Patents Issued in September 24, 2013
  • Patent number: 8539676
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rolling bearing device for vehicles capable of detecting a change in magnetism with high accuracy. A rolling bearing device H for vehicles in accordance with the present invention includes a rolling bearing 13 having an inner ring 11, which is a rotating ring, and an outer ring 12, which is a fixed ring, and rolling elements 3 and 4 interposed between both of the races 11 and 12; a magnetized element 14; a magnetic sensor 15; and a cover 16. The cover 16 is formed by demagnetizing a nonmagnetic material having being pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshito Takada
  • Patent number: 8539677
    Abstract: A utility knife comprises a first housing portion carrying a strike plate and a second housing portion movable relative to the first housing portion between a closed position and an open position. The second housing portion carries a locking member. An overlapping locking mechanism locks the first housing portion to the second housing portion in a first direction when the first housing portion is moved relative to the second housing portion in a second direction. The locking member is movable between a first position in which it engages the strike plate to prevent the first housing from moving relative to the second housing in the first direction and a second position in which it does not engage the strike plate and allows the first housing to move relative to the second housing in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Ralf Strauss
  • Patent number: 8539678
    Abstract: A device for a motor driven tool such as a pole hedge trimmer, a pole saw or the like. The tool includes a drive unit that via a shaft tube is connected to a cutting unit. The cutting unit is turnably secured at the shaft tube by the device which is a turnable connection, wherein the cutting unit is movable between a range of at least two working positions and a transport position. The cutting unit is provided with one or several movable cutting elements and the tool is provided with locking structure for locking the movement of the cutting elements when the cutting unit is in the transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Husqvarna AB
    Inventors: Goran Dahlberg, Bengt Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 8539679
    Abstract: A pizza cutter that includes a handle, a cutting member support, and first and second disk members. The handle is configured for grasping by a user. The cutting member support extends from the handle. The first disk member is supported on the cutting member support. The second disk member is supported on the cutting member support. The first and second disk members may be arranged non-parallel relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Ty Caswell
  • Patent number: 8539680
    Abstract: A utility knife includes a first housing portion carrying one of a strike plate and a sliding nut assembly and a second housing portion carrying the other one of the strike plate and the sliding nut assembly. The sliding nut assembly includes a rotatable screw and a sliding nut. The sliding nut is movable between a first position where the sliding nut is positioned behind the strike plate and a second position where the sliding nut is positioned spaced from the strike plate. When the sliding nut is in the first position, the sliding nut engages the strike plate upon rotation of the screw to draw the first housing portion toward the second housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Ralf Strauss
  • Patent number: 8539681
    Abstract: A manually guided implement having an engine housing and a handle housing that are interconnected by anti-vibration elements. The handle housing is provided with a longitudinal support having, relative to a conventional operating position of the implement, a front end face that is disposed transverse to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal support. A securement end of a front tubular handle rests against and is secured to the front end face of the longitudinal support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co., KG
    Inventors: Gunter Stein, Eberhard Bohnaker, Wolfgang Weissert, Johannes Menzel
  • Patent number: 8539682
    Abstract: An easy to operate, extremely quiet, efficient can engagement and opening mechanism is provided for use in an opener for a can, and that provides a pair of missing teeth operating endpoints at opposite ends of its opener cycle, along with an eccentrically operating idler gear and cutter gear urging mechanism that produces a non-jamming foolproof mechanism that can be urged forward to a closed and operating position or reversed to a disengagement and non-operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Daka Research Inc. (British Virgin Islands Corporation)
    Inventors: Pat Y. Mah, Alexander Joshef Kalogroulis, Kwong Keung Tung, Michael Ng
  • Patent number: 8539683
    Abstract: An engraving device that forms a desired image via a plurality of engraved marks in a surface of an object via a working tool is presented. The engraving device includes a base comprising a retainer configured to retain the object, a X-direction displacement means located above the base, configured to displace the working tool along a X-axis along the surface of the object, a Y-direction displacement means located above the base, configured to displace the working tool along a Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis along the surface of the object, and a Z-direction displacement means located above the base, configured to displace the working tool along a Z-axis toward and away from the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Roland DG Corporation
    Inventor: Tsutomu Kuno
  • Patent number: 8539684
    Abstract: A hybrid wheel alignment system and methodology use passive targets for a first pair of wheels (e.g. front wheels) and active sensing heads for another pair of wheels (e.g. rear wheels). The active sensing heads combine image sensors for capturing images of the targets with at least one spatial relationship sensor for sensing a relationship between the active sensing heads. One or both of the active sensing heads may include inclinometers or the like, for sensing one or more tilt angles of the respective sensing head. Data from the active sensing heads may be sent to a host computer for processing to derive one or more vehicle measurements, for example, for measurement of parameters useful in wheel alignment applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven W. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8539685
    Abstract: A method of determining a position of a point in a local coordinate system using a survey instrument comprising an integrated optical total station and digital level includes measuring an angle associated with the point. The angle may be measured about a vertical axis of the survey instrument, and the vertical axis may be substantially aligned with a local gravity vector. The method also includes determining a distance between the survey instrument and the point using an electronic distance measuring device and measuring a difference in height between a horizontal axis of the survey instrument and the point using a leveling staff positioned relative to the point. The horizontal axis may be substantially orthogonal to the vertical axis. The method also includes determining the position of the point in the local coordinate system using the angle, the distance, and the difference in height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: TRIMBLE Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Miguel Amor
  • Patent number: 8539686
    Abstract: A leveling device having a sighting device that defines an alignment axis, an imaging system, spatially separated from the sighting device, having an imaging lens to which a lens primary plane is allocated and a detector having a recording surface lying in an image plane and an evaluation device that is connected to the detector. A visual field of the imaging system is defined by the imaging lens and the detector as the maximum angle range within which points can be registered by the imaging lens by means of the recording surface of the detector. The imaging lens and the detector are designed and arranged relative to one another and to a lens plane comprising the alignment axis such that all points of the lens plane within the visual field are simultaneously imaged in focus on the recording surface of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventor: Josef Lais
  • Patent number: 8539688
    Abstract: A ball cavity cube vial comprising a cube made of an at least translucent material, and having a sealed ball cavity in its center, said ball cavity being incompletely filled with a liquid medium such that a bubble is left inside of said ball cavity; and markings associated with said cube, said markings being calibrated to function as reference points for said bubble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Vernon K. Wing
  • Patent number: 8539689
    Abstract: A guide rail for a hand-held power tool includes at least two rail elements, which are to be joined together to form a common rail and which are held on one another by means of a releasable connecting device. The connecting device includes a joint device, by means of which the individual rails can be pivoted between a folded-together non-functioning position and a functioning position that lies in a common plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Aldo Di Nicolantonio, Andre Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 8539690
    Abstract: A wall mountable height measuring device to record development of height of a person comprises a board, a pair of vertical slits, at least one linear measurement scale, a horizontal frame and a leveling bar. The board includes a front surface, a rear surface, a left side and a right side. The pair of vertical slits is present at the left side and right side of the board. The horizontal frame can slide along the pair of slits. A middle portion of the horizontal frame includes a cut out. A housing present at the middle portion of the leveling bar is for holding the at least one date stamp. The at least one date stamp indicates the date at which the height measurement was taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Zohar Haykeen
  • Patent number: 8539691
    Abstract: An alignment device or jig that includes a level and a rule which is used for hanging wall supported items. The device includes locator blocks with locator pins for supporting the item and stud finder sensors for locating wall studs. The locator pins extend to protrude from the back side of the jig to allow a mark to be made into the hanging surface when the jig is pressed against the hanging surface. In the event that the item requires a stronger surface to hang onto due to excessive weight, a stud finder system can be utilized. In operation, one or more of picture frames to be mounted to a wall are hung on the device on one or more hangers. The hangers are slidingly spaced along the device scale for desired picture spacing. The device with the frames is placed against the wall and pressed to the wall, wherein the marking points mark the wall at the exact desired points where permanent hangers will be driven into the wall to support the one or more picture frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Roberto R. Daniel
  • Patent number: 8539692
    Abstract: A construction for a permeable liner within a modular shoe preserver system having interchangeable components. The preserver adapted to snugly fit within a shoe including a permeable covering, a permeable liner and an absorbing material. The permeable liner is disposed within the permeable covering. The permeable liner is constructed from an expandable material having a closed heel end and an open toe end adapted to receive an absorbent material. In construction, the open toe end of the permeable liner is folded various times before it is closed to define a forefoot end having a material mass substantially thicker and wider than the remainder of the permeable liner that resembles that of a forefoot. The absorbing material is disposed within the permeable liner to withdraw moisture from an interior surface area of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Michael James Huebner
  • Patent number: 8539693
    Abstract: A brake assembly for reducing the rotational velocity the spinning basket of a food spinning device applies a frictional force to an annular ridge on the lid of the spinning basket. A brake button movably disposed in a cover of the spinning device includes flexible pinching arms having cam surfaces. The cam surfaces of the flexible pinching arms extend through a guide aperture, thereby causing the pinching arms to flex toward each other when the brake button is depressed and to apply the frictional engagement to the annular ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Marco Perry, Mark Prommel, David Block
  • Patent number: 8539694
    Abstract: A clothes treatment apparatus is disclosed. The clothes treatment apparatus includes a cabinet comprising an accommodating space formed therein to accommodate clothes, an air supply device configured to supply air or heated air to the accommodating space, a duct configured to guide the air or the heated air supplied by the air supply device toward the accommodating space, the duct comprising a communication part configured to draw external air into the accommodating space and a circulation fan configured to flow air along the duct, wherein the communication part is located in a rear portion of the circulation fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jung Wook Moon, Sog Kie Hong, Dong Won Kim, Seung Gyu Ryu, Hye Yong Park, Chang Gyu Choi, Dae Yun Park, Jong Seok Kim
  • Patent number: 8539695
    Abstract: A footwear device for releaseably receiving footwear that has an upper surface, a sole, and a heel. The footwear device includes a sole having an upper surface and a ground-engaging surface, a forefoot support member extending from the sole to form a first loop, a heel support member extending from at least one of the sole and the forefoot support member to form a second loop. When footwear is inserted into the footwear device, the forefoot support member overlaps at least a portion of the upper surface of the footwear, the heel support member overlaps at least a portion of the heel of the footwear, and the sole of the footwear device substantially covers the sole of the footwear to protect the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Greg Gemmen
  • Patent number: 8539696
    Abstract: A differential-stiffness impact-attenuation member includes at least one spring element. The spring element has dimensions in height, length and width directions. The height dimension extends from a top surface to a bottom surface. The length dimension extends from a front end to a back end. At least one of the top and bottom surfaces is adapted for mounting. The impact-attenuation member has a first stiffness characteristic in the height direction at the front end of the spring element and a second stiffness characteristic in the height direction at the back end of the spring element. The spring element may define a cavity. A tension element may engage the spring element and be located at least partially within the cavity. The impact-attenuation member may engage at least one of a foot-covering member, a foot-supporting member and a surface-contacting member associated with a foot-receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Pamela S. Greene
  • Patent number: 8539697
    Abstract: A suspension heel is provided for use with footwear, such as high heeled shoes, to provide cushioning to the wearer. The suspension heel includes a heel shaft connected to the shoe sole and a compliant heel plug attached to the heel shaft. The shaft includes a cavity or other receptacle for receiving the compliant heel plug. The suspension heel provides cushioning as well as stability for the wearer of the footwear, while maintaining aesthetic style. A relief detail formed by the compliant heel plug and the shaft provides compliance by compressing when a force is applied. For instance, as a person walks in the shoe, ground contact applies a force to the suspension heel. The relief detail deforms or compresses in response to the force, attenuating it and providing cushioning to the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: TBL Licensing LLC
    Inventors: John Healy, Peter Dillon, Christopher Adam
  • Patent number: 8539698
    Abstract: A footwear traction device is disclosed that enhances regular or slip-resistant shoes during a slip-in-progress. The traction device includes an adhesive layer embedded with microscopic friction additives, natural or engineered, and partially covered with an epoxy resin in a design that pierces and grips the microscopic roughness of a surface and any contaminants thereon, providing emergency traction during a slip. The footwear traction device provides more than one opportunity to recover from a slip and regain traction. In the event that a fall is unavoidable, the footwear traction device provides a first and a second push back force, spreading the force of the fall over a larger area, minimizing the absolute force of the fall and providing a safer trajectory during the fall. The slip recovery method and system of the present invention offers an economical solution that reduces the financial and human toll caused by slip-and-fall accidents and deaths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Michael J. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 8539699
    Abstract: A modular system for connecting attachments to the extension arm of a construction machine, wherein each module has a standardized coupling arrangement. As a result, each module is compatible with another module to provide great versatility in configuring the machine. Additionally, the system includes a variety of different modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: John R. Ramun
  • Patent number: 8539700
    Abstract: An iron including a storage means to removably stow a funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Russell Hobbs Limited
    Inventor: Simon Saba
  • Patent number: 8539701
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a cylindrical casing which is rotatably driven; and a plurality of curve-arranged displays which are installed inside the casing and have the same number as a plurality of slits formed in the casing, wherein the curve-arranged displays include a light housing which is an approximately semi-cylindrical column having a hollow structure, and a plurality of display device substrates installed on an arc-shaped side surface of the approximately semi-cylindrical column of the light housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Izushi Kobayashi, Katsuhisa Ito, Hiroki Kikuchi, Yukitoyo Ohshima
  • Patent number: 8539702
    Abstract: A light source comprises a blue emitting LED operable to generate blue excitation light and a light emitting surface comprising a light transmissive substrate and a phosphor. The LED is configured to irradiate the light emitting surface with excitation light such that the phosphor emits light of a second wavelength and wherein light emitted by the source comprises a combination of blue light from the LED and the second wavelength light from the phosphor. The light emitting surface is interchangeable thereby enabling the source to generate different selected colors of light using the same LED. The phosphor can be provided as a layer on the substrate or incorporated within the light transmissive substrate. The light emitting surface can be configured as a waveguide or as a light transmissive window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Intematix Corporation
    Inventors: Yi-Qun Li, Yi Dong, James Caruso, Charles Edwards
  • Patent number: 8539703
    Abstract: An advertising display has support structures that attach to a pole. One or more advertising panels are mounted on the support structures to form an advertising display. The display may have the form of a cylinder, a triangle, a rectangle, an oval or other shapes. The display may optionally be tapered. The support structures may have a variety of score lines, at which the support may be folded as appropriate for the particular diameter of the pole. The panels may be secured to the supports by way of clips or other mechanical fasteners. Double-sided adhesive may be employed to secure ends of the panels, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Vincent M. DeMarco
  • Patent number: 8539704
    Abstract: A linerless, preferably price reduction, continuous label which easily separates a price reduction indication region (11) and a bar-code cover-up region (12) of a single piece label (10) from a bar-code cover-up piece. There is a bar-code cover-up region (12). There are different separation strengths of the perforations including a first notch (15) and a second notch (16) of a price reduction region (11) that is capable of indicating price reduction information of an original price of a merchandise and a bar-code cover-up region (12) capable of covering-up the bar-code relating to the price information of the original price. A region separation line (13) is configured or a first perforation including a first notch (15) formed widthwise laterally inwardly from both lateral end portions of the label base member, and a unit joining line (14) configured of a second perforation including a second notch (16) formed widthwise laterally inwardly from both lateral end portions of the label base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Sato Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoru Honda, Mitsutaka Hanyuu, Masashi Kosuda
  • Patent number: 8539705
    Abstract: A computing device with a keyboard and display is configurable to fold from a compact and protective pocket sized closed configuration to other computing configurations. An embodiment of the device includes dispersed or interspersed hinge mechanisms to enable a cross folding mechanism to configure the device to multiple configurations using only simple hinges. An embodiment of the device further unfolds to a fully flat configuration supported by interspersed feet. Keys of reduced aspect ratio can reduce the footprint of a folded device without reducing the key's sideways spacing. A rotating input pad can supplement the keyboard input without increasing the footprint of the folded pocked sized configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Edward Bullister
  • Patent number: 8539706
    Abstract: A frame is adapted to be held by a user. A barrel is coupled to the base. A slide is slidably received on the barrel and adapted for rearward movement in response to firing. A full-time spring is operable for abating recoil during the entire rearward movement of the slide including primary and secondary portions of the rearward movement. A recoil reducer includes a part-time spring. The part-time spring is operable for abating recoil during the primary portion of the rearward movement. The recoil reducer also includes an engager. The engager is operable in response to movement of the slide between the primary and secondary portions of the rearward movement to terminate operation of the part-time spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas J. Vieweg, Virgil Tripp
  • Patent number: 8539707
    Abstract: A pistol having a device to prevent ejector over-rotation is provided. The pistol includes a frame having an upper rear portion having a left side wall and a right side wall. An ejector has a first end, a second end and a pivot point. The first end has a cam surface for ejection of a spent case. The second end contacts an over-rotation stop. A sear spring is adjacent to the upper rear portion and has a cantilevered spring leg disposed adjacent to the second end of the ejector to rotably bias the ejector downward such that the first end of the ejector pivots upward. A stop is disposed between said left and right side walls to engage the second end of the ejector to limit rotational travel past the spring leg of the sear spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Kimber IP, LLC
    Inventor: Lucio Di Trolio
  • Patent number: 8539708
    Abstract: A barrel mounting and retention device for attaching a barrel to a receiver of a firearm. The barrel mounting and retention device can include a barrel extension disposed at a proximal end of the barrel, with an annular collar extending from the barrel extension and defining a first clamp face. A mounting plate having a second clamp face and defining a first axial bore fits over the barrel of the firearm with the barrel extending through the first axial bore. At least a portion of the second clamp face abuts a portion of the first clamp face as the mounting plate is secured to the barrel extension for mounting and retaining the barrel in communication with the receiver of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: RA Brands, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Kenney, James W. Ronkainen, David O. Matteson, Luke T. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8539709
    Abstract: A gun rest for releasably attaching to the lower leg of a hunter. The rest is comprised of a lower leg support having upper and lower ends and formed to fit along the side of a leg. The leg support defines an inner leg contact surface and an outer surface. Attached to the outer surface is a telescoping member adjustable for height with an upper end that is attached to a gun support rest or bracket. The lower leg support is releasably attached to the lower leg of a hunter between the knee and the ankle, preferably by releasable straps. It may therefore be carried as the hunter moves about the fields, and when the hunter sits, for example on a deer stand, the rest may be telescoped up for use to create a steady aim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Ottr Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy L. Otto
  • Patent number: 8539710
    Abstract: The Retractable Hook Set consist of a trigger attached to a string or ribbon that retracts back into the hook set shell or pole holder for tangle free storage. The string or ribbon is adjustable by the use of a spring loaded spool and button which allows it to adapt to most pole lengths. This also allows the tension of the pole to be set, which changes the power at which the hook is set. The hook sets molded shell is designed to have a clamp attached. The clamp allows the hook to be attached to the pole or most pole holders. The trigger holds and releases the tension of the pole which hooks the fish. The hook set is adaptable to all fishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce Mark Johnson
  • Patent number: 8539711
    Abstract: A fishing lure retrieving device is disclosed. Versions of the invention utilize a body with a cavity and handle, a sleeve movably connected to the body, a cutter and closing line. Optional telescoping handle(s), magnet(s), closing fastener(s), sleeve end cap(s) and/or body end cap(s) may also be used with versions of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Chad Taras Leuckel
  • Patent number: 8539712
    Abstract: A maple syrup production spout assembly (10) with a backflow check valve (79) is disclosed. The spout assembly is designed for use with vacuum-based maple syrup productions systems (200) and is used to prevent the backflow of sap (270) into the maple tree (100) and thus prevent the drying out of the taphole (110) due to microbial contamination. Certain existing maple production spout assemblies can be retrofitted to form the backflow check valve spout assembly disclosed herein. Methods of using the spout assembly in maple syrup production are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
    Inventor: Timothy D. Perkins
  • Patent number: 8539713
    Abstract: A method is provided for removing tissue samples from seeds. The method generally includes orienting the seeds in a desired orientation and removing tissue samples from the oriented seeds. The method may also include orienting the seeds in the desired orientation using an actuator, where the actuator is configured to position the seed in a desired orientation. In addition, the method may include orienting the seeds together in a seed transport and removing tissue samples from the oriented seeds while the oriented seeds are in the seed transport. Further, various operations of the method may be automated as desired, for example, to permit greater sampling throughput than was previously practical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Deppermann, Jennifer Listello, Phillip Rahn, Angela Koestel
  • Patent number: 8539714
    Abstract: A gate operator system featuring board display attachment for a lift-gate at the vehicle access control point. The system features board display attached to the lift-gate, which moves in a synchronous motion with the lift gate. At least 3 hooks are placed at an appropriate distance according to the situation where the advertisement boards attach. The attachment takes place by threading the hooks through the perforations located at the top and center of the advertisement boards and locking them in place while allowing them free movement within a 90 degree range. The hooks are placed at different intervals (distances) from the operating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Jose Muñoz-Cruzado Sánchez
  • Patent number: 8539715
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of pet doors, particularly selective entry pet doors based on detection of RFID tags. An RFID pet door, the pet door comprising: an RFID reader to read an RFID tag on a pet; and a lock coupled to said RFID reader to control access through said pet door in response to an RFID signal from said tag; wherein said RFID reader has two modes, a first operational mode and a second, reduced power mode, and wherein said pet door further comprises: a pet proximity detector coupled to said RFID reader to identify when a pet is proximate said pet door and to control said RFID reader responsive to said identification such that when said pet is proximate said RFID is in said operational mode and such that said RFID reader is otherwise in said reduced power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Nicholas Patrick Roland Hill
  • Patent number: 8539716
    Abstract: A tilt-up door for a building having an opening including a door frame with vertical track members, cam surfaces extending laterally from the vertical tracks at the upper portion of the tracks and a door sized to span the opening. The door can be pivotally coupled with rollers disposed within the vertical tracks and cam followers extending laterally from the upper portion of the door to contact the cam surfaces. When an upwardly directed motive force acts on the door the cam followers come into engagement with the cam surface to lift the door generally vertically and then rotate the door inwardly as the door is raised into an open raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: HP Doors, LLC
    Inventor: Roland W. Betker
  • Patent number: 8539717
    Abstract: A combined active sealing system for connecting a panel to a frame of a door/window comprises a plurality of active sealing systems, a seal activation system, and an electronic control system. Each of the plurality of active sealing systems includes an anchor for engaging one of the panel and the frame, and an actuator connected to the anchor and for driving the anchor. In a closed position of the panel relative to the frame, the anchor is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The seal activation system is connected to at least one of the actuators of the plurality of active sealing systems. The electronic control system controls the seal activation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Secura-Seal Technologies LLC
    Inventors: W. Kip Speyer, Jonathan D. Thielmann, Mark O. Gerwig
  • Patent number: 8539718
    Abstract: A rain catch is disclosed that collects and diverts rainwater from the perimeter of a retractable awning having an awning canopy that is tilted so as to have a lowest corner. The rain catch has a body that includes a body cavity and an awning beam collar, the body cavity having an opening that receives rainwater flowing off the lowest corner of the awning canopy. The awning beam collar is attached to the awning beam of the retractable awning at the lowest corner of the canopy. The rain catch is attached to the awning beam such that the opening of the collector body cavity is disposed in a space between the edge of the awning canopy and a bracing member at the lowest corner of the awning. The rain catch can include an extended downspout coupled to the downspout port to direct received rainwater away from the retractable awning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Tom Ziegler
  • Patent number: 8539719
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Mainstream Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Greg McPheeters, Chris Oestreich, Ethan Miller
  • Patent number: 8539720
    Abstract: A method and a wall element for repairing a wall structure comprising at least an inner metal sheet, an outer metal sheet and an insulator layer between the inner and outer metal sheets. The method comprises at least the following steps: (i) removing the inner metal sheet in such a way that installation frames formed on the inner metal sheet are left in the wall structure, (ii) removing the insulator layer from a place where the inner metal sheet has been removed, (iii) installing a wall element comprising a metal sheet and an insulator layer attached to the metal sheet in the place of the removed wall structure in such a way that the edges of the metal sheet of the wall element are placed overlappingly with the installation frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Almaco Group Oy
    Inventor: Riku Petteri Ruusu
  • Patent number: 8539721
    Abstract: The invention concerns the field of a lightweight building structure produced by using a mortar containing foamed polystyrene and cement and a method for the production thereof. It includes at least one layer of prefabricated foam concrete panel affixed to a reinforcing frame structure wherein interspaces between elements of the reinforcing frame structure are at least partially filled with a mortar providing a first surface contacting the foam concrete panel. The mortar includes granules of 0.5-10 mm size produced by grinding a pressed foamed concrete that has been allowed to mature, 50-200 kg of unbound, anhydrous cement, and 150-300 liters of water added before application per one cubic meter of ground material, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Istvan Antal
  • Patent number: 8539722
    Abstract: A roof water dispersal system includes a plurality of longitudinally extending dispersal elements mounted near the edge of a roof structure for receiving and dispersing streams of roof run-off water. The dispersal elements are spaced apart from each other and assembled into a unit to receive streams of roof run-off water, and to disperse the run-off water into droplets or mist to eliminate the erosive effect on the terrain beneath the roof structure which is generally associated with conventional rain gutters. The unit is movable in an upward direction relative to the mounting surface into a retracted storage position, and is vertically movable relative to the roof edge for adjusting the distance between the roof edge and the dispersal elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Erwine T. Buckenmaier
  • Patent number: 8539723
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly comprising a cylinder sealed by an upper head and a lower head and carrying a piston which divides the hydraulic cylinder assembly into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A load is connected to the piston and urges it toward the lower head. A conduit connects a reversible hydraulic pump assembly in fluid flow communication with a pressurized supply of hydraulic fluid and the lower chamber for counterbalancing the load. A control system is operably associated with the reversible hydraulic pump assembly to cause hydraulic fluid to flow back and forth between the lower chamber of the hydraulic cylinder assembly and the pressurized supply of hydraulic fluid. A system is also provided to counteract leakage in the pump by adding hydraulic fluid makeup on an as needed and controlled basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Downhole Water Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Ramsey, Michael L. Finley
  • Patent number: 8539724
    Abstract: Electrical power is generated from solar and wind sources thus reducing the need for fuel oil at military forward operating bases and main operating bases. A wind turbine and a solar cell panel are connected to a battery bank. Both the turbine and the solar cells are stored in two standard military shipping containers. When transported to the desired location, these sub-systems are easily set up for operation. The entire apparatus may be disassembled for re-transport and use at another location. Necessary container modifications to connect the system for use are made in such a way as not to alter the container's outside envelope, thus enabling normal transport of the container without damage to the modifications. Each of the solar cells have discs attached so that the solar panel can be assembled in the field by sliding each disc into a mounting channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Milspray, LLC
    Inventors: Todd J. Bullivant, Steven A. Lew, Kyle J Tierney
  • Patent number: 8539725
    Abstract: Architectural glass panels for use in a wide variety of building wall systems, such as curtain walls and storefronts, which have improved resistance to damage from earthquake and/or other loads that could cause horizontal racking movements of architectural glass panels within their glazing frames are disclosed. Embodiments include various types of architectural glass panels that have material removed at panel corners and are fabricated with smooth edge contours in the corner regions. A preferred embodiment includes various types of architectural glass panels that have rounded corners with or without finished edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ali M. Memari, Paul A. Kremer, Richard A. Behr
  • Patent number: 8539726
    Abstract: An expansion joint system of a concrete slab arrangement, comprising an expansion joint reinforcement to be arranged between a first and a second concrete slab, the expansion joint reinforcement comprising at least one lo-cal or continuous dowel which is arranged to transfer loads perpendicular to the slab plane. The expansion joint reinforcement comprises an additional reinforcement comprising at least one clenching pin and to be arranged in the vicinity of the dowel in concrete, the additional reinforcement being arranged to adhere to the concrete above and below the dowel by means of a widening forming the clench point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Peikko Group Oy
    Inventors: Topi Laiho, Trent W. Davis