sea Seat fixing device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A seat fixing device for fixing an air passenger seat to a floor of an aircraft includes at least one fastening rail (10) in the form or a hollow profile, which is provided with a longitudinal channel (14) delimiting the free flanks (16) of the profile on the top part thereof (12) oriented to the seat. The channel includes through openings (18) located in a predetermined modular dimension, which enlarge the free input section and are used for inserting at least one snap-locking part (24) of a locking body (26). The looking body (26) is movable to a clamping position with the profile (16) of the hollow profile (14) by the relative displacement of each snap-locking part (24) in a perpendicular direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (28) of the fastening rail (10). The fixing device provides an eccentric drive (30) of the locking body (26) for carrying out relative displacement, which reduces assembly costs. Full Article
sea Voltage controlled oscillator band-select fast searching using predictive searching By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product are provided. The apparatus tunes a frequency provided by a VCO. The apparatus determines a relative capacitance change associated with a first frequency and a desired frequency from a look-up table. The apparatus adjusts a capacitor circuit in the VCO based on the determined relative capacitance change determined from the look-up table in order to tune from the first frequency to the desired frequency. The apparatus determines that the frequency provided by the VCO is a second frequency different than the desired frequency after adjusting the capacitor circuit. The apparatus performs an iterative search to further adjust the capacitor circuit when a difference between the second frequency and the desired frequency is greater than a threshold. Full Article
sea Hard seal plug valve By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention provides a hard seal plug valve, comprising a valve body, wherein a tapered plug is arranged in the valve body, a bonnet is arranged at an upper part of the valve body, a drive valve rod penetrates the bonnet, an elastic hold-down mechanism is sheathed on the drive valve rod and arranged on a plug bearing seat, the plug bearing seat is connected with the tapered plug, and the plug bearing seat is held down when the elastic hold-down mechanism extends; and the hard seal plug valve characterized in that a telescopic mechanism is sheathed on the drive valve rod, the plug bearing seat is pushed upward when the telescopic mechanism extends, a valve rod bearing seat is arranged at the bottom of the drive valve rod, ends of the valve rod bearing seat pass through a planetary reduction mechanism, and the tapered plug is connected with the planetary reduction mechanism and rotates with the drive valve rod by the planetary reduction mechanism. In the invention, the tapered plug can reliably float and rotate under any circumstances. The drive torque of the plug valve is at least 7 times less than that of a general plug valve, therefore, when a motor is used, a general valve requires 2 minutes from opening to closing, and the valve of the invention only requires 3.8 seconds. Full Article
sea Low torque, high flow and tight sealing tube butterfly valve By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A butterfly valve including a valve body having a passage, a valve shaft assembly, a valve plate, and a tube that is friction fit inside the passage is provided. The valve shaft assembly includes a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The first and second shaft portions are in opposing spaced relation with the valve plate disposed therebetween. The valve plate has a flange such that when the butterfly valve is in the closed position a seal is formed with the tube, which is disposed within the fluid flow passage. The valve plate has lip extending from a portion of the valve plate that is radially outward from the circumference of the tube. The lip acts to reduce flow induced torque experienced while the valve plate is actuated from the closed to the open position. Full Article
sea Compositions for diagnosis and therapy of diseases associated with aberrant expression of futrins (R-spondins) and/or Wnt By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Jul 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a composition useful for the diagnosis of diseases associated with aberrant expression of the genes encoding the secreted proteins Futrin 1, 2, 3 and/or 4(=R-Spondin 2, 3, 1 and 4, respectively), e.g. in connection with tumors or diseases of the muscle, kidneys or bones. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound which is capable of modifying (a) the expression of the gene encoding Futrin 1, 2, 3 and/or 4 or (b) the activity of the Futrin 1, 2, 3 and/or 4 protein. Full Article
sea Vehicle seat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a vehicle seat which includes a seat frame, a seat cushion receiving member stretched across the seat frame, and a seat cushion placed on the seat cushion receiving member. In the vehicle seat, the seat cushion has such dimensions as to cover the seat frame as viewed in plan, and a lower surface of the seat cushion has a raised portion in a region covering the seat frame, and the raised portion is raised so as not to contact the seat frame. Full Article
sea Stadium seat memorabilia support base By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for enhancing sales of stadium seat memorabilia by utilizing a stabilizing base, with a large surface area in the shape of sports memorabilia, such as baseball bats and/or sports figures, with or without brackets, to mount and stabilize a stadium seat for use outside of the stadium, such as at home or in a commercial setting. Full Article
sea Safety bow assembly and child seat including the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A safety bow assembly for a child seat comprises: a bow body that has opposite first and second ends; first and second connecting parts that are connected to the child seat, the first connecting part defining an accommodating space and having a side wall; and an engaging lever that is connected movably to the side wall, that is formed with an engaging element facing the accommodating space, and that is movable relative to the side wall between a first position, in which the engaging element is adapted to engage releasably a coupling part of the child seat, and a second position, in which the engaging element is adapted to be disengaged from the coupling part. Full Article
sea Vehicle seat, in particular automobile seat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vehicle seat has a longitudinal adjuster, a pair of seat rails, a releasable latching device having at least one actuating pin that projects over the second seat rail, a pivotably arranged actuating lever, and a Bowden cable. A holder is fixed on a rail and supports the actuating lever such as to be pivotable about a pivot axis at one end, and a contact surface is formed on the actuating lever, on which surface the core of the Bowden cable rests in a subarea between the end of the sheath and the end of the core. The holder secures the end of the core of the Bowden cable, and the actuating lever has a Bowden cable support on which the sheath of the Bowden cable is supported directly or indirectly. Full Article
sea Chair having a dynamically-flexible back and seat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A chair including a dynamically-flexible back and seat having a shape that adjusts to the movements of a user seated in the chair to enhance user comfort. Each of the back and seat has an air gap formed therewithin and a resilient frame or liner with a spring memory. The resilient liner is adapted to flex in response to compressive forces that are generated as the user slides his body back or from side-to-side in the chair. Accordingly, some of the chair back and some of the chair seat move into respective air gaps so that the shapes of the back and seat change to conform to the movements of the user. The air gaps also establish air flow ventilation channels which run laterally through the back and seat of the chair. Full Article
sea Driven infant seat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An infant rocking seat includes a base; a track provided on the base having a first arc-shaped portion and a second arc-shaped portion meeting at a crest; a carriage having a body portion, a first pair of wheels positioned at a first end of the body portion, and a second pair of wheels positioned at a second end of the body portion; and a drive mechanism configured to move the carriage along the track. The carriage is positioned within a central portion of the base and is configured to ride along the track. A distance between the first pair of wheels and the second pair of wheels is less than a distance between centers of curvature of the first arc-shaped portion and the second arc-shaped portion. Full Article
sea Fitting for a vehicle seat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fitting for a vehicle seat is disclosed, in particular for a motor vehicle seat. First and second fitting parts are geared with one another via a meshing gearwheel and gear rim. A peripheral eccentric is driven by a drive element for driving a relative rolling movement of the gearwheel and the gear rim, and the first fitting part receives the eccentric which is supported on the second fitting part. A blocking element blocks the eccentric in the non-driven state of the fitting via toothing on the first fitting part, and releases the eccentric when driven. The gear rim is formed on the first fitting part and the gearwheel is formed on the second fitting part. Full Article
sea Fitting for a vehicle seat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In a fitting for a vehicle seat, a catch assembly has a pivot axis, and the catch assembly has a catch and a lever which can be pivoted relative to one another about an axis spaced from the pivot axis. The catch has a hook-like contour and in the pivoted-out position of the backrest engages with a catch locking element for locking in a punctiform or linear contact region. The catch cooperates with a spring. The lever is mounted pivotably about the pivot axis and the lever rotatably mounts the catch. In the unloaded pivoted-out position, the perpendicular in the contact region runs on one side of the pivot axis or through the pivot axis. When a return pivoting force is imposed on the backrest in the pivoted-out position, the perpendicular in the contact region runs on the opposing side of or outside of the pivot axis. Full Article
sea Seat cushion, for instance for an aircraft seat, and a method for manufacturing such a seat cushion By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A seat cushion, in particular for an aircraft seat, the seat cushion comprising a seat part having a receiving surface adapted to receive a person and a reinforcing part supporting the seat part, wherein at least the reinforcing part contains expanded polypropylene (EPP), preferably comprising fire retardant properties. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a seat cushion, a seat comprising such a seat cushion and a vehicle comprising such a seat. Full Article
sea Vehicle seat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT One lower end portion of a belt anchor bracket is supported on a lock unit rotatably in a front-rear direction, the other lower end portion of the belt anchor bracket is fixed to a leg, and a seatbelt anchor is supported on an upper end portion of the belt anchor bracket rotatably in the front-rear direction. Full Article
sea Vehicle seat assembly having a hardness gradient via surface intrusions and/or protrusions By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of making a vehicle seat assembly comprising providing a cushion having an “A” surface, a “B” surface, a central portion, and two bolster areas, with each bolster area being adjacent the central portion, the cushion having a plurality of intrusions extending from the “A” surface towards the “B” surface to form a hardness gradient between at least one of the bolster areas and the central portion of between 8% to 25%, securing the cushion to a frame, and covering cushion with a trim member. Full Article
sea Wire harness for a vehicle seating assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A wire harness for a vehicle seating assembly includes a body portion having a plurality of engagement hooks adapted for engagement with a vehicle seat cushion pan. A latticework of interconnected lateral support members are bound by a peripheral frame. Full Article
sea Crash indication system for a reclining ride down child seat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT More specifically, the crash indication system for a child safety seat includes a seat bottom. A base is provided for supporting the seat bottom, which is slidably connected to the bases so that the seat body is movable relative to the base, between a resting position and a ride down position, a position due to a change in environmental forces. The seat body is adjustably affixed to a carriage to set a recline position. An indicator member is attached to the carriage and moves therewith to visually track and monitor the movement of the seat. When ride down of the seat occurs due to a change in forces to the seat, the indicator member moves with the sliding carriage to reflect a ride down position of the seat bottom. A ratchet connection is provided to prevent the carriage from going back to its resting position. Full Article
sea Golf cart prostate seat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT There is provided a moveable power seat slide device assembly comprising a movable seat cushion and seat rail including upper rails secured to the seat cushion and lower rails secured to the body of the golf cart, a motor for driving each movable seat and a current control circuit. The prostate golf cart seat protects the prostate area from continuous bouncing. The seat has two 8 inch stationary end cushions. The center would consist of two 8 inch cushions moving along a rail which allows riders to automatically close the 7 inch seat gap to 3 inches from the stationary end cushion. The center air space between each rider and seat would have a depth 1½ inches. Full Article
sea Seat extension seamless gap fill By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatpan coupled with a track assembly that has a rail and a slide. The vehicle seating assembly also includes a cushion assembly that has a movable cushion and a base cushion with a slot. The movable cushion is slidable between a forward position and a rearward position on the seatpan. In addition, the vehicle seating assembly includes a coverstock with a first portion that is disposed over a movable cushion. The coverstock also has a second portion that is disposed between the seatpan and the cushion assembly. The second portion of the coverstock is withdrawn through the slot when the movable cushion moves to the forward position. A gap is defined by the area between the base cushion and the movable cushion in the forward position. The gap is concealed by the coverstock when the movable cushion is in the forward position. Full Article
sea Vehicle seat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vehicle seat includes a seat back, a seat cushion, a connecting arm that connects the seat back with the seat cushion, a seat arranging mechanism for changing the posture of the vehicle seat, and a fixing device. The seat arranging mechanism includes a base member at which the seat arranging mechanism is mounted to the connecting arm. The fixing device fixes the connecting arm to the seat cushion and also fixes the base member of the seat arranging mechanism to the seat cushion. Full Article
sea Fitting for a vehicle seat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT With a fitting for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, having a first fitting part and a second fitting part, which are rotatable relative to one another and are in geared connection with each other, an enclosing ring, which axially holds together the first fitting part and the second fitting part, forming a disc-shaped unit, and which is fixed to the first fitting part and engages over the second fitting part radially outside, and a third fitting part which is pivotably mounted relative to the first fitting part and which can be locked by means of a toothed pawl with a latching element which is provided on the first fitting part, the toothed latching element is formed on the first fitting part. Full Article
sea Lock device of vehicle seat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A latch plate for a lock device is proposed which comprises a latch plate proper and a film that covers the latch plate proper. The latch plate proper includes upper and lower finger portions between which a striker catching recess is defined. An upper surface of the lower finger portion includes a depressed main portion located near the bottom of the striker catching recess, a raised leading end portion and a stepped portion provided between the depressed main portion and the raised leading end portion. The film covers the latch plate proper except the raised leading end portion. The film covers the depressed main portion of the upper surface in such a manner that an outer surface of the film is flush with the stepped portion. When the film is depressed by the striker, the stepped portion enhances a function is to stop a movement of the striker toward a mouth of the striker catching recess. Full Article
sea Air bag enabling car seat cover By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure describes a method of manufacture and a structure for an automobile seat cover that includes a seat cover body with an outer perimeter, a seat cover skirt with a first edge sewn with an overlock stitch to the seat cover body for a majority of the outer perimeter, and a second edge, distal from the first edge, comprising a tie element extending for a majority of the second edge around a seat opening in the seat cover. A portion of the seat cover skirt and the seat cover body corresponding to a location of at least one airbag installed in an automobile seat cover over which the seat cover is to be placed are sewn together with one of a straight stitch and a lock stitch instead of the overlock stitch. In some implementations, the thread used is a brightly colored string. Full Article
sea Vehicle seat having frame member By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments of the present invention include a vehicle seat having a frame member and a reinforcing member for reinforcing the frame member. The frame member has an elongated portion. The elongated portion is formed of resin and preferably has a flat-plate-like or bar-like configuration. The elongated portion includes a first portion, a front second portion and a rear second portion. The first portion may be arranged in a longitudinal manner with respect to the vehicle seat and extends vertically. The front second portion extends in the lateral direction of the vehicle seat from a front end of the first portion. The rear second portion extends in the lateral direction of the vehicle seat from a rear end of the first portion. The elongated portion is configured so that a neutral axis is positioned between the front and rear second portions. Full Article
sea Seat frame for vehicle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A seat back frame includes: a first side member and a second side member each formed into an elongated shape along an up-and-down direction of a seat back so as to support each side portion of the seat back; and a belt guide portion on which tension of a seat belt is applied when the seat belt is pulled, the belt guide portion being formed in an upper portion of the first side member and guiding the seat belt having the one end retained by a seat belt retaining member. The first side member is formed of a sheet of steel plate and includes: a side member side wall portion formed in parallel to a direction of application of the tension of the seat belt on the belt guide portion and formed continuously along a longitudinal direction of the first side member; a side member front wall portion formed on a front side of the vehicle with respect to the side member side wall portion; and a side member rear wall portion formed on a rear side of the vehicle with respect to the side member side wall portion, the first side member having an open cross-sectional shape. Full Article
sea Vehicle seat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion, a seat back connected to the seat cushion and including a storage portion, a belt member configured to restrain an occupant while the belt member is routed from a side of the seat back to a side of the seat cushion, and a rerouter member configured to be taken out from the storage portion of the seat back and connected to the belt member to change a routing position of the belt member at a middle portion thereof. In a state where a portion of the rerouter member is stored in the storage portion, another portion of the rerouter member is exposed from the storage portion. Full Article
sea Vehicle seat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Aug 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vehicle seat comprises: left and right side frames (4) which constitute left and right portions of a seat back frame (2); a reinforcing frame (pipe frame 5) disposed adjacent to one side frame (4) in a lateral direction, and configured to reinforce the side frame (4); and a force-receiving member (bracket 7) disposed adjacent to the one side frame (4), provided discretely from the reinforcing frame, and configured to receive a load from another member. The force-receiving member is disposed opposite to the reinforcing frame with the side frame 4 disposed therebetween, and directly fixed to the reinforcing frame. Full Article
sea Organic light-emitting display device with frit seal and reinforcing structure By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is an organic light-emitting display device in which the substrate and the encapsulation substrate are attached to each other by using a frit. The organic light-emitting display device includes a first substrate including a pixel region in which an organic light-emitting diode is formed, and a non-pixel region. The organic light-emitting diode includes an organic light-emitting layer between a first electrode and a second electrode. A second substrate attached to the first substrate. A frit is provided between the non-pixel region of the first substrate and the second substrate to attach the first substrate and the second substrate. A reinforcement material of resin is formed outside the frit. Full Article
sea Enclosed television with improved enclosure sealing arrangement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An enclosure for enclosing a flat panel display for viewing that is substantially sealed and resistant to liquid ingress. The enclosure comprises a bezel, a substantially transparent front cover, and an enclosure housing. The bezel has a peripheral surface defining an enclosure area, an inner edge defining a display opening, and a rear surface. The substantially transparent front cover is operatively connected to the bezel and covers the display opening. The enclosure housing has a front opening and a flange disposed about and extending from the front opening. The bezel and the enclosure housing are joined together at a joining region that is substantially sealed and resistant to liquid ingress. The bezel, the front cover, and the enclosure housing define the enclosure, which is configured to receive a flat panel display therein. Full Article
sea Refrigerator with stepped liner to hide seam between liner and false wall By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A bottom mount refrigerator is provided with refrigerator components housed in a space adjacent the top of the fresh food compartment between a false ceiling and the top wall of the compartment. The top wall includes a stepped portion formed in the liner forming the compartment. The stepped portion is positioned near the top and front of the compartment, and it includes a section that is lower than the remainder of the top wall. The stepped portion includes a rear facing face in the interior of the compartment, and the false ceiling is positioned between the rear facing face and the back wall. The ceiling extends horizontal from the rear wall before angling upward to abut the face of the stepped portion. The false ceiling may also contain apertures to provide access to the components housed between the ceiling and the top wall. Full Article
sea Sliding child seat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A sliding child seat for use with a stationary surface, generally a stationary group dinging surface such as a kitchen counter-top, bar, or fixed table in a restaurant. In various embodiments, a sliding child seat for use with a stationary surface generally includes a frame member to receive a child seat, said frame member being connected to the stationary surface by sliding means, said frame member being switchable between a retracted position and an extended position, said frame member defining an aperture and having an inner perimeter, and a child seat to sit in said frame member when said frame member is in said extended state, said child seat having a lower portion and an upper portion, said lower portion fitting through the aperture defined by said frame member, said lower portion having an outer perimeter smaller than the inner perimeter of said frame member. Full Article
sea Solar power inverter with sealing means By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A solar power inverter having a sealing means includes: a main case having an opening on a front surface thereof, the opening open and closed by a main cover; an auxiliary case coupled to one side surface of the main case, and having a second opening on a front surface thereof, the second opening open and closed by an auxiliary cover; and a gasket interposed between the main case and the auxiliary case, wherein the main case and the auxiliary case are coupled to each other by coupling bolts which pass through the main case, the gasket and the auxiliary case. Full Article
sea Self-supporting storage bag with resealable pour spout By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A reclosable bag or pouch configured to store, and to easily pour, material. The reclosable bag is configured with an integral pour spout having a reclosable fastener to facilitate the pouring of material from the bag, and subsequent resealing. By locating the pour spout along an upper side of the bag, material is focused downward from the bag, and not outward, when poured. Bags configured in this manner thus provide end users with enhanced control over the dispensing rate and direction of their contents. In some embodiments, the bag is also configured as a self-supporting bag capable of resting generally upright upon its bottom end. Full Article
sea Environmentally sealed docking device and method, having a zipper and a slide By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A closure having two profile strips for an at least partially flexible container for connecting a first container to a second container in a manner sealed against the environment in a such a way that a closed docking position can be obtained. Further the closure provides for conducting a flow in a sealed manner against the environment in a flow direction through the closure from the first container into the second container in such a way that an open docking position can be obtained. According to the described system, the second container facing the first container is designed with an identical closure that engages in the closure of the first container in the open docking position and forms a channel for the flow in the flow direction together with the closure. Full Article
sea Sterilization box seal device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A sterilization box seal device including a shaft capable of being slid into a closure device of a sterilization box, and a support part of the proximal end of shaft, which includes a locking element irreversibly capable of cooperating and attaching on the distal end of shaft so as to form therewith a closed loop preventing the closure device from opening, such that the support part includes an additional part to the support one necessary for the sole seal function, the additional part includes an area capable of receiving a readable identification label. Full Article
sea Locking mechanism for a vehicle seat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A locking mechanism (1) for a vehicle seat, particularly for a motor vehicle seat, includes a latch that is to be interlocked with an opposite element (B) and is mounted to be pivotable about a first bearing bolt (13), at least one securing element (25, 31) that secures the latch (11) in the locked state, and a lock housing (5) which supports the latch (11) and the securing element (25, 31). The lock housing (5) has an integrated first stop (5a) for the opposite element (B). The stop (5a) has a damping effect when the opposite element (B) rests against the lock housing (5). Full Article
sea Means for locking a sealing ring on a turbine disk By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A mechanism compressing a sealing ring of a cooling circuit of blades of a turbine engine against a turbine wheel supporting the blades, the wheel supporting on a downstream surface thereof an annular flange positioned radially and defining with the surface a groove configured to house the sealing ring. The flange includes at least two cut-outs on the edge thereof located opposite the bottom of the groove, to form windows for axial insertion in the groove for claws supported by the circumference of the ring facing the groove of the wheel. The mechanism includes a bolt tab configured to be positioned in the groove between the surface of the wheel and the ring, and a clamping shaped to be supported by the surface of the wheel and to engage with the bolt to ensure that the ring is compressed against the flange. Full Article
sea Seal assembly including grooves in a radially outwardly facing side of a platform in a gas turbine engine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A seal assembly between a disc cavity and a turbine section hot gas path includes a stationary vane assembly and a rotating blade assembly downstream from the vane assembly and including a plurality of blades that are supported on a platform and rotate with a turbine rotor and the platform during operation of the engine. The platform includes a radially outwardly facing first surface, a radially inwardly facing second surface, a third surface, and a plurality of grooves extending into the third surface. The grooves are arranged such that a space is defined between adjacent grooves. During operation of the engine, the grooves guide purge air out of the disc cavity toward the hot gas path such that the purge air flows in a desired direction with reference to a direction of hot gas flow through the hot gas path. Full Article
sea System and methods for detecting liver disease By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A noninvasive, quantitative imaging technique is presented for detecting and diagnosing liver disease, such as cirrhosis. The technique includes: capturing scan data from a subject using computed tomography or another type of imaging method and extracting image data representing the liver from the scan data. Various measures of the liver may be obtained from image data and then used to compute random variables of a statistical model, where the model is predictive of a medical condition of the liver and comprised of random variables that are indicative of at least one of a shape or texture of the liver. Output from the statistical model provides an indication of an undesirable condition of the liver. Full Article
sea Methods, apparatus and systems for generating location-corrected searchable electronic records of underground facility locate and/or marking operations By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Oct 2015 08:00:00 EDT Generating a corrected electronic record of a locate and/or marking operation. The operation comprises locating and/or identifying, using a physical locate mark, presence or absence of an underground facility within a dig area. At least a portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed. First information relating to a location of the facility and/or the mark is received. Based at least in part on the first information, the location of the facility and/or the mark is represented to generate an electronic visual representation of the operation. Second information relating to a corrected location of the facility and/or the mark is received. Based at least in part on the second information, the corrected location is represented to generate a corrected electronic visual representation of the operation. Third information relating to the corrected representation of the operation is transmitted and/or stored to generate the corrected electronic record of the operation. Full Article
sea Methods, apparatus and systems for generating searchable electronic records of underground facility locate and/or marking operations and assessing aspects of same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Oct 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method is disclosed for assessing an aspect relating to a locate and/or marking operation performed by a locate technician based on an electronic representation of the operation. The operation includes locating and/or identifying, using a physical locate mark, a presence or an absence of an underground facility within a dig area. A portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. The method includes digitally representing, on a display device, the facility and/or the physical locate mark to generate an electronic visual representation of the operation. The method further includes determining a length associated with a portion of the digitally represented facility and/or physical locate mark in the electronic visual representation of the operation. The method further includes, based on the determined length, automatically assessing the aspect relating to the operation. Full Article
sea Methods, apparatus and systems for generating digital-media-enhanced searchable electronic records of underground facility locate and/or marking operations By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Nov 2015 08:00:00 EST Generating a digital-media-enhanced electronic record of a locate and/or marking operation performed by a locate technician. The locate and/or marking operation comprises locating and/or identifying, using at least one physical locate mark, a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. A location of the at least one underground facility and/or the at least one physical locate mark is electronically rendered on a display device so as to generate an electronic visual representation of the locate and/or marking operation. At least one digital media file representation of a corresponding digital media file relating to at least one aspect of the locate and/or marking operation or an environment of the dig area is also electronically rendered on the display device, so as to generate a digital-media-annotated representation of the locate and/or marking operation. Information relating to the digital-media-annotated representation of the locate and/or marking operation is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to generate the digital-media-enhanced electronic record of the locate and/or marking operation. Full Article
sea Cartridge with a wheel for sealing the opening By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A dispensing mechanism is adapted to eject a test sensor from a cartridge opening formed in a cartridge containing test sensors. The dispensing mechanism comprises a gear rack, a gear, and a wheel. The gear rack includes a first portion and a second portion located generally parallel to one another. The second portion of the gear rack includes a first plurality of teeth. The gear includes a second plurality of teeth that are adapted to be engaged by the first plurality of teeth upon movement of the gear rack. The wheel is operatively engaged by the gear and is adapted to dispense the test sensor from the cartridge opening and to seal the cartridge opening. The movement of the gear rack in a first direction causes the gear to rotate causing the wheel to rotate. The rotation of the wheel dispenses the test sensor through the cartridge opening. Full Article
sea Seed research plot planter and field layout system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A seed research plot planter includes a rotating seed plate for picking up and transporting seeds from a seed chamber to a release point, and a sensor that detects the rotational position of the seed plate. A distance measuring device measures a distance traveled by the planter. A controller uses a first signal from the sensor and a second signal from the distance measuring device to control a sequence of operations of the planter based on the rotational position of the seed plate and the location of the planter within the field. A field layout system is provided for creating a plot field layout having a desired number of ranges, a desired number of planter passes, and desired parameters for each plot within the field. The field layout system allows different plot lengths and seed populations to be input for individual plots within the same planter pass through the field. Full Article
sea Seat cushion airbag apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A seat cushion airbag apparatus is applied to a vehicle seat including a seat unit having a seat cushion supported, from a lower side thereof, by a supporting portion of a seat frame, and an air blowing duct having a blow-out port below the seat cushion, wherein a conditioning air flowing through the air blowing duct is blown out upward from the blow-out port. An inflator is disposed at a location, which is spaced from the blow-out port in a front and rear direction of a vehicle, and an airbag is inflated between the supporting portion and the seat cushion by an inflation gas supplied from the inflator so that a seat face of the seat unit is raised to prevent a subject to be restrained on the seat unit from being moved forward. Full Article
sea Bicycle seatpost By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A bicycle seatpost includes a first part and a second part. A curvature radius of the first part is r1, and an arc length of the first part is equal to or greater than πr1 and smaller than 2πr1, the first part is set toward a head of a bicycle. The second part is connected to the first part, wherein a curvature radius of the second part is greater than the curvature radius of the first part, the second part is set toward an end of the bicycle. Full Article
sea Deployable airbag arrangement for rear seat occupant By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An airbag system for protecting rear seat occupants in dynamic side impacts using an improved packaging arrangement is provided. The system includes seat base and seat back frames. The seat back frame is movable between an upright position and a reclined position. The system further includes a unified airbag having a pelvic portion and a thoracic portion. The pelvic portion is positioned adjacent to the seat base frame. The thoracic portion is positioned adjacent to the seat back frame. The unified airbag is attached to the seat base frame by fixed anchors and to the seat back frame by a movable anchor. A grooved track is provided for attachment of the movable anchor. The airbag may be a strip shape or a triangular shape. One or more tethers may be attached to the unified airbag. Full Article
sea Driver seat airbag system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 Apr 2016 08:00:00 EDT A driver seat airbag system includes: an airbag that is housed in a pad section of a steering wheel, receives a supply of gas for inflation during a collision of a vehicle, and is inflated and deployed between the steering wheel and an occupant in a driver seat; and an inflator that generates the gas. The airbag includes an auxiliary inflated section that is inflated to a front of the vehicle in conjunction with inflation and deployment of the airbag, so as to enter a space between a rim and a spoke of the steering wheel. Full Article
sea Solar-cell sealant and solar-cell module using same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A solar-cell sealant that has excellent properties such as transparency, flexibility, adhesiveness, heat resistance, appearance, cross-linking characteristics, electrical characteristics, and calenderability. A solar-cell sealant that contains an ethylene/α-olefin/unconjugated-polyene copolymer satisfying requirements (a1) through (a3). Requirement (a1) is that constituent units derived from ethylene constitute 80-90 mol %, constituent units derived from C3-20 α-olefin constitute 9.99-19.99 mol %, and constituent units derived from an unconjugated polyene constitute 0.01-5.0 mol % of said copolymer. Requirement (a2) is that the MFR of said copolymer, as measured in accordance with ASTM D1238 at 190° C. under a 2.16 kg load, be at least 2 g/10 min. and less than 10 g/10 min. Requirement (a3) is that the Shore A hardness of said copolymer, as measured in accordance with ASTM D2240, be 60 to 85. Full Article