sand engagement portion can rotate about the hub from an open, ready for use position, to a closed position for carrying. The new beach chair includes a detent system such that the seatback and sand engagement portions lock together when in the open and closed positions.
US08931828B2
A grill opening reinforcement (GOR) assembly of a vehicle is provided. The GOR assembly includes a shutter body formed to define a first opening, a front fascia and a seal. The shutter body includes a top portion, first and second side support members and a bottom portion. The front fascia is formed to define a second opening and is supportively attachable to the shutter body. The seal is disposable on a leading edge of at least one of the first and second side support members and the bottom portion and is configured to define an airflow path from the second opening to the first opening.
US08931824B2
A pedestrian-friendly forward structure of a motor vehicle includes a grill opening reinforcement (GOR), a front fascia located forward of and spaced from the GOR, and a support bracket extending transversely to the vehicle forward of the GOR and rearward of the front fascia. The support bracket has a transverse cross-bar and left and right legs extending rearward from a cross-bar adjacent opposite ends thereof. The legs are attached to respective outboard positions on the GOR, and the cross-bar has an upper flange underlying an upper rear panel of the front fascia. If a pedestrian strikes the forward structure, the fascia and support bracket yield rearward in an injury-reducing manner.
US08931814B2
An arrangement for a vehicle body of a motor vehicle is provided. The arrangement includes a lock crossbeam having a front wall and a hood lock fastened on the front wall of the lock crossbeam and having a lock case. The front wall has a first depression in which the hood lock is at least partially accommodated. The first depression is stepped. The front wall has a front stop surface that is spaced apart from a rear stop surface. The lock case presses against the front stop surface and the rear stop surface while a middle part of the lock case is accommodated in the first depression.
US08931813B2
A rotary lock including a housing having a strike channel shaped to receive a strike component and a latch member including at least one strike engaging member. The latch member is rotatable between an unlatched position, a secondary latch position and a primary latch position. A keeper member is moveable between a disengaged position, a secondary keeper position, and a primary keeper position. A lock member is moveable between a lock position and an unlock position. The lock member and/or a lock actuator is non-movable to the lock position when the latch member is in the secondary latch position, thereby providing indicia that the latch member is not fully latched in a primary latch position. Methods of assembly and use are also provided.
US08931798B1
Interior panels having integrated airbag doors for motor vehicles are provided. In one example, an interior panel comprises a substrate having an opening. A skin covering and foam cover the substrate. An airbag chute-door assembly is mounted to the substrate. The airbag chute-door assembly comprises a chute wall that at least partially surrounds an interior space. The chute wall is configured to direct passage of an airbag through the interior space towards the opening. A door flap portion is pivotally connected to the chute wall via a hinge section and at least partially covers the opening. A gusset hinge feature extends from the hinge section between and operatively coupled to the door flap portion and the chute wall. A perimeter flange extends from the chute wall away from the interior space and has a flange section that overlies the outer surface of the substrate.
US08931791B2
A motorcycle has a rear fender configured for strength and rigidity when the rear fender is lifted upwardly, while minimizing mass thereof. The motorcycle includes main frame sections extending rearwardly from a head pipe, left and right pivot plates attached to rear ends of the main frame sections and extending downwardly, and a swing arm, having a front end supported on the pivot plates to be swingably movable thereon, and a rear end configured to support a rear wheel. The motorcycle also includes left and right seat rails for supporting a seat thereon, left and right reinforcing rods extending between the seat rails and the pivot plates, and a rear fender mounted on the seat rails above the rear wheel. The rear fender includes projecting portions supported at front end portions thereof by front mounting flanges, the projecting portions projecting forwardly and contacting the seat rails from above.
US08931790B2
The invention relates to a push device (8) which includes a rotary pad (10) in which the inner periphery (11) is off-center relative to the outer periphery (12) and applied to the rear (9) of the rack (3) which is thereby pushed towards the teeth of the steering pinion (5). A clearance compensation mechanism (17) includes a thrust member (19) pressed against a radial arm (18) of the pad (10) by a compression spring (20) inserted between said member and an element (23) secured to the support (13) of the pad (10). A mobile stop (21) rotatably mounted relative to the element (23) comprises toothings having staggered gear teeth cooperating with notches of the thrust member (19). The stop (21) is connected to the element (23) by means of a torsion spring (22). The notches successively cooperate with the staggered teeth.
US08931788B2
The invention relates to a lift axle valve unit of any type for lifting or lowering a lift axle of a utility vehicle having an air suspension.According to the invention, the lift axle valve unit comprises a heating device. By means of the heating device it Is possible to heat the lift axle valve unit when using the utility vehicle in regions and in wintertime with low temperatures. The heating device comprises a heating element built with a heating rod or a heating mat.
US08931780B2
A system for determining information regarding at least one object, comprising: a sensor sensitive to capacitive coupling; at least one object adapted to create a capacitive coupling with the sensor when at least one signal is input to the sensor; a detector adapted to measure at least one output signal of said sensor associated with the at least one object, wherein the output signal associated with the at least one object is an object information code.
US08931776B2
An image forming apparatus has a main body having a sheet feed path and an opening. A sheet placing part defined in the main body. The sheet inserted through the opening is placed on the sheet placing part. A supply roller arranged to face the placing part and feeds the sheet placed on the sheet placing part in a sheet feed direction toward the sheet feed path, a frame arranged to face the sheet placing part and configured to support the supply roller, the frame having a protruded part protruded on an opening side with respect to the supply roller. An image forming unit is provided inside the main body. An inclined surface is formed on a side of the protruded part facing the sheet placing part, and the protruded part has an inclined surface facing the sheet placing part and inclined such that a distance between the inclined surface and the sheet placing part becomes gradually smaller toward the supply roller.
US08931775B2
A sheet conveying device includes a sheet conveying path, a first conveying roller pair, a second conveying roller pair and a sheet guiding member. The sheet conveying path conveys a sheet in a first direction, and then, conveys the sheet in a second direction. The first conveying roller pair conveys the sheet in the first direction. The second conveying roller pair is located at a downstream side from the first conveying roller pair to convey the sheet to the second direction from the first direction. The sheet guiding member is located between the first conveying roller pair and second conveying roller pair so as to advance and retreat to the sheet conveying path, and then, in an advance state, to come into contact with a sheet face of the sheet conveyed while being bridged across the first conveying roller pair and second conveying roller pair.
US08931772B2
A workpiece clamp comprising: a body; a workpiece-engaging spring edge connected to the body; and an opening for accepting a screw for securing the body to a fixture plate.
US08931762B2
Disclosed is an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a tray in which humidifying water is stored by a predetermined height, the tray being detachably attached to a main body, a humidifying gear rotatably arranged in the tray so as to be detachably attached to the tray, a lifter provided at a periphery of the humidifying gear, the lifter being submerged under the humidifying water so as to scoop up the humidifying water during rotation of the humidifying gear, and a humidifying filter provided in the humidifying gear and spaced apart from the humidifying water such that the humidifying water is supplied from the lifter to the humidifying filter during rotation of the humidifying gear.
US08931755B2
An apparatus and method for automating the operation of a manual control valve upon the occurrence of a specified condition includes a valve handle engaging member mounted on an operating shaft turned by a motor held by a housing or support which is mountable to the manual valve body or associated conduit. The motor is operated by a motor control circuit when a sensor detects the condition. The structure and method of mounting may include a quick disconnect mechanism. The control circuit may operate at different power levels depending on the state of the sensor.
US08931753B2
A system for constructing a form for forming a concrete structure is disclosed herein. The system may include a number of extensible form panels. An extensible form panel may be constituted with a basis frame having a basis frame section and an extensible frame section extensible for a variable amount in at least one direction, along one axis. The frame sections may be configured to respectively accept and support basis and filler facings. The extensible frame section may include male/female endings. The system may also include a capping member with male and/or female endings. A form panel may include hinges, which may be swivelable, drive screws, and/or electronic motors. The system may further include a stub free to facilitate vertical coupling of form panels. In various embodiments, the parts may be formed with reusable material or materials.
US08931750B2
The invention concerns a spring system for use in vehicles for adjustment of the suspension characteristics, comprising at least one spring element to provide a spring force, an upper and a lower arrangement area to receive forces, a scissors-type frame arranged between the upper and the lower arrangement area for coupling the spring element with at least one force acting on one of the arrangement areas. According to the invention the spring element is coupled with a deflection means to influence the spring force and between the deflection means and a segment of the scissors-type frame an active connection can be created to transmit forces.
US08931746B2
A bracket for supporting and displaying a planar object comprises an elongated body member including a planar web and a front wall and a rear wall extending from the longitudinal edges of the web. An end wall extends transversely with respect to and engages the distal ends of the web, the front wall and the rear wall such that the web and the front and rear walls and the end wall define a longitudinal channel open at the proximal end and closed at the distal end for supporting the objects. A pair of arms extend rearwardly from the body member. At least one of the arms is resiliently deflectable for engagement and retention of the lugs in an aperture of a mounting substrate. During connection, lugs on the arms are adapted to engage the portion of the mounting substrate defining the aperture for moving the arms inwardly so that the lugs pass through the aperture for permitting the arms to move outwardly and the lugs to engage the mounting substrate. The channels of adjacent brackets face each other for receiving and supporting at least a portion of the planar objects extending between the facing channels for visual observation and ease of removal of the objects for inspection.
US08931740B2
A de-icing/anti-icing system including at least two conductive structures embedded in an article that includes an outer surface designed as an aerodynamic surface. At least one of the conductive structures is arranged adjacent the outer surface. A control unit adapted to control the energy supply to the conductive structures for generating heat to the outer surface. A first of the conductive structures includes a first conductive nano structure and a second of the conductive structures includes a second conductive nano structure. A conductive property of the first of the conductive structures differs from a conductive property of the second of the conductive structures. The first conductive nano structure serves as a heating conductor and the second conductive nano structure serves as a heating element. The first and second conductive nano structures are embedded in a common plane of a resin layer forming the outer surface.
US08931727B2
A platform including two winged aircraft are tethered during flight by a single tether near their respective centers of gravity. The tether is windable about a reel, so that a distance between the aircraft can be changed during flight. The aircraft contain avionics configured to enable autonomous flight using natural wind gradients. One aircraft imposes aerodynamic forces on the other, through the tether, while flying at an altitude where wind speed is significantly different than wind speed at an altitude of the other aircraft. The two aircraft cruise back and forth within a maximum distance from a station on the ground. Cruise conditions are established using an iterative computer algorithm which utilizes flight measurements. The aircraft communicate information between each other, and the ground, and contain a payload which performs a useful function at high altitudes.
US08931725B2
An apparatus for loading spools into a creel of a fiber placement machine that is used to charge a mold includes a creel loader and a spool magazine carried by the creel loader. At least one loader mandrel in the spool magazine receives full spools and transfers the full spools to the creel of the fiber placement machine.
US08931724B2
A device for handling a spool having a barrel about which a wire or cable is wound and two flanges at each end of the barrel includes a pair of wheeled carriers wherein each carrier includes an elongated frame having two opposite end portions and wherein the opposite end portions of the frame are adapted to be moved toward and away from one another. A roller is rotatably supported at each end portion of each frame and is arranged so that the rotational axis of the two rollers of each frame are substantially parallel to one another, and a screw jack is incorporated within each frame for moving the rollers of each frame toward one another so that by positioning each carrier of the device adjacent a corresponding flange of the spool and then moving the end portions of the carrier toward one another, the flange of spool is raised to an elevated condition above the floor.
US08931722B2
This grinder is provided with a drive device for a crown gear which comprises a reduction transmission which is provided: with a drive shaft adapted so as to be connected to a motor, with at least one output pinion, said or each output pinion being adapted so as to mesh with the crown gear and to be driven by the drive shaft, and with a casing. The reduction transmission comprises at least two output pinions.Application to devices for driving horizontal grinders.
US08931721B2
A shredder includes a shredding mechanism and a vibration sensor configured to detect vibrations generated by the shredding mechanism. The shredder includes a controller configured to regulate operation of the shredder's motor in response to the detected vibrations. The controller may regulate operation of the shredder so as to keep the detected vibrations below a predetermined vibration level during operation of the shredder. The controller may modify operation of the shredder (e.g., turn the shredder off, conduct an autocorrect sequence, increase or decrease the shredder's speed, display an error message) in response to the detected vibrations having a predetermined characteristic (e.g., frequency and/or amplitude within a predetermined range, a characteristic that indicates a material/paper jam or misfeed). The controller may change the predetermined characteristics over the life of the shredder to account for gradual changes to the shredder's baseline vibration characteristics as components wear in and out.
US08931711B2
An apparatus for delivering a volatile material in a continuous manner is disclosed. The apparatus includes a delivery engine having a reservoir for containing a volatile material; a rupturable substrate secured to the reservoir; a rupture element positioned adjacent to the rupturable substrate; and a breathable membrane enclosing the reservoir, rupturable substrate and rupture element. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a housing having a notch for compressing the rupture element and breaching the rupturable substrate as it is inserted into the housing.
US08931697B2
A system for detecting reproduction of barcodes (12) includes providing a barcode which contains data; providing a copy-evident background (14); capturing an image of the barcode and the copy-evident background; locating and decoding the barcode; detecting copy introduced changes in the copy-evident background; and authenticating the barcode if the copy-evident background has not been copied.
US08931696B2
An anti-counterfeit system comprises an item with at least one marker affixed thereto. The marker comprises a chemical signature having at least one chemical, and indicates the source of the item. The marker is detectable in the item to reveal whether the item is authentic or counterfeit. In at least one embodiment, the marker comprises a chemical signature that is unique to a particular entity and is affixed to items authentic to that entity. Further, a method of determining the authenticity of an item comprises isolating an item for testing, determining the presence of a marker, analyzing the marker for a chemical signature, comparing the results of the analysis to a chemical signature unique to a particular entity, and determining from the comparison whether the item is authentic or counterfeit. In some embodiments, the method further comprises quantifying the results of the analysis, such as the chemical(s) discovered therein.
US08931689B2
An anti-counterfeit authentication system provides authentication services over available communication networks. The system assigns unique anti-counterfeit certificates to authentic items. The certificates are stored in anti-counterfeit tags that are attached to the authentic items. An authentication server provides authentication services to authentication clients over the communication networks. The authentication clients read, via tag readers, the anti-counterfeit certificates from the tags associated with items to be authenticated, provide the anti-counterfeit certificates to the authentication server which determines authenticity and supplies authentication results back to the authentication clients.
US08931685B2
An electric wire connecting method for connecting together a wire having a conductor and a stranded wire having a plurality of strands which are twisted, the electric wire connecting method is provided. The electric wire connecting method includes a forming step and a welding step. In the forming step, the conductor is formed into a plate element by pressing the conductor. In the welding step, the strands are welded to the plate element in a state where the strands are superposed on the plate element.
US08931684B2
The described embodiment relates generally to the field of inductive bonding. More specifically an inductive heater designed for use in assembling electronics is disclosed. A number of methods for shaping a magnetic field are disclosed for the purpose of completing an inductive bonding process without causing harm to unshielded adjacent electrical components.
US08931681B2
A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge housing and a cartridge. The cartridge housing has a plurality of biasing members thereon. The cartridge is configured for reception at least partially within the cartridge housing. The cartridge includes a plurality of fasteners at least partially therein. The cartridge has a plurality of pockets. Each fastener is ejectable from a corresponding pocket. The cartridge has a plurality of chambers, and each chamber is adjacent a pocket and configured to store at least one fastener at least partially therein. At least one fastener is movable from the chamber to the pocket. The cartridge includes a plurality of pushers, where each pusher is configured to engage at least one corresponding fastener. At least one pusher includes at least one cam surface thereon. Each biasing member urges at least one corresponding fastener toward the corresponding pocket.
US08931671B2
Bicycle carriers and corresponding methods for loading bicycles and/or other wheeled vehicles onto such carriers are provided. In one embodiment, a bicycle carrier includes a support member (e.g., vertical or generally vertical support member), a hitch member, an elongate upper member, and an elongate lower member. The elongate upper member has an elongate body and a free distal end configured for receipt, serially one after another, of a plurality of wheels of a corresponding plurality of bicycles. For each bicycle, adjacent spokes of a bicycle wheel are positioned about the free distal end of the elongate member and the bicycle is moved backward along the elongate body towards the support member. The elongate body is configured to support the weight of the bicycles via contact with the rims of the bicycle wheels. The carrier is configured such that the bicycles hang generally vertically from the elongate body.
US08931668B2
A trigger dispenser device (1) comprises a container (C) provided with a dip tube, a dispenser head (20) with a primary liquid aspiration duct (8) connectable to the auxiliary liquid aspiration duct (202) of the container (C) and eccentric with respect to the container axis (X).
US08931662B2
A panel, such as a water meter box cover or another type of meter box cover, according to which an access door is hingedly or pivotally coupled to the panel.
US08931661B2
A pressure vessel structure includes a vessel main body, and a grid layer provided on a periphery of the vessel main body and including a plurality of grid lines formed by intersecting strip-form raw materials so as to overlap alternately. Thus, a burst pressure of the pressure vessel is increased.
US08931654B2
A closure device (2) for a fluid vessel (1) comprises a bistable valve arrangement which includes first and second valve rim portions (4, 5) and a valve member (3) engageable with either of the rim portions (4, 5) respectively to define an open position in which fluid (9) can exit the vessel (1) and a closed position in which fluid (9) is substantially prevented from exiting the vessel (1). The valve is arranged to close automatically when an impulse is exerted against the valve member (3). This can occur for example when the vessel (1) is knocked over and the fluid (9) therein exerts pressure against the valve member (3).
US08931645B2
Disclosed herein is a centrifugal filter. The centrifugal filter includes a shaft, a rotor housing which rotates around the shaft and has filter paper on the inner side surface thereof, a spindle tube which rotates along with the rotor housing around the shaft and discharges the fluid from the shaft into the rotor housing, and a separation film which separates an internal space of the rotor housing into upper and lower portions so that impurities that are removed from the fluid by means of centrifugal force are deposited in the upper portion of the internal space while filtered fluid flows into the lower portion of the internal space. A dispersing means is provided on the spindle tube to make a cross-sectional shape of the fluid discharged from the spindle tube into the rotor housing be an elongated shape so that the fluid is widely dispersed into the rotor housing.
US08931644B2
A method and system for splitting fluid flow in an outlet of a particle separation device is provided. The system may include static or passive mechanisms or subsystems. These mechanisms could also be modular and interchangeable to provide for preset fluid split divisions of 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, 50:50, . . . etc. In other forms of the presently described embodiments, the system is adjustable and variable. In still another form of the presently described embodiments, the system allows for differential pressure control at the outlets to facilitate the flow of varying size particles or particle bands in the respective channels or paths.
US08931638B2
A system for packaging a product stored in a coil having an interior surface that defines a bore, the system including a container having a base and a wall extending upward from the base, the wall defining a space for receiving the coil; a pad supported on the base of the container, the pad including an outer portion that underlies the coil and a plurality of tabs extending inward from the outer portion, wherein the tabs on the pad are circumferentially spaced and define pad notches therebetween; a drum core having a first end and a second end, the drum core being insertable within the bore of the coil, the first end of the drum core having a plurality of tabs extending axially outward therefrom, the plurality of tabs being circumferentially spaced from each other to define notches therebetween, wherein upon insertion, the tabs on the first end of the drum core are received within pad notches and the tabs on the pad extend radially inward into the notches defined by the tabs on the drum core.
US08931635B2
A portable case for a tablet includes a back and an opposed windowed front, opposed first and second ends, and opposed first and second sides which together define a receiving area for receiving and containing a tablet, as for carrying or safekeeping, so as to juxtapose the touchscreen with the windowed front to permit the viewing and the touching of the touchscreen in the operation of the tablet at the windowed front. The back is formed with a first length of elasticized material for suspending the portable case in a direction from the first end of the portable case, and a second length of elasticized material for suspending the portable case in a direction from the first side of the portable case.
US08931630B2
An open frame design of conveyors that will allow inspection access as well as sanitation access to all surfaces of conveyors that carry products that could contain Food Allergens, materials that could cause reactions as well as provide proper sanitation access. For proper and safe operation these allergens and offending materials must be removed and therefore proper access to all surfaces must be provided so as to be able clean and remove allergens and offending materials from all surfaces as well as to provide access to visually confirm proper removal has been carried.
US08931626B2
The invention relates to a system for the surface treatment of objects, comprising a treatment cabinet having an entry and an exit and a conveyor system comprising pulling or pushing means, by means of which an object can be conveyed in circulation in a transport direction through the treatment cabinet, thereby covering a transport distance. The object provides a transport length in the transport direction associated therewith, and the pulling or pushing means provide a drive distance in the transport direction. The conveyor system comprises a coupling device, by means of which the object can be coupled to the pulling or pushing means along the drive distance. The drive distance is shorter than the transport length of the object in the transport direction, and the coupling device is aligned so that the transport distance that can be covered by the object is longer than the drive distance.
US08931623B2
The invention relates to an accumulation device (4) comprising a first linear conveyor belt (5) and a second linear conveyor belt (6), a third conveyor belt (7) forming a semi-circle and configured for transferring items from the first to the second conveyor belt and translation means (10, 11) of the third belt relative to the first and second belt. The accumulation device comprises two ramp systems (23, 24) attached respectively to the two ends (7a, 7b) of the third belt. The first ramp system (23) deforms the first belt to constitute a first slope ensuring that items rise from the first belt to the third belt. The second ramp system (24) deforms the second belt to constitute a second slope ensuring that items descend from the third belt to the second belt. Displacement of the third conveyor belt at the same time enables displacement of the first and second slopes formed on the first and second belt. The invention also relates to an installation equipped with such an accumulation device.
US08931619B2
The present invention relates to an egg transport device for a packaging device for eggs, comprising a distribution conveyor which extends in a direction of transport from a feed outer end to a discharge outer end and which, as seen in the direction of transport, is bounded on either side by guides extending at least substantially in the direction of transport, which egg transport device is adapted to deliver eggs over at least two discharge tracks of a discharge conveyor (12) which are distributed in a width direction extending at right angles to the direction of transport, wherein the feed conveyor comprises at least over a part of its length at least two distribution belts (17) extending parallel to each other and drivable independently of each other by drive devices, and distributing sections (9) lying in the line thereof, and sensors (7,10) are further provided which during use detect the delivery of an egg to a distributing section (9).
US08931611B2
An assembly of transmission components includes a first shaft including first and second surfaces, and axial cutting-spline teeth on the second surface, a second shaft connected by a press fit to first shaft, and a clutch hub connected by a press fit to the second shaft and engaged with the cutting-spline teeth.
US08931604B2
The damper assembly has a damper housing at least partially defining an interior chamber. A free piston is positioned in the damper housing to separate the interior chamber into a gas-filled chamber and a fluid-filled chamber. A piston assembly is configured to move within the fluid-filled chamber and separates the fluid-filled chamber into an extension chamber and a compression chamber. A valve assembly separates the compression chamber into a primary chamber adjacent the piston assembly and a secondary chamber adjacent the free piston. The valve assembly is configured to restrict flow from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber to cause a pressure drop during compression by the piston assembly. The free piston is configured to slide within the damper housing in response to fluid displacement caused by movement of the piston rod in the fluid-filled chamber.
US08931596B2
A lubricant oil supplying apparatus (1-1) provided for a power transmission apparatus (1) having an accumulating part (9), a rotating member (7) rotating interlockingly with rotation of a drive wheel to feed a lubricant oil in the accumulating part, and an oil receiving part (8) disposed above in the vertical direction than the rotating member, and supplying the lubricant oil to the oil receiving part, in which a passage member (10) for guiding the lubricant oil fed by the rotating member to the oil receiving part is provided. The passage member has: a first component part (11) provided so as to be opposed to the rotating member along a circumferential direction and forming, between the rotating member and itself, a first passage (13) to which the lubricating oil flows; and a second component part (12) forming a second passage (14) for guiding the lubricant oil in the first passage to the oil receiving part, and the second passage is connected to the first passage on the upstream side in the flow direction of an outflow port (13b). The lubricant oil supplying apparatus further includes a suppression structure (7, 10) of suppressing flow of the lubricant oil in the first passage from a connection part (13c) to the second passage toward the outflow port.
US08931578B2
A tunneling system is disclosed that includes a surface power-controller, umbilical tether, robotic tender, and robotic tunneling device. This system allows the robotic tunneling device to efficiently create new tunnels using the power and fluids provided from the surface through the robotic drilling tender, as well as a way to efficiently manage cuttings below surface. The system is designed to operate not only when the well is not producing, but also on a continuous basis while the well is producing.
US08931576B2
A power tool has a motor, a power supply unit, a trigger unit, a control unit, and a motor load detection unit. The power supply unit supplies power to the motor. The trigger unit causes the power supply unit to start applying a voltage to the motor. The control unit controls the power supply unit to increase the voltage to the motor at a constant increasing rate. The motor load detection unit detects a motor load. The control unit changes the constant increasing rate in accordance with the motor load.
US08931566B2
An apparatus is described for controlling flow of fluid in a subterranean formation based on a selected characteristic of fluid flow, such as viscosity, velocity or density, as that characteristic varies over time. A pathway-dependent resistance assembly, such as a vortex chamber having two inlets and an outlet, provides varying resistance to fluid flow based on the ratio of flow from the inlets, the direction of flow as directed by the inlets, and the characteristic of the fluid. The incoming flow ratio is preferably determined by flowing fluid through a plurality of passageways having differing flow rate responses to fluid having differing characteristics. Fluid of a selected characteristic will encounter lesser resistance to flow across the system, while fluid of an un-favored characteristic will encounter greater resistance to flow. Thus, flow of well fluids can be autonomously restricted as the fluid characteristics change over time.
US08931542B2
A method of making a bonded refractory mold is disclosed. The method includes forming a fugitive pattern including a thermally removable material. The method also includes forming a refractory mold including a mold wall, the mold wall including a refractory material and defining a sprue, a gate and a mold cavity, the gate having a gate inlet opening into the sprue and a gate outlet opening into the mold cavity, the mold defined by the fugitive pattern. The method further includes forming a gas vent that extends through the mold wall. The method also includes covering the gas vent with a gas permeable cover.
US08931531B2
A non-pneumatic tire includes a plurality of springs. Each spring includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and an arching middle portion. Each spring is interwoven with at least one other spring thereby forming a toroidal structure extending about an entire circumference of the non-pneumatic tire. The toroidal structure is at least partially coated with an elastomer. One end portion of at least one spring is secured to a first bead spring adjacent a rim.
US08931514B2
A liquid flow rate control valve is provided in which since a total area of overlapping sections of a communication hole group (38c, 38d) of a distributor (38) and an outlet opening (37a, 37b) of a sleeve (37) changes when the distributor (38) is rotated by a first electric motor (46), if a rotor (42) is rotated by means of a second electric motor (47), an input port (31e) communicates with an output port (31f) through an inlet opening (42c, 42d) of the rotor (42), the communication hole group (38c, 38d) of the distributor (38), and the outlet opening (37a, 37b) of the sleeve (37) when the inlet opening (42c, 42d) of the rotor (42) passes through the overlapping sections, thereby making it possible to carry out PWM control of a flow rate of liquid. Since a thrust load in an axis (L) direction does not act on the distributor (38) and the rotor (42), supporting the distributor (38) and the rotor (42) becomes easy, thereby enabling the cost and weight to be cut.
US08931500B2
A centerset faucet includes an upper support receiving a waterway including first and second valve interfaces. A lower base is coupled to the upper support, wherein a reentrant edge of the lower base is formed over a bottom lip of the upper support to secure the base thereto.
US08931498B2
The portable enclosure with an elastically sealed opening includes a base and a frame mounted thereon. The frame is formed from a pair of tensioned frame rods having central portions crossing one another. A fabric covering is secured to the frame to define a hollow enclosure. At least one substantially vertically extending opening is formed through the fabric covering. A lower end of the opening is positioned adjacent the base. Fabric sleeves are secured on opposite sides of the opening. An elastic loop extends through the sleeves around the opening. A tensioned rod is mounted on an upper end of the frame, one end thereof being positioned adjacent an upper end of the opening and supporting an upper end of the elastic loop. This support of the elastic loop creates elastic tension therein, which elastically seals the opening.
US08931494B2
A cleaning container (1) for a cleaning device (4) is provided. The cleaning device has a handle (6) and a cleaning head (5). The cleaning container includes a main chamber (3) for the cleaning and storing of the cleaning device (4) and a secondary chamber (13), connected to the main chamber (3) via an access opening (16). A device for the action of the cleaning fluid on the cleaning device (4) in the main chamber (3) is provided. The main chamber (3) and the second chamber (13) are designed as separate container elements (2, 12), which are connected to one another in a detachable manner.
US08931492B2
The present disclosure generally relates to electronic cigarette components. As will be disclosed, an electronic cigarette may have a translucent conduit and light chamber which, together, allow light from the light source to be diffused therethrough in such a way that the light emitted during inhalation simulates the natural burn of a traditional tobacco cigarette during inhalation. The electronic cigarette may also have a translucent ash simulator to further simulate the natural burn of a traditional tobacco cigarette during inhalation.
US08931487B2
An oral cavity manipulator for controlling the position of tongue and jaw, the manipulator including a foundation body, maxilla and mandibular teeth engaging elements mountable on the foundation body and having width equal to or greater than the width of the foundation body and including teeth receiving portions for in use receiving the teeth of the user, a tongue position means attached to one of the foundation body, or the teeth engaging elements wherein in an operating condition the mandibular teeth engaging element is selectively located on the foundation body forward of the maxilla teeth engaging element to receive and locate the mandible of a user forward of the maxilla and position the tongue between the teeth elements to substantially maintain unobstructed airways at the throat of the user.
US08931485B2
A package housing a condom and dispenser for holding the peripheral wall of the condom folded into a tubular accordion stack and operable upon application of a predetermined force to the closed end of the condom to meter the folds in progression.
US08931482B2
A breathing apparatus includes a filter, a motor and a blower driven by the motor. The filter is disposed ahead of the blower and the blower is configured to generate an air volume flow over the filter. A data storage unit has calibration curves for the air volume flow stored therein and the calibration curves are provided in characteristic line fields referenced to a known ambient pressure (p0, p1). Each of the characteristic line fields has a reference calibration curve referred to a predetermined operating state. A control unit is connected to the motor and the data storage unit. The control unit is configured to extrapolate one of the characteristic line fields for the operation of the motor by comparing a calibration curve ({dot over (V)}ox) for an unknown ambient pressure (px) recorded at a predetermined operating state with a reference calibration curve.
US08931476B2
An inhaler, such as a breath-actuated metered-dose inhaler, for delivering medicament to a patient. The inhaler includes a housing for holding the medicament and having an air inlet and a medicament delivery port which together define an air flow path into which the medicament is dispensed. The air inlet includes an array of elongate apertures formed in the housing, the long sides of adjacent apertures facing each other. Each aperture is provided with a respective different opening in an outer surface of the housing. The opening of each aperture extends in two different planes such that, if at least a part of the opening is covered in one of the two different planes during inhalation by the patient, a void space is created between the cover and the aperture so as to provide an air flow path through the void space to the at least one aperture.
US08931470B1
A holder for an archery bow vibration dampening and balancing means is secured between two split limbs of an archery bow flexible arm and includes an attachment holding means for receiving a vibration dampening and/or balancing device.
US08931468B2
In a single/continuous firing air soft gun and a firing switch thereof, the air soft gun includes a gun body and a barrel fixed in the gun body, and the firing switch includes a piston seat and a firing switch device, wherein the piston seat is disposed in the gun body and capable of reciprocally moving in horizontal with respect to the barrel; and the firing switch device is installed on the piston seat, and includes a stop piece and a toggle piece connected with the stop piece, and the stop piece is disposed corresponding to the trigger assembly.
US08931461B2
Various systems and methods are described for operating an engine system having a sensor coupled to an exhaust gas recirculation system in a motor vehicle. One example method comprises during a first operating condition, directing at least some exhaust gas from an exhaust of the engine through the exhaust gas recirculation system and past the sensor to an intake of the engine and, during a second operating condition, directing at least some fresh air through the exhaust gas recirculation system and past the sensor.
US08931454B2
A four-cycle internal combustion engine has a bellows leaf spring working in a compression mode or a tension mode. The leaf spring is connected to a crankshaft and forms a movable portion of a bellows chamber that receives exhaust gases from an engine cylinder. As the exhaust gases transfer from the cylinder to the bellows chamber, the gases push on the leaf spring thereby transferring energy to the crankshaft.
US08931444B2
Systems and methods for an overhead cam shaft coupled to an inline engine with inner cylinders and outer cylinders are disclosed. In one example approach, an engine bank comprises inner cylinders each having only first and second lift profiles, both being non-zero lift profiles, and outer cylinders each having first, second, and third lift profiles, two being non-zero lift profiles and one being zero lift.
US08931441B2
An engine cylinder head is provided. The engine cylinder head includes a portion of a first combustion chamber, an upper coolant core and a lower coolant core directing heat from the first combustion chamber and including a first coolant passage and a second coolant passage, the first coolant passage and the second coolant passage laying along a lateral axis, at least a portion of the first coolant passage separated from the second coolant passage via first and second walls.
US08931440B2
Various methods and systems are provided for adjusting the speed of a cooling system fan. In one example, a method includes adjusting a speed of a cooling system fan based on ambient temperature, engine output, and a desired engine temperature.
US08931436B2
An improved electrode design is provided for a baited, shock-producing, deer repellent device deployed in an area to be protected. This device has straight, parallel, positive and negative, un-insulated metal electrodes extending vertically from the top. The electrodes are spaced and sized so that they surround and protect the bait. This electrode design increases the chance that a deer will make effective contact with the electrodes while also allowing easy access to the bait for servicing. This electrode design also decreases the chances of the device collecting ice or snow, and it decreases the chance of discharge of the device by moisture or by contact between the electrodes.
US08931432B2
A vacuum processing apparatus is provided, in which a deposition characteristic is easily adjusted, and occurrence of difference in deposition characteristic between deposition chambers can be suppressed, and reduction in equipment cost can be achieved, and a deposition method using the vacuum processing apparatus is provided. The vacuum processing apparatus is characterized by having a plurality of discharge electrodes (3a to 3h) that are supplied with high-frequency power from a power supply unit (17a) through both ends (53) thereof, and form plasma with respect to a substrate (8) respectively, and a plurality of matching boxes (3a to 3ht) which tune phases and amplitudes of the high-frequency power supplied to the plurality of discharge electrodes (3a to 3h) at the ends (53) respectively; wherein impedance of the plurality of matching boxes (3a to 3ht) are set to approximately the same value, and the impedance value is a value at which reflected power is approximately minimized, the reflected power being returned to the power supply unit (17a) from one discharge electrode among the plurality of discharge electrodes (3a to 3h).
US08931428B2
A scale element for a display instrument that includes, but is not limited to a scaling. The scaling is impressed in the volume of the scale element by means of laser shot method. The scale element can furthermore include, but is not limited to a diffusion structure likewise impressed in the volume.
US08931426B2
The present invention is directed to a hopper for a seed metering system that has a series of individualized and independently controlled metering units. The hopper has a plurality of discharge openings that can be selectively opened and closed to expose an opening to a respective one of the plurality of metering units. Each seed metering unit is selectively driven by a common drive member, such as a drive shaft. When a seed metering unit is engaged with the drive member, the unit will meter granular material. On the other hand, when the seed metering unit is not engaged with the drive member, the metering unit will not meter granular material. Hence, the present invention provides a seed metering apparatus that provides effective sectional control.
US08931413B2
A method for igniting a thermal battery upon a predetermined acceleration event. The method including: rotatably connecting a striker mass to a base; aligning a first projection on the striker mass with a second projection on the base such that when the striker mass is rotated towards the base, the first projection impacts the second projection; and preventing impact of the first and second projections unless the predetermined acceleration event is experienced.
US08931410B2
A system for setting up a printing station (136), the printing station (136) includes printing rollers (110, 114, 116), the printing rollers (110, 114, 116) including at least one ink transferring roller (110, 114) and an impression roller (116). The system includes a camera (104), an actuator interface (106) and a processor (102), the actuator interface (106) being coupled with at least one actuator (108, 112), the processor (102) being coupled with the camera (104) and with the actuator interface (106), the actuator interface (106) directing the at least one actuator (108, 112) to move at least one printing roller (110, 114, 116) of the printing press (1OO). The processor (102) receives an output from the camera (104), the processor (102) determining at least one no print threshold respective of each adjacent pair of the printing rollers, according to the output respective of the absence or presence of the representative impression (132). In a setup pattern printing zone (134) of the print material (118), the at least one no print threshold is defined as the minimal distance between the rotation axes (122, 128, 130) of each adjacent pair of the printing rollers, at which no print liquid is transferred to the print material (118).
US08931405B2
A reverse tension mechanism for a strapping machine includes an active wheel, a supporting arm installed with a passive wheel, a lever, and a spring. The supporting arm can be moved relative to the active wheel, so that a strapping band which passes between the passive wheel and the active wheel is clamped to control retracting and tightening of the strapping band. A first end of the lever is pivotably connected to a section of the supporting arm, and the spring is vertically installed between a second end of the lever and the section of the supporting arm. The first end of the lever can be activated by a cam to press the spring vertically to produce a pushing force to swing the supporting arm.
US08931402B2
Provided is a sealing gasket for a cooking utensil, the utensil includes a vessel and a lid; at least one first locking member and at least one second locking member, the sealing gasket being designed to be interposed between the lid and the vessel and being characterized in that it is designed so that, while the lid is docking with the vessel, said sealing gasket fits over the top rim and comes into contact with said lid and with said vessel while the first locking member is situated at a first height (h61) greater than or equal to the height (h8) at which the second locking member is situated, and is then depressed under the weight of the lid alone to bring the first locking member to a second height (h62) that is less than the height (h8) at which the second locking member is situated.
US08931399B2
The invention relates to a brewing apparatus, in particular for coffee, comprising a drainage valve, which is located on the one hand in a brewing liquid path between a brewing liquid container and a brewing unit of the brewing apparatus and on the other hand, in a drainage liquid path between the brewing unit and an outlet of the brewing apparatus. In a brewing position of the drainage valve, the brewing liquid path is released and the drainage liquid path is blocked. The brewing apparatus is characterised by a drainage position of the drainage valve in which both the drainage liquid path and also the brewing liquid path are released and a decalcification position of the drainage valve in which the brewing liquid path is blocked and a decalcification liquid path is produced between the brewing liquid container and the outlet via the drainage valve.
US08931393B1
A trigger assembly group of the type used with a rifle stock replacement system is provided. The trigger assembly group and may include a trigger assembly, including a trigger coupled to a trigger rod, a locking plate coupled to the trigger rod and a preload cylinder coupled to the locking plate. This in combination with the firing elements of the existing rifle may comprise a firing control mechanism. The trigger assembly group may also include a trigger block with a recess adapted to receive the trigger rod and the locking plate. A safety spool may be a part of the trigger assembly group and include a cross hole, which may be adapted to receive the preload cylinder when the safety spool is in a first position and not receive the preload cylinder when the safety spool is in a second position.
US08931388B2
A cutting tool includes an outer tubular member having a first magnet and an inner tubular member having a second magnet wherein the inner tubular member is slidably disposed within the outer tubular member. A force, such as an attractive or opposing force, is created between the first magnet and the second magnet. The attractive or opposing force creates a preload force between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member or a hand piece that is engaged with the inner tubular member. A method of creating a force between an inner and outer tubular member is also disclosed.
US08931380B2
A skin engaging member for a razor cartridge includes an erodible first layer and an erodible second layer below the first layer. Each layer includes a lubricious water soluble polymer and can include a water insoluble polymer. The second layer includes a fragrance that can be in the form of microcapsules or a suitable additive of the polymeric material(s). As the first layer erodes during normal use of the razor cartridge the second layer is eventually exposed dissolving or fracturing the microcapsules or otherwise releasing the fragrance. The fragrance is malodorous indicating to e.g. a vision impaired user that the optimal life of the razor cartridge is at or nearing its end. The first layer can also be provided with a non-malodorous fragrance. A third erodible layer can be provided between the first and second layer and can also include a fragrance. End-of-optimal-life indication can be rapid or gradual.
US08931373B2
A drive-force-distribution control device includes an input-side bevel gear and an output-side bevel gear, a center shaft, left and right clutches, a housing, a bearing and a shim member. The output-side bevel gear is supported on the center shaft such that the output-side bevel gear meshes with the input-side bevel gear. The housing can be divided in the radial direction of the output-side bevel gear. The bearing is disposed at one end of the center shaft. The shim member is inserted in an axial-direction gap between the housing and the bearing. The output-side bevel gear and the center shaft can be attached to the housing from the radial direction. The axial end of the center shaft is located towards the other end with respect to the axial end of the bearing.
US08931363B2
A steering column is configured for positional adjustments in first and second directions and comprises a position lock for selectively resisting movement of the steering column. The position lock comprises a stationary bracket disposed about the steering column. A control shaft is coupled to the steering column, approximately perpendicular to the first and second directions, so as to couple movement of the steering column with translation of the control shaft. Movable lock plates are arranged on the control shaft for rotation about a central axis of the control shaft and for translation with the control shaft. Each of the movable lock-plates is positioned adjacent at least one stationary lock-plate that is retained in a substantially fixed position with respect to the stationary bracket. The one or more stationary lock-plates are configured so as to selectively provide resistance to relative movement of the one or more movable lock-plates.
US08931356B2
An apparatus for chemical separations includes a first substantially rigid microfluidic substrate defining a first fluidic port; a second substantially rigid microfluidic substrate defining a second fluidic port; and a coupler disposed between the first and second substrates, the coupler defining a fluidic path in fluidic alignment with the ports of the first and second substrates. The coupler includes a material that is deformable relative to a material of the first substrate and a material of the second substrate. The substrates are clamped together to compress the coupler between the substrates and form a fluid-tight seal.
US08931351B2
A bending sensor includes a high resistance layer; a low resistance layer having a crack and a lower electrical resistance than the high resistance layer in a state where the crack is closed; an insulating layer between the high and low resistance layers; and a plurality of electrode portions connecting electrically in parallel the high resistance and low resistance layers. In an OFF state where a bend amount is small, the crack is unlikely to open and a combined resistance of electrical resistances of the high resistance layer and the low resistance layer is output as OFF resistance from the plurality of electrode portions. In an ON state where the bend amount is large, the crack is likely to open and at least the electrical resistance of the high resistance layer is output as ON resistance higher than the OFF resistance from the plurality of electrode portions.
US08931350B2
A cable test bench for testing a test cable to establish service life, replacement age, number of flex cycles, and/or winding behavior, has a deflection system including at least one deflector roll to deflect the test cable, one test cable drive to wind and unwind the test cable via the deflection system, and one test load to load the test cable. The cable test stand has an additional cable test drive for winding and unwinding a safety cable and/or the named test cable, and a control device for controlling the additional cable drive and/or the test cable drive in a manner wherein the two are adjusted to each other, in such a manner that the load of the test cable can be adjusted differently for different test cable segments and/or different winding directions and/or different winding cycles and/or different phases of a winding cycle.
US08931349B2
The invention relates to a test apparatus and a test method for the testing of samples by mechanical action upon the sample. The test apparatus comprises a sample region and a cylinder, which is movable in relation to the sample region, and at least two linear drives, each with a first drive part, which is fixed in place with respect to an end of the sample region, which faces it, and with a second drive part, which is movable in relation to the first drive part and is driven and which is fixed in place with respect to the cylinder. Advantageously, the movement axes of the linear drives run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, a test set-up of the test apparatus has a rigid load frame.
US08931348B2
A pressure sensor is provided which is suitable as an airbag sensor of a vehicle. The pressure sensor includes a pressure chamber having a small opening and a large opening, a pressure sensor element having a pressure receiving surface, and a diaphragm. The diaphragm is designed to seal the large opening. The pressure sensor element is designed to seal the small opening at least using the pressure receiving surface.
US08931347B2
A fluid pressure measurement sensor (11) comprises a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) chip (23). The MEMS chip (23) comprises two lateral walls (56), a sensitive membrane (49) connected to said lateral walls (56) and sealed cavity (9). The exterior surfaces of the lateral walls (56) and the sensitive membrane (49) are exposed to the fluid pressure. The lateral walls (56) are designed to subject the sensitive membrane (49) to a compression stress transmitted by the opposite lateral walls (56) where said lateral walls (56) are connected to the sensitive membrane (49) such that the sensitive membrane (49) works in compression only. The MEMS chip (23) also comprises a stress detection circuit (31) to measure the compression state of the sensitive membrane (49) which is proportional to the fluid pressure.
US08931340B2
The invention relates to a device and a method for the contactless capacitive filling level measurement of a filling medium in a container, the device having a plurality of measurement electrodes and at least one reference electrode.
US08931326B1
A strapdown heading sensor includes an elongated housing and a compass module at least partially positioned within an inner cavity of the elongated housing. The compass module is cantilevered within the inner cavity of the elongated housing.
US08931321B2
A hot rolled steel sheet cooling apparatus includes a gradual cooling header 2 including a rod-like cooling water nozzle 3 for gradual cooling and a rapid cooling header 4 including a rod-like cooling water nozzle 5 for rapid cooling such that the headers constitute a cooling unit 9. The cooling unit 9 includes an elevating unit 7 capable of moving upward and downward in unison with the cooling unit. In cooling the upper surface of a hot rolled steel sheet (hot rolled steel strip or steel plate), uniform and stable cooling is achieved while both of high cooling rate and low cooling rate are ensured.
US08931309B2
An apparatus for forming a glass sheet with reduced thermal coupling between upper and lower regions of the apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus allows for temperature changes near the lower regions of the enclosure without a large temperature impact on the upper regions of the enclosure, thereby providing for greater flexibility in setting a temperature profile for a forming body located within the enclosure.
US08931308B2
A method of manufacturing a glass blank for a substrate for an information recording medium, the method including steps of: cutting out a gob of a glass material from a molten glass material by cutting the molten glass material discharged from a glass material outlet at a predetermined timing; causing the gob of the glass material to fall downwardly; pinching and pressing the gob of the glass material by a press unit having a pair of molds, the molds' surfaces facing to each other being press surfaces which are planes without an unevenness, so as to contact the falling gob of the glass material only to the press surfaces; and forming a circular flat plate-shaped glass blank having a target flatness as a glass substrate for a magnetic disk such that a ratio between a diameter and a thickness of the glass blank is within a range of from 50:1 to 150:1, from the gob of the glass material.
US08931305B2
An evaporator unit comprising an evaporator, an internal heat exchanger defining a high pressure flow passage and a low pressure flow passage, an expansion device connected downstream of the high pressure flow passage of the internal heat exchanger and upstream of the evaporator. The internal heat exchanger is attached to the evaporator. With the above structure, the internal heat exchanger can utilize the remaining cooling capability of the refrigerant exiting from the evaporator for its greatest benefit.
US08931302B2
A heat exchange unit (HEU) for positioning internally of a container for housing a food or beverage, the HEU including a metal shell having an outer surface, and a metal top section having a skirt, which fits over the outer surface of the metal shell and is permanently secured to said metal shell by an adhesive material, compressed carbon particles are disposed within said metal shell and carbon dioxide gas is adsorbed by said carbon particles and upon activation of a valve secured to said top section desorbs to cool the food or beverage.
US08931298B2
A triple-pipeline type first outdoor unit 2 connected to three inter-unit pipelines 5 made up of a high-pressure gas pipe 7, a low-pressure gas pipe 6, and a fluid pipe 8 and a second outdoor unit 3 connected by two pipelines of a gas pipe 35 and a fluid pipe 36 are provided, in which a fluid pipe 36 of this second outdoor unit 3 is connected to the fluid pipe 8, while a gas pipe 35 of the second outdoor unit is selectively connected to the high-pressure gas pipe 7 or the low-pressure gas pipe 6 using a valve-element kit 50 having a four-way valve 51.
US08931295B2
A direct exchange heating/cooling system with at least one of a reduced compressor size, with a 500 psi high pressure cut-off switch, with a 98% efficient oil separator, with extra oil, operating at a higher pressure than an R-22 system, with receiver design parameters for efficiency and fox capacity, with geothermal heat exchange line set design parameters, with special heating/cooling expansion device sizing and design, with a specially sized air handler, and with a vapor line pre-heater.
US08931286B2
A thermoacoustic device 1 for improving heat exchange efficiency is provided which has a first stack 3a including stack constituent elements 3eL and 3eH laminated together, and a first high-temperature side heat exchanger 4 and a first low-temperature side heat exchanger 5, which are provided at two ends of the first stack 3a, in which a self-excited acoustic wave is generated by a temperature difference between the first high-temperature side heat exchanger 4 and the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 5 and is then converted to thermal energy in a stack 3b provided between a second high-temperature side heat exchanger 6 and a second low-temperature side heat exchanger 7. Between the first high-temperature side heat exchanger 4 and the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 5, and between the second high-temperature side heat exchanger 6 and the second low-temperature side heat exchanger 7, a stack constituent element 3eL having a low thermal conductivity, a stack constituent element 3eH having a high thermal conductivity, and a stack constituent element 3eL having a low thermal conductivity are provided in that order.
US08931271B2
A method for a turbocharger of a heat engine including a turbine, a compressor, and a by-pass actuator that can be used to control an air flow that does not pass through the turbine. The method includes determining a position set point of the by-pass actuator as a function of a compression ratio set point, a compression ratio measurement, a measurement of the rate of flow through the compressor, a measurement of the pressure downstream from the turbine, a measurement of the pressure downstream from the compressor, a measurement of the temperature upstream from the turbine, and a measurement of the temperature upstream from the compressor. The method can be used to control a supercharging device with a single or dual turbocharger.
US08931266B2
A work vehicle includes: a top having a first hole; a plate having a second hole and attached to the top with the second hole in alignment with the first hole; an exhaust pipe having an internal path and a flange projecting outward and abutting against and thus attached to the plate; and a tail pipe having a portion positioned in the first and second holes, and an end in the internal path of the exhaust pipe. The plate is disposed between the top and the flange and serves as a reference in attaching the flange to the top. Thus, a work vehicle that can facilitate disposing an exhaust pipe and a tail pipe concentrically and provide better workability in disposing the exhaust pipe and the tail pipe concentrically, and a method for manufacturing the work vehicle, can be provided.
US08931259B2
A dosing apparatus with purging means for delivering reductant into an exhaust gas treatment system of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a first Venturi T connector with two high pressure ports and a low pressure port, and a purge control valve for switching from normal dosing to purging by controlling flow through the two high pressure ports. The apparatus may also include a second Venturi T connector and a reductant supply chamber for purging reductant residue in its pump and reductant passage lines. The apparatus may further include a purging controller that triggers a purging event according to engine oil or coolant temperature and controls the purging process after a dosing process completes.
US08931253B2
A thrust reverser for a turbojet engine includes a telescopic linear actuator for a moving cowl and a nozzle-forming end part. The telescopic linear actuator has a base attached to a fixed frame, acting as a housing for a first rod prevented from rotating but able to be translationally driven by a first drive shaft connected to a rotational-driver. The first rod is attached by one end to the moving cowl and supports a second rod, which is attached by one end to the nozzle-forming end part that is to be moved. The second rod is prevented from rotating and translationally driven by a second drive shaft passing through the base and connected to a rotational-driver. In particular, the rotational-driver of the rods includes a motor to drive an input shaft of a differential having two output shafts.
US08931248B2
A replaceable mower blade assembly for attaching to a rotatable spindle, motor, or engine crankshaft is provided. The blade assembly includes a mounting member having a plurality of ends extending from a central bore that is configured to receive the spindle, motor, or engine crankshaft. Each end includes an indexing aperture and a plurality of caps. A locking mechanism is operatively connected to the mounting member, and each arm of the locking mechanism includes a pin. A cutting blade is removably attachable to each end of the mounting member and the cutting blade includes an indexing aperture and a plurality of keyhole apertures. Each pin of the locking mechanism is insertable and engageable with an indexing aperture of both the mounting member and the cutting blade for positively securing each cutting blade.
US08931233B2
A joint (8, 6, 7A, 7C, 8A, 8B, 11A, 9A, 9B, 9C) for connection of mutually adjacent structural members (11A, 11B), (11, 12), (12, 14), (11, 13), (11, 11), (11, 12), characterized in that each structural member has a pair of opposed walls (18, 19, 20, 21), (24, 24, 22A, 22A), (50, 51, 52A, 52A), (50, 51, 52C, 52C), (99, 100, 24, 24), (99, 102, 24, 24), (102, 102, 24, 24) whereby in formation of said joint (8, 6, 7A, 7C, 8A, 8B, 11A, 9A, 9B, 9C) each opposed wall (18, 19), (24, 24), (50, 51), (99, 100), (99, 102), (102, 102) of one structural member (11A, 11, 12) is located adjacent to a proximal opposed wall (20, 21), (22A, 22A), (24, 24) of another structural member (11B, 12, 14, 13, 11) and connected thereto by fasteners (26, 17A, 17B).
US08931229B2
Disclosed is a waterproofing membrane that comprises a carrier sheet, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on one surface of the carrier sheet, and a protective coating layer on the adhesive layer. The protective coating layer comprises a highly reflective protective coating layer operative to bond to concrete cast against it, particularly one that is produced from an aqueous coating comprising an acrylic emulsion, a filler, and a white pigment. The pigment volume concentration of the filler plus white pigment is greater than or equal to 55% by volume. The protective coating layer protects the membrane against weather exposure, tolerates foot traffic and strongly adheres to concrete cast against it. Also disclosed is a waterproofing membrane comprising a carrier sheet, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, a protective coating layer, and a highly releasable bonding layer. The preferred highly releasable bonding layer comprises nanoscale silica and a binder.
US08931227B2
A flooring system may comprise a top floor layer, a subfloor, and/or an underlayment material disposed between the sub-floor and the top floor layer. The top floor layer may include a plurality of luxury vinyl tiles, configured such that respective tile joints may be formed between adjacent luxury vinyl tiles. The underlayment material may comprise a cross-linked, polyolefin foam. The composition of the underlayment material may be such that the tile joints between the adjacent luxury vinyl tiles may bend by less than about 45 degrees over a twelve hour period when 3.1 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure is applied. The underlayment material may have a compressive creep of less than fifty percent of an original thickness associated with the underlayment material at a load of 3.1 psi and/or a compressive strength of more than 15 psi.
US08931222B2
An anchoring device for panel supporting structures, which comprises at least one tension element (6) which is adapted to act on a supporting frame (2), which supports at least one panel (3) and rests on a resting surface (4). Means being further provided for tensioning the tension element (6) and means (7) for connecting the tension element (6) to the supporting frame (2) adapted to transmit at least partially the tension forces of the tension element (6) to the supporting frame (2) along a direction that has at least one component substantially perpendicular to the resting surface (4).
US08931216B2
The present invention relates to sliding door systems, apparatus and methods of using and making the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to systems for opening horizontally sliding doors on a structure, such as, for example, a barn, warehouse, hangar, or other building or structure. Moreover, the present invention relates to apparatuses for providing the automatic opening of sliding doors. In addition, methods of making and using the same are provided.
US08931208B2
The present invention is directed to an automated system and methods for separating and singulating plant embryos.
US08931192B2
A system for displaying an illuminated image which includes (1) a frame kit with interchangeable components and an assembled electric cord set and (2) a flexible sheet imprinted with an image which combine to make a unit for display of the image as on a table lamp or hanging lamp. The printed sheet is art paper or other media formed into a closed shape defined by the shape of the frame rims to which it is attached at both ends. One of the frame rims includes provision for the attachment of legs which connect the rim to a central hub, which provides support for a lamp holder. A slot is provided in the central hub so the complete electric cord set with the lamp holder attached can be inserted without disassembly. A website is set up whereby institutions or businesses can upload selected images with instructions for formatting for printing on the flexible sheet.
US08931190B2
A fastener for securing a tooth adapter to the bucket or other piece of earth moving equipment which provides for mechanical advantage whereby tightening of one portion, procures a multiplication of force, for providing secure engagement.
US08931176B2
Blade cartridges and razors employing such blade cartridges are provided. The cartridges contain a guard situated primarily on its leading edge that includes an array of flexible fins that extend in multiple directions.
US08931175B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a bearing member having a highly accurate dynamic pressure generating portion stably at low cost. Dynamic pressure grooves (8a1) and (8a2) are formed as the dynamic pressure generating portions on an inner circumferential surface of the electroforming portion (10) by an electroforming process, and injection molding is performed by using a resin while inserting the electroforming portion (10), thereby forming a bearing member (8). A shaft member (2) is inserted into an inner circumference of the bearing member.
US08931171B2
A green metal body includes metal particles and a binder in the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or base plate. The green metal body is fabricated by being laser-cut with a laser to shape the green metal body into the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or to carve recesses and/or undercuts into the bonding surface of the bracket. The green metal body is sintered to shrink its volume into a denser and less porous sintered metal body configured to be an orthodontic bracket. The resultant sintered orthodontic bracket includes recesses and/or undercuts in the bonding surface to provide a mechanical aspect when bonded to a tooth.
US08931170B2
A split fuel control module for a gas turbine engine and method of installation. The split fuel control module includes a first frame unit, a second frame unit, a segmented fuel path, and a distributed fuel controller. The first frame unit and the second frame unit are joined together at a frame unit interface. The segmented fuel path includes an upstream fuel interface fixed to the first frame unit and a downstream fuel interface fixed to the second frame unit and detachably coupled to the upstream fuel interface at the frame unit interface. A first portion of the distributed fuel controller is fixed to the first frame unit, and a second portion of the distributed fuel controller is fixed to the second frame unit.
US08931168B2
A method for manufacturing a printed wiring board includes preparing a core substrate having a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, forming on the first-surface side of the substrate a first opening portion tapering from the first toward second surface, forming on the second-surface side of the substrate a second opening portion tapering from the second toward first surface, forming a third opening portion such that a penetrating hole formed of the first opening portion, the second opening portion and the third opening portion connecting the first and second opening portions is formed in the substrate, forming a first conductor on the first surface of the substrate, forming a second conductor on the second surface of the substrate, and filling a conductive material in the penetrating hole such that a through-hole conductor connecting the first and second conductors is formed.
US08931164B2
A method of making and using a printer comprising a duplexing unit that pivots along a horizontal plane for media path access. The duplexing unit does not contain any motor driven rollers for moving a media sheet therethrough. The duplexing unit's vertical axis hinge allows the duplexing unit to swing open and closed horizontally.
US08931156B1
A puller for removing a pulley off of the shaft is disclosed. The puller may have proximal and distal plates that are disposable around the pulley so that the pulley is disposed entirely between the proximal and distal plates. These plates are held together by frame members. A push rod is threadably engaged to a proximal plate and operative to be further inserted into the proximal plate so that a distal end of the push rod may push against the shaft and transfer a removing force through the puller to the backside of the pulley for removing the pulley off of the shaft.
US08931153B1
The present invention will provide sturdy, adjustable support for installing a garbage disposal onto a kitchen sink. Furthermore, the present invention allows the disposal to be installed without the assistance of a second party. This is accomplished by uniquely clamping the garbage disposal to the underside of the sink, enabling the user to secure the device without the need to support it themselves.
US08931151B2
The present invention is a fence stay drill bit used along with a drill to install and uninstall fence stays more efficiently. The present invention further encompasses a method of installing and uninstalling fence stays using the present invention. The present invention has a drill bit extrusion and an elongated body which houses a slot and a recess. In the preferred embodiment, the elongated body has a cylindrical body which is a safety feature in preventing the present invention from accidentally attaching itself onto objects in the surrounding during use. The elongated body is also attached to a large fillet and a stay receiving lip. Both the recess and the stay receiving lip help guide a tip of a fence stay into the slot therein. The slot has a cavity which traps and stabilizes the tip of fence stay while the present invention is rotated by the drill.
US08931140B2
The hinge, particularly for a furniture, comprises a hinge arm (5) which can be associated to a fixed part (1, 2) of the furniture, a hinge box (6) which can be associated to a movable part (3) of the furniture and connected to the hinge arm (5) in rotation between an opening position and a closing position of the hinge (4), at least one plate (28) having at least one seat (29) for at least one shock absorbing device (30) of the closing of the hinge (4) and/or for at least an assist device for the opening of the hinge (4), and at least one fixing element (21) in common with the hinge arm (5) and with the plate (28) for being fixed to the fixed part (1, 2) of the furniture.
US08931129B2
Treatment device for treatment of the oral cavity and pharynx and/or the teeth, having a treatment head that can be removably fastened to a handpiece, and which has a head piece having a plurality of bristles and which has an electromechanical transducer in the head piece for producing a mechanical oscillation or waves to be transferred to a treatment area.
US08931127B1
The present application is directed to a Compartmented Cushioning Device and Method offering one or more cool or warm feeling compartments, formed between or surrounded by one or more components, with each component, including filler material encased in surface material. The presence of one or more compartment openings provide access to the one or more compartments; whereby a user has multiple options when placing all or part of one or more of their fingers, hands, wrists, or arms into either the same or separate compartments to cushion, insulate, or protect them; while in addition, allowing the user to cushion, insulate, or protect, as well as support, adjust, or precisely position their head, face, or other parts of their body. An assortment of configurations, ranging from soft to firm, can be designed in an array of colors, shapes, and sizes, for a wide variety of uses: indoors, outdoors, or in vehicles.
US08931124B2
A surgical table for supporting a patient, the surgical table including:a base assembly (3); a table top (1) for supporting a patient thereon, the table top (1) being moveable with respect to the base assembly (3); at least one actuator (13) for controlling the position of the table top (1) with respect to the base assembly (3); and an overload detection means for detecting when the surgical table is overloaded, the overload detection means including a sensor (25) for sensing a parameter of the surgical table such as hydraulic fluid pressure in the actuator (13), wherein the overload detection means emits a signal if the parameter sensed exceeds a predetermined value, due to the weight and/or position of the patient on the table top (1).
US08931123B1
An assemblable mattress support can be shipped with all of its components compactly packed into the headboard. The mattress support includes a foldable longitudinal bar, a lateral bar, side panels, wooden slats, block legs and a footboard, all of which fit inside a compartment in the headboard. In an assembled state of the mattress support, a first connector at one end of the longitudinal bar attaches to a third connector on the outside of the headboard. A second connector at the other end of the longitudinal bar attaches to a fourth connector on the footboard. The middle of the lateral bar connects to the middle of the longitudinal bar. The block legs are attached to the bottom sides of the headboard and footboard. The slats are attached to one another by fabric ribbons and are placed in parallel over the longitudinal bar and support ledges on the side panels.
US08931116B2
A pre-knotted adjustable necktie is provided that includes a pre-knot and a tie body worn about a collar by a person, tie body having a first and second end as well as a front and back to accommodate a surface design and pre-knot having a cover accommodating a cover surface design wrapped about a pre-knot form having channels, a cavity and hooked ends to hold and accommodate the insertion of a tie body making an individual fashion statement over coming the limitations of the modern day necktie.
