| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08083974B2 |
Manufacturing method of lens array
Molten glass (G) is set and press-molded in a molding die (60) having dies (621A1, 621A2) corresponding to a lens array. After the molding, the molded article is removed from the molding die (60) and separated by bending at a bend-separation face (121C), which is a boundary part of adjacent lens arrays, so that two lens arrays are produced. |
| US08083968B2 |
Solid scintillator, radiation detector, and X-ray tomographic imaging apparatus
The solid scintillator according to the present invention is expressed by the following formula (1):[Formula 1] (M1-x-yGdxCey)3J5O12 (1) (wherein M is at least one element of La and Tb; J is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, and In; and x and y are such that 0.5≦x≦1 and 0.000001≦y≦0.2). The transmittance of light having a wavelength of 550 nm measured at a thickness of 2 mm is equal to or greater than 40%. The solid scintillator according to the present invention can be manufactured at low cost, has a high light emitting power, and does not release Cd because Cd is not contained. |
| US08083964B2 |
Metal-polishing liquid and polishing method
A metal-polishing liquid used for chemical-mechanical polishing of a conductor film of copper or a copper alloy in a process for manufacturing a semiconductor device, the metal-polishing liquid comprising: (1) an amino acid derivative represented by the formula (I); and (2) a surfactant, wherein, in the formula (I), R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and R2 represents an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. |
| US08083961B2 |
Method and system for controlling the uniformity of a ballistic electron beam by RF modulation
A method and system for treating a substrate using a ballistic electron beam is described, whereby the radial uniformity of the electron beam flux is adjusted by modulating the source radio frequency (RF) power. For example, a plasma processing system is described having a first RF power coupled to a lower electrode, which may support the substrate, a second RF power coupled to an upper electrode that opposes the lower electrode, and a negative high voltage direct current (DC) power coupled to the upper electrode to form the ballistic electron beam. The amplitude of the second RF power is modulated to affect changes in the uniformity of the ballistic electron beam flux. |
| US08083958B2 |
Patterning method using a combination of photolithography and copolymer self-assemblying lithography techniques
Disclosed are embodiments of a lithographic patterning method that incorporates a combination of photolithography and self-assembling copolymer lithography techniques in order to create, on a substrate, a grid-pattern mask having multiple cells, each with at least one sub-50 nm dimension. The combination of different lithographic techniques further allows for precise registration and overlay of the individual grid-pattern cells with corresponding structures within the substrate. The resulting grid-pattern mask can then be used, in conjunction with directional etch and other processes, to extend the cell patterns into the substrate and, thereby form openings, with at least one sub-50 nm dimension, landing on corresponding in-substrate structures. Once the openings are formed, additional structures can be formed within the openings. |
| US08083949B2 |
System and method for selectively removing ions from acidic solutions
A system for selectively removing at least one undesirable ion from an acidic solution including a tank receiving the acidic solution, a chiller in fluid communication with the tank, the chiller being configured to reduce a temperature of the acidic solution, and an ion exchanger in fluid communication with the chiller, the ion exchanger including an ion exchange resin that is selective for the undesirable ion. |
| US08083945B2 |
Fluid storage and purification method and system
A method of storing and dispensing a fluid includes providing a vessel configured for selective dispensing of the fluid therefrom. The vessel contains an ionic liquid therein. The fluid is contacted with the ionic liquid for take-up of the fluid by the ionic liquid. There is substantially no chemical change in the ionic liquid and the fluid. The fluid is released from the ionic liquid and dispensed from the vessel. |
| US08083940B2 |
Oil strainer for a gas turbine engine
The oil strainer has a filtering portion and a flexible sleeve portion to which the filtering portion is connected. The flexible sleeve portion has a plurality of spigot-receiving slots on the upstream side of the strainer. |
| US08083939B2 |
Screen nozzle
A screen nozzle for a media retention screen is disclosed which includes a nipple, a bottom cover, a top cover, and a cylindrical screen element sandwiched between the top and bottom covers. The top cover is secured to the bottom cover by means of a threaded rod extending from either the bottom cover or the nipple through the interior of the screen through an aperture in the top cover with the top cover being retained in place by a nut or the like. The nipple is secured to the bottom cover by swaging and the threaded rod is welded to the bottom cover. Assembling the screen element using an internal threaded rod has two substantial advantages over existing screen nozzles. The first advantage is that there are no external welds which may damage or deform or foul the screen and which are also are potential areas of weaknesses which may be subject to corrosion. Secondly the screen element may be replaced without removing the nozzle from the screen plate. This makes repair and replacement of the screen nozzles considerably easier and also cheaper, since the nipple itself does not need to be replaced. |
| US08083938B2 |
Filter end cap assembly with bypass valve
A filter assembly, filter element and methods are provided. The filter assembly includes a filter base in which a filter element is mounted. The filter element includes a bypass valve carried by the filter element that operates independent of and free of interaction with the filter base. Methods include providing an entirely new bypass valve for the filter assembly by inserting a filter element including a complete bypass valve into the filter base such that bypass valve structures of the filter base are rendered useless or superfluous. |
| US08083937B2 |
Floating baffle panel and filter apparatus
The present invention is a storm water filter system for filtering floatable debris and non-floating pollutants from storm water passing through a storm water drain system vault. The storm water filtering system has a vault having chamber having a wall between the inlet thereto and the outlet therefrom. The wall has a filter passageway therethrough for filtering the storm water and a floatable baffle panel covering a second passageway therethrough for capturing floatable debris and trash from the storm water. Storm water entering the vault inlet passes through a filter element and out the outlet and also can pass under the floating baffle panel when the floatable baffle panel is floated to a raised position to thereby prevent storm water from accumulating on the inlet side of the wall. |
| US08083936B1 |
Reducing waste water in reverse osmosis residential drinking water systems
The production of purified water from a residential reverse osmosis drinking water system is limited by the pressure build up in the holding tank or reservoir. While the pressure in the tank increases the brine or waste water continues to flow at a constant rate. This condition makes an undesirable out of proportion relationship between the purified water and the waste water. The production of product water is controlled by the differential pressure across the purification membrane, as the tank pressure increases the differential pressure decreases and reduced production of product water results. The purpose of the device is to utilize the increasing tank pressure as a force to actuate the valve that proportions the waste water in a direct relationship with the product water. The ratio between the product water and the waste water remains constant during the period that purified water is being delivered to the holding tank. |
| US08083929B2 |
Small volume in vitro sensor and methods of making
A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry; and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent. |
| US08083928B2 |
Small volume in vitro analyte sensor and methods of making
A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent. |
| US08083926B2 |
Nanopore structured electrochemical biosensors
The present invention provides a novel biosensor and measuring method. The novel biosensor of the present invention comprises an electrode having a nanopore structured and catalytically active cyclodextrin attached thereto. The biosensor of the present invention has demonstrated robust analytical performance for direct glucose measurement without mediators or without using native enzyme, which is especially beneficial in the hypoglycemia range. |
| US08083920B2 |
Method for manufacturing solid electrolytic capacitor
A method for manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor having a capacitor element produced by the steps of: forming a dielectric coating layer on the surface of an anode body, forming a conductive polymer cathode layer on the dielectric coating layer, and forming a cathode lead-out layer on the conductive polymer cathode layer, wherein the step of forming the conductive polymer cathode layer includes an electrolytic polymerization step of forming the conductive polymer cathode layer on the surface of the anode body on which the dielectric coating layer is formed by electrolytic polymerization using an electrolytic polymerization solution containing at least a monomer to be polymerized into the conductive polymer and an ionic liquid. |
| US08083919B2 |
Membrane electrode assemblies and electropaint systems incorporating same
Described are novel systems for electrodeposition of paint on counter-electrodes, and membrane electrode assemblies for incorporation into such systems. In certain embodiments of the invention, electrode enclosures such as C-shaped or box-shaped enclosures include membranes sealed to secondary structural members by bonding. In other embodiments, membrane electrode cells having bumpers are mounted within paint baths in a manner wherein the bumpers are forcibly biased against the exterior wall of the bath, thereby stabilizing the position of the cells. In still further embodiments, tubular electrode cells are provided with internal valves allowing the release of liquid trapped within the tubular electrodes into the membrane shell. In this manner, removal of the electrodes for maintenance, replacement or other purposes is facilitated. |
| US08083915B2 |
Methods for forming small-volume electrical contacts and material manipulations with fluid microchannels
A microfabricated device employing a bridging membrane and methods for electrokinetic transport of a liquid phase biological or chemical material using the same are described. The bridging membrane is deployed in or adjacent to a microchannel and permits either ionic current flow or the transport of gas species, while inhibiting the bulk flow of material. The use of bridging membranes in accordance with this invention is applicable to a variety of processes, including electrokinetically induced pressure flow in a region of a microchannel that is not influenced by an electric field, sample concentration enhancement and injection, as well as improving the analysis of materials where it is desired to eliminate electrophoretic bias. Other applications of the bridging membranes according to this invention include the separation of species from a sample material, valving of fluids in a microchannel network, mixing of different materials in a microchannel, and the pumping of fluids. |
| US08083910B2 |
Insulating spacer for plating inner surface and auxiliary anode unit
An insulating spacer 30 comprises a plurality of unit spacers 40, and a flexible coupling portion 41 for coupling the unit spacers 40 along the axial direction thereof, wherein the unit spacer 40 comprises a plurality of annular plates 42 and 43 each having an insertion hole 44 for inserting the auxiliary anode 11, and a coupling frame 45 for coupling the annular plates 42 and 43 in the axial direction of the auxiliary anode 11 while opening the outer circumference side thereof. The auxiliary anode unit 10 is constituted by inserting the insulating spacer 30 into the auxiliary anode 11, and since each unit spacer 40 is coupled, the distal end of the auxiliary anode 11 is naturally located in proximity to the insertion hole 44 provided in the next unit spacer 40 when the auxiliary anode 11 penetrates one unit spacer 40. Accordingly, the auxiliary anode 11 can be inserted into the insulating spacer 30 by series of works, and as a result, the auxiliary anode unit 10 can be manufactured with good workability. |
| US08083904B2 |
System for cation-electron intrusion and collision in a non-conductive material
A device for colliding at least one H+ ion and at least one electron may comprise at least one electromagnetic field generator for extracting the at least one H+ ion from a hydrogen-containing compound and transferring the at least one H+ ion toward a cathode. The device also may comprise at least one non-conductive material positioned between at least a portion of the hydrogen-containing compound and the cathode so that the colliding of the at least one H+ ion and the at least one electron occurs within the non-conductive material. |
| US08083903B2 |
Process for producing allyl alcohol
An azeotropic distillation method, comprising a reaction step, a distillation step for separating and refining a reaction product, and a recovery step for collecting a reactant after the distillation step; wherein at least one component constituting the reactant in the reaction step can act as an entrainer for the azeotropic distillation in the distillation step; and a portion of the reactant capable of acting as the entrainer is supplied to the distillation step. |
| US08083897B2 |
Process and apparatus for producing a fibrous web
Apparatus for producing a fibrous web that includes a smooth roll and at least one opposing element. The smooth roll and the at least one opposing element are arranged to form at least one press nip, a felt is structured and arranged to guide the fibrous web through the at least one press nip, and an embossing belt is structured and arranged to receive the fibrous web from the smooth roll. The smooth roll and the embossing belt are arranged such that the fibrous web passes in an unsupported manner over a free draw between said smooth roll and said embossing belt. |
| US08083894B2 |
Method for manufacturing a security paper
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a security paper, for security or value documents, that exhibits at least one through opening (12) having characteristic irregularities (14) in the edge region. According to the present invention, a paper web having thin sites in the form of the outline of the desired shape of the at least one through opening (12) is formed on a paper mold, and the paper web dewatered after sheet formation, the region delimited by the thin sites being removed from the paper web by the occurring forces. |
| US08083892B2 |
Apparatus for generating gas plasma, gas composition for generating plasma and method for manufacturing semiconductor device using the same
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device may include: forming a main magnetic field having an axis, and forming a subsidiary magnetic field substantially parallel to the axis; applying an alternating current along a path between the main and the subsidiary magnetic fields; allowing a gas to flow along a flow path along the path of the current so that a gas plasma is generated from the gas; providing the gas plasma into a chamber separated from a position where the gas plasma is generated; and performing a process for manufacturing a semiconductor device by employing the gas plasma. |
| US08083889B2 |
Apparatus and method for plasma etching
A plasma etching apparatus capable of performing processing with excellent in-plane uniformity on an object to be processed having a large diameter is provided. The present invention provides a plasma etching apparatus including a processing chamber 13 which performs plasma processing on an object to be processed 1, a first processing gas supply source 40, a second processing gas supply source 50, a first gas inlet 65-1 which introduces a processing gas into the processing chamber, second gas inlets 65-2 which introduce the processing gas into the processing chamber, flow rate regulators 42 and 53 which regulate the flow rate of the processing gas and a gas shunt 60 which divides the first processing gas into a plurality of portions, wherein at least two gas pipes branched by the shunt 60 are provided with the first gas inlet 65-1 or second gas inlets 65-2 and merging sections 63-1 and 63-2 are provided between the shunt 60 and the first gas inlet 65-1 and between the shunt 60 and the second gas inlets 65-2 for merging the second processing gas. |
| US08083888B2 |
Plasma processing apparatus
The invention provides a plasma processing apparatus for measuring the etching quantity of the material being processed and detecting the end point of etching using optical interference on the surface of a sample being processed, so as to simultaneously realize long life and ensure sufficient light to be received via a light transmitting unit, to enable long term stable operation and to improve the processing accuracy via accurate etching quantity detection. In a plasma processing apparatus for processing a sample being processed by generating plasma between a shower plate and a lower electrode, a detector for detecting light from a surface of the sample being processed via the shower plate includes a light transmitting unit composed of a light guide into which light is entered and a spectroscope for analyzing the light obtained by the light transmitting unit, wherein the end surface of the light transmitting unit through which light is entered is arranged at a distance of five times or greater of the mean free path of gas molecules within the vacuum reactor from the end surface of the shower plate facing the plasma. |
| US08083887B2 |
Method of forming a container having an internal reservoir
A method of forming a container (100) includes heating two webs of material and indexing the webs into a vacuum thermoformer (40) which forms first (220) and second trays (110) simultaneously, wherein the second tray is disposed within a space of the first tray to define a reservoir (300) therebetween. A portion of the first tray is brought into contact with a flange portion of the second tray, and joined by a heat seal within the vacuum thermoformer. A punch device within the vacuum thermoformer perforates a drain aperture (117) in a central region of the bottom of the second tray, such that the drain aperture is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cut-out section is adhered to the bottom of the first tray to eliminate the presence of any scrap material. The joined first and second tray is indexed out of the vacuum thermoformer and trimmed to separate an assembled container from the web supply. |
| US08083884B2 |
Method of forming a multilayer test sensor
A method of forming an electrochemical multilayer test sensor that includes a base, a second layer and a reactive layer. The reactive area includes an enzyme. The test sensor is adapted to be used in a meter and assist in determining the concentration of an analyte. A plurality of electrodes and their respective conductive leads are partially defined on the base. After partially defining the plurality of electrodes and their respective conductive leads on the base, the base is attached to a second layer to define a reaction zone in which the plurality of electrodes are fully defined. After attaching the base to the second layer, the plurality of conductive leads on the base of the test sensor are fully defined. |
| US08083881B1 |
Name badge labeling system
A labeling system for applying an adhesive backed name tape to a name badge. The system includes a base member or fixture having a seat for receiving the name badge and a pair of spacedly disposed bridge members supported by the base member adjacent respective ends of the seat. The adhesive backed name tape is positioned over the name badge, extending between the pair of bridge members and spaced from the name badge. The bridge members preferably have a ribbed upper contact surface. A roller is used for contacting a top surface of the adhesive backed name tape so as to apply the adhesive backed name tape to the name badge. |
| US08083878B1 |
Fire resistant veneer assembly for aircraft interiors
A fire resistant wood veneer assembly includes at least a decorative veneer layer and at least one aluminum foil layer. The aluminum foil layer is bonded to the decorative wood veneer with phenolic adhesive at high pressure and high temperature to produce a fire resistant veneer assembly. A additional non-decorative veneer layer may also be bonded to the aluminum foil layer and the resulting veneer assembly may be precision belt sanded on the non-decorative side to produce a flat decorative fire resistant veneer assembly. |
| US08083873B2 |
Dental and medical instruments comprising titanium
Endodontic instruments for use in performing root canal therapy on a tooth are disclosed. In one form, the instruments include an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank comprises a titanium alloy, and the shank is prepared by heat-treating the shank at a temperature above 25° C. in an atmosphere consisting essentially of a gas unreactive with the shank. In another form, the endodontic instruments have an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank consists essentially of a titanium alloy selected from alpha-titanium alloys, beta-titanium alloys, and alpha-beta-titanium alloys. The instruments solve the problems encountered when cleaning and enlarging a curved root canal. |
| US08083870B2 |
Aluminum alloy products having improved property combinations and method for artificially aging same
Aluminum alloy products, such as plate, forgings and extrusions, suitable for use in making aerospace structural components like integral wing spars, ribs and webs, comprises about: 6 to 10 wt. % Zn; 1.2 to 1.9 wt. % Mg; 1.2 to 2.2 wt. % Cu, with Mg≦(Cu+0.3); and 0.05 to 0.4 wt. % Zr, the balance Al, incidental elements and impurities. Preferably, the alloy contains about 6.9 to 8.5 wt. % Zn; 1.2 to 1.7 wt. % Mg; 1.3 to 2 wt. % Cu. This alloy provides improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness in thick gauges. When artificially aged per the three stage method of preferred embodiments, this alloy also achieves superior SCC performance, including under seacoast conditions. |
| US08083867B2 |
Amorphous alloy ribbon, nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloy and magnetic core consisting of nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloy
Even if produced from a broad amorphous alloy ribbon, a nano crystal soft magnetic alloy, a magnetic core made of a nano crystal soft magnetic alloy, and the amorphous alloy ribbon for a nano crystal soft magnetic alloys which has the excellent alternate magnetic property, the small dispersion, the excellent temporal stability in high temperature, the excellent mass productivity can be provided.An amorphous alloy ribbon, wherein the alloy composition is represented by Fe100-a-b-c-dMaSibBcCd (atomic %), 0 |
| US08083866B2 |
Method for hardening the surfaces of work pieces made of stainless steel, and a molten salt bath for realizing the method
A method for hardening the surfaces of work pieces made from stainless steel includes submerging the work pieces into a molten salt bath having the composition: potassium acetate 60-100 weight %; sodium acetate 0-100 weight %; metal salt 0-2 weight %, and are subjecting the work pieces to the molten salt bath for a period of 24 to 240 hours, during which the temperature of the molten salt bath is maintained less than 400° C. |
| US08083865B2 |
Tube lancing machine
A pair of parallel metal lances is driven by a transversal drive into and out of heat exchanger tubes. The lances are supported by a plurality of spaced apart, retractable door supports so that the transversal drive mechanism can approach the tube sheet of the heat exchanger tubes as closely as possible. A pair of rotational drive motors rotates the lances at a user controllable speed. As the lances are moved into the tubes, the interlocked support doors retract one at a time, sequentially. Similarly, as the lances are withdrawn from the tubes, the support doors close one at a time in an interlocked fashion. |
| US08083864B2 |
Cleaning device
A cleaning device for cleaning any enclosure having at least one drainage capable of enclosing one liquid. The enclosure including but, not limited to a toilet bowl, a bidet, a bathtub, a sink, a reservoir, a tank and, a shower stall. The cleaning device comprising an elongated member having a sidewall, an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, a second end, and a substantially hollow cavity. The first end and the second end of the elongated member can either be integral or be connected by a connecting means. The cleaning device also includes a stopper disposed on the first end and a gripping member removably attached to the second end of the elongated member. A liquid level regulator is provided on the cleaning device in order to control and regulate the amount of liquid disposed in an enclosure to be cleaned in order to maximize cleaning without causing overflowing. Cleaning is accomplished by a controlling means-controlling at least one agitating means operating at an optimal frequency. The cleaning device also has a safety circuit to ensure the cleaning device is positioned at an optimal angle with sufficient liquid present in the enclosure to be cleaned. |
| US08083862B2 |
Method and system for monitoring contamination on a substrate
A method and system for measuring contamination, such as metal contamination, on a substrate. A dry cleaning system is utilized for non-destructive, occasional removal of contamination, such as metal containing contamination, on a substrate, whereby a monitoring system coupled to the exhaust of the dry cleaning system is employed to determine the relative level of contamination on the substrate prior to dry cleaning. |
| US08083860B2 |
Capture and removal cleaning system
Example embodiments of the invention include a cleaning system having both daily cleaning tasks and periodic cleaning tasks for cleaning and dusting a room. By utilizing less inventory and more biocompatible, “bio-safe” products than traditional systems, embodiments of the cleaning system requires less tools yet, allows its users to combine cleaning processes in a time-saving feature. The invention further includes the use of an inventive cleaning brush apparatus for which allows dirt and dust to be swept into gaps between rows of bristles, which are attached to a handle via metal rails. Accordingly, dust is concurrently collected into a row of suction holes without requiring separate steps to sweep and collect the dust. As such, the spacing of the inner and outer bristles allows for dust to be trapped in the gaps rather than permanently dispersing into the breathing air. |
| US08083859B2 |
Arrangement and method for removing alkali- or alkaline earth-metals from a vacuum coating chamber
The invention relates to a cleaning method in which from a vacuum coating chamber (3) of a coating installation (1) for the coating of substrates (2) with alkali- or alkaline earth-metals, residues of alkali- or alkaline earth-metals are removed. For this purpose into the chamber (3) a gas from the group of N2, O2 or air is introduced, which reacts with the alkali- or alkaline earth-metals to form the corresponding solid compounds. Water can additionally be introduced into the vacuum coating chamber (3).After the alkali- or alkaline earth-metals have reacted with the gas, the corresponding solid compound is removed from the vacuum coating chamber. |
| US08083858B2 |
Method and system for cleaning an artillery gun barrel
The invention relates to a method for cleaning an artillery gun barrel, which is cleaned of gun oil, greases, or combustion residues using a washing liquid and a brush element. The brush element is moved backwards and forwards in the barrel with the aid of the washing liquid. In addition, copper is cleaned out of the simultaneously in the same process. The invention also relates to a system for cleaning an artillery gun barrel. |
| US08083855B2 |
Temperature control module using gas pressure to control thermal conductance between liquid coolant and component body
A temperature control module for a semiconductor processing chamber comprises a thermally conductive component body, one or more channels in the component body and one or more tubes concentric therewith, such that gas filled spaces surround the tubes. By flowing a heat transfer liquid in the tubes and adjusting the gas pressure in the spaces, localized temperature of the component body can be precisely controlled. One or more heating elements can be arranged in each zone and a heat transfer liquid can be passed through the tubes to effect heating or cooling of each zone by activating the heating elements and/or varying pressure of the gas in the spaces. |
| US08083851B2 |
Antimicrobial cements and cementitious compositions
Efficient antimicrobial additives are provided comprising a wettable, cake-forming inorganic material having dispersed therein an inorganic or organometallic antimicrobial agent capable of releasing antimicrobial metal ions. These antimicrobial additives are especially effective for use in cements, mortars and cementitious compositions. |
| US08083850B2 |
Method of brake fluid disposal and grinding aid for cement material
Provided is a method of brake fluid disposal which is characterized in that glycol-based brake fluid is recovered from vehicles, and the recovered glycol-based brake fluid is added to a grinding step of a cement material production facility. Furthermore, a method of brake fluid disposal is characterized in that the recovered glycol-based brake fluid is mixed with diethylene glycol. With these methods, it is possible to reduce troublesome works and effectively utilize the resources in cement material production facilities. |
| US08083846B2 |
Color effect materials and production thereof
A color effect material is described as composed of a plurality of encapsulated substrate platelets in which each platelet is encapsulated with a highly reflective layer which acts as a reflector to light directed thereon and a spacer pigment layer which is selectively transparent to light directed thereon. |
| US08083842B2 |
Aqueous solution of chromium salt and method for producing same
Disclosed is an aqueous solution of a chromium salt, in which the oxalic acid content is 8% by weight or less relative to chromium. In the aqueous solution of the chromium salt, the total organic carbon content is 4% by weight or less relative to chromium. The chromium salt is preferably a chromium chloride, a chromium phosphate, or a chromium nitrate. The chromium chloride preferably contains a basic chromium chloride represented by the composition formula Cr(OH)xCly (wherein 0 |
| US08083840B2 |
High cleaning efficiency room air cleaner with slim profile
A high cleaning efficiency room air cleaner with a slim profile providing a clean air delivery rate sufficient to clean any ordinary size room includes a flat-panel housing having an internal chamber sized to receive conventional large area flat-panel furnace filters of standard size and a fan array preferably of high efficiency, low power axial computer fans mounted to the flat-panel housing. The room air cleaner may include a scent cartridge and a UV lamp assembly. |
| US08083835B2 |
Micro-irrigation device, system, and method for plant-based cleaning of indoor air and filter bed bioregeneration
A system and related method for purifying indoor air comprising: a filter bed comprising a growing medium suitable for growing plants rooted therein and configured to be capable of sustaining an airflow therethrough between a top surface thereof and a bottom surface thereof; a micro-irrigation system comprising a plurality of irrigation source outlets for delivering water to the filter bed in a substantially-uniform fashion; an active region of the filter bed comprising that region of the filter bed configured so as to substantially have the airflow flowing therethrough; and micro-irrigation system configured such that water therefrom is capable of being projected so as to reach at least 50% of a top surface area of the active region. |
| US08083834B2 |
High permeability membrane operated at elevated temperature for upgrading natural gas
The present invention discloses a new process of treating natural gas using high gas permeability polybenzoxazole polymer membranes operated at high temperatures that can provide sufficient dew point margin for the product gas. The high gas permeability polybenzoxazole polymer membranes can be used for a single stage membrane system or for the first stage membrane in a two stage membrane system for natural gas upgrading. Simulation study has demonstrated that a costly membrane pretreatment system such as a MemGuard™ system will not be required in the present new process. The new process can achieve significant capital cost saving and reduce the existing membrane footprint greater than 50%. |
| US08083829B2 |
Organic water retention mix for use on soil
An organic mixture for retaining water in soil includes 30 to 38 kg of cellulose fiber waste or paper sludge, 8 to 13 kg of dry sawdust or wood shavings, 30 to 50 kg of top soil, 4 to 6.5 kg of manure, and 11.45 to 20 kg of calcium carbonate. |
| US08083824B2 |
Gas-solid separator
A gas-solid separator has: an inner cylinder 10 having a closed lower end 11 and an opened upper end 1, and extending in a vertical direction; and an outer cylinder 2 that coaxially covers the inner cylinder 10 from the outside and has a gas vent port 6 formed on the upper end side and communicating with an exterior, wherein a plurality of axially extending long holes 4 are formed on a side surface on the lower end 11 side of the inner cylinder 10 in a circumferential direction, one of long side edge parts of each of the long holes 4 is provided with a guide blade 5 that protrudes outward and is inclined circumferentially so as to cover the long hole 4, and in a section of the outer cylinder 2 that surrounds the plurality of long holes 4 of the inner cylinder 10, an inner diameter D1 of a lower part is larger than an inner diameter D2 of an upper part. |
| US08083823B2 |
Air filtration device for liquid or semi-liquid product pump
An air filtration device for the vent of a body of a pump used to fit a liquid or semi-liquid product distributor, the device including a filter membrane through which the product may be discharged from opening. The free edge of the membrane is connected to a support element which is tightly fixed on the opening. |
| US08083819B2 |
Hydrogen-producing fuel processing and fuel cell systems with a temperature-responsive automatic valve system
Hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems with at least one temperature-responsive valve assembly, and methods for feedback regulation of the hydrogen-producing region. The temperature-responsive valve assembly responds automatically to the temperature of a gas stream of interest to regulate the flow of a subject gas stream therethrough. In some embodiments, these streams are the same streams, while in others, they are different streams. The streams may include at least the reformate stream from a hydrogen-producing region of the fuel processing assembly, the byproduct stream from a purification region, and the product gas stream from the purification region. In some embodiments, the subject gas stream may be the byproduct stream, which is in fluid communication for delivery as a combustible fuel stream for a burner or other heating assembly that produces an exhaust stream to heat the hydrogen-producing region of the fuel processing assembly. |
| US08083817B2 |
Entrained bed gasifier with a cold screen and internal water jacket
An entrained bed gasifier for operation with particulate or liquid fuels is provided. A reaction chamber defined by a cold screen and a quenching chamber connected to the reaction chamber using a crude gas and slag outlet, wherein at least the cold screen is enclosed by a pressure-resistant pressure mantle. The annular gap between the cold screen and pressure jacket may be filled with a fluid, for example, water or heat transfer oil. A rough pressure equalization between the gasification chamber and the annual gap may be guaranteed using a connection between the annular gap and the quenching chamber or the crude gas line, hence the pressure in the gasification chamber normally remains slightly higher than in the inner water jacket. |
| US08083814B2 |
Quaternary ammonium salt of a mannich compound
A quaternary ammonium salt detergent made from the reaction product of the reaction of: (a) Mannich reaction product having a tertiary amino group, said Mannich reaction product being prepared from the reaction of a hydrocarbyl-substituted phenol, an aldehyde, and amine; and (b) a quaternizing agent suitable for converting the tertiary amino group to a quaternary nitrogen and the use of such quaternary ammonium salt detergents in a fuel composition to reduce intake valve deposits. |
| US08083810B2 |
Azo compound, azo pigment, dispersion containing the azo compound or azo pigment, coloring composition, ink for inkjet recording, ink tank for inkjet recording, inkjet recording method and recorded material
To provide an azo pigment excellent in coloristic characteristics such as tinctorial strength and hue and at the same time, excellent in the durability such as light fastness and ozone resistance, a pigment dispersion containing the azo pigment, a coloring composition, and an ink for inkjet recording. An azo pigment represented by the following formula (1), its tautomer, or a salt or hydrate thereof: (wherein R1, R2, R3, Y, Z and G each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent; n represents and integer of 2 to 4; and the formula represents a dimer through R1, R2, R3, Y, Z or G when n is 2, represents a trimer through R1, R2, R3, Y, Z or G when n is 3, and represents a tetramer through R1, R2, R3, Y, Z or G when n is 4). |
| US08083801B2 |
Sinus membrane perforation corrective procedure
A sinus correction method is disclosed. For example, one embodiment comprises making an incision in gingival tissue surrounding a sinus membrane perforation, dissecting the gingival tissue from cortical bone, dissecting sinus membrane adjacent to the gingival tissue from the cortical bone, overlapping the sinus membrane and adjacent gingival tissue from two sides of the sinus membrane perforation, connecting the overlapping sinus membrane and adjacent gingival tissue from two sides of the sinus membrane perforation, and applying a bone graft composition adjacent to the overlapping sinus membrane, the bone graft composition to form bone connected with cortical bone sufficient to place a dental implant. |
| US08083798B2 |
Non-circular stabilization sphere and method
A spacer for inserting between vertebral members. The spacer has a non-spherical shape with an anterior section having a first shape and a posterior section having a different shape. An attachment means is positioned within the posterior section, and may include a receiver for attachment with an insertion device, and an anti-rotation mechanism for assistance in removing the spacer from the insertion device. Embodiments of using the spacer is also disclosed which may include inserting the spacer between the vertebral members in a generally posterior approach. Once inserted, the insertion device acts with the anti-rotation device to remove a connection mechanism from the receiver. The spacer remains between the vertebral members and provides relief to the patient. |
| US08083797B2 |
Intervertebral prosthetic disc with shock absorption
A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes upper and lower plates and a core having upper and lower curved surfaces disposed between the plates. At least one of the plates and/or the core includes a resilient material for absorbing shock or other forces applied by vertebrae. Optionally, resilient support members may be disposed within the resilient material to connect two portions of a plate or the core. Such support members may be springs, cylinders, wires or other resilient structures. The resilient material is held within the core or plate(s) via a surrounding retaining structure, such as a membrane. The resilient material disposed in one or more components of the prosthetic disc provides for shock absorption. |
| US08083795B2 |
Intervertebral prosthetic device for spinal stabilization and method of manufacturing same
A prosthetic device and method of inserting same between adjacent vertebrae, according to which a first member of a relatively flexible material is adapted to extend between the vertebrae; and at least one second member of a relatively stiff material is supported by the first member. |
| US08083794B2 |
Replica eye
A replica eye includes a dome-shaped eyeball, a back simulating member, a front simulating member, a container, at least one tube, and a driving member. The eyeball includes a light-transmitting area for transmitting light. The back simulating member has a simulating surface being a first color. The front simulating member has a resilient capsule being a second color other than the first color. The resilient capsule is attached to the simulating surface, and arranged between the simulating surface and the light-transmitting area. The container is used for accommodating fillers. The at least one tube is capable of passing through the simulating surface to connect between the resilient capsule and the container. The driving member is coupled to the container for driving the fillers received in the container move towards and away from resilient capsule via the tube. |
| US08083792B2 |
Percutaneous endoprosthesis using suprarenal fixation and barbed anchors
An endoprosthetic device for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms using suprarenal fixation. A stent ring is anchored in an area above the renal arteries using self-flaring barbs that project during the nitinol expansion process. Sutures extend from the stent ring to an area below the renal arteries to a bifurcated trunk portion comprising a nitinol fabric on a non-kinking frame. The bifurcated trunk is sealed proximal the iliac arteries and includes iliac leg holders having self-flaring retention struts for non-traumatic holding of iliac leg prosthetics. Suprarenal fixation and collapsible cells having retention projections and barbs that only flare during the nitinol expansion process assist in lowering the devices profile and sheathability for percutaneous delivery and may provide for recapturing the anchored device. |
| US08083790B2 |
ePTFE graft-stent composite device
An implantable intraluminal device includes a multilayer composite tubular device supporting one or more stents between the layer thereof. A first porous elongate tube includes an exterior surface and an interior luminal surface. A radially expandable member is disposed about the exterior surface of the first tube. A second porous elongate tube is disposed concentrically over the first tube and is secured thereto so that the radially expandable member is longitudinally immobilized therebetween. |
| US08083789B2 |
Securement assembly and method for expandable endovascular device
A securement assembly for releasably securing an expandable stent or stent-graft relative to a delivery tube. The securement assembly comprises a belt base configured for securement relative to the delivery tube. The belt base defines a release member passage and a receiving portion. A first end of a belt is fixed relative to the belt base. The opposite end of the belt includes a retainment portion configured to releasably engage the receiving portion of the belt base. A release member is removably positioned through the release member passage and aligned with the belt retainment portion such that the retainment portion is maintained engaged with the receiving portion until the release member is moved to a non-aligned position. A method of releasably securing a portion of an expandable stent or stent-graft relative to a delivery tube is also provided. |
| US08083788B2 |
Apparatus and methods for positioning prostheses for deployment from a catheter
Apparatus for delivering stents to body lumens include a flexible catheter shaft, an expandable member, a tubular prosthesis selectively movable in an axial direction over the expandable member, and a stop member disposed on the catheter shaft near the distal end of the catheter shaft for stopping the prosthesis at a deployment position on the expandable member. A variety of different stop members are provided according to various embodiments, such as stop members disposed outside the expandable member, stop members disposed inside the expandable member, movable stop members, and the like. Methods of delivering stents are also provided. |
| US08083786B2 |
Thermal stimulation probe and method
A physiological thermal stimulation probe, comprising: (a) an electrically controlled heat control element with a relatively low thermal capacity and adapted for contact with tissue on one side thereof; (b) a thermal sink/source with a relatively high effective thermal capacity and a relatively low thermal impedance, such that said thermal sink/source sink can rapidly change a temperature of said heat control element, at a rate above 10 degrees Celsius per second, from a temperature of below 100 degrees Celsius; and (c) circuitry which activates said heat control element to achieve a desired temperature stimulation profile of said tissue. |
| US08083782B2 |
Craniotomy closures and plugs
Strip fasteners and cranial plugs for use in reattaching a skull flap removed during brain surgery and methods of using the same. The strip fasteners are flexible and can be shaped to follow the perimeter contour of the skull flap. The cranial plugs can be used to reattach the skull flap or they can be installed after the skull flap is reattached using the strip fasteners. In some embodiments, the cranial plug(s) and strip fasteners can be installed at the same time. The strip fasteners and cranial plugs are designed to encourage bone growth and healing of the skull flap and they can be used to deliver medication and bone growth enhancement compositions to the surgical site. |
| US08083779B2 |
Anchor assemblies for securing connecting elements along a spinal column
Devices and methods that securely engage an elongated connecting element in a receiver of an anchor assembly are provided. The anchor assembly includes an anchor member engageable to bony structure and the receiver includes a passage for receiving the connecting element when the connecting element is positioned along the bony structure. The anchor assembly includes an engaging member that engages the receiver and the connecting element to secure the connecting element in the receiver. |
| US08083775B2 |
Load-sharing bone anchor having a natural center of rotation and method for dynamic stabilization of the spine
A dynamic bone anchor for anchoring a spine stabilization assembly which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. The dynamic bone anchor provides load sharing while preserving range of motion and reducing stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy. The dynamic bone anchor includes a deflectable post connected by a ball joint to a threaded anchor. Deflection of the deflectable post is controlled by a compliant sleeve. The force/deflection properties of the dynamic bone anchor may be adapted to the anatomy and functional requirements of the patient. When implanted the pivot point for the deflectable post is placed close to the instantaneous center of rotation of the spine. The dynamic bone anchor may be used as a component of a dynamic stabilization system which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. |
| US08083773B2 |
Apparatus for minimally invasive posterior correction of spinal deformity
An apparatus is operable to correct spinal deformities caused by scoliosis and the like. The apparatus may be used in a minimally invasive fashion and through the posterior side of the patient. A combination of internal screws and rods, as well as external pins, rods, and correction mechanisms, are used to obtain facet unlocking and translational correction of the affected vertebrae. The internal rods are inserted percutaneously and are secured to the affected vertebrae to maintain the deformity correction. External components are then removed, and the small incisions are sutured. |
| US08083772B2 |
Dynamic spinal rod assembly and method for dynamic stabilization of the spine
A versatile dynamic spinal rod and bone anchor assembly for use in a dynamic stabilization system to support the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. Alternative embodiments can be used for spine fusion. The dynamic bone anchor provides load sharing while preserving range of motion and reducing stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy. The dynamic bone anchor includes a deflectable post connected by a ball-joint to a threaded anchor. The dynamic rod connects different levels of the construct in a multilevel construct. The dynamic rod is connected to the dynamic bone anchor by a joint which permits relative movement of the deflectable post and rod reducing the stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy. |
| US08083768B2 |
Vascular plug having composite construction
This invention relates to apparatus and methods for use in sealing a vascular puncture site, particularly sites of punctures that are the result of catheterization or other interventional procedures. In several of the preferred embodiments, the sealing device includes a sealing member and a tether. The sealing member generally performs the function of occupying a space in an incision, puncture, or other wound and sealing the space in the incision, puncture, or wound that it occupies, to prevent further blood flow. The tether is typically attached in some manner to the sealing member, and provides the user with the ability to withdraw the sealing member if necessary. In a particularly preferred form, the sealing device further includes a restraining member associated with the sealing member. The restraining member provides the ability to more securely restrain the sealing member to prevent it from migrating from the deployment location within a tissue tract. The restraining member may also provide an additional capability of manipulating the sealing member after deployment. |
| US08083767B2 |
Access and closure device and method
Devices and methods for accessing and closing vascular sites are disclosed. Self-sealing closure devices and methods are disclosed. A device that can make both steeply sloping and flat access paths into a vascular lumen is disclosed. The device can also form arteriotomies with sections cleaved between a vessel's intima and adventitia. Methods for using the device are also disclosed. |
| US08083766B2 |
Septal defect closure device
A device for closing a septal defect of a patient comprising a covering member and at least one retaining leg. The covering member has a first configuration for delivery and a second configuration for placement on the first side of the defect. The at least one retaining leg is configured to contact tissue on the second side of the defect to retain the covering member and has a first configuration for delivery and a second configuration for placement on the second side of the defect. |
| US08083762B2 |
Distal protection devices having controllable wire motion
A distal protection device for use in a body lumen. The device includes a functional element which may be a filter or an occlusive element. The device includes means for controlling the movement and placement of the functional element along a guidewire. Motion of the guidewire can be independent of the motion of the functional element. |
| US08083761B2 |
Balloon catheter and method for manufacturing it
A balloon catheter includes a catheter tube and an inflatable balloon. The ends of the balloon are attached to the catheter tube. The outside surface of the balloon in an uninflated state is provided with a relief structure which in an inflated state of the balloon is substantially disappeared. A method for producing such a relief structure is by winding a wire helically around the outer surface of the balloon. |
| US08083759B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for forming incisions in ocular tissue
A surgical tool includes a surgical blade configured to be moved to form an incision. The surgical tool also includes a wire configured to cause movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool further includes an actuator configured to shorten a length of the wire to cause the movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction and then in a second direction in response to a single shortening of the wire. Also, the wire could represent a first wire, the surgical tool could include a second wire, and the surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction in response to shortening the first wire and to move the surgical blade in a second direction in response to shortening the second wire. |
| US08083755B2 |
Mesh implant for use in reconstruction of soft tissue defects
The present invention relates to a resorbable polymeric mesh implant, that is intended to be used in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects. The mesh implant comprises at least a first and a second material, wherein the second material is substantially degraded at a later point in time than the first material following the time of implantation. The mesh implant is adapted to have a predetermined modulus of elasticity that gradually is decreased until the mesh implant is completely degraded and subsequently resorbed. Due to the gradual decrease in the modulus of elasticity of the inventive mesh implant, the regenerating tissue may gradually take over the load applied to the tissue defect area. |
| US08083748B2 |
Device and method for mixing and dispensing a bone cement mixture
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a device for mixing and dispensing a bone cement mixture is provided. The device comprises a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is for containing a first bone cement component. The second chamber is for containing a second bone cement component. A valve is in fluid communication with the first and second chambers. A first and a second plunger are respectively within the first and second chambers and are configured to actuate within their respective chambers. When the valve is in a first position actuating the first plunger advances the first bone cement component into the second chamber to form the bone cement mixture. |
| US08083747B2 |
Maxillary sinus bone graft method using the sinus lift drill (SLD) and hydraulic effect
The invention relates to a dental implant method using a tissue punch, sinus lift drill (SLD) and hydraulic effect which places a bone graft and embed a dental implant at a maxillary sinus area where there is not sufficient bone to embed a dental implant. The method includes: removing mucoperiosteum having a size of an dental implant to be implanted at a alveolar crest area using a tissue punch, drilling a maxillary sinus floor easily and safely without causing damage to a maxillary sinus membrane by inserting a sinus lift drill which has a protruding member that is elastically installed in the body so as to protrude from and retract in the longitudinal direction of the body, elevating a maxillary sinus membrane by the hydraulic effect (injecting graft adjacent to the drilled maxillary sinus floor); and installing the implant in an inside portion of the drilled maxillary sinus floor. |
| US08083745B2 |
Surgical tools for arthroplasty
A patellar 3-D guidance tool includes a template. The template includes at least one contact surface for engaging a surface of the patella. The at least one contact surface substantially conforms with the surface associated with the patellar. At least one guide aperture directs movement of a surgical instrument, wherein the shape and/or position of the guide aperture is based, at least in part, on three or more anatomic reference points associated with the patellar. |
| US08083741B2 |
Orthopaedic implant with sensors
The present invention relates to an orthopaedic implant, such as a bone plate, for the fixation of bone where the implant also has at least one microchip and at least one sensor connected to the microchip. The sensor or sensors are configured to receive physical stimulus from a portion of the implant or the patient's tissue such as temperature, pressure, and strain. The information received from the sensor or sensors is gathered by the microchip and transmitted to a receiver, such as a personal computer, outside the patient. This information enables doctors to diagnose the useful life of the implant, the load sharing of the bone plate, and possible complications typically associated with orthopaedic implants such as infection, fracture non-union, and fatigue. The implant may also have one or more electrodes located on its surface which emit an electric current to stimulate healing of the broken or fractured bone. |
| US08083738B2 |
Method and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures
An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a generally spherical or toroidal geometry. |
| US08083737B2 |
Gas-enhanced surgical instrument with mechanism for cylinder puncture
A surgical instrument for providing an ionized gas to a surgical site includes a receptacle for a cylinder of pressurized surgical gas and a frame having a port near the distal end for emitting the surgical gas. A passageway extending between the receptacle and the port delivers the surgical gas to an electrode that is adapted for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy. A puncture assembly for rupturing a seal on the cylinder to release the surgical gas into the passageway includes a spring movable between a first state for storing mechanical energy and a relaxed state. An actuator is operable to move the spring to the relaxed state. A puncture pin is operatively coupled to the spring such that energy released by movement of the spring to the relaxed state is effective to move the puncture pin relative to the cylinder to rupture the seal. |
| US08083734B2 |
Coolant dosing device
The invention relates to a coolant dosing device for the application of cryogenic gas for producing low temperatures as required e.g. in cryosurgery. The invention aims to ensure a disturbance-free operation in spite of often dirty gas and to exclude possible operating errors in the connection of capsules of the prior art. According to the invention, the coolant dosing device comprises a capillary tube that receives gas that has been filtered in the capsule and directly supplies it to the dispenser, thereby ensuring a disturbance-free operation. The low force connection between the capsule and the metering device by means of O-rings that are slipped over ensures a tight seal and an error-free operation. |
| US08083733B2 |
Cryosurgical instrument with enhanced heat exchange
A cryosurgical instrument features a cryogen in liquid or liquid-gaseous (mist) form being supplied by a feeding lumen into the internal space of a cryotip at the distal end of the cryosurgical instrument. The distal section of the feeding lumen is helically coiled, so that an outer diameter of the helically coiled distal section fits an inner diameter of a cylindrical envelope of said cryotip, and said helically coiled distal section and said cylindrical envelope are in thermal contact. |
| US08083731B2 |
Apparatus and method for laser treatment of a biological material
An apparatus for laser processing of a material, in particular the eye cornea, emits on to the material a train (18′) of laser radiation pulses having a pulse duration in the femtosecond range. The pulse train comprises a multiplicity of successive pulse groups, each pulse group comprising at least two laser radiation pulses (20′, 22′). The pulses of a pulse group are directed at substantially the same processing site of the material, but the pulses of successive groups are directed at substantially different processing sites of the material. According to the invention the time interval between successive laser radiation pulses of a pulse group is in the nanosecond range. In particular, the intensity or energy of the pulses within a pulse group is graduated, in such a way that a preceding prepulse (20′) has substantially lower intensity or energy than a following main pulse (22′). |
| US08083721B2 |
Power injection valve
A device for transferring fluids between an internal structure in a living body and an exterior thereof, comprises a housing including a pressure activated lumen extending to a distal end opening to a power injection lumen that extends to a distal port configured for connection to a fluid conduit extending to a target structure within the body and a pressure activated valve extending across the pressure activated lumen and controlling fluid flow therethrough, the pressure activated valve opening to permit fluid flow therethrough into the power injection lumen when a fluid pressure differential thereacross is at least a first predetermined threshold level and remaining sealed when the fluid pressure differential thereacross is less than the first threshold level in combination with a proximal port coupled to the housing for movement between a first position in which a proximal end of the power injection lumen opens to the proximal port and a second position in which a proximal end of the pressure activated lumen opens to the proximal port. |
| US08083720B2 |
Device and method for delivering therapeutic agents to an area of the body
A device, system and method deliver an agent to a soft mass, such as an area of the body, and more specifically the brain. One aspect includes creation of one or more channels, tunnels or grooves in tissue using a relatively small diameter, minimally-invasive stylet and then removing the stylet prior to infusion. The stylet-created channels become paths of increased hydraulic conductivity, through which the infusate will tend to flow and produce a predictable infusion pattern. Infusate will be carried into these channels with relatively low resistance, and then infuse outward from these channels into the surrounding tissue. By carefully positioning these channels, one can control and modify the preferred paths and duration of distribution. |
| US08083718B2 |
Device and method employing shape memory alloy
A system for the metering and delivery of small discrete volumes of liquid is comprised of a small or minimal number of inexpensive components. One such component is a movable member, such as a miniature precision reciprocating displacement pump head, which is driven by an actuator that comprises a shape memory alloy material. The operating mechanism of the system is of little or minimal complexity. The system facilitates the precise metering and delivery of the small discrete volumes of liquid. Potential applications for the system include subcutaneous, long-term, automated drug delivery, for example, the delivery of insulin to a person with diabetes. In such an application, the small, simple and inexpensive nature of the invention would allow for its use as both a portable and a disposable system. |
| US08083716B2 |
Systems and methods allowing for reservoir air bubble management
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to limiting a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from a reservoir. In various embodiments, a plunger head within a reservoir is shaped so as to limit a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from the reservoir. Also, in various embodiments, a reservoir is shaped so as to limit a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from the reservoir. In some embodiments, both a reservoir and a plunger head within the reservoir are shaped so as to limit a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from the reservoir. |
| US08083715B2 |
Puncture device
The present invention provides a puncture device and an administration device in which a puncture needle can be stuck certainly to a predetermined region of a skin. The puncture device and the administration device of the present invention are provided with a puncture needle moving means for retaining aforesaid puncture needle to be movable and a skin deforming means for deforming the skin, wherein it is constituted such that the puncture needle is moved by aforesaid puncture needle moving means and punctures the skin deformed by aforesaid skin deforming means. |
| US08083711B2 |
Injection device with internal dose indicator
The present invention relates to an injection device comprising a housing, a resilient member adapted to provide a force in the axial direction of the injection device for ejecting a dose from the injection device. The injection device further comprises a dose setting member operatively connected to a dose indicator barrel positioned within the housing, the dose setting member and the dose indicator barrel being movable relative to each other and cooperating to set the dose to be ejected from the injection device. The dose indicator barrel undergoes, during dose setting, a combined rotational and translational movement within the housing and relative to the housing. |
| US08083708B2 |
Systems and methods for delivering drugs to selected locations within the body
A transvascular system for delivering a drug to a tissue region from a blood vessel includes a catheter having a distal portion with puncturing, orientation, drug delivery, and imaging elements. The puncturing element is deployable for penetrating the vessel wall to access the tissue region. The orientation element has a predetermined relationship with the puncturing element, the imaging element detecting the location of the orientation element with respect to the tissue region to orient the puncturing element. The catheter is percutaneously introduced into the vessel, the puncturing element is oriented towards the tissue region, the puncturing element is deployed to access the tissue region, and the drug is delivered to the tissue region. An ablation device may also be deployed to create a cavity or fluid reservoir in the tissue region for receiving the drug therein, or an indwelling catheter may be advanced into and left in the tissue region. |
| US08083706B2 |
Apparatus and systems for membraneless separation of fluids
The present invention is directed to devices, systems and methods for removing undesirable materials from a sample fluid by contact with a second fluid. The sample fluid flows as a thin layer adjacent to, or between, concurrently flowing layers of the second fluid, without an intervening membrane. In various embodiments, a secondary separator is used to restrict the removal of desirable substances and effect the removal of undesirable substances from blood. The invention is useful in a variety of situations where a sample fluid is to be purified via a diffusion mechanism against an extractor fluid. Moreover, the invention may be used for the removal of components from a sample fluid that vary in size. When blood is the sample fluid, for example, this may include the removal of ‘small’ molecules, ‘middle’ molecules, macromolecules, macromolecular aggregates, and cells, from the blood sample to the extractor fluid. |
| US08083696B2 |
Light and massage multi-therapy hairbrush
A hairbrush includes a control panel, an interior vibratory element for providing massage therapy and a plurality of LEDs carried by the brush head for providing light therapy at a preselected wavelength selected to be of benefit to the hair and/or scalp. In response to user control input mode selection, the light and massage multi-therapy hairbrush selectively provides phototherapy, massage therapy, and combined massage and phototherapies. |
| US08083695B2 |
Walk assistance device
A walk assistance device capable of transmitting a force generated by a leg link to a user's trunk via a load transmit portion, wherein the leg link includes an upper first link portion connected to the load transmit portion via a first joint portion, a lower second link portion connected to a foot attachment portion via a second joint portion, a middle third joint portion connecting the first link portion to the second link portion such that a distance between the first joint portion and the second joint portion is variable, and a driving source that drives the third joint portion. The moment of inertia around the first joint portion of the leg link is reduced to decrease a load on the user's leg in walking. The driving source is disposed above the third joint portion of the first link portion so that the center-of-gravity of the entire leg link is located above the third joint portion. In the case where the driving source includes an electric motor and a reduction gear, the electric motor is disposed above the reduction gear. |
| US08083691B2 |
Apparatus and method for sensing force
A medical system comprises a medical probe including an elongated probe body, a lumen extending within the probe body, an axially flexible section, and a push-pull rod slidably disposed within the lumen. The system comprises a ditherer mechanically coupled to the rod for cyclically displacing it axially back and forth within the lumen, such that the ends of the probe body are axially displaced relative to each other via the axially flexible section. The system further comprises a sensor for sensing a force axially applied to the distal end of the probe body. A method comprises introducing a medical probe into a patient, axially dithering the distal end of the medical probe back and forth relative to the proximal end of the medical probe, and sensing a force applied between tissue of the patient and the distal end of the medical probe while the distal end is axially dithered. |
| US08083686B2 |
Forceps and collection assembly with accompanying mechanisms and related methods of use
An embodiment of the invention includes a method for acquiring a plurality of tissue samples. The method includes using a device to cut a first tissue sample from an internal tissue tract of a patient and storing the first tissue sample in a container. Without removing the device from the patient, the method further includes using the device to cut a second tissue sample from the internal tissue tract and storing the tissues ample in the container. The method also includes coupling a fluid delivery device to the container to flush the first and second tissue samples from the container. |
| US08083685B2 |
System and method for laparoscopic nerve detection
A surgical system aids identification of nerves in a body to help prevent damage to the nerves during surgery to the body proximate the nerves. An electrode introduced to within a body cavity through a catheter is placed proximate a nerve within the body cavity by a laparoscopic or robotic device. An exploratory probe placed in the body cavity is selectively placed along a presumed pathway of the nerve to provide an electrical signal through the nerve to the electrode. An analyzer interfaced with the electrode analyzes the electrical signal received at the electrode to determine the proximity of the exploratory probe to the nerve, allowing mapping of the nerve pathway through the body cavity. |
| US08083679B1 |
Ultrasonic imaging apparatus
An ultrasonic image capturing apparatus is disclosed for transmitting ultrasonic pulses from an ultrasonic probe in which elements are arranged two-dimensionally to a subject, receiving the ultrasonic pulses reflected by the subject, and displaying a slice image of the subject. A vector Doppler processor detects motion of the subject along the direction of an aperture of a receiving beam former, and a displacement detector detects motion of a focus region in the subject based on a result of computation of the vector Doppler processor. A scanning plate setting section determines an image capturing region by using ultrasonic waves by the displacement detector. |
| US08083675B2 |
Method and system for providing adaptive rule based cognitive stimulation to a user
A method and system for providing evolving, highly variable, long-term on-going cognitive stimulation over a broad spectrum of cognitive domains. The user is presented with a series of entertaining audio/visual activities customized for the user, based on the user's life experience and cognitive level, each activity providing stimulation in one or more cognitive domains. The activities themselves and their level of challenge may change, in real time, over both the short- and the long term, varying in relation to current and historical user response patterns, creating an experience that remains engaging, with on-going use, over a period of months or years. |
| US08083674B2 |
Power saving uplink for biosensors
A system for monitoring a physiological condition of an individual. The system (1) comprises sensing means (3) arranged to pick up a first signal (M) in a first mode of the system, said first signal being representative of the physiological condition and to forward the first signal to a signal processing unit (33). The system comprises an actuatable control unit (2) positioned remote from the signal processing unit, the control unit (2) being suitable to generate a second signal (T) arranged to be superimposed on the first signal (M). The signal processing unit (33, 37) is arranged to decode the second signal and to make the system enter into a second mode upon receipt of the second signal (T). |
| US08083673B2 |
Examination apparatus
An apparatus and method for an examination apparatus that includes a manually movable structure having a first movement from a free state to a compressed state and a second reversing movement from the compressed state to the free state. Also included is a plurality of fingers that are disposed adjacent to the structure. The fingers having a stowed state and an open state, the stowed state having a nested relationship between the fingers to reduce a silhouette profile size. In moving from the stowed state to the open state of the plurality of fingers requires a selected sequential movement of each the fingers to proceed from the nested relationship to the open state that is accommodated by an assemblage for moving the fingers sequentially utilizing the manually operated structure, wherein the fingers are moved from the stowed state to the open state and reversed manually. |
| US08083672B2 |
Laryngoscope
The present invention is a self-retaining laryngoscope composed of a palate brace or blade, a slider, and a tongue blade. The angulated tongue blade puts less force on the blade, reduces trauma, and is not conducive for mechanical failure. The slider interacts with the tongue blade by widening the opening of the mouth, and acts as a bite block. The fenestrated palate blade provides an unobstructed view of the vocal cords during intubation, and allows removal of the laryngoscope over the endotracheal tube without displacing it. The result is a laryngoscope that requires only one hand to use properly, and has superior retraction due to its shape. |
| US08083671B2 |
Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope
A fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope. Certain embodiments of the invention include a single, large fluid source and pump installed upon an operator console, in combination with a small fluid reservoir and pump installed within a proximal connector of the imaging endoscope, multiple fluid sources that feed a common fluid channel that are pressurized by a common pump, multiple fluid sources that feed dedicated fluid channels that are pressurized by dedicated pumps, and a small fluid reservoir and pump installed within a handheld manual controller of the imaging endoscope. The fluid delivery endoscopic systems of the present invention provide the user with the flexibility of changing fluids either in advance of a procedure or on-the-fly as needed, instead of relying on fixed fluid sources only. |
| US08083664B2 |
Surgical stabilizers and methods for use in reduced-access surgical sites
Devices and methods for stabilizing tissue within a patient's body. Such a device is adapted to assume a reduced configuration and an operating configuration. The device assumes the reduced configuration for passage through a small opening to deliver a working end of the device to a site of the tissue to be stabilized. Such a device may include first and second contact members that are mounted for rotation, with each having a contact surface adapted to contact a surface of the tissue. When the device is in the operating configuration, a largest cross-sectional dimension of the contact members may be greater than a largest dimension of an opening through which the contact members were passed. However, when in the reduced configuration, largest cross-sectional dimension of the contact members is less than the largest dimension of the opening. |
| US08083661B2 |
Creasing machine
A creasing machine (1) for forming creases in sheets (11) of flexible material, said creasing machine (1) including a creasing mechanism (5), a transport mechanism (3) for transporting sheets (11) of material through the creasing mechanism, and a control system (7) for controlling operation of the creasing mechanism (5) and the transport mechanism (3), said creasing mechanism (3) including first and second creasing members (25,27) and a drive mechanism (28) for driving the creasing members (25,27), wherein the creasing members (25,27) are arranged to move in the direction of movement of the sheet (11) and at least one of said creasing members (25,27) is moveable towards the other creasing member (25,27) to produce a crease in a sheet (11) located between those members (25,27), and wherein the control system (7) is arranged to substantially match the speed of movement of the creasing members (25,27) with the speed of the sheet to enable the sheet to be creased while moving. |
| US08083660B2 |
Re-closable flexible package and method of manufacturing the same
The invention provides for a re-closable flexible package with gussets (2, 3, 4) on the sides and bottom for increasing its volume and providing ease of storage comprising: —a slider zipper assembly (5, 6) to open and close said package; —a diaphragm (7) of at least one metalized film placed below the slider zipper assembly to seal the package and act as barrier making it tamper proof; —a scoring line (45) on said diaphragm (7) for making it easier and more convenient for the user to tear open and access the contents of the package; —a handle (8) made of a laminate for ease in lifting or carrying the flexible package. |
| US08083659B2 |
Apparatus for erecting ribbed cardboard for protecting packed products
The apparatus for erecting ribbed cardboard for protecting packed products comprises a collecting device provided with gripping means which are mobile between a gripping station of a single blank sheet of ribbed cardboard from a collecting store and a folding station of the sheet. A folding matrix is destined to receive a single sheet of ribbed cardboard supplied by the collecting device. The forming punch is destined to cooperate with the folding matrix in order to fold opposite lateral flaps of the sheet by contact with the folding means. The forming punch is destined to retain the sheet on completion of the folding stage. A transfer device hingedly bearing the forming punch and destined to move the forming punch between the folding station and a release station of the sheet, which sheet is retained in a folded configuration by the forming punch and a packing line of the products. |
| US08083655B2 |
Training device for building up the musculature of the locomotor system
In a device for training the musculature of the human locomotor system, comprising a support unit which is at least indirectly attached at one end to a holding arm and at the other end can be releasably attached to a patient, wherein the holding arm is at least indirectly mounted, at its bottom end remote from the support unit, on a carrier chassis by means of at least one resilient element, training of walking or running movements implementing natural movement dynamics without risk of stumbling or falling is made possible in that a resilient element is coupled to at least one stabilizing assembly, which prevents torsion of the holding arm about its longitudinal axis and also restricts movement of the holding arm such that the end of the holding arm remote from the carrier chassis is capable of movement over a predetermined area and the support unit pivotally attached to the holding arm is thereby capable of movement within a predetermined volume. |
| US08083654B1 |
Apparatus for rehabilitation
A method and apparatus for exercising and rehabilitating muscles, muscle groups, ligaments and soft tissue connecting limbs and limb extremities wherein the limb extremity is suspended by tension means in an environment that stabilizes the limb position while facilitating the movement of the extremity in space. The apparatus includes tension members to develop and provide desired counter forces in opposition to those created by strain of the selected muscles, muscle groups, ligaments and soft tissue. |
| US08083649B1 |
Wrist exercise devise
A wrist exerciser that uses nested semi spheres to work the wrists. It has an outer bowl-shaped housing that can be mounted to a wall, or can he held by the user using a special glove. A second bowl-shaped device called the pendulum has a handle in the center and fits within the housing. A third member called a pressure bowl is fitted into the outer housing. The pressure bowl has an open bottom to let pendulum handle pass through the bottom of the pressure bowl. The user tightens the pressure bowl down to increase the tightness of the pendulum within the outer housing. A user can mount the device on a wall or grip the bottom of the outer bowl. Then, the user holds the handle on the pendulum and rotates the pendulum around the outer housing, back and forth in any desired direction to work the wrist. |
| US08083645B2 |
Information exchanging device
An information exchanging device includes a physical information measuring unit, a script executing unit, a radio communication unit, a display unit, and a control unit. The physical information measuring unit is configured to measure physical information of a user. The script executing unit is configured to execute a script of contents based on said physical information. The radio communication unit is configured to transmit and receive data to and from another device. The control unit is configured to establish a connection between the information exchanging device and the other device by said radio communication unit when the other device is present in a communicating range, receive a predetermined script via said radio communication unit from the other device to which the information exchanging device is connected, make said script executing unit execute the received script, and transmit a result of execution to the other device. |
| US08083634B2 |
Disk brake, planet transmission, drive device and work vehicle
A disk brake includes a set of brake disks, which includes a set of rotor disks and a set of stator disks, which are arranged so that every other brake disk includes a stator disk and every second disk includes a rotor disk. The brake disks are displaceable in relation to one another along a central axis for engagement and disengagement with one another. There is a layer of coating material on at least one of the sides of the stator disk for engagement with the adjacent rotor disk. |
| US08083633B2 |
8-speed hybrid transmission
The hybrid transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The hybrid transmission includes a motor/generator, three planetary gear sets, five torque-transmitting devices, one fixed interconnection, three external gear sets and a final drive gear set. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with one of the external gear sets. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various planetary and external gear members, the input shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. |
| US08083632B2 |
Eight-speed transmission
An eight speed transmission is provided having three planetary gear sets controlled by seven or optionally eight torque-transmitting mechanisms to provide eight forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio. The first planetary gear set is representable by a three-node first lever. The second and third planetary gear sets are interconnected such that they are representable by a four-node second lever. |
| US08083631B2 |
Planetary gear type gearbox
A planetary gear type gearbox includes a front-stage transmission section and rear-stage transmission section. The front-stage transmission section is for transmitting power from an input shaft to an intermediate shaft. The front-stage transmission section includes first, second and third clutches, two sets of planetary gear trains axially adjoining to each other. The first planetary gear train includes a sun gear, a carrier, a ring gear and planet gears. The second planetary gear train includes a sun gear, a carrier, a ring gear and two sets of planet gears. In the activation of second and third clutches, power is inputted into the carrier from the input shaft and is then outputted from the ring gear of the first planetary gear train. |
| US08083626B2 |
Highly configurable hybrid powertrain and control system therefor
A hybrid powertrain system for a vehicle includes an engine and a transmission. The transmission includes a transmission input member, first and second electric machines, first and second planetary gear sets, and a plurality of selectively engageable torque transfer devices enabling configuring the powertrain in variously to operate in electric drive, electrically variable, fixed gear and neutral charging operating states. |
| US08083624B2 |
Roller chain sprocket having an improved tooth form and metal cushion rings
A cushion ring sprocket assembly and chain drive system are designed to prevent roller-to-root radial contact. Hard contact between the chain link plates and the cushion rings, and corresponding hard contact between the cushion rings and the sprocket hubs limit radial inward movement of the chain rollers/bushings, while the root surfaces of the tooth spaces are undercut so that the rollers cannot contact the root surfaces. |
| US08083623B2 |
Shoe tensioner for a synchronous belt drive for use with oil
A shoe tensioner for a synchronous belt drive, having a guide member adapted to cooperate with a drive belt and hinged at one end about a first axis; elastic means cooperating with the guide member to tension the belt; and connecting means for connecting the tensioner to a supporting wall. More specifically, the elastic means include a coil spring. |
| US08083622B1 |
Systems and methods for automatic belt tensioning in low speed, low volume fluid recovery operations
Systems and methods for automatic belt tensioning in low speed, low volume fluid recovery. A required amount of tension is maintained across the recovery system's belt driven components under changing torque loads and operating speeds. This is accomplished by adjusting the distance between a motor output and a speed reducer input in response to a change in torque load between the motor and speed reducer. The required amount of tension is further achieved by adjusting the distance between an output of the speed reducer and a crank wheel in response to a change in torque load between the speed reducer and crank wheel. |
| US08083618B2 |
Football kicking apparatus
A football kicking apparatus having a football and a stand with one end supported by a ground surface and a second end positioned above the ground support surface by a distance greater than the length of the football. The football is positioned within a sling which, in turn, is rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis to the second end of the stand. In practice, a soccer style football kicker kicks the football which, after multiple rotations about the second end of the stand depending upon the force of the kick, will reposition itself for a subsequent kick. |
| US08083614B2 |
Golf ball and method for designing same
A golf ball includes noncircular dimples having smooth bottom surfaces; a method for designing the golf ball is disclosed. A noncircular dimple DNC has a border line which is a boundary line on the surface, the boundary line formed by connecting segments at some connecting points. The segments include at least one type of line segments LS and smoothly curved segments CS. A bottom surface BS of the noncircular dimple DNC includes at least five facets formed of at least five curved reference lines RC, each connecting a reference point A and one of at least five border points B, and each being tangential, at the reference point A, to a reference plane RP inside a virtual sphere having the radius of the ball, the reference point A set on the reference plane RP, the border points B set respectively at positions on the boundary line excluding the connecting points. |
| US08083613B2 |
Golf ball
The invention provides a golf ball with a surface having a plurality of dimples formed thereon. The number of dimples is at least 250 and not more than 400, the dimples have a surface coverage (SR) of at least 70% and a volume ratio (VR) of at least 1.1%, are of at least three types and have an average depth of at least about 0.18 mm and a diameter (DM) to depth (DP) ratio (DM/DP) of not more than about 22. The (total number of Db)/(total number of Da) ratio, where Da represents dimples having a diameter of at least 3.7 mm and Db represents dimples having a diameter of less than 3.7 mm, is at least about 0.005 and not more than about 1. The ball has a coefficient of lift CL at a Reynolds number of 70,000 and a spin rate of 2,000 rpm which is maintained at 60% or more of the coefficient of lift CL at a Reynolds number of 80,000 and a spin rate of 2,000 rpm. The golf ball of the invention lowers fluctuations in lift and drag at high and low spin rates, enabling a stable trajectory to be achieved. |
| US08083612B2 |
Golf club head or other ball striking device having one or more face channels
A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having a ball-striking surface configured for striking a ball, a body connected to the face, and at least one channel in the ball-striking surface of the face. The region of highest COR response of the face is directionally enlarged toward the channel. Depending on the size, shape, and location of the channel, the face can be altered to provide greater COR response and increased energy transfer for impacts at specific locations on the face. |
| US08083610B2 |
Muscle-back, with insert, iron type golf club head
A muscle-back iron golf club head includes a blade-like upper mass, a muscle-like lower mass, a planar front surface, a top surface, a sole surface, a heel surface, a toe surface, and a rear surface having a first contour. A recess is in the rear surface, the recess having a first portion in the blade-like upper mass and a second portion in the muscle-like lower mass. An insert may be provided in the recess, and such insert may substantially fill the recess and may include a back surface having a second contour which is different from the first contour of the club head rear surface. |
| US08083606B2 |
Interchangeable golf club heads with shared shaft
A system of interchangeable club heads sharing one or more shafts and golf bag for carrying the club heads and one or more shafts. The club heads contain a shaft segment to set club length and a coupler to interconnect to the shaft and grip. The shaft contains an opposite gender coupler. The system is very lightweight and much more portable than a conventional set of golf clubs. It also creates the opportunity for players to match club heads with shafts with differing performance characteristics. Additionally, it solves a problem for golfers using long shafts on putters. These long shafts can now be disassembled for storage and transport. |
| US08083605B2 |
Putter heads and putters including polymeric material as part of the ball striking face
Putters include a putter body having a ball striking face member made of a material having a first hardness characteristic. A cavity is defined in the putter body behind the ball striking face member, and plural openings are defined in the ball striking face member extending rearward with respect to the ball striking face member and into the cavity. A polymeric material at least partially fills the openings and the cavity, wherein the polymeric material has a second hardness characteristic that is softer than the first hardness characteristic. The ball striking face member and the polymeric material exposed in at least some of the openings provide a ball striking surface of the putter. The ball striking surface may include grooves or scorelines to affect the launch angle, spin, and/or roll of the ball during a putt. Methods for making such putter devices also are described. |
| US08083600B2 |
Swing seat
A swing seat assembly is provided for enhancing durability of the swing and increasing the safety of a person using the swing. The swing seat assembly includes an elongated seat element and a reinforcing member extending along the seat element. The reinforcing member is formed of a different material than the seat element and has a tensile strength that is greater than the tensile strength of the seat element. The assembly also includes a pair of rigid connecting elements configured to operably couple the seat element with suspending elements, where the connecting elements at least partially project from end margins of the seat element but do not extend inwardly beyond a top face of the seat element. A swing assembly is also provided that includes a reinforced swing seat with a reinforcing member extending therealong and being encased therein. The swing assembly includes a pair of suspending elements coupled to hooks projecting from end margins of the seat for suspending the seat from a playset frame. |
| US08083598B2 |
Bearing device for wheel
A cylindrical pilot portion P to be fitted to an inner periphery of a wheel (80) is formed at an inner diameter part of a brake rotor (70). A shape of the hub wheel, in particular, the shape thereof on an outboard side is thereby simplified, and thus the hub wheel can be fabricated at low cost by cold forging or the like. An outer joint member (31) of an outboard side constant velocity universal joint (30) and a hub wheel (10) are connected with each other by way of a nut member (90). |
| US08083597B2 |
Fixed type constant velocity joint
A fixed type constant velocity joint includes: an outer race having an inner spherical surface, and a plurality of guide grooves formed in the inner spherical surface of the outer race; an inner race having an outer spherical surface, and a plurality of guide grooves formed in the outer spherical surface of the inner race, said guide grooves of the outer race and said guide grooves of the inner race together forming a plurality of ball guide tracks; a plurality of balls disposed in the ball guide tracks; and a cage having a plurality of windows for retaining the balls therein. The ball guide tracks include first tracks and second tracks with different groove configurations and having dual, multiple, or differentiated center offsets with smaller offsets applied to the tracks having relatively large ball movements and larger offsets applied to the tracks having relatively small ball movements as the joint is articulated for assembling. |
| US08083594B2 |
Service enhancing power supply system for gaming machines
A gaming machine having a multi-tiered power supply and power distribution system which enables maintenance of low security and higher failure rate components such as video monitors, LCDs, or reel mechanisms without disconnecting power from higher security, low failure rate components such as the main processor board. The ability to provide multi-tiered power in this manner allows low security risk items to be serviced while the gaming machine is still in contact with the casino's backend reporting system, reporting on its status. This improves security, accountability of maintenance personnel, and significantly reduces overall gaming machine down time. |
| US08083588B2 |
Reconfigurable surface based video games
Method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a novel video gaming experience on a play surface on which reconfigurable information is displayed. |
| US08083585B2 |
Apparatus and method for copying gaming machine configuration settings
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for use in a casino gaming system where data concerning set-up configuration of gaming units may be copied from one gaming unit to another gaming unit. The data concerning gaming unit configuration may be copied via an external device, such as a smart storage device or a dumb storage device, copied directly between gaming units or copied via a network storage device of a network that interconnects gaming units. |
| US08083583B2 |
Method and system for managing probability of an outcome in a random generation event
An online lottery game system and methodology involves, for each play of the game, a player choosing a number of player indicia from a field of the indicia. A subset of the indicia is randomly generated, and the player's indicia is compared to the subset to determine a winning game play. The number of indicia in the subsets is varied between different game plays such that a blend of the winning probabilities for each subset for all of the game plays produces a desired overall winning probability. |
| US08083574B2 |
Exhaust flue cap and filter device for a gas fired appliance
An exhaust flue cap and filter device for a gas fired appliance in communication with an exhaust flue opening having an outer pipe and a coaxial liner. The device includes a tubular cap with an open lower end, an opposed open upper end, and a plurality of ventilation holes wherein the cap is receivable over the flue opening. A removable top is attached to and closes the open upper end of the tubular cap. A filter tray having a smaller diameter than the tubular cap includes a ledge extending radially inward from the tray. A removable catalytic converter filter insert within the tubular cap is supported on the ledge. |
| US08083571B2 |
Polishing apparatus
A polishing apparatus has a polishing pad, a top ring for holding a semiconductor wafer, and a vertical movement mechanism operable to move the top ring in a vertical, direction. The polishing apparatus also has a distance measuring sensor operable to detect a position of the top ring when a lower surface of the top ring is brought into contact with the polishing pad, and a controller operable to calculate an optimal position of the top ring to polish the semiconductor wafer based on the position detected by the distance measuring sensor. The vertical movement mechanism includes a ball screw mechanism operable to move the top ring to the optimal position. |
| US08083570B2 |
Chemical mechanical polishing pad having sealed window
A multilayer chemical mechanical polishing pad is provided, having a polishing layer with a polishing surface, a polishing layer interfacial region parallel to the polishing surface and an outer perimeter; a porous subpad layer with a bottom surface, a porous subpad layer interfacial region parallel to the bottom surface and an outer perimeter; a pressure sensitive adhesive layer; and, a light transmissive window element; wherein the polishing layer interfacial region and the porous subpad layer interfacial region form a coextensive region; wherein the coextensive region secures the polishing layer to the porous subpad layer without the use of a laminating adhesive; wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive layer is applied to the bottom surface of the porous subpad layer; wherein an internal opening extends through the multilayer chemical mechanical polishing pad from the bottom surface to the polishing surface and is bounded by an internal peripheral edge of the porous subpad layer. |
| US08083567B2 |
Simulated eye
A simulated eye includes an eyeball, a first winding mechanism with a spool, a first driving member, a second winding mechanism with a reel, a second driving member and a strip. The first driving member is configured for driving the first winding mechanism to rotate in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second driving member is configured for driving the second winding mechanism to rotate in the first direction and the second direction. The strip has two ends wound around the spool and the reel correspondingly. The strip is wound around the spool when the first driving member and the second driving member rotate the first winding mechanism and the second winding mechanism in the first direction correspondingly. |
| US08083566B2 |
Spinning toy top controlled by repelling magnetic controller
A toy top which encases a plurality of repelled magnets and a magnetic controller which encases a controlling magnet. The repelled magnets in the top direct a magnetic field away from their embodiment with an opposing polarity to the magnetic field directed by the magnetic controller and away from its embodiment. Contact of the two opposing magnetic fields results in a magnetic force which repels the top away from the magnetic controller while the top is spinning. The top is put into a rotational spin by pulling a rip cord through a handle and turning a spinning gear fit into the top's gear fitting. |
| US08083559B1 |
Water board cover apparatus and associated method
The water board cover apparatus removably covers an existing water board so that the board can be towed behind a watercraft without the typical problem of the board's destruction. The apparatus has a top and a bottom, a front and a rear. The forward cover covers the nose of the water board. The tow loop is affixed to the front cover bottom. The bottom retainer covers the tail of the water board. The selectively connected strap assembly joins the forward cover to the bottom retainer. The bottom cover covers a part of the bottom of the water board. The bottom cover is connected to the forward cover bottom and the bottom retainer bottom. |
| US08083557B2 |
Method and apparatus for powering of amphibious craft
The methods and apparatuses of the present invention provides for powering and maneuvering (forward, reverse and steering) systems for amphibious vehicle, marine vessel or ground vehicle operation and control. An improved propulsion system may incorporate the use of electric motors combined with impellers which use positive and negative magnetic torque applications and allows for new control strategies when used in water or on the ground. More precise control of the motoring and steering forces is provided which is suitable for use in a variety of amphibious, marine vessels or ground vehicle applications. Various types of electric drive motor/generators may be incorporated for use therein. Intelligent motion control systems may provide for improved vehicle control that can provide motive force and braking force in a precisely controlled manner that significantly improves performance and has faster control dynamics incorporating a fully integrated electrical braking and maneuvering system. |
| US08083556B2 |
Single terminal
The disclosed technology relates to a single terminal (10, 110) with a terminal body (20, 120) designed in the shape of a frame and made of an electrically conductive material, with at least one connection pin (27, 127) being arranged on one exterior side (20, 120) and a clamping spring (30, 130) being inserted in the terminal body (20, 120). |
| US08083552B2 |
Probe pin
A probe pin includes a barrel having an internal space extending from one end to the other end, a plunger provided at the one end of the barrel, a plunger provided at the other end of the barrel, and a coil spring received in the barrel for supporting the plungers elastically. The coil spring includes a central portion having substantially same diameter, a first taper portion adjacent to one end of the central portion and having diameters decreased gradually, and a second taper portion adjacent to the other end of the central portion and having diameters decreased gradually. |
| US08083546B2 |
Electric connector and electric assembly
An electric assembly includes a circuit board and an electric connector. The circuit board comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite thereto. The electric connector includes a metallic case, an insulating base, first leads and second leads. The insulating base is connected with the metallic case. The first leads are disposed on the insulating base and soldered to the first surface. The first leads includes a pair of first differential signal leads, a pair of second differential signal leads and a ground lead located between the pair of first differential signal leads and the pair of second differential signal leads. The second leads are disposed on the insulating base and soldered to the second surface. The second leads include a power lead, a second ground lead and a pair of third differential signal leads located between the power lead and the second ground lead. |
| US08083541B2 |
Flat cable connection wire assembly applicable for signal transmission interface
The present invention discloses a flat cable connection wire assembly including a flexible flat cable and a connector, and the flexible flat cable includes a plurality of core wires, and the connector includes a plastic body and a plurality of terminals for an electric connection. The plastic body includes a plurality of slots arranged with a specific interval apart from one another and disposed at an end of the flexible flat cable for positioning each terminal, such that a specific interval is formed between terminals and provided for soldering each core wire with each terminal in the slot, while coupling with the connector. The invention provides a more secured and reliable structure of the flat cable connection wire assembly. |
| US08083536B2 |
Connector assembly and method for SATA drives
A connector assembly and method suitable for making data and power connections with mass storage devices that use the SATA interface standard. The connector assembly includes a connector having a pair of oppositely-disposed surfaces, a face between the surfaces, and data and power connector portions disposed in the face. The data and power connector portions are adapted to establish data and power connections between the connector and a SATA interface of a mass storage device. The connector assembly further has data and power cables for transmitting, respectively, data and power through the data and power connector portions of the connector. Opposing clips protrude from the oppositely-disposed surfaces of the connector and project beyond the face of the connector. The clips engage opposing sides of the mass storage device and mechanically stabilize the data and power connections between the connector and the SATA interface of the mass storage device. |
| US08083535B2 |
USB connector capable of extraction proof
A USB connector with extraction-proof structure includes an insulation seat and a metallic shell. The insulation seat has a base, one side of which is extended a tongue, on which a plurality of conductive legs are disposed, another side of each of which passes through the base and extends out of the base. The metallic shell shown as a hollow configuration is assembled to the base and fitted onto the tongue to form a connection opening. In the meantime, a fastening piece is arranged on the top face of the metallic shell. After the USB metallic plug of an external device is plugged in the USB connector, the fastening piece fastens the perforations of the USB metallic plug for preventing the external device from being extracted and stolen. |
| US08083533B2 |
Connector assembly for an interlock circuit
A connector assembly includes a housing, a current carrying conductor, and an interlock conductor. The housing has a cavity that receives conductive members and a shunt of a first connector. The cavity is bifurcated into a conductor channel and an interlock channel that receives a conductive member of a second connector. The current carrying conductor is in the housing and extends through the cavity and the conductor channel. The interlock conductor is in the housing and extends through the cavity and the interlock channel. The interlock conductor closes an interlock circuit when the interlock conductor mates the shunt of the first connector with the conductive member of the second connector. The current carrying conductors mate to the conductive members of the first connector to begin transferring electric current through the current carrying conductor when the interlock circuit is closed. |
| US08083527B2 |
Board-to-board connector
A board-to-board connector pair includes first and second intermateable connectors with each including a housing and a plurality of terminals therein. The first connector includes a first planar reinforcing locking bracket stamped from sheet metal and the second connector includes a second planar reinforcing locking bracket stamped from sheet metal and configured to mate with the first planar reinforcing locking bracket. |
| US08083525B2 |
Steering column module with a transport securing element
An electrical device such as a steering column module for a vehicle includes a connector, a movable element, and a transport securing element movable to a position in which the transport securing element blocks the movable element from moving. When the transport securing element is in the position blocking the movable element from moving the transport securing element also blocks the connector from connecting with an external connection element. The transport securing element is movable to a position in which the transport securing element does not block the movable element from moving. When the transport securing element is in the position not blocking the movable element from moving the transport securing element also does not block the connector from connecting with an external connection element. |
| US08083518B2 |
Combustion method and combustion apparatus
A combustion method applied to a water-tube boiler and a regenerator of an absorption-type refrigerator includes a concentration ratio adjusting step of adjusting a concentration ratio of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and oxygen in a gas from a gas generation source to a predetermined reference concentration ratio, and a hazardous-substance decreasing step of decreasing nitrogen oxides, using an oxidation catalyst having characteristics of decreasing the concentrations of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide on a secondary side to substantially zero when the concentration ratio on a primary side is set to be a reference concentration ratio, in which the concentration ratio adjusting step detects the concentration of oxygen on the secondary side of the oxidation catalyst to control the concentration ratio so that a detected oxygen concentration becomes a set oxygen concentration substantially close to zero. According to the combustion method, the emission amount of nitrogen oxides can be decreased to close to zero as much as possible, and the emission amount of carbon monoxide can be decreased to a permissible range. Further, the control of a concentration ratio can be performed stably by detecting the concentration of oxygen. |
| US08083516B2 |
Mold having air-venting grooves
A mold includes a parting surface, runners, mold cavities, gates and primary air-venting grooves defined in the parting surface. The gates connect the respective runners to the corresponding mold cavities. Each primary air-venting groove includes an air-receiving groove portion and an air-venting groove portion in communication with the air-receiving groove portion. The air-receiving groove portion communicates with the gate and surrounds the corresponding mold cavity. The air-venting groove portion extends to and terminates at a corresponding edge of the parting surface. |
| US08083515B2 |
Fine pattern mold
The fine pattern mold comprises: that includes a roll, a buffer tube with inner peripheral surface is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the roll, and a stamper tube in which its inner peripheral surface is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the buffer tube and a fine concave/convex pattern is formed on its outer peripheral surface, wherein the buffer tube has a larger coefficient of linear expansion and a smaller elastic modulus than those of the stamper tube. |
| US08083512B2 |
Furnace and equipment for producing sterile vessels from decontaminated preforms of a thermoplastic material
The invention relates to a thermal conditioning furnace (10) including a first infrared (IR1) heating element (32), an ultraviolet (UV) sterilizer (76) and a second infrared (IR2) heating element (34) for successively carrying out a decontamination for sterilizing at least the outer surface (28) of the body (14) of the perform (12), and to an equipment (56) including such a furnace (10) for producing sterile vessels (68) by a blowing or stretching-blowing technique from decontaminated performs (12) of a thermoplastic material. |
| US08083510B2 |
Concrete finishing machine
A machine for imprinting patterns onto uncured concrete in an elongated bed includes a frame for positioning the finishing machine over the bed. A lower patterning unit suspended from the frame is movable backward and forward of the concrete bed and a press assembly moves the pattern in and out of contact with uncured concrete on the elongated bed. |
| US08083509B2 |
Underwater pelletizer
An underwater pelletizer for cutting extruded plastic into a flow of liquid is disclosed. The pelletizer includes a cutter hub (90) carrying at least one cutter blade (96), a cutter shaft (60) for rotationally driving the cutter hub, and a flexible torque converter (80) for connecting a motor to the cutter hub. In one embodiment, the torque converter has a first set of bushings (82) that is fastened to a face (98) of the cutter hub and a second set of bushings that is fastened to a face (64) of the cutter shaft. The disclosed pelletizer has a shaft extension (20) configured to engage a motor shaft, the shaft extension having an outer diameter having formed thereon a splined portion (38) and first (26) and second (28) sealing surfaces. A disclosed motor adaptor (40) has a seal surface (44). A water chamber plate (50) may also have a seal surface (52). A first mechanical seal (48) is illustratively configured to engage the first seal surface (26) of the shaft extension and the seal surface (44) of the motor adaptor. A second mechanical seal (49) is illustratively configured to engage the second seal surface (28) of the shaft extension and the seal surface (52) of the water chamber plate. Furthermore, a cutter shaft (60) has a splined bore (62) formed therein for engaging the splined portion (38) of the shaft extension. |
| US08083506B2 |
Double action simplex pump
Embodiments of the invention provide a double action simplex pump including a pump body with a first half and a second half joined together to form an enclosed cavity. The first half includes a first pipe member and the second half includes a second pipe member. A first end of the first pipe member is a fluid inlet port and a second end of the second pipe member is a fluid outlet port. The enclosed cavity defines a first pocket and a second pocket each in fluid communication with a first lumen of the first pipe member and a second lumen of the second pipe member. A first valve assembly is positioned in the first pocket and a second valve assembly is positioned in the second pocket. Each of the first valve assembly and the second valve assembly includes a valve casing supporting an inlet poppet valve, an outlet poppet valve, and a central opening located between the inlet poppet valve and the outlet poppet valve. The central opening is aligned with one of a plunger and a diaphragm. |
| US08083505B2 |
Wear rings for downhole pump
A downhole pump for a well has a barrel and a plunger. The barrel has a passage extending along the length of the barrel, with the passage having an inside diameter. The plunger has an outside diameter and is received by the barrel passage for relative reciprocal movement. One of the barrel or the plunger is equipped with wear rings, with a wear ring at one or at each end. The wear rings are made of a material that is harder than the material of the respective plunger or barrel. The wear rings provide protection from abrasion, particularly in a sandy well. |
| US08083504B2 |
Quintuplex mud pump
A quintuplex mud pump has a crankshaft supported in the pump by external main bearings. The crankshaft has five eccentric sheaves, two internal main bearing sheaves, and two bull gears. Each of the main bearing sheaves supports the crankshaft by a main bearing. One main bearing sheave is disposed between second and third eccentric sheaves, while the other main bearing sheave is disposed between third and fourth eccentric sheaves. One bull gear is disposed between the first and second eccentric sheaves, while the second bull gear is disposed between fourth and fifth eccentric sheaves. A pinion shaft has pinion gears interfacing with the crankshaft's bull gears. Connecting rods on the eccentric sheaves use roller bearings and transfer rotational movement of the crankshaft to pistons of the pump's fluid assembly. |
| US08083492B2 |
Welded low-pressure turbine shaft
Turbo-engine which has a low-pressure area, containing at least one shaft, wherein the low-pressure area has an inflow area, the shaft having, at least on its inflow part arranged in the inflow area, a heat resistant material, wherein the shaft has, on outflow parts arranged opposite the inflow part, a 26NiCrV14-5 and/or 2SNiCrMoVii-5 and/or 22CrNiM09-9 material. |
| US08083491B2 |
Wind turbine blade
A wind turbine blade (11) having an aerodynamic profile with a leading edge (13), a trailing edge (15) and suction and pressure sides (17, 19) between the leading edge (13) and the trailing edge (15), wherein the pressure side (19) includes a modified zone (31) shaped for reducing the negative lift coefficient which is done whether attaching a device (33) such as a stall strip to the blade (11) or attaching or inserting into the blade (11) a deformable device and actuator means for providing the shape and size changes in it. |
| US08083484B2 |
Turbine rotor blade tips that discourage cross-flow
A turbine rotor blade for a gas turbine engine including an airfoil and dovetail for mounting the airfoil along a radial axis to a rotor disk inboard of a turbine shroud, the airfoil comprising: a pressure sidewall and a suction sidewall that join together at a leading edge and a trailing edge, the pressure sidewall and suction sidewall extending from a root to a tip plate; a pressure tip wall that extends radially outwardly from the tip plate, traversing from the leading edge to the trailing edge such that the pressure tip wall resides approximately adjacent to the termination of the pressure sidewall; a suction tip wall that extends radially outwardly from the tip plate, traversing from the leading edge to the trailing edge such that the suction tip wall resides approximately adjacent to the termination of the suction sidewall; and one or more tip ribs that extend substantially between the pressure tip wall and the suction tip wall. |
| US08083480B2 |
Cooling fan
A cooling fan includes a fan housing (10) having a shaft seat (16) extending downwardly therefrom, a stator (20) being fixedly mounted around the shaft seat, a shaft (80) with a top end being fixedly connected to the shaft seat and a free end (82) extending downwardly therefrom, a rotor (30) comprising a hub (32) having a plurality of blades (34) extending radially and outwardly, and a sleeve bearing (40). A fixing tube (36) extends upwardly from a center of the hub. The fixing tube has a closed bottom end and defines a fixing hole (360) therein. The sleeve bearing is fixedly received in the fixing hole of the fixing tube to rotate with the rotor. A bearing hole is defined in the sleeve bearing for extension of the free end of the shaft therethrough. |
| US08083469B1 |
High temperature bearing with lubricant
A bearing lubrication system for a high temperature bearing, such as in a small gas turbine engine for a UAV, in which the bearing and lubricant requires a long shelf life, where the bearing includes a solid lubricant movable within a chamber formed within a housing and located adjacent to the bearing. The solid lubricant is biased by a spring toward the bearing and abuts against a runner that rotates along with the rotor shaft during engine operation. A cooling air passage opens into a space formed between the bearing and the solid lubricant to supply cooling air through the bearing. When the engine operates, heat is transferred through the runner to the solid lubricant to melt the lubricant. Rubbing of the runner against the biased solid lubricant will also melt the lubricant. The melting lubricant is carried by the cooling air through the bearing to provide both cooling and lubrication for the bearing. |
| US08083466B2 |
Turbomachine inlet heating system
A turbomachine system includes a compressor having a compressor intake and a compressor extraction outlet, and an inlet system fluidly connected to the compressor intake and the compressor extraction outlet. The inlet system includes a plenum having a first end portion that extends to a second end portion through an intermediate portion. The inlet system also includes a heating system having a plurality of conduits extending horizontally through the intermediate portion of the plenum and arranged in a vertical relationship. Heated air from the compressor extraction outlet passes through the plurality of conduits and raises a temperature of ambient air passing through the plenum and into the compressor intake. |
| US08083463B2 |
Mini clean room for preventing wafer pollution and using method thereof
A mini clean room for preventing wafer pollution includes a robot arm, a clean room body slidably disposed on the robot arm and at least one lock unit which is rotatably connected with the clean room body. During operation, the robot arm extends out of the clean room body to carry a wafer waiting to be processed, and then moves back into the clean room body which can provide an isolated and protected space for the wafer to avoid that the wafer is polluted. The present invention also discloses a method of using a mini clean room for preventing wafer pollution. |
| US08083462B2 |
Apparatus for placing battery plates in a line
This invention relates to apparatus for placing battery plates in a line. This includes a pick up and release unit generally indicated at 16. The unit includes a central metal hollow body 17, which is divided into a number of side-by-side vacuum chambers, some of which have a perforate floor 19. A vacuum course 21 can be selectively connected to those, which have a perforate floor, whilst it is perpendicularly connected to a second set of chambers. Plates can be picked up from elevators 11 and 12 by use of the intermittent vacuum and then held against an endless belt 25 by the constant vacuum until they arrive at a release chamber, having a perforate floor, where upon interruption of the vacuum allows for release of the battery plate. |
| US08083457B2 |
Mill relining apparatus
A mill relining apparatus (1) for handling articles such as liners and lifters within a mill (3). The relining apparatus (1) includes a mast (5), with top (23) and bottom (19) engagement members, which supports one or more article handling arrangements (31) The mast is extendible in length so that it can be locked into a substantially upright position within a mill (3) with the bottom engagement member (19) resting on mill charge (7) within the mill (3) and the top engagement member (23) engaging with an upper surface (99) of the mill (3). |
| US08083456B2 |
Contained object transfer system
A so-called transfer chamber in a semiconductor processing apparatus in which an FIMS system is secured is separated into a second chamber in which a transfer robot is disposed and a first chamber that is minute and includes a door capable of holding a cap of a pod as the FIMS system. In the second chamber, higher pressure than in the first chamber is maintained by a minute amount of nitrogen. In the first chamber, usually, a down flow of clean air is used via the FFU. When the wafer is transferred, a down flow of nitrogen is used. Thus, oxidation gas in the transfer chamber and released substances caused the FFU can be decreased. |
| US08083455B2 |
Cover applier system
A system for positioning a cover relative to a book block. The system comprises a drive unit to cause movement of at least one of the book block and the cover and a position sensor operable to detect at least one of a position of the book block and the cover. The position sensor is operable to generate a position signal indicative of the position. The system also comprises a controller in communication with the position sensor and the drive unit. The controller is operable to receive the position signal and to control the drive unit based on the position signal to adjust a relative position of the cover and the book block. |
| US08083452B2 |
Plastic-metal hybrid standoff
A hybrid clinch-type standoff consists of two component parts, a metal core base and a overmolded plastic barrel. The base has a through-bore and a displacer flange at the bottom. A first undercut is located immediately above the flange and extends upwardly along an outside surface of the base for providing clinch attachment of the base to a substrate. A frustoconical ramp convergent in the upward direction lies along the outer surface of the base is and is located directly above the first undercut. An axially extending segmented ring with circumferential teeth is located at the top of the base. The overmolded plastic tubular barrel composed of plastic fills the second undercut and surrounds the segmented ring. The barrel has an inner portion including a threaded inner wall which extends downardly inside the through-bore to a point flush with the bottom of the flange. |
| US08083447B2 |
Chock strap retainer for auto-rack railroad car vehicle wheel chock
A chock strap retainer configured to be inserted in the reeling shaft or torque tube of a wheel chock to secure the chock strap to the reeling shaft or torque tube. When the chock strap is draped over the tire and tension is applied to the chock strap, the chock strap retainer provides that the chock strap remains securely affixed inside the torque tube. The chock strap retainer ensures that different sized and/or a different dimensioned chock straps remain securely affixed inside the torque tube of the wheel chock when the vehicle chock is employed. |
| US08083445B2 |
Holder main body
There is provided a holder main body which has a simple structure, allows automatic tool change, and has high suction efficiency of cutting chips to be capable of preventing internal deposition. There is provided a holder man body having a mounting hole in which a cutting tool is attachable and attached to a spindle of a machine tool, the holder main body including: a second suction hole which penetrates through the holder main body in an axial direction so as to be connected with a first suction hole penetrating in the axial direction through the cutting tool attached in the mounting hole; and a third suction hole connected with the second suction hole and capable of sucking air other than suction air coming from the first suction hole. |
| US08083443B1 |
Pocket hole plug cutter
A jig for cutting plugs for pocket holes from a workpiece has a base leg, from which transversely extend guide and clamp legs. One or more guide channels extend through the guide leg at an angle to an interior face of the guide leg to guide the sleeve of a rotating cutter bit that has a cutting edge at its end and a removed section forming a cutting blade. A clamp extends from the clamp leg to engage one face of a workpiece whose end is mounted on a raised ledge on the base leg and holds the workpiece opposing face against the guide leg interior surface as the sleeve end cutting edge and blade advances into and cuts entirely through the workpiece to cut the plug. A collar on the cutting bit shaft engages the guide leg to prevent the sleeve end cutting edge from contacting the base leg. The jig also can be used for making pocket holes by using the appropriate drill bit. |
| US08083435B2 |
Apparatus for the creation of outer surfaces for structures
The present invention provides an apparatus for creating an outer surface effect of a structure wherein at least one wall of the structure defines a support surface, the apparatus comprising means defining a covering surface which overlies the support surface but is movable therefrom, so that a quantity of material to create the outer surface effect can be positioned between the support surface and the covering surface, and wherein the covering surface is in the form of a panel. |
| US08083433B2 |
Vehicle barrier fence
An example of a vehicle barrier system for arresting an impacting vehicle of substantial mass within a selected distance of the fence includes a pair of terminal posts positioned in and secured to the ground in a spaced apart relationship; at least three cables, each cable having opposing terminal ends hingedly connected respectively to each of the terminal posts, the at least three cables held in tension a distance above a grade of the ground and vertically spaced apart from one another in relation to the grade; and a line post secured in the ground and positioned between the pair of terminal posts, the line post holding a portion of each of the cables. |
| US08083430B2 |
Connecting assembly between a shaft journal and a constant velocity universal joint with threaded sleeve
A connecting assembly is disclosed. The connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal, a constant velocity universal joint and a threaded sleeve. The shaft journal is axially secured. The constant velocity universal joint has an inner joint part engaged by the shaft journal in a rotationally fixed way so as to transmit torque. The threaded sleeve is at least indirectly connected to the inner joint part so as to be axially secured and freely rotatable relative to the inner joint part. The threaded sleeve comprises a thread which is threaded on to a counter thread on the shaft journal so as to axially fix the inner joint part to the shaft journal. |
| US08083429B2 |
Modular locking binder system
A modular locking binder system is disclosed having a channel is coupled to the binder spine. The channel has an open end and a constricted region. A channel block is located at the open end of said channel and is configured to block and unlock the channel opening. The modular locking binder system is configured to removably hold a document module within the channel. The document module includes a module spine having a widened portion configured to operatively engage and be restrained by the constricted region of the channel. By either obstructing or un-obstructing the channel with the channel block, it is possible to removeably secure the document module within the channel when the widened ends of the document module are operatively engaged and restrained by the constricted portions of the channel. |
| US08083428B2 |
Device for applying depilation wax
A device (1) for applying depilation wax, including a shell (2) open at the top and housing a heated reservoir (3) with an upper opening suitable for storing hot wax. A head is attached to the opening of the shell (2) and includes a runner moveable longitudinally with respect to the head, which holds a rotable roller (6) used to apply the wax stored in the reservoir (3). The runner has a mechanism (11) for holding the roller (6) that includes a swinging forked element (7) onto which the turning axle (12) of the roller (6) is held in an adjustable position and rotateable, it being possible to turn the forked element with respect to the runner in order to move the roller (6) in an essentially transverse direction with respect to the imaginary longitudinal axis (13) of the applicator. |
| US08083427B2 |
Cosmetic container with color insert
A container for holding cosmetics which has a colored insert configured to indicate the color of a cosmetic product contained in the container. A method of replacing a lipstick cartridge comprising replacing a lipstick cartridge with a replacement lipstick cartridge and inserting a replacement colored insert in the cap of the lipstick container. |
| US08083425B2 |
Dispensing applicator for fluids
A hand-held dispensing applicator comprising a source of fluid, a frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source, and an absorbent member attached to the frangible applicator tip. When the frangible applicator tip is broken, fluid flows from the source to the absorbent member, whereby the fluid is applied and spread on a surface. Preferably, the frangible applicator tip comprises a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element extending outwardly of the support element, and a frangible region there between. Preferably, the tongue element comprises ribs for reinforcing the tongue element to resist unintentional breaking of the frangible region. More preferably, the applicator tip comprises a semi-permeable or non-permeable cover disposed around the frangible region to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid in the absorbent member. Adaptive embodiments allow the generation of designs applicable to a particular medical purpose. |
| US08083421B2 |
AF/zoom shutter with two blades function
A miniature camera module comprising: a module frame comprising a surface with a conduit passing through the surface, thereby allowing light to pass through the surface via the conduit; a first blade coupled to the module frame and configured to rotate about a first axis between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first blade does not eclipse the conduit at all when in the open position and the first blade at least partially eclipses the conduit when in the closed position; a first solenoid coupled to the module frame; and a first pin coupled to the first solenoid, wherein an actuation of the first solenoid causes the first pin to rotate the first blade from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the module includes additional blades, solenoids and pins. |
| US08083418B2 |
Connector holder, optical-electrical converter with attached connector holder, optical connector fixing structure and connector holder assembly method
A connector holder fixes an optical connector assembled at a leading end of an optical fiber to an optical module having a light input/output end so that the optical fiber and the light input/output end is optically connected. The connector holder is provided with a holding section for storing at least a part of the optical connector, and a cover section attached to the holding section to be freely opened and closed. The cover section is provided with a cover section main body, and a pressing section which presses the optical connector toward the optical module. |
| US08083415B2 |
Line-side out-of-band electrical interface for optoelectronic modules
Electrical connections from the printed circuit board (“PCB”) of an optoelectronic device through the front or line-side of the device enable a microcontroller or other component on the PCB to electrically communicate with an optical connector or other line-side device. The electrical connections can be integrated within a lead frame and trace structure providing mechanical support for the electrical connections and the PCB, with each electrical connection including a PCB-side contact and a line-side contact supported by the integrated structure. Alternately, the electrical connections can be integrated within one or more flex circuits. The optical connector can include traces and contacts configured to be electrically coupled to corresponding line-side contacts when the optical connector is received within the device. |
| US08083409B2 |
Bag with integral flaps for tying above the bag
A bag comprising an elongate body (12) having a closed end (14) and an open end defining the mouth of the bag (16), wherein the body is provided with a pair of integral elongate protrusions (18) that extend away from the body so that the protrusions can be tied together to close the mouth of the bag. The protrusion may have at least one aperture (20) therein. In a preferred embodiment, the protrusions can be tied with a double knot. A roll of material defining a plurality of the aforesaid bags. A method of providing a roll of the aforesaid bags. |
| US08083404B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit
A temperature detection circuit includes: a voltage generator that is connected to a first voltage line having first voltage and a second voltage line having second voltage and to output a third voltage to a third voltage line, the third voltage being obtained by transforming the first voltage to be stepped down as an ambient temperature becomes higher; and a detecting unit that includes: a delay section that is connected to the second voltage line and the third voltage line and to receive a pulse signal, the delay section being configured to output a delayed pulse signal that is obtained by delaying the pulse signal for a delay time set to be longer as the third voltage becomes lower; and a temperature detecting section that is configured to: receive the delayed pulse signal and the pulse signal; latch the delayed pulse signal based on the pulse signal; output the latched signal as a detection result. |
| US08083402B2 |
Sensor arrangement for temperature measurement
In a sensor arrangement for measuring the temperature of a surface with a temperature sensor provided on a circuit substrate, which is attached on a front side of a tongue-shaped projection of said circuit substrates and can be positioned in the direct proximity to said surface spaced apart from said circuit substrate, wherein a flexible heat conductive element surrounding said tongue-shaped projection in the region of said temperature sensor with a heat conductive cap or heat conductive foil is attached for the contacting of said surface. |
| US08083401B2 |
Connector holder unit, carriage, recording apparatus, and liquid ejecting apparatus
A connector holder unit that is formed separately from a carriage capable of housing an ink cartridge and can be attached to the inside of the carriage includes a connector holder, a connector having a plurality of contact arms that is installed to the connector holder, and a circuit substrate having a plurality of conductive connection portions that is installed to the connector holder, wherein contact terminals of the plurality of contact arms of the connector are configured to elastically contact the conductive connection portions of the circuit substrate and conductive connection portions of the ink cartridge so as to electrically conduct between the circuit substrate and the ink cartridge when the connector holder unit is attached to the carriage. |
| US08083400B2 |
Arrangement with an assembly and a mounting rack
The invention relates to an arrangement with a mounting rack and at least one assembly provided with a housing encapsulation and mounted on the mounting rack, wherein the mounting rack and the assembly have contacting means which are thermally connected to each other. Suitable measures are provided with which the quality of the heat dissipation is identified at the correct time. |
| US08083398B2 |
Sensor arrangement
A sensor arrangement comprises a dew point sensor for measuring the dew point characteristic in a room, and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature characteristic on a wall surface of the room, means being provided for evaluating and/or storing the measured dew point characteristic and the measured wall surface temperature characteristic. |
| US08083396B2 |
Mixing machine for agitating and mingling materials
A mixing machine for agitating and mingling materials is disclosed. The mixing machine comprises a base and a driving device disposed on the base, and the driving device is connected to a rotary bracket and has a fixing portion with a container for receiving a mixture of materials mounted thereon, such that the mixture of materials may be agitated and mingled while the driving device drives the rotary bracket. A transmission device is disposed between the driving device and the rotary bracket, and the transmission device comprises a first spur gear, a second spur gear, and a bevel gear intermeshed which are successively intermeshed, wherein the first spur gear and the second spur gear are meshed together and fitted to parallel axles, the second spur gear and the bevel gear are meshed together, and the bevel gear connects to the fixing portion. |
| US08083395B2 |
Device and method for admixing liquids into flowable bulk material
A device for admixing a liquid into flowable dry materials has a housing with a mixing chamber having an inner wall with an impact area and an exit opening at a bottom end of the mixing chamber. Dry material is supplied from above into the mixing chamber and falls downwardly toward the impact area in front of the inner wall of the mixing chamber and exits through the exit opening. A nozzle generates a pressurized high-speed jet of a liquid impacting on the inner wall of the mixing chamber in the impact area and wetting the dry material with the liquid as the jet passes through the dry material and impacts against the inner wall. An opening inside the housing is provided for supplying liquid and pasty additives, wherein the opening is directed toward an area of the mixing chamber between the nozzle and the impact area. |
| US08083391B2 |
Planar light source and display device having the same
A planar light source of the present invention has three lamps along a side face of a rectangular light guide plate. The lamps are arranged along an incidence plane which is one side plane of the light guide plate. The three lamps are arranged so as to be kept apart from each other at a given interval, and two lamps are arranged in close proximity to the incidence plane that is one side plane of the light guide plate. One lamp is arranged away from the incidence plane that is one side plane of the light guide plate with respect to the two lamps. A lamp reflector is formed continuously so as to become close to the three lamps and surround the respective three lamps, and assumes a substantially convex cross-sectional shape. |
| US08083390B2 |
Lighting device employing a light guide plate and a plurality of light emitting diodes
The present invention relates to a lighting device (10). The device comprises a light guide plate (12), and at least one array (14) of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (16), which LEDs are accommodated in holes (20) arranged in the light guide plate. The device is characterized by an array (24) of lenses (26) arranged such that light emitted by the LEDs passing the lens array is at least partly directed towards areas (28) of the light guide plate free from holes. |
| US08083386B2 |
Interior rearview mirror assembly with display device
An interior rearview mirror assembly includes a display device that includes a display screen and a plurality of illumination sources for backlighting the display screen. The display device is at least operable in (a) a first mode wherein the illumination sources are not activated so that the presence of the display device is substantially covert to a driver of the vehicle, (b) a second mode wherein the illumination sources are activated so that information displayed by the display screen is viewable by a driver of the vehicle, and (c) a third mode wherein (i) some of the illumination sources are activated so that information displayed by a corresponding backlit portion of the display screen is viewable by a driver of the vehicle and (ii) others of the illumination sources are non-activated so that the presence of a corresponding non-backlit portion of the display screen is substantially covert to the driver. |
| US08083385B1 |
Sunlight attenuation visor
An apparatus for attenuating the intensity of light transmitted through the apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a first polarizer having a first polarizing orientation and a second polarizer having a polarizing orientation perpendicular to the first polarizer. First and second electrodes are disposed between the polarizers and a nematic liquid crystal layer is disposed between the electrodes. At least one light detector positioned for measuring the intensity of the transmitted light may be positioned on an outer side of the second polarizer. A voltage controller in electrical communication with the light detector is provided for controlling the voltage level applied to the electrodes based on the intensity of the measured light wherein the voltage determines the amount of light transmitted through the apparatus. |
| US08083381B2 |
Holiday light with LED
A holiday light with LED has a seat connected to a lamp, a lens and a cover in sequence. The seat has lower recesses. The lamp has an LED and two groups of wires and each group of wires have three wires. The cover has upper recesses. The wires are clamped between corresponding lower recesses of the seat and the upper recesses of the cover and the LED is mounted between the seat, the lens and the cover. The holiday light with LED is improved electrical efficiency and provides various lighting effects and is more reliable than an incandescent bulb. |
| US08083377B2 |
LED light having projector with focus adjustment
An LED light includes focus-adjustable projection means that can be rotated 360 degrees about any desired combination of x, y, and z axes of a three-dimensional coordinate system and powered by any of a variety of AC and DC power sources. Furthermore, the LED light may include multiple adjustable-focus projection means that can be removed from and inserted into compartments at desired locations to project images or light beams to multiple locations as desired. |
| US08083375B2 |
Lamp device
Disclosed is a lamp device. The lamp device includes: a structure which includes an opening and an inner surface forming the opening; a plurality of light emitting devices disposed on the inner surface of the structure; a plurality of optical prisms being disposed in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface of the structure and having one ends thereof optically connected to the light emitting diodes; and a support plate disposed on light emitting surfaces of the optical prisms. |
| US08083372B2 |
Illumination system, electro-optic device, and electronic apparatus
An illumination system includes a light source unit including a light source and a circuit substrate electrically connected to the light source. The light source is placed in the circuit substrate such that at least part of the light source overlaps the circuit substrate in the thicknesswise direction of the circuit substrate. |
| US08083369B1 |
Bracket for a lighting fixture in a suspended ceiling
An adapter bracket which enables the installation of a door frame or louver into a recessed fixture that sits on a T-bar supported by a ceiling without having to custom design a hinge and latch system to match the original fixture or require the installation of a false frame that lifts the fixture. The brackets slide between the T-bar and the existing fixture. The bracket is also slightly wider than the T-bar opening. The door frame will keep the brackets spaced wide enough to ensure that the assembly would not fall out of the opening. The hinge and latch mechanism for the door frame is built into its end rails and latches onto the bracket to ensure the door frame is supported and held in position. |
| US08083367B2 |
Emergency exit route illumination system and methods
A system and method that helps evacuees exit a building in the event of an emergency such as a smoke event, a fire, an earthquake, a security breach, and/or the presence of unsafe levels of hazardous gasses, using linear illuminators parallel to and near the floor of an interior room or hallway to provide floor-level identification and illumination of the exit route to be used in the event of such an emergency, with some linear illuminators having directional aspects along hallways to lead evacuees toward an exit, and other illuminators outlining the perimeter of windows or doors that are safe to exit through, the illuminators normally being hardly noticeable but having controllers and energizers linked to the alarm and security systems of hospitals, hotels, residences and other occupied building structures to light up the planned exit route when emergency conditions are detected. |
| US08083363B2 |
Daylighting devices and methods with auxiliary lighting fixtures
Daylighting systems and methods with auxiliary lighting fixtures are disclosed. Some embodiments disclosed herein provide a daylighting apparatus including a tube having a sidewall with a reflective interior surface and an auxiliary light fixture. The tube can be disposed between a transparent cover positioned to receive daylight and a diffuser positioned inside a target area of a building. In certain embodiments, the tube is configured to direct the daylight transmitted through the transparent cover towards the diffuser. The auxiliary light fixture can include a lamp disposed within the tube and a light control surface configured to reflect light exiting the lamp towards the diffuser and to transmit daylight propagating through the tube from the direction of the transparent cover. The lamp can be disposed on the sidewall of the tube. |
| US08083362B2 |
Thin film reflective coating pinning arrangement
In one aspect of the present invention, a reflector for use in a solar collector will be described. The reflector includes a thin film reflective coating that is positioned on a layer. For example, the layer may be a substrate that physically supports the reflective coating or a protective layer. There are multiple spaced apart pinning regions that are distributed through an interface between the layer and the thin film reflective coating. The pinning regions locally anchor the reflective coating to the layer. Some aspects of the present invention relate to the use of pinning regions in other types of optical or electrical components. |
| US08083361B2 |
Optical switch controller and movable body controller
In an optical switch controller, in order that residual vibration at movement control of a movable body such as a tilt mirror can be reduced and controlled with high accuracy, a processing unit outputs a driving signal for controlling the angle of the tilt mirror, the driving signal is D/A converted by a D/A converter and then is changed to a high-voltage signal by a high-voltage amplifier to be supplied to the tilt mirror, the electrostatic capacity of the tilt mirror changes corresponding to angle change of the tilt mirror, a mirror-angle detecting unit detects the electrostatic capacity and feeds back it as a correction value to a processing unit, and the processing unit corrects the driving signal using a correction value obtained when the angle of the tilt mirror is actually changed. |
| US08083360B2 |
Hand held rear view mirror
A hand held mirror includes a body having a first and second body portion. The second body portion is arranged at a variable angle of between 0 and 50 degrees from the plane of the first body portion. A convex mirror is attached to the underside of the second body portion such that when the hand-held mirror is attached to the body of the user and raised or tilted slightly, the user has a view of the activities behind the user. The hand-held mirror may be attached to a piece of clothing or other article worn by the user including a glove or strap worn around the hand or lower wrist of the user. In addition, the hand-held mirror may include an additional device such as a watch, temperature gauge, altimeter, cell phone, radio, GPS, heart rate monitor, mapping device or turn signal indicator. |
| US08083358B2 |
Projector for achieving a wide variety of gradation and color representation, projection system, program and recording medium
A projector, includes: an illumination device that radiates plural colors of light in a time-sharing manner; a reflective optical modulator that forms, based on input image information, an optical image for each of the plural colors of light radiated from the illumination device in a time-sharing manner; a projection optical device that projects the optical images of the plural colors of light formed by the reflective optical modulator; and a controller that controls the illumination device and the reflective optical modulator, the controller including: an image information analyzer that analyzes the input image information; and an illumination time controller that dynamically changes and controls illumination time of the plural colors of light by the illumination device based on an analysis result by the image information analyzer. |
| US08083353B2 |
Animated image vision test
Animated image vision tests take advantage of the ability of our eyes to detect both distance and motion. Moving images, such as rotating segmented circles, let the eyes detect motion as to the size, distance, and rotation direction of that moving image. That motion detection is much more precise than the interpretation of multiple static letters or static images. Using rotating images for vision testing rather than static images creates an acuity test more accurate than current tests, a test that is faster to use, and a test that doesn't require the ability to read. |
| US08083351B2 |
Method for diagnosis and treatment of processing difficulties, integration problems, imbalances and abnormal postures
Methods for diagnosis and treatment are provided for a patient having processing difficulties, integration problems, imbalances or abnormal postures. In one embodiment, a patient is identified having retinal signal problems creating at least one negative medical condition. Then, at least a portion of the patient's lacrimal drainage system is blocked or altered. Further, as a result of the diagnosis and treatment, the patient achieves improved retinal signal processing and at least one of the patient's negative medical conditions is improved. Other embodiments include using in combination the Z-Bell Test and/or light blocking or altering devices for diagnosis and treatment. |
| US08083350B2 |
Light sensitivity meter and uses thereof
A text apparatus for measuring the degree of light-sensitivity of a subject, such as a subject with cataracts or migraines. The apparatus comprises a viewing shroud for positioning at least one eye of the subject in a testing position and an illumination source adapted for emitting visible light toward the at least one eye of the subject. The apparatus includes a visual monitor adapted for monitoring the fixation of the at least one eye during testing. A method of the invention exposes at least one eye of a subject to light and either subjects the eye to a continuous, level light intensity or increases the intensity of the light continuously over time. The intensity of the light when the subject experiences discomfort can be recorded. Pulse width modulation can modulate the intensity of the illumination source (e.g., an LED) over time. |
| US08083347B2 |
Drug delivery system and methods of use
Electrospun fibers are utilized to improve the mechanical characteristics of a contact lens reducing the weight and mechanical strength of the polymers from which the lenses are typically formed. Electrospun fibers are also utilized as a drug delivery system, both through direct use in the eye and by inclusion of the fibers in a contact lens. The fibers are loaded with therapeutic drugs by a variety of methods and processed by coating and cross-linking the fibers. |
| US08083342B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus and inkjet recording method
An inkjet recording apparatus, includes: a black ink ejecting portion configured to eject a black ink containing a self-dispersion pigment; color ink ejecting portions configured to eject, respectively, a cyan ink, a magenta ink and a yellow ink which contain a polymer emulsion containing a polymer fine particle containing a coloring material which is insoluble in water or slightly soluble in water; and a recording-controlling unit configured to control recording. When the recording medium is optically transparent and is provided, on a transparent base material thereof, with an ink accepting layer, the recording-controlling unit controls recording on the recording medium such that the color ink ejecting portion is used for recording a monochrome image and a color image which has a plurality of colors, leaving the black ink ejecting portion substantially free from being used. |
| US08083341B2 |
Thermal ink-jet ink and ink cartridge using the ink
An ink cartridge for storing ink includes a thermal ink-jet head provided with a heating portion that generates thermal energy for discharging the ink. The heating portion has, on its surface in contact with the ink, a protective layer containing at least one of a silicon oxide, a silicon nitride, and a silicon carbide. The ink contains a substance that dissolves the protective layer and a compound represented by the following formula (1), and the content X (% by mass) of the compound of the formula (1) satisfies a relationship of 1≦X≦30: Formula (1) R1-A-R2, wherein A represents one selected from —S—, —S(═O)—, and —S(═O)2—, and R1 and R2 each independently represent a group selected from a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an acyl group, a carbamoyl group, a carboxyl group, and a sulfonyl group. |
| US08083339B2 |
Ink set, treating liquid, recording liquid, image recording apparatus and image recording method
To provide an ink set including a recording liquid and a treating liquid capable of obtaining a high-quality-image printed matter. To provide the high-quality-image printed matter by using the ink set including the recording liquid and the treating liquid, where the component and property of the treating liquid and the recording liquid are adjusted, moreover a combination of the component and the property is adjusted. The ink set includes: the recording liquid which includes a coloring material; and the treating liquid which includes a component reactive with a component of the recording liquid. By superimposing the treating liquid and the recording liquid on a record medium, a record part is formed which includes a first layer formed of the recording liquid, and a second layer formed of the treating liquid. The treating liquid has the surface tension γ expressed by 10 mN/m≦γ≦60 mN/m. |
| US08083338B2 |
Radiation-curable ink-jet printing
A radiation-curable ink-jet black ink is provided which includes a black pigment, at least one colour pigment and at least one radiation-curable compound. An ink-jet ink set which includes the radiation-curable ink-jet black ink and a process for printing with such an ink-jet ink set are also disclosed. Image quality defects of noticeable chromatic variation in adjacent print patches of bi-directional printing are eliminated and reduced ink consumption is observed. |
| US08083337B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus, ink jet printing method, data generating apparatus, computer program, and ink jet printing system
The present invention provides an ink jet printing apparatus, an ink jet printing method, a data generation apparatus, a computer program, and an ink jet printing system by which a timing for ejecting a processing liquid can be changed to improve image performance of a printed image such as abrasion resistance, to provide the printing head with a longer life, and to improve a throughput. The processing liquid is ejected to a predetermined area on a printing medium, for which a formation of an image by ink is completed, in two or more scannings among five scannings of the printing head. When an amount of ejection data for ejecting the processing liquid in the fifth scanning for ejecting only the processing liquid is equal to or lower than a predetermined amount, the fifth scanning is not carried out. |
| US08083336B2 |
Ink stick jam detection and recovery system and method
An ink jam detection and recovery system for use in a phase change ink imaging device includes an ink stick conveyance configured move ink sticks in a forward direction toward a melt plate at a melt end of an ink stick feed path and a reverse direction away from the melt plate. A sensor system is configured to generate a first signal indicative of whether an ink stick is present at the melt plate. A controller is configured to receive the signal and to actuate the ink stick conveyance to move in at least one of the forward direction and the reverse direction in response to the first signal indicating that no ink stick is present at the melt plate. |
| US08083333B2 |
Ink umbilical interface to a printhead in a printer
An ink umbilical interface facilitates removal of the umbilical from a printhead while better preserving the integrity of the interface seal. The ink umbilical interface includes an ink umbilical connector having a plurality of conduits terminating within the connector and a tapered nozzle extending from each conduit in the plurality of conduits, each conduit communicating with a liquid ink reservoir, a backplate of a printhead having a plurality of openings, each opening being positioned to receive one of the tapered nozzles extending from the ink umbilical connector, and at least one sealing member positioned between the backplate and the ink umbilical connector, the sealing member having at least one opening to align with one of the backplate openings and receive one of the tapered nozzles. |
| US08083332B2 |
Dual seating quick connect valve
A valve includes a stem, a cap, and a deformable lip. The stem includes a first sealing portion and has a longitudinal axis. The cap is connected to the stem and includes a passageway. The deformable lip extends from a periphery of the cap and includes a second sealing portion. The stem is displaceable relative to the deformable lip along the longitudinal axis of the stem to open the first sealing portion and close the second sealing portion to allow fluid to move through the passageway in the cap. |
| US08083330B2 |
Liquid-ejecting head, liquid-ejecting apparatus, and piezoelectric transducer
A liquid-ejecting head includes a pressure-generating chamber communicatively connected to a nozzle opening and also includes a piezoelectric transducer including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer disposed on the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on the piezoelectric layer. The first electrode contains platinum and titanium oxide with a rutile content of 76.5 to 100 mole percent. |
| US08083325B2 |
Liquid ejection recording head having element substrate with plural supply ports
A liquid ejection recording head includes an element substrate having plural ejection energy generating elements, an ejection outlet array of plural ejection outlets, and bubble generation chambers. The element substrate includes a first liquid supply port provided along an arrangement direction of the ejection outlets, and plural second ink supply ports disposed between a lateral end of the substrate and the chambers. Each bubble generation chamber communicates with the first and second liquid supply ports through first and second liquid supply passages, respectively. The element substrate has a thermal resistance against heat flowing from the ejection energy generating elements along a direction perpendicular to the array direction and parallel to a surface of the substrate. The thermal resistance, per unit length with respect to the array direction, at both end portions of the array is larger than that at a central portion of the ejection outlet array. |
| US08083324B2 |
Inkjet printhead and method of manufacturing the same
Inkjet printheads and methods of manufacturing the inkjet printhead are disclosed. The inkjet printhead may include a glue layer disposed between the substrate and a chamber layer. The glue layer may contain a crosslink inhibitor that inhibits cross linkage of a photosensitive resin during an exposing process. |
| US08083316B2 |
Printhead carrier with height-adjustable bearing mechanism for continuous adjustment of the printhead carrier position
A printhead carrier includes a body having spaced apart bearings by means of which the body is supported at a predetermined position in the printer adapted to position a printhead on the printhead carrier at a placement relative to a path of a sheet of print media through a print zone in the printer, and a height-adjustable mechanism associated with one of the bearings that is continuously adjustable to effect a continuous increase or decrease of the height of the one bearing relative to the body to thereby set the printhead at a proper angle relative to the sheet of print media. |
| US08083314B2 |
Ink jet head and production process thereof
An ink jet head is constituted by a recording element substrate, comprising ejection outlets for ejecting ink, to which an electrical connecting portion is provided at an outer portion of the recording element substrate; an electric wiring member having an end portion to be electrically connected to the electrical connecting portion; a supporting member comprising an outer surface, a first recess which is provided in the outer surface to accommodate the recording element substrate, and a second recess which is provided in the outer surface in a depth less than that of the first recess to accommodate the end portion of the electric wiring member; and a sealant for sealing a spacing between the second recess and the end portion of the electric wiring member. |
| US08083313B2 |
Printhead maintenance station for a pagewidth printer having an air supply and vacuum assembly for purging excess ink from the printhead
Provided is a printhead maintenance station for a pagewidth printer. The maintenance station includes a capper having an open-ended capping chamber with a perimeter gasket for operatively engaging with a printhead of the printer to form a protective seal around the printhead. Also included is an engagement mechanism configured to actuate said capper into and out of sealing engagement with the printhead, as well as an air supply and vacuum assembly with valve arrangements arranged in fluid communication with the capping chamber to facilitate in purging excess ink from the printhead when the capper is engaged with said printhead. |
| US08083308B2 |
Liquid cartridge and liquid ejecting system
A liquid cartridge is detachably mounted in a liquid ejecting device, and supplies liquid to the liquid ejecting device when mounted. The liquid cartridge includes a liquid accommodating chamber, a float member movably disposed in the liquid accommodating chamber, and a detection member moving in conjunction with the float member and being subject to be detected by an external light detector for determining remaining amounts of liquid in the liquid accommodating chamber. A part of the detection member is located at a detection position located above an uppermost liquid surface reached when a predetermined maximum amount of liquid is accommodated in the liquid accommodating chamber. At least a part of the liquid accommodating chamber has light transmissive characteristics so that light from the light detector can reach the detection position. The detection member passes the detection position in conjunction with the float member. |
| US08083306B2 |
Housing for a refrigeration device
A housing for a refrigeration device with an interior compartment that is surrounded by an insulation layer and external skin that surrounds the insulation layer. The external skin may include at least one wall which has at least two zones with different thermal conductivities. |
| US08083301B2 |
Global rack system
A rack system for electronic and/or electrical equipment including a frame, a front door mounted to the front of the frame, a back door or panel, two side panels mounted to the back and two sides of the frame, and a top panel mounted to the top of the frame. The doors can be single doors or dual doors. The frame includes a rectangular base frame constructed by four horizontal edge members, and a top frame having the same structure as the base frame, and four vertical members each extending between two associate corners of the base frame and the top frame, and joining the base frame and top frame together. The horizontal members and vertical members are contoured with step-like structures, so that the rack has a high stiffness and strength. The door includes a hinge and a latch attached to two vertical members. The panels are provided with tabs and latches for securing the panels to the frame. |
| US08083298B2 |
Rail kit with universal mounting connection brackets
A rail system for supporting one or more information handling systems in both a four-post rack and a two-post rack includes a bracket support member, first and second toolless connection brackets coupled to the bracket support member, and first and second tooled connection brackets coupled to the bracket support member. The toolless connection brackets are configured to couple to first and second posts, respectively, of a four-post rack in a four-post toolless configuration. The tooled connection brackets are configured to couple to opposite sides of a post of a two-post rack in either a two-post flush-mounted or two-post center-mounted configuration. |
| US08083297B2 |
Coreless rubber crawler traveling device
The present invention relates to a coreless rubber crawler traveling device in which spring characteristics are achieved by reducing a contact area of a wheel-rolling contact surface on an inner peripheral surface of a rubber elastic body with an outer surface of a tracker roller.A coreless rubber crawler comprises an endless rubber elastic body, main cord rows embedded in the rubber elastic body in a longitudinal direction of the rubber elastic body, rubber projections formed on the inner peripheral surface of the rubber elastic body at uniform pitches, and rubber lugs formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rubber elastic body. In the coreless rubber crawler traveling device, a tracker roller, which is provided at the side of a vehicle body and which straddles the right and left sides of each of the rubber projections in the widthwise direction, rolls in such a manner that an outer surface of the tracker roller comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the rubber elastic body. A contact area of the inner periphery rolling contact surface of the rubber elastic body with the outer surface of the tracker roller is set in the range of 30% to 70% with respect to the area of the outer surface of the tracker roller. |
| US08083296B2 |
Drive track for snowmobile or tracked vehicle
A track formed of a molded rubber base sandwiching a cord layer and a single layer of ply fabric extending longitudinally of the track. |
| US08083295B2 |
Method of maintaining optimal braking and skid protection for a two-wheeled vehicle having a speed sensor failure on a single wheel
The method of maintaining optimal braking and skid protection for a two-wheeled vehicle wheel with a wheel speed sensor failure involves providing pulsed braking pressure to the affected wheel with the wheel speed sensor failure. If an incipient or initial skid on another wheel with a functioning wheel speed sensor has occurred, the pulsed braking pressure to the affected wheel is limited to the brake pressure command that caused the last incipient or initial skid on the other wheel, scaled by a factor for safety. Otherwise the pulsed braking pressure to the affected wheel is limited to be no greater than the greatest commanded brake pressure to the other wheel. The pulsed braking pressure is also limited to be less than the brake pressure commanded to the affected wheel. |
| US08083294B2 |
Braking system for hybrid vehicle
A braking system for a vehicle includes an active booster master cylinder connected with the wheel cylinders, and a controller for operating active booster master cylinder during braking. The primary master cylinder, which is located remotely from the active booster master cylinder, is selectably connected with either a pedal feel emulator or a servo system which applies the brakes using the active booster master cylinder and a hydraulic output from the primary master cylinder in the event that control of the active booster master cylinder becomes impaired. |
| US08083292B2 |
Seatback frame for vehicles
A seatback frame for vehicles has a lower cross member that prevents a back pad and a recliner hinge shaft from interfering with each other. The seatback frame includes a back frame and a lower cross member. The lower cross member includes a reinforcing part and a hinge-shaft cover. The back frame is hinged to a seat frame via a recliner hinge shaft. The lower cross member couples both sides of the lower end of the back frame to each other. The reinforcing part has the shape of an embossment which extends in a longitudinal direction of the lower cross member. The hinge-shaft cover is provided on the lower portion of the lower cross member, and is bent to surround the recliner hinge shaft. |
| US08083281B2 |
Tonneau cover securing plate
A tonneau cover apparatus for securing a flexible cover about a cargo box of a pickup truck. The apparatus comprises the flexible cover and a support frame for attachment to the cargo box. The support frame has two opposing side rails, each of which have a lock engaging surface. The support frame further includes a pair of securing plate engagement members, each of which is secured to one of the respective opposing side rails. The apparatus further comprises a flexible cover securing plate attached to the cover and having first and second ends. The flexible cover securing plate includes a channel that extends between the respective ends. The flexible cover securing plate is engageable with the respective securing plate engagement members and additionally includes at least one locking member, preferably two locking members. Each locking member is slidably secured within the channel proximate one of the ends of the flexible cover securing plate and each respective locking member is engagable with the lock engaging surface of the respective opposing side rail such that the flexible cover securing plate is prevented from disengaging with respect to the respective side rail when it is in a first position. |
| US08083276B2 |
Apparatus for hanging a string of lights
A small plastic tool is configured with a socket that may be screwed onto the end of a conventional broomstick, mop handle, paint roller extension pole, or other long pole to allow the tool to be raised to an elevated height while the user remains standing on the ground surface. The tool has a distal end formed with cruciform arms. A hook receiving slot is defined into the structure of a first mutually opposing pair of the cruciform arms, while a wider channel is defined through the other pair of cruciform arms. The hook receiving slot is configured to snugly receive the hook portion of a cup hook, which allows the cup hook to be raised to overhead, elevated, horizontal surfaces. The pole can then be rotated to screw the threaded shank of the cup hook into the overhead structure. The same tool can be used to cradle the twisted pair of wires of a string of lights in the channel defined in the distal end of the other pair of cruciform arms in the tool. The string of lights can thereby be lifted, supported within the channel and deposited in the crook of the hook portion of the cup hook. |
| US08083275B2 |
Urn vault transporting device
A device for transporting an urn vault is provided comprising a pair of spaced, parallel A-shaped frames, each having a pair of frame members pivotally joined at their upper end. The apex of each frame is joined to the apex of the other frame by an upper connecting member, and the lower ends of each frame member are connected to the lower end of one of the frame members of the other frame by a lower connecting member. A notch engaging member is located on the lower end of each frame member to engage and be received in notches defined in the edges of opposed vertical surfaces of the urn vault. A tension spring is connected between the frame member of each frame intermediate their upper and lower ends to draw the lower ends of each frame member together. |
| US08083267B2 |
Fluid coupling and method of designing the same
Each of ridges 7 on respective opposite side surfaces of a gasket 4 has a trapezoidal cross sectional shape defined by an outer tapered face 7a providing an outer peripheral surface, an inner tapered face 7b providing an inner peripheral surface and a flat face 7c providing a top end surface. The hardness of the gasket 4, the angle between the tapered faces 7a, 7b of the ridge 7, the height of the ridge 7 and the area of the flat top end face 7c of the ridge are so determined that the value of thrust for tightening up the coupling is between a predetermined minimum value and a predetermined maximum value. |
| US08083266B2 |
Gas riser apparatus, and method for making and using same
A gas riser apparatus, and methods for making and using a gas riser apparatus, utilize a swivel-nut having an annular collar section thereof which includes a radially outwardly opening annular groove therein adapted for swaged/crimped attachment to the remainder of the riser, at an above-ground end of the riser. For risers including a rigid metallic pipe section, the above-ground end of the pipe may be configured for swaged/crimped attachment to the annular collar of the swivel-nut through application of radially inwardly directed pressure on the above-ground end of the rigid riser pipe. For risers not having a rigid metallic section, a swage/crimp collar may be utilized for forming a connection between a flexible metal conduit and the swivel-nut, through application of radially inwardly directed pressure applied to the swage/crimp collar while the collar is disposed about the above-ground end of the flexible metal conduit. |
| US08083261B2 |
Positioning device
A positioning device has a deformable load-bearing element (10), a shaped part (12) coupled to the load-bearing element (10), and a holder (24). The load-bearing element (10) is adapted to be shifted from a first position in which the shaped part (12) is held in a first shape by the holder (24), into a second position in which the shaped part (12) is at least partially no longer held by the holder (24) and takes a second shape which is transmitted to the load-bearing element (10). |
| US08083259B2 |
Pyrotechnical actuator unit, method of manufacturing the same, and gas bag module with such actuator unit
A pyrotechnical actuator unit (10) for a vehicle safety system includes an outer housing (14) made of a plastic material accommodating a pyrotechnical igniter (12) that when activated breaks the outer housing. The outer housing (14) includes first and second plastic parts (18, 20) permanently connected with each other. A gas bag module may have such an actuator unit (10). A method of manufacturing a pyrotechnical actuator unit (10) including an outer housing (14) accommodating a pyrotechnical igniter (12) and made up of first and second housing parts (48, 50) includes: producing the first housing part (48) having a recess for the pyrotechnical igniter (12), inserting the pyrotechnical igniter (12) into the recess, and injection molding the second housing part (50) onto the pyrotechnical igniter (12) and onto a first end (34) of the first housing part (48) to essentially close a receiving space (24) for the pyrotechnical igniter (12). |
| US08083258B2 |
Gas generator assembly for a motor vehicle
A gas generator assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The gas generator assembly having a gas generator which is designed to provide gas to inflate in airbag after the gas generator is activated, a filter for filtering gases provided by the gas generator and a device which is designed to release a fluid so that said fluid comes into contact with the filter. The device is designed to release the fluid at a point in time which can be pre-defined and which is independent of the point in time of the activation of the gas generator. |
| US08083256B2 |
Apparatus including igniter assembly
An apparatus provided with an igniter assembly includes, an igniter main body having an ignition portion, provided with an ignition agent, and an electoroconductive pin, a resin portion surrounding at least part of the igniter main body and a substantially cylindrical igniter collar fixed to an outer surface of the resin portion. The igniter assembly is disposed in an opening formed in a bottom portion of a housing, the igniter collar of the igniter assembly is fixed fixed to the housing, and the igniter collar is fixed to the resin portion by deforming the igniter collar so as to engage the igniter collar with a concave portion in the resin portion. |
| US08083253B1 |
Shopping cart assembly with folding legs
A folding shopping cart assembly having a basket with a bottom surface and side walls. A plurality of rollers are coupled to the basket. A framework is provided for supporting the basket at an elevated height. The basket is capable of moving on rollers relative the framework between a retracted position, where most of the rollers are in contact with the framework, and a cantilevered position, where most of the rollers are not in contact with the framework. Wheels are coupled to the framework so that the framework and the basket can be rolled together as a cart. The framework can be rotated about the basket to a stowed position that enables the cart assembly to be placed in a vehicle. |
| US08083243B2 |
Drive unit vibration damping support for electric motor-driven vehicle
A drive unit vibration damping support for use in an electric motor-driven vehicle combines the following structural features. A subframe construction in which a drive unit is supported in vibration damping fashion on a subframe through a first vibration damping device, and the subframe is supported in vibration damping fashion on a vehicle through a second vibration damping device. A total spring constant of the first vibration damping device in a direction of input of torque reaction force of the drive unit is larger than a total spring constant of the second vibration damping device. An average value of a distance between a torque roll axis of the drive unit and the second vibration damping device is greater than an average value of a distance between the torque roll axis and the first vibration damping device. |
| US08083240B2 |
Foldable stroller
A stroller (1), movable between an open position wherein the stroller can be locked and a folded position, comprising: front wheels (6) and rear wheels (5); a generally planar base frame (2) extending substantially between said front and rear wheels; two push bars (3) pivotally connected to the base frame by a front hinge (4) substantially located near the front wheels, which push bars extend substantially upwards and backwards in the open position; wherein the axis of the front hinge extends substantially in the plane of the base frame and substantially intersects the central axes of the push bars. |
| US08083238B2 |
Lighting system for sporting apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention provide a lighting system for a sporting apparatus. In one embodiment, a sporting board apparatus includes an elongated board structure having top surface, a bottom surface, and edge surfaces. The sporting board apparatus further includes a light system having a plurality of light sources coupled to a power supply. In addition, the sporting board apparatus may include a switching mechanism to control the supply of electrical power from the power supply to the light sources, and a select mechanism to control one or more light programs. |
| US08083237B2 |
Tube seal components
A tube seal is provided including a rigid cylindrical tube and an elastomeric seal body molded to the outer surface of the cylindrical tube. The rigid cylindrical tube includes a recessed annular groove at each end thereof for receiving the elastomeric seal body therein to create a mechanical connection to resist the seal body from being pulled away from the cylindrical tube. The tube seal is also incorporated into a diameter reducing tube seal, an integrated tube seal and filter design and an integrated tube seal and valve design. |
| US08083235B2 |
Dynamic sealing
A dual seal accommodates radial and axial movement, and accommodates positive and negative pressure differentials, when in sealing engagement about a rotating shaft. |
| US08083233B2 |
Helmet-shape jigsaw puzzle
A jigsaw puzzle is provided with a plurality of inner puzzle pieces defining a complete inner puzzle depicting a preselected object, and a plurality of outer puzzle pieces defining a complete outer puzzle depicting a frame around an opening having the shape of the preselected object. In another aspect of the jigsaw puzzle, the plurality of inner puzzle pieces collectively form a first image on a front face and the plurality of outer puzzle pieces collective form a frame image on a front face, while the inner and outer puzzle pieces collectively form a second image on a back face of the puzzle pieces. |
| US08083232B2 |
Substrate media transport system with spaced nip
An apparatus and method for transporting substrate of media including a nip assembly having a drive wheel operably connected to a drive mechanism for rotating the drive wheel and an idler wheel disposed adjacent the drive wheel. The drive wheel and idler wheel forming a nip therebetween. The drive wheel and idler wheel being displaced from each other forming a nip gap, wherein the nip gap is present absent the presence of the substrate media in the nip. |
| US08083228B2 |
Closed loop lateral and skew control
According to aspects illustrated herein, a method, a system, and a printmaking device for performing closed loop lateral and skew control of a sheet is provided. The printmaking device includes a feed path, printing module, and sheet registration system. First, the feed path moves the sheet in a process direction past the lateral sensor. Next, the sheet is registered by measuring a lateral position of one side edge of the sheet at a fixed reference using the lateral sensor and determining a lateral position error of the sheet using the lateral position measurement. After that, a sheet angular velocity is calculated based on the lateral position error using the registration controller. Then, the lateral position error is corrected using the at least one pair of registration nips to adjust the sheet by applying the sheet angular velocity to the sheet. |
| US08083226B2 |
Sheet guiding apparatus with an electric field or charge inverting portion
A sheet guiding apparatus, including: a supporting member having a supporting surface which supports a sheet; a first electrode provided in the supporting member; an electric field generating portion configured to generate an electric field between the supporting surface and the first electrode; a guide member which is distant from the supporting surface by a predetermined distance in a direction perpendicular to the supporting surface; a moving portion configured to move the sheet supported by the supporting surface by moving at least one of the supporting member and the guide member relatively to each other in a direction parallel to the supporting surface; and an electric field inverting portion configured to invert a direction of the electric field generated by the electric field generating portion, when a leading end portion of the sheet in a direction in which the sheet is moved has reached a vicinity of the guide member. |
| US08083222B2 |
Stacking apparatus, transportation apparatus and recording apparatus
A stacking apparatus includes: a cassette which accommodates a plurality of recording media in a superimposed manner; a mounting portion on which the cassette is mounted; a transportation path which is arranged at a downstream side in a direction in which the cassette is mounted on the mounting portion and on which the recording media are transported from the cassette mounted on the mounting portion; a stopper of which surface for regulating downstream side edges of the recording media regulates the side edges until the cassette is mounted on the mounting portion and of which surface for regulating the side edges of the recording media releases the regulation of the side edges with a rotational operation after the cassette is mounted on the mounting portion; and a slider which slides along a back surface of the regulating surface of the stopper for regulating the side edges. |
| US08083220B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus capable of reliably superposing a sheet to be buffered and a following sheet in a manner displaced by an allowable displacement amount, thereby making it possible to suppress generation of misalignment. A sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus is temporarily held back, and a following sheet is superposed on the held-back sheet in a state displaced in a conveying direction. A length in the conveying direction of the sheet to be held back and a length in the conveying direction of a sheet bundle of the superposed sheets are measured. A displacement amount provided between the superposed sheets, computed as a difference between the measured length of the sheet and the measured length of the sheet bundle, is adjusted such that the displacement amount becomes a target displacement amount. |
| US08083217B2 |
Fluid-filled type vibration damping device
A Fluid-filled type vibration damping device, which is configured to be free from the necessity of supplying a continuous application of electricity to a coil so as to maintain a movable valve body in either an opened state or a closed state, is provided. The device includes a cam mechanism, which transmits a rotational drive force of a motor to the movable valve body in the form of a reciprocating drive force. In the device, a first rotation angle switch is connected to a first control switch in series relative to a motor coil, and a second rotation angle switch is connected to a second control switch in parallel relative to the first switch. The first rotation angle switch is turned on in a state of a first angular range θ1, and the second rotation angle switch is turned on in a third angular range θ3. When the first control switch and the second control switch receive the same control signal, they are brought into respective inverted ON/OFF states. The first angular range θ1 includes a fourth angular range θ4, which has an angle different from at least a third angular range θ3. The third angular range θ3 includes a second angular range θ2, which has an angle different from at least the first angular range θ1. |
| US08083214B2 |
Fasteners, railing system and method of assembly
A fastener is configured to affix a first article such as a picket to a second article such as a rail to form a railing or balustrade. The fastener includes a first engaging surface having a maximum diameter configured to engage an interior surface of an opening in the first article and a mating surface configured to mate with the second article. The first engaging surface can have shape selected from cylindrical, ellipsoidal, conical, elliptic conical frustum, pyramidal frustum, and ball and other shapes having cross-sections of rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal and other regular polygons having at least four sides such that good engagement is obtained and the fastener is hidden from view in the assembled railing. |
| US08083213B2 |
Portable winch
A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris. |
| US08083203B2 |
Retaining device for assembling two panels, recyclable formwork for forming a concrete structure and packaging assembly using the same
The invention provides a retaining device for assembling two panels together. The device has a support and first and second pairs of spaced-apart parallel walls extending along the support and projecting outwardly therefrom for providing first and second holding channels extending angularly to each other, each channel being adapted to receive an edge of one of the panels therein in a snugly relationship to allow assembling of the two panels. The invention also provides a formwork for forming a polygonal upright concrete structure using a plurality of retaining devices and a plurality of panels arranged with the retaining devices for providing a forming cavity between the panels adapted to receive concrete therein. There is also provided a packaging assembly for packaging goods using a plurality of retaining devices and a plurality of panels arranged with the retaining devices for providing a protecting cavity between the panels adapted to receive the goods therein. |
| US08083199B2 |
Pool net mounting device
A pool net mounting device is disclosed. The mounting device includes a pool net holding portion having a hollow cylindrical tube adapted to receive and secure a pool net in a plurality of angular orientations. The pool net mounting device also includes a mounting portion adapted to be removably attached to a cylindrical object such as a pool ladder rail. The net holding portion and the mounting portion are removably attached to each other in a variety of angular positions so that a wide range of configurations is achieved for orienting a pool debris net at a desired angular orientation and height. The net holding portion includes a number of apertures and slots therein for receiving a spring loaded pin, a common feature of pool nets. Alternative pool net attachment features are also disclosed. |
| US08083194B2 |
Latching mechanism and repositionable part support device employing said latching mechanism
A latching mechanism capable of providing clamped retention to a vertical member, and a repositionable part support device and part support assembly employing said latching mechanism. The latching mechanism includes an enclosure having an open interior for receiving a vertical member and a pivotal handle that can be used to move a clamping roller out of contact with the vertical member during repositioning. A spring may be provided for otherwise biasing the clamping roller toward the vertical member. A support pin is located within the interior of the enclosure to engage a pin-receiving hole in the vertical member. The repositionable part support device and part support assembly may have a part support member that is affixed to and extends from said latching mechanism enclosure. |
| US08083190B1 |
Angular adjustment mechanism
An adjustment mechanism includes a limiting unit formed with a first channel and a second channel lying along first and second planes, a lower clamping unit having a U structure and being received within the first channel, a bottom seat unit disposed below and supporting the lower clamping unit from underneath, an upper clamping unit having inverted U structure and being received within the second channel such that the lower and upper clamping units are located at two opposite sides of the limiting unit with the first and second planes crossing each other perpendicularly. A top cover unit is disposed above and connected to the upper clamping unit. Adjusting position of the lower clamping unit and the limiting unit along the first plane and the upper clamping unit and the limiting unit along the second plane results in changing an angular position of the cover unit relative to the bottom seat unit. |
| US08083189B2 |
Bracket for screen expansion, display, and display assembly
A bracket for screen expansion includes a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm includes a first main body extending horizontally. Two horizontally spaced first assembling holes are defined in the first main body. The second arm is horizontally rotatably mounted to the first arm. The second arm includes a second main body extending horizontally. Two horizontally spaced second assembling holes are defined in the second main body. The brackets, to achieve screen expansion may be connected to a number of displays. |
| US08083187B2 |
Cable duct coupler
A cable duct coupler for coupling a first cable duct section to a second cable duct section without the need for tools, the cable duct coupler comprising a channel portion, a first outer guide element and a second outer guide element, a barb mount extending from at least one of the channel portion and the outer guide elements, and a barb having a body and first and second arms extending from the body, the barb being mounted on the barb mount, wherein at least a portion of the first arm extends at an angle between the first portion of the channel portion and the barb body and at least a portion of the second arm extends at an angle between the second portion of the channel portion and the barb body. |
| US08083186B2 |
Input/steering mechanisms and aircraft control systems for use on aircraft
Input/steering mechanisms and aircraft control systems are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, an input/steering mechanism is provided for use with an aircraft control system. The input/steering mechanism includes a yoke that includes a hub, an alphanumeric keyboard, and a first grip surface. The alphanumeric keyboard is disposed on a face of the hub and is adapted to receive a manual input from a user and to transmit an output signal to the aircraft control system in response to the manual input. The first grip surface is formed on an outer periphery of the hub and is contoured to correspond with one or more fingers of the user, the first grip surface is formed such that a thumb of the user is positioned to rest in proximity to at least a portion of the alphanumeric keyboard when the one or more fingers grip the first grip surface. |
| US08083181B2 |
Airplane having a fuselage shell and a floor structure
An airplane has a fuselage shell and a floor structure that includes cross members and floor plates. Rods are used exclusively to connect the fuselage shell to the floor structure. |
| US08083179B2 |
Composite material for geometric morphing wing
An airfoil member and an airfoil member altering system are provided for significantly modifying the shape and size of the airfoil member while simultaneously providing an airfoil member with increased adaptability to various flight conditions throughout a flight envelope. The airfoil member comprises at least one motor or actuator, a system controller, a plurality of vehicle performance sensors, at least one temperature controller and airfoil member comprising at least one geometric morphing device that is adjustable in both size and shape and one or more rigid members. |
| US08083177B2 |
Means for preventing the rotation of a pin supporting a turbine engine suspension member
A device for mounting a suspension member on the casing of a turbine engine is disclosed. The device includes a yoke with at least one lug, secured to the casing, a pin fixed to the yoke supporting the member via a ring surrounding the pin, and a rotation-prevention device that includes a counter-rotation plate attached to the lug. The plate and the pin include an assembly consisting of a peg and of a cutout or a hole, into which the peg fits in order to prevent the pin from rotating in the yoke. |
| US08083166B2 |
Roof shingle stripper, grinder, and blower
A roof shingle stripper, grinder, and blower includes: a motor to power the device; self-propelled wheels that move the device forward and urge the shingles into the device; a lifting blade that lifts up and dislodges the shingles from the roof; a shredder having two rows of grinding wheels that grind the shingles into pieces and blow the pieces into a conduit; and the conduit has a side wall that, when the wall is in a first position, diverts the pieces in a first direction, and when the wall is in a second position, diverts the pieces in a second direction. |
| US08083165B2 |
Method and device for manufacturing dispersed mineral products
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing dispersed mineral products by grinding the mineral raw material, sizing the same in a flow classifier, sorting the same in dispersion in air, and eliminating the dispersion air. Also disclosed are devices and installations for carrying out said method. |
| US08083164B2 |
Exit valve for blowing wool machine
A machine for distributing blowing insulation from a bag of compressed blowing insulation is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end configured to receive the bag of compressed blowing insulation. A shredding chamber is associated with the chute. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured to shred and pick apart the blowing insulation. The shredding chamber further includes a discharge mechanism mounted for rotation and configured for distributing the blowing insulation into an airstream. The discharge mechanism has a side inlet and includes sealing vane assemblies having vane tips. Rotation of the vane tips forms an arc. The blowing insulation is fed horizontally from the shredding chamber into the side inlet of the discharge mechanism in a manner such that the blowing insulation passes through the arc formed by the rotating vane tips. |
| US08083163B1 |
Demolition machine method and apparatus featuring shear or pulverizer with magnet
The present invention is a magnetic lifting attachment to the boom structure and hydraulic system of a demolition machine, which includes a demolition tool selected from the group consisting of shearing jaws and a concrete pulverizer, and a hydraulic actuator adapted to actuate the demolition tool, the magnetic lifting attachment is attached to the boom structure and features a magnet and a hydraulic actuator adapted to move the magnet between a stored position and an active position with respect to the demolition tool by simultaneous movement of at least one of the jaws. |
| US08083162B2 |
Method for micro-sizing organic, inorganic and engineered compounds
A method and system are provided herein for forming microparticles from plastic and elastomeric materials that cannot be reduced in size by conventional methods. The system includes a high-pressure liquid nitrogen energy source, a feeder for providing a preferred constant and uninterrupted feed to a mill, a preferred integral injection device to meter the feed into a chamber for milling and/or classification, and a preferred exhaust system for collection of the milled product. |
| US08083161B2 |
Handheld sprayer with removable cartridge and method of using same
A cartridge for a handheld electrohydrodynamic (EHD) spraying device and a spraying device incorporating the cartridge. The cartridge is disposable, and can contain therapeutic products. The device includes a wetted lead screw with a compliant seal, where the placement of the seal relative to the screw inhibits leakage during both cartridge use and storage. A frame disposed within the cartridge acts as a load-transferring mechanism for the weight of the cartridge to a handle of the spraying device. |
| US08083159B2 |
Push-button nozzle for liquid product dispenser
The invention concerns a push-button nozzle for liquid or semi-liquid product dispenser, said dispenser comprising means for delivering the product under pressure which are mounted on the product container bottle and which comprise an ejection tube projecting outside. The invention is characterized in that said nozzle comprises a needle valve tightly closing the spraying orifice provided at the end of said nozzle, means for being fixed on the ejection tube and means for supplying products to a turbulence chamber located proximate said orifice. |
| US08083158B2 |
Pop-up sprinkler
A sprinkler comprising a housing fitted with an inlet port connectable to a water supply line and extending into an inlet chamber, a hollow stem member with an inlet end thereof being in flow communication with said inlet chamber and an outlet end thereof being in flow communication with an irrigation head, a diaphragm seal sealingly fixed at peripheral boundaries thereof to the housing and sealingly articulated to the stem member and supporting it at an essentially upright position. The diaphragm is deformable between a first position in which the irrigation head is retracted within the housing and a second position in which the irrigation head projects from the housing. The sprinkler comprising at least one guard portion adapted to prevent insects and undesirable material from entering the sprinkler housing during said second position. |
| US08083154B2 |
Controller system user interface
A thermostat system having dedicated informational regions in a display and associated buttons or softkeys for sequential operation. The system may maximize utilization of a sectioned display and buttons for system navigation. The informational, selection and/or action design takes into consideration operational button groupings for straightforward comfort settings as well as editing of the clock, day-of-week, schedules, and so forth. Sections, regions or areas of the display may indicate immediate button operations. The changeable information in the regions associated with the softkeys or buttons may provide sequential operation of the thermostat system. The system may have multiple schedules and setpoints for heating and cooling comfort setting flexibility. A combining of individual schedules may be automatically selected. Also, there may be a system switch mode, for example, between heat and cool, where the schedules may be individually edited. Scheduling may be informational and/or action item and option key driven. |
| US08083152B2 |
Laser etched security features for identification documents and methods of making same
Identification documents employing laser-etched or -engraved features are detailed, together with methods for their manufacture. Tactile effects produced by the laser-processed features may be felt by touch, helping confirm the authenticity of such documents. |
| US08083151B2 |
RFID tag that provides a flat print area and a pinch that enables the same
A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag includes a face stock and an RFID device. The face stock has a printable side and an inlay side, with the RFID device mounted to the inlay side. A layer of adhesive is coated on the inlay side of the face stock. A liner is releasably adhered to the layer of adhesive and includes a relief area that accommodates for defection of the RFID device. The accommodation of the thickness of the RFID device results in a tag that has a substantially uniform printable surface. Accordingly, when passing through a printer, the printable surface is maintained substantially flat or linear at the print head of the printer, thereby minimizing jamming and enhancing printability. A pinch roller for a printer also accommodates for deflection of the RFID tag by providing a deformable section along a length thereof the body that has a greater resiliency than the rest of the body. At the location of the RFID device, the layer of adhesive may also include a blank that is substantially free of adhesive for accommodating the RFID device. |
| US08083137B2 |
Administration of financial accounts
A credit facility for controlling financial transactions is arranged with the ability of users to establish self-imposed limits on a category by category basis. The processing system provides messages and other information to the user, both on-demand and at the point of sale, based upon the category of the transaction and the limit set for that category. In one embodiment, both the user and, if desired, third parties, can obtain or be notified, of account balances on a category by category basis. Also, the main user can assign category limits, or prohibitions, on sub-users of the same account. In one embodiment, information pertaining to a specific transaction is communicated to a third party. |
| US08083136B1 |
Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates to carry out financial transfers responsive to data read form data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read data from user cards. The card data corresponds to financial accounts. The automated banking machine further includes a cash dispenser and a receipt printer. The machine is operative to dispense cash to an authorized user based on identifying data including card data, and to cause a financial transfer from an account corresponding to card data through communication with at least one remote computer. The machine includes a check acceptor that operates to determine magnetic symbols included on checks. Cash may be dispensed in exchange for a check received through operation of the check acceptor of the machine. |
| US08083133B2 |
System and method for accounting for activation of stored value cards
Stored value cards, such as gift cards, from different card issuers are displayed for sale and activation at retail locations. A distribution database system maintains records of cards sold at the retail locations. The system accounts to each retailer for commissions owed for cards sold by that retailer, and accounts to each card issuer for its cards that are sold at each retail location. |
| US08083131B2 |
Banking apparatus operated responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine controlled responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards including identifying data and to authorize operation of an automated banking machine responsive to the identifying data. The automated banking machine includes a deposit accepting device. The deposit accepting device is operative to receive a stack of sheets and to separate each sheet from the stack through operation of a picker. Each sheet is aligned with the sheet path and analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager and/or a validation device. Sheets determined not to have at least one property of a genuine sheet are returned to a user of the machine. Sheets determined to have at least one property of genuine sheets are processed and stored in the machine. |
| US08083129B1 |
Systems and methods for electronic document delivery, execution, and return
To expedite electronic delivery and return of a document, the document is sent to an electronic mail system and stored in an electronic form thereat. The recipient is informed that the document is available thereto at any of a plurality of merchants where the document may be retrieved. The recipient visits one of the plurality of merchants and at the visited merchant retrieves the document in the electronic form from the mail system to a computing device at the visited merchant. The recipient then reviews and executes the document at the visited merchant, and sends the executed document in an electronic form to the organization by way of the visited merchant and the computing device thereat. |
| US08083126B2 |
Hand carrier
A sling-type carrier with a two-layered handle that is connected to the panels that complete the sling in a cantilevered manner that resists tearing or separation of the handle layers. |
| US08083124B1 |
Method for joining single crystal members and improved foil therefor
A method for joining a plurality of single crystal members includes providing a bonding foil with a composition match with that of the members and with a bonding temperature within the gamma prime solution temperature range of the members, but below the melting temperature of the foil and below the incipient melting temperature of the members. The foil is disposed between and in contact with opposing members to be joined while heated to and held at the bonding temperature for at least 10 hours. |
| US08083122B2 |
Drum for washer and dryer
Drum for a washer and a dryer including a cylindrical metal body part, reduced parts at opposite end parts of the body part, each having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the body part, and bent parts each having a folded edge of the reduced part, thereby providing a drum that can prevent occurrence of vibration and noise. |
| US08083121B2 |
Paste for soldering and soldering method using the same
In the soldering method, metal-powder-contained flux is disposed between bumps and circuit electrodes when electronic parts are mounted by soldering, the metal powder comprising a core metal formed of metal such as tin and zinc and a surface metal covering surfaces of the core metal formed of noble metal such as gold and silver. Accordingly, metal powder will not remain as residue that is liable to cause migration after the reflow process, and it is possible to assure both soldering effect and insulation effect. |
| US08083120B2 |
End effector for use with a surgical cutting and stapling instrument
An end effector for a surgical cutting and stapling instrument. In various embodiments, the end effector may include an elongate channel that is configured to support a staple cartridge therein and which is also operably coupled to a surgical cutting and stapling instrument. An anvil may be movably supported relative to the elongate channel for selective movement between an open position and a closed position wherein tissue is clamped between the anvil and a staple cartridge supported within the elongate channel in response to a closing motion applied thereto from the surgical cutting and stapling instrument. At least one light source may be provided on at least one of the staple cartridge and the elongate channel. The light sources may interface with the anvil to provide a visual indication viewable through a portion of the anvil to indicate a position of tissue clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge. |
| US08083117B2 |
Nailer device
A nailer device is carried within a housing having a nozzle portion wherein the nozzle portion is connected with the housing via a head portion of the housing. The nozzle portion includes a sleeve, a fixing member, and a magnetic member located between the sleeve and the fixing member. The fixing member is mounted on the sleeve and the fixing member has a groove in which the magnetic member is arranged. |
| US08083115B2 |
Substrate cutting device and method
An automatic cutting device is described for cutting an assembly. The assembly includes a material having a weakened zone therein that defines a useful layer and being attached to a source substrate. The cutting device includes a cutting mechanism and a holding and positioning mechanism operatively associated with the cutting mechanism. The holding and positioning mechanism positions the material so that the cutting mechanism detaches the layer from the source substrate along the weakened zone. The cutting device also includes a control mechanism for adjusting at least two different portions of the assembly during detachment of the layer to facilitate a more precise detachment. |
| US08083114B1 |
Tape dispenser with blade guard
A tape dispenser of the type having a cutting blade mounted on the upper end of a cutting bar with a cutting bar face below and generally parallel to the blade and a blade guard slidably mounted on the cutting bar face for movement between blade-covering and blade-exposing positions. A spring tension element is positioned on the blade guard so that it tends to push a lower end of the blade guard away from the cutting bar face and to push an upper blade-covering end of the blade guard toward the cutting bar face when the blade guard is in the blade covering position. |
| US08083108B2 |
Dispensing caps for liquid containers
A dispensing cap for a beverage container constitutes a one-piece moulding of plastic material including a first circular section tubular portion for connection to the mouth of a liquid container and a second circular section tubular portion carrying a radially projecting circumferential flange, one end of the first tubular portion being connected to one end of the second tubular portion by a resilient, annular, integral web in which one or more flow openings are formed, the first and second tubular portions being coaxial and relatively movable in the axial direction between an open and closed position. The moulding further including two half shells of semi-cylindrical shape, the upper edge of each is integral with and sealed to the circumferential flange, the lower edge forms a sliding seal with the first tubular portion, whereby within the two half shells, there is a liquid flow space. |
| US08083106B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes an ice dispenser with a duct cap for opening and closing an ice duct of the dispenser. A user operated lever is operably coupled to both the duct cap, and a joint member. A frictional member is disposed to come in frictional contact with the joint member as the duct cap moves between open and closed position. An elastic member elastically supports the joint member with respect to the lever. The closing operation of the duct cap is delayed by using a frictional force developed between the joint member and the frictional member. |
| US08083102B2 |
Flexible pouch with a tube spout fitment and flexible sleeve
A flexible pouch having a removable cap for use with the tube spout fitment and a method of filling the flexible pouch is provided. The removable cap is formed from a tube of pliable material, and has a first opening and a second opening. The first and second openings each have a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge of the first opening is configured to engage the outer surface of the tube spout fitment. The peripheral edge of the second opening is pressed onto itself and sealed so as to form a flattened edge. The method includes the steps mounting the removable cap onto the tube spout fitment. Filling the pouch, and sealing the second opening of the removable cap so as to form a flattened edge. |
| US08083099B2 |
Method and device for producing a multicomponent compound
A method for producing a multicomponent compound involves pressing components out of cartridges by means of pistons. The method has particular applicability in connection with dental applications. The method prevents pressing the components initially under high pressures. At the beginning of the pressing-out process, a pressure lower than the characteristic pressing-out pressure of the components from the cartridges is employed. Feed speeds are adjusted to constant value as a function of the pressing-out behavior of the components which are compared with stored or calculated values for a known material. |
| US08083096B2 |
Automatic supply apparatus and automatic supply method
An automatic supply apparatus for an elongate supply target member having elasticity and including both end portions includes a stock mechanism wherein a plurality of supply target members are stocked such that the plurality of supply target members are suspended in an inverted U shape and top portions of the plurality of supply target members are arranged side by side in a row direction, and an extraction mechanism to operate the top portions of the supply target members to extract one supply target member from the plurality of supply target members stocked in the stock mechanism. |
| US08083095B2 |
Container assembly having positive snap seal
An easily closable and open able container system includes a number of features which facilitate easy opening and closing while maintaining a high seal, which will give a feedback to the user to let the user know that a seal is formed. A circumferentially inwardly disposed angled groove is formed on the inside the opening of a container. A complementary angled projection is formed on the circumferentially outwardly disposed surface of the lid for fitting into the circumferentially inwardly disposed angled groove formed on the inside the opening of a container. |
| US08083093B2 |
Plastic container with pivoting bottom wall portions
A container has a base with a bottom wall rib structure which deforms downwardly when an unresisted load is applied. The rib structure stiffens the base, and also can elevate the food product from liquid within the container. The bottom wall has a central platform which extends upwardly from a lower encircling segment. The lower encircling segment marks the lowermost portion of the base as molded, and extends inwardly from the lower margin of the sidewall. Two generally parallel longitudinal ribs extend across the platform and project upwardly from the platform. The longitudinal ribs extend from the lower encircling segment at the front of the base to the rear of the base. Short bridging ribs are evenly spaced parallel to one another and extend laterally between and connect the two longitudinal ribs. A plurality of cross ribs extend outwardly from each longitudinal rib to the encircling segment. |
| US08083092B2 |
Container for receiving a cosmetic product
The invention relates to a container for receiving a liquid cosmetic product, in particular a colored cosmetic product for the lips, eyelids, fingernails or the like. A transparent or translucent material is provided as container material. The container is of a two-piece design comprising a first container element and a second container element, wherein the first and the second container element are securely joined together in a liquid-tight manner. The first container element has an inner wall with a profile. |
| US08083089B2 |
Versatile tamper-evident food container
A tamper-evident rigid plastic food container system wherein the outer periphery of the mating surfaces of the lid and tray are permanently bonded together after the food product has been placed in the tray, a set of perforated rows at an inner periphery, the interconnect of which needs to be torn into order to open the lid. Intentional, inadvertent or malicious ingress into the container can only be made by tearing at the perforations thereby evidencing the potential tampering and contamination of the packaging contents. The lid and tray edges may further include mechanical interference fits, including snap-fit grips that may be of the releasably lockable kind to permit sealing, release and re-sealing multiple times without deterioration in reliability, and which can further prevent or minimize leakage of liquid food product. |
| US08083088B1 |
Trash pail lid lock apparatus and method of use
A trash pail lid lock apparatus for removably securing a trash pail lid on a trash pail, comprising: a) two spaced radial arms, having inner end portions attached together, and peripheral end portions generally extending to a peripheral edge portion of the trash pail lid; b) a sleeve member having a lateral side portion attached to the peripheral end portion of the radial arm, and having a sleeve portion thereof oriented so that an axis therethrough is upright; c) an upright J shaped member having an upright portion slidably, rotatably, and closely positioned within the sleeve portion of the sleeve member, said lower end portion of the J shaped member having an upwardly extending unattached end portion adapted to be received between a peripheral upright wall and lip of the trash pail; and, d) a spring to maintain the J shaped member in a lifted engagement position. |
| US08083084B2 |
Invertible tray
A container (10) with lower and upper parts of formed plastic sheeting, is constructed of two identical elements (12, 14) that can close and latch to each other to form a closed container by turning a second of the elements upside down to make it the upper element, and pressing it down against the lower first element. The lower element includes a base wall (20) which is the bottommost wall and which has a vertical axis (22), upstanding side walls (24), and a flange (30) extending radially away from the top of the side walls. Along a left half (34) of the lower element, the flange forms an upward projection(s) (42), and along the right half (36) of the lower element the flange forms an upwardly-opening groove (44). Each projection and groove extends in a zig-zag line along the flange. |
| US08083083B1 |
Bulk material container with adaptable base
An adaptable bulk material container system comprising a hopper having an interior for receiving the bulk material and an upper opening and a lower opening. The hopper comprises an upper portion defining an upper portion of the interior and including an upper perimeter wall about the interior. The hopper also includes a lower portion defining a lower portion of the interior and being positioned below the upper portion. The system also includes an adaptable base supporting the hopper, with the hopper being mounted on the adaptable base. The base comprises a support frame mounted on the hopper and extending downwardly from the hopper, with the support frame forming a perimeter about the lower portion of the hopper. The base also includes a support flange mounted on the support frame and extending outwardly from the support frame and having an outer perimeter surface. |
| US08083078B2 |
Vibration-based ejection cassette, drug dispensing apparatus, PTP dispensing apparatus, pharmaceutical product storage apparatus and PTP dispensing system
A vibration-assisted ejection cassette includes: outer plates 11 which align PTP-packaged drugs 20 for storage; a top frame 12 which is provided above an open front and which prevents accommodated drugs from being falling forward; an inner plate 13 which carries the accommodated drugs and advances the drugs when vibrated; and a vibrating member 15 which vibrates the inner plate 13. Thereby, vibration is exploited to maintain the drugs 20 in alignment with each other, advance the drugs while maintaining the drugs in alignment and eject them one by one. Additionally, a retention member 18 for retaining an ejected drug is provided in front of the open front. A control circuit 17 activates or stops activating the vibrating member 15 in accordance with whether or not an ejection detecting member detects that a drug is being retained. In this way, it is ensured that drugs are either manually picked up one by one or ejected by an automatic mechanism in an equally easy and stable manner. |
| US08083077B2 |
Display device
A display device for displaying a number of samples. The display device may include a vertical member, a number of display cells with samples thereon positioned on the vertical member, and a number of hanging displays with samples thereon positioned on the vertical member. |
| US08083075B2 |
Denisty current baffle for a clarifier tank
A density current baffle for use in a clarifier tank has a first baffle portion having a lower end, an upper end and an intermediate central portion. The lower end of the baffle portion is coupled to a side wall of the clarifier tank, the upper end of the baffle portion is disposed, at a predefined angle, away from the side wall of the clarifier tank such that the first baffle portion slopes upwardly and away from the side wall. The upper end is configured to receive a mounting bracket having a first end coupled to the end flange and a second end coupled to the side wall of the tank wall. The mounting bracket is a downwardly sloping panel member which together with the first baffle portion form a substantially closed baffle, so that solid materials may be prevented from building up behind the upwardly sloping central baffle portion. |
| US08083073B1 |
Loader bucket sieve apparatus
The loader bucket sieve apparatus is clamped between the jaws of the bucket of a bucket loader or the like, without tools or fasteners. Importantly, as the apparatus rests upon a given surface, the loader operator need only place the jaws of the bucket in the appropriate positions and then clamp the jaws together, reversing said procedure when wishing to disengage the apparatus. The apparatus may have straight supports or concave supports, depending upon need and bucket application. The sieves may extend beyond each side of the supports at each side of the apparatus in order to increase work surface beyond the bounds of the jaws. The sieves may be equidistantly spaced and may also be unequally spaced apart. Sieves may be disposed within all the holes or part of the holes of the supports. |
| US08083072B2 |
Mobile vibrating screen with flexible shaft
A mobile vibrating screen with a readily stowable and pivoting drive system comprising a motor with an attached drive sheave, a belt, a driven sheave and plurality of universal joints which are configured to maintain a connection between the motor and an eccentric weight shaft when said drive system is switched from an operational configuration to a stowed configuration. In an alternate embodiment, some small d parts, e.g. drive shaft, need to be removed and stowed elsewhere on the plant when drive is converted from operation to transport. |
| US08083067B2 |
Method for the separation of overlapping density porous materials from less porous materials
Enhanced methods for separating of overlapping density porous materials are provided. The methods of the invention exploit the differences in the porosity of porous feed materials compared to that of the solid plastics. In the first stage, air is forced out of the pores of a porous feed material. In the second stage, a solution, having the appropriate density, is forced into the pores. This increases the density of the porous material relative to the density of the solid plastics. As a result, the porous material can be made to sink, while the solid plastics continue to float. |
| US08083059B1 |
Socket storage apparatus
A socket storage apparatus is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the socket storage apparatus includes at least one generally elongated socket support member and a plurality of socket attachment devices carried by the at least one socket support member in generally spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other. A pair of spaced-apart base panels is disposed at each end of the elongated socket support member. The base panels have a perimeter including a supporting edge, which extends beyond a distal end of either a series of sockets or other drive tool. The socket storage apparatus can include a magnet, a hook, or both for temporarily securing the apparatus to another object. |
| US08083058B2 |
Consumer product package with stabilizing insert
A consumer product package having a tub with a base and a perimeter wall defining a cavity in communication with an opening that extends through the perimeter wall. A consumer product is disposed within the cavity and a stabilizing insert is at least partially disposed within the cavity. The stabilizing insert has a retaining member removably secured the consumer product and a support member with a foot extending through the opening of the perimeter wall to facilitate positioning the tub in a substantially upright position. |
| US08083056B1 |
Container
A container includes a bottle, a tube, a cap and a scraping member. The bottle has a compartment and a lip portion communicating with the compartment. The tube is received in the compartment of the bottle. The cap is coupled with the tube and detachably assembled to the bottle. The scraping member is disposed at the lip portion of the bottle and has an inner circumferential edge capable of abutting against an outer circumferential wall of the tube. |
| US08083047B1 |
Telescoping conveyor
A telescoping conveyor for particulate materials, particularly agricultural materials, uses an elongate support frame to support a telescoping conveyor. A top tube section is telescopically connected to a bottom tube section, the top tube section sliding over the bottom tube section and being supported by the support frame. The bottom and top tube sections respectively have inlet and discharge ends. A conveyor belt runs inside the bottom and top tube sections and has a return portion exteriorly of the tube sections. A belt take up mechanism is positioned in the belt return portion and has direction change rollers affixed to the support frame and to the top tube member and movable therewith in order to maintain belt tension in all telescoping positions of the conveyor. |
| US08083040B2 |
Zipper for luggage and luggage using the same
A zipper for a luggage includes a first tape, a second tape and interlockable teeth. The first tape has a shielding section for covering an end edge of a first half shell of the luggage, and a mounting section and an extension section connected with the shielding section respectively. The second tape has a shielding section for covering an end edge of a second half shell of the luggage, and a mounting section and an extension section connected with the shielding section of the second tape respectively. The teeth are mounted on the extension sections of the first and second tapes in two rows. By means of using the zipper in production of the luggage, the process of making the luggage can be simplified and the zipper can be well aligned with the half shells of the luggage, enhancing the yield rate in production of the luggage. |
| US08083036B2 |
Method for manufacturing callipers for disc brakes with forced cap
A method for manufacturing callipers for disc brakes. The calliper includes a body in which cylindrical chambers are formed inside which pistons run bearing pads intended for acting on the disc of the brake during the braking step. The method includes the steps of providing a body provided with a slit intended for receiving the disc of the brake and with a pair of cavities aligned transversely to the slit on opposite sides of the slit. The cavities are intended for forming a pair of cylindrical chambers. One of the cavities has a first opening on the slit and a second opening to the outside of the body at which there is a tapered portion with a decreasing section towards the outside of the body. Closing the second opening is a cap applied in the cavity by the slit. The cap has a tapered portion that is forced at the tapered portion of the second opening to form a cylindrical chamber of the calliper. |
| US08083035B2 |
Cylinder apparatus and disk brake
A method of manufacturing a cylinder apparatus wherein although an opening of a cylinder body is closed by a covering member, processing and parts costs are reduced, fluid leakage is prevented, and the apparatus can be reduced in size. The cylinder apparatus includes a piston (17) which is caused to slidingly move in a bore (26) of a cylinder (21). The cylinder 21 includes a covering member (43) provided in a bottom portion (42) of the cylinder (21), and a cylinder body (46) having an opening that is closed by the covering member (43). The covering member (43) is friction stir welded to the cylinder body (46). |
| US08083034B2 |
Lift control interface
A lift control interface is operable to control and monitor a lift system. Each lift column in the system has such a lift control interface. The lift control interface allows a user to assign lift columns to a lift system. One or more of the assigned lift columns may be assigned to a column control group. The user may lock the selection of these columns. The status of the assigned, selected, and locked lift columns may appear on every lift control interface in the lift system. The user may govern operation of the selected columns in the column control group from a single control interface, such as any control interface at any of the selected columns. The lift control interfaces may include visual representations showing the relationships between the lift columns and a vehicle, such as with lift column icons being positioned around a vehicle icon. |
| US08083032B2 |
Power source device
There is provided a power source device capable of obtaining power not only when springs or the like return but also when a handle for winding up the springs or the like are operated. The power source device comprises a main shaft connected to both the handle and a main power generation device, an auxiliary shaft connected to an auxiliary power generation device arranged side by side in parallel with the main shaft, the main spring and the auxiliary spring requiring less load to wind up than the main spring being installed between the main shaft and the auxiliary shaft via drums such that accumulation and release of elastic force of the springs are alternated on both shafts, wherein when the main shaft is normally rotated by the handle, elastic force accumulated in the auxiliary spring is applied in the direction of rotation of the main shaft as releasing force. |
| US08083031B2 |
Remotely activated masthead sheave lubricator apparatus and method
The apparatus and method of the present invention provide a crewmember with the ability to lubricate the sheaves at the head of a mast of a contemporary sailing vessel from the deck. A cylinder that may be secured to existing halyards is filled with a lubrication fluid. The cylinder is raised in the usual manner and, once at the top of the mast, a plunger deploys the lubricant through a bifurcated stem to each side of the sheave. |
| US08083030B2 |
Gearbox lubrication supply system for a tip engine
An oil system (118) for a tip turbine engine (10) includes an annular lubricating fluid plenum (136) which sprays lubricating fluid through a multitude of lubricating fluid passages (144, 146, 148) and into the multitude of passages (152, 154, 156) located within a gearbox assembly (90) as they revolve thereby. Lubricating fluid is thereby communicated directly into the gearbox assembly (90) and returned to a sump tank (140) through a multitude of drain passages. |
| US08083029B2 |
Device for enabling access to a structure above ground level
The present invention relates to a device for enabling access to a structure above ground level by lowering and/or lifting the device in relation to the structure, the device comprising a first endless frame structure defining an opening, wherein at least part of the first endless frame structure forms a track portion, the track portion being adapted to guide an, in relation to the track portion, movable object, such as a gondola, along the track portion. The device may further comprise a second endless frame structure defining an opening, the second endless frame structure being aligned with the first endless frame structure. |
| US08083027B2 |
Method for manufacturing a sandwich panel
A method for manufacturing a sandwich panel includes, but is not limited to the steps of providing at least one air-permeable core layer and at least one porous cover layer, applying an adhesive onto a first area of the core layer, pressing the cover layer onto the first area of the core layer to connect the cover layer to the core layer, and applying an airstream that from the outside is directed onto the cover layer and that moves through the cover layer and the core layer. By means of such an airstream it is possible to prevent excessive accumulation of adhesive on the cover layer, which otherwise would result in partial blocking of the cover layer. By varying the intensity of the airstream the flow resistance of the arrangement including, but not limited to, the cover layer and the core layer may be determined and set during the bonding process. In this way a sandwich panel with precise sound-absorption behavior can be manufactured. |
| US08083025B2 |
Silencer provided on exhaust pipe of vehicle engine
A silencer includes an inner cylinder that is connected to an exhaust pipe and a partition cylinder that is accommodated in a housing and that sections an expansion chamber in the housing. A group of partition-cylinder small holes is formed in the partition cylinder, and a group of inner-cylinder small holes is formed in the inner cylinder. The group of partition-cylinder small holes and the group of inner-cylinder small holes do not overlap each other in an axial direction, and are separated from each other by a predetermined distance in the axial direction. |
| US08083024B1 |
Lightweight speaker enclosure
A speaker enclosure having a substantially seamless rigid outer skin, a middle sound absorbing layer, and a substantially seamless inner skin results in a lightweight speaker having sound absorbing characteristics. The speaker enclosure is comprised of two basic parts, a box section and a baffle section where each of these sections include a rigid outer skin, the middle sound absorbing layer and a seamless inner skin and are made according to the same method. The outer skin is formed from a layer of sheet molding compound, the middle sound absorbing layer includes pieces of honeycomb material, and the inner skin is formed from a layer of sheet molding compound. The layers of material are placed into a mold and then cured through vacuum bagging and heating thereby producing a strong, lightweight speaker enclosure made of materials which attenuate the transmission and retransmission of errant sound waves in the enclosure thereby reducing distortion of the sound signal produced by the speaker. |
| US08083021B2 |
Method for operating a steering system
Method for operating a steering system for a motor vehicle with at least one steerable wheel, a servo drive and a superimposed gear mechanism, the steering movement, initiated by the driver of the vehicle, and the movement for producing the steering movement of the steerable wheel, initiated by the servo drive for realizing useful functions (VSR, LAFN) being superimposed by the superimposed gear mechanism into a pinion angle, the servo drive for initiating the movement being triggered by a control signal (δMd) of a control device. The servo drive is turned back in a controlled manner when a substitute mode of at least one useful function (VSR, LAFN) of the steering system is switched off or on. |
| US08083017B2 |
Motorcycle
A motorcycle that discharges air that has passed through a radiator such that the air does not directly impinge on a rider, thereby resolving discomfort. An air guide passage guides air that has passed through the radiator so that the air passes through a gap between a front side cover and a fuel tank to a portion higher than the fuel tank. |
| US08083014B1 |
Undercarriage for a tracked vehicle
In a first aspect, the invention is directed to an undercarriage for a tracked vehicle. The undercarriage includes a main frame including a frame body and an equalizer bar extending laterally on either side of a pivot connection with the frame body, a first track frame and a second track frame. A first front spherical bearing connects a first end of the equalizer bar and the front end of the first track frame. A second front spherical bearing connects a second end of the equalizer bar and the front end of the second track frame. A first rear spherical bearing connects the rear end of the main frame to the rear end of the first track frame. A second rear spherical bearing connects the rear end of the main frame to the rear end of the second track frame. The spherical bearings between the rear end of the main frame and the rear ends of the track frames permit the rear ends of the track frames to accommodate the arcuate movement of the front ends of the track frames as the equalizer bar pivots about its pivot connection when the vehicle travels over uneven terrain. The spherical bearings further on both the front and the rear of the vehicle also permit the tracks of the vehicle to more fully contact the ground when the ground is not perfectly flat. An example of such a situation may be when the vehicle travels on a road which is crowned. |
| US08083013B2 |
Multimodal agile robots
Examples and implementations of various robotic mechanisms, devices, components, systems and techniques are provided, including multimodal robotic devices and systems. For example, a multimodal robot can be configured to autonomously reconfigure between two or more primary modes of operation. Such robots may be used in a wide range of applications, including reconnaissance, exploration, search and rescue, military, sports, personal assistance, education, and entertainment and toys. Described examples of multimodal robots can be wheeled robots that use two or more drive wheels to perform various motions and operations. |
| US08083011B2 |
Matrix turbine sleeve and method for making same
A turbine matrix sleeve in accordance with the invention includes an inner cylindrical structure made up of a first material. The inner cylindrical structure may include multiple blades and multiple channels running between the blades along an outside diameter thereof. The inner cylindrical structure further includes threads, such as right-hand or left-hand threads, on an outer surface thereof. An outer layer, made up of a second material different from the first material, is integrally bonded to the threads. This outer layer may be optionally embedded with hardened inserts or buttons, such as PDC inserts, diamond inserts, TSP inserts, or the like. The threaded surface on the inner cylindrical structure significantly improves the bond between the outer layer and the inner cylindrical structure and creates a mechanical lock therebetween. |
| US08083009B2 |
Well drilling machine with new drill pipe loader
The invention is a new well drilling machine, in particular for drilling with single pipes, with supporting mast (M) provided with at least one drill head′ (R) for the rotation-translation movement of the drill pipe (A), a loader (C) for said pipes (A), hinged to the relative supporting frame (T), integral with the machine body, and wherein said loader (C) can be slanted from the non-operating position (1) to the operating position (2), in which said pipes (A) are further slanted with respect to ground level, and vice versa. The loader (C) comprises sliders (J, K) which run on parallel guides (S) and on which said pipes (A) rest transversally, wherein two or more long pins or bars (P) square to and integral with said sliders (J, .K) are positioned between adjacent pipes (A), and wherein the running of said sliders (J, K) causes the translation of said bars (P) and said pipes (A). |
| US08083008B2 |
Pressure pulse fracturing system
The present invention provides for an assembly for creating a pressure pulse in a liquid-filled cavity within a fracturable material such as a boulder wherein the primary energy storage element is disposed in a transducer at the boulder to improve the coupling of energy between the energy storage unit and the fluid in the boulder. |
| US08083005B1 |
Land leveling device
A land leveling device for leveling uneven surfaces. The land leveling device generally includes a frame adapted to be removably attached to a tractor. The frame will generally include a rear support, a first side support extending in a forward direction from a first end of the rear support and a second side support extending parallel to the first side support from a second end of the rear support. A central rod will preferably extend forward from a central point on the rear support parallel to and between the first side support and second side support. A pair of leveling members are each fixedly attached to the side supports at their respective ends and pivotally attached to the central rod. As the land leveling device passes over terrain, the leveling members automatically pivot about the central rod to adjust for uneven surfaces. |
| US08083003B2 |
Fire extinguisher with a container holding a fire extinguishing substance and corresponding compressed-gas cylinder
A fire extinguisher (50, 50′, 50′) comprises a container (10, 10′) that holds a fire-extinguishing substance and that has a container jacket (12, 12′) closed at both ends, and a piston (20, 20′) which is axially displaceable in the container jacket and which separates a space (22, 22′) for fire-extinguishing substance from an expansion space (24, 24′) in the container. According to the invention, an inner compressed-gas chamber (26, 26′) provided in the container (10, 10′) is spatially separate from the expansion space and serves for controlled pressurizing of the expansion space (24, 24′). The piston (20, 20′) is arranged such that it can be displaced along the compressed-gas chamber (26, 26′). |
| US08082999B2 |
Drilling and completion deflector
A tool assembly is provided. The tool assembly comprises a drilling deflector and a completion deflector, the completion deflector coupled to the drilling deflector. |
| US08082996B2 |
Equipment for excavation of deep boreholes in geological formation and the manner of energy and material transport in the boreholes
Utilization of geothermal energy in depths above 5 km could contribute considerably to resolving the global problems related to a lack of energy and to glasshouse gases from fossil fuels. The invention describes innovative equipment which makes deep holes in geological formations (rock) by disintegrating the soil into blocks carried to the land surface through the excavated hole filled with liquid, using transport modules yielded up by gas buoyancy interaction in the transport module utilizing supercavitation. In an opposite direction—by help of negative buoyancy—the necessary energy carriers, materials and components, or entire devices required for rock excavation, are carried to the bottom. The opportunity to transport rock in entire blocks reduces energy consumption considerably, because the rock is disintegrated in the section volumes only. Some of the extracted rock and material carried from the surface is used to make a casing of the hole using a part of the equipment. The equipment also allows the generation of the necessary high pressure of liquid at the bottom of the hole, to increase permeability of adjacent rock. The equipment as a whole allows by its function that there is almost linear dependence between the price and depth (length) of the produced hole (borehole). |
| US08082993B2 |
One trip gravel pack assembly
A method of completing a wellbore is provided. The method comprises running in a screen, a gravel pack assembly comprising a flow diversion tool, and a completion string in a first trip. The method also comprises gravel packing the well and removing the flow diversion tool from the gravel pack assembly and from the completion string. |
| US08082992B2 |
Methods of fluid-controlled geometry stimulation
Methods including the steps of selecting a target fracture geometry for a portion of a subterranean formation; selecting a target tip pressure and a target back flow pressure based at least in part on a calculation for the target fracture geometry; selecting a target surface pressure and a target bottom-hole pressure based at least in part on a calculation for the target tip pressure and the target back flow pressure; and introducing a slurry fluid comprising proppant particulates into one or more fractures in the portion of the subterranean formation. The surface pressure corresponds to the target surface pressure, and bottom-hole pressure corresponds to the target bottom-hole pressure. |
| US08082990B2 |
Method and system for placing sensor arrays and control assemblies in a completion
A technique facilitates recovery of hydrocarbons in subterranean formations by simplifying the joining of completion assemblies downhole. The system and methodology utilize a well completion having completion assemblies that may be selectively engaged downhole without requiring precise positional accuracy for each signal communication line. A signal communication system is provided to facilitate engagement of the completion assemblies while enabling the transfer of various signals across the connection. |
| US08082989B2 |
Method for impulse stimulation of oil and gas well production
A method for improving liquid injection into a rock formation. The method includes the steps of introducing a gas impulse device into a wellbore in the formation and pumping a pressurized liquid into the wellbore. The method also includes firing the gas impulse device periodically so that the device generates impulses of high pressure compressed gas. The gas expands through the pumped pressurized liquid substantially instantaneously increasing the liquid flow rate into the rock formation, and creates rapid cyclical injected liquid surges into the rock formation with liquid oscillation occurring inside the fractures and/or pores of the formation. The method may be used in regular oil production applications, waterflooding of wells that have ceased to be productive, in preventing lost circulation in oil wells, and in injecting hazardous wastes into rock formations. |
| US08082985B2 |
Lockable anchor for insertable progressing cavity pump
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods and apparatuses for anchoring progressing cavity (PC) pumps. In one embodiment, a method of anchoring a PC pump to a string of tubulars disposed in a wellbore which includes acts of inserting the PC pump and anchor assembly into the tubular. Running the PC pump and anchor assembly through the tubular to any first longitudinal location along the tubular string. Longitudinally and rotationally coupling the PC pump and the anchor assembly to the tubular and forming a seal between the PC pump and the tubular string at the first location and performing a downhole operation in the tubular. |
| US08082980B2 |
Downhole well access line cutting tool
A cutting tool for cutting a wireline, slickline, coiled tubing, or other well access line stuck downhole in a well. The tool includes a host of features including a propulsion mechanism to aid in delivering the tool to a predetermined cut location of the line. In this manner, the risk of unintended uphole cutting of the line may be minimized. |
| US08082979B2 |
System and method for environmental management of a vehicle
A method for environmental management of a vehicle includes the steps of determining certain environmental conditions for the vehicle, and determining when it is desirable to defog the window based on the determined environmental conditions. A status of manual overrides is determined, and at least some automatically controllable functions of an HVAC system are implemented to effect defogging of a vehicle window when it is determined that none of the manual overrides has been selected. |
| US08082964B2 |
Tyre for a vehicle wheel and method of manufacturing the tyre
A vehicle wheel tire includes a carcass structure, at least one annular reinforcing structure, a tread band, and a pair of sidewalls. The carcass structure includes at least one carcass ply, each including a plurality of elongated elements disposed around a cross-section profile of the tire. Each elongated element includes two side portions at mutually-spaced-apart positions and a crown portion that extends between the side portions. The at least one annular reinforcing structure includes at least one bead core. A fraction of the elongated elements is turned up around the at least one bead core. A method of manufacturing the tire includes preparing the elongated elements, disposing each elongated element on a toroidal support, applying at least one bead core at a region close to side portions of the elongated elements, and turning up ends of a fraction of the elongated elements around the at least one bead core. |
| US08082962B2 |
Sealing ring for a vehicle wheel
A sealing ring for a vehicle wheel having a tubeless tire with two tire beads that are embodied on the radially inward side thereof. The tubeless tire is mounted on the radially outer side of the multipart rim by the tire beads. The vehicle wheel further comprising a sealing ring which seals the tire radially inward towards the ring, is positioned on the radially outer side of the rim, extends in a peripheral direction along the circumference of the rim and runs between the two tire beads in an axial direction. The sealing ring is configured with a central ring member which is provided with a cylindrical inner surface that is to rest on the outer surface of the rim while being embodied with one respective concentric flexible annular leg which is located on both axial sides of the central ring member and extends diagonally and radially outward in an axial direction from the central ring member. Deformable sealing elements extend along the circumference of the annular leg on the radially inward facing surface and are configured on the end of the leg that faces away from the central ring member. |
| US08082957B2 |
Tablet storage and take-out apparatus
A device (1) for containing and dispensing tablets, wherein vial bottles (3) filled with tablets wait in waiting spaces (701a, b, c) and the vial bottles (3) are taken out from the waiting spaces (701a, b, c). A plurality of pairs of holding members (703a, b) facing each other for holding the bodies of the vial bottles (3) are installed in the waiting spaces (701a, b, c). Also, stock sensors (710) in the same quantity as the pair of holding members (703a, b) are installed to check for each pair of holding members whether a vial bottle is held on the pair of holding members (703a, b) or not. |
| US08082955B2 |
Lid opening/closing system of an airtight container
A curtain nozzle is located above an opening portion (10) in a FIMS. A gas curtain formed of inert gas for closing the opening portion is formed. A cover is so provided as to cover a part of the curtain nozzle so as to prevent peripheral gas around an opening of the curtain nozzle from being involved in the gas curtain of the inert gas emitted from the curtain nozzle. |
| US08082954B2 |
Flexible pipe with a permeable outer sheath and a method of its manufacturing
A flexible pipe for transporting a fluid in a marine environment. The pipe comprises a liner for confining the fluid, an armoring layer surrounding the liner, and an outer protective sheath surrounding the armoring layer and allowing radial expansion and contraction of the armoring layers. The outer protective sheath comprises at least two protective layers of helically wound composite wires with essentially opposite winding angles and locally held together, providing a relatively flexible yet fixed structure of the outer sheath. The outer sheath is held together in an array of discrete spots or along linear or curved paths. Flexibility is maintained because the stiffness in shear in the wires of adjacent protective layers may be made much larger in areas being locally held together than outside these areas. This allows a change of angles between the wires of two adjacent layers of the outer protective sheath during elongation or shortening of the pipe. |
| US08082953B2 |
Solenoid valve assembly
A solenoid valve assembly includes a bobbin supporting a coil and having at least one protrusion on an inner surface, an adjustment member disposed within the bobbin and in contact with the at least one protrusion, a pole piece disposed within the adjustment member, a valve body having a seat, wherein the bobbin is disposed in contact with the seat, a spool slideably disposed within the valve body, and a resilient member disposed in contact with the adjustment member and the spool. |
| US08082948B2 |
Hydrogen-generating fuel cell cartridges
The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus and various pressure regulators or pressure-regulating valves. Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The transportation of a first fuel component to a second fuel component to generate of hydrogen occurs automatically depending on the pressure of a reaction chamber within the gas-generating apparatus. The pressure regulators and flow orifices are provided to regulate the hydrogen pressure and to minimize the fluctuation in pressure of the hydrogen received by the fuel cell. Connecting valves to connect the gas-generating apparatus to the fuel cell are also provided. |
| US08082945B1 |
Top operating telescoping adjustable valve box and valve stem assembly
A top operating telescoping adjustable valve box and valve stem assembly that incorporates a telescoping valve stem actuating system which, when coupled to a service valve, allows for the operation from ground level without the removal of a plug or lid. The system has a large range of vertical adjustability. The upper and lower sections of the assembly are in frictional connection with each other, which allows no transmittal of force to the lower section when any upward force to the upper section is applied, thus reducing damage to the buried valve and pipeline. The assembly provides a tracing block terminal, located on the top base, to allow for the connection of tracing wire from the valve top to the service pipe for service line location. The assembly also incorporates the placement of a tamper proof cap for the prevention of unauthorized operation of valve stem system. |
| US08082944B2 |
Pivotal base for enclosed hose reel
A base assembly, including wheels, is attachable to the bottom of a hose reel enclosure. This assembly enables the hose reel enclosure to pivot about a vertical axis. This pivotal movement of the hose reel enclosure permits a hose to be withdrawn from and wound back onto the hose reel in the enclosure while remaining substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hose reel. This also enables a hose to be taken up evenly onto the hose reel and played out from the hose reel without tipping over the hose reel enclosure. In one embodiment, the base assembly is attached to the bottom of a hose reel enclosure. Two wheels are mounted at one end portion of the assembly and a stake is positioned in a member mounted between the end portions of the base assembly. The stake is driven into the ground below the hose reel enclosure. The wheels enable the hose reel enclosure to be pivoted along the ground about the stake to enable a hose to be evenly taken up onto the hose reel and played out from the hose reel without tipping the hose reel enclosure over. In another embodiment, the wheels and stake are mounted directly onto the hose reel enclosure. |
| US08082943B2 |
Valve apparatus
A valve means (1) comprises a valve support (2) with internal valve support ducts (15). Several component mounting sites (12) are located on the valve support (2) to be individually fitted with control units (3), at least one special purpose control unit (3b) being present, which with an intermediate plate (24) simultaneously covers over several adjacently placed component mounting sites (12). At least one control valve (4) of the special purpose control unit (3b) is connected with the valve support ducts (15) opening at the covered component mounting sites (12) via an intermediate plate duct arrangement (28) running in the intermediate plate (24). |
| US08082941B2 |
Reverse action flow activated shut-off valve
A flow activated valve includes an outer body and a piston disposed in an inner cavity of the outer body. The flow activated valve also includes one or more fluid passage exits in the outer body and one or more piston fluid passages in the piston. The one or more fluid passage exits and the one or more piston fluid passages allow fluid flow out of the valve. The flow activated valve also includes a flow restriction member disposed in a piston inner cavity. In addition, the flow activated valve includes a shear member disposed in the outer body, and a bias member disposed in an inner cavity of the outer body. The flow activated valve further includes a position control member disposed in the piston and a sealing member. |
| US08082931B2 |
Apparatus for washing and drying leaf products and more generically vegetables
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for washing and drying leaf products and more generically vegetables, comprising a frame (2), a centrifugation basket (3), a container (tank) (4) within which said centrifugation basket (3) is provided, a basin (6), communicating with said container (4) for inlet and discharge of washing water, said centrifugation basket (3) being pivoted on said frame (2) so as to rotate of about 180° from a working position to a discharge position, and vice versa, and means (7) for collection and removal of washed and dried product, said means being provided raised with respect to said centrifugation basket (3), in a position corresponding to the discharge position of the same centrifugation basket (3), being further provided driving means for said centrifugation basket permitting driving said basket (3) at at least two rotation speeds, respectively a washing speed and a drying speed. |
| US08082930B2 |
Hair clip with tines extending parallel to the enveloped hair
A hair ornament includes a body having an enveloping section for enveloping a portion of hair of a user. The enveloping section includes upper and lower ends spaced in a direction. The portion of the hair of the user extends through the upper and lower ends of the enveloping section. A styling section is mounted to the body. The styling section includes a plurality of tines extending in the direction. The tines of the styling section initially not extend through the hair of the user when the body is worn on the hair of the user. The body is movable relative to the hair of the user so that the tines of the styling section extend through another portion of the hair not enveloped by the enveloping section to position the body on the hair of the user. |
| US08082925B2 |
Transvaginal tube as an aid to laparoscopic surgery
A method of performing a laparoscopic hysterectomy treatment or other laparoscopic treatment on a patient, utilizes a transvaginal surgical device that includes a tube having a diameter greater than the patient's cervix, and an annular edge which lies substantially in a plane non-normal to its tubular axis, and a sealing structure capable of sealing the tube during surgery to maintain the pneumoperitoneum. The method includes introducing the device into the patient's vagina so that the annular edge defines a cervico-vaginal junction, and separating the cervix from the vagina at the defined cervico-vaginal junction. |
| US08082924B2 |
Immobilizing device for a part of a body
An immobilizing device for immobilizing a body part includes a bag which is filled with a granular material and is placed over the body part, an outer shell in which the bag is mounted and a hollow space formed between the outer shell and the bag for receiving pressured air in order to produce a force on the bag for immobilizing the body part. The device provides combined advantages over conventional devices, such as almost no absorption of x-rays, a perfect fit for every kind of body part, comfort for a patient, reusability, low cost, neutral smell, very light weight and easy application. |
| US08082922B2 |
Head-up display unit
A head-up display unit 10 comprises a microprocessor 30 which controls four light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which constitute the head-up display 20. The microprocessor 30 and LEDs 20 are powered by a battery 40 and a switch 50 is in series with the battery. A temporary store 60 in the form of a capacitor is in parallel with the battery 40 after the switch 50. A data receiver 32 is connected to the microprocessor 30 and communicates received data 34 to the microprocessor 30. The head-up display unit 10 is located in the face-mask 100 of a self contained breathing apparatus unit. The LEDs 20 are located in the periphery of the viewable region of the face-mask 100 so that they can be seen by the user when the face-mask is worn. The switch 50 comprises two conductive rubber strips which conduct current between them when sufficient pressure is applied. The switch 50 is located on a portion of the face-mask seal 102 such that when the face-mask 100 is worn i.e. held against the face of the wearer, the rubber strips conduct current between them and when the face-mask is not being worn the rubber strips do not conduct. The switch 50 is embedded in the face-mask seal 102 in such a way that a tight seal between the user and the face-mask 100 is still achieved when the face-mask is worn. |
| US08082921B2 |
Methods, systems and devices for desufflating a lung area
Methods, systems and devices are described for temporarily or permanently evacuating stagnating air from a diseased lung area, typically for the purpose of treating COPD. Evacuation is accomplished by displacing the stagnant CO2-rich air with a readily diffusible gas using a transluminal indwelling catheter specially configured to remain anchored in the targeted area for long term treatment without supervision. Appropriate elevated positive gas pressure in the targeted area is then regulated via the catheter and a pneumatic control unit to force under positive pressure effusion of the diffusible gas out of the area into neighboring areas while inhibiting infusion of other gases thus effecting a gradual gas volume decrease and deflation of the targeted area. |
| US08082920B2 |
Acoustic respiratory therapy apparatus
An active respiratory therapeutic device for clearing breathing passages, loosening and breaking up mucus plugs and phlegm in a patient's sinuses, trachea, bronchial passages and lungs while a patient is breathing normally through the device is disclosed. The apparatus preferably includes a C shaped curved hollow housing having a closed end portion and an open threaded end portion. The open end portion forms at least part of an acoustic coupling chamber. A generally funnel shaped tapered mouthpiece tapers to a small end portion sized to be inserted into a patient's mouth. The mouthpiece forms another part of the acoustic coupling chamber. An acoustic signal generator housed within the hollow housing generates and directs acoustic vibrations into and through the coupling chamber. The mouthpiece preferably includes a valve permitting a patient breathing through the mouthpiece to inhale through a valve opening and exhale through a bypass passage around the valve while at the same time coupling the acoustic coupling chamber into the patient's airways. |
| US08082916B2 |
Solar heating blocks
A solar heating block, designed for use in assembling solar heating panels in the walls of buildings, has a first compartment and a second compartment within its interior volume. The first compartment contains a translucent insulating material, such as an aerogel. The second compartment, which is inward of the solar heating block from the first compartment, contains a heat-absorbing material. The translucent insulating material allows light to be transmitted through the solar heating block, but reduces heat loss to the exterior of the building from the heat-absorbing material. |
| US08082912B2 |
Method for controlling supply of compressed gasses to a firing chamber of a paintball marker
A pneumatic circuit for a paintball marker is disclosed. Paintball markers generally include a gas supply, a bolt mechanism and a firing chamber. The pneumatic circuit includes an exhaust path. A gas supply inlet path is in fluid communication to the gas supply. A first supply path is in fluid communication with the gas supply inlet path and the bolt mechanism. A second supply path is in fluid communication with the gas supply inlet path and the firing chamber. A first valve is configured and arranged to selectively control fluid communication of the first supply path and the exhaust path. A second valve is configured and arranged to control fluid communication of the second supply path. |
| US08082910B1 |
Pulley assembly for a compound archery bow
A pulley assembly for a compound archery bow comprises a set of multiple power cable pulleys and a draw cable pulley. The draw cable pulley is arranged to be rotatably mounted on a bow limb, to let out the draw cable when the bow is drawn, and so as to have interchangeably mounted thereon any one of the multiple power cable pulleys. Each power cable pulley is arranged to take up the power cable when the bow is drawn. At least one of the power cable pulleys is arranged so as to result in substantially negligible let-off of draw force of the bow. At least one other of the power cable pulleys is arranged so as to result in substantial let-off of the draw force of the bow at a corresponding draw length. |
| US08082908B2 |
2-valve, 2-plug, 2-intake lean burn engine with squish flow with about 2/3 the combustion chamber under the exhaust valve
An ignition-engine system for internal combustion engines having two-valves per cylinder (100) with a larger intake valve (103) and a smaller exhaust valve (104) in a longitudinal layout with a single camshaft (118) operating bucketed valve stems 103a and 104a that are vertical, with the valves making up essentially the roof of the combustion chamber and having a volume essentially under the intake valve of approximately 35% of the combustion chamber and a volume under the exhaust valve of approximately 65%, and two spark plugs per cylinder with plugs (102a) and (102b) located at the edge of two opposite squish-zones (105) of a compact combustion chamber, wherein the air-flow near TC is channeled between the two large squish-lands (101a) and (101b) wherein the cross-section of the channel is approximately constant of average width “W’, resulting in a relatively more compact combustion chamber having squish-lands take up approximately ⅓ of the projected bore area of the cylinder and the more compact channel to be approximately ⅔ of the bore area, wherein as the piston approaches ignition it provides an approximately orthogonal-to-the-main-flow (109) through the action of the squish walls which have a clearance of only about 0.06 inches with the piston at top center for improving knocking by moving the spark-flame kernel toward the hotter exhaust valve. |
| US08082904B2 |
Fuel pump timing to reduce noise
One embodiment is a fuel system for an internal combustion engine including a fuel pump having a fuel pump gear operable to drive the fuel pump to pressurize fuel. The fuel pump gear is offset relative to engine top dead center by a predetermined angle to reduce a sound or noise. The offset can be determined by selecting the minimum sound produced over a range of offsets or operating conditions. |
| US08082902B2 |
Piezo intensifier fuel injector and engine using same
A common rail fuel injection system includes a piezo intensifier fuel injector that includes a plurality of components. Among these are a needle valve member, an intensifier piston, a first piezo stack electrical actuator and a second piezo stack electrical actuator. These components have a first configuration at which the needle valve member blocks a nozzle outlet of the fuel injector, and a shoulder of the intensifier piston is exposed to fluid pressure in a common rail. The components have a second configuration at which the nozzle outlet is fluidly connected to the common rail for a low pressure injection event. The components have a third configuration at which the nozzle outlet is fluidly blocked from the common rail, but movement of the intensifier displaces fluid through the nozzle outlet for a high pressure injection event. |
| US08082901B2 |
Diesel engine
Exemplary embodiments can provide at least one of a system, machine, device, and manufacture that can comprise: a V-type water-cooled diesel engine comprising: a first cylinder and a second cylinder disposed in a V-shape; a plurality of injection pumps adapted to serve each respective cylinder; and a fuel governor adapted to control fuel from the injection pumps, the fuel governor disposed between the cylinders; wherein the governor is an electrical governor and disposed outside a crankcase that is located between the cylinders, and the plurality of injection pumps are mounted on a cover of the crankcase. |
| US08082900B2 |
Method for producing a support plate for valve bodies and a support plate
A method for producing a support plate (1) for valve bodies includes: i) providing a base armature (22) including an even number of portions of pipes (4, 4′); ii) arranging a valve body (5) on portions (19) of the base armature (22) forming temporary reception zones for a valve body (5); iii) mounting the control axis through bearings (7 and 9) and the transverse groove of each valve body (5); iv) molding onto the control axis a bearing support for each valve body (5) and a mounting insert in the corresponding guide bearing (7); v) mounting each valve body (5) on the corresponding bearing support by sliding on the control axis, and vi) inserting mounting inserts in the corresponding guide bearings (7). |
| US08082899B2 |
Double-layer lubrication coating composition, double-layer lubrication coating and piston having same coating
A double-layer lubrication coating composition is made up of an upper-layer coating composition and a lower-layer coating composition. The upper-layer coating composition is made up of 50 to 70 wt % of an epoxy resin or a polyamide-imide resin, 5 to 20 wt % of boron nitride, and 15 to 30 wt % of silicone nitride or alumina. The lower-layer coating composition is made up of 50 to 70 wt % of an epoxy resin or a polyamide-imide resin, 15 to 30 wt % of polytetrafluoroethylene and 5 to 20 wt % of molybdenum disulfide and may include graphite as required. |
| US08082898B2 |
Resonator
A resonator is provided with a neck portion and a resonator main body. The resonator main body includes a main volume chamber communicated with an air intake duct of an internal combustion engine for a vehicle via the neck portion, and at least one sub-volume chamber directly connected to the main volume chamber. The resonator main body is configured to have both a Helmholtz-resonator functional part whose resonance frequency is determined based on a total volumetric capacity of the resonator main body, substantially corresponding to a summed value of a volume of the main volume chamber and a volume of the sub-volume chamber, and a side-branch-resonator functional part whose resonance frequency is determined based on a longitudinal length of the sub-volume chamber. |
| US08082896B2 |
Switchable support element for a valve train of an internal combustion engine
A switchable support element for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, comprising a housing that can be arranged with an outer peripheral wall in a reception of the internal combustion engine, an axially displaceable pressure piston extending in a bore of the housing, said pressure piston being loaded by a lost motion spring means in a direction leading out of the housing, a head of the pressure piston extending beyond an edge of the housing, and at least one coupling piston extending in a cross-bore of the pressure piston, which can be brought partially into engagement with an entraining surface of the housing for achieving coupling, wherein, starting from an outer front end of the at least one coupling piston, a flattened portion is arranged on an underside of the coupling piston wherein a flattened portion is arranged on an underside of the coupling piston, the entraining surface in the housing per coupling piston is constituted by an underside of a window-like aperture in the bore of the housing, on which underside the at least one coupling piston can be displaced with said flattened portion for achieving coupling, and the pressure piston comprises an anti-rotation device relative to the housing, while the at least one coupling piston comprises an anti-rotation device relative to the cross-bore. |
| US08082894B2 |
Cylinder head having coolant flow guide device
The invention relates to a cylinder head (1) for a liquid-cooled internal combustion engine with several cylinders, comprising at least one intake port (5) and at least two exhaust ports (4) per cylinder (1), at least one first cooling chamber (2) adjacent to a fire deck and at least one second cooling chamber (3) adjacent to the first cooling chamber (2), with the second cooling chamber (3) extending over several cylinders. In order to improve cooling in the areas subjected to great thermal stress it is provided that at least one first cooling chamber (2) is provided per cylinder and the first cooling chambers (2) of two adjacent cylinders are separated from one another, with each first cooling chamber (2) comprising at least one first opening (7) and at least one transfer opening (8) to the second cooling chamber (3), and the first cooling chamber (2) is flowed through between the first opening (7) and the transfer opening (8) substantially in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder head (1). |
| US08082891B2 |
Conversion mechanism for a pivoting reciprocating engine
The invention relates to a conversion mechanism for an internal combustion (11) engine. The conversion mechanism is operable to convert pivotally reciprocating motion of an output member (30) about a prime pivot axis (30.1) into rotational motion of an output shaft (40) about a rotational output axis (40.1). The conversion mechanism includes a cam housing (74) which is fast with the output member (30) for movement about the prime pivot axis (30.1) and which is pivotally displaceable relative to the output member (30) about a cam axis (74.1) which is transverse to the prime pivot axis (30.1), the cam axis (74.1) being movable with the output member (30) about the prime pivot axis (30.1), the cam housing (74) defining at least one cam member (86); and a cam follower (80) on the output shaft (40), the cam follower (80) having a wobble axis (80.1) which is titled or inclined relative to the rotational output axis (40.1). |
| US08082884B2 |
Swiftlets farming for production of edible bird's nests
An edible bird's nests production facility comprising of: a wholly man made artificial caves system and/or converted natural relief such as caves, valleys, cliffs forming the nesting habitat and associated supporting facilities configured to breed swiftlets for their nests by means of a captive breeding program for swiftlets; commercialized-scientific farming methods; specialized apparatus, mechanisms and techniques; managed sustainable harvesting of nests; provision of a safe and secure nesting habitat and a conducive environment to maximize avian population by minimizing mortality rates; safe collection of nests by means of mechanized lifting systems and specialist mountaineering equipment. |
| US08082883B2 |
Pet food elevating device
A pet food elevating device having a food platform and wheels coupled to the food platform with a vertical track positioned to slidably receive the wheels. A rope is movably engaged with an upper pulley positioned to allow the pet food elevating device to be raised to a desired elevation within the vertical track. A first end of the rope is coupled to the food platform, and a second end of the rope is available to a user of the pet food elevating device to raise or lower the food platform. The second end of the rope may be secured to hold the pet food elevating device at a desired elevation. |
| US08082878B2 |
Thermal evaporation apparatus, use and method of depositing a material
Thermal evaporation apparatus for depositing of a material on a substrate, comprising material storage means; heating means to generate a vapor of the material in the material storage means; vapor outlet means comprising a vapor receiving pipe having vapor outlet passages, and emission reducing means arranged such that an external surface of the vapor outlet means directed to said substrate exhibits low emission, and wherein the apparatus further comprises pipe heating means in the interior of said vapor outlet means, wherein at least the surfaces of the material storage means, heating means, and emission reducing means and pipe heating means arranged to come into contact with the material vapor are of a corrosion-resistant material. Further a thermal evaporation apparatus for depositing a material on a substrate comprising a vapor outlet means arranged to receive in its interior the vapor of the material heated in a material storage means and having vapor outlet passages, wherein said vapor outlet means basically consist of a corrosion-resistant material and are gastight to such an extent that sufficient dynamic pressure of said material vapor is achievable for homogenous deposition of said material on said substrate. Also the use of the apparatus, and a method of depositing a material onto a substrate by thermal evaporation. |
| US08082876B2 |
Manufacturing method of OLED display and apparatus for manufacturing the OLED display
A manufacturing method of an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display and an apparatus for manufacturing the AMOLED display, where the display has improved surface flatness and thickness uniformity as well as an improved image quality at edge regions of a pattern. According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an anode electrode is formed on a lower structure of a substrate, an organic layer is formed on the anode electrode by imaging a complex laser beam on a donor film disposed on the substrate having light emitting materials, the complex laser beam having energy distribution inclination over 2%/μm at a threshold energy. The donor film is removed, and a cathode electrode is formed on the organic layer. |
| US08082871B2 |
Inflatable kayak
An air inflatable watercraft, having a cockpit with a bottom area forming part of the cockpit having a through opening therein adapted to receive a human operated propulsion mechanism which can be operated from the cockpit to propel the watercraft. |
| US08082870B2 |
Multiplex-thruster systems for delivering thrusting flow
Designs and techniques for fluid thrusters and vehicles that are powered by propelling fluids with fluid thrusters. Multiplex-thruster (MT) systems are disclosed that include a single thruster and a flow multiplexer with multiple channels to deliver thrusting flow in various directions. |
| US08082868B1 |
Watercraft mooring device
A device which anchors a small boat to a tree stump is herein disclosed, comprising a section of resilient and inert material with an interior opening and is provided with a multitude of attaching apertures through its cross-section. These attaching apertures are connected to a plurality of three hundred (300) pound test nylon cords in a conical type fashion. The various sections of cord are also secured intermediately along its length thus producing a net structure not unlike that of a basketball net. The upper end of each cord is secured to a central point and is anchored with a section of five hundred (500) pound test nylon cord which is used to connect the device to a small boat. To use the device, the user slips the device over a tree stump or similar support structure protruding up through or just below the water surface. The net structure of the device provides a secure grip about the support structure no matter the direction of the boat in relation to the support structure. |
| US08082867B2 |
Ship with liquid transport tanks provided with deformation absorbers
A ship (20) with one or more liquid transport tanks (21) arranged in an upright position in a ship's hull, said transport tanks having an axial direction and a circumferential direction, and each transport tank comprising a tank bottom (22), a tank circumferential wall (25) and a tank roof (23), the tank bottom being supported on or forming part of a lower deck of the ship's hull. The tank circumferential wall is suspended by its lower and upper ends by means of deformable deformation absorbers (26) between the lower deck and an upper deck (24) of the ship's hull, which deformation absorbers are designed so as to absorb deformations between the ship's hull and the tank circumferential wall at least in the abovementioned axial direction, at least the lower deformation absorber extending in the circumferential direction around substantially the entire circumference of the tank circumferential wall, and at least the lower deformation absorber forming part of the tank wall and being accommodated at the position of the transition between the tank circumferential wall and the tank bottom so as to form a continuous sealing connection between them. |
| US08082863B2 |
Presser foot and sewing machine
In a presser foot and a sewing machine according to the present invention, a guide hole is formed in a presser leg to which a fixed knife is attached, so as to passing through the presser leg up and down, and a knife holder is fitted and held to the guide hole. The fixed knife is inserted to a retention groove provided in a peripheral surface of the knife holder through a window hole provided in the presser leg, and is fixed by fastening a stop screw. A position of the fixed knife is adjusted in a vertical direction by moving the knife holder in the vertical direction along the guide hole and fastening the stop screw at an appropriate position, thereby changing a cut position of ends of fabrics and changing an overlapped width of the fabrics at a time of seaming. |
| US08082855B2 |
Center bowl liner with spring washer conductor
A center bowl liner is provided for use between a center plate of a railroad car and a center bowl surface on a truck bolster. The center bowl liner includes a disc-shaped element having top and bottom surfaces and a central opening for receiving a center pin. A conductive spring washer is attached to the disc-shaped element, with the conductive spring washer having a contoured profile such that portions of the conductive spring washer are exposed at the top and bottom surfaces of the disc-shaped element and create an electrical connection between the railroad car center plate and the center bowl on the truck bolster. The disc-shaped element acts as a load-bearing element generally supporting the railroad car center plate. The conductive spring washer, since it has spring-like properties, will also undertake to bear a limited amount of the load of the railroad car center plate in addition to providing an electrical connection between the car and truck. |
| US08082853B2 |
Hold-down device for the cable guide in cable-drawn transport systems
A pressure device for conduction of the cable in cable traction transportation systems including a pressure-roller (12) of the cable (7) supported elastically on a fixed support (2) and a counter-roller (6) supported on the fixed support (2) is described. In accordance with this invention the counter-roller (6) is supported in a revolving manner on a roller-holder (5) articulated at one end to the fixed support (2) and possesses at the other end guide means (8, 9) that engage as a running guide an arm (10) that bears in a revolving manner at one end the pressure-roller (12) on the side opposite the counter-roller (6) and is articulated at the other end to the fixed support (2) with the arm (10) being pressed by elastic means in the direction of exertion of pressure of the pressure-roller (12) on the cable (7). |
| US08082851B2 |
Cavitating core
The invention relates to ammunition for missile weapon and firearm. The cavitating core of the invention comprises a head part conjugated with a secant nose surface along the cavitating edge, a central part, and an aft part with a gliding surface, wherein the caliber of the core is defined by the maximum diameter of the circle describing the core cross-section. The contour line enveloping the cross-sections from the cavitating edge to the core caliber in the plane of the core axial longitudinal section is limited by the dependence: Dx=d×[1+(1x/d)×(2×sin φ/π)1/N]N, where Dx—is the current diameter of the core enveloping contour R, mm; d—is the cavitating edge diameter, mm; Lx—is the current distance from the cavitating edge to the core caliber, mm; φ=60° . . . 270°— is the apex angle of the tangents to the secant nose surface at the points of its conjugation with the cavitating edge measured from the side of the head part; N=(2π/φ)0.4 . . . (2π/φ)0.2— is the core volume factor, wherein the core caliber is equal to the current diameter of the core enveloping contour Dx. As a result the invention makes it possible to increase the effective distance for hitting underwater targets when shooting from the air to the water and/or during underwater shooting using arbalests, harpoon guns, artillery, small and sporting-and-hunting weapons. |
| US08082846B2 |
Temperature responsive safety devices for munitions
A munitions casing including an annulus of a shape memory alloy disposed around said casing where the shape memory alloy has been subjected to a combination of mechanical and thermal treatments so as to impart a memory, and a cutter located between the annulus and the casing wherein heating of the shape memory alloy to a predetermined temperature causes said annulus to contract radially inwardly and rupture the said munitions casing. |
| US08082844B1 |
Acoustic crystal explosives
An acoustic crystal explosive, which gains its properties from both its periodic structure and its composition, may be configured to suppress or enhance the sensitivity of detonation of the explosive in response to an acoustic wave. An explosive material and a medium (explosive or inactive) are arranged in a periodic array that provides local contrast modulation of the acoustic index to define a band gap in the acoustic transmission spectrum of the explosive materials. At least one defect cavity in the periodic array creates a resonance in the band gap. The defect cavity concentrates energy from an incident acoustic (shock) wave to detonate the explosive. Multiple defect cavities may be configured to provide a desired shaped charge or volumetric detonations. Means may be provided to reprogram the defect cavity(ies) to reconfigure the explosive. |
| US08082843B2 |
Hinge strips for printer paper
The present invention provides a page for binding in an album. The page includes a blank, printer paper sheet and a hinge strip mounted along an edge of the printer paper sheet, the hinge strip including a flexible line for allowing the hinge strip to bend along the flexible line and a portion for binding to an album. The paper sheet and the hinge strip are adapted to go through a printer together to provide a ready-to-bind printed page. |
| US08082840B2 |
System for pasteurisation thermal treatment of foodstuffs, particularly leaf product
The present invention relates to a system for pasteurization thermal treatment of foodstuffs, particularly leaf products, comprised of means for loading the product to be subjected to treatment and means for discharging the treated product. The system is comprised of a first treatment section in which the product to be subjected to treatment is conveyed by the loading means and wherein the first treatment section heats the product by a treatment fluid, so as to reduce starting concentration of thermo sensitive bacterial flora present in the same. A second treatment section is provided in cascade with the first treatment section. The second treatment section cools the product by the treatment fluid, so as to stop growing of residual bacterial flora present. |
| US08082837B2 |
Control system for reciprocating device
A control system for a reciprocating device includes a switching valve, a toggle for operating the valve, a trigger associated with the reciprocating device to actuate the toggle, and biasing means disposed on the trigger for applying a biasing force to the toggle. The valve includes a first drive line, a second drive line, a fluid supply inlet and a fluid exhaust outlet. The valve switches between the first and second drive lines upon actuation of the toggle by the trigger, to switch direction of the reciprocating device. |
| US08082836B2 |
Mitigating recoil in a ballistic robot
Recoil mitigating devices and methods for use with projectile firing systems such as a disrupter mounted to a robotic arm. A pair of parallel spring provides dampening of axial recoil movement of the disrupter relative to the robotic arm. Forward ends of the springs are attachable to the barrel of the disrupter while rearward portions of the springs are attachable to the robotic arm by a robot mount block. The robot mount block at least partially encloses the barrel of the disrupter in connecting the parallel springs and permits axial movement of the disrupter along or through the mount during firing. |
| US08082835B2 |
Light weight electronic protective shield from rocket-propelled grenades
An electronic shield provides protection against rocket propelled grenades. The electronic shield has a mounting frame having opposite first and second mounting surfaces. Grids of electrodes are mounted in spaced-apart relation one behind the other on the first and second mounting surfaces of the mounting frame to form an impact surface configured to be impacted by a rocket propelled grenade. Each grid of electrodes has first connecting end portions connected directly to the first mounting surface of the mounting frame and second connecting end portions connected to the second mounting surface of the mounting frame via respective elastic members. During impact of a grenade on the impact surface, at least one electronic operation device instantaneously directs high power modulated electronic pulses to the impact surface to instantaneously deactivate the grenade. |
| US08082834B1 |
Ammunition magazine box with adjustable tilted interior bracket structure
An ammunition magazine box is provided for receiving a vertically serpentined length of belted ammunition for selective outfeed from the box to a machine gun. A specially designed support bracket structure, representatively of a length adjustable construction, is provided and suitably secured within the interior of the magazine box. At least a portion of the belted ammunition loops rest on a top side surface of the installed support bracket structure. The top support bracket structure side surface is (1) laterally sloped, in a direction transverse to the lengths of the belt loops, to inhibit a tilting-created intermeshing of vertically adjacent projectile ends of the ammunition rounds which could cause a feed jam, and/or (2) longitudinally sloped, in a direction parallel to the lengths of the belt loops, to desirably lessen the ammunition outfeed force that must be exerted by the machine gun. |
| US08082829B2 |
Lift assist for a food product slicer
A food product slicer includes a base, a knife mounted for rotation relative to the base and a carriage mounted to the base for reciprocal movement back and forth past a cutting edge of the knife. A lift assist assembly is associated with the base and arranged to push the slicer upward toward an upward tilted position, the lift assist assembly arranged for reducing user input energy required to tilt the slicer upward. |
| US08082827B2 |
Hybrid towel dispenser
A hybrid towel dispenser is provided that can be operated in an automatic dispensing mode and a manual dispensing mode. The dispenser includes a drum having a retractable knife that extends out of the drum when the drum rotates past a selected position and severs a towel segment from a towel sheet. The dispenser also includes a motor, a manual advance assembly, and a one-way rotational coupling that couples the motor to the drum such that the motor rotates the drum in the automatic dispensing mode and a user can rotate the drum in the manual dispensing mode separately from the motor, using the manual advance assembly. |
| US08082825B2 |
Health and safety system for a table saw
An improved health and safety system for a table saw includes one or more of: a blade guard that protects the operator from the saw blade, and contains and collects sawdust; a proximity detector and emergency saw motor braking means for use in connection with such blade guard; an anti-kickback device for use in connection with such blade guard, a rip fence adapter for use in connection with such a blade guard, and hoses and fittings to connect the dust containment and collection system of said blade guard to a shop dust collection blower or vacuum system. The system protects the saw operator from potential traumatic injury to a hand, and from ingesting potentially carcinogenic sawdust. |
| US08082823B2 |
Scraping tool
A stationary frame is positioned in surrounding relation with the surface of a polyethylene conduit to be prepared for scraping preliminary to performing electrofusion on the conduit by a keyhole operation in an excavated underground location. A scraper tool is mounted on the frame in a fixed longitudinal position to rotate around the surface of the conduit. A cutting blade of the scraping tool extends longitudinally a preselected length on the conduit into contact with the surface of the conduit. Rotation of the scraper tool carries the cutting blade completely around the surface of the conduit to remove a uniform layer of material from the surface of the conduit. Any out of roundness existing in the conduit is removed before the scraping operation is commenced. Uniform compression is applied by split clamps surrounding the conduit. Compression of the clamps restores the conduit to a concentric configuration preliminary to the electrofusion operation. |
| US08082822B2 |
Vehicle toe set adjustment device and method
A vehicle toe set adjustment device and method for adjusting a vehicle tie rod includes an adjustment head adapted to be received over a tie rod. The adjustment head includes a surface for engaging a tie rod fastener, a plurality of moveable collet keys mounted on the adjustment head, and a drive member engaging surface. An actuator on the adjustment head moves the collet keys to engage the tie rod after the tie rod is received in the adjustment head. A method is also provided for engaging moveable collet keys on an adjustment head to engage the tie rod for rotation of the tie rod to adjust the toe set of a vehicle wheel. The device and method are useful with a variety of tie rod assemblies on various vehicles having different sized tie rod assemblies. |
| US08082821B2 |
Tool for use with ski boots, bindings and boards
A tool for opening and closing a boot buckle that has a latching lever including a base portion and a longitudinally extending first working head with an opening sized to engage the latching lever. A tongue portion projects from the base portion into the opening, and this opening may be formed as an annulus. Teeth may be provided on the internal sidewall of the opening. A second working head may be provided with a socket portion thereon to mount a tool piece. A lidded compartment may be formed in the base portion. A cord may mount to the base portion. |
| US08082818B2 |
Planetary device for conversion between rotary motion and linear motion
A sun shaft, planetary shafts, and a ring shaft having respective axes of rotation in parallel with one another are provided. A helical sun gear, helical planetary gears, and a helical ring gear are provided on the sun shaft, the planetary shafts, and the ring shaft, respectively, and cooperatively constitute a first planetary gear mechanism. A screw sun gear, screw planetary gears, and a screw ring gear 44 are provided on the sun shaft, the planetary shafts, and the ring shaft, respectively, and cooperatively constitute a second planetary gear mechanism. Either of the gear ratio of the screw sun gear to the screw planetary gears and the gear ratio of the screw ring gear to the screw planetary gears differs from the gear ratio of the helical sun gear to the helical planetary gears and from the gear ratio of the helical ring gear to the helical planetary gears. |
| US08082808B2 |
Air sampling system
The system includes at least one sampler including a body having a hollow interior accessed through holes in the body and optionally a slide which can selectively cover and expose the holes in the body. A stand is provided made of a base and a floor. The base includes at least one recess therein. The recess is configured to support the sampler therein so that the sampler can be held by the stand while sampling an airspace at a particular location. The floor can be separated at least partially from the base in a removably attachable fashion to provide selective access to a hollow inside. A sampler can be placed within this hollow inside space and resealed so that the stand doubles as a shipping container for the sampler after collection of an air sample. |
| US08082806B2 |
Passive detection systems and methods
Systems and methods for passively determining when a threshold force has been exceeded. An example apparatus includes a housing and a substrate that is attached at one end to an interior portion of the housing. The substrate includes at least one conductive trace, each having two ends. The substrate is configured to fail when the threshold force has been experienced. The metal trace ends are electrically accessible from an exterior side of the housing. Prior to delivery, the housing is connected to a package that includes one or more force sensitive devices. Upon arrival of the package, the at least one conductive trace is electrically tested to determined if the substrate has failed. If the substrate has failed the package has experienced a force greater than the threshold force. |
| US08082804B2 |
Load measuring transducer using induced voltage for reducing measuring errors and load measuring system using the same
Load-measuring transducers utilizing induced-voltage measurement techniques are described. The wiring patterns of such transducers can be configured to reduce interference errors due to wiring patterns thereof. |
| US08082799B2 |
Method of forecasting the lifetime of structural parts
A method is provided for determining the extent of cyclic stress fatigue suffered by a component comprising the steps of: (i) obtaining a gauge material which undergoes a continued progressive/cumulative and quantifiable change in at least one of its physical properties in response to repeated strain cycles applied to the gauge material, the quantifiable change being indicative of both degree of strain and number of cycles incurred during the repeated strain cycles; (ii) determining a correlation between an extent of the quantifiable change in the gauge material and an effect on said component of a corresponding number and degree of strain cycles; (iii) affixing the gauge material to said component to subject the gauge material to any strain encountered by an adjacent portion of the component; (iv) at least periodically determining the extent of said quantifiable change to the gauge material to determine the extent of cyclic stress fatigue undergone by the component. |
| US08082795B2 |
Railroad locomotive horn testing system and method
A system and method of testing the horn of a railroad locomotive wherein a fixed sensing station and a movable sensing station are provided adjacent a railroad track such that front and rear sensing of the horn decibels occurs simultaneously. |
| US08082792B2 |
Ultrasonic sensor system for web-guiding apparatus
A sensor system for determining the position of at least two edges of at least one web material traveling along a predetermined path. In one embodiment, the sensor system has at least one transmitter block having a plurality of transmitters capable of selectively transmitting ultrasonic signals and at least one receiver block having a plurality of receivers capable of generating receiver output signals in response to the receivers receiving at least a portion of the ultrasonic signals transmitted by the at least one transmitter block. The receiver block is spaced a distance from the transmitter block so as to define a continuous sensor field of view therebetween whereby at least a portion of the at least one web material traveling along a predetermined travel path interferes with at least a portion of the ultrasonic signals transmitted by the at least one transmitter block. The receiver output signals generated by the at least one receiver block is indicative of the position of the web of material as the same is moved along the travel path between the transmitter block and the receiver block. In an alternative embodiment, the functions of the at least one transmitter block and the at least one receiver block are performed essentially equivalently by at least one transceiver block and at least one reflector. |
| US08082791B2 |
Method and device for determining the softness of sanitary papers and textiles
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining the softness of a hygienic paper or textile with at least one ply, wherein an element (106) is arranged relative to a positionally fixed sample (P), with at least one ply, of the hygienic paper or textile such that it can move and is designed such that it can be adjusted with respect to the sample (P) with a penetration force (F) acting on the sample (P) being specified, wherein in the region of the oscillations being produced between sample (P) and the element (106), an oscillation sensor (116) is arranged which registers the noises produced during the relative movement of the element (106) acting on the sample (P). |
| US08082790B2 |
Solid-state inertial sensor on chip
Monolithic solid-state inertial sensor. The sensor detects rotation rate about three orthogonal axes and includes a micromachined monolithic piezoelectric crystalline structure including an equal number of vibratory drive and detection tines on each side of an axis of symmetry of the sensor, the tines being synchronized to have alternate actuation movements inward and outward. |
| US08082789B2 |
Matched multiplier circuit having reduced phase shift for use in MEMS sensing applications
Apparatus and methods are provided for multiplier circuits having reduced phase shift. A multiplier circuit comprises an input node for an input signal and an output node for an output signal. A first multiplier is coupled to the input node and has a first multiplier output, wherein the first multiplier multiplies the input signal by a first signal to produce a second signal at the first multiplier output. A second multiplier is coupled to the output node and is matched to the first multiplier. The second multiplier multiplies the output signal by a third signal to produce a fourth signal at a second multiplier output. An amplifier is coupled to the first multiplier output and the second multiplier output and produces the output signal at an amplifier output coupled to the output node based upon the second signal and the fourth signal. |
| US08082787B2 |
Apparatus for measuring forces which are produced by an unbalance of a rotary member
Apparatus for measuring forces which are produced by an unbalance of a rotary member, the apparatus including a measuring shaft (2) which is supported in a rotary mounting (26) rotatably about its axis (23) and to which the rotary member (1) is fixed for the measurement operation, and a support device (3) having force measuring sensors (4, 5) for supporting the measuring shaft (2) on a stationary frame (6), wherein the support device (3) has an intermediate frame (7) on which the measuring shaft is supported in a mounting plane having a force measuring sensor (4), the intermediate frame (7) is supported on the stationary frame (6) by way of a further force measuring sensor (5) and by way of a first pair (11, 12) of support levers and pivots (15 to 18), the rotary mounting (26) is fixedly connected to a stiff holding device (29) at an axial spacing with respect to the mounting plane (8) in which the force measuring sensors (5, 6) are disposed, the holding device (29) is supported on the intermediate frame (8) by way of a second pair (13, 14) of support levers and pivots (19 to 22), and the support levers (11 to 14) are formed by stiff flat members arranged between the associated pivots (15 to 22). |
| US08082782B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring wind turbulence intensity
A method of determining an estimate of the de-trended turbulence intensity TI in a proposed site for a wind farm including the steps of measuring the wind speed at a predetermined sampling frequency fs during a number of time periods pz; calculating in each time interval pz wind speed statistical parameters Vmean, σv and a wind speed trend parameter k in real time for each new wind speed measure xj as a function of the values of said parameters Vmean, σv, k for the prior wind speed measure xj-1 and the new wind speed measure xj; storing the parameters Vmean, σv, k obtained at the end of each time interval pz; determining the de-trended turbulence intensity TI in said proposed site using said stored parameters Vmean, σv, k. The invention also refers to an apparatus for acquiring the data needed for the calculation of the de-trended turbulence intensity TI. |
| US08082773B2 |
Fuel property detection device
In a fuel property detection device, a fuel housing is made of a thin-plate metal member that can be elastically-deformed by a fuel pressure in a fuel chamber. Thus, if the fuel pressure in the fuel chamber is increased, the fuel housing expands and the pressure in the fuel chamber is decreased. Further, if the fuel pressure in the fuel chamber is decreased, the fuel housing contracts and the pressure in the fuel chamber is increased. That is, the fuel housing functions as a kind of damper. Therefore, in the fuel property detection device, generation of abnormal noise due to fuel pulsation or the like, and a positional change of the electrodes due to the fuel pulsation or the like can be prevented. |
| US08082771B2 |
Adjustable hydraulic press with both upper and lower double action
The present invention discloses an adjustable hydraulic press with both upper and lower double action, specially suitable for the cylindrical gear formed by stamping or expanding, closed forging and the metal cold forming or metal hot forming of punching, finishing, flanging and drawing of sheet materials. The press comprises four columns, an upper beam, a main slide block, a hold down slide block, a fixing worktable, a floating worktable and a lower beam. A hydraulic chamber a of master cylinder fixed in the upper beam communicates to a hydraulic chamber of an auxiliary cylinder, a plunger of the master cylinder is connected to the main slide block and drives it. A hydraulic chamber of a gas-liquid power accumulator fixed in the main slide block communicates to a hydraulic chamber of a hold down cylinder, a plunger of the hold down cylinder is connected to the hold down slide block and drives it. A plunger of an ejecting cylinder fixed in the lower beam is connected to the floating worktable and drives it. The hydraulic press of the invention simplifies the hydraulic system of the existing hydraulic, improves utilization rate of energy, production efficiency and working accuracy of workpiece. |
| US08082768B2 |
Piercing and rolling plug, method of regenerating such piercing and rolling plug, and equipment line for regenerating such piercing and rolling plug
A piercing and rolling plug has a film composed of oxides such as Fe3O4 and FeO and Fe (metal) as being formed on the surface of the base metal by electric arc spraying using an iron wire whose main component is Fe and, owing to this film, a plug excellent in heat-shielding and seizure-preventing effects can be realized and the lifetime of the plug can be prolonged. Further, in regenerating this plug, a film can be re-formed via the steps of shot blasting of the as-used plug in piercing and rolling and electric arc spraying in that order; thus, it is possible to regenerate the plug at low cost and in a short period of time. |
| US08082767B2 |
Lubricant for hot metal working and powder lubricant composition for hot metal working
The present invention provides a lubricant for hot metal working which is capable of inhibiting generation of white scale, attributed to the lubricant, on the surface of a workpiece material and is capable of improving lubricity to obtain favorable appearance of the finished product. The lubricant for hot metal working comprises a silicate compound used for adding to a lubricant composition mainly containing sodium borate. |
| US08082764B2 |
Washing machine with a titration indicator based on measurements of solution conductivity
A system and method is disclosed for indicating satisfactory times for titrating a chemical solution, e.g., cleaning product, used by a utility device to clean and/or sanitize various types of articles. The utility device is described in an exemplary embodiment as being a warewashing machine that applies the chemical solution to articles provided to the machine on racks. The chemical solution is formed in a solution tank from a combination of at least one chemical product and at least one rinse agent. Whereas the chemical product is described as a detergent, the rinse agent is described as water. Over a time period including multiple wash cycles, the chemical product and the rinse agent are added to the solution tank, thereby changing conductivity of the chemical solution. The present invention senses various types of information associated with the formation of the chemical solution and applies one or more test conditions to the sensed information to determine satisfactory time periods for measuring concentration of the chemical product relative to the chemical solution. Indications of the occurrence of these satisfactory times are presented on a display module in a manner visible to field persons responsible for titrating the chemical solution. |
| US08082763B2 |
System for detecting operating parameters of an electric household appliance featuring a relatively movable component
A system for detecting the operative parameters of a household appliance, such as a washing machine or dryer, provided with a relatively mobile component with respect to a load-bearing frame (tank or basket), including a pressure switch including in turn a rigid casing accommodating a deformable membrane sensitive to hydraulic pressure, a ferromagnetic material core engaged to the membrane and a winding fixed to the casing and operatively coupled with the core to form a variable inductance electrical inductor; in which the pressure switch is coupled to the relatively mobile member to follow its movements; and in which said variable inductance electrical inductor is operatively associated to a ferromagnetic material bracket integrally carried by the load-bearing body and arranged outside the pressure switch. |
| US08082758B2 |
Glassware forming machine molds opening/closing device
A mold of a glassware forming machine has a longitudinal plane of symmetry, and two half-molds movable between a closed position and an open extraction position by a powered mold opening/closing device, which has a fixed fastening and supporting structure, two mold-holders, and, for each mold-holder, a respective supporting and actuating arm hinged to the relative mold-holder to rotate about a movable hinge axis, and to the fixed structure to rotate about a fixed hinge axis; the fixed hinge axes being located on opposite sides of the plane of symmetry, and at such a distance from the plane of symmetry that, when the half-molds are in the closed position, the line intersecting the fixed axis and movable axis of each arm extends substantially parallel to the plane of symmetry. |
| US08082756B2 |
Method for improving the edging of an optical article by providing a temporary layer of an organic material
Methods for edging optical articles comprising two main faces, at least one of which being coated with an outermost layer comprising fixing the optical article to a chuck with a holding pad that adheres to both the optical article and the chuck, wherein the surface of the holding pad contacting the optical comprises an adhesive material; and edging the optical article with an edging device; wherein prior to fixing the optical article to the chuck, at least one temporary layer of an organic material is formed onto said outermost layer of the optical article, the organic material of the temporary layer comprising at least one organic compound having a fluorinated functional moiety and at least one linking functional moiety capable of establishing at least one intermolecular bond or interaction with the adhesive material of the holding pad. Optical articles obtained via these methods. |
| US08082754B2 |
Jewelry fragrance dispenser
A piece of jewelry to be worn by a wearer, having a spray mechanism mounted on the piece of jewelry, and a reservoir for containing a fluid mounted on the piece of jewelry, to dispense a fluid, such as a fragrance or scent, to the body of the wearer. The manipulation of the reservoir by the wearer actuates the spray mechanism and dispenses fluid from the reservoir. |
| US08082751B2 |
DX system with filtered suction line, low superheat, and oil provisions
A heating/cooling system has improved operating efficiencies due to low superheat provisions and a specially configured compressor oil return. For certain systems, such as direct exchange geothermal heating/cooling applications having sub-surface heat exchanges extending at least 100 feet below the surface and using R-410A refrigerant, a specific compressor oil may be used to further improve efficiency. |
| US08082743B2 |
Battery pack temperature optimization control system
A method and apparatus for limiting the adverse effects of temperature on the electrical energy storage system (ESS) of an electric vehicle after the vehicle has been turned off are provided. In general, whether or not coolant is circulated through a coolant loop coupled to the ESS depends on the difference between the ambient temperature and a preset temperature, the preset temperature typically corresponding to the temperature of the ESS. |
| US08082741B2 |
Integral facet cryopump, water vapor pump, or high vacuum pump
A cluster tool has a transfer chamber, and a load lock chamber. An adaptor is configured to be coupled between the transfer chamber and the load lock chamber. The adaptor has an adaptor housing with an interior space including an entrance with a first valve and an exit with a second valve. The adaptor housing forms a substrate path through the interior space. The first valve connects the interior space and the load lock chamber. The second valve connects the interior space and the transfer chamber. A cryogenic surface is associated with the adaptor. Other pumps can be associated with the adaptor, such as, for example, a turbo pump, or water vapor pump. The cryogenic surface is configured to selectively evacuate the interior space. A wafer is adapted to be moved through the first valve and through the adaptor housing along the path. The wafer is moved through the exit and into the transfer chamber once the second valve is opened. This adaptor can be applied to the process chamber as well as the load lock. |
| US08082740B2 |
Apparatus and methods of transferring heat with a differential magneto-thermal force
A method of heat energy transfer, hi one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of establishing a temperature gradient along a first direction in a heat reservoir with a medium and having a first end portion and an opposite, second end portion defining a length, L, therebetween, wherein the first direction is from the first end portion to the second end portion, such that the first end portion has a first temperature, Ti1; and the second end portion has a second temperature, Ti |
| US08082739B2 |
Combustor exit temperature profile control via fuel staging and related method
A gas turbine combustor includes a combustion chamber defined by a combustor liner, the combustor liner having an upstream end cover supporting one or more nozzles arranged to supply fuel to the combustion chamber where the fuel mixes with air supplied from a compressor. A transition duct is connected between an aft end of the combustion chamber liner and a first stage turbine casing, the transition duct supplying gaseous products of combustion to the first stage turbine nozzle. One or more additional fuel injection nozzles are arranged at an aft end of the transition duct for introducing additional fuel into the transition duct upstream of the first stage turbine nozzle. |
| US08082738B2 |
Diffuser arranged between the compressor and the combustion chamber of a gas turbine
A gas turbine engine having an axial flow compressor, an annular combustion chamber, a turbine, and a diffuser. The diffuser includes a flow-dividing element formed by an inner deflecting flank and an outer deflecting flank that divides a compressed gas flow into two partial flows at a branching point. The two deflecting flanks define: an angle of less than 90° along at least a portion of the deflecting flanks, and an angle between 15° and 90° between the deflecting flank angle bisector and the turbine longitudinal axis. The deflector also includes a main deflecting region arranged upstream of the branching point and directed at an acute angle from the turbine longitudinal axis toward an inner combustion chamber shell. |
| US08082737B2 |
Module-based oxy-fuel boiler
A boiler system for producing steam from water includes a plurality of serially arranged oxy fuel boilers. Each boiler has an inlet in flow communication with a plurality of tubes. The tubes of each boiler form at least one water wall. Each of the boilers is configured to substantially prevent the introduction of air. Each boiler includes an oxy fuel combustion system including an oxygen supply for supplying oxygen having a purity of greater than 21 percent, a carbon based fuel supply for supplying a carbon based fuel and at least one oxy-fuel burner system for feeding the oxygen and the carbon based fuel into its respective boiler in a near stoichiometric proportion. The oxy fuel system is configured to limit an excess of either the oxygen or the carbon based fuel to a predetermined tolerance. The boiler tubes of each boiler are configured for direct, radiant energy exposure for energy transfer. Each of the boilers is independent of each of the other boilers. |
| US08082735B2 |
Optimized fuel management system for direct injection ethanol enhancement of gasoline engines
Fuel management system for enhanced operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder. It is preferred that the direct injection occur after the inlet valve is closed. It is also preferred that stoichiometric operation with a three way catalyst be used to minimize emissions. In addition, it is also preferred that the anti-knock agents have a heat of vaporization per unit of combustion energy that is at least three times that of gasoline. |
| US08082732B2 |
Device for admixing a reducing agent into an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine
A device is provided for admixing a reducing agent into an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine having an exhaust system and a dosing device for feeding the reducing agent into the exhaust system. At least one heating rib, heatable by the exhaust gas and arranged downstream from the dosing device in the exhaust system is oriented largely in a flow direction of the exhaust gas. The dosing device is situated in or on a hollow body arranged on the exhaust system, an internal volume of which is connected to the exhaust system to conduct exhaust gas. An extremely low-flow device for admixing a reducing agent into an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine is achieved by this design. |
| US08082728B2 |
System and method of continuous detonation in a gas turbine engine
A continuous detonation system, including: a rotatable member including a forward end, an aft end, a circumferential wall and a longitudinal centerline axis extending therethrough; an outer circumferential wall, wherein the rotatable member is positioned therein so that the circumferential wall of the rotatable member is spaced radially inwardly from the outer circumferential wall; at least one helical channel formed by a plurality of helical sidewalls extending between the circumferential wall of the rotatable member and the outer circumferential wall, each helical channel being open at the forward end and the aft end of the rotatable member so as to provide flow communication therethrough; an air supply for providing air to each helical channel; and, a fuel supply for providing fuel to each helical channel. In this way, a mixture of the fuel and air is continuously detonated within each helical channel in a manner such that combustion gases exit therefrom with an increased pressure and temperature. |
| US08082718B2 |
Bookshelf building panel and method of construction
A construction method to form a building structure in a post frame bookshelf style. |
| US08082717B2 |
Panel, in particular floor panel
The invention relates to a panel having means for the detachable connection of adjacent panels by means of pivoting, the means provided comprising, on a first edge, a projecting tongue (3) with a lower and upper tongue surface (4, 5) which divides the edge into an upper and a lower edge section (7, 6), the second edge situated opposite the first edge having a groove (8) which corresponds to the tongue of an adjacent panel and which is enclosed by an upper-side and a lower-side panel section, the upper tongue surface having a projection (13) with a contact surface (14) which is directed rearwardly in the direction S of the upper edge section, and the upper-side panel section having on its lower side a recess which at least partially accommodates the projection and which has a complementary surface (16) interacting with the contact surface, the complementary surface interacting with the contact surface of an adjacent panel in the pivoted-in state. |
| US08082714B2 |
Rotatable wedge tile spacer having a curved body
A rotatable wedge tile spacer to be removably positioned in a gap between adjacent upper and lower tiles that are being bonded one above the other to a vertical surface (i.e., a wall). The tile spacer includes a curved (i.e., circular) body having a thin tip at one end and a thick tail at the opposite end. The height of the circular body increases along a tile-supporting top surface thereof that runs from the thin tip to the thick tail. With the tile spacer seated upon the lower tile, the circular body is rotated continuously around its longitudinal axis until the tile-supporting top surface engages the upper tile. Accordingly, the circular body of the rotatable wedge tile spacer will fill the gap and thereby prevent the upper tile from moving through the gap towards the lower tile during the bonding process. |
| US08082712B1 |
Ventilated deck drainage systems
A system and method for providing a deck drain vent system is disclosed. The deck drain vent system includes at least one panel disposed below a lower surface of a deck. The panel is substantially planar and has a bottom side and a top side facing and spaced apart from the lower surface. At least one vent penetrates the panel to allow fluid communication between the cavity and the bottom side. The deck drain vent system further includes a shaft lock secured to the vent. The shaft lock hinders liquids and debris from entering the vent, yet allows air to freely circulate between the cavity and a surrounding atmosphere. |
| US08082710B2 |
Removable attachment system for buildings
The present invention discloses an attachment system for use in a building comprising a plurality of first wall sections, a plurality of horizontal planks resting on the first wall sections, and a plurality of second wall sections resting on the horizontal planks. The system includes a plurality of threaded rods holding the system together, and may be made of concrete or similar material. The system may be disassembled and reassembled without affecting the structural integrity of the building. |
| US08082709B2 |
Modular construction system and method of construction
The invention relates to a modular construction system. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a construction system, including modules, which are capable of being used in a wide range of applications including buildings and various other structures. Prior systems included structured modules connected by means of flexible joints which were composed of cables. These allowed relative movement between walls of various units. Such systems were complex and expensive to manufacture An improved modular construction system overcame this problem by providing a plurality of structural elements of V-shaped or chevron-shaped cross section. These are adapted to be assembled in a cellular configuration by their similar form, size and by virtue of the elements having apertures. Any aperture may receive a connector, which permits an amount of relative movement between said elements in two-rotational degrees of freedom. |
| US08082706B2 |
Storm panel secured to a building opening via strap attached to mounting tracks
A strap to secure bolts at a proper spacing for installing a storm panel to a track using bolts and fasteners. The strap holds the bolts in place, allowing ease of storm panel installation. The storm panels are typically used to protect building openings, such as windows and doors, during periods of bad weather. The storm panels may also be used for security purposes. |
| US08082704B2 |
Sports flooring
A flooring, preferentially designed to be used for laying running tracks, includes a treading layer constituted by an elastomer mass and a supporting layer also constituted by an elastomer mass. The supporting layer has, on the side opposite to the treading layer, an array of cavities delimited by ribbings constituting a mesh of uniform ribbings. The cavities are cavities having an elongated shape in the direction of running on the flooring. The cavities occupy a volume equal to at least 28%, and preferentially at least 30%, of the volume of the supporting layer. |
| US08082703B2 |
Force-resisting devices and methods for structures
A force resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy in a shear wall or shear wall segment includes at least one active element, the active element having a force versus deflection property under at least one cyclic load such that the shear wall has at least one building code compliant parameter. The building code compliant parameter includes an equivalent response coefficient, R, a system overstrength coefficient, W, and a deflection amplification factor, C. Exemplary embodiments of prefabricated shear walls or shear wall segments include the disclosed force resisting device. Exemplary embodiments of buildings include the disclosed prefabricated shear wall or shear wall segment with the disclosed force resisting device. |
| US08082702B2 |
Ground anchor and weight distribution plate for decking and other structural installations
A ground anchor and weight distribution plate assembly includes a ground anchor member and a weight distribution plate member. The weight distribution plate member includes an opening formed therein which is sized and shaped to allow for only partial passage of the ground anchor member there through. During installation, the ground anchor member is partially passed through the opening in the weight distribution plate member and then driven into the ground. Compressive forces are exerted by the weight distribution plate member to compact underlying soil and provide a foundation for construction structures such as decks. |
| US08082695B2 |
Mullion assembly for double door
A mullion assembly (10) includes a top mounting block (92) having a positioning rod (102) and attached to a top beam (24) of a door frame (22). A bottom mounting block (112) is mounted on a floor (20) spaced from the top beam (24) in a vertical direction. A post (40) is detachably mounted between top and bottom mounting blocks (92, 112). A brace (50) is mounted to an upper end (42) of the post (40). A mounting bracket (122) is mounted to the brace (50). A pivotal plate (172) is pivotably mounted to the mounting bracket (122) and detachably engaged with the positioning rod (102). A retaining member (138) is mounted to the mounting bracket (122) to lock the post (40) between the top and bottom mounting blocks (92, 112). The mounting bracket (122) moves upwardly and is coupled with the positioning rod (102), allowing further locking of the post (40) when the mullion assembly (10) is exposed to a fire. |
| US08082691B2 |
System for repelling small mammals
A system for defense against small mammals, for example voles, for areas used for agricultural or horticultural purposes, consists of segments to be put together to form a gutter that is open towards the top, forming a type of fence. Each segment has a base plate and walls that rise laterally from this base plate. An inlet opening is provided, at least in the side wall that faces away from the area to be protected. |
| US08082689B2 |
Interlocking three dimensional silhouette avian decoy
A decoy is comprised of a pair of planar members, one being a body member to be vertically orientated and the other being a wing member to be horizontally orientated. The two members are interconnected by corresponding openings in the body portion and tabs in the wing portion, respectively, to thereby facilitate ease of assembly and disassembly. The members are comprised of a light-weight, semi-rigid material which are adorned with artistic depictions of the represented species. A rotatable support member and the light-weight material allows for the assembled decoy to rotate with the wind to thereby present a life like appearance. A support stake, separate from the decoy structure, includes a socket at its top so that the stake can be inserted into the ground and then the downwardly extending decoy pin can be rotatably inserted into the socket. |
| US08082682B2 |
Insole for a ballet slipper
A point shoe insole for a ballet slipper with a two layered co-molded plastic sheet having a top layer made of semi-rigid plastic and a bottom layer made of four of rigid plastic members. The top sheet has a plurality of horizontally and downwardly facing ribs. The first and second downwardly facing ribs fit tightly between the first, second and third rigid plastic members of the bottom sheet. A third set downwardly facing ribs are located between the third rigid portion and the forth rigid portion. The area above the first and second downwardly facing ribs form hinges that allow the first, second and third rigid members to flex in an upward direction during the progression of movement of a user's foot between a flat plane and on pointe, but does not allow the first, second and third rigid members to flex in the opposite direction when the user's foot is on pointe. |
| US08082679B1 |
Magnetically directed hair dryer nozzle
A hand-held hair dryer and hair styling system that uses a magnetic field to index the location of a brush or combing device relative to the nozzle of the hair dryer is disclosed. The system allows the nozzle to follow the brush or combing device. The system includes a hair dryer that has a fan and a heating element, the fan forcing air over the heating element. The dryer also has a nozzle with ferrous or magnetic components, and that is supported from the body by bearings that allow rotation of the nozzle about a central axis. The system includes a brush that includes a magnet that provides a magnetic field that attracts or repels the magnetic or ferrous components of the nozzle, so that holding the hair dryer next to the comb causes the nozzle and the brush to be coupled through the magnetic field, so that the nozzle rotates or moves in response to movement of the brush. |
| US08082676B2 |
Brake mechanism for wheeled distance measuring device
A brake mechanism for a wheeled distance measuring device includes a first brake rod and a second brake rod, both of which are located in a pole unit of the distance measuring device. The first brake rod is connected with a brake key and the second brake rod is connected with a contact section which has a brake pad connected thereto. The brake key includes first and second protrusions and a control rod is connected with the first brake rod, the control rod includes third and fourth protrusions. A locking recess is defined between the third and fourth protrusions. The first and second brake rods are lowered to brake the wheel by the brake pad when the first protrusion presses the third protrusion. The second protrusion is locked in the locking recess and presses the third protrusion to keep the wheel to be braked. |
| US08082675B1 |
Location marking device of a support for a mountable object
A marking device for marking the location for a support for a mountable object, such as a picture frame, has a body with a compressible configuration and adhesive for removably attaching a back face to a backside of the mountable object. A marker is coupled to the body and disposed below a front face in an uncompressed configuration and projects at least to the front face to mark the surface in the compressed configuration. The marker is disposed adjacent a perimeter edge of the body to facilitate alignment. A sighting notch can be formed in the body with the marker at the apex of the notch to facilitate alignment. |
| US08082674B2 |
Self-powered coordinate probe
A probe, connectable to a machine tool, has an electric generator and a driving element. The electric generator supplies an electric or electronic circuit with electric power, and the driving element is capable of relative rotation with respect to the stator of the electric generator. The driving element is not connected to any external energy source and can be set in rotation simply by activating the rotary axis of the machine tool. The driving element is either rotatably mounted on the probe itself or fixed on the reference table of the machine tool. The probe requires no additional connections to the machine tool on which it is mounted, besides the connection to the rotary spindle, which can be realized with a conventional tool-holder with a standardized tapered shank. The probe is fully compatible with standard probes and can be mounted and used with standard tool-holders without any adaptation. |
| US08082669B2 |
Double handle kitchen knife
Double handle knives and attachments to convert a knife to a double handle knife are described with secondary handles able to form an angle (a) between about 20 to 70 degrees between the long axis of the secondary handle and the long axis of the blade in a plane at about right angles to the blade. Embodiments describe fixed, rotatable, and indexable means for the angle of attachment of the secondary handle to the blade. Embodiments further describe reversible and permanent means of attachment. The placement of the secondary handle at the angle described allows for the optimal positioning of the hands for both controlling and assisting with the cutting of foods and other items. |
| US08082668B2 |
Nail clipper
A nail clipper is described which can be used by a person having only one hand. The nail clipper comprises a base 32 shaped to rest on a horizontal surface and an elongate actuator 30 pivotably connected at one end to the base 32. A first cutting edge is located on the base 32 and an opening 34 is provided in the actuator 30 to allow the nail of a finger of a hand pressing down on the actuator to be placed over the first cutting edge. A second cutting edge movable with the actuator 30 towards the first cutting edge is used to trim the nail resting on the first cutting blade when the actuator 30 is depressed. |
| US08082666B2 |
Method for producing automotive parts
The invention relates to a method for producing a bodywork component of a motor vehicle that has first been shaped and is then thermally surface-treated, said method comprising iterative simulated steps with variable geometric data of tools that are used in the shaping process. According to the invention, a continuous check verifies whether the expected geometric data of the component lies within the permitted tolerance range of the nominal geometric data of the component. If this is not the case, the geometric data and the generation of corrected tool geometric data is modified. This takes place in two stages, the first stage for the shaping steps and the subsequent stage for the process steps of the thermal surface treatment. |
| US08082665B2 |
Apparatus and method securely connecting mating ends of multiple power cords
An apparatus for securely connecting mating ends of two power cords to prevent the mating ends of the two power cords from inadvertently or accidentally detaching from each other. The apparatus includes a flexible connector having a center segment, a first end and a second end. A preferred form of the flexible connector can readily accommodate varying configurations of mating ends of power cords. Preferably, the flexible connector is substantially symmetrical to facilitate installation. The first end has a first opening and the second end has a second opening. The center segment, the first end and the second end are manipulable to form a first retaining member and a second retaining member for securing a first end of a first power cord to a first end of a second power cord. Preferably, the flexible connector is configured such that it may not be inadvertently or accidentally dislodged from the first power cord or the second power cord. The first retaining member is adapted to receive the first end of the first power cord. The second retaining member is adapted to receive the first end of the second power cord. Preferably, the first retaining member and the second retaining member are adjustable. |
| US08082661B2 |
Device for fixing a flat object, in particular a substrate, to a work surface by means of low pressure
An apparatus (1) for fixing a planar object, in particular a substrate (2), on a working area (4) by means of vacuum is provided with an at least partly transparent bearing plate (5), one side of which forms the working area and which has a rear side arranged at a distance from the working area with a radiation-reflecting structure (7). The bearing plate additionally has vacuum channels which can be connected to a vacuum line and which open into the working area. In order to illuminate the substrate as homogeneously as possible by means of transmitted light, at least one light source (10) is provided, the radiation of which can be fed into the bearing plate. In addition, the working area is preferably operatively connected to a heating apparatus (11), so that the substrate (2) can be heated. |
| US08082660B2 |
Xerographic micro-assembler
Xerographic micro-assembler systems and methods are disclosed. The systems and methods involve manipulating charge-encoded micro-objects. The charge encoding identifies each micro-object and specifies its orientation for sorting. The micro-objects are sorted in a sorting unit so that they have defined positions and orientations. The sorting unit has the capability of electrostatically and magnetically manipulating the micro-objects based on their select charge encoding. The sorted micro-objects are provided to an image transfer unit. The image transfer unit is adapted to receive the sorted micro-objects, maintain them in their sorted order and orientation, and deliver them to a substrate. Maintaining the sorted order as the micro-objects are delivered to the substrate may be accomplished through the use of an electrostatic image, as is done in xerography. The substrate with the micro-objects is further processed to interconnect the micro-objects—through electrical wiring, for example—to form the final micro-assembly. |
| US08082659B2 |
Method of forming a loop winding
A method for forming a loop winding having a plurality of meandering parts and disposed in a stator of a motor which includes: disposing the loop winding between a first die unit having a plurality of first dies and a second die unit having a plurality of second dies; and press forming the loop winding between the first dies and the second dies by relatively moving the first die unit and the second die unit toward each other, wherein the press forming step is so performed as to provide the loop winding with a plurality of meandering parts and, simultaneously, to reduce the loop winding in the radial direction. |
| US08082657B2 |
Method for manufacturing an electrical lapping guide for magnetic write head core width optimization
A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head that allows the location of the flare point of a write pole to be accurately located relative to the air bearing surface. The method includes the construction of a lapping guide having an edge feature that is easily and accurately located relative to the flare point of the write pole. This edge feature provides an abrupt change in electrical resistance across the lapping guide at a point when lapping should be terminated. And, since this feature can accurately located relative to the flare point, this provides an easily discernable ending point for lapping. |
| US08082653B2 |
Method of producing coil made up of rectangular wave-shaped windings
A method of producing a coil which comprises steps of bending each of straight coil wires into a rectangular wave shape including in-slot portions to be disposed in slots of a stator core and turned portions connecting between the in-slot portions, turning a coil bend-forming portion that is one of the in-slot portions of each coil wire which becomes a folded bend of a phase winding by 180° around an axis thereof, twisting the turned portions of the coil wires together to weave the coil wires into a wire bundle, and folding the wire bundle at the coil bend-forming portions of the coil wires to place sides of the wire bundle to overlap each other to make the coil, thereby eliminating the 180° twisting of the coil bend-forming portions to produce the coil without any undesirable deformation of the phase windings. |
| US08082651B2 |
Micro-structure fabrication method
A micro-structure fabrication method fabricates a micro-structure including an inclined part inclined to a principal plane of a substrate by plastically deforming a work piece having the substrate with the principal plane. The structure fabrication method includes the steps of providing in the work piece a projection configured to protrude from a first surface and away from the principal plane of the substrate, and bending the work piece toward a second surface opposite to the first surface. The bending is accomplished by applying a force on a block including an inclined pressure plane that is abutted on the projection for plastically deforming the work piece, in which in bending the work piece, the direction of a first force applied on the work piece intersects with the direction of a second force of the inclined pressure plane pushing the projection. |
| US08082650B2 |
Apparatus for forming hooked roofing panels during seaming
An apparatus for the sealing of roof assemblies for a building structure, wherein the apparatus includes a vertically configured roller and a plurality of horizontally configured rollers to simultaneously produce a hook in the female panel edge and seal the male and female edge together is provided. Such an apparatus thus permits the utilization of any type of metal paneling to create the desired roof assembly, with the capability of providing a secure seal to increase the waterproofing and uplift protection potential thereof. The versatility permitted with such an apparatus allows for ease in placement of the targeted metal panels prior to sealing with the aforementioned increase in reliability of the ultimate roof assembly in terms of shear force protection. The method of sealing with such an apparatus is also encompassed within this invention. |
| US08082646B2 |
Apparatus and system for installing rivets in belt fasteners
A system for splicing a conveyor belt with belt fasteners is disclosed. A base assembly aligns the belt, belt fasteners and rivet holes thereof with swage structures for securing the rivets. A guide assembly has a rigid guide block with cylindrical pilot holes, and a guide membrane of resilient material. Guide pins are receivable by guide bores for aligning the base and guide assemblies with the pilot holes, rivet holes, and swage structures in registry. The guide membrane including openings aligned with the pilot holes. The openings have a pair of slits defining flaps deflectable to permit the rivet to pass therethrough, and a central hole or cut-out. The flaps and the cut-out assist in centering the rivet with the belt fastener rivet holes. The system uses a single-rivet driver, a multi-rivet driver, a pneumatic driver, or an electric hammer. |
| US08082643B2 |
Machining apparatus
A machining apparatus has a vertical support frame defining two machining stations spaced apart in a direction, holders in the stations for rotating respective workpieces each about a respective station axis, and a transfer device for loading rough workpieces into the holders and for taking finished workpieces out of the holders. A single machining tool can be shifted in the direction between one position engaging the workpiece in one of the stations and out of engagement with the workpiece in the other of the stations and another position engaging the workpiece in the other station and out of engagement with the workpiece in the one station. |
| US08082642B1 |
Articulating head with linear movement assembly for computer controlled milling machines
An articulating head that includes a linear movement assembly. There is a pivot plate that includes a first connection point. There is a pivot arm rotatably attached to the pivot plate. The pivot arm has a second connection point. There is a linear movement assembly mounted to and between the first connection point of the pivot plate and the second connection point of the pivot arm to cause rotation of the pivot arm about the pivot plate. The linear movement assembly comprises a threaded rod mounted as a screw, a nut which threads onto the screw and a motor interconnected to one of the screw and nut to cause motion between the screw and the nut. The screw and the nut are mounted between the pivot plate and the pivot arm, whereby the motion induced between the screw and nut causes the pivot arm to rotate about the pivot plate. |
| US08082639B2 |
Method for producing a tampon wrapped in a protective cover
A method is proposed for producing a tampon (T) packaged in a protective sleeve made from a preform (V) which is preferably formed by winding a strip of fibrous non-woven material. The preform (V) is shaped to form the tampon in separate pressing stages by pressure forces acting on it from outside, and is individually packaged by providing it with a film sleeve (10) tightly enclosing the tampon (T) serving as a protective sleeve.In order to reduce the complexity involved in producing a tampon, and in particular a non-round tampon, to the point at which its is individually packaged in the protective sleeve, the substantially cylindrical preform (V) is already paced in the film sleeve (10) surrounding at least the external surface of the preform (V) before the final forming stage (15). The preform (V) including the film sleeve (10) surrounding it is then fed to the final stage (15), where it is formed between at least two pressing jaws (20a, 20b) which can be displaced relative to on another until it has assumed its final non-cylindrical shape. |
| US08082633B2 |
Foldable portable information terminal
A portable device includes an upper unit, a lower unit having an operation section on an operation surface, and a movable connecting mechanism which connects the upper unit and the lower unit. The movable connecting mechanism includes a rotating hinge including a rotation axis which is securely and rotatably provided to the lower unit and which protrudes from the operation surface in a direction substantially normal to the operation surface, a projection protruding outward from the rotation axis, and a stopping member provided at a location where the projection comes in contact with the stopping member due to rotation of the rotation axis. The stopping member is movable within a predetermined range of movement due to the projection coming in contact with the stopping member. |
| US08082632B2 |
Hinge device for portable terminal having sub-housing stopper
A hinge device in a portable terminal is provided. In the hinge device, a first hinge base has a stopper protrusion at a predetermined position on an outer circumferential surface thereof. A second hinge base is rotatably engaged with an end of the first hinge base, facing the first hinge base, and fixed within a cylindrical hinge housing. The hinge housing has a stopper which pops out therefrom when the stopper contacts the stopper protrusion. The stopper restricts an angle at which a sub-housing is opened from a main housing in the portable terminal. Thus, a voice call can be conducted conveniently. |
| US08082630B2 |
Door hinge
A vehicle door hinge includes a base, a main link having first and second arms, a first end of the main link being pivotally mounted to the base at a first pivot, a drive link pivotally connected to an end of a control link, the drive link passing through a slot in the main link, a mounting plate having open ended slots opening at a first end of the plate, at least one closed end slot wherein an end of the drive link is pivotally secured in one of the open ended slots, an idle link pivotally secured in a closed end slot of the main link and an open ended slot of the door mounting plate, a kicker link having a first end thereof pivotally secured in the open ended slot of the main link and a second end pivotally secured in a closed end slot of the door mounting plate wherein the kicker link is longer than the idle link. |
| US08082627B2 |
Hinge and an electronic device with the same
A hinge is mounted in an electronic device with a cover and a base. The hinge has a first pivoting assembly, a second pivoting assembly and a resilient unit. The first pivoting assembly has a resilient plug. The resilient plug is mounted between the second pivoting assembly and the resilient unit to provide friction and to keep the second pivoting assembly from departing from the first pivoting assembly. The friction is adjusted by changing the resilience of the resilient plug or the resilient unit, or by changing the thickness of the resilient plug. Therefore, preciseness of the size of other component is less required to reduce the manufacturing cost. |
| US08082624B2 |
Rotatable coupling for steering vacuum cleaner
A steerable vacuum cleaner and a method to steer the vacuum is described. The vacuum cleaner include: a base; a handle having a longitudinal axis and including a conduit; and a rotatable coupling pivotally attached between the base and the handle, with the coupling defining an air channel for providing a flow of air from the base to the conduit in the handle. The base of the vacuum rotates about the longitudinal axis while pushing the vacuum by twisting the handle. The rotatable coupling of the vacuum cleaner includes: an inner conduit having an outer surface; a compressible strip disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit, wherein the strip is disposed the outer surface of the inner conduit; an outer conduit adapted to snugly fit over the strip and the first conduit; and a non-reactive high-viscosity lubricant disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit adjacent the strip. The outer conduit of the coupling is rotatable about the inner conduit and an interference fit is formed between the inner conduit and the outer conduit. |
| US08082616B2 |
Shoe bottom repair agent and shoe bottom repair set utilizing the same
There is provided a shoe bottom repair agent consisting of one-component thermosetting composition comprising as main ingredients a terminal isocyanate having urethane prepolymer and/or a polyisocyanate compound and a latent curing agent. This shoe bottom repair agent is free from, experienced in use of solvent base shoe bottom repair agents, safety and sanitation problems such as odor and inflammation by solvent evaporated at the time of curing as well as cured matter thickness reduction of a mended part caused by solvent evaporation. With use of this shoe bottom repair agent, damaged shoe bottom portion can be mended to a desired shape through one-time repair work. Short-time curing can be effected by heating. Further, before heating, there is substantially no viscosity increase and no surface film is formed to avoid adhesion of a film resulting from surface drying to a spatula. Therefore, the repair surface can be finished smoothly and neatly. |
| US08082615B1 |
Thermal breathing bed
The present invention provides an infant bed having a support frame, an elastically inflatable mattress removably disposed on the support frame, an inflating and heating apparatus operably connected to the elastically inflatable mattress, wherein the inflating and heating apparatus continuously circulates heated air through the elastically inflatable mattress vibrating, expanding, and contracting an upper sleeping surface of the elastically inflatable mattress. |
| US08082613B2 |
Roll restricting device
A roll restricting device including: a support member, wherein the support member is configured to surround at least a portion of an individual, and further wherein the support member includes an outer surface, and an inner surface; a roll restriction member, wherein the roll restriction member substantially precludes an infant from rolling over; and optionally one or more roll restriction member fastener(s), wherein the one or more restriction member fastener(s) releasably secures the roll restriction member to the support member. |
| US08082612B2 |
Sheet with detachable waterproof pad
A detachable absorbent/waterproof pad is held in place by any convenient fastening mechanism on top of a sheet. The detachable absorbent/waterproof pad can be easily changed even with a bedridden person on the bed. The detachable absorbent/waterproof pad should have a design similar to the bed sheet so as to make it inconspicuous. |
| US08082607B2 |
Sanitary cleansing apparatus and toilet apparatus
A sanitary cleansing apparatus includes: a main body incorporating a water discharge nozzle that squirts water from a water discharge port; a toilet seat rotatably and pivotally supported at a relatively anterior position of the main body; a toilet lid rotatably and pivotally supported at a relatively posterior position of the main body and generally entirely covering an upper face of the toilet seat and the main body in a closed state; a transmissive window provided at a rear of the toilet lid and formed from a material different from that of the toilet lid; and a human body detection sensor provided in the upper face of the main body and being capable of detecting a human body through the transmissive window in the closed state of the toilet lid. |
| US08082606B2 |
Waste receiving device for incontinent persons
A waste receiving device for disposing of fecal waste from an incontinent person being bathed. The waste receiving device includes a receiver and a waste processing mechanism that discharges processed waste to a waste water drain. The waste processing mechanism includes a strainer and/or a masticator for processing the fecal waste such that the processed waste has a maximum solids size that is suitable for passing through the waste water drain. The strainer is a filter with one or more openings that are sized to pass only waste that is not larger than the maximum solids size. The strainer, in one embodiment, is incorporated in a removable basket. The masticator, in various embodiments, is a manually operated mechanical reducer or a powered reducer, such as one operated by pressurized water. |
| US08082600B2 |
Protective helmet with mobile visor
The invention concerns a protective helmet comprising a shell (1) whereon are rotatably mounted a visor (2) and a chin strap (3), the lower portion of the visor (2) being urged to rest on a zone (4) of the chin strap (3) when they are lowered and the chin strap (3) capable of being raised about the visor (2). The invention is characterized in that the helmet is such that it comprises additional means for moving the visor (2) configured to bring its lower edge closer to or move it away from the raising trajectory of the support zone (4) on the chin strap (3). |