Patents Issued in March 11, 2014
  • Patent number: 8668134
    Abstract: Provided is a fare box which enables passengers to smoothly pay fares using bills without hesitation even when a bill transportation passage is disabled due to jamming of a bill or a breakdown. Two entrances, which are a bill normal receiving opening and a bill backup receiving opening, are provided as bill receiving openings of the fare box. Either of the bill normal receiving opening and the bill backup receiving opening is allowed to be selectively opened by a shutter member. At normal times, the bill normal receiving opening is put into operation with the shutter member positioned at a normal position. When a bill normal transportation passage has become jammed with a bill, the shutter member is shifted from the normal position to a bypass position on the basis of an operation performed on a bill receiving opening switch lever, whereby the bill backup receiving opening is opened instead of the bill normal receiving opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Lecip Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Kimoto, Yasuhiro Suzuki, Takashi Matsuno
  • Patent number: 8668135
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for requesting configuration of a terminal connected to a subscriber card that contains at least one application. The terminal is adapted to receive via a second communications interface a response to a request including configuration information of the terminal, to act for at least one application of the subscriber card to determine whether an interface application associated with the at least one application is or is not present in the terminal. The terminal is adapted to send via a first telecommunications interface at least one command for downloading the interface application, if the interface application not present. A configuration method and apparatus are also provided for sending configuration information in response to a request, to receive at least one download command and to transmit it to a remote server, and to update the configuration information, after downloading the interface application specified in the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: France Telecom
    Inventors: Remi Raffard, Laurent Fourreau
  • Patent number: 8668136
    Abstract: A method includes acquiring imaging data of a scene using an imaging tool. The method also includes extracting radio frequency identification (RFID) data stored in an RFID tag associated with the scene. The method further includes associating the RFID data with the imaging data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Brian Ahern, Bernd Schoner
  • Patent number: 8668137
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for communicating encoded information using barcodes. Symbologies that permit linking of two or more barcodes may be used to create animated linked barcodes, in which successive barcodes in the series that encodes a string of information are displayed within a display area of a dynamic medium. Barcode animations may be displayed in webpages, television broadcasts, video media, favicons, etc. An optical layer such as a lenticular lens may be used to affect display of different barcodes at different viewing angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Barcode Graphics Inc.
    Inventor: John Herzig
  • Patent number: 8668138
    Abstract: A method of inputting medical information comprises the step of printing a two-dimensional barcode from a first system, wherein the two-dimensional barcode comprises embedded data to input into a second system and wherein the data is separated by embedded key strokes that emulate entry of data into a user interface associated with the second system. The method further includes the steps of scanning the two-dimensional barcode utilizing a scanner associated with the second system and entering the embedded data into the user interface of the second system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Lattice Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian K. Schwarz, Raymond J. Bender
  • Patent number: 8668139
    Abstract: A technology for providing a service based on an electronic tag. A personalized service provider issues a new code that replaces a code recorded on an electronic tag which is attached to a product purchased by a purchaser, sets a privacy policy of the purchaser, authenticates the new code and purchaser information, and provides a service associated with the product in a limited manner according to the set privacy policy when a person who accesses the personalized service provider is not the purchaser of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Sang-Keun Yoo, Jun-Seob Lee, Yong-Woon Kim, Hyoung-Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 8668140
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transformation system for at least one component of a single or multi-component nutritional substance. The transformation system obtains information regarding the nutritional substance to be transformed, the desired transformation, and the desired properties, including nutritional content, of the transformed nutritional substance, and dynamically modifies the transformation in response to this information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Eugenio Minvielle
  • Patent number: 8668141
    Abstract: A customer's mobile device comprises a camera and a processor. The camera is used to scan a two-dimensional barcode which has encoded within it transaction details and ancillary information relating to purchases made by a customer in their receipted transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Smith, Nathaniel Christopher Herwig
  • Patent number: 8668142
    Abstract: An automatic dealing machine comprises a casing configured for storing a chip handling unit for handling chips, and a banknote handling unit for handling banknotes. The chip handling unit includes a chip insertion port through which chips are received from the exterior of the casing, a chip determination portion for determining the kind of each chip, and a chip calculation portion for calculating the number of the chips, of each kind, as determined by the chip determination portion and the total amount of money. A control unit controls the operation of the dealing machine, such that banknotes of an amount of money corresponding to the total amount of the chips calculated by the chip calculation portion are disbursed into the banknote disbursement port when the chips are inserted through the chip insertion port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Obi, Hajime Morino
  • Patent number: 8668143
    Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. Gift cards may be inputted by a user into such a payment card or other device such that a user can combine gift cards. Similarly, a user be provided with a global payment account that can be utilized in multiple countries that have different standards for formatting data. A user may be provided with a default country (e.g., United States) but may have a way to select that the user is in a different country (e.g., Japan). Accordingly, a user may select that a Japanese data structure be transmitted through a magnetic stripe reader when the user is in Japan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Dynamics Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Mullen, David Lambeth, Bruce Cloutier
  • Patent number: 8668144
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods that operate to customize content or other information indicated by symbolic marks (such as, for example, QR codes and other types of barcodes).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nick Evevsky
  • Patent number: 8668145
    Abstract: An automatic identification system for communicating identifying information by coupling signals through the human body is provided. The system includes a battery powered identification device that transmits an identifying signal via a modulated carrier. The identification device is coupled to the body of the user via a coupling plate. The signal from the identification device is received by a reading device that is also coupled to the body of the user via a coupling plate. The reading device may display and/or enunciates the identifying information to the user. The coupling technique, carrier frequency, and construction of the devices are such that the identification information is not inadvertently radiated or coupled to unintentional users or receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Technology Innovators Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Tessier
  • Patent number: 8668146
    Abstract: An entity establishes a non-negotiable credit account for a member of the loyalty program. The member of the loyalty program is provided with a payment artifact. Non-negotiable credits are added to the account in response to the payment artifact being used for purchases of goods or services. Quantities of the non-negotiable credits are redeemable for member selected goods or services per terms-of-use of the loyalty program. A subset of the non-negotiable credits are convertible to entity independent funds of a different loyalty program of a commerce partner. The entity independent funds are redeemable for commerce partner goods or commerce partner services of the different loyalty program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Sean I. McGhie, Brian K. Buchheit
  • Patent number: 8668147
    Abstract: The present invention is a headset holder coupled with indicia of stored value. The indicia of stored value may be printed or painted on, or otherwise permanently coupled to, the holder itself, or may be included in a stored value or gift card that is attached to the holder. The headset holder and the stored value card may be constructed from a single sheet of plastic; in such embodiments, separation of the stored value card from the headset holder may be supported by a scoreline in the plastic material. The headset holder may have a spool and two grips. One grip may be configured to secure earphones and the other grip may be configured to secure a jack of the headset. The spool may be configured for winding headset wire. The holder may be configured to hold primarily an earbud headset. The grips may extend or protrude from a central portion, or body of the holder. The spool may also extend from the body. The holder may display an image, such as the image of a creature or plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: BBY Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim Jackson
  • Patent number: 8668148
    Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a chip tray for storing casino currency. By way of example, one chip tray is a dual chip tray having a lower housing assembly having an interior configured for receiving at least one removable chip tray for holding gaming currency. A top tray sub assembly is hinged relative to the lower housing assembly to pivot between a closed position and an open position. A chip tray lid is provided to cover the lower housing assembly in a covered position. In another example, RFID antennas are positioned within the lower housing assembly and the top tray sub assembly. The RFID antennas are configured to read and communicate with RFID-enabled gaming currency in the lower housing assembly and the top tray sub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Gaming Partners International Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory S. Gronau, Emmanuel Gelinotte, Francisco Javier Moreno, Justin Woodard
  • Patent number: 8668149
    Abstract: Misreads in decodable indicia by terminals such as bar code scanners (e.g., laser, image sensors) can occur. Solutions can include increasing redundancy or screening out erroneous data. Embodiments of screening error reduction circuits, terminals, and/or methods for processing decodable indicia data are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Good
  • Patent number: 8668150
    Abstract: This disclosure defines systems, methods and apparatus for scanning in a distribution environment. In one aspect a method is disclosed for expanding a field of view of a camera. The method may include moving a mirror according to a determined pattern of movement and speed and capturing a series of images with a camera while the mirror is moving such that the field of view defining images captured by the camera changes based on the position of the mirror. The method may further include using image data from the series of images to process information located on a target item being imaged. In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed including a selectively movable mirror positioned relative to an image capture device. A controller is configured to capture an image while the mirror is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Scott R. Bombaugh, John M. Dunlop
  • Patent number: 8668151
    Abstract: A wireless IC device improves radiation characteristics or directivity of signals and reliably communicates with a reader/writer. The wireless IC device includes an electromagnetically coupled module includes a wireless IC device and a feed circuit substrate, a protective layer, a first radiation plate, and a second radiation plate. The feed circuit substrate includes a feed circuit including inductance elements. The feed circuit is electrically connected to the wireless IC chip and coupled to the radiation plates. Signals received by the radiation plates are provided to the wireless IC chip via the feed circuit. Signals from the wireless IC chip are provided to the radiation plates via the feed circuit and then radiated to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Kato, Satoshi Ishino
  • Patent number: 8668152
    Abstract: A rail securing system comprising at least one angle guide plate allows a perfect retention of the tension clamp in its pre-assembly position and facilitates final assembly. The angle guide plate has recess, which is designed as a seat for a free end section of a spring arm of a tension clamp to be mounted on the angle guide plate, wherein the recess engages around the end section by less than half of its circumference. The transition between the recess and the section of the angle guide plate which follows on from the recess in the direction of the rail is formed such as to be free of any abrupt change, so that the tension clamp can be pushed in a simple manner on the angle guide plate into its assembly position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Vossloh-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Winfried Bösterling, Lutz Rademacher
  • Patent number: 8668153
    Abstract: A spray nozzle includes an orifice disposed on a substantially planar discharge surface. An impingement surface is disposed opposite the orifice, the impingement surface forming an angle with a centerline of the orifice. A deflection ridge bridges a gap between the impingement surface and the discharge surface. Adjacent the deflection ridge is a further trough which extends into the impingement surface. The nozzle includes a fluid fitting adapted for providing a pressurized fluid to the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: UDOR U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Les Johnson
  • Patent number: 8668154
    Abstract: A riding lawn mower mounted drop spreader apparatus is used for spreading a granular material while mowing. The spreader includes a hopper for holding a quantity of a granular material to be dispensed with a control gate which controls the amount of material distributed while mowing. An auger located in the hopper has a drive motor which can also be controlled by an operator of the mower. The hopper has a mounting frame for mounting the hopper and agitator mechanism on a rear chassis region of the lawn mower. An operator can visually observe the amount of material distributed by observing the mowed path behind the mower during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Harold O'Daniel
  • Patent number: 8668155
    Abstract: A high pressure rotary nozzle having a rotating shaft operating within a fixed housing wherein the of axial force which acts upon the shaft due to the fluid pressure at the shaft inlet is balanced by allowing passage of a small amount of the pressurized fluid to be bled to an area or chamber between the outside of the opposite end of the shaft and the inside of the housing where the fluid pressure can act axially in an opposing direction upon the shaft to balance the axial inlet force. The balance of axial forces is self-regulating by controlling escape of the fluid through a tapered or frusto-conical region between the shaft and housing. This further provides a fluid bearing between the two surfaces and allows use of interchangeable rotating jet heads having jet orifices which can be oriented in virtually any desirable configuration including axially forward of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Stoneage, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas E. Wright
  • Patent number: 8668156
    Abstract: A direct injection injector for an engine includes a body forming the outer structure and having a space therein, a needle inserted to slide linearly in the body and having a hole therein forming a fuel channel, and a cylinder nozzle fitted on needle to communicate with hole and having a nozzle hole for injecting fuel, such that it is possible to prevent caulking in which the nozzle of the injector is clogged with soot while injecting fuel at relatively low pressure, change the spray type of the injected engine in various shapes, and sufficiently decrease the size of droplet of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Juhun Lee, Jinkook Kong, Youngnam Kim, Bumyong Park
  • Patent number: 8668157
    Abstract: A layer (71), made from a material that is attracted by a magnet, is formed in at least part of a chamber component (70), which at least part makes in contact with a film forming material. A method for collecting a film forming material includes the steps of: (a) exfoliating an attachment (22) which has attached to a surface of the chamber component (70); and (b) collecting the attachment (22) by separating a fragment of the layer (71), which fragment has been exfoliated in the step (a), while causing the fragment to be attracted by a magnet (202a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tohru Sonoda, Shinichi Kawato, Satoshi Inoue, Satoshi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8668158
    Abstract: A horizontal shaft impact crusher, including a crusher housing having an inlet for material to be crushed and an outlet for material that has been crushed. An impeller is mounted on a horizontal shaft in the crusher housing and is operative for rotating around a horizontal axis. Material to be crushed is accelerated by the impeller against a curtain. An adjustment device is provided for adjusting the position of the curtain relative to the impeller. The crusher housing includes at least two guide rails to which the adjustment device is slidably connected. A retaining device is arranged to hold, with a predetermined holding force, the adjustment device in a crusher operation position relative to the guide rails. The adjustment device is movable along the guide rails from the crusher operation position and away from the impeller in response to an excessive force being transferred from the curtain to the adjustment device and exceeding the predetermined holding force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventors: Rowan Dallimore, Knut Kjaerran, Andreas Forsberg
  • Patent number: 8668159
    Abstract: A web, such as a tissue or nonwoven web. Perforation lines in the web define sheets. The web is folded before being rolled or stacked, such that the intersection of the perforation lines and the folding line provides reliable dispensing. The web in roll or stack form, a method for forming the web, and a dispenser adapted for dispensing the web are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Kaveh Tondkar, Lars Fingal, Mikael Strandqvist, Susanne Gungner
  • Patent number: 8668160
    Abstract: A cable organizer in accordance with the present invention has a top seat, a separating plate and a base plate. The top seat has two plug slots, a winder and a longitudinal slot. The separating plate is mounted to a bottom of the winder and has a slit corresponding to and communicating with the longitudinal slot. The base plate is detachably mounted to a lower portion of the separating plate and has a spindle having a top mounted in the slit of the separating plate. The present invention also relates to an electronic appliance with the cable organizer. The electronic appliance has two sliding slots to which the base are slidably mounted, wherein the base plate has a mounting slot and the electronic appliance has a positioning bead selectively protruding from the side of the electronic appliance and detachably inserted in the mounting slot of the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sky Tech Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Chin-Hung Cheng
  • Patent number: 8668161
    Abstract: An illustrative airship system for long endurance stratospheric operations includes an upper airship and a first end of a tether attached to the upper airship. A lower airship is attached to a second end of the tether and a payload airship is reversibly mated to the lower airship. The airship system is free flying and configured to maintain long duration station keeping. Illustrative methods for long endurance stratospheric operations are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Stratospheric Airships, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Heppe
  • Patent number: 8668162
    Abstract: A method for equalizing rolling moments at high advance ratios is disclosed including impelling an aircraft in a forward direction at an airspeed by means of a thrust source and rotating a rotor of the aircraft at an angular velocity with respect to the airspeed effective to cause a positive total lift on each blade due to air flow over the blades in the retreating direction when the blade is moving in the retreating direction. The rotor includes an even number of blades placed at equal angular intervals around the rotor hub. One or both of cyclic pitch and rotor angle of attack are adjusted such that a rolling moment of the retreating blade due to reverse air flow is between 0.3 and 0.7 times a rolling moment on the advancing blade due to lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Gerd Oskar Sonneborn
  • Patent number: 8668163
    Abstract: A steering system for aircraft landing gear can be used, for example, for controlling one or more axles of a bogie style landing gear system, such as, but not limited to, a six-wheel bogie style landing gear system. The steering system includes a rack having a plurality of rack teeth. An actuator is operatively connected to move the rack in a linear direction. A pinion has a plurality of pinion teeth in meshing engagement with the rack teeth. The pinion includes a pinion body extending between the pinion teeth and a pinion pivot that is spaced apart from the pinion teeth. The actuator, rack, and pinion are configured and adapted so that linear motion of the rack imparted by the actuator results in rotation of the pinion about the pinion pivot for steering landing gear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: David N. Colantonio, Derek C. Milsom
  • Patent number: 8668164
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for reducing the drag caused by a complex-section part in an airflow, for example the landing gear of an aircraft, making it possible to optimize the lift/drag ratio and to reduce the aerodynamic noise by reducing the local noise source. To do so, the complex-section part is masked with a special casing. More specifically, the aero-acoustically optimized complex-section metal mechanical part is fitted with an aerodynamically shaped cover made of several longitudinal parts articulated with hinges to facilitate their installation. This cover is attached to at least two supports placed away from one another along the axis of the part, each support locally mating with the section of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventor: Christelle Seror Goguet
  • Patent number: 8668165
    Abstract: A wheel drive system for an aircraft that features at least one electric motor and at least one fuel cell as energy source for the electric motor, wherein the electric motor is coupleable to at least one wheel of at least one landing gear of the aircraft. The wheel drive system reduces the fuel consumption and lowers the emission of CO2 and pollutants—primarily carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons. Persons, vehicles and other aircraft furthermore are not endangered by a jet blast while the aircraft is taxiing because the main engines do not have to be started until the take-off and landing strip is reached. The operation of the wheel drive system furthermore leads to a reduced noise pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Rötger, Hans-Jürgen Heinrich, Jens-Dietrich Kurre
  • Patent number: 8668166
    Abstract: A multilayer construction for an array of aerodynamic riblets incorporates a first layer composed of a material with protuberances, the first layer material having shape memory and a second layer composed of a material exhibiting a second characteristic with capability for adherence to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Diane C. Rawlings, Terry L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8668167
    Abstract: A system for airborne transport of flammable liquids with an aircraft. A fuel tank and a reservoir, each for storing flammable liquids, are joined to the aircraft. A fuel jettison subsystem is coupled between an interior portion and an exterior of the reservoir to selectably expel fuel from the reservoir to an exterior portion of the aircraft. The fuel jettison subsystem includes a jettison valve opening formed in the reservoir. A lid selectably closes off the opening. A biasing member urges the lid away from the jettison valve opening. A solenoid retains the lid in the jettison valve opening when unactuated and releases the lid when actuated. A jettison linkage is coupled to the solenoid, the jettison linkage being operable to actuate the solenoid. The lid is urged away from the jettison valve opening by the biasing member when the solenoid is actuated by the jettison linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Thunder Bay Aircraft Leasing, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Mark, Alan Cheeseman
  • Patent number: 8668168
    Abstract: The present invention is a space vehicle valve system which controls the internal pressure of a space vehicle and the flow rate of purged gases at a given internal pressure and aperture site. A plurality of quasi-unique variable dimension peaked valve structures cover the purge apertures on a space vehicle. Interchangeable sheet guards configured to cover valve apertures on the peaked valve structure contain a pressure-activated surface on the inner surface. Sheet guards move outwardly from the peaked valve structure when in structural contact with a purge gas stream flowing through the apertures on the space vehicle. Changing the properties of the sheet guards changes the response of the sheet guards at a given internal pressure, providing control of the flow rate at a given aperture site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Anthony R. Kelley, Jeffrey L. Lindner
  • Patent number: 8668169
    Abstract: A train equipped with an onboard system for determining its position and a track database for determining the positions of upcoming grade crossings sends activate after expiration messages to control wayside warning systems at the crossings to achieve a constant warning time while maintaining a safety margin that ensures the train can be stopped if the wayside systems do not respond correctly to the activate after expiration messages. The system may be used in place of existing track-based crossing warning system control circuits. Communications between the train may be radio-based, and may be direct between the train and wayside devices or may be routed through a central station, which may act as a relay or maintain a database. The train may control multiple crossings at one time, thereby eliminating the need for downstream adjacent crossing control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Rail Automation Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin Nichter
  • Patent number: 8668170
    Abstract: Disclosed is a railway signaling system for controlling a load. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, the system comprises a first autonomous controller and a second autonomous controller which is redundant with the first controller, each controller connectable to the load such that there is no single point of failure. The first and second controllers operable in either an on-line mode wherein both power outputs provide power to the load or an off-line mode wherein a single power output does not provide power to the load. On-line controllers monitor current therethrough. When both controllers are on-line, the current between the two controller is imbalanced up to a threshold limit, if the threshold limit is exceeded by one controller, that controller will go off line, and if the first controller is off-line and the second controller is on-line, the second controller monitors output voltages of the off-line controller to ascertain that the output voltages are zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Thales Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil Lostun, Abe Kanner, Sergio Mammoliti, Cameron Fraser
  • Patent number: 8668171
    Abstract: A utensil rest includes a main body having a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall are connected and define an edge of the main body. At least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall have at least one utensil receiving portion formed therein. The at least one utensil receiving portion is configured to receive a utensil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ivan Mudd LLC
    Inventors: Jay Tarantino, Jeanine Tarantino, William P. Camp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8668172
    Abstract: A holding device (1) for a sprinkler nozzle (17) of a sprinkler system is provided, wherein the holding device has a first bracket (2) and a second bracket (3) that are connected to each other at one of their ends and that extend parallel to each other at least in an assembled state of the holding device (1). Each bracket has a structure (10, 11) for receiving a sprinkler nozzle (17), and the receiving structures (10, 11) are formed for receiving the sprinkler nozzle (17) oriented perpendicular to the two brackets (2, 3). The two brackets (2, 3) have, at their free ends opposite the one end, complementary catch structures (5, 6) by which the two brackets (2, 3) can be locked with each other in the assembled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Paulig, Jochen Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8668173
    Abstract: A bracket arrangement for securing fertilizer hoses, such as those for carrying anhydrous ammonia, to the frame of a fertilizer applicator or similar implement is made of a corrosion resistant material and is thus resistant to damage caused by thermal changes, sunlight, and inclement weather. The bracket arrangement is designed to be removably attached to the implement frame to allow flexibility in where along the frame the hoses, or bundles of hoses, are retained. The bracket arrangement includes a bracket having an elongated and generally planar body with an eyelet formed in the planar body. The eyelet is configured to pass a length of hose and restrict movement of the hose in a direction orthogonal to its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Dean A. Knobloch
  • Patent number: 8668174
    Abstract: A fastener for securing pipes or wire bundles to a foundation structure includes a body and a separate pipe or wire clamp. The body has a clamp holder for receiving and holding the clamp. The clamp holder receives the clamp with a gap allowing the clamp to vibrate. Leaf springs are formed on the side walls of the clamp holder to resiliently support the side wall of the clamp within the clamp holder. Second leaf springs with anti-release pawls are formed on the bottom of the clamp, and second leaf spring receiving grooves are formed in the bottom of the clamp holder to resiliently engage the second leaf springs and anti-release pawls. Third leaf springs are formed on the bottom of the clamp, and third leaf spring receiving grooves are formed on the bottom of the clamp holder to resiliently engage the third leaf springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 8668175
    Abstract: A cabinet bracket system is secured to a column for supporting an electronics cabinet. The cabinet bracket system includes a lower cabinet bracket disposed against the bottom of the electronics cabinet, an upper cabinet bracket disposed against the top of the electronics cabinet, and a bottom support bracket secured to the lower cabinet bracket so as to prevent lower bracket from moving on the column when the electronics cabinet is mounted onto the lower cabinet bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Nathan J. Koleszar
  • Patent number: 8668176
    Abstract: There are provided a part fixing structure and a part fixing method to a resin-made fuel tank which can firmly fix a part to a tank wall without the need of providing a molding die with a convex portion and a recess. A part fixing method for fixing a tank-associated part to a tank wall of a resin-made fuel tank, the part being formed together with a pair of hook portions, the method comprising a step of burying the hook portions in the tank wall in a melted state when the resin-made fuel tank is molded, thereby fixing the part to the tank wall after the tank wall is cooled. In order to cause the resin of the tank wall to flow well, a chevron portion having a pair of first inclined faces is projectingly provided at the bottom face of the part between the hook portions, and a second inclined face which is inclined in a direction opposite to the buried direction toward the tip of the hook portion is formed at the bottom face of each hook portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Araya, Kazuhiro Ohtaki, Masahiro Niihori, Wataru Iwase
  • Patent number: 8668177
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising first and second elements and a connecting element is provided. The first element comprises a first terminal member, an intermediate member having first and second ends, and a second terminal member having a closed form channel. The connecting element goes through the channel thereby engaging the first and second elements. An axis connects the first terminal member and the intermediate member first end permitting a closed position, in which the first terminal member adjoins the intermediate member, and an open position, in which the first terminal member is away from the intermediate member. Another axis connects the second terminal member and the intermediate member second end permitting a closed position, in which the second terminal member adjoins the intermediate member, and an open position, in which the second terminal member is away from the intermediate member. The second element retains an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Finding IP Holding Company LLC
    Inventors: Sandra Stein, Jennifer J. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8668178
    Abstract: A bracket construction for fixedly securing a cylindrical tank such as the oxygen tank of an emergency vehicle in a vertically upright position wherein the tank is easily releasable which accommodates various sizes and configurations of upper neck sections having a backing plate with a lower surrounding member for receiving and retaining the tank bottom therewithin and an upper surrounding member including a U-shaped channel for receiving the tank neck therewithin. Two uniquely shaped bracket cams are pivotally mounted relative to the upper surrounding member and resiliently biased with respect thereto such that they can be manually manipulated or directly contacted by the arcuate neck of a tank to move to the opened position to allow exiting or entry of the tank. A lower auxiliary floor surface is pivotally secured relative to the lower surrounding member for varying the vertical dimension for accommodating tanks of various lengths and shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Michael P. Ziaylek, W. Brian McGinty
  • Patent number: 8668179
    Abstract: A mounting device that securely supports an electronic device to a surface such as a vehicle dashboard. The mounting device comprises a flexible base for placement on a mounting surface and a bendable frame attached to or otherwise coupled with the base to permit the base to be shaped to at least partially conform to contours on the mounting surface. The base may be partially formed of a material that provides sufficient friction between its lower surface and the mounting surface to resist unwanted movement. The frame may be formed of aluminum and may include a central portion and a plurality of appendages each independently movable about at least two axes of movement. Each of the appendages may include a connecting link joined to the central portion and a pair of arms extending from the connecting link and movable relative to one another and relative to the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Garmin Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Joshua A. Corn, Jeffrey D. Minelli, Brian G. Schoenfish, Marcus A. Moilanen, Stephen P. Waite
  • Patent number: 8668180
    Abstract: A seat slide device is switchable between a locked state and an unlocked state. When the seat slide device in the locked state, a lock member attached to an upper rail is engaged with a lock hole formed in a lower rail. This restricts movement of the upper rail with respect to the lower rail. When the seat slide device is in the unlocked state, the lock member is separated from the lock hole to permit the upper rail to move with respect to the lower rail. In the unlocked state, a gap is formed between a movable portion and the lower rail. In contrast, in the locked state, the movable portion contacts the lower rail and the gap between the movable portion and the lower rail is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Gifu Auto Body Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin Shiraki
  • Patent number: 8668181
    Abstract: Devices associated with an interface that is advantageous for the customized attachment of pieces of furniture to the floor of an aircraft. The interface includes rails extending longitudinally in the aircraft cabin, able to receive anchoring devices for connecting the furniture elements to these rails. The anchoring devices include axial and radial claw clamping devices which are associated together in pairs and operated together in pairs by a single and same lever (58, 95).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Francis Dazet, Francois Rouyre, Alain Depeige
  • Patent number: 8668182
    Abstract: A holding device for fastening a laser instrument, in particular to a magnetic construction, a pipe, a wall rail and/or ceiling rail, and/or a wall, is disclosed. The holding device includes a basic frame, a receptacle device connected to the basic frame to accommodate the laser instrument and a fastening apparatus connected to the basic frame with a first fastening device. The first fastening device is configured to be rotatable around an axis of rotation relative to the basic frame from a first position into a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Roman Steffen, Christian Haefele
  • Patent number: 8668183
    Abstract: A magnetic safety valve for installation through a tank wall incorporates a piston movable within a valve body. The valve is held normally-closed by two opposite-pole magnets, one in the inner end of the piston, and one in the valve body. A vacuum produced by a pump connected to the valve will act upon the outer end of the piston, producing a force tending to move the piston outward. When the vacuum-induced outward force on the piston exceeds the attractive force between the two magnets, it pulls the piston outward and away from the valve body magnet, unseating the inner end of the piston from the valve body, and allowing outward fluid flow through the valve. A second valve seat may be provided for engagement with an outer portion of the piston to prevent uncontrolled fluid flow out of the tank in the event of valve damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Peter G. Haseloh, Kirste Ann Manuel