Patents Issued in April 24, 2012
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Patent number: 8161883Abstract: A safer flash-bang grenade that yields the state of the art sound intensity, plus a brighter, more intense flash of the order of 13.5 million candela—which effect is due to a combination of a particularly efficacious pyrotechnic formulation and a particular reaction chamber design that momentarily retains or holds-back the reaction escape until the desired intensity is reached. The particular pyrotechnic formulation is based upon a strontium nitrate oxidizer in conjunction with an aluminum powder metallic fuel and a sulfur non-metallic fuel. The particular reaction chamber design includes a relatively rigid, non-fragmenting charge holder, with a slip-fit thin aluminum sleeve internal thereof and a shrink fit or other sealed sleeve external thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Nicole D. Harasts, William Chung-Leung Chow, Mark Motyka, Steve Kotefski, Lidija Kotevska
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Patent number: 8161884Abstract: A selective fragmentation pattern of explosive material is applied to a surface of a munition. None, some, or all of the explosive material in the selective fragmentation pattern may be detonated, selectively stamping the surface of the munition with the detonated explosive material. The portion of the selective fragmentation pattern selected for ignition is determined by lethality requirements of a target of the munition. Upon detonation of the munition, fragments are formed based on the selected portion of the selective fragmentation pattern. Consequently, igniting all, some, or none of the selective fragmentation pattern may vary lethality of a munition and one munition may be used for a wide range of lethality.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Victor Kokodis, George Sudol, Brian Fuchs, Amy Wilson
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Patent number: 8161885Abstract: A bullet or a cartridge containing a bullet having an elongated body with a forward end and an opposed rear end. The body has an intermediate cylindrical portion between the rear and forward ends, and the front end of the body defines a cavity. A resilient nose element is received in the cavity. The nose element may be an elastomer, and may be a cylindrical body. The cavity may be a cylindrical bore, and the nose element may be closely encompassed within the bore. The forward end of the nose element may be flat, and may be flush with the forward end of the body.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Hornady Manufacturing CompanyInventor: David E. Emary
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Patent number: 8161886Abstract: A sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge and firing assembly including a barrel or barrel insert for firing the sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge. The shotshell cartridge includes a cylindrical hull, a sub-caliber projectile, a propellant charge, and a sabot. A central pathway or thin membrane is defined within the base of the sabot between the sub-caliber projectile and propellant charge. The barrel or barrel insert for firing the cartridge includes a transitional area between chamber and sub-caliber rifled bore to retain sabot in the cartridge. Upon cartridge firing, propellant gases flow through central portion of sabot base propelling projectile out of the sabot and into sub-caliber rifled bore.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Olin CorporationInventor: Stephen W. Meyer
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Patent number: 8161887Abstract: The system for moving and stabilizing (1) moves and stabilizes a mobile base (10), which is part of a robotic unit (100) for handling which is designed to move objects in an automated shop or an automated warehouse (200).Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: SMV S.r.l.Inventor: Patrizio Cardoni
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Patent number: 8161888Abstract: A car wash roller and a manufacturing method are provided. The roller includes a body with first and second apertures and a shaft disposed in the first aperture. The body further includes a third aperture extending from a top surface to the first aperture. The shaft has an aperture that is aligned with the third aperture. The roller further includes a locking member disposed in both the third aperture and the aperture of the shaft that prevents the shaft from rotating relative to the body. The roller further includes first and second plastic sleeves that are disposed on the shaft, such that the sleeves do not rotate relative to the shaft. The roller further includes first and second plastic wheels that are rotatably coupled to the first and second plastic sleeves, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Vaughan Industries Inc.Inventor: Andrew Vaughan Balash
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Patent number: 8161889Abstract: The present invention provides the structure of a bogie for a vehicle in a track type transportation system in which the vehicle runs along a predetermined track, which can be simplified, and lightweight and which can be run at a high speed with the maintainability therefor being enhanced, comprising a guide rail 14 laid on the track 12, guide wheels 51 capable of traveling being made into contact with the guide rail 14, a guide arm 48 attached thereto with the guide wheels 51, and a guide wheel support bracket 52 for supporting the guide arm 48 arranged underneath an axle 22 of the vehicle so that the guide arm 48 is pivotable around a pivotal vertical support shat 56, left and right of the vehicle, and the guide arm 48, the guide wheels 51 and the guide wheel support bracket 52 constitute a unit structure which is attached to the axle 22 or a bogie frame 26 of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Shunji Morichika, Katsuaki Morita, Hiroyuki Kono, Hiroyuki Mochidome, Hiroshi Yamashita, Masahiro Yamaguchi, Kosuke Katahira
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Patent number: 8161890Abstract: A foldable table for a notebook computer comprises a table top (1), a cross beam tube (4) and a pair of foldable supporting frames (2, 3) provided at left and right ends of the cross beam tube (4). The cross beam tube (4) is movably and co-axially connected to a pair of lugs which are fixedly connected to the table top (1) through a pair of knobs provided at ends thereof, so that an angle of the table top (1) relative to an axis of the cross beam tube (4) can be adjusted. Each of the pair of foldable supporting frames (2, 3) comprises a foldable side, a telescopic side and a bottom tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Shenzhen Jinhaifan Technology Co., LtdInventor: Qunpu Wang
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Patent number: 8161891Abstract: An expandable table that has a frame, at least one leg supporting the frame, first and second top portions movably connected or interconnected to the frame, an intermediate top portion movably connected or interconnected to the frame, and a movement mechanism connected or interconnected to the frame. The movement mechanism is configured to cause the first and second top portions to move along a longitudinal axis of the frame. The movement mechanism is also configured to cause the intermediate top portion to move normal to said longitudinal axis of a plane of movement of said first and second top portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Blue Sky Innovation Group, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey W. Palese
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Patent number: 8161892Abstract: An expandable table that has a frame, at least one leg supporting the frame, first and second top portions movably connected or interconnected to the frame, an intermediate top portion movably connected or interconnected to the frame, and a movement mechanism connected or interconnected to the frame. The movement mechanism is configured to cause the first and second top portions to move along a longitudinal axis of the frame. The movement mechanism is also configured to cause the intermediate top portion to move normal to said longitudinal axis of a plane of movement of said first and second top portions.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Blue Sky Innovation Group, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey W. Palese
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Patent number: 8161893Abstract: A corrugated pallet is provided. The pallet includes a top, a bottom, and first and second pairs of opposing side walls that extend from the top and bottom and, along with the top and bottom, define an interior space of the pallet. A core is provided in the interior space for providing strength to the pallet. Also provided is a novel core for use in a corrugated pallet.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: Michael Thomas Kindellan
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Patent number: 8161894Abstract: An improved fertilizer knife assembly includes a shank member for attaching to the bracket piece of a fertilizer implement, a point member and a fertilizer tube. The point member is removably mounted to the shank member and includes a chisel like leading edge and opposite generally flat flank portions. The flank portion presents a pattern of crumbler ridges. The leading edge and the crumbler ridges break and crumble the soil into small clumps so that the fertilizer knife assembly leaves a narrow furrow filled with crumbled soil so that the fertilizer tube may deposit fertilizer which is trapped at the bottom of the furrow as the improved fertilizer knife assembly drafts through soil.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Shield Industries, Inc.Inventors: Stephen B. Albright, Mike J. Bergmeier, Delmar D. Edmisson
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Patent number: 8161895Abstract: A method and device for free-hand embroidering on a sewing material with a sewing machine which has a memory for stitch data for a sewing pattern and a processor for reading the stitch data and for causing the sewing machine to execute stitches according to stitch data, which sewing machine has a needle and a sewing material feeder for moving the sewing material in a direction, which processor controls movements according to the direction relative to the position of the needle for the execution of stitches according to the sewing pattern, and which method includes during use of the sewing machine in a free-hand mode: storage in the memory of stitch data for at least one stitch type for free-hand embroidering, choice of a stitch type, maneuvering, via first control signals, a movement of the sewing material feeder in any desired the direction by using a hand-operated control, detection of the first control signals in the processor, calculation in the processor, from the first control signals, of the directionType: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: VSM Group ABInventors: Hans Grufman, Henrik Eklund
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Patent number: 8161896Abstract: A hollow needle tufting apparatus is provided with swivel mounted knives and an improved needle design directed to improve cutting efficiency and the life of the hollow needles and associated knives.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Tuftco CorporationInventors: Gary L. Ingram, Steven L. Frost
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Patent number: 8161897Abstract: A knee lever a lever including a lever detachably attached to an attachment provided on a bed of a sewing machine; a knee rest mounted on the lever and operated by knee contact, with the lever being attached to the attachment; an adjustment mechanism allowing adjustment in position of knee contact of the knee rest; wherein the adjustment mechanism includes an engagement portion provided at the lever, and an engagement subject provided at the knee rest and being disengagably engaged with the engagement portion to switch a mounting position of the knee rest relative to the lever.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinya Fujihara
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Patent number: 8161898Abstract: A mechanism to raise and lower the sail of a boat includes a headcar movably secured to a mast of the boat and a headboard affixed to the sail. A pulling force applied to a halyard raises the sail and causes the headboard to engage the headcar. When the sail is lowered, the headboard disengages from the headcar so that the sail furls flat on the boom.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: Jonathan Fitch
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Patent number: 8161899Abstract: A multiple torpedo mine is capable of launching multiple torpedoes in water simultaneously or at predetermined intervals. The mine has an elongate container having multiple launch tubes with launch tube covers and each containing a torpedo. A programmable target detection sensor unit in the elongate container senses impinging stimuli indicative of an approaching target and generates representative target signals. A main controller in the elongate container is coupled to receive the target signals from the target detection sensor unit, and the main controller is preprogrammed to recognize targets of interest and generate appropriate launch control signals for the torpedoes. A launching system in the elongate container is coupled to the main controller and each of the launch tubes to feed high pressure gas to the base and interior of the launch tubes to launch the torpedoes into the water.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Bryan Smallin
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Patent number: 8161900Abstract: A reminder device for an automotive vehicle has a hand pivotally attached to a base which is attached to the driver's side door of the vehicle. The reminder device is positioned in a manner so that the hand pivots outwardly upon opening of said door into a position such that a finger of the hand interferes with closing of the door.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: Jennifer Elsia Munson
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Patent number: 8161901Abstract: An apparatus for slicing and applying a spread packaged in a container onto a food item. The apparatus includes an applicating station for applying a pre-selected quantity of the spread onto the food item as the food item is moved therethrough. The apparatus further includes a pumping station in fluid communication with the applicating station for transporting the spread from the container to the applicating station. In one preferred embodiment, a loaf of bread is first sliced and thereafter split open about a hinge extending along the length of the loaf. A spread, e.g., a garlic/butter mixture, is then applied to the exposed bread surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Tarpaulin.com, Inc.Inventors: Ronald J. DeGennaro, Glenn E. French
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Patent number: 8161902Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose holding device to handle, support and rotate one or more hollow cylindrical objects. The holding device consists of a rigid frame and support members for precise alignment and rotation of one or more objects within the frame structure. A method is also provided to reproducibly support, rotate and inspect the hollow cylindrical objects.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: Ingo Scheer
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Patent number: 8161903Abstract: A method of forming a water vapor barrier layer to a core of a golf ball is provided. The method includes placing the core of the golf ball into a vapor barrier composition, withdrawing the lifting device, and spinning and optionally oscillating the core within the composition for a time sufficient for the composition to form a layer on the core. The present invention also provides an apparatus that can be used to form a water vapor barrier layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Matthew F. Hogge, Christopher Cavallaro, Richard Foukes, Michael J. Sullivan, William E. Morgan, Kevin M. Harris
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Patent number: 8161904Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dry coating solid dosage forms. The method includes the steps of placing solid dosage forms in a rotatable, electrically grounded housing, and spraying a film forming polymer powder composition into the housing during rotation thereof to form a polymer coating on the solid dosage forms, the polymer powder composition being sprayed using an electrostatic spray gun, and curing the coated solid dosage forms.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: The University of Western OntarioInventors: Jiangxu Zhu, Yanfeng Luo, Ying Liang Ma, Hui Zhang
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Patent number: 8161905Abstract: An automatic machine for versatile and alternative application of at least two types of sealant along the perimetric rim of an insulating glazing unit, whose spacer frame is constituted preferably but not exclusively by a continuous strip of expanded synthetic material. In particular, the machine allows simple and quick switching from one sealant to another, since the path of the plurality of sealants which starts from their feed, be they of the hot and/or cold extruded type, uses a plurality of ducts which reach the extrusion nozzles that are active proximate to the perimetric rim of the insulating glazing unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: For.El.Base Di Vianello Fortunato & C. S.N.C.Inventors: Fortunato Vianello, Dino Moschini
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Patent number: 8161906Abstract: An electrode assembly for a plasma reaction chamber used in semiconductor substrate processing. The assembly includes an upper showerhead electrode which includes an inner electrode mechanically attached to a backing plate by a clamp ring and an outer electrode attached to the backing plate by a series of spaced apart cam locks. A guard ring surrounds the backing plate and is movable to positions at which openings in the guard ring align with openings in the backing plate so that the cam locks can be rotated with a tool to release cam pins extending upward from the upper face of the outer electrode. To compensate for differential thermal expansion, the clamp ring can include expansion joins at spaced locations which allow the clamp ring to absorb thermal stresses.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: Babak Kadkhodayan, Rajinder Dhindsa, Anthony de la Llera, Michael C. Kellogg
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Patent number: 8161907Abstract: A device and method designed to provide a continuous supply of liquid to livestock is presented. The one-piece device comprises a storage tank and a drinking bowl. The storage tank can have a filling access hole for filling the tank. The tank can have at least one drinking bowl access hole which allows access from the tank to the bowl. Both the filling access hole and the drinking bowl access holes can be opened and closed. While filling, the drinking bowl access hole can be closed. After filling, the filling access hole can be closed and the drinking bowl access hole can be opened allowing liquid to flow from the tank into the bowl. Gravity and air pressure within the tank maintain a constant liquid level in the bowl while simultaneously preventing liquid from overflowing the bowl. A heating element can be placed into the tank to prevent freezing.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Double C Ranch Supply LLCInventor: Cory Michael Craig
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Patent number: 8161908Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box (50) provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to use a one piece litter cartridge (20) having a litter compartment (26) and a waste compartment 24. In another embodiment, the cartridge (20) is non-compartmentalized. In another embodiment, the system includes a rake assembly (56) configured with a drive assembly (58) that is protected from waste contamination. In accordance with the invention, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Lucky Litter LLCInventors: Alan J. Cook, Kristin William Grube, Thomas Edward Devlin, Jeff Reed Greason, Karl Thatcher Ulrich, Nathan Thatcher Ulrich, Chi Lam Yau
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Patent number: 8161909Abstract: An aquarium wall cleaning device and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The device may include a first flexible member including a main body formed from a flexible buoyant material, a first magnetic or magnetically attractable element disposed within the main body of the first flexible member, and a first layer attached to the main body of first flexible member and having an abrasive surface. The first flexible member may be substantially neutrally buoyant or negatively buoyant in water. The device may also include a second member including a main body, a second magnetic or magnetically attractable element disposed within the main body of the second member, and a second layer having a soft surface attached to the main body of the second member. At least one of the first and second magnetic or magnetically attractable elements may include a magnetic material. The other of the first and second elements may be magnetically attracted to the magnetic material.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: Julian Sprung
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Patent number: 8161910Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated RFID card holder, cage, lid or rack and system for collecting census, inventorying, and tracking of animal cages, lids, card holders, racks, and other related equipment. Preferably, the card holder is comprised of an RF transparent material such as plastic. During operation, a RFID reader reads each integrated RFID card holder attached to an animal cage for virtually linking the cage to an animal rack in effect assigning a parking spot to each animal cage within an animal cage rack system. The integrated RFID card holder can be determined to be in a room when the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) is the highest comparing multiple reads from one or many antennas.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Allentown Caging & Equipment Co., Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Coiro, Sr., Steven J. Miller, Tom Schupsky
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Patent number: 8161911Abstract: A method and system is provided that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets wearing an ID tag are allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example, while a sensor system, responding to the presence of other animals or people, causes the device to close preventing unauthorized access thereto. The feeder further includes one or more sensors using ultrasonic, infrared technology or both in combination for the identification of both tagged and non-tagged animals or children. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2011Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Vet Innovations, LLCInventors: David B. Jalbert, Troy A. Hexter, Michael D. Morrissey
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Patent number: 8161913Abstract: Couplable first and second hemispheres form a hollow spherical chamber. An opening in one of the hemispheres has a door movable between a closed and an open position. The top of a base is in a concave configuration with a radius of curvature essentially equal to the radius of curvature of the spherical chamber and forms a recipient surface for receiving and rotatably supporting the spherical chamber. An animal within the spherical chamber may walk and run in place for exercising in a relatively restricted space.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: Michael K. Barfield
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Patent number: 8161914Abstract: A edible rawhide-based molded chew with a hollow core is described. The chew is formed by cutting a rawhide sheet into multiple small rawhide pieces. The small rawhide pieces are mixed with a binding agent and water to form a rawhide-based mass. The rawhide-based mass is introduced to mold with a pin to form a molded chew having a hollow core therethrough. The molded chew is removed from the mold. Finally, a flavor basting is applied to the hollow core of the molded chew. The flavor basting provides a smell and flavor to entice a dog to begin and continue chewing on the chew. Thus, the resulting item is a rawhide-based molded chew with a hollow core that is coated with a flavor basting.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.Inventors: Grant Adkins, Chen Zhen Biao
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Patent number: 8161915Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for preventing an animal and method of controlling the apparatus. The apparatus includes a sound sensor for sensing a bark of an animal and converting the bark into an electrical signal. An amplifier amplifies the electrical signal. A vibration sensor senses a vibration occurring on a neck of the animal. A microprocessor performs control such that, when signals are input from the sound sensor and the vibration sensor, voice, ultrasonic or low-frequency stimulation means is output, and has an auto-variable output function and a time band-based output function. A first control switch allows the user to optionally set a type and a stimulation intensity of the stimulation means. A second control switch allows the user to optionally set a time for which the stimulation means is operated. An output unit receives control signals for the stimulation means and outputs corresponding stimulations.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: Yong Won Kim
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Patent number: 8161916Abstract: Decubitus ulcer prevention garments for a dog are provided that include a fluid-filled bladder. The garments can include an inner layer that contacts and interacts with the body of the dog; an intermediate layer that interfaces with the inner layer and includes the fluid-filled bladder; and an outer layer joined to the inner layer and interfacing with the intermediate layer. The garments have a shape that is adapted to fit over and envelop the pelvic region of the dog such that the garments alleviate or reduce pressure on the soft tissues overlying the bony prominences of the pelvic region of a dog when the dog is lying in a recumbent position on a surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Gina E. Bertocci, Karen Bertocci
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Patent number: 8161917Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for a low bed pressure drop circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler associated with fast bed CFB combustion are disclosed. The CFB boiler may be operated according to the following set of conditions. In an upper area of a combustor of the boiler, a flow pattern of the two-phase gas-solid flow may be placed in a fast bed fluidization state. The combustor temperature may be within a range of 850° C.-930° C. The fluidizing air velocity may be within 4 m/s and 6.2 m/s. An average size of a bed material in the combustor may be smaller than 300 ?m. The gas-solid flow above of the secondary air inlet in the combustor may be kept in the fast bed fluidization state while maintaining a solid concentration of between 1 kg/m3 to 5 kg/m3. An inventory of bed material per unit area and/or the pressure drop in the combustor may be less than 8 kPa.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Tsinghua UniversityInventors: Hairui Yang, Hai Zhang, Guangxi Yue, Junfu Lv, Qing Liu, Jiansheng Zhang
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Patent number: 8161918Abstract: A storage-type water heater includes a tank enclosing a volume of water, the tank having an upper portion and a lower portion, a chamber adjacent the lower portion of the tank and adapted to at least partially enclose a source of a heated fluid, and a helical tube heat exchanger at least partially enclosed within the tank and fluidly connected to the chamber. The helical tube directs the heated fluid from the lower portion to the upper portion of the tank and promotes heat exchange between the water in the tank and the heated fluid flowing therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Aos Holding CompanyInventors: Hongfei Ma, Zhihua Zhang, Lei Cao, Hyungsik Lee, Gu Qinghai
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Patent number: 8161919Abstract: A system for variable engine compartment ventilation in a slim and compact unit with components used in non-related industries. The system can have at least one bank of movable louvers rotatably mounted within a louver frame for guiding a flow of air into a vehicle engine compartment; a motor to rotate the louvers with a motor gear formed on an output shaft rotatably connected in parallel to at least one helix cable by a helix cable drive gear and a louver pinion gear integral with each louver engaging the helix cable along its length; and a control unit for operating the assembly of movable louvers in response to an output signal from a vehicle communication bus. The output signal of the vehicle communication bus can be in response to input from an engine coolant temperature sensor or a vehicle speed sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Webasto AGInventors: Steven Henry Klotz, Joachim Juergen Gernot Klesing, William E. Aumann, Thomas Murray
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Patent number: 8161920Abstract: In the cylinder block of an engine including a heat storage apparatus, a water jacket is formed between a cylinder bore wall that forms a cylinder bore and a cylinder block outer wall. An actuator is installed on the cylinder block outer wall. A container is housed in the water jacket. A coolant temperature sensor is installed on the upper portion of the container. An ECU determines the state of a heat storage agent in the container and the state of the container, based on information on the temperature of coolant determined by the coolant temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kunihiko Hayashi, Hideo Kobayashi, Katuhiko Arisawa, Yoshio Yamashita, Kenichi Yamada
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Patent number: 8161921Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a method for converting free-piston linear motion to rotary motion, comprising: providing a free-piston generator or motor/generator that has at least one piston having two compression heads; and, for each piston, a surface is provided on each compression head defining a helical channel, wherein the piston is rotated in a single direction due to the force imparted to the piston as compressed air in an air box is forced through the helical channel.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: George A. Marchetti
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Patent number: 8161922Abstract: In a link type variable stroke engine in which a piston, a crankshaft and an eccentric shaft are linked by a linking mechanism, counterweights are provided on the crankshaft so that in a projection view on a plane orthogonal to a rotation axis of the crankshaft, centers of gravity of the counterweights are located on a straight line extending from the rotation axis of the crankshaft in an opposite direction to a direction of a total inertial exciting force when the total inertial exciting force becomes maximum, the total inertial exciting force being obtained by adding inertial exciting forces occurring respectively in movable components of the linking mechanism. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively suppress and lessen inertial exciting force.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sei Watanabe, Shohei Kono
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Patent number: 8161923Abstract: In a link type variable stroke engine in which: a crankshaft and a rotary shaft having an eccentric shaft are each rotatably supported on a case main body formed integrally with a cylinder block and opened at one side to form a part of a crankcase, and a support plate fastened to an opened end of the case main body at a plurality of positions; and a piston, the crankshaft and the eccentric shaft are linked by a linking mechanism, in a projection view on a plane orthogonal to axes of the crankshaft and the rotary shaft, two of the plurality of fastening positions at which the support plate is fastened to the opened end of the case main body are disposed on a straight line passing the axes of the rotary shaft and the crankshaft. This configuration can increase the rigidity between the crankshaft and the rotary shaft enough to prevent change of the distance between the crankshaft and the rotary shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sei Watanabe, Yoshikazu Yamada, Shohei Kono
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Patent number: 8161924Abstract: A combustible fluid operated orbital engine has plural sets of cooperating cylinder and piston members with respective parallel axes of rotation, respective cylinder and piston carrier wheels with respective axes of rotation parallel to the members' axes of rotation carrying said members circularly and orbitally and at all times in opposed relation on a common longitudinal axis along intersecting counter paths. Respective gearing structures supported by the cylinder and piston carrier wheels rotate the members counter to their circular motion direction to maintain their opposed relation for their periodic interfittment when their respective paths intersect. A combustible fluid supply is provided to the cylinder member for combustion coincident with the periodic interfittment in engine operating relation. The common longitudinal axes of the cylinder/piston sets are at all times parallel with each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventors: James Lockshaw, Joseph Gerondale
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Patent number: 8161925Abstract: Proposed is a valve drive for an internal combustion engine, having a gas exchange valve (11) and having a valve actuating element (4) which has a contact face (8) for an end face (9) on a valve shank (10) of the gas exchange valve (11) which is actuated in the opening and closing direction by the valve actuating element (4). Here, the contact face (8) and/or the end face (9) should be provided with a wear prevention layer (12) which is composed of at least one metal-free amorphous hydrocarbon layer with sp2 and sp3 hybridized carbon.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Schaeffler KGInventors: Oliver Schnell, Tim Matthias Hosenfeldt
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Patent number: 8161926Abstract: If it is necessary to rapidly change a phase of an intake camshaft and an intake VVT mechanism relatively slow in responsiveness as it is associated with an “A” bank of a V-type, 8-cylinder engine is in operation for at least a predetermined period of time, an ECU executes a program including the step of controlling intake VVT mechanisms to operate those associated with both the “A” bank and a “B” bank.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso CorporationInventors: Zenichiro Mashiki, Yasumichi Inoue, Yoshihito Moriya, Haruyuki Urushihata
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Patent number: 8161927Abstract: A valve system of an overhead-camshaft-type internal combustion engine includes a cam holder fastened to a cylinder head having a combustion chamber formed therein. The cam holder supports a camshaft, and is disposed above the combustion chamber. The cam holder includes a bottom wall, a pair of oppositely-facing support walls having lower sides thereof joined with each other by the bottom wall, and a rib joining predetermined oppositely-facing portions of respective upper side portions of the support walls with each other. The support walls of the cam holder pivotally support the cam shaft. The rib may be integrated with the cam holder, or may be separately formed and fastened to the support walls of the cam holder.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shuichi Ochiai, Hiroshi Kuribara
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Patent number: 8161928Abstract: A cylinder head cover is formed by a synthetic resin outer shell, which is molded by inserting a metal valve case, which holds a oil control valve, in a mold. The valve case has a bolt fastening portion for fastening the valve case, together with the outer shell, to the cam cap. The valve fastening portion has a bolt insertion hole. The bolt fastening portion also has a flange that extends radially outward. The flange has through holes. The flange is embedded in the outer shell, and synthetic resin forming the outer shell fills the through holes.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hirotsugu Kojima, Kunihiro Yamaura, Yoshiaki Sumiya, Takahiro Yamazaki, Kazuya Yoshijima
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Patent number: 8161929Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable tappet (1) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said tappet comprising a hollow cylindrical housing (3) comprising a bottom (2), an inner element (5) being guided for relative axial displacement in a bore (4) of the housing (3), an at least indirect support for a gas exchange valve extending on a cam-distal front end (6) of the inner element (5), two diametrically opposing pistons as coupling elements (8) being arranged in a radial bore (7) of the inner element (5), which coupling elements (8), for effecting coupling [full valve lift], can be displaced partly beyond a parting surface (9) between the housing (3) and the inner element (5) into an entraining surface (12) of the housing (3) by the force of a compression spring (10a) clamped between inner front ends (10) of the coupling elements (8), wherein the entraining surface (12) is an direct constituent of a separate annular member (13) that is fixed in a cam-distal region of the bore (4) of the housing (3),Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Schaeffler KGInventors: Mario Kuhl, Lothar von Schimonsky, Norbert Nitz, Lucia Hinkovska, Sandra Schäfer
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Patent number: 8161930Abstract: A camshaft (1) is provided for a stroke-variable valve drive of an internal combustion engine with a carrier shaft (2) and a cam part (3) that is arranged locked in rotation and movable in the axial direction on the carrier shaft and that is assembled from a cam carrier (4) and a sleeve (5). The cam carrier has a cam group (7, 8) of directly adjacent cams (9, 10, 11, 12) with different cam strokes and an adapter end (6) on which the sleeve is mounted. The sleeve has a setting groove (17) in the form of a groove that extends across an extent of the sleeve and that is used for the specification of an axial setting groove track for an activation pin (18) moving the cam part on the carrier shaft. The setting groove is produced in the sleeve through non-metal-cutting shaping of sheet-metal material.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Schaffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Harald Elendt, Andreas Nendel
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Patent number: 8161931Abstract: In a method for operating an internal combustion engine that has a starter device for starting the internal combustion engine and a device for supplying fuel controlled by a control device, it is determined whether cold start conditions or hot start conditions exist during starting of the internal combustion engine. In at least one operating range, during starting of the internal combustion engine, an engine speed gradient is determined during a slowdown phase of a pull stroke of a starter device and the engine speed gradient is used for determining whether cold start conditions or hot start conditions exist. The fuel quantity to be supplied to the internal combustion engine is controlled based on the determined cold start conditions or hot start conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KGInventor: Klaus Geyer
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Patent number: 8161932Abstract: A moped transmission includes a crankcase assembled in four sections, namely a first section, a second section, a third section and a fourth section. A crankshaft is formed as an eccentric shaft, and the crankshaft has a crankshaft gear mounted to the crankshaft. The crankshaft passes through the first section, and the crankshaft passes through and is rotably mounted to the first planar vertical mounting face. An engine connected to the first section and the second section. A main shaft has a main shaft gear in mesh with the crankshaft gear. The main shaft passes through and is rotably mounted outside the first planar vertical mounting face. The main shaft gear is mounted to the main shaft outside the first section such that the main shaft gear is encapsulated between the first section and the third section.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: William Wei Li
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Patent number: 8161933Abstract: A starter arrangement for an internal combustion engine the arrangement including a starter motor having a pinion gear coupled to an output shaft, the pinion gear being arranged in constant engagement with a corresponding crank gear of a crank wheel located between an engine block and a flywheel of the engine. The crank wheel is operatively coupled to a crankshaft of the engine via a one-way clutch unit loosely fitted to an end of the crankshaft, the crankshaft including a circumferential slot carrying a clip ring. The one-way clutch unit including a tube shaped hub loosely fitted to an end of the crankshaft, the axial movement of the one-way hub is fixed via a clip-ring in co-operation with a first axially delimiting member and a second axially delimiting member at least partially enclosed by the hub.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventors: Peter Gast, Jonas Forssell, Lars Stenvall, Petter Almhagen