Patents Issued in September 17, 2013
  • Patent number: 8534184
    Abstract: A pump cylinder liner apparatus includes a replaceable sleeve captured between two cylinder hull portions that are releasably coupled to allow access to the sleeve for replacement. An elastomeric material or tube may be disposed between the sleeve and the two coupled hull portions for radial compressive pre-loading of the sleeve upon assembly and during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Andrew Dale Riley, Clifton D. Eggleston
  • Patent number: 8534185
    Abstract: A pump including a pressure compensated piston is disclosed. In some embodiments, the pump includes a piston with an annular body and an annular sealing element disposed radially outward of the annular body. The annular body has a radially-facing outer surface adjacent an inner surface of the sealing element and an axially-facing surface with an inlet port. A flowpath extends between the inlet port and the radially-facing outer surface of the annular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Andrew Dale Riley, Jason Whaley
  • Patent number: 8534186
    Abstract: Automatic apparatus for brewing a hot beverage. A control system causes a heater that is integral with a beverage container to elevate the water temperature to a predetermined brewing temperature while infusible material in an infuser basket is isolated from the liquid. When the brewing temperature is achieved, the controller causes a positioner assembly to submerge the infuser basket in the heated liquid. The control system maintains the liquid at a predetermined brewing temperature. After a predetermined brewing interval, the control system causes the positioner assembly to raise the infuser basket thereby to isolate the infusible material from the brewed beverage. Thereafter the control system may maintain the beverage temperature at an optimal serving temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Appliance Development Corporation
    Inventors: Dov Z Glucksman, Laura J Nickerson, Gary P McGonagle, David N Belanger
  • Patent number: 8534187
    Abstract: A beverage server and method of use for use as a stand alone server or in combination with at least one of a beverage maker and server power station. Contacts are provided on the server conductive coupling to the beverage maker or the station. The server is configured to preheat a reservoir in the server at least during one of prior to or during dispensing of beverage into the dispenser. The brewer is configured to automatically initiate a brewing cycle in response to pre-determined conditions, such as upon beverage in the server decreasing below a pre-determined level. The brewer is configured to detect whether the server is in position relative to the brewer and is configured to dispense beverage only if the server is detected. The server is configured to prevent dispensing of beverage if a pre-determined time period has expired, in order to avoid dispensing beverage with an expired pre-determined freshness period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Burton L. Hart, John T. Knepler
  • Patent number: 8534188
    Abstract: A cheesecake pan system having a bottom plate, a pan rim having a side wall and a hollow center, a lip on an inner surface, the bottom plate temporarily rests atop the lip, a water base having a bottom surface and a side wall that together form an enclosure for holding water, the side wall has a top and bottom edge, a locking means allow the water base and the pan rim to engage each other, a vapor hole in the side wall, a vacuum mount base removably attached to the bottom edge of the side wall a distance below the bottom surface of the water base, the bottom surface, the side wall, and the vacuum mount base together form a bottom cavity, and a vacuum locking means to secure the vacuum mount base to the water base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Barbara A. Winfield
  • Patent number: 8534189
    Abstract: Compact machine for making cheese, other milk-derivatives and tofu comprising a shell (1) in which an impermeable basin (3) is inserted, a collecting container (2) in which a permeable basket (6) is inserted for collecting the product and a support structure comprising a lower base member (10) having two side arms (8). The machine comprises, furthermore, a motor (7) integral to the shell (1) for operating a stirring member (5), and heating means (4) adapted to heat to various temperature the content of the basin (3). The basin (3) and the permeable basket (6) are open and coupled with respect to each other, in a releasable way, one against the another. The coupled basin (3) and the permeable basket (6) are adapted to be integrally rotated, in order to be moved alternatively between a first position (A), where the basin (3) is down and the basket (6) is up, and a second position, where the basket (6) is down and the basin (3) is up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Riccardo Pavero
  • Patent number: 8534190
    Abstract: A food press, for example a garlic press, has a first handle with an accommodation space for the food. The first handle is, via an openable pivot, connected to a second handle which has a press plate. The food press further has a comminutor unit with a perforated plate which, in a position of use, is adjacent the accommodation space and through which the food is pressed. According to the present invention, the comminutor unit is, at opposing ends, connected via a first and second non-openable pivot, to the first and the second handles, respectively. The openable pivot includes recesses on the first handle and pins, which are insertable in the recesses on the second handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Linden International AB
    Inventors: Daniel Ericsson, Mikael Ericsson, Fredrik Hanson, Johan Vestberg
  • Patent number: 8534191
    Abstract: A method for operating a printing unit of a printing press includes operating the printing unit in a first operating mode, for example printing operation, and in a second operating mode, for example maintenance operation. In the first operating mode, a printing unit cylinder and a distributor roller are driven rotationally by a first motor and the distributor roller is driven axially by a second motor. In the second operating mode, the distributor roller is driven rotationally by a third motor and the distributor roller is driven axially by the second motor. A printing press for carrying out the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Peter Heiler, Jens Hieronymus, Burkhard Maass
  • Patent number: 8534192
    Abstract: Provided is a printing plate cylinder to which a sleeve printing plate is detachably attached. In the printing plate cylinder, weight reduction and radiation performance can be improved, and generation of rust can be suppressed. The printing plate cylinder (1) includes a shaft portion (3) rotatable about a central axis (O), a tubular portion (5) formed cylindrically, arranged coaxially with the shaft portion (3), and arranged at a distance from an outer circumferential surface (3a) of the shaft portion (3), and a rib (7) fixed integrally to the outer circumferential surface (3a) of the shaft portion (3) and an inner circumferential surface (5b) of the tubular portion (5) and connecting the shaft portion (3) and the tubular portion (5). An air supply channel (31) is formed so as to penetrate from the outer surface of the rib (7) exposed to the outside to the outer circumferential surface (5a) of the tubular portion (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Can Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Hashimoto, Kenji Kumasaki
  • Patent number: 8534193
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a printer, includes a bracket and a paper transmitting apparatus. The bracket includes a paper tray which is adapted to receive a paper located on. The paper tray defines a cutout. A brush is pivotably mounted below the cutout. The brush is covered by any paper in the paper tray, and is exposed through the cutout when there is no paper in the paper tray. The paper transmitting apparatus includes a carrier and a roller rotatablely mounted on the carrier The paper transmitting apparatus rotates the roller to move the paper in the paper tray. The roller can rotate against the brush when the paper tray is empty to be cleaned of any paper scraps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ping-Fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 8534194
    Abstract: A method of adjusting a roller (18) in a rotary printing press (10), includes the steps of a) mounting the roller (18) in a preparation rack (24) so as to be rotatably supported therein, b) scanning the peripheral surface of the roller, thereby to detect a topography of the roller surface, c) deriving set data for the adjustment of the roller from the topography, and storing the set data, d) mounting the roller in the printing press (10), and e) adjusting the roller in accordance with the set data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Bobst Bielefeld GmbH
    Inventors: Gordon Whitelaw, Georg Grautoff, Andreas Kückelmann
  • Patent number: 8534195
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment is directed to a finger for use in a rail plate inserter machine workhead and for positioning a rail plate predisposed on a rail tie under a rail, having a planar body having an upper arm with a hook-shaped end and including an opening for accommodating a spring, the end being configured for being contacted by a bar operatively associated with a finger lift assembly; a lower arm having a depending tip; and a middle portion joining the upper and lower arms to define an obtuse angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Nordco Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Christopher Noll, Bill Luoma, Donald M. Treziak, Jr., Mark A. Kappel, Daniel Brook
  • Patent number: 8534196
    Abstract: A cable transportation system has a pull cable; at least one transportation unit moving along a given path and connectable selectively to the pull cable by a coupling device; at least one passenger station where the transportation unit is detached from the pull cable; and an auxiliary drive device having a linear electric motor extending along a portion of the given path to move the transportation unit along the passenger station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Rolic Invest S.AR.L
    Inventors: Federico Bavaresco, Peter Leimstadtner
  • Patent number: 8534197
    Abstract: A transportation system having a tube containing hydrogen gas and a vehicle designed to operate within the tube. The vehicle breathes hydrogen from the tube to power fuel cells in order to produce power. The vehicle is suspended above the tube on a low-friction layer and is propelled through the tube via a propulsion system, such as contra-rotating propfans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Supersonic Tubevehicle LLC
    Inventor: Arnold R. Miller
  • Patent number: 8534198
    Abstract: A locomotive includes an engine compartment having two sidewall structures and inboard and rear end structures defining an engine enclosure. A top hatch cover a top opening of the enclosure, which houses an engine. A removable cap being generally box-shaped extends across a portion of the top opening adjacent the top hatch and also across a portion of each of the two sidewall structures. An engine pit opening is exposed when removable cap is removed. The engine pit opening is sufficiently large to accommodate lifting the engine out of the enclosure. The engine pit opening is partially defined by two side edges extending parallel to the centerline along sidewall structures, each of the two side edges being disposed at a clearance height that is lower than an overall height of the engine compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Progress Rail Services Corp
    Inventor: Hector Matthys
  • Patent number: 8534199
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a powered system including an engine operating on a plurality of fuel types. The method includes generating operational input signals from operational input devices, and generating a respective configuration signal indicative of a particular location of the powered system along a predetermined course comprising a mission. Additionally, based on the operational input signals, the configuration signal, and a respective engine emission profile for each of said configuration signal, the method includes generating control signals to a plurality of end use devices of the powered system to limit one or more of the total engine emissions of the fuel types, the total fuel efficiency of the fuel types, the total output power of the engine, a time of arrival of the powered system along the predetermined course, and/or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Wolfgang Daum
  • Patent number: 8534200
    Abstract: A suspension apparatus that includes a suspension linkage connected between a traction motor and a rail vehicle truck frame at least at first and second locations. The suspension linkage including at the first location a first pin pivotally connecting the traction motor with a cross member of the truck frame, and, at the second location, at least one elastomeric element deformable to fully suspend the traction motor from the truck frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Munishwar Ahuja, Mandyam Rangayan Sridhar, Brijesh Raghavan
  • Patent number: 8534201
    Abstract: A multiple track railroad system for use with two adjacent sets of parallel continuous tracks with the tracks having a distance therebetween and each set of tracks including two continuous rails having a distance therebetween. The railroad system includes an engine for pulling a train that has a set of wheels riding on at least two of the rails, and the engine has a width equal to at least one set of the tracks. The railroad system also includes at least one rail car connected to and propelled by the engine, wherein the rail car spans and extends beyond the outer rails of both sets of tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Patent number: 8534202
    Abstract: A modular base side bearing assembly has a cage with upstanding side walls defining a bearing cavity and a central bottom opening to receive a modular base on which a bearing element supported on a central base portion thereof. The modular base has externally visible tabs identifying a force level corresponding to the modular base, in which the thickness of the central base portion corresponds such force level. The modular bases are interchangeable with modular bases having central base portions of differing thickness, or zero-thickness, such that the same cage, bearing element, and wear cap can be used with different modular bases to provide different force levels. The modular base is movable vertically relative to the cage to accommodate uneven mounting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: A. Stucki Company
    Inventors: Aubra D. McKisic, John G. Faryniak
  • Patent number: 8534203
    Abstract: A railway hopper car is provided. The railway hopper car includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes first and second sidewalls, and first and second end walls. The lower portion includes at least two cargo wells and a longitudinal boundary extending between the cargo wells. The upper and lower portions define an interior volume of the hopper car. The railway hopper car further includes a roof panel and a first support assembly. The roof panel includes an access opening extending longitudinally over at least a portion of the cargo wells. The first support assembly is coupled to an inner surface of the first sidewall, and extends between a top edge and a bottom edge of the first sidewall. The first support assembly is positioned proximate to the longitudinal boundary, and is configured to only partially extend into the interior volume of the hopper car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: American Railcar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Dalske, Spencer Ashie-Winns, Gerald Ohmes, Ike Portscheller, Domela Silverio
  • Patent number: 8534204
    Abstract: A hatch assembly for use with a railway hopper car. The railway hopper car includes sidewalls, end walls, and bottom walls for defining an interior volume. The bottom walls define a cargo well that has an opening for discharging materials transported by the hopper car. The hatch assembly includes a support frame that is coupled proximate to a bottom of the cargo well. A hatch is slideably coupled to the support frame. The hatch is moveable between a closed position and an open position for selectively covering the cargo well opening. A hatch positioning system including a drive shaft that is coupled to the support frame, a locking assembly that is coupled to the drive shaft and is configured to selectively engage a locking bar, a positioning assembly that is coupled to the drive shaft, and a drive assembly that is coupled to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: American Railcar Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Wayne Blankenship
  • Patent number: 8534205
    Abstract: A fold-in-half table may include a first half constructed from molded plastic, such as blow-molded plastic, and a second half constructed from a wire rack. An inner engagement surface of the first half of the table top may engage an inner engagement surface of the second half of the table top when the table is in the unfolded position. The first and second inner engagement surfaces may be spaced apart when the table is in the folded position. The fond-in-half table may also include first and second support structures connected to the first and second halves of the table top and the support structures may be movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitch Johnson, Brandon Smith, Jay Calkin
  • Patent number: 8534206
    Abstract: An application for a safe or strong box attachment mechanism that attaches to a bed system includes a barbed plate that has barbs. The barbed plate readily inserts between a box spring and a mattress, but due to the barbs, is difficult to remove without lifting the mattress from the box spring making it at least difficult to remove by, for example, children in the home. In some embodiments, the safe (or strong box) has a revolving door that, when a proper code/combination/biometric is provided, rotatably opens to expose the contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Heim, Richard Allen Angwin
  • Patent number: 8534207
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security box (100) for valuable objects (1) which can be received in a receiving element. Said security box comprises a protection device (110) for the valuable objects (1), which can be placed in different reinforcing modes according to different situations of the security box (100) and can be automatically released in at least one of the reinforcing modes, in order to devalue the valuable objects (1), and a receiving device (112) which is used to capture signals which influence parameters which respectively determine the necessary reinforcing mode. The receiving device comprises an optical capturing unit (112) which capture signals which are emitted by an optical emitter of the receiving element which contains the security box (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Villiger
  • Patent number: 8534208
    Abstract: An inductor assembly is configured to be attached in flow communication to receive a flow of product from a storage hopper of a product conveyance system. The product conveyance system includes a forced fluid source mounted thereon and operable to provide a forced fluid stream to the inductor assembly. The inductor housing includes an inlet configured to direct a first portion of the forced fluid stream in a path to engage the flow of product so as to generate the combined stream of forced fluid and product. The inductor assembly further includes multiple inductor segments, wherein each inductor segments defines at least one conduit having an inlet and an outlet. One or more of the inlets may be configured to restrict air and product flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryan R. Georgison, Samrendra Singh
  • Patent number: 8534209
    Abstract: A sewing machine comprises a transport portion that moves an embroidery frame, a contact detection portion that detects contact with the embroidery frame, a first position identification portion that identifies a first position, a second position identification portion that identifies a second position, a direction determination portion that determines a direction of a diagonal line of a virtual rectangle, a third position identification portion that identifies a third position, and an area setting portion that sets a sewable area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Hirata
  • Patent number: 8534210
    Abstract: An improved system for rigging a sail to a spar consists of a slot and a gateway plate. The slot is disposed on the spar to selectively enable the sail slugs to engage an internal channel. The gateway plate is adapted to selectively cover the slot and can be removed so the slugs can be inserted to or removed from the channel. The gateway plate consists of a plate body having a first and second oppositely disposed plate-hole, the plate holes having a predetermined alignment with receiving-holes on the spar, the gateway plate further includes a channel-engaging edge, an oppositely disposed handle end, and a predetermined length of elastic cord, which couples to the spar and provides positive engagement of the gateway plate against the spar when in the closed position. The gateway plate can be mounted internally or externally relative to the spar channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Tom Luque
  • Patent number: 8534211
    Abstract: A variable geometry fin for use in a ship stabilization system is provided. A stabilization element adapted to extend below the water line of a ship. The stabilization element has a foil body and a trailing edge assembly extending from inside of the foil body. The trailing edge assembly includes an extension body having two opposing surfaces, a trailing edge attached to an end of the extension body, a vortex generator having protrusions and/or recesses on the two opposing surfaces, and at least one support guide located on an outboard side of the extension body. A deploy mechanism is attached to the foil body and the trailing edge assembly. The trailing edge assembly extends rearwardly from the foil body producing an additional surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Naiad Maritime Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Venables, Christopher M. Pappas
  • Patent number: 8534212
    Abstract: A pontoon boat fender comprises a shell portion with a hollow interior and a bumper portion slidably received in the shell portion hollow interior. The bumper portion is movable between a navigating position and a docking position. In the navigating position, the bumper portion is retracted into the shell portion hollow interior. In the docking position, the bumper portion is extended from the shell portion hollow interior. The shell portion has a tab adjacent to a longitudinal end of the shell portion and a hook adjacent to a longitudinally opposite end of the shell portion. The tab and hook cooperate with each other to enable securing the boat fender to a fence and deck of the pontoon boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Overton's, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Brian Worsley, James E. Cotter
  • Patent number: 8534213
    Abstract: A system comprising a floating vessel comprising a deck having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; a plurality of support structures in an array spaced along the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis; a plurality of lateral support members spanning a lateral distance between adjacent support structures; a plurality of longitudinal support members spanning a longitudinal distance between adjacent support structures; a skid beam resting on the plurality of lateral support members and the plurality of longitudinal support members; and a skid shoe resting on the skid beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: James Scott Chitwood, David Alex Knoll, Edward Stephen Piter, William Michael Pritchett, Roy Keith Smith, Wilbert Ray Ulbricht
  • Patent number: 8534214
    Abstract: A wake modifying system for modifying a wake produced by a watercraft traveling through water may include a rudder pivotally mounted to the watercraft for steering the watercraft, a fin pivotally mounted to the watercraft substantially along a centerline of the watercraft and forward the rudder, wherein the fin pivots about an upright axis to modify the wake produced by the watercraft traveling through the water, an actuator mounted within the watercraft and operably coupled to the fin for pivoting the fin relative to the centerline, and a controller mounted on the watercraft allowing an operator to control the actuator and selectively pivot the fin to a desired angle ?d relative to the centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Malibu Boats LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Lee Gasper
  • Patent number: 8534215
    Abstract: An evacuation cabin includes an upper housing and a lower housing. The upper housing has a joining portion along a bottom edge of the upper housing and an opening at middle of one side of the upper housing for receiving an upper part of a water-sealable door. The lower housing has a joining portion corresponding and sealed to the joining portion of the upper housing such that the upper housing and the lower housing are sealed integrally and water-sealably, and an opening corresponding to the opening of the upper housing and for receiving a lower part of the water-sealable door. There are accommodated in the lower housing a power source acting as a weight to lower the center of gravity of the evacuation cabin so as to maintain the evacuation cabin in a stable condition when water floods the ground. A chassis, provided underneath the evacuation cabin, is mounted with an axle for installing wheels so that the evacuation cabin can stand stationary or be transported as a trailer by a mobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Stanley Shao-Ying Lee
  • Patent number: 8534216
    Abstract: A device (10) for arranging a plurality of individuals into a desired order. The device includes a floor plan (14) having a plurality of separately identifiable markings (16) thereon indicating an intended location for each individual on the floor plan (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: RoundPeg Innovations PTY Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert James Wallace
  • Patent number: 8534217
    Abstract: A location signaling device comprising a wing balloon for signaling a location. The wing balloon is fixed to a tether line that itself is fixed to the location to be signaled. The wing balloon has an inflatable aerodynamically shaped hollow body to be at least partly be filled with a lighter-than-air gas and having a wing attack surface for air flowing relative to said wing balloon. The floating aloft of said wing balloon is supported by said air flow. When the wing balloon is inflated, a flexible wing portion is passively variable. The stronger the wind, the less attack is given. Thus, the dragging force on the tether line is generally static.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Hans Sjoblom
  • Patent number: 8534218
    Abstract: A pointer display includes at least two pointer assemblies, each assembly having a hub and a pointer arm, each pointer arm extending outwards from a corresponding hub, the hubs being rotatable about a common axis and positioned apart from each other along an axial direction such that a first one of the hubs of a first pointer assembly is closest to a viewer of the dial display. The display also includes a cap for covering the first hub; and supporting means for supporting the cap, the supporting means including a supporting member that extends through a passage in the first hub so that the cap is supported independently of the first hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Simon Ewers, Jens Hakon Brandal
  • Patent number: 8534219
    Abstract: A device indicates a ready and/or upset condition of a ground supported goal such as a soccer goal that has at least one bar that lies in contact with the ground. An indicator arm is movable relative to the contact arm between a ready position and an upset position. A contact arm cooperates with. A biasing element biases the indicator arm to the upset position. When the bar of the goal is no longer in contact with the ground the indicator arm moves from the ready position to the upset position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Goal Alert LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Dempsey
  • Patent number: 8534220
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a dosage cap assembly for attaching to a standard prescription medicine container to aid in patient compliance with a dosage regimen. The dosage cap assembly can include a cap, time of day indicators, a medicine bottle, a lid with an outer member and an inner member, a ratcheting mechanism, and an indicator for pointing to the time of day indicators. Also disclosed is a method for tracking a last dosage that has been taken using a dosage cap assembly to aid in compliance of a dosage regimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Edwin W. Olson
  • Patent number: 8534221
    Abstract: A honeycomb filter production apparatus used for producing a honeycomb filter, the apparatus includes: a workpiece securing section for securing a base (workpiece) of a honeycomb filter; a powder transfer section for transferring a powder together with an air current by utilizing pressurized gas; an introduction section that is provided between the powder transfer section and the workpiece securing section, the powder transferred from the powder transfer section together with the air current being mixed with another gas in the introduction section, and introduced into the base (workpiece) secured by the workpiece securing section; and a suction section for sucking the gas that has passed through the base (workpiece) secured by the workpiece securing section by reducing pressure on the other side of the workpiece securing section as compared with the one side of the workpiece securing section using suction means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsuji, Takayoshi Akao, Shuhei Fujita, Kazuhi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8534222
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to apply a liquid uniformly on a to-be-coated area of an object subjected to liquid coating. A delivery unit which delivers the liquid on the to-be-coated area of the object subjected to liquid coating comprises a main body filled with the liquid and a nozzle plate which is provided at one end side of the main body and which is provided with a delivery path for delivering the liquid. The axial line of the delivery path is inclined relative to a vertical axis toward an opposite side of a travelling direction in which the delivery unit travels relative to the to-be-coated area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isao Ebisawa
  • Patent number: 8534223
    Abstract: A system for forming a coating on a stent has a hub for holding a plurality of cartridges. Each cartridge has a plurality of mandrels, each mandrel capable of supporting a stent. A chamber has a drying section and a spray coating section, and is configured to receive a cartridge from the hub. An arm moves a cartridge from the hub to the chamber. A spray applicator applies a coating composition to a stent in the spray coating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Arkady Kokish, Yung-Ming Chen, Jason Van Sciver, Roberto Listek
  • Patent number: 8534224
    Abstract: The removable multipurpose adapter can be used to facilitate the refilling process of large wildlife feeders. A bag of feed is dropped onto an elongate blade positioned in the adapter accomplishing two tasks almost simultaneously. First the elongate blade instantly opens the bag and the feed promptly falls from the bag if properly manipulated, without spillage. The adapter may be formed from a truncated funnel defining an inlet and an outlet. An elongate slot may be formed in the adapter to allow placement of the adapter on wildlife feeders that are raised and lowered with a wire rope which is not detached during the refilling process. The elongate blade may be offset from the center of the adapter to avoid tearing pieces of the bag which can jam the distribution assembly if allowed to fall into the feeder. The removable multipurpose adapter may be formed from a single piece or it may be formed from multiple parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Welker Wildlife & Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Welker
  • Patent number: 8534225
    Abstract: A pet feeding systems for slowing the eating process of a pet, e.g., a dog, and simultaneously entertain the pet. The pet feeding system includes a floor, retaining walls, and obstacles which form a food maze. The obstacles may vary, for example, in shape (e.g., as letters, words, geometric shapes, etc.), form (e.g., rigid structure, flexible fingers, etc.), size, height, etc. In addition, the obstacles may include structures to further slow a pets eating, such as tunnels, slides, ramps, etc. The pet feeding system may be fabricated of any appropriate material, including, but not limited to, silicone rubber, natural rubber, metal, and ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Karin Vermeegen
  • Patent number: 8534226
    Abstract: A supply line for the water supply to poultry house drinkers is triangular in shape with the drinkers secured to a bottom surface around a drinking nipple by a quick-attach rotational movement. The triangular line has a top fin which provides additional bending strength and may have an internal fin to limit movement of the drinking nipple valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: PTN Limited
    Inventors: Stephen John Cottam, Franciscus Maria Wilhelmus Ermerins
  • Patent number: 8534227
    Abstract: An aquaculture net comprises steel wires. At least the upper part of the net comprises steel wires having a tensile strength greater than 1500 MPa. This leads to an aquaculture net with an increased life time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: NV Bekaert SA
    Inventors: Charles Coffin, Xavier Amils
  • Patent number: 8534228
    Abstract: A fish tank apparatus includes a plurality of fish tanks and water measuring apparatus. The water measuring apparatus includes a measuring member for detecting water parameter, and a switchable sample water diverting member having a plurality of inlets and at least one outlet. A central measurement conduit fluidically connects the outlet of the switchable sample water diverting member with the measuring member. A plurality of peripheral measurement conduits fluidically connect the fish tanks with the inlets of the switchable sample water diverting device, which is configured to selectively feed sample water from each one of the peripheral measurement conduits to the central measurement conduit to test the water in the fish tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Big Dutchman International GmbH
    Inventor: Meik Südkamp
  • Patent number: 8534229
    Abstract: A vacuum device for an aquarium is disclosed. The device comprising a tube having a pump contained therein. The pump utilizes a ring-shaped rotor with interior vanes for impelling water through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Central Garden and Pet Company
    Inventor: Andrew S Hudson
  • Patent number: 8534230
    Abstract: Ranchers and other owners of livestock commonly have a need for a transportable means of setting up a corral for numerous purposes. Sorting must take place in a remote location or a location without a permanent corral, which are prohibitively time consuming and expensive to build. A preferred embodiment of the Portable Corral is comprised of a central chute, a left corral area, and a right corral area. The central chute is comprised of a back chute, a front chute, a left central chute panel and a right central chute panel. The front chute is comprised of a breakaway hitch that in turn is comprised of a left breakaway hitch section and a right breakaway hitch section. The left and right breakaway hitch sections are collapsed together to comprise the breakaway hitch used to connect to the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Robert L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8534231
    Abstract: An applicator has an outer body which holds a channeled insert which in turn channels teat disinfectant to the brushes by way of a annular reservoir contained within the periphery of the snap on top, the body of the apparatus is in turn connected to a squeezable bottle that acts as reservoir for the disinfectant supply and when squeezed delivers the disinfectant through the apparatus and onto the brushes. This apparatus and method of use therefor is concerned with the treatment of animal teats, especially although not necessarily exclusively in connection with a milking operation. The treatment involves the application of a disinfectant to the outer skin surfaces and in part to the teat orifice normally at the end of milking, although the invention can also be employed for a treatment as a preliminary step prior to milking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventors: Dennis Lee Hakes, Jean Ann Hakes
  • Patent number: 8534232
    Abstract: An animal chew for an animal, comprising a body having a first outer shape and comprising a first relatively less durable composition, the shape including an opening extending at least part way through the body; a holder having a second shape and comprising a second material, the second material comprising a relatively more durable polymer, the second shape including a shaft portion complementary in shape to the opening in the body to provide an interference fit. The relatively more durable composition of the holder is characterized as having one or more of a variety of features that characterize the more durable composition with respect to the chewing behavior of an animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Patent number: 8534233
    Abstract: A wearable apparatus for using a leash in a hands-free manner is provided. The apparatus includes a centrally positionable connection hub connectable to the leash, first and second straps structured to extend over a person shoulders, third and fourth straps structured to extend around a portion of a person's waist, and a back support connected to the first, second, third, and fourth straps. The first, second, third, and fourth straps are configured to removeably and releasably attach to the connection hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventors: Steven Han, Katherine J Kim