| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08647736B2 |
Optical article and method for producing the same
A method for producing an optical article includes laminating on a plastic substrate a first layer using a first composition, the first composition including two or more kinds of polyurethane resins each having a different average particle diameter, metal oxide particulates, and an organosilicon compound. |
| US08647733B2 |
Adhesive-backed polymeric film storage method and assembly
An adhesive-backed polymeric film assembly that comprises: a polymeric film having one layer or multiple layers, a back surface and a front surface, with an adhesive bonded to the back surface; and a release liner having an outer surface and an inner surface releaseably bonded to the adhesive, wherein the assembly is wound into a roll, with the outer surface of the release liner facing outwardly and the front surface of the polymeric film facing inwardly. |
| US08647728B2 |
Oxygen scavenging resin with short induction period
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a polyester, a copolyester ether, and an oxidation catalyst, wherein the copolyester ether comprises a zinc compound and at least one polyether segment selected from the group consisting of poly(tetramethylene ether) and poly(tetramethylene-co-alkylene ether). The present invention further relates to articles made from the composition and methods to make the composition and the articles. |
| US08647726B2 |
Optical element
An optical element and a stereoscopic image display device are provided. The optical element is a light-dividing element, for example, an element that can divide incident light into at least two kinds of light having different polarized states. Therefore, the optical element can be used to realize a stereoscopic image. |
| US08647724B2 |
Liquid crystal display device, process for producing liquid crystal display device, composition for forming polymer layer, and composition for forming liquid crystal layer
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device capable of reducing the probability of image sticking. The liquid crystal display device includes a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer between the substrates. At least one of the substrates includes an alignment film and a polymer layer on the alignment film. The polymer layer includes monomer units derived from at least two species of polymerizable monomers. The at least two species of polymerizable monomers include at least two species of monomers selected from the group consisting of: specific polyfunctional monomers and specific monofunctional monomers. |
| US08647719B2 |
Curtain coating method and curtain coating apparatus
A curtain coating method including: ejecting at least one layer of a coating liquid from a slit, and making the ejected coating liquid fall freely from a curtain nozzle lip by using a curtain edge guide which guides the coating liquid in the form of a curtain liquid film, so as to apply the coating liquid onto a continuously running web, wherein the coating liquid is applied by moving the curtain edge guide toward the depth direction when the curtain liquid film is seen from the front. |
| US08647717B2 |
Packaging materials with enhanced thermal-insulating performance
A method for preparing a thermo-insulating packaging material including steps of providing a first paper-based substrate, applying a fluid thermal-insulating composition onto the first paper-based substrate, the thermal-insulating composition including a filler, an organic binder, a plasticizer, and water, applying a second paper-based substrate over the thermal-insulating composition such that the thermal-insulating composition is positioned between the first paper-based substrate and the second paper-based substrate to form a structure, and drying the structure. |
| US08647715B2 |
Process for increasing the abrasion resistance of a pre-determinable part of the surface of a glass container
The present invention relates to a process for increasing the abrasion resistance of a pre-determinable part of the surface of an annealed glass container comprising the following operative phases: a) applying a liquid composition comprising an organo-titanate compound on a pre-determinable part of the annealed glass container surface by spraying at room temperature; b) selectively heat-treating the surface on which the liquid composition of step a) has been applied at a temperature between the glass annealing temperature and glass softening temperature, said selective heat treatment resulting in the formation of a titanium oxide coating layer on said surface. |
| US08647713B2 |
Method for forming a protective coating containing aluminum on the surface of a metal part
A method for forming a protective coating containing aluminum on the surface of a metal part, wherein the part is contacted with a carburizer made of an aluminum alloy, at a treatment temperature and in a chamber, the atmosphere of which contains an active gas which reacts with the carburizer to form a gaseous aluminum halide, which decomposes upon contacting the part while depositing aluminum metal thereon. In the method the aluminum alloy of the carburizer includes at least one element, zirconium and/or hafnium, the active gas reacting with the carburizer to also form a halide of the reactive element which decomposes upon contacting the part while depositing the element thereon at the same time as the aluminum. |
| US08647708B2 |
Method of producing photoelectric conversion element, photoelectric conversion element, and photoelectrochemical cell
A method of producing a photoelectric conversion element, which the element contains an electrically conductive support, a photosensitive layer having porous semiconductor fine particles, a charge transfer layer; and a counter electrode;containing the steps of: applying a semiconductor fine particle dispersion liquid, in which the content of solids excluding semiconductor fine particles is 10% by mass or less based on the total amount of the dispersion liquid, on the support, to form a coating; heating the coating, to obtain porous semiconductor fine particles; and sensitizing the porous particles by adsorption of the following dye: wherein X represents a group of non-metallic atoms necessary for forming a 7-membered ring; Y represents a dye residue; n represents an integer of 1 or more; Z represents a substituent; m represents 0 or a positive integer; and R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a specific substituent. |
| US08647707B2 |
Method of forming pattern and method of manufacturing organic light emitting device
A method of forming a pattern includes: providing a heating substrate that selectively controls positions where heat is generated by controlling locations where electric current flows; forming a pattern forming material on a surface of the heating substrate; aligning a patterning substrate, on which a pattern may be formed, to face a surface of the heating substrate; and selectively applying electric current to the heating substrate to transfer some of the pattern forming material onto the patterning substrate. According to the method of forming the pattern and a method of fabricating an OLED, the pattern is transferred by heating the pattern forming material formed on the heating substrate, and thus, the pattern may be formed with high accuracy without using a mask, and the pattern forming material remaining on the heating substrate may be re-used. |
| US08647685B1 |
Composite of herbal extracts for lowering blood lipid and medication comprising the said composite
A composite of herbal extracts comprises an extract of Eucheuma okamurai Yamada in a weight ratio of 33.4%-77.7%; an extract of Acanthopanax senticosus in a weight ratio of 11.14%-33.3%; and an extract of Dioscorea alata in a weight ratio of 11.14%-33.3%. Furthermore, a medication for lowering blood lipid, comprising the said composite of herbal extracts and a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or excipient, is also disclosed. |
| US08647673B2 |
Nanoparticles for imaging and treating chlamydial infection
Compositions of nanoparticles and targeting moieties for imaging and treating Chlamydial infection are provided, including nanoparticles conjugated to folic acid and comprising at least one antibiotic effective against Chlamydia. |
| US08647671B2 |
Compositions and methods for the treatment of skin diseases
Provided herein are chemical matrices, compositions, and methods for the treatment of skin diseases and disorders in an individual. Said chemical matrices and compositions comprise an alcohol selected from ethanol, isopropanol or n-propanol, at least one excipient, and, a corticosteroid, wherein the alcohol is distributed within the chemical matrix as a microbubble and the corticosteroid is present in less than the standardized topical corticosteroid concentration. Additionally, methods are described for the use of said chemical matrices and compositions for the treatment of skin diseases and disorders. |
| US08647668B2 |
Tablet quickly disintegrating in oral cavity
The present invention provides rapid disintegrating tablets in oral cavity having a shortened disintegration time in oral cavity as well as a sufficient hardness compared to rapid disintegrating tablets of the prior art. The above objective is solved by a composition in which the inorganic excipient and the disintegrating agent are dispersed in the complex particles consisting of mannitol and other saccharide(s) in a specific ratio, and rapid disintegrating tablets in oral cavity obtained by direct compression of the composition. |
| US08647661B1 |
Surface modified multilayered nanostructures for dermal delivery
Dermal delivery is best suited for the various skin diseases or disorders. However, the stratum corneum limits the permeation of number of suitable pharmaceutical agents for dermal delivery. Certain embodiments of the present invention include surface modified multilayered nanostructures. The modification was completed by using fatty acids enabling delivery of a significant amount of one or more pharmaceutical agent(s) into deeper layers of the epidermis and dermis to treat skin diseases or disorders. Each active pharmaceutical agent can be encapsulated into the separate layers of the nanostructures. |
| US08647659B2 |
Intracameral sustained release therapeutic agent implants
Described herein are intracameral implants including at least one therapeutic agent for treatment of at least one ocular condition. The implants described herein are not anchored to the ocular tissue, but rather are held in place by currents and gravity present in the anterior chamber of an eye. The implants are preferably polymeric, biodegradable and provide sustained release of at least one therapeutic agent to both the trabecular meshwork and associated ocular tissue and the fluids within the anterior chamber of an eye. |
| US08647649B2 |
Emulsified composition
The emulsion composition of the present invention contains (A) 0.001 to 10 wt. % of an organic compound having two or more hydroxyl groups, an inorganic value of 220 to 450, and an organic value of 300 to 1,000; (B) 0.001 to 10 wt. % of an organic compound having one hydroxyl group, an inorganic value of 100 to 200, and an organic value of 280 to 700; (C) 0.001 to 10 wt. % of a compound represented by formula (2): wherein R1 is a C4 to C30 hydrocarbon group; Z is a methylene group, a methine group, or an oxygen atom; X1, X2, X3 is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or an acetoxy group; X4 is a hydrogen atom, an acetyl group, or a glyceryl group; each of R2 and R3 a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a hydroxymethyl group, or an acetoxymethyl group; R4 is a C5 to C60 hydrocarbon group; and R5 is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group containing 1 to 30 carbon atoms in total; (D) 0.00012 to 10 wt. % of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a nonionic surfactant having a polyoxyethylene group and an HLB of 10 or higher, an ionic surfactant, and a sphingosine salt; (E) 0.003 to 15 wt. % of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a sugar alcohol selected from the group consisting of erythritol, threitol, xylitol, and mannitol, a disaccharide, and a trisaccharide; and (F) water. |
| US08647647B2 |
Silver oxide formulations having improved whiteness characteristics
A topical formulation for application to exposed body tissue, the formulation comprising a silver(II) oxide and zinc oxide, intimately dispersed within a carrier medium. |
| US08647646B2 |
Crystals of laquinimod sodium, and process for the manufacture thereof
Disclosed is a process for the preparation of laguinimod sodium which removes the impurities after the salt formation step, thus resulting in crystals of higher purity as well as crystals having improved crystalline characteristics. |
| US08647644B1 |
Methods of using capped mesoporous silicates
The invention provides an article having a mesoporous silicate matrix, such as a particle, having one or more pores; and one or more releasable caps obstructing one or more of the pores for delivery of one or more agents to plant cells or other chlorophyll containing cells, or fungi. |
| US08647642B2 |
Live bacterial vaccines resistant to carbon dioxide (CO2), acidic PH and/or osmolarity for viral infection prophylaxis or treatment
Gram-negative bacteria, and compositions containing the bacteria, resistant to one or more stress conditions, including, but not limited to, CO2, acid pH, and high osmolarity, having reduced TNF-αinduction having a mutation in one or more lipid biosynthesis genes, e.g., msbB, rendered stress-resistant by a mutation in the zwf gene are provided. Methods for prophylaxis or treatment of a virally induced disease in a subject comprising administering preferably attenuated stress-resistant gram-negative bacterial mutants. and for prophylaxis or treatment of a virally induced disease in a subject comprising administering one or more stress-resistant gram-negative bacterial mutants as vectors for the delivery of one or more therapeutic molecules are provided. |
| US08647641B2 |
Mycobacterium tuberculosis vaccine
The present invention relates to the use of live mycobacterium of the M. tuberculosis complex for preparing a medicament, wherein the function of the zmp1-gene is inactivated, pharmaceutical compositions prepared from such mycobacteria as well as a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a disease or medical condition using said pharmaceutical composition. |
| US08647640B2 |
Vaccine compositions and methods of use to protect against infectious disease
The present invention provides a novel immunogenic composition, vaccine and methods for making and using the immunogenic composition and vaccine. The immunogenic composition is capable of providing an immune response and/or a protective immunity into subjects, preferably mammals, against microorganism-associated disease. The immunogenic composition includes one or more extracellular proteins isolated from a microorganism capable of providing an immune response and/or a protective immunity into subjects against microorganism-associated disease. The isolated extracellular proteins range in molecular weight from about 10,000 Da to about 220,000 Da. Suitable microorganisms may include members of the genus Salmonella, Listeria, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, and Vibrio. Kits are also encompassed for detection, diagnosis and prevention of microorganism-associated disease. |
| US08647639B2 |
Cosmetic neurotoxin compositions and methods
Cosmetic compositions include a Clostridial neurotoxin component and a microsphere component. In certain compositions, the composition includes a botulinum toxin and a plurality of swellable microspheres. The compositions are administered to individuals, by injection and the like, to treat a cosmetic defect of deficiency. |
| US08647638B2 |
Synergistic attenuation of vesicular stomatitis virus, vectors thereof and immunogenic compositions thereof
The present invention broadly relates to the synergistic attenuation of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), More particularly, the invention relates to the identification of combined mutation classes which synergistically attenuate the pathogenicity of VSV vectors in mammals and immunogenic compositions thereof. |
| US08647634B2 |
Recombinant avian infectious coryza vaccine and process for preparing same
A recombinant avian infectious coryza vaccine and a process for preparing the same are provided. A process for preparing a recombinant avian infectious coryza vaccine which comprises step of constructing E. coli that may produce as an inclusion body a fusion peptide consisting of peptides derived from outer-membrane protein of Avibacterium paragarinarum serotype A and serotype C, step of culturing said E. coli and collecting and purifying inclusion body from culture, and step of preparing a preparation comprising said purified inclusion body, and an avian infectious coryza vaccine comprising as an active ingredient the fusion peptide. A linker sequence may be inserted between the respective peptides comprising the fusion peptide. For the peptide derived from the serotypes A and C, an amino acid sequence region of Region 2 or its vicinity responsible for protection from infection may be used. |
| US08647631B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition of an antigenic tau peptide reconstituted in a liposome and related antibodies and cell lines
The present invention is related to methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the therapeutic and diagnostic use in the treatment of diseases and disorders which are caused by or associated with neurofibrillary tangles. In particular, the invention relates to pharmaceutical composition comprising an antigenic peptide, particularly an antigenic phospho-peptide mimicking a major pathological phospho-epitope of protein tau, for the therapeutic and diagnostic use in the treatment of tauopathies including Alzheimer's Disease. |
| US08647628B2 |
Peptide epitopes of apolipoprotein B
The present invention relates to antibodies raised against fragments of apolipoprotein B, in particular defined peptides thereof, for immunization or therapeutic treatment of mammals, including humans, against ischemic cardiovascular diseases, using one or more of said antibodies. |
| US08647627B2 |
Composition for a cancer vaccine
Pharmaceutical compositions useful as vaccines are described containing a purified surface or excreted protein qualitatively or quantitatively associated with a type of cancer, at least one interleukin (IL), and at least one colony stimulating factor (CSF), where the purified surface or excreted protein is provided in an amount sufficient to induce an immune response in an individual administered the composition. Such compositions can be used in methods for treating individuals having cancer, and for inducing an immunotherapeutic response in the same. |
| US08647626B2 |
Compositions comprising TNF-specific antibodies for oral delivery
In accordance with the invention, the development and use of antibodies within the digestive tract is provided. Antibodies are described that are used to treat disorders associated with altered permeability of the digestive tract. Antibodies are described with increased stability within the environment of the digestive tract. Antibodies are described with enhanced permeability to a compromised digestive tract. |
| US08647620B2 |
Chimeric factor VII molecules
The present invention relates to chimeric Factor VII polypeptides and methods of using the same. |
| US08647618B2 |
Method of cancer treatment
A method and composition for treating cancer comprising administering to a patient an effective amount of attenuated Salmonella typhimurium containing a plasmid carrying the coding sequence encoding a truncated human interleukin-2 and optionally an oil containing a high antioxidant concentration. |
| US08647616B2 |
Agents and method for treating inflammation-related conditions and diseases
Gene-modified, inflammation-specific monocytes that comprise a 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene, where the 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene is expressed to produce functional 1-alpha-hydroxylase enzyme when the monocytes transdifferentiate into gene-modified, inflammation-specific macrophages. Gene-modified, inflammation-specific macrophages that comprise a 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene. A method for treating one or more than one inflammation-related condition or disease, the method comprising administering gene-modified, inflammation-specific monocytes that comprise a 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene, where the 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene is expressed to produce functional 1-alpha-hydroxylase enzyme when the monocytes transdifferentiate into gene-modified, inflammation-specific macrophages. |
| US08647608B2 |
Therapeutic dental composition and related methods
Dental compositions are provided comprising a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein n is an integer from about 2 to about 5. |
| US08647607B2 |
Patches for teeth whitening
The present invention relates to a dry type tooth-whitening patch comprising peroxide as a tooth whitening agent. In particular, disclosed is a dry type tooth-whitening patch in which peroxide is contained, as a teeth whitening agent, in a matrix type adhesive layer. The adhesive layer includes, as a base polymer thereof, a hydrophilic glass polymer, which provides a strong adhesion to teeth while releasing the tooth whitening agent when hydrated on the enamel layers of teeth in the moist oral cavity.The dry type patch according to the present invention is convenient in use, as compared to wet type patches. Further, it exhibits a superior adhesion while being maintained in a state attached to the teeth for a lengthened period of time so as to assure an enough contact time between the whitening agent in the patch and stains on the teeth, thereby giving a sufficient whitening effect. |
| US08647606B1 |
Device and method for treating the oral cavity
A device that may be placed on a fingertip for treating an oral cavity. The device may be made from a material comprised of at least one ingredient for treating an oral cavity. Examples of ingredients for treating an oral cavity include abrasives, cavity prevention ingredients, medicinal ingredients (e.g., antiseptics, fungicides, and anesthetics), odor absorbing ingredients, tartar control ingredients, plaque control ingredients, tooth whitening ingredients, ingredients adapted to provide relief from hypersensitivity, and other cleaning ingredients and dentifrices. The device may be dissolvable and edible. Furthermore, some or all of the ingredients may be digestible. For example, the device may be primarily or entirely made of ingredients that are digestible. |
| US08647605B2 |
Real time imaging during solid organ transplant
The invention provides methods and systems for imaging vessels in a subject. In certain embodiments the vessels may be associated with a solid organ transplant. |
| US08647603B2 |
Devices and methods for the treatment of cancer
The invention relates to the treatment of cancer. In particular the invention relates to an internal therapeutic product comprising: (i) an anti-cancer component selected from one or both of: a radionucleotide, a cytotoxic drug; and (ii) a silicon component selected from one or more of: resorbable silicon, biocompatible silicon, bioactive silicon, porous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, and bulk crystalline silicon, the internal therapeutic product being for the treatment of cancer. |
| US08647602B2 |
Method for making aluminosilicate zeolite SSZ-56
Aluminosilicate zeolite SSZ-56 is directly prepared using a 1-butyl-1-(3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl)piperidinium cation as a structure directing agent. |
| US08647597B1 |
Process of preparing mineral material with particular ceria-containing zirconium oxide grinding beads, obtained products and their uses
An object of the present invention is to provide a process to grind at least one mineral material in the presence of ceria (CeO2)-containing zirconium oxide grinding beads having a specific ceria content (of between 14 and 20% by weight relative to the total weight of said bead, preferably of between 15 and 18%, and most preferably of approximately 16%), and a specific average grain size (of less than 1 μm, preferably of less than 0.5 μm, and most preferably of less than 0.3 μm), wherein such beads are more resistant to wear than conventional beads of the prior art. Another object of the present invention lies in the ground material in the form of an aqueous suspension and in the form of a dry product. Another object of the present invention lies in the uses of such products in any sector making use of mineral materials, and notably in the paper, paint and plastic industries. |
| US08647594B2 |
Wellplate handler system for a flow cytometer
A plate handling system for a sampling device with a drawtube that includes a vertical actuation system that adjusts the vertical distance between the drawtube and a sample tray, a horizontal linkage system that positions a sample tray in a horizontal plane, and a drive system that drives the rotational motion of the horizontal linkage system. The horizontal linkage system includes a base arm that rotates about a base joint, and a sample arm that rotates about a sample arm joint on the base arm. |
| US08647592B2 |
Method for transport of suspensions containing mechanically sensitive material
Method for transport of suspensions containing mechanically sensitive material with a sample-transporting device comprising transport conduits and at least one system for accelerating a sample or aliquot through the transport conduit from at least two burets. |
| US08647587B2 |
Powder dispensing assembly for a waste container
A powder dispenser for a waste disposal system includes a mounting portion that is adapted to be secured to a waste disposal unit, and a container defining an interior space in which a powder such as sodium bicarbonate may be stored. The container is releasably mounted to the underside of a hinged lid member of the waste disposal unit. A directional dispensing system is provided for dispensing powder from the container into a targeted portion of the waste disposal system. The directional dispensing system is constructed and arranged to concentrate initial dispersal of the powder to a single side of the container and includes a dispensing orifice. The dispensing orifice is preferably oriented to limit initial dispersal of the powder within a defined angular range with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lid member, and is spaced axially and laterally with respect to the waste disposal unit at distances that facilitate distribution of the powder to desired targeted portions of the waste disposal unit. The container and waste disposal unit also define a venting path so that the powder within the container can also absorb odors within the waste disposal unit. |
| US08647586B2 |
Device for conversion of biomass to biofuel
Described is an apparatus to convert carbonaceous materials, particularly biomass and those biomass resources which are remotely located, into a high performance solid fuel. The biomass processing system, provides a continuous process which can be completely powered by the energy contained in the biomass. The heat, mechanical power and electrical power are provided from the energy in the biomass, through the methods described. In this way, the apparatus is free to operate in remote locations, where no power or auxiliary fuel sources are available. |
| US08647584B2 |
Electric heating catalyst
The present invention is intended to suppress a reduction in insulation between a heat generation element and a case resulting from PM in an electric heating catalyst. In the electric heating catalyst which has an inner pipe (6a) arranged so as to be located between the heat generation element and the case, a precious metal band (10) is formed on at least either one of an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of that portion (6a) of the inner pipe which protrudes from an end face of an insulating support member into an exhaust gas, in such a manner as to extend around on a circumferential surface thereof. |
| US08647580B2 |
Gas abatement
System for treating an effluent fluid stream from a process tool including a vacuum pump (16) for drawing an effluent stream from the process tool chamber, an abatement device (12) for treating the effluent stream and a liquid ring pump (14) for at least partially evacuating the abatement device (12). During use, the abatement device (12) converts one or more components of the effluent stream, for example F2 or a PFC, into one or more liquid-soluble a compounds, for example HF, that are less harmful to the environment. The liquid ring pump (14) receives the effluent stream and a liquid, and exhausts a solution of the liquid and the liquid-soluble component of the effluent stream. The liquid ring pump (14) thus operates as both a wet scrubber and an atmospheric vacuum pumping stage. |
| US08647575B2 |
Device for measuring blood component
A blood glucose meter includes a front attachment part to which a test piece is attached, a measurement part for measuring a component of blood collected via a blood guide passage in the test piece, and a monitor for displaying the measurement results obtained by the measurement part. When the device is placed on a horizontal plane by referring to the display face of the monitor as the upper side and the opposite side as the lower side and placing the display face of the monitor upward, the central axis of the test piece extends obliquely downward toward the front side. The blood glucose meter comprises a main part provided with the monitor and a linking part between the main part and the front attachment part. The top face of the linking part is placed roughly parallel to the central axis line and is provided with an ejector lever. |
| US08647573B2 |
Automated diagnostic kiosk for diagnosing diseases
An automated and autonomous diagnostic apparatus that is capable of dispensing collection vials and collections kits to users interesting in collecting a biological sample and submitting their collected sample contained within a collection vial into the apparatus for automated diagnostic services. The user communicates with the apparatus through a touch-screen monitor. A user is able to enter personnel information into the apparatus including medical history, insurance information, co-payment, and answer a series of questions regarding their illness, which is used to determine the assay most likely to yield a positive result. Remotely-located physicians can communicate with users of the apparatus using video tele-medicine and request specific assays to be performed. The apparatus archives submitted samples for additional testing. Users may receive their assay results electronically. Users may allow the uploading of their diagnoses into a central databank for disease surveillance purposes. |
| US08647565B2 |
Multifunctional photocatalytic paint coat and method of preparation thereof
The multifunctional paint is based on a highly porous inorganic substance created by a reaction of at least two components. TiO2 nanoparticles are attached to the surface of this substance. The first component is a water insoluble calcium compound and the second component is a water soluble sulfate. The method of applying the multifunctional paint on the surface is that the first component containing the water suspension of the insoluble calcium compound is applied on the treated area first and subsequently a mixture of TiO2 nanoparticles suspended in the water solution of the second component is applied over the first layer. Another way is to apply a water suspension of the first component containing also TiO2 nanoparticles on the treated surface and then deposit the water solution of the second component on the layer. A mixture of all components can be also applied on the treated area at once. |
| US08647562B2 |
Process for the production of an element comprising at least one block of dense material constituted by hard particles dispersed in a binder phase: application to cutting or drilling tools
A process is presented which produces at least one block of dense material constituted by hard particles dispersed in a binder phase, it being possible for the dense material to be enriched locally with binder phase by imbibition. The process includes bringing at least one imbibition area of a surface of the block, preferably coated with a coating material, into contact with an imbibiting material which locally enriches the block with binder phase. The block in contact with the imbibiting material is then subjected to a suitable thermal cycle constituted by heating, temperature maintenance and cooling. This serves to bring some or all of the imbibiting material and the binder phase of the block into the liquid state in such a manner that the enrichment with binder phase takes place solely through the imbibition area. The block is used in connection with the building of a drill bit or tool. |
| US08647561B2 |
Composite cutting inserts and methods of making the same
Embodiments of the present invention include methods of producing a composite article. A method comprises introducing a first powdered metal grade from a feed shoe into a first portion of a cavity in a die and a second powdered metal grade from the feed shoe into a second portion of the cavity, wherein the first powder metal grade differs from the second powdered metal grade in chemical composition or particle size. Further methods are also provided. Embodiments of the present invention also comprise composite inserts for material removal operations. The composite inserts may comprise a first region and a second region, wherein the first region comprises a first composite material and the second region comprises a second composite material. |
| US08647559B2 |
Method for producing a liner of a container
A method and apparatus for manufacture of a liner of a container is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongate shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end receives a container penetration element thereon. |
| US08647558B2 |
Method for manufacturing structure
A method for manufacturing a structure includes, in the following order, preparing a substrate having a positive-type photosensitive resin layer and an absorption layer stacked thereon in this order, the absorption layer being capable of absorbing a light having a photosensitive wavelength which the positive-type photosensitive resin senses; pressing a projecting portion of a mold into both the positive-type photosensitive resin layer and the absorption layer; separating the mold from both layers; irradiating the two layers with the light from an upper face side of both layers; removing the absorption layer; and developing the positive-type photosensitive resin layer. |
| US08647556B2 |
System and method for controlling curl in multi-layer webs
A system and method for controlling curl in multi-layer webs. The method can include providing a coated web, curing the coating to form a multi-layer web, and stretching the web during curing of the coating. Some coatings shrink at least partially when cured such that curing the coating induces a strain in the multi-layer web. Stretching the web occurs during curing to induce an opposing strain that at least partially counteracts the strain induced by curing to form a multi-layer web having a desired curvature. The system can include a curing section configured to cure the coating, and can further include a web stretching section, which can be located proximate the curing section and can be substantially coincident with the curing section, such that the web is stretched while the coating is cured. |
| US08647553B2 |
Stretch sheet and process of producing the same
In a process of producing a stretch sheet, a strip-shaped laminate sheet 10A having an elastically stretchable elastic layer 1 and substantially inelastic, inelastic fiber layers 2 and 3 partially joined to each other at bonds 4 or a strip-shaped fibrous sheet containing an elastic component and a substantially inelastic component and having embossed regions formed by embossing in parts is stretched in directions starting from the bonds 4 or the embossed regions to obtain a stretch sheet 10. The stretch sheet has raised ridges and recessed grooves extending in the direction perpendicular to the stretch direction, and the bonds 4 or the embossed regions are present in the ridges. |
| US08647552B2 |
Method for enhancing hardness of nanoimprint mold
The present invention discloses a method for enhancing hardness of a nanoimprint mold comprising following steps of: providing a male mold, composed of a first material, for imprinting a female mold and producing a nano structural pattern on the female mold, and the female mold composed of a second material, wherein the hardness of the first material is higher than the hardness of the second material; applying a nano-indentation technique to the female mold onto the female mold by a nano-indentation apparatus having a diamond array probe so as to enhance the surface hardness of the female mold; and impressing a substrate by the female mold with the nano structural pattern having the enhanced surface. |
| US08647546B2 |
Method for manufacturing friction material, friction material and braking device
A plurality of hard particles 102 is arranged in a mold 302 which suppresses movement of the hard particles 102 so as to be close to each other, and the hard particles 102 arranged in the mold 302 are fixed with resin 103, thereby forming a friction surface 101. Therefore, a pad 100a in which the plurality of hard particles 102 is arranged on the friction surface 101 can be more easily manufactured. |
| US08647545B2 |
Method to manufacture at least a component of a blade of a wind-turbine
A method, machine and blade of a wind-turbine are disclosed. At least a component of a blade includes at least one layer of a composite structure. The layer is built up by a number of unconnected single roving-bundles, which are aligned unidirectional and which shows a common direction. The roving-bundles are laid down automatically into a forming tool. |
| US08647537B2 |
Oxide sintered body and sputtering target
An oxide sintered body includes indium oxide and gallium solid-solved therein, the oxide sintered body having an atomic ratio “Ga/(Ga+In)” of 0.001 to 0.12, containing indium and gallium in an amount of 80 atom % or more based on total metal atoms, and having an In2O3 bixbyite structure. |
| US08647533B2 |
Compositions including controlled segregated phase domain structure with segregated phase domain array
A composition includes a chemical reaction product defining a first surface and a second surface, characterized in that the chemical reaction product includes a segregated phase domain structure including a plurality of domain structures, wherein at least one of the plurality of domain structures includes at least one domain that extends from a first surface of the chemical reaction product to a second surface of the chemical reaction product. The segregated phase domain structure includes a segregated phase domain array. The plurality of domain structures includes i) a copper rich. indium/gallium deficient Cu(In,Ga)Se2 domain and ii) a copper deficient, indium/gallium rich Cu(In,Ga)Se2 domain. |
| US08647530B2 |
Liquid crystal composition containing polymerizable compound and liquid crystal display element manufactured using the same
A liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound contains one or two or more polymerizable compounds having the general formula (I) as a first component and one or two or more non-polymerizable liquid crystal compounds having an alkenyl group as a second component. A liquid crystal display element is manufactured using the liquid crystal composition. |
| US08647529B2 |
Liquid crystal drop apparatus for dropping liquid crytal using an electric field wherein a nozzle is arranged between a liquid crystal container and an electrode and an extending direction of the nozzle is perpendicular to a surface of the electrode
A liquid crystal drop apparatus for dropping liquid crystal on a substrate includes a liquid crystal container filled with liquid crystal, a nozzle formed at an lower end of the liquid crystal container for dropping the liquid crystal of the liquid crystal container, and a control unit for controlling the nozzle when the nozzle drops the liquid crystal. |
| US08647528B2 |
Water absorbing agent and production method thereof
The present invention provides a water absorbing agent that is excellent in a balance between a centrifugal retention capacity (CRC) and a saline flow conductivity (SFC), and a method for producing the water absorbing agent.The method for producing the water absorbing agent, the method comprising mixing (i) a water absorbing resin (A) and (ii) a polymer (B) being a polyamine polymer having a hydroxyl group on a main chain provides a water absorbing agent containing (i) the water absorbing resin (A) and (ii) the polymer (B) being a polyamine polymer having a hydroxyl group on a main chain. |
| US08647525B2 |
Ferrite composition and electronic component
A ferrite composition includes a main component having 46.0 to 49.8 mol % of an iron oxide in terms of Fe2O3, 5.0 to 14.0 mol % of a copper oxide in terms of CuO and 8.0 to 32.0 mol % of a zinc oxide in terms of ZnO, and a remainder of the main component is composed of a nickel oxide; and as subcomponents, with respect to 100 wt % of the main component, 0.5 to 6.0 wt % of a silicon oxide in terms of SiO2 and 0.01 to 2.0 wt % of a boron oxide in terms of B2O3. Further, as a subcomponent, 0.01 to 0.17 wt % of potassium oxide in terms of K2O or 0.3 to 2.0 wt % of tin oxide in terms of SnO2 may be included. |
| US08647522B2 |
Methods of wet etching a self-assembled monolayer patterned substrate and metal patterned articles
Method of patterning a substrate are described including a method of providing a substrate comprising a metalized surface having a self-assembled monolayer patterned region and unpatterned region; and wet etching the metalized surface in a liquid etchant agitated with bubbling gas to remove metal from the unpatterned regions to form a metal pattern. Also described are metal patterned article including an article comprising a substrate and an etched microcontact printed metal pattern disposed on the substrate wherein the pattern has a thickness of at least 100 nanometers and a pattern feature uniformity of at least 50% for an area of at least 25 cm2. |
| US08647521B2 |
Method of forming micro pattern of semiconductor device
The present invention relates to a method of forming micro patterns of a semiconductor device. In the method according to an aspect of the present invention, first etch mask patterns having a second pitch, which is twice larger than a first pitch of target patterns, are formed in a column direction over a semiconductor substrate. An auxiliary film is formed over the semiconductor substrate including a surface of the first etch mask patterns. An etch mask film is formed over the semiconductor substrate including the auxiliary film. An etch process is performed in order to form second etch mask patterns having the second pitch in such a manner that the etch mask film, the auxiliary film, and the first etch mask patterns are isolated from one another in a row direction and the etch mask film remains between the first etch mask patterns. The auxiliary film between the first and second etch mask patterns is removed. |
| US08647517B2 |
Producing method of suspension board with circuit
A producing method of a suspension board with circuit includes simultaneously forming a conductive pattern formed on an insulating layer formed on a metal supporting board and having a terminal portion for connecting to an electronic component, and a mark formed on the metal supporting board, or on the insulating layer and having an opening for forming a reference hole for mounting the electronic component, and forming the reference hole by etching the metal supporting board disposed in the opening of the mark, or the insulating layer and the metal supporting board each disposed in the opening of the mark. |
| US08647516B2 |
Filtration method with self-cleaning filter assembly
A filter assembly and method of filtering a fluid containing particulates is provided having a filter element mounted on a horizontal mandrel, whereby the filter element and mandrel are rotatable within a housing during a self-cleaning step, wherein the filter element is immersed and agitated in a cleaning liquid followed by high speed rotation while a rinsing liquid is delivered to the core of the filter element. An ultrasonic transducer in the housing may be activated while the filter element is immersed in the cleaning liquid to assist in removing accumulated particulates from the filter element. |
| US08647514B2 |
Method for removing impurities from water and a device for carrying out said method
A standing wave in a water current, which is subject to purification, is swirled in the lower mass-exchange chamber in order to create negative pressure along the central axis, the atmosphere air intake and crating of two countercurrents interacting with each other, resulting in a standing wave and oxygenation of the water current. A cylindrical mixing chamber, which is divided into the upper mass-exchange chamber and the lower mass-exchange chamber by dividing walls with a coaxial orifice towards the air-supply pipe and peripheral bypass channel. In the lower mass-exchange chamber, water, which is subject to purification, is swirled and under the negative pressure in the center it intakes air from the air-supply pipe, creating hydrosol and reaction area of ion exchange due to forming of the standing acoustic wave. Part of the processed current is outlet into the volume through a permeable wall in the side surface of the upper mass-exchange chamber. In the volume there is at least one cylindrical mixing chamber. In the lower part of the volume there are branch pipes for outputting undissolved impurities and clean water. In the upper part of the volume there is a branch pipe for outputting spent air. |
| US08647510B2 |
Method of making zirconia-containing nanoparticles
A method of preparing zirconia-containing nanoparticles and a method of preparing a composite material that includes the zirconia-containing nanoparticles are provided. A method of treating a zirconium carboxylate salt solution to remove alkali metal ions and alkaline earth ions is provided. The treated solution can be used as a feedstock to prepare the zirconia-containing nanoparticles. Additionally, a continuous hydrothermal reactor system is provided that can be used, for example, to prepare the zirconia-containing nanoparticles. |
| US08647508B2 |
System and method for processing samples
A system and method for processing samples. The system can include a loading chamber, a detection chamber positioned in fluid communication with the loading chamber, and a fluid path defined at least partially by the loading chamber and the detection chamber. The system can further include a filter positioned such that at least one of its inlet and its outlet is positioned in the fluid path. The method can include positioning a sample in the loading chamber, filtering the sample in the fluid path to form a concentrated sample and a filtrate, removing the filtrate from the fluid path at a location upstream of the detection chamber, moving at least a portion of the concentrated sample in the fluid path to the detection chamber, and analyzing at least a portion of the concentrated sample in the detection chamber for an analyte of interest. |
| US08647506B2 |
Acid zirconium phosphate and alkaline hydrous zirconium oxide materials for sorbent dialysis
A combination of acid zirconium phosphate and alkaline hydrous zirconium oxide are utilized as ion-exchange materials, for example, in sorbent dialysis. The combination provides for dialysate regeneration while maintaining constant and controlled levels of Na+, HCO3−, and pH. |
| US08647503B2 |
Filter assembly for fuel supply to actuators and fuel control system of aircraft engine and method
A filter assembly for a fuel delivery system for actuators and fuel control system of an aircraft engine includes a wash flow filter. Fuel flow velocity is increased through the filter through use of a recirculating passage that is effectively achieved through use of an ejector pump. A portion of the pressurized fuel delivered by the main fuel pump is diverted and serves as a motive fluid that scavenges unfiltered flow from downstream of the filter and recirculates or discharges the recirculated flow to an inlet of the filter. This provides increased velocity to maintain sufficient washing of the filter openings. |
| US08647502B2 |
Sewage treatment apparatus and sewage reuse system
A sewage treatment apparatus includes a membrane separation active-sludge treating section which performs a biological treatment on a part of sewage, which is introduced by a water introducing section while flowing through a sewer trunk line, to generate first treated sewage; a membrane highly treating section which performs a membrane high treatment on the first treated sewage to generate second treated sewage; a membrane treating tank which stores the first treated sewage; a membrane highly treating tank which stores the second treated sewage; water level sensors which respectively measure water level of the membrane treating tank and the membrane highly treating tank; and a power-control section which controls water introducing quantity of the water introducing section on the basis of the water level data measured by the water level sensors. |
| US08647500B2 |
Integrated gas and liquid phase processing of biocomponent feedstocks
A mineral feed can be hydrotreated in a trickle-bed reactor or other stage in a continuous gas-phase environment. The effluent from the hydrotreatment stage can be separated to remove gas-phase impurities. The remaining liquid effluent from the hydrotreating stage can then be introduced, in total or in part, into a second stage/reactor. A feed of biocomponent origin can also be introduced into the second stage/reactor. The second stage/reactor can be operated to perform deoxygenation of the mixture of biocomponent feed and hydrotreated liquid effluent in a continuous liquid phase environment. |
| US08647499B2 |
Hydrocracking method using a modified zeolite
The present invention describes a method for hydrocracking and/or hydrotreating hydrocarbon-containing feeds using a catalyst comprising at least one hydro-dehydrogenizing metal selected from the group made up of group VIB and non-noble group VIII metals of the periodic table and a support comprising at least one zeolite having at least pore openings containing 12 oxygen atoms, modified by a) at least a stage of introducing at least one alkaline cation belonging to groups IA or IIA of the periodic table, b) a stage of treating said zeolite in the presence of at least one molecular compound containing at least one silicon atom, c) at least one stage of partial exchange of said alkaline cations by NH4+ cations in such a way that the proportion of alkaline cations remaining in the modified zeolite at the end of stage c) is such that the alkaline cation/aluminum molar ratio ranges between 0.2:1 and 0.01:1, and d) at least one thermal treatment stage. |
| US08647496B2 |
Method, apparatus, and electrolytic solution for electropolishing metallic stents
An apparatus, a method, and an electrolytic solution are described for electropolishing metallic stents made, for example, of high-strength medical alloys. The apparatus may include an electropolishing container made from material of low thermal conductivity. The apparatus may include at least one spiral cathode for optimization of solution agitation and/or voltage distribution in the electrolytic solution. Further, an electrolytic solution including at least dimethylsulfate is described. A method for improved electropolishing to consistently produce smooth surfaces is also described. |
| US08647492B2 |
Method of producing coupled radical products from biomass
A method that produces coupled radical products from biomass. The method involves obtaining a lipid or carboxylic acid material from the biomass. This material may be a carboxylic acid, an ester of a carboxylic acid, a triglyceride of a carboxylic acid, or a metal salt of a carboxylic acid, or any other fatty acid derivative. This lipid material or carboxylic acid material is converted into an alkali metal salt. The alkali metal salt is then used in an anolyte as part of an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an alkali ion conducting membrane (such as a NaSICON membrane). When the cell is operated, the alkali metal salt of the carboxylic acid decarboxylates and forms radicals. Such radicals are then bonded to other radicals, thereby producing a coupled radical product such as a hydrocarbon. The produced hydrocarbon may be, for example, saturated, unsaturated, branched, or unbranched, depending upon the starting material. |
| US08647488B2 |
Biosensor
A biosensor includes a first working electrode that a biocatalyst, which has a property that reacts on a specified ground substance, is disposed, a second working electrode that the biocatalyst, which the property is lost, is disposed, and at least one counter electrode for respectively applying a voltage to the first working electrode and the second working electrode. |
| US08647484B2 |
Target for sputtering chamber
A sputtering chamber has a sputtering target comprising a backing plate and a sputtering plate. The backing plate has a groove. The sputtering plate comprises a cylindrical mesa having a plane, and an annular inclined rim surrounding the cylindrical mesa. In one version, the backing plate comprises a material having a high thermal conductivity and a low electrical resistivity. In another version, the backing plate comprises a backside surface with a single groove or a plurality of grooves. |
| US08647483B2 |
Chlorinators and other fluid receiving devices
Devices for receiving fluid such as water are described. Principally (although not necessarily exclusively) designed for use as chlorinators, the devices may divert water flowing in conduits into the devices for treatment and subsequent return to the flow stream. A device may connect to a pipe without tools and require only one hole to be formed in a pipe wall. |
| US08647482B2 |
Electrochemical-catalytic converter for exhaust emission control
The present invention discloses an electrochemical-catalytic converter, which can remove nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HCs) and particulate matter (PM) in exhaust gas. The electrochemical-catalytic converter comprises a cell module, wherein nitrogen oxides are decomposed to form nitrogen through electrochemical promotion, and wherein carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter are catalyzed to form carbon dioxide and water by an oxidation catalyst. |
| US08647481B2 |
Pot tending machine for working on electrolysis cells for the production of aluminum by igneous electrolysis
Pot tending machine for a series of electrolysis cells designed for the production of aluminum by igneous electrolysis including: a) an overhead traveling crane which can be relocated above said electrolysis cells, b) a tool carriage onto which is fixed a service module comprising tools; c) a tapping winch, interdependent of said overhead traveling crane, designed to grasp and position near cell a tapping assembly including a ladle, a tapping tube and a vacuum device; d) a freestanding device able to generate compressed air; characterized in that said compressed air generating device of includes a first compressor, able to provide a flow of compressed air at least equal to the minimum air flow necessary for operations other than tapping, and at least one second compressor mounted in such a way that, when operating simultaneously with said first compressor, the unit provides a flow of compressed air at least equal to the minimum output of air necessary during tapping. |
| US08647480B2 |
Apparatus for providing a substance for the analysis of isotope ratios
A method and an apparatus for providing a substance for the analysis of isotope ratios, at least some of the substance being contained in a liquid phase in which the liquid phase is subjected to electrolysis and, in the process, the substance or a pre-product for the latter is formed. |
| US08647476B2 |
Device for feeding combustion air or gas influencing coal carbonization into the upper area of coke ovens
Disclosed is a device and a method for feeding primary combustion air for the combustion of coke oven gas into a coking chamber of a coke oven of the non-recovery or heat recovery type, the coke oven is provided with openings in the oven chamber through which the oven chamber can be charged with primary air, and heating flues in the oven chamber sole with openings through which the heating flues can be charged with secondary air, and downcomer-channels which allow for guiding partially burned gas for combustion with secondary air from the oven chamber into the heating flues, wherein in the oven wall above the door or in the upper door area there are one or more non-controlled openings comprised of a heat-proof material through which part of the primary air can be guided, and in the top area of the oven there are further controllable air feeder ducts conducting primary air through the oven top. |
| US08647475B2 |
Roll coating roll and method for its manufacture
A roll coating is manufactured having fiber and polyurethane made from aromatic isocyanate. The roll coating incorporates fiber having improved strength during the manufacturing stage, and so does not crack, as a result of which the coating can be manufactured in a simple, efficient and inexpensive manner. A roll of a fiber web machine has a roll body having a coating of fiber and polyurethane that is made from aromatic isocyanate, on the roll body. |
| US08647472B2 |
Method of increasing filler content in papermaking
The invention provides a method of producing paper with a higher proportion of mineral filler particles than is otherwise be possible without the expected loss in paper strength by preflocculating the filler particles. The method allows for the use of the greater amount of filler particles by coating at least some of the filler particles with a material that prevents the filler materials form adhering to a strength additive. The strength additive holds the paper fibers together tightly and is not wasted on the filler particles. |
| US08647468B2 |
Process for producing microfibrillated cellulose
A process for treating cellulosic fibers comprising pre-treating the fibers with an enzyme in a first enzymatic treatment followed by mechanical pre-treating the fibers in a first mechanical treatment and a second enzymatic treatment followed by a second mechanical treatment of the fibers to form micofibrillated cellulose. In this way it is possible to produce mircofibrillated cellulose (MFC) in an improved and energy efficient way. |
| US08647467B2 |
System and method for removing the outer layer of a layered article
A system and method for refurbishing or recycling a layered article such as a golf ball is disclosed that includes removing a cover from the article. The system can include a golf ball guide, a golf ball scorer-driver that can score the outer shell of the golf ball while simultaneously advancing it along the golf ball guide, a cover peeler having an orifice with an inner diameter that is less than an outer diameter of the golf ball cover, and a press that can drive the golf ball core through the cover peeler orifice. The method includes inducing at least one weakened region in the outer shell of the golf ball, rupturing the weakened region to create at least one opening in the golf ball outer shell, and forcing a core portion of the golf ball through the opening in the golf ball outer shell. |
| US08647465B2 |
Method of bonding microstructured substrates
Gluing process for micro-structured substrates. The invention is applicable particularly to the fabrication of micro-fluidic components. In order to glue a micro-structured substrate having upper coplanar plane areas and recesses between them, a grid is placed above the substrate, the grid is coated with a glue, using a tool that presses on the grid and locally brings it into contact with the areas, so as to deposit a film of glue droplets on them, and the grid is removed. Furthermore, the upper coplanar plane areas are treated before the film of glue droplets is deposited, this treatment being designed to adapt wettability of these areas to the glue. |
| US08647462B2 |
Flexible implement handle grip and method of making same
A flexible implement grip is formed with an underlist of one rubber compound wrapped with a skin of a second rubber compound with multi-colored rubber based paint or ink air dried thereon and the assembled grip vulcanized in a mold. In one version, the skin pattern is cut from a sheet of cured rubber and curable adhesive employed with the wrapping. In another version, the multi-colored ink or paint is air dried on an uncured sheet prior to cutting the skin pattern; and, no adhesive is employed with the wrapping and bonding to the underlist occurs during final vulcanizing. |
| US08647459B2 |
Method and equipment for preparing and applying folded leaflets
A method of preparing and applying folded leaflets or coupons to packets in a cigarette packer includes the steps of cutting single leaflets from a continuous strip material, scoring them with transverse crease lines and then causing each one to wrap around one of a set of winding members operating in conjunction with a fixed restraint; a leading portion of the leaflet is taken up by the winding member, which is then set in rotation while also revolving in close proximity to the restraint, in such a way as to bend the leaflet along the crease lines and form a succession of folds. |
| US08647458B2 |
Methods for making a supported graft
A method for preparing a stent-graft for intraluminal delivery, including positioning an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) substrate over a support mandrel, coupling a shape memory member to a polymer cladding to form a polymer clad member, winding the polymer clad member in an overlapping helical manner onto a surface of the ePTFE substrate, joining and sealing adjacent overlapping regions of the polymer clad member together and to the surface of the ePTFE substrate to form a stent-graft, manipulating the stent-graft from a larger first diameter to a smaller second diameter, and loading the stent-graft into a restraining sheath at the smaller second diameter. |
| US08647457B2 |
Method of manufacturing rubber lined composite pressure vessels
Disclosed is a method for making a rubber liner of a composite pressure vessel. At first, rubber is located in a mold. The rubber and the mold are located in a vacuum bag, heated and pressed so that the rubber is vulcanized and molded into a semi-product of the rubber liner. Sand is filled in the semi-product. The sand is tamped and heated so that it is hardened and molded. A reinforcement element in the form of a wire or tape is wound around the semi-product. Two semi-products are brought into contact with each other. An un-vulcanized rubber band is provided around and attached to the semi-products. The rubber liners and the reinforcement elements are heated and vulcanized with composite resin. Finally, the water soluble sand mold is dissolved and removed so that the final product of the rubber liner is made, and so is the composite pressure vessel. |
| US08647456B2 |
Process for production of a reinforcement for composite material with a variable resistance profile, reinforcement obtained
The object of the invention is a process for production of a reinforcement (10) for composite material comprising at least two layers (12, 14) intended to be embedded in a polymer matrix, characterized in that at least one (14) of the layers is comprised of continuous filaments (16) in one main direction F and in that these filaments are positioned with variable spacing along this main direction F. |
| US08647455B2 |
Process for manufacturing pneumatic tire
Provided is a process of manufacturing a pneumatic tire, which prevents blisters from being raised on a cylindrical thermoplastic resin film due to an air pocket even in a case where the cylindrical thermoplastic resin film is used as an air permeation preventive layer. Provided is the manufacturing process suitable for a heavy-duty pneumatic tire in particular. The process of manufacturing a pneumatic tire includes: covering the making drum 20 with a cylindrical thermoplastic resin film 6; winding an uncured rubber sheet member 7 as a tie rubber around the thermoplastic resin film 6; and winding a carcass layer 5 around the rubber sheet member 7. The process is characterized in that the rubber sheet member 7 is wound in the circumferential direction of the tire at least twice. |
| US08647454B2 |
Method for manufacturing physical barriers
A physical barrier having a carrier device and a sealer material applied to the carrier device. The sealer material is configured to expand when it is activated. In its pre-activation state, the sealer material is flowable. The sealer material is applied directly to the carrier in its pre-activation state through a dispensing orifice without being previously molded. |
| US08647453B2 |
Method of manufacturing a fibre reinforced metal matrix composite article
A method of manufacturing a fiber reinforced metal matrix composite article, the method comprises forming a first metal component, forming a second metal component and forming at least one fiber preform comprising at least one metal coated fiber. The metal at least one first portion of the at least one metal coated fiber of the at least one fiber preform is bonded to the metal at least one second portion of the at least one metal coated fiber of the at least one fiber preform to hold the at least one fiber in position. The at least one fiber preform is placed between the first metal component and the second metal component. The second metal component is sealed to the first metal component, and heat and pressure is applied such as to consolidate the at least one fiber preform and to diffusion bond the metal on the fiber of the at least one fiber preform, the first metal component and the second metal component to form a unitary composite article. The bonding comprises ultrasonic welding. |
| US08647449B2 |
Alloys for hardbanding weld overlays
Disclosed herein are iron-based alloys having a microstructure comprising a fine-grained ferritic matrix and having a 60+ Rockwell C surface, wherein the ferritic matrix comprises <10 μm carbide precipitates. Also disclosed are methods of welding comprising forming a crack free hardbanding weld overlay coating with such an iron-based alloy. Also disclosed are families of alloys capable of forming crack-free weld overlays after multiple welding passes. |
| US08647448B2 |
Nitratable steel piston rings and steel cylindrical sleeves, and casting method for the production thereof
A steel piston ring and a steel cylinder liner are described which comprise as the main body a steel composition which has good nitridability. The steel composition consists of the following elements: 0-0.5 weight % B, 0.5-1.2 weight % C, 4.0-20.0 weight % Cr, 0-2.0 weight % Cu, 45.30-91.25 weight % Fe, 0.1-3.0 weight % Mn, 0.1-3.0 weight % Mo, 0-0.05 weight % Nb, 2.0-12.0 weight % Ni, 0-0.1 weight % P, 0-0.05 weight % Pb, 0-0.05 weight % S, 2.0-10.0 weight % Si, 0-0.05 weight % Sn, 0.05-2.0 weight % V, 0-0.2 weight % Ti and 0-0.5 weight % W. The steel piston ring and the steel cylinder liner can be manufactured in a casting process using the machinery and technology employed for the manufacture of cast iron parts. |
| US08647447B2 |
Filter flosser
Filter Flosser is a tool designed for cleaning cartridge filters that are used in pools, spas and industrial filtration systems.There is an ergonomically designed handle with an on/off ball valve switch to turn water flow on or off. There is a nozzle portion that is curved to wrap partially around the shape of a cartridge filter. There are holes in the nozzle portion which are evenly spaced that spray water into the cartridge filter elements to get between the pleats and remove dirt deposits. |
| US08647444B2 |
Rinse aid
A method of washing ware in an automatic ware washing machine, is disclosed, using a rinse aid composition containing a polysaccharide. The polysaccharide adsorbs on the ware resulting in a sheeting action of the rinse solution leading to improved drying of the ware. |
| US08647443B2 |
Methods for cleaning an automatic biochemical analyzer
A method of cleaning an automatic biochemical analyzer, wherein the cleaning solution includes: at least one anionic surfactant, at least one nonionic surfactant, an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkali metal citrate, and a buffering agent stabilizing the pH value above 13.0. In some embodiments, the cleaning solution provides low residual rate of proteins, low residual rate of lipids, desirable within-batch repeatability in clinical testing, low level of cross-contamination, and low level of reactant deposit after cleaning, without affecting test results of the biochemical analyzer. In some embodiments, the cleaning solution has no corrosive effects on the liquid path and reaction cup of the analyzer. The ingredients of the cleaning solution may also be biodegradable. |
| US08647442B2 |
Cleaning substrate and cleaning method
A cleaning substrate that can prevent a decrease in the operating rate of a substrate processing apparatus. The cleaning substrate that cleans the interior of a chamber in the substrate processing apparatus has a removal mechanism that removes foreign matter in the chamber. |
| US08647439B2 |
Method of epitaxial germanium tin alloy surface preparation
Methods of preparing a clean surface of germanium tin or silicon germanium tin layers for subsequent deposition are provided. An overlayer of Ge, doped Ge, another GeSn or SiGeSn layer, a doped GeSn or SiGeSn layer, an insulator, or a metal can be deposited on a prepared GeSn or SiGeSn layer by positioning a substrate with an exposed germanium tin or silicon germanium tin layer in a processing chamber, heating the processing chamber and flowing a halide gas into the processing chamber to etch the surface of the substrate using either thermal or plasma assisted etching followed by depositing an overlayer on the substantially oxide free and contaminant free surface. Methods can also include the placement and etching of a sacrificial layer, a thermal clean using rapid thermal annealing, or a process in a plasma of nitrogen trifluoride and ammonia gas. |
| US08647437B2 |
Apparatus, tool and methods for depositing annular or circular wedge coatings
An apparatus for depositing annular or circular wedge coatings with arbitrary dependence of thickness versus position includes a coating tool in which at least one substrate is disposed in a line of sight arrangement vs. least one deposition source, each substrate having an axis of symmetry and associated with a single mask having an aperture and positioned between the substrate and the least one deposition source, the mask and the substrate arranged to perform a relative rotation around a common axis to follow a law of motion which results in the deposition of a coating with a desired law of variation of thickness vs. position on the circumference of the substrate. The relative rotation is imparted by a motor. In embodiments in which there are a plurality of substrates and associated single masks, the substrates are positioned on a planet carrier independently rotatable by another motor. |
| US08647436B2 |
Carbon ion beam growth of isotopically-enriched graphene and isotope-junctions
Isotopically-enriched graphene and isotope junctions are epitaxially grown on a catalyst substrate using a focused carbon ion beam technique. The focused carbon ion beam is filtered to pass substantially a single ion species including a single desired carbon isotope. The ion beam and filtering together provide a means to selectively isotopically-enrich the epitaxially-grown graphene from given carbon precursor and to selectively deposit graphene enriched with different carbon isotopes in different regions. |
| US08647428B2 |
Color powder for coating
A method for producing a color powder, the method comprising dry mixing a pigment powder with a base powder while applying heat, so as to bring the base powder to an adhesive state while the pigment powder remains in a stable state, thereby forming a color powder having agglomerates essentially each comprising a component of the base powder and a component of the ground pigment powder. |
| US08647425B2 |
Azaphthalocyanines and their use in printing
A process for preparing azaphthalocyanine or metallo-azaphthalocyanine dyes Also novel compounds, inks, printing processes, printed materials (including color filters) and ink-jet cartridges. |
| US08647424B2 |
Phase change inks comprising inorganic nucleating agents
A solid ink composition suitable for ink jet printing, including printing on coated paper substrates. In particular, the solid ink composition comprises a crystalline compound, an amorphous compound, and an inorganic nucleating agent, which provides for a robust and fast printing ink. |
| US08647422B1 |
Phase change ink comprising a modified polysaccharide composition
A phase change ink composition comprising a wax; an optional colorant; and a modified polysaccharide salt. |
| US08647419B2 |
Sorption filter material and use thereof
The invention relates to a sorption filter material, in particular an adsorption filter material, which is suitable in particular for producing protective materials of all types (such as protective suits, protective gloves, protective shoes and other protective clothing as well as protective coverings, e.g. for transporting patients, for sleeping bags or similar) and for producing filters and filter materials. Said material is suitable for both military and civilian use, in particular for ABC applications. |
| US08647414B2 |
Apparatus and process for the separation of process condensate in steam reforming
An apparatus is provided for drying a gas by gradually releasing and condensing the moisture in various chambers of a column, different pressures and different temperatures thus being present in the chambers of the column. The gas to be dried is first fed into the bottom chamber, where the largest amount of the water contained in the gas is condensed, and the gas is then discharged from the bottom chamber via a nozzle. Subsequently the gas is cooled and fed into at least one more chamber located above the first chamber, where further moisture is condensed before the resulting condensate is fed via a pipe—preferably shaped like a siphon—into the bottom reservoir to prevent the gas from flowing from the chamber below into the chamber above. A process which enables a gas to be dried is also described. |
| US08647413B2 |
Spray process for the recovery of CO2 from a gas stream and a related apparatus
A method for recovering carbon dioxide (CO2) from a gas stream is disclosed. The method includes the step of reacting CO2 in the gas stream with fine droplets of a liquid absorbent, so as to form a solid material in which the CO2 is bound. The solid material is then transported to a desorption site, where it is heated, to release substantially pure CO2 gas. The CO2 gas can then be collected and used or transported in any desired way. A related apparatus for recovering carbon dioxide (CO2) from a gas stream is also described herein. |
| US08647408B2 |
Indicator device for a filter, vacuum cleaner, and method of filtering a vacuum cleaner exhaust stream
An indicator device for a filter includes a filter replacement indicator that is actuatable by thermal expansion. The indicator device can be included in a filter. Also, a vacuum cleaner including a filter having the indicator device. |
| US08647403B2 |
Methods and systems of reducing viscosity of gasification system slag
Methods and systems for gasifier fines recycling system are provided. The system includes a gasifier slag removal system configured to separate first fines from a particulate slag removed from a gasifier by at least one of settling and filtering, a second fines handling system configured to receive second fines from a source other than the gasifier, and an injection system configured to mix the first fines and the second fines and a fuel for injection into the gasifier. |
| US08647399B2 |
Fire starter
The Present Invention is a fire starting device for use as kindling manufactured from pine straw, as the primary component, a vegetable oil, natural resins, and an herbal component. The device is hollow, having at least one vertical channel and at least one horizontal channel drilled from the outer wall of the device to the inner vertical channel. The fire starter device is ignited from the top, and it burns to produce a high, intense flame that ignites other flammable materials having a much greater kindling temperature. The height of the flame and the burn duration are controlled by the overall size of the device and the sizes of the channels. The device burns clean with a minimum of smoke and harmful or noxious fumes. Burning the device minimally creates air pollution. It burns completely with a minimum of ash residue. |
| US08647398B2 |
Production of renewable biofuels
A process and system for separating and upgrading bio-oil into renewable fuels is provided. The process comprises separating bio-oil into a light fraction and heavy fraction based on their boiling points. The heavy fraction is then subjected to hydrotreatment, while the light fraction is not subjected to hydrotreatment. At least a portion of the un-hydrotreated light fraction and at least a portion of the hydrotreated heavy fraction are blended with petroleum-derived gasoline to thereby provide a renewable gasoline, and at least a portion of the hydrotreated heavy fraction is blended with petroleum-derived diesel to thereby provide a renewable diesel. |
| US08647395B2 |
Surfactant package and water in hydrocarbon emulsion using same
A surfactant package for a water-in-hydrocarbon emulsion includes a fatty acid component; a fatty acid salt component; an alcohol component and a salt of carboxylic acid. Emulsions formed using this surfactant package are stable and have ratios of water to surfactant of at least about 3. |
| US08647392B2 |
Articulable anchor
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to devices implantable into a human lung, for example to reduce the volume of air trapped in a diseased portion of the lung to prevent inhalation while permitting expiration out of the diseased portion. In some embodiments, the device comprises a distal portion with an anchor system that may anchor the device into tissue of an air passageway wall, and the distal portion may be connected to a proximal portion via a flexible portion that permits the distal portion to articulate substantially with respect to the proximal portion, such that the distal portion and the proximal portion may be non-collinear along a longitudinal axis of the distal portion. This may facilitate implantation of the device into a non-linear air passageway. |
| US08647388B2 |
Elbow prosthesis and method for use
The elbow prosthesis includes an ulnar component that has a bearing end and a stem. The stem is attached to the bearing end and extends in a distal direction from it. The elbow prosthesis also has a humeral component that includes a holder end and a stem with the stem extending in a proximal direction from the holder end. The prosthesis further includes at least one bearing member that is connected to the holder end with the bearing end being attached within the holder end to allow for rotation and articulation against the at least one bearing member. The bearing end and holder end are attached to each other by a coupling mechanism that includes an opening positioned on the posterior aspect of the holder end and a mating surface on the bearing body. A method of using the elbow prosthesis and a total elbow prosthesis kit are also disclosed. |
| US08647384B2 |
Accommodating intraocular lens
An accommodating intraocular lens includes an adjustable optic, wherein the optic is capable of being moved between an accommodated state and an unaccommodated state. The optic includes an anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a sidewall between the anterior portion and the posterior portion. The lens further includes a ring disposed about the optic sidewall and a haptic coupled to the ring. The haptic is capable of being coupled to a patient's capsular bag. A method for implanting an accommodating intraocular lens is also provided. |
| US08647381B2 |
Stents, valved-stents, and methods and systems for delivery thereof
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to stents, valved-stents, (e.g., single-stent-valves and double stent/valved-stent systems) and associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery. The stent component comprises a first stent section (102) a second stent section (104) a third stent section (106) and a fourth stent section (108). |
| US08647378B2 |
Medical implant, in particular a stent, for implantation in an animal body and/or human body
A medical implant (10a, 10b), in particular a stent (12a, 12b), for implantation in an animal body and/or human body (14a, 14b), comprising a base body (16a, 16b) which includes at least two segments (18a, 18a′, 18b, 18b′; 20a, 20a′, 20b, 20b′) having at least two deflection points (24a, 24b; 26a, 26b) that are diametrically opposed in the axial direction (22a, 22b), and at least one adjusting means (28a, 28b; 30a, 30b) that acts on the deflection points (24a, 24b; 26a, 26b) to adjust an extension (32a, 32b) of the base body (16a, 16b) in the circumferential direction (34a, 34b). |
| US08647377B2 |
Devices and methods for treatment of vascular aneurysms
The present invention relates to devices and methods for the treatment of diseases in the vasculature, and more specifically, devices and methods for treatment of aneurysms found in blood vessels. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a two part prostheses, where one part is an expandable sponge structure and the other part is an expandable tubular mesh structure, is provided. In the first embodiment, the expandable sponge structure is intended to fill the aneurysm cavity to prevent further dilatation of the vessel wall by creating a buffer or barrier between the pressurized pulsating blood flow and the thinning vessel wall. In the first embodiment, the expandable tubular mesh structure is placed across the aneurysm, contacting the inner wall of healthy vessel proximal and distal to the aneurysm. |
| US08647376B2 |
Balloon fold design for deployment of bifurcated stent petal architecture
A balloon fold design for efficient expansion of a side branch assembly in a bifurcated stent. The design involves forming a cup arrangement by folding the radial end of the side branch balloon structure into the luminal end of the side branch balloon structure and then folding the cup down into an orderly discus arrangement. The folding pattern allows for the side branch balloon structure to inflate in a sweeping rotational manner efficiently pushing the side branch assembly petals out and away from the main body of the stent with a low risk of the balloon becoming entangled or damaged by its contact with the petals. The design also allows for the expansion force to be applied at the appropriate time in the optimally needed direction by initially being oriented in a predominantly circumferential direction which is gradually shifting to a predominantly radial direction. In addition, the fold design reduces the overall volume and profile of the side branch balloon structure. |
| US08647374B2 |
Patient temperature control system with variable gradient warming/cooling
A patient temperature control system (10) uses variable temperature gradient warming/cooling in combination with a warming/cooling device (16), such as a blanket, to increase efficiency in driving a patient's temperature to a desired setpoint, with reduced occurrence of and magnitude of overshoot conditions. In operation, the controller (26) of the system (10) senses the temperature of a patient (12) via a sensor (31), for comparison to a temperature of the circulating water, sensed via sensor (30). If the patient temperature is not sufficiently close to a setpoint temperature, the system (10) is operable to warm/cool the circulating water to a temperature which differs from the patient's temperature by a temperature gradient of 10 ° C., or some other preselected initial temperature gradient. After a subsequent time interval, if the patient temperature has not moved sufficiently close to the setpoint temperature, the controller (26) incrementally raises or lowers the temperature of the circulating water, to intensify the a warming/cooling effect. This procedure repeats at desired intervals, to more efficiently reach the setpoint temperature. Thus, the system (10) is capable of automatically increasing or decreasing the temperature gradient, dependent upon subsequently sensed patient temperatures. |
| US08647373B1 |
Phototherapy methods using fluorescent UV light
Vitamin D is supplemented in a human body by exposure of skin to light from a fluorescent lamp at a sub-erythemal dose of UV radiation. Wave lengths, emitted light intensities and repeat treatments without lamp refractory time are disclosed. |
| US08647372B2 |
Composite light source apparatus for phototherapy
The present invention provides a composite light source apparatus for phototherapy of skin disease, in which a light beam having the wavelength and optical power suitable for light-beam treatment is provided to a region to be treated (also called a ‘to-be-treated region’) through a light guide by using a composite light source so as to improve efficiency of phototherapy of skin diseases of the body including acne, malignant tumors and the like. According to the composite light source apparatus, uniform optical power can be provided through a combination of a plurality of light sources, the optical power can be provided through selection of light of a wavelength range that a user wants, and light from the light sources can be utilized to the maximum with increased light intensity. |
| US08647368B2 |
Tissue anchors and medical devices for rapid deployment of tissue anchors
Medical devices and related methods are provided for closing a perforation in a bodily wall. The medical device generally includes a set of tissue anchors and an elongate tensioning member. Each anchor includes a crossbar having opposing ends and defining a longitudinal axis. A strand is connected to the crossbar at a location between the opposing ends and projects away from the longitudinal axis. The strand includes a distal end connected to the crossbar and a proximal end having a first connector. The elongate tensioning member is structured to selectively engage and disengage the first connector. The strands of the anchor are capable of being tensioned and fixed together for closing the perforation. The tensioning member is removed after the strands are fixed together. |
| US08647366B2 |
Closure medical device and delivery mechanism
A delivery mechanism for deploying a closure device includes several slidable members, a plunger, and attachments to tension members of the closure device. Deployment of the closure device includes controlling placement and expansion of the device within tissue using the tension members, the plunger, and the slidable members. |
| US08647364B2 |
Tissue puncture closure device with automatic tamping
A method and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The method and apparatus provide for automatic tamping and/or cinching of the sealing plug when the apparatus is withdrawn from the puncture site. The automatic tamping and/or cinching is facilitated by transducing a motive force generated by the withdrawal of the apparatus into a tamping and/or cinching force. |
| US08647362B2 |
Device with deflectable distal end and related methods of use
A deflecting method and deflecting apparatus allows the distal end of device, for example an endoscopic medical device, to be remotely and adjustably deflected from a straight configuration to a deflected configuration. Manipulating a proximal handle causes the deflection, controls actuation of an end effector assembly on the distal end, and straightens the deflecting apparatus back to its original configuration. |
| US08647359B2 |
Distal protection filter
Methods and devices for capturing debris within a blood vessel are disclosed. A filter assembly in accordance with the present invention comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a filter fixed to the elongate shaft proximate the distal end thereof. A filter assembly in accordance with the present invention may further include a means for reducing the volume of the debris that is disposed within the filter. |
| US08647355B2 |
Atherectomy devices and methods
The devices and methods generally relate to treatment of occluded body lumens. In particular, the present devices and method relate to removal of the occluding material from the blood vessels as well as other body lumens. |
| US08647353B2 |
Endoscopic treatment tool and suturing method using the same
An endoscopic treatment tool according to the present invention is an endoscopic treatment tool which is inserted into hollow organs via the mouth, nose, anus, or other natural orifice of the patient and performs suturing treatment within the hollow organs or abdominal cavities, includes: a hollow organ lining support which is smaller than the smallest diameter of a passage from a natural orifice of the hollow organ, the hollow organ lining support being able to expand so as to have a diameter larger than the smallest diameter of the passage from the natural orifice of the hollow organ. |
| US08647352B2 |
Devices and methods for securing tissue
A compression ring to grip and compress body structure such as diverticulum, hemorrhoids, and tissue adjacent a hole. A resilient ring-shaped body defines a compression channel, and one or more axially rigid elongated spikes extend from the body into the channel. The body defines a first axial segment surrounding the compression channel and a second axial segment surrounding the compression channel, with the spike being engaged only with the second axial segment. The first axial segment more tightly compresses the body structure than the second axial segment. |
| US08647350B2 |
Delivery device and method for compliant tissue fasteners
Devices, systems, and methods for closing the base of a left atrial appendage or other tissue structure comprise a device applicator having jaws, a shaft, and a handle. First and second triggers on a handle are configured to close the jaws and a closure device in a step-wise manner where tissue penetrating fasteners within the closure device are engaged by studs on the jaws, where the studs must be released prior to the opening of the jaws. |
| US08647348B2 |
Apparatus for adult circumcision
A circumcision clamp for aiding the removal of the foreskin of an adult, human, male penis. A top clamp and a bottom clamp for circumcision each has: 1) a curved interior brace, placed between the foreskin and the penis shaft; and 2) a curved exterior brace, which aligns over the interior brace and compresses the foreskin against the interior brace. The curved interior brace preferably has a greater depth than the exterior brace, which greater depth forms a distal overhang or shelf for protecting the penis shaft during operation. By simultaneously employing a top clamp and a bottom clamp during circumcision, an entire band or collar of foreskin along the desired path of incision and suturing can be securely held in place and clamped, thus helping the operator or surgeon trim and suture the foreskin quickly and precisely. |
| US08647347B2 |
Instruments and methods for manipulating a spinal fixation element
An instrument for manipulating a spinal fixation element relative to a bone anchor includes a bone anchor grasping mechanism, a first adjustment mechanism, and a second adjustment mechanism. The bone anchor grasping mechanism includes a first arm having a distal end configured to engage an opening provided in the bone anchor. The first adjustment mechanism includes a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm. The second arm has a distal end configured to engage an opening provided in the bone anchor and is operable to adjust a spinal fixation element in a first direction upon pivoting relative to the first arm. The second adjustment mechanism is removably and replaceably coupled to the bone anchor grasping mechanism and is movable relative to the bone anchor grasping mechanism to adjust the spinal fixation element in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, relative to the bone anchor. |
| US08647341B2 |
Vessel sealer and divider for use with small trocars and cannulas
An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft affixed to the housing. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and a pair of jaw members attached to a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly for moving one of the jaw members relative to the other jaw member from a first position wherein the movable jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to each other to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer one another for manipulating tissue. A movable handle is included which is rotatable about a pivot to force a drive flange of the movable handle into mechanical cooperation with the drive assembly to move the jaw members from the open and closed positions. The pivot is located a fixed distance from the longitudinal axis and the drive flange is located generally along the longitudinal axis. The forceps is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. |
| US08647333B2 |
Ophthalmic surgical device
An ophthalmic surgical device is disclosed that combines laser energy for treatment of vision or ocular defect and illumination energy for visualization of a treatment site during surgery in a single common waveguide fiber, thereby enabling reduction of a diameter of a probe or canula of the device, whereby a smaller incision may be utilized to reduce trauma to the eye. The device may further include additional features, such as a conduit for supply of material or removal of material from the treatment site. |
| US08647326B2 |
System for cleaning luer connectors
One or more caps can be used to cover and sterilize one or more separated medical connectors. A pair of caps can be connected to each other and sealed when in a pre-use state. The paired caps can be unsealed so as to permit connection to the medical connectors. |
| US08647324B2 |
Catheter access and control device and method of using same
The present application discloses a handle configured to receive a catheter. The handle comprises a port that communicates with a lumen of the catheter and a mechanism is provided that moves the end of the catheter for positioning. The guide wire traverses a reservoir located in the handle. In particular, the handle comprises an enclosure with a conduit and a reservoir, where the conduit extends through the enclosure from the left side to the right side and the reservoir space has a curved or concave base. The bottom side and top side of the handle converge into a tapered point on the left side. |
| US08647321B2 |
Method of monitoring safety in medication delivery for diabetes management
Glucose sensor signals and medication delivery control signals are monitored and these signals are modified for compatibility and safety purposes. In one application, output control signals from a controller directed to a delivery device are modified as a function of an actual amount of insulin delivered to the user. The safety layer method allows for an increased level of safety in an integrated delivery management (“IDM”) system and permits the development of separate hardware and software upgrades for components of the IDM system while assuring that compatibility between components will continue and safety is increased. |
| US08647320B2 |
Device for introducing medicine into an infusion container
A device for adding a medicine to an infusion solution in an infusion container having a removal opening provided with a seal area. A transfer cap, which has a first hollow spike for piercing the seal area, is connected to the removal opening of the infusion container. A receiving means for a medicine container is formed at the transfer cap, which has a second hollow spike for piercing a seal at the medicine container. A valve is arranged between the first and second hollow spikes in the transfer cap, where the valve interrupts the connection between the first and second hollow spikes and can be moved into the open position by the action of a force. |
| US08647317B2 |
Superabsorbent polymer having a capacity increase
The present invention relates to a particulate superabsorbent polymer comprising a monomer and an internal crosslinker agent wherein the particulate superabsorbent polymer has a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Increase of 2 g/g or more as set forth herein in the Centrifuge Retention Capacity Increase Test. The present invention further relates to a superabsorbent polymer comprising an internal crosslinker agent comprising a silane compound comprising at least one vinyl group or one allyl group attached to a silicon atom, and at least one Si—O bond. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article that includes such particulate superabsorbent polymers. |
| US08647315B2 |
Medical canister connectors
A medical canister connector is presented for connecting to a medical canister, which has a patient port and a reduced-pressure port. The medical canister connector includes a first connection member that is coupled to a patient-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a patient port on a medical canister and has a patient-port opening with a first longitudinal axis. The medical canister connector also includes a second connection member coupled to a reduced-pressure-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a reduced-pressure port on the medical canister and has a reduced-pressure-port opening with a second longitudinal axis. A spacing member or pressure transport member may be used to couple the first connection member to the second connection member. The spacing member or transport member flexes and twists during connection. The medical canister connector may also help organize one or more pressure-sensing conduits. Methods are also presented. |
| US08647310B2 |
Medical connector with closeable luer connector
Some embodiments relate to a luer connector comprising a housing having a hollow bore therethrough, a first end, and a second end, a male luer tip supported by the housing configured to rotate with respect to the housing, the luer tip having a first open end and a passageway through the luer tip in fluid communication with the first open end, and a substantially rigid internal member extending into the passageway of the luer tip toward the first open end of the luer tip. In some embodiments, at least one of the luer tip and the internal member can be axially moveable between a first closed position and a second open position relative to the other of the luer tip and the internal member. Further, the luer tip and the internal member can cooperate such that rotation of the luer tip in a first direction relative to the housing increases an axial displacement between the first open end of the luer tip and an end portion of the internal member. |
| US08647309B2 |
Medication delivery device
The present invention relates to a medication delivery device, to dosing mechanisms suitable for use in such medication delivery device, in particular in pen-type injectors, preferably having a dose setting member and a drive device enabling the dose setting and the administration of a medicinal product from a multi-dose medication cartridge, to methods using such device, and to methods of manufacturing and assembly of such device. |
| US08647303B2 |
Injection devices
An autoinjector device comprises a drive housing 10 and a syringe housing 12 which can be disconnected to allow insertion of a syringe. A drive mechanism in the drive housing is cocked by means of a cord 8 connected between the drive housing and the syringe housing. The drive mechanism comprises a drive gear 22 rotatably mounted in the drive housing and acting as a rotary crank connected by a connecting rod 26 to a plunger 28. In use the drive gear 22 is driven by a torsion spring 35 so that the drive mechanism extends the syringe from the syringe housing and expels a dose and then retracts the syringe back into the housing. A firing button 14 releases the drive gear to be driven by the torsion spring but is also engageable as a brake on the rim of the drive gear. |
| US08647302B2 |
Infusion pump system with contamination-resistant features
Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include a construction that is resistant to external contaminants, such as precipitation, water splashes, sweat and the like. In particular embodiments, the infusion pump system can include a pump device that is removably attached to a controller device to provide an electrical connection therebetween. In such circumstances, the infusion pump system can be assembled as a sealed construction that protects the electrical connection between the pump device and the removable controller device. |
| US08647301B2 |
Safety catheter device with removably attached housing
A safety catheter device includes a catheter hub, a housing removably coupled to the catheter hub; a needle, and a member, the housing including a radially outwardly directed projection operable to engage the interior aspect of the catheter hub and radially moveable inwardly sufficiently to disengage therefrom, the projection being held against moving radially inwardly sufficiently to disengage when the needle is in a first position with the needle distal tip exposed and being free to move radially inwardly sufficiently to disengage coincident with the needle being moved into a second position with the needle distal tip disposed in the housing. |
| US08647299B2 |
Autoinjector supporting the syringe at the front
An autoinjector comprising a housing in which can be mounted a syringe comprising a barrel for holding a volume of medicament, a needle at one end of the barrel in fluid communication with the medicament and a plunger axially-moveable in the barrel to a forwardmost position, the autoinjector further comprising a syringe support means for supporting the barrel at an axial location at or forward of the forwardmost position of the plunger and having a reaction surface for the syringe, whereby in use said reaction surface (109) provides an axial compressive force on said barrel when a forward axial force is applied to the plunger. |
| US08647298B2 |
Surgical apparatus with expandable structure and electrode for treating body tissue
A surgical apparatus having an expandable structure including first, second and third spines forming a basket, movable between expanded and contracted positions. Each of the spines has first, second and third lumens, wherein an electrode element is movable within the first lumen of the first, second and third spines through a first opening in the spine. The second lumen of the first and second spines carries a temperature sensing element, the temperature sensing element exposed through a second opening in the spine positioned between the first and second lumens. The second lumen of the third spine is configured to receive a guidewire, and the third lumen of the first, second and third spines is connectable to a tube for carrying cooling fluid therethrough. |
| US08647297B2 |
Catheter having proximal heat sensitive deflection mechanism and related methods of use and manufacture
Deflectable catheter systems, apparatuses and methods utilizing thermal expansion to influence catheter deflection. A representative embodiment includes a catheter having one or more pull wires or other tensioning elements. One end of the tensioning element(s) is connected at a distal portion of the catheter to facilitate shaft deflection upon pulling the tensioning element(s). A heat-sensitive control member(s) is coupled to a proximal portion of the tensioning element(s). The elongate tensioning element(s) is pulled in a proximal direction to deflect the distal portion of the catheter in response to a temperature change applied to the heat-sensitive control member. |
| US08647296B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for detecting occlusions in an ambulatory infusion pump
An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on measurements of one or more variables, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system. The methods of detecting occlusions may be dynamic. |
| US08647291B2 |
Extracorporeal blood chamber
An extracorporeal blood chamber (12) comprises an expansion reservoir (47) having a first access (48) arranged laterally and a second access (49) arranged on the bottom of the chamber (12). The chamber comprises, integrally with the reservoir, a first conduit terminating in the first access, a second conduit terminating in the first access, and a third conduit terminating in the second access. The extracorporeal blood enters the reservoir through the first conduit and there mixes with an infusion fluid which enters through the second conduit. The resulting mixture exits through the third conduit. The chamber is used in a hemo(dia)filtration apparatus to mix the blood optimally with the replacement fluid. |
| US08647290B2 |
Hemodialysis or hemo(dia)filtration apparatus and a method for controlling a hemodialysis or hemo(dia)filtration apparatus
In a hemodiafiltration apparatus, a control and command unit (11) halts a replacement fluid supply pump (8) and contemporaneously modifies the control mode of a blood pump (1) passing from a control based on the pump velocity to a control based on the blood pressure measured by a sensor (12) arranged downstream of a hemodiafilter (3). The aim is to prevent risks due to excessive hemoconcentration in the blood circuit between the ultrafiltration zone and the infusion zone. |
| US08647287B2 |
Wireless synchronized movement monitoring apparatus and system
Disclosed embodiments include a movement monitoring apparatus comprising a wireless synchronization scheme. Depending on the particular embodiment such wireless synchronization scheme is a master synchronization scheme or a mesh synchronization scheme. Additionally, in a particular embodiment, the movement monitor further comprises a robust wireless data transfer data controller. The disclosure includes a description of the complete system, namely, the wireless synchronized movement monitors with robust data transfer capabilities, the docking station, the access point, and the computer-implemented analysis system. |
| US08647284B2 |
System and method for mapping complex fractionated electrogram information
A system for presenting information representative of patient electrophysiological activity, such as complex fractionated electrogram information, includes at least one electrode to measure electrogram information from the heart surface, at least one processor coupled to the at least one electrode to receive the electrogram information and measure a location of the at least one electrode within the heart, and a presentation device to present the electrogram information as associated with the location at which it was measured on a model of the patient's heart. A memory may also be provided in which to store the associated electrogram information and measured location. Data may be analyzed using both time-domain and frequency-domain information to create a three-dimensional map. The map displays the data as colors, shades of color, and/or grayscales, and may further utilize contour lines, such as isochrones, to present the information. |
| US08647282B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring blood pressure with motion artifacts elimination
The invention discloses an apparatus and method for measuring a blood pressure. In particular, the method and apparatus according to the invention are capable of eliminating motion artifacts induced by, for example, talking, irregular breathing, frequent swallowing, coughing, shaking, and so on motions of a subject. The method and apparatus according to the invention utilizes a set of fuzzy logic rules and a curve-fitting way to eliminate the motion artifacts. |
| US08647280B2 |
Ultrasonic probe and method for manufacturing ultrasonic probe
An ultrasonic probe includes, a transducer, a substrate includes electrodes formed on a front surface and a back surface and electronic components, first flexible wire substrates connected in such a manner that a first end is connected to the transducer and a second end is connected to a electrode at a side of the front surface of the substrate, second flexible wire substrates connected in such a manner that a first end is connected to the transducer and a second end is connected to a electrode at a side of the back surface of the substrate, and a dummy materials including the same rigidity and thickness as those of the first flexible wire substrate is arranged at a space, adjacent to a electrode at the side of the front surface of the substrate, corresponding to the second end of the second flexible wire substrate. |
| US08647276B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic device
In a radiation-pressure elastography technique for transmitting a ultrasound focused beam into a test object body and diagnosing the hardness thereof, it is required to consider high sensitivity and safety.In the present invention, the focused beam is transmitted to two positions as a means for displacing a tissue and exciting a shear wave. In addition, time control is performed in such a manner that a transmit beam serves as a burst-chirp signal, and ultrasound waves are transmitted and received while sweeping a transmit frequency. On this occasion, when the distance between the two focused points and the transmit frequency become integral multiple of the wavelength, two waves interfere with each other, thereby obtaining a large amplitude. Furthermore, when the transmit frequency becomes equal to a resonance frequency peculiar to the tissue, the amplitude also becomes larger. Accordingly, a small intensity of transmit waveform enhances sensitivity. In addition, transmission using the burst-chirp signal facilitates widening of a bandwidth of the transmit frequency, enabling usage of a frequency highly sensitive for a target measurement site. Optional number of focused points and arbitrary positions thereof allow a wide area to be covered. |
| US08647269B2 |
Glucose measuring device for use in personal area network
A glucose measuring system includes a glucose meter that incorporates wireless communication capabilities. The meter can advantageously be a low cost meter by eliminating expensive components, such as the display. The user nevertheless is able to retrieve and view his or her glucose values by referring to displays within the glucose measuring local area network. Feedback via these displays can advantageously be used by the diabetic to create a higher level of confidence and safety. |
| US08647268B2 |
Patient monitoring apparatus
A monitoring system for a person in a building includes a plurality of wireless bases positioned in the building; a body mounted temperature sensor; a body mounted heart signal sensor; and a wearable device coupled to the temperature sensor and to the heart signal sensor and having a wireless transceiver adapted to communicate with the wireless bases; and an accelerometer. |
| US08647265B2 |
Hand access laparoscopic device
The invention relates to a hand access laparoscopy device having a gelcap, a retainer, a sleeve and a retention ring. The gelcap includes gel that is bonded to a cap. The cap includes an inner cylindrical wall to which the gel in bonded, thereby providing a sealing area between the device and the wound in a body wall. By securing the gel to the inner cylindrical wall, the thickness of the gel and corresponding cap is minimized along with the overall footprint of the device. With the gel thickness reduced and able to be substantially flush, the “doming” phenomenon produced by insufflation of a patient's abdomen is reduced. |
| US08647257B2 |
Cannulotome
Systems and methods for treating spinal stenosis include endoscopic access devices and bone removal devices used to perform a foraminotomy or other bone removal procedures. A bone removal device includes a cannulotome with an endoscopic imaging lumen. Optionally, an endoscope retaining device can be used to facilitate advancement of the endoscope through the cannulotome. |
| US08647254B2 |
Epicardial clip
An epicardial clip for reshaping the annulus of the mitral valve of a heart. The epicardial clip includes a curved member having an anterior segment configured to be positioned in the transverse sinus of the heart, a posterior segment configured to be positioned on the posterior side of the heart, such as on or inferior to the atrioventricular groove, and a lateral segment extending between the anterior segment and the posterior segment. The lateral segment includes a curve such that the first end of the member is positioned at or above the plane of the mitral valve and the second end of the member is positioned at or below the plane of the mitral valve. |
| US08647247B2 |
Continuous motion case former
Among other things, a case forming system is provided. The system includes a conveyance apparatus for conveying case precursors along a conveyance path and a case set-up apparatus characterized by a case forming member. Upstream case precursors are conveyed along the conveyance path for operation thereupon by the case forming member. A case forming mandrel of a mandrel assembly is movably mounted in relation to the conveyance apparatus for continuous motion with respect thereto. The continuous motion is delimited by travel of the case forming mandrel between an upstream locus and a downstream locus of the conveyance path, and reversible extension of the case forming mandrel towards case precursors during travel between the upstream locus and the downstream locus of the conveyance path. |
| US08647246B2 |
Pressure sealing system
The present invention discloses a sealing system for sealing together at least a pair of flexible pouch material layers. The sealing station can have a first sealing bar, a second sealing bar and a drive system that is in contact with the first sealing bar. The drive system is operable to move the first sealing bar between an open position and a closed position such that the first sealing bar can apply a predefined pressure on the flexible pouch material layers when positioned or located between the sealing bars. A pressure sensor is also included and in communication with the drive system, the pressure sensor operable to detect if the drive system applies less or too much pressure than the predefined pressure on the flexible pouch material layers located between the first and second sealing bars. |
| US08647244B2 |
Exercise machine
An exercise apparatus includes a disk rotatable in first and second directions against a frictional force and a device disposed between a cable and the disk. The device is responsive to tensioning and movement of the cable in the first direction for coupling the cable to the disk whereupon the disk rotates against the frictional force with movement of the cable in the first direction. The device is also responsive to release of the tension in the cable in the first direction for uncoupling the cable from the disk. A rewind arm coupled between the disk and the device is also responsive to the release of the tension in the cable in the first direction for tensioning and moving the cable and the device in the second direction. |
| US08647243B2 |
Exercise device weight for mounting to a lifting bar
An exercise device weight section (2) for mounting to a lifting bar (4) of an exercise device (1), in particular a dumbbell or barbell. The weight section (2) having an outer circumferential surface (15) comprising an outer skin (14) at least partially around the outer circumferential surface of the weight section (2) comprising a plurality of resilient projections (16) extending from at least part of the outer circumferential surface of the weight section (2). The plurality of projections (16) are disposed only in a discrete circumferential region (29) of the circumferential surface of the weight section (2). The projections (16) provide improved impact absorption when the weight section (2) is dropped protecting the weight section, floor and associated equipment form damage, and also reduce loosening of the mounting of the weight section on the bar (4). The projections (16) also provide areas of improved grip allowing the weight section and exercise device to be better gripped and lifted. Recesses (40) may also be defined in the weight sections to further define handles for gripping the weight section (2). |
| US08647242B2 |
Striking training apparatus
A striking apparatus is provided. The striking apparatus may be mounted to a wall and at least partially supported by a movement device in contact with a floor. The striking apparatus has a plurality of pads which may receive strikes from a user. Spring assemblies are utilized to absorb force applied by the user. |
| US08647239B1 |
Vertical swim trainer
A swim trainer comprising: a base; an upright member extending from the base; two arms each carried by the upright member and terminating with an end pulley; two pull cords each having one end connected to a hand pull, extending from the hand pull over the end pulley, a second pulley positioned adjacent to the upright member, and then along the upright member; a rotatable shaft positioned adjacent to the base; a loading mechanism, connected to the shaft, to resist rotation and unwinding of the cord around the shaft; a clutch assembly positioned on the shaft arranged to rotate the shaft when the handle is pulled down and otherwise spin freely; a rewind bias means to rewind the cord around the shaft; and, a tipping and/or rotating balance platform assembly, seated on the base, for the swimmer to stand on, when pulling the hand pull. |
| US08647236B2 |
Method for sound modeling for downshifting with intermediate gas
In a method for controlling shifting in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an automatic transmission, intermediate gas is automatically applied for reducing and/or compensating for an abrupt shift when downshifting. In a first phase, wherein the transmission is in the hydraulic down time thereof, the actual torque provided by the engine is slowly increased, until a torque required by the transmission is achieved. Subsequently, in a second phase, wherein the actual torque of the engine is less than the target torque, a throttle valve is opened further. In a subsequent third phase, in which the actual torque of the engine has achieved the target torque required for synchronization, a late ignition angle is set. |
| US08647231B2 |
Transitioning between electric-drive and parallel-drive in a hybrid-electric vehicle powertrain
A method for operating a vehicle powertrain includes driving first wheels using an electric machine, starting an engine, using a second electric machine driven by the engine to produce synchronous speed at a input of a transmission having a desired gear engaged, engaging a clutch that connects said input and the engine, and using the engine and the transmission to drive second wheels. |
| US08647224B2 |
Generator arrangement for a wind power plant
A generator arrangement for a wind power plant includes a ring-shaped primary part, a ringshaped secondary part, and a planetary transmission arrangement disposed inside the primary part and the secondary part. The planetary transmission arrangement comprises an internal gear, a sun gear, and at least two planet gears. The sun gear is substantially ringshaped, having an inner wall, and outer wall, and a web connecting the inner wall and the outer wall. The internal gear is disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall of the sun gear and is supported at the outer wall of the sun gear. |
| US08647221B1 |
Soccer trainer
A collapsible and easily portable soccer trainer having a pair of spaced apart, X-shaped side frames. The rear legs of the X-shaped side frames are connected to cross members which receive an upright net panel connected to the frame by a plurality of tensioning cords. The forward legs of the X-shaped side frames receive a curvilinear net panel connected to the forward legs by a plurality of tensioning cords. Brace members interconnect the forward legs to maintain uniform separation but are offset from the plane defined by the curvilinear net panel so as to prevent inadvertent deflection of a soccer ball by contact with the rigid frame elements. |
| US08647220B2 |
Basketball training device
A basketball training device having at least one elongated and vertically extending post with at least two longitudinally spaced openings. At least one elongated arm has one end insertable into one of the spaced openings on the post so that the arm extends horizontally outwardly from the post. A basketball player practices dribbling by dribbling both under the arm and over the arm as desired. |
| US08647218B2 |
Iron-type golf club
A golf club including a club head having a club head main body including a hitting face and a face support, and a support extension. The support extension extends between the face support and a back flange to define a lower cavity. |
| US08647217B2 |
Golf club head
A hollow golf club head comprises a main body member provided with a face opening and a sole opening, a face member brazed/soldered to the main body member to close the face opening, and a sole member brazes/soldered/welded to the main body member to close the sole opening. The main body member has a thin front edge part of the sole opening and a thick heat blocking part between the thin front edge part and the face portion. The sole member has a front edge part connected to the sole opening's front edge part and a thicker sole reinforcing part positioned backward thereof. The thicknesses of the sole member's front edge part and the sole opening's front edge part are not less than 0.5 mm and less than 2.5 mm. The thicknesses of the sole reinforcing part and the heat blocking part are 2.5 to 10.0 mm. |
| US08647216B2 |
Golf club head
Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a golf club head having improved mass distribution characteristics. The golf club head includes a body and a face positioned at a forward portion of the body. The golf club head also includes one or more mass elements positioned at predetermined locations about the head. The mass elements assist in achieving desired relationship between the moment of inertia about a center of gravity x-axis and the moment of inertia about a center of gravity z-axis. |
| US08647212B2 |
Intersecting path ride
An intersecting path ride providing close vehicle interaction without risk of collision. The ride includes a track assembly defining first and second linear, open channels bisecting at a vehicle path intersection point. The ride includes first and second vehicle guides movable within the channels. The ride includes first and second vehicle subassemblies supported by the guides, and the vehicle subassemblies move or reciprocate with the guides along linear paths defined by the channels. The ride includes a vehicle positioning assembly that concurrently reciprocates the guides back and forth along the linear channels through the intersection point. The vehicle positioning assembly includes a connection link pivotally coupled to the guides, a drive motor with an output shaft, and a crank arm rigidly coupled to the output shaft at one end and pivotally coupled to the connection link at another end moving the midpoint of the link through a circular drive path. |
| US08647208B2 |
Method for managing IP addresses in a network gaming environment
Disclosed are systems and methods for managing Internet Protocol (“IP”) addresses in a network gaming environment. The systems and methods comprise a plurality of electronic gaming machines, having one or more in-game network devices. In particular, an in-game switch is provided, which is configured to receiving an external IP address from a centrals DHCP server and to determine a scope of internal IP addresses associated with the one or more in-game network devices. Once the scope is determined, the in-game switch is configured to lease IP addresses from the address scope block to the associated in-game network devices. |
| US08647205B2 |
System, apparatus, storage medium storing program and data exchange method
A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged. |
| US08647203B2 |
Transaction product with selectively illuminated buttons
A transaction product includes an electrical assembly, a housing, a button, and an account identifier. The electrical assembly includes a light. The housing substantially encloses the electrical assembly including the light, wherein the housing defines an exterior surface and an aperture extending through the exterior surface. The button has a rounded extremity and extends from within the housing to outside the housing through the aperture and beyond the exterior surface. The button aligns with and surrounds the light such that when the light is lit the button is illuminated. The account identifier is coupled to the housing and links the transaction product to a financial account having an associated monetary value available toward a price of a purchase, wherein the account identifier is machine readable. |
| US08647197B2 |
Storage medium storing game program and game apparatus
A game apparatus includes a CPU, and displays on a monitor a scene viewed from a virtual camera moving in a virtual game space. In the game apparatus, an aspect ratio of an image to be displayed on the monitor is acquired, and a moving speed of the virtual camera is set based on the aspect ratio. For example, a visual field of the virtual camera is set based on the aspect ratio, and as the image is laterally longer with respect to a longitudinal thereof, the visual field in a crosswise direction is made wider, and therefore a crosswise moving speed of the virtual camera is made smaller. |
| US08647188B2 |
System gaming
A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded. |
| US08647181B2 |
Slaughtering installation and method
A slaughtering installation for processing poultry is adapted to be used in combination with a conveying assembly for conveying poultry which is suspended from their legs in a transport direction. The slaughtering installation comprising a killing device with poultry positioning device for positioning the neck region of the poultry suspended from the conveying assembly, the killing device further comprising cutting device for cutting into the neck and thereby opening at least one blood vessel in the neck region of the poultry. The positioning device comprises a back neck guide along which the back side of the neck of the poultry is guided, and a breast neck guide along which the breast side of the neck of the poultry is guided. |
| US08647179B2 |
Polishing pad, and method for manufacturing polishing pad
It is an object of the present invention to provide a polishing pad that is resistant to scratching and also has excellent flattening performance. One aspect of the present invention is a polishing pad, comprising a fiber-entangled body formed from fiber bundles made up of ultrafine fibers in which the average cross sectional area is between 0.01 and 30 μm2, and a macromolecular elastomer, wherein part of the macromolecular elastomer is present inside the fiber bundles, whereby the ultrafine fibers are bundled, the number of fiber bundles per unit of surface area present in a cross section in the thickness direction is at least 600 bundles per square millimeter, and the volumetric ratio of a portion excluding voids is between 55 and 95%. |
| US08647176B2 |
Method and apparatus for grinding a workpiece surface of rotation
A workpiece having a planar face the workpiece is rotated about a workpiece axis substantially perpendicular to the planar workpiece face, and a grinding disk centered on a disk axis is rotated about the disk axis. The disk has an annular planar disk face perpendicular to and centered on the disk axis and an annular frustoconical disk face extending from an edge of the planar disk face, centered on the disk axis, and angled inward from the planar disk face. A portion of the annular face is oriented perpendicular to the workpiece axis and pressed against the planar workpiece face to premachine most of the planar workpiece face. Thereafter the disk is pivoted and oriented parallel the planar workpiece face to finish machine the planar workpiece face with the planar disk face. |
| US08647175B2 |
Method and apparatus for finish machining ball tracks in a nut of a ball drive
A radially inwardly open raceway formed in a nut centered on a nut axis is machined by of oscillating the nut about the nut axis while pressing a tool secured in a holder radially outwardly into the raceway of the nut. The holder is moved parallel to the nut axis and oscillated about a tool axis perpendicular to the nut axis synchronously with the oscillation of the nut about the nut axis. Springs brace the tool against the holder parallel to the nut axis such that the tool can move limitedly in the holder against spring bias parallel to the tool axis. |
| US08647174B2 |
Semiconductor wafer polishing method and polishing pad shaping jig
Disclosed is a semiconductor wafer polishing method for polishing the surfaces to be polished of semiconductor wafers by use of polishing pads (16, 17) provided on fixing plates by relative movement of the polishing pads and the semiconductor wafers held by carriers. The shaping surfaces (25) of a polishing pad shaping jig (21) are shaped by inverting, with respect to ideal shapes, the shapes of the surfaces to be polished of each semiconductor wafer when the surfaces are polished by use of the polishing pads (16, 17) before shaping, and the shapes of the shaping surfaces of the polishing pad shaping jig are transferred to the pad surfaces (16A and 17A) of the respective polishing pads (16, 17). The surfaces to be polished of each semiconductor wafer are polished by use of the pad surfaces. |
| US08647173B2 |
Method for polishing a semiconductor wafer
A method of polishing a semiconductor wafer using a holding system including a lined cutout the size of the semiconductor wafer that is fixed to a carrier. The method includes holding the semiconductor wafer in the cutout through adhesion of a first side of the semiconductor wafer to a bearing surface in the cutout and polishing a second side of the held semiconductor wafer using a polishing pad that is fixed on a polishing plate while introducing a polishing agent between the second side of the semiconductor wafer and the polishing pad, the polishing pad including fixedly bonded abrasive materials. The carrier is guided during polishing such that a portion of the second side of the semiconductor wafer temporarily projects beyond a lateral edge of a surface of the polishing pad. |
| US08647168B2 |
Garment for providing body shaping
A garment for providing body shaping. In one embodiment, a slip-shaped body garment uses support bands to provide support in various areas of the body while maintaining an overall smooth and desirable body shape. |
| US08647164B2 |
Organic electroluminescent element, production method of the same, display device, and lighting device
An organic electroluminescent element includes a laminated body incorporating an anode substrate, an anode, at least one non-light emitting organic layer A exhibiting positive hole transportability, at least one light emitting organic layer B, at least one non-light emitting organic layer C exhibiting electron transportability, a cathode, and a cathode substrate in the sequence set forth. At least 80% by weight of the organic layer A and the organic layer C in the laminated body is formed via a wet process, and the laminated body is made with an adhesion process between the organic layer A and the organic layer B, or between the organic layer B and the organic layer C. |
| US08647163B2 |
Method of manufacturing organic EL display
Laser light is irradiated onto a foreign substance, which is contaminated into an organic layer of an organic EL element, to insulate the periphery of the foreign substance, thereby repairing a defect of the organic EL element that may be caused by the foreign substance. Before the laser light is irradiated onto a pixel containing a foreign substance, the laser light is irradiated onto peripheral pixels around the pixel containing the foreign substance, while shifting a focal position of laser light. The focal position of laser light is defined based on a laser irradiation mark and an emission state of the pixel. The laser light is irradiated with the adjusted focus to insulate a foreign substance section without damaging other portions than the periphery of the foreign substance, thereby making it possible to repair a defect that may be caused by the foreign substance. |
| US08647160B2 |
Connection terminal, terminal connection structure, and terminal box
A terminal box (1) includes a connection terminal (3) that can interconnect a terminal (4) of a bus bar and a core wire (221) of an output cable (22) and that is in a box main body (11). One end of the connection terminal (3) has an insertion connecting portion (32) into which the terminal (4) of the bus bar can be inserted, and the other end has a cable press-fitting portion (39) to which the core wire (221) of the output cable (22) that is to be connected to a terminal main body (31) is press-fitted. The insertion connecting portion (32) includes an elastic contact piece (35) provided with an elastic repulsive force, and the terminal (4) of the bus bar can be forcibly introduced thereinto. |
| US08647159B2 |
Apparatus and method for effecting electrical termination with a plurality of types of termination structures
An apparatus for effecting electrical termination with a plurality of types of termination structures includes: (a) a base member presenting a face in a first direction; and (b) a plurality of electrically conductive connection members extending in the first direction from the face. Each respective connection member of the plurality of connection members presents a rod-shaped post. Each post has a first portion presenting a threaded structure and has a second portion presenting an unthreaded structure. The rod-shaped post of selected connection members may further include a tapped opening located along a longitudinal axis of the respective connection member. |
| US08647158B2 |
Device for mounting protector on din rail
A cam pin provided so as to project from a tip portion of an elastic tongue piece formed on a base unit of a protector S is inserted into a cam groove of a cam member disposed between the base unit and an operation member, and the operation member is moved in a direction in which the operation member moves away from or closer to a lower horizontal portion of the base unit to move the cam member, thus moving the cam pin between a locked position at which the cam pin a is positioned near a boundary between a inclined groove portion and a parallel groove portion of the cam groove of the cam member to inhibit the protector from being disengaged from a DIN rail and a unlocked position. |
| US08647155B2 |
Electrical-conductive assembly for signal cable
An electrical-conductive assembly for a signal cable. The signal cable includes an outer insulation cover and a plurality of cores inside the outer insulation cover. Each core has a protective sheath and an electric wire located in the protective sheath. The electrical-conductive assembly includes an electrical-conductive portion and an electrical-conductive portion member. The electrical-conductive portion is provided on a section of the signal cable with a portion of the outer insulation cover removed. Each core inside the electrical-conductive portion is formed with a naked lead section by removing a portion of the protective sheath. The electrical-conductive member is assembled with the electrical-conductive portion and includes at least one electrical-conductive covering piece electrically connected to the naked lead section and at least one electrical-conductive post extending from the electrical-conductive covering piece. |
| US08647153B2 |
Shielded connector
A shielded connector includes a conductive body having a plurality of receiving holes formed through, a plurality of insulating members respectively fixed in the receiving holes, and a plurality of terminals respectively fixed to the insulating members. Each terminal has a contact portion exposed upward to the insulating member and a soldering portion exposed downward to the insulating member. The terminal and the conductive body are in an nonconductive state. The conductive body is formed by integral injection molding, which does not require pre-molding an insulating body having a plurality of receiving holes and plating metal layers in the receiving holes, so that the process is simple yet novel and the problem that metal layers easily peel off is solved while ensuring a stable and good shielding effect. |
| US08647151B2 |
Contact unit and printed circuit board connector having the same
A ground contact plate in a contact unit includes fixing pieces provided at predetermined equal intervals in a longitudinal direction. The fixing pieces are respectively fitted in opposed slits in ground contact terminals via a transmission blade. |
| US08647149B2 |
Connecting member-terminated multi-core coaxial cable and method for manufacture thereof
A multi-core coaxial cable is composed of includes a plurality of coaxial cables, each of which having an insulator, an outer conductor, and a sheath successively disposed in a coaxial arrangement around a center conductor, and which are collectively covered by a cable sheath. At one end portion of the multi-core coaxial cable, the plurality of coaxial cables are exposed from the cable sheath and arranged in parallel rows. A connecting member is connected to one end of the multi-core coaxial cable, and the center conductors and outer conductors of the plurality of coaxial cables are respectively conductively connected to terminal portions of the connecting member. The covering member is positioned covering the periphery of the plurality of coaxial cables between the cable sheath and the connecting member. |
| US08647147B2 |
Dual conductor cable connector
A connector assembly for use with dual conductor cable is disclosed. The connector assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, first and second fixture wires, and first and second connector terminals. The first and second connectors are removably attachable. The first connector includes a first connector base, two prongs extending from the first connector base, and a first connector slot for accepting the first connector terminal. The second connector includes a second connector base, two wings extending from the second connector base, and a second connector slot for accepting the second connector terminal. The wings are sized and configured to accept the two prongs when the first and second connectors are joined. The first and second connector terminals include a spike extending generally away from the base of the connector into which the terminal has been secured. The first connector terminal is secured in the first connector in electrical communication with the first fixture wire, and the second connector terminal is secured in the second connector in electrical communication with second fixture wire. The first and second connectors, when joined by the insertion of the prongs between the wings, define a central portion sized to allow the passage of the dual conductor cable to which the first and second connectors are connected. When the first and second connectors are joined with the dual connector cable located in the central portion, the spikes of the first and second terminals penetrate into the dual conductor cable, whereby the dual conductor cable is placed into electrical communication with the first and second fixture wire. |
| US08647145B2 |
Communication connector having a cover movable along an incline relative to a case
A communication connector for connecting with a communication plug is disclosed. The communication connector includes a base, a set of conductive terminals, a case, and a cover, wherein the set of conductive terminals is situated on the base, and the case is used for accommodating the base and the set of conductive terminals. The case has a first incline with an opening. The cover has a second incline and a notch. The shape of the second incline matches the first incline to allow the cover to move upward or downward relative to the case. The shape of the notch matches the communication plug. When the cover moves upward, the communication plug passes the notch, enters the opening, and electrically connects to the set of conductive terminals. |
| US08647141B2 |
Board-to-board connector assembly
A board-to-board connector assembly has a female connector and a male connector. The female connector has a first insulative housing, multiple first terminals and a latching bar. The first insulative housing has a locking recess and a releasing recess. The latching bar is mounted pivotally on the first insulative housing and selectively engages the locking recess or releasing recess. The male connector has a second insulative housing, multiple second terminals and two latched elements. The latched elements are mounted in the second insulative housing and each latched element has a latched hole selectively engaging with the latching bar to prevent the male connector from falling out of the female connector. |
| US08647139B2 |
Electrical connector for digital band
Disclosed is a connector for a digital band, which is attached to the digital band and is quickly and easily attachable to an external circuit. The connector for a digital band includes a body portion having one end attached to the digital band, and at least one conductive portion connected to the digital yarn, and an insertion portion attached to the other end of the body portion and having at least one land connected to the conductive portion and exposed to the outside. |
| US08647135B2 |
Lock device
A lock device locks a lid, which protects the inlet, and a power supplying plug. The lock device includes a helical gear rotated by the motor. A helical gear is connected to a control shaft. The control shaft is moved to a hook lock bar lock position when the helical gear rotates counterclockwise from the reference position. The helical gear is connected by a transmission member to a lid lock bar. The lid lock bar is constantly urged toward a lid lock position by a coil spring. When the helical gear rotates clockwise from the reference position, the lid lock bar moves to the lid unlock position against the urging force of the coil spring. |
| US08647134B2 |
Charge cord lock for electric vehicle
A charge cord assembly for a vehicle having a charging receptacle for engaging the charge cord during battery recharging. The charge cord assembly includes an electric cord extending between a source of electric current and the charging receptacle; a cord end connector engaging the electric cord and having a electrical socket engaging the charging receptacle, a latch hook that selectively secures the cord end connector to the charging receptacle, a release handle, a release linkage assembly engaged between the release handle and the latch hook to release the latch hook from the charging receptacle when the release handle is actuated; and a lock assembly having a locked position that prevents the release linkage assembly from releasing the latch hook from the charging receptacle and an unlocked position that allows the release linkage assembly to release the latch hook from the charging receptacle when the release handle is actuated. |
| US08647131B1 |
Electrical cord with replaceable plugs
An electrical cord plug having a receiving plug physically and electrically couplable with wires of an electrical cord and a detachable plug detachably physically and electrically couplable with the receiving plug. The detachable plug may be a male plug configured to plug into an electrical outlet or a female plug configured to receive a male plug from an electrical cord or device. The receiving plug may have conductive prongs or conductive ports for physically and electrically interfacing with conductive ports or conductive prongs of the detachable plug, respectively. The receiving plug and the detachable plug may each have non-conductive housings mechanically and detachably attachable with each other such that, if damaged, the detachable plug may be removed and replaced with a new detachable plug. |
| US08647129B2 |
Housingless connector
Provided is a housingless connector in which a plurality of cantilevers arranged in a comb shape and functioning as contacts is hardly damaged. A receptacle connector (housingless connector) is formed of a single metal plate and used to be mounted on a receptacle-side substrate. The receptacle connector includes a plurality of cantilevers arranged in a comb shape and functioning as contacts, and an outer frame body surrounding the cantilevers. The outer frame body includes a pair of side plates sandwiching the cantilevers in a direction parallel to a connector mounting surface of the receptacle-side substrate, and a top plate disposed on an opposite side of the receptacle-side substrate with the cantilevers interposed therebetween. |
| US08647128B2 |
Coaxial connector
A coaxial connector includes a center contact and a board contact coupled to the center contact that is terminated to a circuit board. An outer contact has a cavity that receives the center contact and board contact. The outer contact has a separable interface end mated to a mating connector and a terminating end mounted to the circuit board. A circuit board mount is coupled to the terminating end and electrically connects the outer contact to the circuit board. A dielectric insert is received in the cavity and includes a bore that receives and holds either the center contact or the board contact. The dielectric insert has structural features extending axially along an exterior of the dielectric insert with air gaps being defined between the structural features. The structural features engage the outer contact to secure the dielectric insert in the cavity. |
| US08647127B2 |
Methods and systems for demonstrating differences between and benefits of products
Disclosed are methods and systems of demonstrating advantages and benefits of premium animal care products, the methods comprising the steps of: presenting a first demonstration aid wherein the first demonstration aid demonstrates a first feature or characteristic; presenting a second demonstration aid wherein the second demonstration aid demonstrates a second feature or characteristic; describing to an audience the first feature or characteristic; describing to an audience the second feature or characteristic; and comparing the first and second features or characteristics to demonstrate the advantages and benefits of the animal care product. The methods and systems can include methods and systems of demonstrating reduced hair ingestion and hairball related effects; methods and systems of demonstrating improvements in skin and coat; and methods and systems of demonstrating better absorption and/or retention of food and nutrients, and production of less waste. |
| US08647125B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for simulating microlaryngeal surgery
Apparatus for simulating microlaryngeal surgery. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a larynx model that emulates an actual larynx, the larynx model including an inner passage that includes a vocal fold model support that emulates a portion of an actual vocal fold, and a vocal fold model that emulates tissues of an actual vocal fold, the vocal fold model being adapted to be received by the vocal fold model support of the larynx model. |
| US08647123B1 |
First responder emergency situation assistance device
The present invention is a first aid emergency supply kit capable of providing audio and/or video instructions to the user as to how to use the medical supplies contained in the kit. The case is organized so that the medical supplies for different traumas are packaged into individual bags. The user can activate the audio and/or video instructions by pushing a button on the unit's console that corresponds to the particular trauma. Alternatively, the instructions can be activated by removing a bag from the case which automatically begins the instructions. If a victim has sustained multiple injuries, and the user has depressed multiple buttons or removed multiple bags, then the device automatically prioritizes the traumas and provides instructions on the multiple traumas in the proper order. |
| US08647122B2 |
System and method for enhancing prayer and healing rituals
Interactive prayer systems are provided, which include a pad that is adapted to be repeatedly stepped upon by a user; a first detection means for detecting when the user steps on the pad; a second detection means for detecting, and for creating proximity event data based upon, when the user is standing in proximity of specific areas within the pad; a communications means for communicating touch event data and proximity event data to a computer and a computer program executing on the computer; a display means connected to the computer, which displays the scripture to the user during prayer; and a notification means embedded in the pad for notifying the user when, and if, an error in the user's performance of the one or more prayer rituals is detected by the computer program. Methods of using such interactive prayer systems are also provided. |
| US08647120B2 |
Dental separator apparatus and method
A tooth separator apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes a tong having two arms constructed of a resilient material and having a wedge disposed at each end. An expander member is coupled to the two arms, and a drive shaft is coupled to the expander member. When a user moves or rotates the drive shaft, the expander member is moved into a position which causes the two arms and wedges to separate by a distance sufficient to permit the wedges to be inserted in a patient's mouth and positioned adjacent to two teeth that are to be separated. When the user rotates the drive shaft in the reverse direction, the expander member returns to its original position thereby releasing the separating force on the resilient arms and permitting them and the wedges to move in a closing direction with sufficient force to separate the adjacent teeth. |
| US08647119B1 |
Methods and kits with fluorescent probes for caries detection
Methods and kits are provided for identifying carious lesions using a detectable fluorescent probe that binds to the lesion and an optical device. The detectable probe includes a molecule, a stain, a marker, and a dye capable of binding to a caries in the enamel layer of a tooth. The detectable probe is a fluorescent composition, or a bioluminescent composition, that emits a characteristic wavelength of light following illumination at an excitation wavelength. |
| US08647113B2 |
Method for manufacturing a cement clinker, and cement clinker manufacturing facility
A method for manufacturing a cement clinker includes a rotary furnace, a cyclone preheater receiving the fumes from said rotary furnace, an air blowing clinker cooler, and at least one heat exchanger, referred to as a first heat exchanger. The raw materials are preheated and decarbonated in said cyclone preheater. The clinker is cooled in said clinker cooler. A first portion of the hot air generated by said clinker cooler, or so-called secondary air, is directed to the rotary furnace to be used as combustion air. A second portion of the hot air generated, or so-called tertiary air, is directed and carried separately from the first portion to a place in the facility where fuel is burned. A third portion of hot air generated in said clinker cooler, or so-called excess air, is carried into at least said first heat exchanger for the purpose of recovering power to produce electricity. |
| US08647108B2 |
Adjustable aligning device for large composite moulds
An adjustable aligning device (300) for large composite molds comprising a first half part and a second half part includes a first member (1) and a second member (2) which are coupled to the first half part and the second half part of the molds respectively. The first member (1) and the second member (2) have mating portions and are capable of moving relative to each other. The adjustable aligning device (300) allows the fine calibration of overbite of the mold, and can reduce the time and skill needed for aligning the molds. |
| US08647107B2 |
Die for manufacturing ceramic products
A die for manufacturing ceramic products, comprising a first (1) half-die (1) and a second half-die (2) located opposite one another, the first half-die (1) comprising a support (6). Fixed to the support (6) there is a plate (7), which deforms and distributes a pressure exerted by said second half-die (2) on said ceramic product and exhibits a peripheral portion (7a) and a central portion (7b). A chamber (8) is afforded between the support (6) and the plate (7) for containing an operating fluid and enabling deformation of the plate (7). The peripheral portion (1a) exhibits an elastic deformability which is greater than an elastic deformability of the central portion (7b). |
| US08647106B2 |
Template and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
A template formed of an optically-transparent material according to an embodiment includes a contact surface which contacts a resist material, a concave portion for resist pattern formed on the contact surface in which the resist material is filled and cured so as to form a resist pattern part, and a concave portion for alignment mark formed on the contact surface which is used for an optical alignment of the template, includes an opening and a bottom portion and has a shape that an area of the opening is larger than that of the bottom portion or a shape that a depth thereof is deeper than that of the concave portion for resist pattern. |
| US08647098B2 |
Liquefier assembly for use in extrusion-based additive manufacturing systems
A liquefier assembly for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, the liquefier assembly comprising a downstream portion having a first average inner cross-sectional area, and an upstream having a second average inner cross-sectional area that is less than the first inner cross-sectional area, the upstream portion defining a shoulder configured to restrict movement of a melt meniscus of a consumable material. |
| US08647097B2 |
Intermittent film forming system and intermittent film forming method
An intermittent film forming system is provided, comprising a mold having a fine projections and depressions shape formed on the surface, a press for pressing a film to the surface of the mold, a transportation for carrying the film, and a releasing device for releasing the film from the mold surface. The releasing device is provided with a stripper roll for stripping the film, a means for rotary driving the stripper roll, an auxiliary roll arranged substantially in parallel with the stripper roll across a film path line, a means for moving the auxiliary roll on the periphery of the stripper roll such that the film embraces the stripper roll, and a guide for moving the stripper roll and the auxiliary roll in the vicinity of the surface of the mold in parallel therewith, while maintaining the relative positional relationship that the film embraces the stripper roll. |
| US08647093B2 |
Device and a method for compression moulding of a fibre tray
A device for manufacturing a tray of cellulose material, includes: a compression mold including an essentially flat bottom end and surrounding sides for compression molding and drying of cellulose pulp to a finished tray; a male mold arranged to fit into the compression mold and that includes a bottom space and lateral surfaces corresponding to the compression mold, wherein the compression mold and the male mold between themselves delimit a mold space including a base section and a side section for compression molding of the cellulose pulp. Both the compression mold and the male mold are provided with blow and suction devices for blowing in and suction of fluid in and out of the mold space. The blow and suction devices include an inlet pipe having an inlet valve, coupled to an inlet chamber in connection with the mold space, and an outlet pipe having an outlet valve separated from the inlet pipe and coupled to an outlet chamber in connection with the mold space. |
| US08647087B2 |
Cooling system for gerotor motor
A hydraulic motor having a cooling system includes a stator, a rotor that rotates and orbits in the stator, a drive link connected to the rotor, and a housing connected with the stator. The housing includes a working fluid inlet port, a working fluid outlet port, a cooling fluid inlet port, and a cooling fluid outlet port. Each port extends through the housing and is configured to connect with a different associated external fluid line. Pressurized fluid enters the working fluid inlet port to rotate and orbit the rotor en route to the working fluid outlet port. The cooling fluid ports are isolated from the working fluid inlet port and the working fluid outlet port within the housing. |
| US08647086B2 |
Enclosed compressor
An enclosed compressor includes a compression element configured to compress a working fluid, a casing and a fixing member. The casing has a substantially cylindrical shell plate and houses the compression element. The fixing member is welded to the shell plate. The compression element is fixed to the fixing member by at least six fastening bolts. |
| US08647080B2 |
Motor-driven compressor
The motor-driven compressor is mounted on a first mounting of a vehicle. The motor-driven compressor includes a compressor body, a second mounting, a first spacer, a flexible conductor and a fastener. The compressor body is electrically powered to draw in fluid for compression and to discharge the compressed fluid. The second mounting is formed on the compressor body and has a mounting hole. The first spacer is made of a resin and interposed between the first mounting and the second mounting. The conductor is formed integrally with the first spacer for electrically connecting the first mounting and the second mounting. The fastener is made of a resin and inserted through the mounting hole of the second mounting for joining the first mounting and the second mounting. |
| US08647078B2 |
Motor pump assembly for transmission valve body
A pumping system for an automatic transmission includes a valve body containing transmission fluid having an upper level, a hydraulic pump mounted on a wall of the valve body, and an electric motor driveably connected to the pump. |
| US08647074B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting occlusions in an ambulatory infusion pump
An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on a series of measurements of one or more variables, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system. |
| US08647068B2 |
Blade tip for a rotor blade of a wind turbine and a method of inserting the blade tip into a rotor blade
A blade tip for a rotor blade of a wind turbine, and a method of inserting the blade tip into a rotor blade are provided. The blade tip for the rotor blade of a wind turbine simplifies the installation and the replacement of the blade tip as well as a method of inserting such a blade tip. The blade tip can be inserted by means of an adjustable clamping wedge so as to simplify replacement of the tip if necessary. The associated method of inserting the blade tip outside the shell mould removes the likelihood of damage to the shell mould due to sawing. |
| US08647061B2 |
Teeter-restraint device for wind turbines
A wind turbine system includes a shaft, a rotor for driving the shaft, and a first fluidic teeter control assembly. The rotor includes a first blade engaged to the shaft by a hub, and has a degree of freedom to pivot relative to the shaft. A first teeter angle is defined between an instantaneous position of the first blade and a time-averaged plane of rotation of the first blade. The first fluidic teeter control assembly is engaged between the rotor and the shaft for providing a first dynamic teeter restraining force as a function of the first teeter angle and a fluidic resistance. The first dynamic restraining force is relatively low when the first teeter angle is within a first teeter operation range, and the first dynamic restraining force is higher when the first teeter angle is outside that range. |
| US08647057B2 |
Turbine exhaust diffuser with a gas jet producing a coanda effect flow control
An exhaust diffuser system and method for a turbine engine includes an inner boundary and an outer boundary with a flow path defined therebetween. The inner boundary is defined at least in part by a hub structure that has an upstream end and a downstream end. The outer boundary may include a region in which the outer boundary extends radially inward toward the hub structure and may direct at least a portion of an exhaust flow in the diffuser toward the hub structure. The hub structure includes at least one jet exit located on the hub structure adjacent to the upstream end of the tail cone. The jet exit discharges a flow of gas substantially tangential to an outer surface of the tail cone to produce a Coanda effect and direct a portion of the exhaust flow in the diffuser toward the inner boundary. |
| US08647056B2 |
Variable geometry turbomachine
Variable geometry turbomachine with a bearing housing, an adjacent turbine housing, a turbine wheel rotating in the turbine housing about a turbine axis; an inlet passage upstream of the turbine wheel between inlet surfaces of first and second wall members, one wall member moveable along the turbine axis to vary the inlet passage size; vanes across the inlet passage connected to a first wall member; an array of vane slots defined by the second wall member to receive the vanes for relative movement between the wall members; the second wall member comprising a shroud defining vane slots; the second wall member supported by a support member retained by a mounting feature; the mounting feature being one of the bearing housings, the turbine housing, or the actuation element; and the shroud is fixed to the support member so axial movement of the shroud relative to the support member is substantially prevented. |
| US08647054B2 |
Axial turbo engine with low gap losses
An axial turbomachine including a rotor blade cascade is provided. The rotor blade cascade includes rotor blades each including front edge, a radially outer free blade tip and an annular enclosure enclosing the rotor blade cascade with an annulus inner side by means of which the annular enclosure is arranged directly adjacent to the blade tips to give a radial gap between the enveloping ends of the blade tips and the annulus inner side. The rotor blades include a radial projection in the region of the front edge on the blade tip and the annular enclosure has an annular radial recess in the annulus inner side, arranged at a radial distance from the ends of the blade tips, such that in the main flow direction of the axial turbomachine the line of the radial projections on the side facing the radial gap matches the line of the radial recess. |
| US08647053B2 |
Cooling arrangement for a turbine component
A cooled component wall (52) with a combustion gas (36) on one side (56) and a coolant gas (48) with higher pressure on the other side (58). The wall includes a cooling chamber (60) with an impingement cooling zone (62), a convective cooling zone (64), and a film cooling zone (66). Impingement holes (70) admit and direct jets (72) of coolant against the wall, then the coolant passes among heat transfer elements such as channels (76) and fins (78) to the film cooling zone (66) where it passes through holes in the wall that direct a film of the coolant along the combustion side of the wall. The chamber may be oriented with the impingement zone (62) downstream and the film cooling zone (66) upstream, relative to the combustion gas flow (36). This provides two passes of the coolant (84, 79) in opposite directions over the respective opposite sides of the wall (56, 58). |
| US08647052B2 |
Arrangement comprising a shaft seal
A shaft seal for sealing a gap between a shaft and a casing is provided. The shaft seal includes a plurality of sealing modules, at least one fluid supply and one fluid drain, and a first main seal on which a major partial pressure difference occurs. Conventional shaft seals of the above type require significant amounts of additional barrier fluid in regular intervals to ensure suitable pressure gradients. In the presently proposed shaft seal, the first main seal is designed as a radial double seal which is defined by two gas seals having respective rotating sealing surfaces and stationary sealing surfaces, the pair of sealing surfaces being opposite each other in a respective sealing plane. The sealing planes extend in a substantially radial manner relative to the shaft. |
| US08647051B2 |
High efficiency low-profile centrifugal fan
An impeller for a centrifugal fan includes a hub, impeller blades, and struts for supporting the blades in a circumferential array spaced apart from the hub. The number of struts can equal the number of blades, each strut extended from the hub to support two blades while each blade is supported by one strut nearer to its leading edge and another strut nearer to its trailing edge. Another arrangement features two struts per blade, with one of the struts coupled to the hub and a given blade, and the other strut coupled between the given blade and an adjacent blade. The struts are recessed inwardly from the leading and trailing edges to promote smoother air flow. The blades and struts are provided with aerodynamic thickness profiles to further improve air flow. |
| US08647049B2 |
Gas turbine engine casing assembly
High bypass ratio turbofan propulsion engines are designed with a two-step approach to surviving foreign object damage to the fan assembly. First, a containment system encircling the fan assembly to capture any part of a released fan blade in the event of damage occurring, and two in order to cope with the vibrations resulting from a rotating unbalanced fan assembly the support structure for the bearing of the rotating assembly is constructed with frangible parts to introduce a snubber gap to permit the rotating, unbalanced fan assembly and bearing to orbit thereby to reduce the resulting vibrations. However, in the case of very wide chord fan assemblies, the largest acceptable snubber gap is insufficient to reduce the induced vibrations. The present solution is to incorporate into the containment system, and behind a fan track liner encircling the fan blades, at least one severance member having a cutting edge that will impact the tips of the blades of an orbiting fan assembly thereby to trim the mass distribution of the fan blades in order to reduce the vibrations caused by the out of balance forces. |
| US08647048B2 |
Flexible seal for gas turbine engine system
A system includes a gas turbine engine, a nozzle structure located adjacent to the gas turbine engine, a flexible annular seal linking the gas turbine engine and the nozzle structure, the flexible annular seal having a plurality of corrugate sections, and a reinforcement member positioned between two of the plurality of corrugate sections. |
| US08647047B2 |
Method and system for controlling a turbocompressor group
A method for controlling at least two turbocompressors (1.1, 2.1), each having a control device (1.2, 2.2) for maintaining a distance relative to a surge limit curve (P1, P2) of the respective turbocompressor; wherein a first distance (A1.1, A2.1) is determined for each turbocompressor from its surge limit curve; wherein the distance to be maintained can be trimmed relative to this first distance in the control devices; and wherein the distance (A2.2) of a control device (2.2) to be maintained is trimmed relative to its first distance (A2.1) based on a trimming (A1.1→A1.2) of another control device (1.2) in such a way that a total process variable (dV/dt) remains substantially constant. |
| US08647046B2 |
Device for presenting a product to a manipulator as well as system and method for automated loading of a carrier
The invention provides a device for presenting a product to a manipulator, comprising a transfer location provided with a number of mutually parallel first support elements, each having an elongated horizontal first support edge, and a number of strip-shaped second support elements extending parallel to each other and perpendicular to said first support elements, each having an elongated horizontal second support edge, wherein the first support elements on the one hand and the second support elements on the other hand can move vertically up and down relative to each other. This way spaces can be made between the first support elements and between the second support elements respectively, in which spaces finger means of a manipulator can be inserted for picking up a product. The invention further provides a system and a method for automated loading of a carrier. |
| US08647045B1 |
Extendo bucket attachment
A bucket attachment for skid loaders and the like that provides a forward hinge material bucket that effectively extends the usable load height for the bucket. The bucket attachment affords loading material into higher trucks using the same skid loader by a uniquely positioned bucket dual pivot system. |
| US08647041B2 |
Method and apparatus for handling refuse containers
To collect refuse, a portable material container gripper is mounted to lift arms of a refuse collection truck. The portable material container gripper is easily mounted to the lift arms by inserting a tube around the lift arms and locking it in place with a bar passing through an opening in the tube. The portable material container gripper includes a clamp that clamps around a horizontal bar on a refuse or material container to hold the refuse or material container in place while it is dumped into the bed of the refuse collection truck by the lift arms. |
| US08647040B2 |
Tray flip unloader
A mailpiece transfer system uses a transfer box to unload a plurality of mailpieces from an open tray, while maintaining an orientation alignment of the flat items. The tray is placed in the transfer box, after which the transfer box, holding the tray, is rotated to cause the mailpieces to rest against a cover of the transfer box. The tray is then removed, and the transfer box rotated again, allowing the substantially flat items to rest against a bottom of the transfer box, but without the tray. The mailpieces are then guided to a next workstation. The mailpieces may be edged for delivery to the next workstation. |
| US08647039B2 |
System for loading and unloading loose cargo in a cargo hold, preferably of a plane, and intermediate conveyor means or conveyor unit herefor
The present invention concerns a system for loading and unloading loose cargo, such as preferably pieces of luggage or the like, in a cargo hold of a plane, including conveying the loose cargo towards the inner end of the cargo hold during loading, or away from it during unloading, and including transport of the loose cargo between the level of the tarmac and the cargo hold opening. The loose cargo may during loading be conveyed into the fuselage in a direction transversal to the longitudinal axis of the plane and also in the longitudinal direction of the plane, and deposited, in the cargo hold. Loose cargo conveyed back into the plane of the cargo hold opening during unloading may be conveyed off transversely to the longitudinal axis of the plane through the cargo hold opening. Moreover the invention proposes intermediate conveyor means herefor. |
| US08647037B2 |
System and method for assembling an end cover of a combustor
A system for assembling an end cover of a combustor includes a connector and structure for engaging the connector to an insert positioned at least partially inside the end cover. The system also includes structure for moving the connector axially with respect to the end cover. A method for assembling an end cover of a combustor includes inserting a connector through at least a portion of the end cover and an insert positioned at least partially inside the end cover. The method further includes engaging the connector with the insert and moving the connector axially with respect to the end cover to compress the insert against the end cover. |
| US08647035B2 |
Modular nut plate assemblies and methods of using the same
A nut plate assembly includes a nut retainer and a bushing for expanding a tubular body of the retainer. The retainer assembly is used to cold work an opening of a workpiece in order to fix the nut retainer assembly relative to the workpiece. A nut can be snapped into the retainer. A method of installation includes passing a mandrel through the bushing to radially expand the bushing into a tubular body of the retainer. The tubular body is compressed between the workpiece and bushing as the bushing is displaced radially causing corresponding radial displacement of the tubular body. The expanded bushing applies pressure to the tubular body for a desired fit between the nut retainer and workpiece. |
| US08647033B2 |
Tool for machining a work piece and method for machining a work piece
The invention relates to a machine tool for machining a work piece having a main spindle unit with a preferably vertical spindle axis, and a machining spindle unit, particularly a hobbing spindle unit that is arranged next to the spindle axis in a direction crosswise to the spindle axis to accommodate a machining tool, with said machining spindle unit being displaceable along a first guiding direction, in particular vertically (Z) by means of a first guide and crosswise, preferably perpendicularly (X) or approximately perpendicularly displaceable to the first guiding direction, particularly the vertical, by means of a second guide, can advance to a work piece clamped in the main spindle unit, and can swivel around a swivel axis (B), preferably perpendicularly to the spindle axis (A) of the machining spindle unit, and with the machining tool having an arbitrary number of helically arranged machining elements, in particular a single- or multi-threaded generating means, adapted to execute generating teeth manufacturing methods. |
| US08647031B2 |
Method of making a semiconductor device having a multicomponent oxide
A semiconductor device includes a metal oxide channel and methods for forming the same. The metal oxide channel includes indium, gallium, and zinc. |
| US08647030B2 |
Core drilling system with torque shaft
A core drilling system is disclosed herein in which a torque tube has a groove or keyway which receives a rotating wheel or key to prevent a transmission box and motor from rotating during drilling operation. As such, the operator does not need to hold a stabilizing arm to resist counter rotational forces during the drilling process. The operator may focus on the hole to be cut in a substrate. Additionally, a torque tube stabilizing leg assembly may be secured to the free distal end portion of the torque tube. |
| US08647029B2 |
Cutting tool and method for extracting cutting insert therefrom
A cutting tool used for grooving and turning has a cutting insert removably secured in a holder blade. The cutting insert includes an insert passage having an insert passage axis, and the holder blade includes a holder passage having holder passage axis. When the cutting insert is resiliently clamped in the holding portion and located in a rearmost position, a passage plane containing the holder and insert passage axes forms a first angle with a main plane, perpendicular to the insert longitudinal axis and containing the insert passage center point, where the first angle is less than or equal to 60°. The cutting insert can be extracted from the cutting tool by positioning first and second engagement portions of an extraction key simultaneously in the holder and insert passages, respectively, and rotating the extraction key. |
| US08647026B2 |
Cutting tool with pocket feature for reducing stress
A cutting tool includes a tool body having a plurality of pockets for receiving cutting inserts. Each pocket includes a bottom support surface, an axial support surface, a radial support surface and a corner relief between the bottom support surface and the axial support surface. A pocket feature is at least partially located proximate the pocket, and more specifically, at least partially located on a wall between the axial support surface and the radial support surface for reducing a tensile stress of the cutting tool during a machining operation. |
| US08647025B2 |
Monolithic ceramic end mill
End mills are disclosed which may be made monolithically of ceramic or other materials. The cutting portions of the end mills have lengths of cut that are no more than twice their cutting diameters and cores which are at least 0.7 times their cutting diameters. Their axial blades have cutting edges with negative radial rake and are separated by helical flutes. Their cutting ends have negative axial rake and are gashed ahead of center and have radial cutting edges with negative rake. Such end mills also have radiused corners and gashes transitioning from radial to axial at a flute. Methods of milling materials using such ceramic end mills are also disclosed. |
| US08647022B2 |
Broaching tool
A broaching apparatus includes a first tooth having a front face, a rear face opposite the front face, and a first cutting surface have a lobed shape extending along a first side of the first tooth between the front face and the rear face. A first interface defined between the first cutting surface and the front face is offset relative to a second interface defined between the first cutting surface and the rear face in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to an axis of tooth movement for broaching operations to provide tool clearance rearward from the first interface. A method of making a broach cutter is further provided. |
| US08647018B2 |
Frame rail assemblies, interlocking frame rail systems, and related methods
A frame rail assembly for a boat dock structure includes a first frame rail member, a second frame rail member and a corner bumper member. The first frame rail member is secured to a first side of the boat dock structure and includes a first channel and a second channel The second frame rail member is secured to a second side of the boat dock structure and includes a first channel and a second channel. The corner bumper is positioned at a corner between a first end of the first frame rail member and a first end of the second frame rail member. The corner bumper member includes a first section and a second section. The first section includes coupling members engaged with the channels of the first frame rail member, and the second section includes coupling members engaged with the channels of the second frame rail member. |
| US08647013B2 |
Reflective substrate surface system, reflective assembly, and methods of improving the visibility of a substrate surface
The present invention provides a marking system adapted for coating a surface of a substrate in which a drying agent is used. According to a first aspect of the invention, a binder layer, such as paint, is applied to the surface. A drying agent is dispensed into the spray of a binder and becomes incorporated with the binder on the substrate surface. The incorporation of the drying agent into the binder prior to application on the surface provides improved mixing of the drying agent and binder and improved performance. According to a second aspect of the invention, a combination of optical elements and a drying agent are stored in a common hopper and are dispensed into the spray of the binder and become incorporated with the binder on the substrate surface. The mixture of optical elements and drying agent prevents coagulation of the drying agent and the resulting clogging of the dispenser. |
| US08647012B2 |
Gate for barrier system and methods for the assembly and use thereof
A gate for providing an opening in a barrier system includes a gate barrier segment and a connector having first and second connector segments. The first connector segment is coupled to the gate barrier segment. The first and second connector segments are releasably coupled, and may be hingedly connected on at least one of a first and second side thereof. The second connector segment is configured to be coupled to a stationary barrier segment. |
| US08647011B2 |
Engine shaft of hybrid design
On an engine shaft of hybrid design with an externally toothed power transmission element connected at the ends of a fiber-composite plastic tube, the power transmission element is of a two-part design and includes a toothed part made of steel of a specific hardness and, frontally weldedly connected thereto, a tapering adapter part enclosed by a fiber-composite material to form a scarf-type joint and having a thermal expansion approximately equal to the expansion behavior of the fiber-composite material. |
| US08647009B2 |
Securing member
A securing member includes a flat base portion, a flat top board portion which is supported by a pair of top board supporting portions erected on the base portion, a long hole which penetrates through the top board portion and of which both ends are closed, a bolt having a head which does not pass through the long hole, and of which shaft is inserted through the long hole in a state where the head is located lower than the top board portion and is to be inserted through a supporting hole provided on a supporting member of a solar battery module, a head insertion hole through which the head of the bolt passes, penetrates through the top board portion, and communicates with the long hole, securing holes which are located on a line obtained by projecting a center line of the long hole, and penetrate through the base portion. |
| US08647008B2 |
Spine label pocket for a binder cover
A binding cover having a transparent overlay cover disposed over and around the spine of the binding is configured to provide a label pocket on the spine portion of the binding cover wherein a label may be inserted easily without tools or rigid label material. In several embodiments the label pocket provides a fixed label space. In another embodiment the label pocket opens along the spine when the binding cover is opened, and returns to a closed position when closed, thereby retaining a label inserted therein. In another embodiment a method for forming the label pocket is provided. |
| US08647003B2 |
Printing device
A roll paper supply device has a roll paper compartment that stores roll paper with the axis of rotation transverse so that the roll paper can roll there inside; supply rollers that feed the roll paper from the roll paper compartment in a sheet; a roll paper cover that opens and closes the roll paper compartment; and a side pressure plate that contacts one side of the roll paper when the access cover is closed, and displaces away from the side of the roll paper when the access cover opens. |
| US08647002B2 |
Label printing apparatus
A label printing apparatus comprising a cassette receiving bay arranged to receive a cassette; and an engagement member. The engagement member is movable between a first position, in which the engagement member is engaged with the cassette, and a second position in which the engagement member is disengaged with the cassette. |
| US08646995B2 |
Image recording apparatus
The present invention supplied an excellent printer which can print on a thick print medium without deformation of character. In the printer, a tension spring is respectively furnished on both ends of a carriage shaft which slidably supports a carriage carrying a print head, and pulls the carriage shaft upward; a carriage shaft gear is respectively fixed the both ends of the carriage shaft and engages with rack furnished on a side frame; the carriage shaft only moves up and down; and when a print medium P whose thickness is a predetermined thickness or over is fed, the carriage does not incline, but evenly moves upward through rotation of the carriage shaft gear. |
| US08646982B2 |
Rolling bearing
A rolling bearing that has at least one first row of rolling elements and one second row of rolling elements as well as a common bearing ring for both rows. |
| US08646980B2 |
Bearing shell segment for internal combustion engines of vehicles
A bearing shell segment for internal combustion engines, composed of a body defining an inner surface that receives a coating and makes contact with a layer of lubricant oil film and an opposite outer surface, associable to a bearing, an inner surface having at least a first area substantially free from the compression load coming from the movement of the piston by the explosion of air-fuel mixture, and a second area which receives compression load coming from the movement of the piston by the explosion of air-fuel mixture. The first area has at least a surface portion to capture foreign particles present in the layer of lubricant oil film, the surface portion having cavities positioned so as to enable at least one foreign particle to be captured and withheld while moving towards the flow of lubricant oil, before reaching the second area. |
| US08646972B2 |
Zipper tape and packaging bag with zipper tape
A seal base, which is thicker than a thick portion and is bondable to an inner surface of a bag body, is continuously connected to one of belt-like bases of a zipper tape via a belt-like cutting portion that is thinner than the thick portion and separates a containing space from an outside. A first linking portion having a first corner (a) is defined by a cutting outer surface of the cutting portion and a seal outer continuous surface of the seal base. A second linking portion having a second corner (b) is defined by a contained cutting surface of the cutting portion and a contained seal continuous surface of the seal base. |
| US08646967B2 |
Enhanced reel for agricultural mixer
A mixing apparatus includes a hopper, a reel, and at least one auger. The hopper defines first and second chambers. The first chamber is disposed adjacent to the second chamber. The reel is disposed within the first chamber. The reel includes first and second hubs configured to rotate and at least one connecting member connecting the first hub to the second hub. The at least one auger is disposed in the second chamber. The first and second hubs rotate about a common axis of rotation. No connecting member connects a center of the first hub to a center of the second hub along the axis of rotation. An attachment point between each connecting member and the first hub is circumferentially offset with respect to an attachment point between the same connecting member and the second hub. |
| US08646966B2 |
Disposable shaker
A disposable shaker has an upper cover part having a multi-compartment with compartments closed by a membrane and containing components of the desired cocktail and having a lower cup part rotatingly associated to the cover part with teeth for tearing the membrane. The separation walls forming the compartments are obtained as substantially U-shaped hollow walls, opening outwards and having the transverse side of the U-shape forming the surface for fixing the membrane. Along the longitudinal axis of the multi-compartment the separation walls are joined in a single piece with an axial duct which is extended along the multi-compartment. Also provided for is an element suitable to guarantee proper positioning between the cover part and the cup part in the assembled position, and elastic locking elements preventing the shaker from opening after preparing the cocktail. The shaker may have an “overturned arrangement” of the internal structures of the cover and cup. |
| US08646964B1 |
Method and apparatus for producing asphalt mix product comprised of recycled asphalt product and virgin material
Asphalt mix product is produced for delivery at a desired temperature and is comprised of a mixture of recycled asphalt product and virgin material in a specified, selected proportion of recycled asphalt product to virgin material. Recycled asphalt product is heated in an indirectly heated recycled asphalt product heater to an elevated temperature. Virgin material is heated, either in the same recycled asphalt product heater or in a separate virgin material heater, to a maximum temperature not exceeding a prescribed temperature above which damage to that heater will occur. The heated recycled asphalt product is mixed with the heated virgin material in the selected proportion of recycled asphalt product to virgin material to prepare the asphalt mix product for delivery at the desired temperature. By virtue of heating the recycled asphalt product and mixing the heated recycled asphalt product with the heated virgin material, the selected proportion of recycled asphalt product to virgin material is not limited by the maximum temperature of the heated virgin material, and asphalt mix product is produced effectively and economically with proportions of recycled asphalt product to virgin material which are considerably higher than heretofore available. |
| US08646961B2 |
Reflective plate, planar lamp and planar lamp fixture including the same
A directional prism reflective plate includes a prism surface (11) and a smoothing plane (12). A plurality of prism bodies (111) are arranged on the prism surface (11). The prism bodies (111) are continuously arranged in continuous zigzag form, and symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged relative to the center plane. Respective cross-section triangles of the prism bodies (111) have same shape and area, the distances from the vertexes of the cross-section triangle to the smoothing plane (12) are gradually reduced, so as to reflect the sunlight entirely. It is also provide a planar lamp and a planar lamp fixture including the reflective plate. |
| US08646960B2 |
Scanning backlight with slatless light guide
A backlight includes a light guide and a first and second light source adapted for independent operation and arranged to inject a first and second light beam, respectively, into the light guide through different portions of the light injection surface. Each light source includes a lamp and a concave reflector to partially collimate light from the lamp. One major surface of the light guide includes prismatic structures that are parallel to a first axis. Another major surface of the light guide includes lenticular structures that are parallel to each other but perpendicular to the prismatic structures. The lenticular structures limit spatial spreading for light that remains in the light guide. Each light source cooperates with the light guide to provide light that is substantially laterally confined to a transverse band of the light guide, even though the light guide contains no gaps that define slats to accomplish such confinement. |
| US08646954B2 |
Adaptive projector system for motor vehicle headlights
An adaptive projection system for the headlights of motor vehicles consists of a reflector (6) with light source (11), a lens (10), and a diaphragm system with a fixed screening diaphragm in the shape of a cradle and with a movable optical diaphragm (1) in the shape of a hyperboloid, cylindrical or conical sector (17, 18), which rotates at the same time as the shaft of the motor (3), on which it is firmly fastened at both sides by means of stanchions (2), and by its controlled stopping in certain positions it produces the required light beams. |
| US08646952B2 |
Ride-on mower having headlight
A ride-on mower with a mower unit attached to a frame unit includes a headlight housing extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle body over the width of the frame unit and fixed to the frame unit forwardly of a front end of the mower deck. A right and left pair of headlight units are housed in the headlight housing. Light passage portions are formed in opposite end portions of the headlight housing for directing light coming from each of the headlight unit to the side and/or to the rear toward a direction of the front end of the mower deck. |
| US08646951B2 |
Illuminating apparatus
The present disclosure relates to an illuminating apparatus which is received at the back of an outer surface and which includes: a lighting part having a front surface, through which the light is irradiated, and a rear surface, which is the back side of the front surface; an electric connector electrically connected to the lighting part and coupled to a power supply at the back of the outer surface; and a length-adjustable shaft provided between the lighting part and the electric connector and bringing the rear surface of the lighting part into contact with the outer surface. |
| US08646950B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a panel module and a backlight module. The backlight module is disposed under the panel module. The backlight module includes a frame, a light guide plate, and a reflector. The frame supports the edge of the light guide plate. The reflector is disposed at the bottom of the light guide plate. The edge of the reflector and the edge of the frame horizontally form an engaging seam without overlapping, and the engaging seam is substantially in a serrated shape. |
| US08646946B2 |
Kinetic flame device
An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members. |
| US08646930B2 |
Backlight module and display device thereof
A backlight module and a display device including the backlight module are provided. The backlight module includes a reflective plate and a plurality of light sources, wherein the reflective plate has a reflective surface and the light sources are disposed on the reflective surface generating light in a direction away from the reflective surface. The reflecting surface includes a plurality of low reflection portions, wherein the reflectivity of the low reflection portion is lower than the reflectivity of other positions on the reflective surface. The low reflection portions are disposed between the light source and adjacent light sources. |
| US08646922B2 |
Mirror mounting assembly
A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle. Finally, a third additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle. |
| US08646921B2 |
Reflective marker being radio-opaque for MRI
Described is a device comprising a retro-reflective marker sphere comprising: a core ball comprising: a generally spherical body portion, a mounting base extending from one end of the body portion of the core ball, and a mounting recess having a recess opening in the mounting base and extending into the body portion of the core ball, and a retro-reflective covering on the core ball, the retro-reflective covering comprising an opening through which the mounting base of the core ball extends, wherein a flat lower surface of the mounting base is spaced proximally from a lower edge of the opening of the retro-reflective covering, and wherein the mounting recess includes an interior screw thread for engaging an exterior screw thread of a mounting post when the retro-reflective marker sphere is mounted on the mounting post. |
| US08646920B2 |
Multi-source projection-type display
A display device capable of displaying a plurality of projection images is provided. The display device includes a light source within a base and a plurality of projection outputs. Each projection output comprises an optical modulation device and a projection lens system. The light source includes a switch and a plurality of light sources such as lasers or LEDs with different color to one another. The switch receives and diverts light beams from the light sources in a predetermined sequential order to the plurality of projection outputs. |
| US08646918B2 |
Projection system
A projection system having a set of projectors that cast images: (i) onto the concave surface of a hemispherical dome, as is usual in planetariums and (ii) onto the surface of a centrally located sphere. The images thus cast may be coordinated by a controlling computer program, so that changes in the content or orientation of the images on the sphere result in corresponding changes in the images on the dome and vice versa. |
| US08646917B2 |
Three dimensional display with multiplane image display elements
An apparatus is provided for generating or creating an autostereoscopic or three-dimensional (3D) display. The apparatus has a foreground display assembly including a display element such as a transparent projection screen film and a projector projecting a first set of two-dimensional (2D) content onto a rear surface viewable by a viewer via a front surface. The apparatus includes a background display assembly including a display element displaying a second set of 2D content. The apparatus includes an intermediate display assembly including a display element, such as an optical shutter window, positioned between the foreground display element and the background display element. This assembly includes a projector projecting a third set of 2D content on the front or rear surface of the optical shutter window. The first, second, and third sets of 2D content are concurrently visible and the use of three spaced apart display planes creates a 3D illusion. |
| US08646915B2 |
Ophthalmic apparatus, control method for the same, and storage medium
An ophthalmic apparatus comprises: aberration correction unit arranged to correct aberration of at least one of irradiating light directed to an eye to be examined and return light from the eye; light-receiving unit arranged to receive, as return light from the eye, the light whose aberration is corrected by the aberration correction unit and then which irradiates the eye; measurement unit arranged to measure the aberration of the return light; and control unit arranged to control the aberration correction unit based on a measurement result obtained by the measurement unit and a light reception result obtained by the light-receiving unit. |
| US08646914B2 |
Adaptive optics apparatus that corrects aberration of examination object and image taking apparatus including adaptive optics apparatus
An adaptive optics apparatus includes a first light modulating unit configured to perform modulation in a polarization direction of one of two polarized light components in light emitted from a light source, a changing unit configured to rotate the light modulated by the first light modulating unit by 90 degrees, a second light modulating unit configured to modulate the light changed by the changing unit in the polarization direction, and an irradiating unit configured to irradiate a measurement object with the light modulated by the second light modulating unit. |
| US08646912B2 |
Fundus photographing apparatus
A fundus photographing apparatus has an optical system including a movable focusing lens and photographing a fundus, an optical system photo-receiving by a first image pickup element a target from an alignment target projection optical system and detect an alignment state of the photographing optical system with respect to an eye based on a result by the first element, a detection optical system photo-receiving by a second image pickup element a target from a focus target projection optical system and detect a focus state adjusted by moving the lens based on a photo-receiving result by the second element, a unit controlling a light source to successively emit flash light at predetermined intervals in a predetermined period to perform fluorescent photographing, and a unit controlling movement of the photographing optical system with respect to the eye based on a result by the alignment detection optical system during the predetermined period. |
| US08646911B2 |
Compensation optical apparatus and image sensing apparatus
A compensation optical apparatus for obtaining and image of an object without reduction in image quality irrespective of aberration compensation, includes: a division unit for dividing a return beam from a measured object; an aberration measurement unit for measuring an aberration caused by the measured object, with a divided beam from the division unit; an aberration compensation unit for performing aberration compensation based on the aberration measured by the aberration measurement unit; a projection unit for projecting a beam obtained by the aberration compensation in the aberration compensation unit to the measured object; an acquirement unit for acquiring a value exhibiting a state of the measured object based on the return beam from the measured object, which is obtained by the beam projected from the projection unit; and a control unit for retreating the division unit from an optical path based on the value acquired by the acquirement unit. |
| US08646902B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a platen configured to support a recording medium at a position facing a recording head, a suction portion arranged at the platen and configured to suck the recording medium, an ink receiving portion arranged at the platen and configured to receive ink discharged on a region beyond an end of the recording medium, a negative pressure producing portion configured to produce a negative pressure to be applied to the suction portion and the ink receiving portion, and a communication portion causing the suction portion to communicate with the ink receiving portion at the outside of a conveyance region of the recording medium. |
| US08646900B2 |
Printing device and printing method
A printing device includes a head having a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink that hardens under emission of light are arranged, the head being adapted for ejecting the ink from the nozzle row onto a medium that undergoes a relative movement, thereby forming a plurality of dot lines; a light source for emitting light; an adjusting part for adjusting a distance between the head and the light source; a detecting part for detecting a dot width of a given dot line; correction data in which a concentration correction value is defined for every dot line; and a memory part for storing a dot width of the given dot line in relation to when the correction data was created; wherein the distance between the head and the light source is adjusted. |
| US08646893B2 |
System and method for improving temperature uniformity of image drums
A printer includes an image drum temperature regulation system that helps reduce thermal gradients on the image drum surface. The image drum temperature regulation system includes a feedback controller and a feed-forward controller. The image drum temperature regulation system operates the heaters and fan of the image drum with reference to a temperature difference between actual temperature of the image drum and a temperature setpoint and to the thermal effect of ejecting an ink image onto the image drum. |
| US08646885B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus
A tube support member that puts a tube connected to an ink jet head and an ink tank in a bent state is provided. Accordingly, when a pulling force acts between the bent support member and the tube, a component force acting as contact force occurs at the surface that makes contact with the tube, and a high degree of friction is generated in response to this component force. The tube is thus strongly supported in a state in which the tube does not shift with the dimensions of the tube changing. Meanwhile, when the pulling force is released, the component force is also eliminated, and the tube is freed; the dimensions of the tube return to normal, and the tension is eliminated. |
| US08646882B2 |
Drop placement error reduction in electrostatic printer
Drop formation devices are provided with drop formation waveforms to modulate liquid jets to cause portions of the liquid jets to form print drops having a jet breakoff length Lp in a print drop breakoff length range Rp and non-print drops having a jet breakoff length Lnp in a non-print drop breakoff length range Rnp. A timing delay device shifts the timing of the waveforms supplied to drop formation devices of first and second nozzle groups so that print drops formed from first and second nozzle groups are not aligned relative to each other. A charging device includes a charge electrode that is positioned relative to the breakoff length Lp and breakoff length Lnp such that there is a difference in electric field strength at the two breakoff lengths to produce a print drop charge state on print drops and a non-print drop charge state on non-print drops. |
| US08646880B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A charge accumulated on an insulative nozzle plate flows into the ink with which nozzle openings and pressure generation chambers are filled and reaches a vibration plate. The charge that has reached the vibration plate is driven out therethrough because the vibration plate is made of a conductive ceramic material and is grounded. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an ink jet recording head in which insulation breakdown of the vibration plate caused by the charge accumulated on the vibration plate is suppressed from occurring and a driving circuit is suppressed from being damaged. |
| US08646879B2 |
Piezoelectric element, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus
A piezoelectric element comprises a piezoelectric layer and an electrode which is provided with the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer comprises a complex oxide which has a perovskite structure including bismuth, iron, a first dopant element which is at least one type selected from a group formed from sodium, potassium, calcium, and strontium, and a second dopant element which is at least one type selected from a group formed from manganese, titanium, vanadium, niobium, and tin. |
| US08646877B2 |
Pre-treatment methods, apparatus, and systems for contact leveling radiation curable gel inks
A radiation curable gel ink printing system is provided that includes a radiation source configured to emit UV light having short wavelength components. The disclosed systems and methods transport a substrate having radiation curable gel ink deposited thereon to the radiation source to expose the ink to the radiation source. The exposure at the radiation source may be continuous or pulsed. The radiation source may be configured a distance away from the radiation curable gel ink deposited on the substrate. The radiation source pre-treats the radiation curable gel ink before spreading the radiation curable gel ink at a contact-leveling nip at which a contact member applies pressure to the partially cured radiation curable gel ink against the substrate. The radiation curable gel ink is preferentially cured to allow spreading of the radiation curable ink by the contact member while limiting offset of the ink onto the contact member. |
| US08646869B2 |
Recording position error measurement apparatus and method, image forming apparatus and method, and computer-readable medium
A recording position error measurement apparatus includes a read image signal acquisition device and a signal processing device having: a dividing device which divides pixel series of the read image signal into sequences having different remainder values so as to generate image signals of the respective sequences; a prediction signal generation device which calculates regular prediction signals which are predicted with respect to the respective sequences, according to the read image signal; a threshold value determination device which determines tone value differences corresponding to respective distances representing recording position errors from the prediction signals, and which determines threshold values corresponding respectively to the recording position errors, from the tone value differences; a change signal calculation device which calculates a change signal indicating a difference between the prediction signal and the image signal of each of the sequences; and an error distance calculation device which specifies the recording position errors of the plurality of recording elements in the recording head according to comparing the change signal with each of the threshold values. |
| US08646863B2 |
Ink jet recording head
An ink jet recording head includes a nozzle array and discharge energy generation elements. The nozzles include discharge ports to discharge liquid when recording, pressure chambers to communicate with respective discharge ports, and liquid flow paths to supply liquid to the respective pressure chambers. The discharge energy generation elements apply discharge energy to the pressure chambers to discharge liquid from the nozzles in a predetermined order during time-division driving. Arranging intervals of the liquid flow paths take at least two different values. When a drive timing difference average between the adjacent discharge energy generation elements is calculated by a particular expression, a relationship of D≧Y is satisfied between an interval D and an interval Y in a k-th discharge energy generation element and a k+1-th discharge energy generation element positioned adjacent to the k-th discharge energy generation element. The intervals D and Y represent distances between particular liquid flow paths. |
| US08646861B2 |
Printing apparatus, printing system, and control method for the same system
The optimal number of print passes and a head-to-platen distance are set according to a content of an image to be printed and the user's request (emphasis is put on quality or speed, etc.) to thereby appropriately meet the needs for higher image quality and higher productivity and to perform printing with high reliability. To this end, it is made possible to select whether to execute processing for issuing an instruction to set the number of print passes and the head-to-platen distance according to discrimination of the content of the image. When the execution of the processing is selected, the number of print passes and the head-to-platen distance are appropriately set according to the content of the image (duty, etc.). Meanwhile, when it is not selected, the image is printed by one-pass print with the head-to-platen distance set larger, regardless of the content of the image. |
| US08646857B2 |
Refrigerator and/or freezer
A refrigerator and/or freezer has at least one door or flap, by which the appliance interior can be closed, with at least one supporting tray disposed in the appliance interior and with at least one first and at least one second transport lock, wherein the first transport lock is configured and arranged such that its front side adjoins the supporting tray and it adjoins the second transport lock at least when the door or flap is closed. |
| US08646855B2 |
Configurable cabinet for hanging and shelved items
In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a cabinet is provided. The cabinet includes a plurality of drawer slide receiving modules and a plurality of hanging drawer slides, each hanging drawer slide coupled to one of the plurality of drawer slide receiving modules, and each hanging drawer slide includes a plurality of hooks of a first type. At least one of the hanging drawer slides is configured to be withdrawn from the cabinet laterally along a longest axis of the hanging drawer slide. The plurality of drawer slide receiving modules are configured to be removably coupled to the cabinet in a plurality of different configurations. Methods and configuration systems are also provided. |
| US08646854B2 |
Attachment part for a cabinet, in particular an electrical switchgear cabinet for an electrical service distribution panel and an electrical switchgear cabinet
An attachment part for a mechanical connection of a rear wall to a first and a second side wall, a base wall and a ceiling wall of a cabinet includes a plurality of resilient tongues each integrally formed on the attachment part and each having a latching lug, wherein the attachment part can be attached to an inside of the rear wall at each one of four corners of the rear wall at a right angle with the rear wall, and wherein the first and the second side wall, the base wall and the ceiling wall are each firmly latchable to the latching lugs. |
| US08646846B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating a planar cavern
Methods and apparatuses for producing a planar cavern are provided. The planar cavern is formed by first creating a continuous bore that extends through a subsurface resource deposit. The continuous bore can be formed by connecting first and second bores at a point within the subsurface resource deposit. After the continuous bore has been formed, a sawing assembly is placed within the continuous bore. The sawing assembly is then moved, in a continuous or in a reciprocating fashion, within the continuous bore. As the sawing assembly is moved, it is maintained under tension, to create a planar cavern. By thus exposing a large area of the resource deposit, a relatively large amount of the resource deposit can be dissolved in a solvent introduced to the planar cavern per unit time. Saturated solution can then be pumped from the planar cavern, and the resource recovered from the saturated solution by evaporation. |
| US08646845B2 |
Seat belt arrangement for a seat of a vehicle
A seatbelt guide is attached to a seat of a motor vehicle in the shoulder area of the seat to guide a shoulder belt. The guide includes an inner element fixed relative to the seat, and an outer element spaced from the inner element by a distance to receive and guide the seatbelt. The outer element is movable relative to the inner element in a longitudinal direction to allow the seatbelt to be removed from the guide. This may be desirable if, for example, the seat has a fold-down back rest. The outer element pivots about a pivot axis extending approximately in a transverse direction of the vehicle. |
| US08646841B2 |
Seat with a non-vertical central supporting column and tri-planar moveable base
An ergonomic pedestal seat that interacts with the sitter's musculoskeletal system in a way that optimizes their use of gravitational forces is provided. This seat orients a sitter toward an alignment that encourages a balance between gravity's descending force and its ascending counterforce, the ground reaction force. The seat comprises a four-tier seat base, a non-vertical central supporting column and a contoured seat pan. The base has a surface that allows the sitter to sustain a stable alignment and to rock forward or sideward or both, as well as a Lazy Susan mechanism that permits turning. This seat supports the sitter through a range of seated activities, including quiet activities such as meditation and complex tasks requiring reaching, bending and turning. When on this seat sitting becomes a source of pleasure rather than an activity of drudgery. |
| US08646840B2 |
Vehicle seat assembly
A vehicle seat assembly includes a base portion, a support bracket, a seatback frame and a cushion frame. The support bracket is pivotally coupled to the base portion about a first axis. The seatback frame is pivotally coupled to the support bracket about a second axis that is spaced apart from the first axis. The cushion frame is pivotally coupled to the support bracket about a third axis that is spaced apart from both the first and second axes, such that the seatback frame and the cushion frame move with the support bracket relative to the base portion when the support bracket pivots about the first axis. |
| US08646833B2 |
Vehicle body structure
A vehicle body includes hollow left and right side sills. Front ends of the side sills are formed into closed cross sections and substantially inverted-L shapes. The front end of the right side sill is bilaterally symmetrical to the front end of the left side sill. Rear ends of the left and right side sills are formed into substantially square-shaped cross sections. Portions from the front ends to the rear ends of the side sills are formed into closed cross sections which change smoothly from the inverted-L shaped cross sections to the square-shaped cross sections. |
| US08646831B2 |
Mounting structure for an automotive exterior member
A mounting structure for an automotive exterior member includes a mounting portion projecting from a rear side of a lower garnish so that a clip engaged by an outer panel of a tailgate is retained by the mounting portion. The mounting portion includes a base end portion on the side of the main body of the lower garnish and a projecting end portion on the side of the outer panel connected to the base end portion via a connecting portion which ruptures at the time of a crash at the lower garnish. The base end portion and the projecting portion are displaced along the projecting direction at the time of a crash. Therefore, a non-serious crash does not cause the base end portion to abut the outer panel or the projecting end portion to abut the main body of the lower garnish, and damage is limited to the deformation of the exterior member. |
| US08646829B2 |
Composite lift gate deformable section
A lift gate having a deformable section which allows the lift gate to deform rather than break during a low speed impact event. The lift gate has a deformable section located between an inner panel and an outer panel. The deformable section is able to deform during a low speed impact event against the outer panel, thereby preventing the inner panel from receiving any of the impact. This allows the inner panel to be significantly more rigid than the outer panel and the deformable section, and, therefore, provides the necessary structural support for the lift gate while withstanding collisions on the Impact Zone. |
| US08646821B2 |
Collapsible scoop and scraper
A device for scraping a surface and scooping items from the surface incorporates a body, a handle, a blade and a scoop. The body has a proximal portion, a distal portion and a central portion that fixedly couples the proximal portion with respect to the distal portion. The handle is located at the proximal portion of the body, and is adapted to be held by a user and to facilitate single-handed manipulation of the device by the user. The blade is located at the distal portion of the body, and is oriented to project outward from the body. The scoop is coupled to the central portion of the body, the scoop having a sidewall adapted to be folded in at least one location such that the sidewall can be expanded to form a scoop having a hollow portion for receiving the items, and can be collapsed by folding the sidewall such that the scoop is roughly the same thickness as other portions of the body. |
| US08646811B1 |
Quick connector
A quick connector includes a socket-shaped main body, and penetrating containing holes formed around the periphery of the main body for containing a first latch element for fixing an external tool connector. The first latch element is controlled by a first control element to fix or loosen the external tool connector. The main body includes aslant penetrating U-shaped slide grooves formed above the containing holes, and each slide groove includes a second latch element pushed by a spring that is sheathed on the periphery of the main body to displace the second latch element in the slide groove and in an axial direction of the main body. The second control element is disposed above the first control element, and the first and second control elements control the latch elements respectively to execute two-stage actions of removing the connector and prevent accidents caused by a possible shootout of the connector. |
| US08646810B2 |
Method of labeling a package for shipment
A method of labeling a package for shipment includes: providing a shipping label having a generally laminar body with a designated tear path matrix extending over at least a major portion thereof, the generally laminar body having a face side on which is printed origination, destination and tracking data, and a bottom side to which is applied a pressure-sensitive adhesive surface; and attaching the shipping label to a surface of the package, via the pressure-sensitive adhesive surface on the bottom side of said label, prior to its shipment via a common carrier. The designated tear path matrix may be a pattern of interconnected regular hexagons, or a pattern of intersecting first and second parallel tear lines. The tear path matrix may be formed by through-hole perforations in the label body, by channels in the label body, or by regions of reduced shear strength in the label body. |
| US08646809B2 |
Length adjustable skate blade guard
Disclosed herein is a length adjustable skate blade guard. The blade guard includes a first guard surrounding at least portion of a lower surface of a skate blade and a front end of the skate blade. A second guard surrounds a remaining portion of the lower surface of the skate blade and a rear end of the skate blade. At least one extension block is coupled between the first guard and the second guard, and extends a length of the guard to correspond to a length of the skate blade. At least one elastic body is secured at opposite ends thereof to the first guard and the second guard, respectively, the elastic body elastically putting the facing first and second guards in close contact with each other. |
| US08646805B2 |
Light duty cart
A cart includes foldable upper and lower frame members. In some arrangements, the cart can also double as a table. The cart includes a main-frame structure, an upper framework pivotally attached to an upper portion of the main-frame, and a lower frame stand pivotally attached to a bottom portion of the main-frame. A panel is provided in the cart space defined by the side members of the main-frame structure. The cart stands upright when the main-frame is in a vertical position with respect to the surface of the ground and the lower frame stand is extended with respect to the main-frame. The cart can function as a table when the main-frame is positioned horizontally with respect to the surface of the ground and the upper framework and the lower frame stand are extended with respect to the main-frame. |
| US08646802B2 |
Stroller with a receiving frame and support straps for receiving a car seat
A baby stroller for receiving a car seat is disclosed. The stroller has a frame structure including a car seat receiving frame and a push handle. The car seat receiving frame has four sides including a front bar and a back bar. One or more support straps are attached to the car seat receiving frame and located below the car seat receiving frame, where each support strap has one end attached to the front bar and another end attached to the back bar of the car seat receiving frame. The support straps are adjustable in length. When a car seat is rested on the car seat receiving frame, the bottom of the car seat is supported by the support straps. A safety strap is provided to secure the car seat to the frame structure. The stroller does not have a seat for seating a child. |
| US08646801B2 |
Front-wheel-drive vehicle having a chassis that folds to create a protective, carry-on casing
The teachings provided herein are generally directed to compact vehicle drive mechanisms that can be used in the design of a foldable, carry-on vehicle. The compact drive mechanisms presented herein, for example, have contributed to the advent of the compact, carry-on bicycles set-forth in the teachings which include drive-and-steering units and drive-and-chassis units. |
| US08646800B2 |
Device for braking a board for gliding
A braking device for a board for gliding, includes a brake movable between a first, braking position, in which the brake occupies a low position wherein the brake is in frictional contact with the ground, and a second, non-braking position, in which the brake occupies a raised position, and a brake control device connecting the brake with a strap of a boot binding on the board for gliding, such that the brake control device causes the brake to move to the non-braking position upon closing and/or tightening of a strap of the boot binding. |
| US08646796B2 |
Apparatus and method for extracting vibration data from a moving drive chain
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for extracting vibration data from a moving drive chain. In the preferred embodiment, the chain is that of a bicycle, or similar pedaled machine such as an indoor stationery bicycle, with two or more sensors placed on the chainstay of the bicycle to measure the vibrational frequency of the chain. Such vibration data can be used to determine the tension of the chain, and may also further compute the power transmitted by the chain, in conjunction with the measurement of chain speed. The invention provides a method and apparatus for conditioning and filtering the signals from the vibration sensors, as well as an arrangement for positioning the sensors on the bicycle. |
| US08646780B1 |
Coin dropping game system
A coin dropping game system has a lower base and an upper base. A housing has open upper end and an open bottom end which is coupled to the top of the upper base. A lid having a lip is positioned over, and encloses, the upper end of the housing. A vertical support shaft has a lower end rotatably coupled with respect to the upper base and an upper end extending upwardly through the central aperture in the lid. The shaft has associated plates, having coin receiving surfaces. A base support plate is formed with a central aperture for rotatably receiving the lower end of the vertical support shaft. |
| US08646778B2 |
Three-dimensional puzzle
A method, computer program product, and computing device comprising a game for testing the spatial reasoning of a player. The game includes a virtual multi-surfaced object having at least a first surface and a second surface, with first indicia associated with the first surface and second indicia associated with the second surface. A facing surface and a goal surface are displayed on a user interface, which also includes mechanisms for changing the orientation of the virtual object by rotating the object in steps. In response to input from the game player, the virtual object is rotated. Each time the virtual object is rotated, the facing surface displayed is changed so that it correlates to the changed orientation of the virtual object. The game continues until the game player causes the facing surface to match the goal surface by entering a series of rotational moves. |
| US08646777B2 |
Mechanical drawing machine and game apparatus including the same
It is an object to prevent the occurrence of a situation that a drawing rolling object never enters into a drawing pocket. The mechanical drawing machine which, by rolling a drawing rolling object on a rolling surface, performs a drawing depending on which of a plurality of drawing pockets opened on the rolling surface the drawing rolling object enters into, includes a rolling surface moving unit for moving the rolling surface, and a speed control unit which changes a moving speed the rolling surface while a drawing rolling object is rolling on the rolling surface. |
| US08646770B2 |
Card substrate rotator with lift mechanism
A card substrate rotator comprises a substrate support, a rotator mechanism and a lift mechanism. The substrate support is configured to receive a card substrate and comprises a feed roller. The rotator mechanism is configured to rotate the substrate support about an axis. The lift mechanism is configured to move the substrate support and the axis in a vertical plane. |
| US08646768B2 |
Quick spin holder for tools and accessories
A holder adapted to be attached to a tether to help retrieve a dropped tool or prevent a dropped tool from being lost or forgotten during use where the holder has a hollow member with an open end and a closed end and is adapted to frictionally hold a non-working end of a tool in the hollow member. The closed end of the hollow member has a centrally located opening within which is located a cylindrical member which is connected at one end to a shoulder connector and is coupled, either directly or indirectly, to an attachment means at its other end. The cylindrical member can be either fixed or rotatably coupled to the opening in the hollow member and the attachment means is configured to be attached to an end of a tether. |
| US08646765B2 |
End clamp and method of use there for
A clamping mechanism is described which includes an end clamp which may include a face plate, a pair of opposing first jaws operably attached to the face plate selectively positionable toward and away from one another, each of the pair of first jaws having a first jaw inner clamp member and a first jaw outer clamp member forming a nest there between, and a pair of opposing second jaws operably attached to the face plate selectively positionable toward and away from one another, each of the pair of second jaws having a second jaw inner clamp member and a second jaw outer clamp member forming a nest there between. |
| US08646763B2 |
Movable pole extension for a magnetic clamping apparatus and magnetic clamping apparatus having such movable pole extension
The present invention relates to a movable pole extension (4) for a magnetic clamping apparatus (1) for holding a ferromagnetic workpiece (P), comprising a fixed pole member (5) extending in a predetermined longitudinal direction (X-X) and at least two pole members (6, 7) attached to said fixed pole member (5), said at least two pole members (6, 7) being movable relative to said fixed pole member (5). The movable pole extension is characterized in that it has holder means (8) operably coupled to said fixed pole member (5), wherein said holder means (8) are movable in said predetermined longitudinal direction (X-X) between a first operating position (P1) and a second operating position (P2) and operate on said at least two movable pole members (6, 7) to hold them in coupled contact with said fixed pole member (5). |
| US08646757B1 |
Submersible aeration pump
A submersible aeration pump includes a motor housing, an air inlet conduit carried by the motor housing, a pump motor in the motor housing, a rotatable armature drivingly engaged by the pump motor and disposed in air communication with the air inlet conduit and at least one air discharge conduit carried by and disposed in air communication with the armature. Air is drawn from the air inlet conduit, through at least a portion of the armature and is discharged from the at least one air discharge conduit, respectively, by centrifugal force responsive to operation of the pump motor. |
| US08646756B2 |
Gate
The gate (10) comprises a pair of opposite side frame members (20, 22) wherein each said side frame member has a respective aperture (32), the apertures being disposed opposite to one another. The gate also includes a pair of opposite end frame members (24, 26) and infill typically in the form of an infill panel (12) for restricting egress through the gate (10). The pair of end frame members (24, 26) span from one of the side frame members (20, 22) to the other of the side frame members (20, 22), and opposite ends of one of the end frame members are received in the apertures (32) of the side frame members. The end frame members and the side frame members form a peripheral frame about the infill panel (12), and at least one of the apertures (32) in the side frame members is dimensioned to form a space for permitting relative movement of the end frame members (24, 26) toward each other to fixedly hold the infill panel in position within the frame during assembly of the gate. |
| US08646755B2 |
Wildcat
A wildcat for a windlass for dropping down or hoisting an anchor for a marine vehicle, the anchor being coupled to an end of a chain (3) having inter-engaged horizontal links (5) and vertical links (6), a hole (4) formed at the center of the wildcat for engaging a shaft for rotating the wildcat (1), a bearing surface (12) being radially remote from the center of the wildcat (1) for transferring chain links (5,6) there over, horizontal link housings (7) and vertical link housings (8) each provided one after another along the bearing surface (12) for housing each respective chain link, the housings (7,8) having forms matching contours of each respective chain link. |
| US08646752B2 |
Ball valve having multiple moveable seats
Embodiments and methods are disclosed herein that relate to a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a housing having a passage formed therethrough, and a valve ball having a through hole and disposed in the housing, in which the valve ball is rotatable between an open position that has the through hole aligned with the passage and a closed position that has the through hole misaligned with the passage. The valve assembly further includes a first seat having a first sealing surface and disposed in the housing adjacent to the valve ball, and a second seat having a second sealing surface and disposed in the housing adjacent to the first seat such that the first sealing surface of the first seat is disposed adjacent to the second sealing surface of the second seat. At least one of the first sealing surface of the first seat and the second sealing surface of the second seat comprises an arcuate surface. |
| US08646749B2 |
Electromagnetically actuatable valve
An electromagnetically actuatable valve, e.g., a fuel injector for fuel injection systems, includes an electromagnetic actuating element having a solenoid, a fixed core, a valve jacket, and a movable armature for actuating a valve closing body, which cooperates with a valve seat surface provided on a valve seat body. In addition, the valve has a restoring spring for resetting the valve closing body to its resting position on the valve seat surface. The restoring spring and an internal longitudinal bore hole of the armature are paired in such a way that the armature is guided during its axial movement only along the restoring spring. |
| US08646741B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat configured in such a manner that vibration occurring in the seat body can be suppressed without adding a special device such as a dynamic damper. A vehicle seat is configured in such a manner that an upper rail (26) connected to the seat body is slidably supported by a lower rail (28), which is affixed to the vehicle body side, through a pair of slide guides (42, 44) disposed next to each other in the front-rear direction of the seat. The distance (L) between the slide guides (42, 44) is set to be less than the half of the maximum slide amount (S) of the upper rail (26) relative to the lower rail (28). As a result of the configuration, the rigidity of support of the seat body by the vehicle body is reduced to reduce the resonance frequency of the seat body in the front-rear direction. This enables the resonance frequency of the seat body in the front-rear direction to be shifted from the resonance frequency of the vehicle body when the engine of the vehicle is idling. |
| US08646736B2 |
Holding device for an electronic device
According to one aspect, the subject application involves a holding device for an electronic device. The holding device includes a first clip adapted to cooperate with a peripheral portion of the electronic device. A second clip opposes the first clip and is separated from the first clip by a first distance. The second clip is adapted to cooperate with a separate peripheral portion of the electronic device. A substantially-elastic band is provided to extend between the first clip and the second clip, and a back plate is at least partially disposed between the first clip and the second clip. |
| US08646734B2 |
Sprinkler irrigation stand
A sprinkler irrigation stand for use with an irrigation pipe has a base placed below the pipe for being stabilized by the pipe. The pipe freely rests upon the base so that it may be lifted freely off the base or may inflate freely upwards in the case the pipe is a collapsible pipe. A riser of the stand for supporting a sprinkler may be attached to the pipe and slide up in relation to the stand when attached to a collapsible pipe that is inflated. |
| US08646732B2 |
Mechanical elbow clamp
A mechanical elbow clamp, a system using the clamp, and a method of supporting a pipe with the clamp are disclosed. The elbow clamp includes a first clamp and a second clamp. One end of the first clamp is attached to one end of the second clamp. The elbow clamp also includes an upper link, which attaches another end of the first clamp to another end of the second clamp, and a load bearing element attached to the upper link. |
| US08646728B2 |
Load lifting apparatus for a helicopter and helicopter
A load lifting apparatus for a helicopter has a cable, including a supply length in a cable store. The cable is secured at one end to the helicopter and has a free end. A load-bearing element, on which a load to be raised can be secured, is arranged on the cable. The cable can be removed from the cable store in order to lower the load-bearing element downwards from the helicopter. As the load-bearing element is lowered or pulled upwards, the cable acts at a force-introduction location on the helicopter. The load-bearing element is arranged on the cable such that it can move along the cable. At least one cable-attachment location is present on the helicopter, and is spaced apart from the force-introduction location and has, or can have, the free end of the cable secured on it. |
| US08646726B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining the apparent operational integrity of a no-back device
This invention provides an improvement in a no-back device having a ball screw connected to a variable load of reversible polarity (±L) and having a portion penetrating a housing. The device includes a braking mechanism acting between the housing and the ball screw for producing a force that resists movement of the ball screw in the direction of an “aiding” load, but does not substantially resist movement of the ball screw in the direction of an “opposing” load. The improvement broadly includes: a first spring acting between the housing and the braking mechanism for exerting a first preload force (F1) on the braking mechanism for simulating the application of an external load on the ball screw in one of the directions; whereby the apparent operational integrity of the no-back device may be checked when no external load is applied to the ball screw. In use, the apparatus performs the steps of: providing a first spring; causing the first spring to exert a first preload force (F1) on the braking mechanism; determining the actual torque (Ta) required to move the ball screw while the aircraft is on the ground; comparing the actual torque with a theoretical torque (Tt) required to move the ball screw; and inferring that the no-back device is not operating correctly if the actual torque is less than the theoretical torque; thereby to test the apparent operational integrity of the no-back device when the aircraft is on the ground. |
| US08646723B2 |
Device for connecting an air inlet with an aircraft nacelle actuator assembly
An aircraft nacelle includes an air intake that makes it possible to channel the air in a pipe in the direction of a pipe of a power plant that is arranged in the extension of the pipe, whereby the pipe of the air intake includes at least one panel that integrates an acoustic treatment with an acoustically resistive porous layer that is in contact with the aerodynamic stream that enters into the nacelle, at least one alveolar structure, and a reflective or impermeable layer that forms the rear surface of the panel, a flange that ensures the connection between the air intake and the power plant including at least one wing that is connected to the air intake by a number of connecting elements, characterized in that some of the connecting elements have axes that are secant with the edge of the panel that delimits the pipe of the air intake. |
| US08646718B2 |
Flexible conduit storage device
The present invention relates to a device for storing a flexible conduit, such as an electrical cord of a set of personal head phones or similar. The device has a body and a drum rotationally coupled to the body. The drum is biased to rotate in a first direction. A latch movable between a latched position and an unlatched position prevents rotation of the drum in the first direction when the latch is in the latched position. The body has an opening for positioning a portion of flexible conduit. At least one coupling disposed on the drum extends into the opening for catching a portion of a flexible conduit positioned within the opening. When the latch is in the unlatched position the drum rotates in the first direction to cycle the coupling through the opening. A coupling catches a flexible conduit positioned within the opening to wind the flexible conduit onto the drum. |
| US08646710B2 |
Vibratory mill
A vibratory mill principally for the treatment of cement and fly ash, which mill has a grinding chamber (1) with a wall (6, 7) at each of the two ends of the chamber, which mill includes an inlet (2) for material that is to be treated and an outlet (3) at the rear wall (7) of the grinding chamber (1), at the lower part of the grinding chamber, and a first wall (5) inside the chamber at the end at which the outlet (3) is located, which wall (5) is provided with one or several openings (8) at its upper part, which openings allow passage of material that has been sufficiently ground from the grinding chamber to the outlet (3). The inlet (2) is located in the lower part of the grinding chamber (1) at the wall (6) that is opposite to the location of the outlet. |
| US08646708B2 |
Refiner with flow guide inside rotor or stator
A refiner (1) for refining fibrous material has a first refiner element (3, 5) and a second refiner element (3, 5). The second refiner element is arranged around the first refiner element in such a manner that the first refiner element and the second refiner element have a common middle axis (7) such that there is a refining space (8) between the first refiner element and the second refiner element. The first refiner element and/or the second refiner element are arranged to rotate around the middle axis and the refiner elements have refining surfaces (4, 6), through which the fibrous material is fed into or exits the refining space (8). The refiner has, in the direction of the middle axis of the refiner elements, at least two feed regions, through which the fibrous material to be refined is feedable into the refining space (8). |
| US08646707B2 |
Food waste disposer with induced discharge turbulence
A food waste disposer has a food conveying section that receives food waste and water; a grind section including a grind mechanism, and a motor section including a motor. The grind mechanism includes a rotating shredder plate assembly that is rotated in a grind ring to grind food waste to form a slurry of ground food waste and water. The upper end bell has a circumferentially sloped floor and the upper end bell also includes a turbulence imparting feature that imparts turbulence in the slurry as it flows through a discharge channel of the upper end bell. |
| US08646706B2 |
Method for protecting aluminum nitride from moisture
Disclosed is a method for protecting aluminum nitride from moisture. At first, a mixing apparatus is provided. Aluminum nitride powder, calcium silicate, dodecylamine, a binding agent and an anhydrous solvent are mixed with one another by the mixing apparatus. The mixture is made into grains in a granulating process. The hydrophilism, thermal stability and thermal conductivity of the dodecylamine are used to make the grains moisture-proof and not vulnerable to deterioration. Thus, the stability of the aluminum nitride is improved. |
| US08646705B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for processing heterogeneous materials
A system for processing a heterogeneous material includes a conduit for a pressurized fluid and a nozzle assembly in fluid communication with the conduit. The nozzle assembly includes a plurality of adjustable nozzles configured such that streams of heterogeneous material passing through each nozzle intersect after passing through the adjustable nozzles. Another system includes a conduit for a pressurized fluid, a nozzle assembly, and a separation system configured to separate particles of a heterogeneous material into a first fraction and a second fraction. The nozzle assembly includes an adjustable nozzle configured such that a stream of the heterogeneous material passing through the nozzle contacts a surface after passing through the nozzle. A method of processing a heterogeneous material includes entraining heterogeneous particles into a fluid stream, passing the fluid stream through at least one adjustable nozzle, impacting the fluid stream to ablate the heterogeneous particles, and classifying the heterogeneous particles. |
| US08646701B2 |
Moldable housing design for synthetic jet ejector
A synthetic jet ejector is provided which comprises a first housing portion (131), and a second housing portion (133) which releasably attaches to the first housing portion, wherein the first and second housing portions form first and second portions, respectively, of at least one passageway (159) adapted to emit at least one synthetic jet. |
| US08646700B2 |
Method and device for output of granulate from the bottom of a tank that in addition to granulate holds liquid
For transport of granulate from a granulation tank by means of liquid and air, an ejector is provided with a side inlet for granulate, a first end with a spray nozzle for pressurized transport liquid, and a second end with an inlet for pressurized gas. Downstream from the second end, an outlet spray nozzle for a three-phase flow of liquid, granulate, and gas is provided. A first conduit has a lower end connected with the outlet for transport of the three-phase flow. The ejector includes a tubular ejector housing with an internal wear liner and an outlet spray nozzle made from a durable material. The inlet for pressurized gas includes a ring-shaped chamber that surrounds the periphery of the ejector and is connected with the inside of the ejector through a ring-shaped slit that directs the pressurized gas towards the outlet of the ejector. |
| US08646699B2 |
Image reading apparatus, image reading method, and image reading program
An image reading apparatus includes an RFID (radio frequency identification) detection unit that detects a reading RFID (radio frequency identification) tag disposed to a reading target; an image reading unit that reads an image of the reading target; a diagnosing RFID (radio frequency identification) tag capable of being detected by the RFID detection unit; and an abnormality determination unit that determines abnormality based on a state of detection of the RFID detection unit. When the diagnosing RFID tag is detected at the time the reading RFID tag is not detected by the RFID detection unit, the abnormality determination unit determines abnormality of the reading RFID tag, and when the diagnosing RFID tag is not detected, the abnormality determination unit determines abnormality of the RFID detection unit. |
| US08646694B2 |
Indicia reading terminal including frame processing
There is described an indicia reading terminal that can be operative to process a frame of image data for attempting to decode a decodable indicia. A frame can be a frame that is among a succession of frames for subjecting to processing subsequent to and during a time a trigger signal is active. Such a succession of frames can include zero or more binned frames, zero or more unbinned frames, zero or more windowed frames, and zero or more unwindowed full frames. An indicia reading terminal can also include a variable focus imaging lens. |
| US08646692B2 |
Devices and methods employing dual target auto exposure
The method includes automatically adjusting a first control parameter in a device for capturing a first plurality of images, automatically adjusting a second control parameter in the device for capturing a second plurality of images such that automatic adjustment of the first control parameter is interspersed with, separate from, and obtained generally concurrently with the automatic adjustment of the second control parameter. The adjustment of the first control parameter being determined differently compared to adjustment of the second control parameter. The method may include attempting to decode a decodable indicia utilizing one or more images of the first and second plurality of images. |
| US08646691B2 |
Apparatus and method for using machine-readable codes
A method of using a machine-readable code to extract information includes using an image-capture device to capture a digital image of a machine-readable code encoding information wherein the image-capture device is positioned at any of a plurality of angles relative to the machine-readable code; using a processor to extract the information encoded in the machine-readable code; using the processor to analyze the captured digital image of the machine-readable code and calculate the relative positioned angle at which the image-capture device was positioned when the image-capture device captured the digital image of the machine-readable code; and using the processor and the calculated relative positioned angle to determine information. |
| US08646686B2 |
Secure system for creating and validating personal identification cards with operator discretion
An identification card (ID card) creation and validation system where the ID card includes at least one unambiguous digital identifier together with additional information stored in predetermined data fields. Upon creation, the ID card is scanned to create and store a composite digital image in a central database on a secured server. On presentation by a user to a human operator-gatekeeper, the ID card is scanned and encoded and the encoded data sent to a central database where it is compared with the stored image information of that ID card to positively identify the user using the unambiguous digital information. If the user is positively identified, the encoded data is compared with the stored data to generate to identify and transmit any anomalies to the gatekeeper, thereby allowing the gatekeeper to exercise independent judgment in allowing or denying admission privileges to the presenter. |
| US08646684B2 |
Compact protocol and solution for substantially offline messaging between portable consumer device and base device
A method for providing messaging between a portable device and base device is provided. The method included communicating one or more message codes maintained in the portable device to the base device. The base device then composes a message for a user of the portable device using a dictionary of message codes. The message codes have corresponding message values, which are used to generate the message for the one or more message codes. The generated message is then provided to the user. |
| US08646683B2 |
Method and system for device notification
Methods and system for encoded information processing are described. In one embodiment, an encoded pattern may be optically detected from source media. The encoded pattern may be associated with programming content of a content source. The encoded pattern may be decoded to reproduce encoded data. The programming content may be identified based on reproduction of the encoded data. A scheduled start time of the programming content may be obtained. When a current device time is within a notification time qualification of the scheduled start time, a programming content start alert may be generated. An interactive opportunity notification associated with the programming content may be provided based on generation of the programming content start alert. Additional methods and systems are disclosed. |
| US08646681B2 |
Fries and condiment holder
The fries and condiment holder is a combination of two open containers. The larger of the two open containers provides the user with a place to store a food item found at fast food restaurants such as French fries. The smaller of the two open containers is attached to the larger container by a nontoxic adhesive because the present invention makes contact with edible food. The smaller container provides the user with a place to store a condiment. The smaller container is also collapsible and can be flushed into larger container. The user obtains the present invention with the food item in the larger container and with the small container collapse. The user can choose to expand and fill the smaller container with a condiment if the user wants to dip his/her food item in the condiment. |
| US08646679B2 |
Security collar for beverage container
A fluid container includes an outer shell including a plurality of sidewalls forming a hollow interior, a first one of the sidewalls having an opening formed therein and a first flap extending therefrom, the first flap having a retention feature formed therein, and an inner liner disposed within the hollow interior of the outer shell configured to receive and store a fluid, the inner liner including a spout providing fluid communication with an interior thereof, wherein the retention feature is in substantial alignment with a portion of the opening formed in the first one of the sidewalls, the opening and the retention feature cooperating to receive and support the spout in a position extending outwardly from the first one of the sidewalls. |
| US08646676B2 |
Electronic component mounting system and electronic component mounting method
An object of the invention is to provide an electronic component mounting system and an electronic component mounting method which can execute component mounting work on a plurality of boards simultaneously, concurrently and efficiently so that high productivity and responsiveness to production of many items can be achieved consistently.Provided is an electronic component mounting line (1) which is formed so that a screen printing portion having a plurality of individual printing mechanisms capable of executing setup change works individually is connected to an upstream side of a component mounting portion having a plurality of board delivery mechanisms, and which is configured so that either of a first work mode in which component mounting work is continuously executed on a fixed board type in all individual mounting lanes (L1 and L2) and a second work mode in which component mounting work is intermittently executed in one individual mounting lane while setup change work is repeated in corresponding one of the individual printing mechanisms whenever board types are changed from one to another in the individual mounting lane is selectively designated in multi-board mounting work in which the individual mounting lanes are operated to execute component mounting work on a plurality of boards simultaneously and concurrently. |
| US08646675B2 |
Laying apparatus, contact-making apparatus, movement system, laying and contact-making unit, production system, method for production and a transponder unit
The invention relates to a laying device which is used to lay wire windings on transponder units, wherein the wire is guided in an axial manner in the laying device, a contacting device is used place the wires in contact with an automatic thermal clamping arrangement, an advancing system is used to advance machining devices by means of a piezo-leg-motor, a production system is used to produce transponder units in a console structural manner. The invention also relates to a method for the production of transponder units with horizontal ultrasonic introduction and a transponder unit wherein the wire ends engage directly on the ends of the connection surfaces of the chip. |
| US08646673B2 |
Surgical stapling instrument
A surgical stapling instrument (1) comprises a body portion (2, 3), a handle (4) and a staple fastening assembly (8). The staple fastening assembly (8) includes a curved cartridge (10), which comprises at least one curved open row of staples, and a curved anvil (22), which is adapted to cooperate with the cartridge (10) for forming the ends of the staples exiting from the cartridge (10). The staple fastening assembly (8) is adapted to allow unobstructed access towards the concave inner faces of the cartridge (10) and the anvil (22). The cartridge (10) can be moved towards the anvil (22) from a spaced position for positioning tissue therebetween to a closed position for clamping the tissue. Preferably, a knife is contained within the cartridge (10) and is positioned such that there is at least one row of staples on at least one side of the knife. |
| US08646669B2 |
Cantilevered storage unit mount for vehicles
Storage unit mounting apparatus removably and lockably attachable to a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a single, cantilevered support member removably and irrotationally attachable at its proximal end to the vehicle, the distal end of the support member supporting a receiver having integral mounting means to which the storage unit is attachable. The apparatus is especially suited for vehicles such as motorcycles, all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs), bicycles and the like. |
| US08646661B2 |
Aerosol can liquid dispenser
Improvements in an aerosol can liquid dispenser to provide a method to dispense a limited amount of fluid from within an aerosol can and to hold the fluid in a reservoir so it can be intermittently used. An operator may only dispense a few drops of liquid and use only a fraction of the dispensed quantity. The collection reservoir is located in a semi protected enclosure to minimize air flow over the fluid thereby reducing evaporation. A secures mechanism allows the dispenser to be quickly and easily mounted and removed from the top of an aerosol can. A removable cap closure to reduce evaporation of any dispensed fluid held in a reservoir. An overflow reservoir collects any excess fluid where it is held in a separate chamber and can be reclaimed. |
| US08646656B2 |
Power over ethernet powered soap or disinfectant dispenser
A system for providing power to a plurality of soap or disinfectant dispensers through a power over ethernet (PoE) network and for sensing various operational parameters of the dispensers and communicating those parameters through the network connection to a central computing device. The system includes a Data/Power controller associated with the dispensers for providing power to the dispenser and for sending and receiving data between one or more sensors in the dispensers and a central computer device. |
| US08646642B2 |
Floating cover roof for a storage tank
A floating cover roof for a storage tank has a frame assembly and multiple floating units. The frame assembly has a holding frame and an outer rim. The holding frame has multiple longitudinal beams and transverse beams. Each longitudinal beam has a connecting seat, a first holding segment and a second holding segment. Two of the transverse beams are connected to two adjacent longitudinal beams to form a locating area between the beams. The floating units are mounted in the locating areas of the frame assembly, are connected to the beams of the holding frame and each has an outer casing and a body. The outer casing is mounted in one of the locating areas of the holding frame, is connected to the adjacent beams and has a casing body and a top board. The body is mounted in the outer casing between the casing body and the top board. |
| US08646638B2 |
Foldable container
Foldable container comprising a bottom plate, side plates and first hinges for connecting the side plates to the bottom plate, and a roof plate that is can be raised from the side plates, wherein the roof plate connects to opposite side plates by inter-positioned connecting rods, and wherein each connecting rod has at a first extremity a second hinge that connects to a side plate and at a second extremity opposite to said first extremity is slidably connected to said roof plate. |
| US08646636B2 |
Synthetic resin container
A novel synthetic resin container includes an entirely or partly dome-like shoulder portion interconnecting a mouth portion and an upper end of a body portion, and provides high strength at the shoulder portion and excellent aesthetic appearance. The shoulder portion has a dome-like region with a plurality of rhombic and triangular bulging portions arranged in the circumferential direction, each protruding outward from its rhombic or triangular outer edge toward its inner edge. The plurality of triangular bulging portions are arranged between the rhombic portions. The rhombic inner edge defines a region protruding inward of the container and thereby forming a rhombic depression, which is provided with a rib having a vertical contour line that protrudes outward. The triangular inner edge defines a region protruding inward of the container so as to form a triangular depression, which is provided with a rib having a vertical contour line that protrudes outward. |
| US08646631B2 |
Knuckle formed from pivot pin and kidney core and isolated finger core
A railroad coupler knuckle includes a single, solid rib at a horizontal centerline of the knuckle that passes through a pivot pin hub thereof. The single, solid rib extends generally from a flag hole of a finger cavity of the knuckle to an opposite side of the knuckle from the flag hole. In another aspect, a railcar coupler knuckle includes a tail section, a hub section, and a nose section. The tail, hub, and nose sections define internal cavities including (i) a combined void that defines a pivot pin hub cavity and a kidney cavity and (ii) an isolated finger cavity. The combined void is formed using a first internal core during manufacturing of the coupler knuckle. The isolated finger cavity is formed using a second internal core during manufacturing of the coupler knuckle, such that molten alloy substantially separates the combined void and the isolated finger cavity. |
| US08646627B2 |
Slider panel for product display
An apparatus includes a display structure that supports products in a display area within reach of a customer location. The apparatus further includes a panel structure supported for movement along upper and lower tracks. The panel structure has a transparent viewing section and indicia relating to the products, but is not configured to support any products itself. The panel structure also has horizontally opposite side edges spaced apart at a width that is less than the width of the display area. A frame structure supports the upper and lower tracks at locations that provide the panel structure with a path of movement interposed between the customer location and the display area. The path of movement includes positions in which the display area can be reached from the customer location past either of the opposite side edges of the panel structure. |
| US08646621B2 |
Product biasing and dispensing system with security engagement
A product dispensing system including a container that defines an internal volume and an access opening into the internal volume, at least one product received in the internal volume and a biasing assembly extendable into the internal volume to urge the product toward the access opening, wherein the container is engaged with the biasing assembly when the biasing assembly extends into the internal volume. |
| US08646620B2 |
Dishwasher rack assembly with adjustable tines
A dishwasher rack assembly includes a bottom wall formed of a first set of spaced apart rods crossed by a second set of spaced apart rods to define an open lattice structure. At least one channel member is attached to respective one the rods. A plurality of tines are received within the channel member and are variably positional along the channel member so as to adjust spacing between the tines without adjusting the channel member relative to the rod. |
| US08646619B2 |
Eyewear display system
The present invention provides a lockable eyewear display system. One embodiment of the system includes a support frame on which the eyewear is placed, a lock that secures the eyewear to the frame, and a key that removes the lock from the frame. The device may further include an anchor connected to the frame that anchors the frame to a fixture or display object such as a rack or furniture. In another embodiment, the eyewear display device includes an articulating joint allowing at least a portion of the support frame to be swiveled. |
| US08646611B2 |
Pivotal product packaging
A blister package includes at least one blister tray having a plurality of open blister depressions each blister depression accommodating a consumable product. The blister sleeve includes a pair of spaced apart planar walls defining therebetween a pivot connection. The blister tray is received between the walls of the blister sleeve and pivotally coupled to the pivot location. The sleeves are pivotal from an enclosed position between the two planar walls to an open position outwardly of the planar walls. |
| US08646608B2 |
Packaging and display device
A packaging system includes a tray that supports candy canes in a side-by-side presentation while maintaining the candy away from the outer walls of the packaging. A template of cardboard stock is cut and folded to define a candy can support tray that is covered by a transparent wrapper or inserted into a box. The tray includes a bottom base and sides that are folded upward and end portions that fold inward with tabs align to create the rectangular tray with an open top. A first end of the tray includes a portion extending downward from the top edge to the base at an oblique angle with orifices receiving ends of the candy canes. At an opposite end of the tray, a second support portion has a portion extending downward at an oblique angle from the end wall to the base of the tray. The angled support portion includes two sets of orifices, one above another aligned so that the candy canes insert with the straight portion inserting through the orifice at the second end into a corresponding orifice in the first end and the hook portion of the candy cane inserting into the top orifice at the second end. The second end also includes a loading window aligned so that the candy canes slide longitudinally through each of the orifices. The tray supports the candy canes in a position that minimizes breakage during shipment and provides a pleasing presentation to customers. |
| US08646606B2 |
Gift card packet holder
A device for holding a gift card packet while providing graphical, mechanical and audio enhancements, alone or in combination, to entertain the gift card packet recipient and add value the gift. |
| US08646604B2 |
Micro- and/or nano-structured packaging material
The invention relates to a web-form packaging material which comprises at least one layer, comprising a packaging material surface, of a sealable material, to a packaging unit with a transdermal therapeutic system and with a packaging material of this kind, and also to a process for producing a packaging unit. For this purpose, at least the abovementioned surface of the packaging material has a multiplicity of recesses and/or a multiplicity of non-recessed regions. The distance between two adjacent recesses and/or the distance between two adjacent non-recessed regions is less than five times the packaging material thickness. Moreover, the depth of the recesses is not less than 1.2 nanometers and not more than 95% of the packaging material thickness.With the present invention, the sticking of an adhesive on the inner face of the packaging material is effectively prevented. |
| US08646601B2 |
Hole saw kit
A kit for carrying hole saws has a hole saw carrier configured to releasably carry thereon a plurality of nested hole saws, and is movable between (i) a storage position and (ii) a use position for removing one or more hole saws therefrom. The carrier is axially-elongated and receivable through an arbor hole in a hole saw to releasably carry the hole saw thereon and to allow one hole saw to be nested within another thereon. The carrier is pivotally mounted and movable between the storage and use positions. |
| US08646596B2 |
Transverse belt
Modular belt link for use in endless conveyor belts where each modular belt link has a top surface, a bottom surface having a material thickness between said top and bottom surfaces, a leading and trailing edge, and side edges arranged connecting said leading and trailing edge and said top and bottom surfaces, and where means are arranged along said leading and trailing edge for hingely connecting adjacent modular belt links characterized in that an endless belt is arranged for rotation around at least a portion of the modular belt link. |
| US08646594B2 |
Apparatus for automatic transfer of textile articles from a linking machine to a boarding machine
An apparatus (1) and a related method for automatic transfer of socks (4) from a linking machine (2) to a sock-modeling piece for boarding operation (36) according to a predetermined orientation, the apparatus comprising reversing means (20) comprising feeding means (21) for picking up the sock (4) from a sewing station (22) of the linking machine and loading means (31) for automatically loading the sock (4) onto the sock-modeling piece, the reversing means (20) comprising a supporting element (23) and at least one pair of lower rollers (24) disposed around said supporting element (23). |
| US08646593B2 |
Device for treatment of bulk material, a method as well as a beam construction intended for said treatment
A device for the treatment of bulk material including a platform for supporting the bulk material and at least one outfeeding device on the platform for feeding bulk material placed on the platform towards an outlet arranged on the platform. |
| US08646590B2 |
Revolution transport system for manufacturing and assembly lines
In a revolution transport system for manufacturing and assembly lines with work stations arranged along the transport system, workpiece carriers are movably supported on a track formed by horizontally spaced outer and inner carrier and support rails extending around the transport system wherein each workpiece carrier includes a carriage movably supported on the outer rail and upper and lower rollers in engagement with upwardly facing and downwardly fairing surfaces of the intermediate or inner rail to prevent tilting of the workpiece carrier by forces acting on an outwardly projecting workpiece support arm of the workpiece carrier. |
| US08646586B2 |
Torque-limiting clutch brake
A clutch brake is provided for mounting on a rotatable shaft comprising an outer annular housing and an inner annular collar. The inner collar is mounted within the housing and is secured to the rotatable shaft so as to be rotatable with the shaft and capable of rotation relative to the housing. One or more pads are interposed between the housing and the collar and is biased to provide frictional engagement between the two. Preferably both the outer housing and collar comprise a pair of arcuate semi-annular members to facilitate installation and removal. |
| US08646582B2 |
Vertical retractable rail clamp
The rail clamp includes a carriage having an actuator frame mounted to its base so as to extend upwardly from the base. Springs are mounted in the actuator frame at the upper end of the carnage. An actuator is mounted between the base and the springs. A wheel is mounted on a wheel support. The wheel engages the rail. At least one suspension frame is pivotally mounted to the carriage and at an opposite end, to the wheel support. The actuator operates on the suspension frame so as to elevate the carriage. A pair of clamping levers is pivotally mounted to the base of the carriage. Brake shoes mount on the lower-most ends of the levers. The levers are pivotable so as to clamp their lower-most ends together when their upper ends are moved apart. |
| US08646578B2 |
Extendable mast structure for a fork-lift truck
An extendable mast structure for a fork-lift truck, including an outer mast fixed to the carriage, the spaced columns being interconnected via upper and lower traverses, an extendable inner mast guided by said outer mast on which a load-carrying means is guided to be movable up and down and the columns of which are interconnected via upper or lower traverses or a cross-beam, one mast lift cylinder for each column of said inner mast supported on said outer mast, piston rods of which are adapted to be connected to said cross-beam, and setting means between said piston rods and cross-beam for an equalization of the lift, wherein a male-threaded setting component is attached to the upper end of said piston rod of one of said two mast lift cylinders and a female-threaded bushing is screwed onto the male thread of said setting component and has supporting surfaces for said cross-beam. |
| US08646577B2 |
Travel assembly
A travel assembly is provided with a cylindrical spindle for being fixed on a body of a working vehicle, a rotary shaft arranged extending in an axial direction through the spindle and rotationally drivable by a driving source, a rim rotatably arranged on a side of an outer periphery of the spindle to permit mounting of a wheel thereon, a planetary gear reduction mechanism for transmitting rotation of the rotary shaft to the rim at a reduced speed, a bearing rotatably supporting the rotary shaft via a sleeve integrally fitted on the rotary shaft, and a retainer holding the bearing in place. A lube oil pipe for feeding lube oil to the rotary shaft is held in place by the retainer. The lube oil pipe branches within the retainer to form an oil passage. The oil passage has an opening through which the lube oil can be fed to rolling elements in the bearing. |
| US08646571B2 |
Apparatus for creating acoustically beneficial conditions for audio and voice recording
An apparatus for creating acoustically beneficial conditions for audio and voice recording on the go, in limited space and/or time conditions with sound absorbing inner layer made out of flexible durable material such as acoustic blankets. A preferred embodiment includes supportive rigid elements, internal light and copy support elements and durable outer layer. Acoustic layer can be extended to increase the area of coverage, it can be set up and operational from folded down transportation state in under 20 seconds and put away as quickly, it is light weight, washable and can be used as a travel bag when traveling. |
| US08646570B2 |
Diaphragm of electric sound converter and its manufacturing method
In a diaphragm of an electric sound converter which converts vibration such as sound into an electrical signal, a center dome is reinforced while suppressing variations in the sensitivity and frequency response to the minimum, whereby reduction in a high-pass reproduction limit is suppressed, and occurrence of anomalous resonance is prevented. In a diaphragm 1 of an electric sound converter having a center dome 2, a reinforcing film 7 made of the same material as that of the center dome and formed into the same shape as that of the center dome is applied to the center dome with a hot-melt adhesive 6 of the same nature as that of the center dome, a groove 7a formed in a polygonal reticulate pattern is provided on one surface of the reinforcing film adhered with the adhesive, and a convex rib 8 corresponding to the groove is formed on the other surface. |
| US08646566B1 |
Remote manual driveshaft center bearing height adjustment mechanisms
A manual height-adjustment mechanism (MHAM) for a vehicle driveshaft, includes a movable bracket assembly configured to attach to the driveshaft and a vehicle cross-member; and a user input device remotely located with respect to the movable bracket assembly, configured to control the movable bracket assembly. |
| US08646561B2 |
Assembling structure for wheel and hub of electric bicycle
An assembling structure for wheel and hub of an electric bicycle is disclosed, the structure capable of firmly assembling a hub and a wheel by separately manufacturing the hub embedded with a motor and a transmission gear box from the wheel, the structure including a hub accommodating a motor therein, a wheel coupled to one side of the wheel by way of a sliding fit, a groove unit circumferentially arranged at a periphery of the hub, and a lug unit formed at an area coupled to the hub of the wheel and meshed with the groove unit to allow the wheel to rotate with the hub, whereby coupling of the wheel and the hub is simplified to reinforce the coupling force therebetween. |
| US08646558B2 |
Ultra-efficient hydraulic hybrid drivetrain and method of operation
Ultra efficient hydraulic hybrid drivetrain of vehicle with a single cylinder module of engine, air compressor, hydraulic pump and motor transmit power without crankshaft, pipes and hoses. The engine piston fastened to pump plunger located within rotor comprised two diametrically opposite axial rods associated with the plunger, compressor piston and swash plate. This plate turn and independently shift by digital control changes the engine piston stroke, changes the engine compression ratio for super efficient homogeneous charge compression ignition and either kind of fuel use. The hybrid by hydraulic accumulator provides start, idling and work mode of operation. Compressor's piston diameter greater than engine piston diameter and plunger pumping fluid and simultaneously driving additional plungers enables to provide more than 130 hp per liter engine displacement. Such unique features and energy recuperation enables to achieve 80 mile per gallon for the 1500 kg weight medium car in city conditions. |
| US08646556B2 |
Engine hood for construction machine
An engine hood for a construction machine is configured to be pivoted in a vehicle body back-and-forth direction about a hinge attached as a pivot center to a longitudinal side part of a counterweight. The engine hood includes an engine hood main body, a first operating force applying unit and a second operating force applying unit. The engine hood main body is attached to a vehicle body of the construction machine in a pivotably openable/closable state. The first operating force applying unit is configured to apply force in a direction of opening the engine hood main body until the engine hood main body reaches a vicinity of a predetermined opening angle. The second operating force applying unit is configured to apply force in a direction of closing the engine hood main body when the engine hood main body is pivoted at the predetermined opening angle or greater. |
| US08646553B2 |
Construction machine provided with heat exchanger
Provided is a construction machine comprising: a heat exchanger with a core surface in an engine room; a top wall covering an air inlet chamber in the engine room and having a first air inlet; a duct including a main wall guiding air in the air inlet chamber to draw it through the core surface and a front wall facing the core surface and having a second air inlet; a cooling fan sucking external air onto the core surface through the second air inlet; and an air cleaner extending horizontally and orthogonally to an air guiding direction by the main wall. At least a part of the air cleaner exists in a vertical region where the second air inlet is formed. The air cleaner directs, toward the second air inlet, an air flow farthest from the duct, out of the air flow drawn downward through the first air inlet. |
| US08646550B2 |
Self rechargeable synergy drive for a motor vehicle
Vehicle wheels may be equipped with a stator and rotor to induce current to generate electricity as the vehicle wheels rotate or to slow down the vehicle wheels in response to the application of a brake of the vehicle. Air may be sucked through the vehicle wheels through mesh screens to create air flow that passes through ductwork to reach a turbine generator, which generates electricity in response to blade rotation from air flow. A roof mounted solar energy conversion system may generate electricity. A vehicle power supply boosts its energy from all the electricity generated. |
| US08646545B1 |
Power pivot device for a plow
A plow pivot assembly includes a base adapted to be coupled to a frame member and rotationally fixed relative thereto. A pivot assembly is coupled to the base and includes a motor mounted to a first ring gear, a planetary gear assembly driven by the motor and including a planetary carrier assembly having a plurality of split planetary gears engaging with both the first ring gear and a second ring gear which is fixed to the base for causing rotation of the first ring. A plow blade is attached to the first ring gear by a pivot base that incorporates a force absorbing system therein to protect the planetary gear assembly from damage. |
| US08646540B2 |
Methods and apparatus for passive non-electrical dual stage fire suppression
Methods and apparatus for passive non-electrical dual stage fire suppression according to various aspects of the present invention include detecting a fire with a first active fire suppressant unit and changing the status of a second fire suppressant unit from “stand-by” to “active” when the first fire suppressant unit releases a fire suppressant agent. After the first fire suppressant unit has released its fire suppressant agent, the second fire suppressant unit may detect a continued and/or a new fire and release a second fire suppressant agent in response to the detection. |
| US08646539B2 |
Concealed sprinkler
A concealed sprinkler including a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion includes an annular wall defining a chamber and an opening in communication with the chamber. A deflector assembly is disposed within the chamber. A trigger assembly having a lever assembly engaged with an inner surface of the annular wall supports the deflector assembly in the first position, the trigger assembly including and a thermally rated plate assembly having a lip portion to substantially circumscribe and substantially cover opening and chamber. |
| US08646532B2 |
Valve, valving device and method
A valving device includes a tubular with a port and a sleeve slidably sealingly engaged with the tubular between a first position and a second position. The sleeve is configured to occlude the port when in the first position and uncover the port when in the second position. The valving device is configured such that pressure inside the tubular does not urge the sleeve toward the second position while pressure applied radially outwardly of the tubular and the sleeve urge the sleeve toward the second position. |
| US08646526B2 |
Method and system for increasing production of a reservoir using lateral wells
A method for stimulating production in a wellbore associated with a reservoir. The method includes determining a textural complexity of a formation in which the reservoir is located, determining an induced fracture complexity of the formation using the textural complexity, fracturing the formation to create a plurality of fractures, determining an operation to perform within the formation to maintain conductivity of the formation based on the induced fracture complexity and the textural complexity, and performing the operation, wherein the operation comprises drilling a lateral well originating from the wellbore to maintain conductivity of the formation. |
| US08646523B2 |
Method and materials for proppant flow control with telescoping flow conduit technology
Porous objects, such as porous balls, may be employed within telescoping devices to control proppant flowback through a completed well during production. The telescoping devices may connect a reservoir face to a production liner without perforating. Acid-soluble plugs initially disposed within the telescoping devices may provide enough resistance to enable the telescoping devices to extend out from the production liner under hydraulic pressure. The plugs may then be dissolved in an acidic solution, which may also be used as the hydraulic extension fluid. After the plugs are substantially removed from the telescoping devices, the reservoir may be hydraulically fractured using standard fracturing processes. The porous balls may then be inserted into the telescoping devices to block proppant used in the fracturing process from flowing out of the reservoir with the production fluids. |
| US08646522B1 |
Method of gripping a tubular with a tubular gripping mechanism
A method for gripping a tubular with a tubular gripping mechanism includes the steps of moving the tubular gripping mechanism adjacent the tubular, positioning a jaw assembly of the tubular gripping mechanism around the tubular, applying a force by an actuator onto the jaw assembly of the tubular gripping mechanism such that the jaw assembly moves so as to clamp onto the tubular, removing the force from the actuator onto the jaw assembly such that the jaw assembly remains clamped onto the tubular. The clamping force is directed to surfaces of the tubular gripping mechanism away from the actuator. |
| US08646521B2 |
Method and apparatus for cleaning a drill string
An apparatus for use in cleaning a drill string comprises a body portion (10) having a tubular side wall and a resiliently compressible cleaning member (11) mounted inside the hollow interior thereof under compression, the body portion (10) comprising an open lower end adapted to engage the drill string. A separate actuator (13) is provided for fitting to the body portion (10) for displacing the cleaning member (11) out of the tubular side wall of the body portion (10) into the drill string. In use, the cleaning member (11) can be loaded into the body portion (10) at a remote location prior to the cleaning operation thereby reducing the time taken to insert the cleaning member (11) into the drill string and alleviating the risk of injury. |
| US08646517B2 |
Plate and gasket for plate heat exchanger
The invention relates to a heat exchanger plate for a plate heat exchanger, which plate has a number of ports, a distribution region, a heat transfer region, a first adiabatic region, a second adiabatic region and an edge area that extends outside the ports and the regions, which plate has a first gasket groove extending in the edge area outside the regions and around the ports, and a second gasket groove extending between the adiabatic region and the adjacent distribution region, whereby the gasket grooves are connected together to accommodate a gasket for sealing abutment against an adjacent heat exchanger plate in the plate heat exchanger. The invention further relates to a gasket for a heat exchanger plate and a plate heat exchanger having a package of heat exchanger plates and gaskets. |
| US08646509B2 |
Blind with looped blind sheet for adjusting opacity
A blind with a looped blind sheet for adjusting opacity is revealed. The blind includes a top rod supporter, a top rod with two ends connected to the top rod supporter, a bottom rod supporter, a bottom rod with two ends connected to the bottom rod supporter, and looped blind sheet. The looped blind sheet with predetermined length and width includes alternate see-through parts and opaque parts and connected to form a loop having a front blind sheet and a rear blind sheet wound between the top rod and the bottom rod. When the front blind sheet or the rear blind sheet is pulled down or up, the opacity is adjusted by overlap degree of the see-through parts and the opaque parts of the front and the rear blind sheets changing without changing the length of the looped blind sheet. |
| US08646508B2 |
Label peeling machine
A label peeling machine is configured to one by one peel adhesive labels of a non-liner label having a number of adhesive labels stuck continuously so as to be overlapped while being shifted by a predetermined width. The non-liner label wound and held on a reel is placed on a carrier belt entrained about a first driven shaft, a second driven shaft, and a third driven shaft and is moved forward or backward. The label peeling machine includes a first sensor for causing the carrier belt to move backward, a second sensor for stopping the carrier belt, a peeling claw for engaging the non-liner label moving upward along the drive belt and peel the adhesive labels one by one, and a control apparatus configured to control a switch, the first sensor and the second sensor. |
| US08646507B2 |
Charging apparatus
A charging apparatus includes a plurality of holding members that holds a pair of plate-shaped members in a state the major surfaces of the plate-shaped members face each other, a movement member that causes the holding members to be moved towards and away from each other, an emission nozzle configured to be introduced into a gap between the plate-shaped members, retained by the holding members, to emit the charging liquid into the gap, a nozzle movement unit that causes movement of the emission nozzle in an in-plane direction of the plate-shaped members, a reservoir in which the charging liquid is to be accumulated, and a thrust unit that causes the charging liquid accumulated in the reservoir to be emitted via the emission nozzle. |
| US08646506B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing bodily exudates absorbent structures
An apparatus for manufacturing bodily exudates absorbent structures has a rotating drum to convey a first continuous sheet, a feeding mechanism, a second conveying mechanism to convey a second continuous sheet and a sealing mechanism to join the first and second continuous sheets. The rotating drum is formed on its peripheral surface with depressions, leaving a non-depressed peripheral surface segment. Each of the depressions is formed in a central region with a central through-hole extending through each depression from an outer surface to an inner surface of the rotating drum. Within the rotating drum, a suction mechanism is installed to provide a suction effect directed from the outer surface toward the inner surface of the rotating drum so that the first continuous sheet is formed with a first concave region having been deformed along each depression and a second concave region having been deformed toward the central through-hole. |
| US08646505B2 |
Micro device transfer head
A micro device transfer head and head array are disclosed. In an embodiment, the micro device transfer head includes a base substrate, a mesa structure with sidewalls, an electrode formed over the mesa structure, and a dielectric layer covering the electrode. A voltage can be applied to the micro device transfer head and head array to pick up a micro device from a carrier substrate and release the micro device onto a receiving substrate. |
| US08646499B2 |
Pneumatic tire and manufacturing process thereof
A pneumatic tire is molded by using a vulcanizing mold in which blades 20, each composed of a metal thin plate having an inclined portion 20a in the depth direction and a plurality of through holes 20G with the same sectional form as that of projections to be formed in the sipe in the inclined portion 20a are buried in a groove portion corresponding to the tire block of the vulcanizing mold, thereby forming 3D sipes having unevenness in the radial direction of the block and a plurality of pairs of projections in the inclined portion in the block of the tire. Thereby, when longitudinal force is applied to the tire, adjacent small blocks of the block come into close contact with each other only at the positions of the projections of the 3D sipes, thereby making it possible to ensure the block stiffness of the pneumatic tire 10 without reducing the drainage function. |
| US08646498B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having shallower notched lug grooves
A pneumatic tire having improved braking performance includes sides and a tread section between the sides. In each of two regions on opposite sides of a tire centerline in the tread section, two circumferential main grooves extend along a tire circumferential direction in a zigzag shape, first lug grooves extend from an inner circumferential main groove to a pattern end, and second lug grooves extend toward the pattern end from the outer circumferential main groove. A wall of the inside circumferential main groove includes wall surfaces with a wall angle varying along the circumferential direction. An outside land section between the main grooves includes a notched lug groove extending in a tire widthwise direction from either the inside or outside main groove and closes within the outside land section. A groove depth of the notched lug groove is shallower than that of the first and second lug grooves. |
| US08646489B2 |
Connection structure of wave-shaped synthetic resin pipes, wave-shaped synthetic resin pipes used for the connection structure, and manufacturing method thereof
Provided are a connection structure for connecting corrugated synthetic resin pipes and a corrugated synthetic resin pipe used in the connection structure. The pipe is lightweight, low cost, and simply structured with a small number of components, having sufficient resistance to water and pressure, and excellent sealing performance without the use of robust material or requiring high precision, and capable of being easily connected and manufactured. A first corrugated synthetic resin pipe 1A is provided at an end 10 with a cylindrical insert end 3 formed by adhering a synthetic resin layer 5 to the outer surface of the end 10 so as to fill at least corrugated recesses 2a. A second corrugated synthetic resin pipe 1B is provided at an end 11 with a socket 4 formed by adhering synthetic resin to the outer surface of the end 11 and cylindrically extending the resin outwardly in the axial direction. |
| US08646488B1 |
Protective cap for pipe and tube ends
Described is a device for protecting a pipe, tube or conduit end that is left open or exposed without a fixture or terminating end. Instead of tape placed over an open pipe end, a specially shaped and marked protective cap provides a seal and a unique marker for each pipe end. The marker may be color coded, bar coded or numbered. Such protective cap seals pipe ends against moisture, dirt and other debris thereby reducing or eliminating corrosion. Such protective cap reduces installation time as compared to removing tape and tape residue from each pipe end. The unique marker can indicate the purpose and identity of each underlying pipe or tube. Such protective cap also improves the visibility of the pipe ends during construction thereby increasing the safety of a job or construction site. |
| US08646482B2 |
Microfluidic pump and valve structures and fabrication methods
Plastic microfluidic structures having a substantially rigid diaphragm that actuates between a relaxed state wherein the diaphragm sits against the surface of a substrate and an actuated state wherein the diaphragm is moved away from the substrate. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic structures formed with this diaphragm provide easy to manufacture and robust systems, as well readily made components such as valves and pumps. |
| US08646479B2 |
Singulation of valves
A method and apparatus for the singulation of valve plates and/or assembled valves from a lead-frame are described. The method and apparatus utilizes an electric current to fuse tabs which join the valve plate and/or the assembled valve to the lead-frame. The valve comprises a first and second valve plate with offsetting apertures and a flap disposed and movable between the first and second plates. |
| US08646476B2 |
Integrated kitchen faucet side spray and diverter
A diverter assembly (12) for use with a faucet assembly (10) including a diverter valve (78) secured to an inlet end (80) of a sprayer tube (46) and removably received within a connector (62). |
| US08646473B2 |
Electro-hydraulic sensor fail safe
A fail-safe system and method for an electro-hydraulic system. The system includes a controller, sensor, directional control valve, interlock, hydraulic valve and movement actuator. The directional control valve moves when the controller is moved. The interlock is hydraulically coupled to the directional control valve; and is in active position when the directional control valve is moved, and in shutoff position when the directional control valve is not moved. The hydraulic valve has an input side coupled to a flow source and an output side coupled to a hydraulic function. The movement actuator moves the hydraulic valve to a desired position as directed by the controller when the interlock is in the active position, and does not move the hydraulic valve when the interlock is in the shutoff position. The sensor detects movement of the controller and sends a control signal to the first valve actuator. |
| US08646469B2 |
Substrate treating apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus which holds and rotates a substrate substantially horizontally; having a control unit which controls a rinsing liquid supply mechanism for supplying a rinsing liquid onto the substrate; a gas knife mechanism that sprays gas onto the substrate to form a gas spraying zone and scans the entire substrate without rotating the substrate; a rinsing liquid mechanism for supplying a rinsing liquid onto the substrate at its area downstream from the gas spraying zone; and a drying unit for drying the substrate by rotating the substrate. |
| US08646468B2 |
Cosmetic container
The present invention generally is a container for storing cosmetic or care products. More particularly, the invention relates to a cosmetic container comprising a receptacle and a cover wherein the cover comprises an integrated applicator wherein the applicator is retractable within the cover. There is provided a cosmetic container comprising a receptacle, said receptacle comprising a housing for storing a product; a cover, said cover comprising a housing that accommodates an applicator and a protrusion retraction mechanism assembly for operating the applicator such that the applicator is integrated within the cover; and an actuating means for actuating the operation of the protrusion retraction mechanism assembly. |
| US08646458B2 |
Easy-application meatal plug
A meatal plug, comprising a stem and a bulb arranged at one end of the stem, the bulb protruding laterally over said stem, a hole being formed in the plug, and the hole opening at the end of the stem opposite the bulb and said hole extending at least into the bulb, characterized in that the ratio of the height dimension of the stem, measured along its longitudinal axis to the length dimension along this same bulb axis is greater than 1, preferably greater than 2.5, the ratio of the width dimension of the bulb to its length, i.e. measured in a direction perpendicular to the stem axis, is greater than 1, preferably greater than 2.5. |
| US08646455B2 |
Mandibular advancement device with positive positioning hinge
The invention is an oral appliance for prevention of sleeping problems including snoring, sleep apnea and bruxism, and may also be used to protect the teeth and gums from surgical instruments during surgery. Specifically, the appliance alters the position of the user's mandible, which is known as a method for reducing the restriction of the flow of air through the pharyngeal passageway. The appliance is a one-piece device molded from a flexible polymer. It includes an upper maxillary tray and a lower mandibulary tray. Both upper and lower trays include inner and outer walls which increase contact area with the teeth. The hinge mechanism of the device includes a positive positioning system comprised of opposed interlocking ridges. The ridges serve to create offset between the position of the upper tray and lower tray relative to each other, therefore advancing the user's mandible. |
| US08646445B2 |
Nitric oxide delivery system
An ambulatory or stationary device for delivery of a therapeutic amount of nitric oxide to an individual's lungs. |
| US08646444B2 |
Glide rack
A rack for an appliance includes a main section having a support frame, and an arm coupled to the support frame and movable relative to the support frame between a first position and a second position. In one example, the arm is movable towards the first position and is configured for engagement with a stop portion of an appliance cavity for inhibiting removal of the main section therefrom. In another example, the appliance cavity includes at least one stop portion, and the arm is movable towards engagement with the stop portion for inhibiting removal of the main section from the appliance cavity. |
| US08646441B2 |
Fume box for a domestic heating appliance using solid fuel
The invention relates to a fume box having a separation partition (16) in the upper portion thereof that comprises a removable catalyst block (17) offset relative to the inlet (10) and the outlet (8), and an intake passage that can be blocked by at least one insulating block. Deflectors slow down the gases and fumes and protect the catalyst block against falling soot and particle. The invention is particularly intended for manufacturers of domestic combustion heating appliances, in particular those using wood. |
| US08646436B2 |
Fuel pump attachment structure
A fuel pump attachment structure is provided that includes a cylinder head; a cylinder head cover joined to a top surface of the cylinder head; a bracket mounted to the top surface of the cylinder head so as to be located at a position outside the cylinder head cover; and a fuel pump attached to the bracket. The fuel pump is inserted into an opening formed in the cylinder head cover. A sealing member is arranged between an outer surface of the fuel pump and a surface of the cylinder head cover that defines the opening. Alternatively, a pressing portion is formed in a lower portion of the bracket. The pressing portion presses a pressed portion formed on a periphery of the cylinder head cover from above by means of a bolt that is inserted into the pressing portion and fastened to the cylinder head. |
| US08646435B2 |
System and methods for stoichiometric compression ignition engine control
The present invention relates to a diesel engine control system and methods for substantially operating a diesel engine at stoichiometric fuel to air ratios. The system may include a fuel processor which receives instructions for a desired engine output and current operating conditions. The fuel processor may also generate fueling instructions for the cylinders, including: substantially regulating fuel delivery into to a first group of cylinders at or near stoichiometric fuel levels, and substantially disabling fuel injection into to a second grouping of cylinders. The number of cylinders being fueled, and therefore undergoing a combustion event corresponds to the desired engine output. This may be calculated by dividing the desired output by the power provided by one cylinder operating at substantially stoichiometric fuel levels. The number of cylinders receiving fuel may be varied over a succession of engine revolutions such that the actual average engine power output conforms to the desired output. |
| US08646434B2 |
Anti-rotation clip for a twist lock fuel injector
A fuel injector with an anti-rotation clip for use in conjunction with a twist lock fuel injector inserted into a receiving fuel cup. The clip includes at least one connector leg which extends at least partially over the electrical connector for the fuel injector and locks the clip against rotation relative to the fuel injector electrical connector. A protrusion on a fuel cup arm engages a notch formed in the fuel cup to lock the arm against rotation relative to the fuel cup. |
| US08646433B2 |
Arrangement for exhaust braking of a combustion engine
An arrangement for exhaust braking of a combustion engine (2) which is equipped with a turbo unit with at least one flow element in the form of a vane or rail (17, 27) settable in varying positions to control the flow of exhaust gases through the turbine (6). A bypass line (25) provided with an inlet aperture (25a) is connected to an exhaust passage (4a, 19, 20) at a location upstream of the flow element (17, 27). An outlet aperture (25b) is connected to the exhaust passage (21, 4b) at a location downstream of the flow element (17, 27). A throttle (26) in the bypass line. A control device (13, 18) places the flow element (17, 27) in a substantially closed position when an exhaust braking process is to be effected, so that a positive pressure occurs in the exhaust passage (4a, 19) at a location upstream of the flow element (17, 27), which positive pressure is defined by the throttle (26). |
| US08646428B2 |
Piston positioned for reciprocal movement in a combustion engine cylinder
A piston is positioned for reciprocal movement in a combustion engine cylinder. Half way between flame plume impingement areas are arranged a first type of protrusions protruding into the combustion chamber and having a smooth form adapted for preserving kinetic energy in a flame plume. Each of the first type of protrusions has a shape of a longitudinal ridge that extends only in the outer bowl area. The first type of protrusions have a left side flank and a right side flank of the ridge when seen from the injector. The left side flank is formed differently compared to the right side flank in order to redirect the movement of a flame plume progressing towards the left side flank in a plane perpendicular to the reciprocal movement, differently compared to corresponding flame plume progressing, towards the right side flank. |
| US08646424B2 |
Variable valve timing device
A variable valve timing device includes a control valve for switching fluid communication among ports. The control valve includes a sleeve, a spool, a movable member, and resilient members. A first resilient member pushes the spool in both of the regions. A second resilient member acts on the spool via the movable member engaged with the spool in an advancing region. In a lock region, the movable member rests on the sleeve to enable the spool to move freely from the second resilient member. As a result, force acting on the spool can be restricted in the lock region. The movable member is supported from a radial inside by the spool and is radially distanced from the sleeve. As a result, it is possible to reduce a sliding resistance acting on the movable member. |
| US08646422B2 |
Electro-hydraulic variable valve lift apparatus
An electro-hydraulic variable valve lift apparatus includes a housing, a driving cam, a pump piston which forms a main chamber with the housing, reciprocates within the housing according to rotation of the driving cam, and forms hydraulic pressure within the main chamber, a pump piston elastic portion disposed for elastically supporting the pump piston, an oil pressure controller communicating with the main chamber in order to control hydraulic pressure within the main chamber, a hydraulic piston slidably disposed within the housing, includes a first body having a first diameter and a second body having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and is connected with a valve, and a piston guide disposed between the housing and the hydraulic piston for guiding the hydraulic piston. |
| US08646419B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
When knocking occurs, a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine increases the rotational speed of a pump to increase the flow rate of a coolant supplied to an area near a combustion chamber wall surface, and controls an actual mechanical compression ratio to a low mechanical compression ratio lower than a mechanical compression ratio set based on the load of the engine. Thus, the pressure of end gas is decreased, and occurrence of knocking is suppressed. Then, the actual mechanical compression ratio is returned to the mechanical compression ratio at a time point at which the temperature of the combustion chamber wall surface has been sufficiently decreased due to the increase in the rotational speed. Thus, occurrence of knocking is suppressed while avoiding the situation where the actual mechanical compression ratio continues to be controlled to the low mechanical compression ratio that is lower than the mechanical compression ratio. |
| US08646418B2 |
Four-stroke engine and working machine using the same
A reduced size four-stroke engine and a working machine using the same are provided. A fuel tank is disposed in the space below a carburetor and an engine base is integrally formed with a fuel tank. By this means, the fuel tank is disposed in the space below the carburetor, and therefore the oil tank is not required to be disposed below the oil tank, so that it is possible to reduce the size. |
| US08646403B2 |
Method for improving surface roughness of processed film of substrate and apparatus for processing substrate
A treatment apparatus for treating a substrate on a surface of which a treatment film has been formed and subjected to exposure processing and developing treatment. The treatment apparatus includes a nozzle for supplying a solvent gas of the treatment film to the surface of the treatment film on the substrate, and a moving mechanism for moving the nozzle which is supplying the solvent gas, relative to the substrate. The nozzle has an elongated discharge portion at least longer than a diameter of the substrate and partition plates at a front and a rear in the moving direction of the nozzle. |
| US08646401B2 |
Impact indicator
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for impact detection and indication is disclosed. The impact indicator includes a housing; a mass member located within the housing where the housing is configured to enable movement of the mass member from a first position to a second position within the housing in response to receipt by the housing of an acceleration event; and first and second biasing members disposed within the housing and biased toward each other to retain the mass member in the first position. In response to receipt by the housing of the acceleration event, the mass member is configured to overcome the biasing force of the first biasing member and move from the first position to the second position. |
| US08646399B2 |
Apparatus and method for adapting a subsea vehicle
Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for the adaptation of a subsea vehicle, such as an ROV, and in particular a hydraulically powered construction or maintenance work ROV. In one embodiment the vehicle is provided with a module or modules which provide further propulsion means that have reduced noise at high speed in comparison to the vehicle's main propulsion means. The module or modules also optionally provide greater performance and decreased drag. An ROV adapted in such a way is therefore suitable for high speed survey work. In another embodiment a hydraulic ROV is adapted to enable it to be able to directly drive electrically powered tools. |
| US08646394B2 |
Burner
A burner 15 where a secondary air regulator 36 is provided on a forward end of a nozzle main unit 16 to be installed along the central axis of a burner throat 13 being installed on a furnace wall 12 and to be accommodated in a wind box 14, wherein the secondary air regulator has an end plate 37 having a bored hole 38 penetrating in an axial direction and for forming a cylindrical space 48 with peripheral surface opened in a space with the furnace core side surface of the wind box, a rotary damper 42 having a bored hole 45 penetrating in an axial direction and being capable to open or close the hole on the end plate by rotating in a peripheral direction, a sliding damper 52 for surrounding the cylindrical space and being slidable in an axial direction, air vanes 46 and 47 installed at a predetermined distance along circumference of the cylindrical space and for giving swirling to the secondary air 34, first driving means 54, 56 and 44 for rotating the rotary sliding damper, and second driving means 53 and 55 for sliding the sliding damper. |
| US08646391B2 |
Rail vehicle for a driving operation on track systems having a ballasted superstructure
The invention relates to a rail vehicle for driving operation on track systems with ballast permanent way. The invention is to effectively avoid or at least significantly reduce an agglomeration of snow and ice in cavities of the vehicle underfloor.For this purpose it is provided that the rail vehicle in the region of its underfloor comprises at least one flexible membrane which spans hollow spaces which are positioned open towards the track systems or support frame structures of the underfloor of the rail vehicle. |
| US08646390B2 |
Device for the use of technical equipment underwater
A device for using technical equipment underwater includes at least one guide rail configured to extend vertically underwater on an edifice from above a waterline. At least one device carriage is provided and includes a basic unit having a reception flange configured to couple the technical equipment thereto, and at least one running unit that abuts against the guide rail via guide rollers. A press-on unit is disposed on a first side of the device carriage and includes a lever pivotable on an axis of the device carriage so as to generate a pressing force of the device carriage against the guide rail. The lever includes a support roller at a first end and a weight packet at a second end so as to exert a downward drifting force underwater that is greater than a buoyancy of the device carriage. At least two spacers are each disposed at a first end on the at least one device carriage and abutting the edifice at a second end. A veering and hoisting device is detachably connectable with the device carriage via a coupling device, and is configured to control deployment and retrieval of the device carriage. |
| US08646382B2 |
Convection recirculating fryer for cooking foods
A convection recirculating food product fryer with a fry tank with and inlet tube connected to a heat exchanger and an outlet connected to a magnetic pump with an outlet tube to the heat exchanger, the pump having a driving magnet assembly housing an impeller and a driven magnet, with a ceramic shaft extending through the impeller about which the impeller rotates when pumping oil; an electric motor magnetically coupled to the magnetic pump; a burner to heat the oil in the heat exchanger; a controller to control the ignition and running of the burner. |
| US08646381B2 |
Oven rack and drip pan assembly
An oven rack and drip pan assembly is provided in an appliance, such as an oven. The oven rack includes a support platform and a pair of drip pan rails extending downwardly from opposing sides of the support platform. The drip pan includes opposing side portions configured to be slidably received within the drip pan rails and a plurality of vented portions provided through a surface of the drip pan. The vented portions are configured to allow heated air to pass therethrough. |
| US08646380B2 |
Multi-path valve arrangement in a beverage making unit
A multi-path valve arrangement in a beverage making unit by which, optionally, various beverages can be prepared. The multi-path valve arrangement includes a multi-path valve with a housing provided with a cold milk inlet, a cold water inlet, a valve outlet and an air opening. A valve body in the housing is suited to connect the cold milk inlet having an adjustable throttling with the valve outlet. The valve body is set by a step motor which is connected with a programmable control of the valve body position. |
| US08646379B2 |
Brewed beverage appliance and method
A beverage appliance includes a housing having a liquid reservoir, a brewing station disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir, a grinding station disposed within the housing and being functionally separate from said brewing station, and a brewing carriage being selectively movable between a first position adjacent the grinding station and a second position adjacent the brewing station. Movement of the brewing carriage between the first and second position shifts a beverage ingredient in the brewing carriage from the first position to the second position and when the brewing carriage is in the in said second position, liquid is dispensed from the liquid reservoir and directed to the brewing carriage to produce a brewed beverage. |
| US08646378B2 |
Brewing device for a coffee machine
A brewing device (1) for a coffee machine comprises a brewing cylinder (2) with a cylindrical bore (3), an upper piston (5) and a lower piston (4), by means of which the brewing cylinder (2) is able to be closed off to form a brewing chamber (6). The surface of the upper piston (5) and of the lower piston (4) facing the brewing chamber (6) is provided in each case with a sieve (11, 12), through which hot water is able to be conducted into the brewing chamber (6) or coffee is able to be discharged from the brewing chamber (6) in each case via a connecting channel (7, 8) provided in the respective piston (4, 5). At least one of the sieves (11, 12) is installed on a supporting structure (9, 10) that is placeable on one of the pistons (4, 5) and is lockable therewith. The respective supporting structure (9, 10) is provided with a connecting element (13, 14), which is connectable in a sealed way to the connecting channel (7, 8) of the respective piston (4, 5). By means of this arrangement the sieve can be easily taken out of the respective piston and put back in again. |
| US08646377B2 |
Thermoblock-based beverage production device with brewing chambers
A brewing-type beverage production device comprising at least one water reservoir, at least two thermoblocks respectively being in fluid connection with the water reservoir, at least brewing chambers, each of the brewing chambers being supplied with heated water from one of the thermoblocks, being adapted to contain a beverage ingredient and being connected with an outlet for draining a brewed beverage, the device furthermore comprising a hot water outlet being adapted to be selectively in fluid connection with the at least two thermoblocks. |
| US08646376B2 |
Double rack and pinion oscillating device
A plurality of ring-shaped sealing members are spaced from each other on the outer periphery of each of first and second end caps that seal openings of first and second cylinder holes. Ring-shaped flow paths are formed between adjacent ring-shaped sealing members. Parts of air flow paths that supply and discharge compressed air to and from pressure chambers of the cylinder holes are formed by the ring-shaped flow paths. |
| US08646375B2 |
Fluid pressure cylinder with position detecting device
An elongated attachment hole is formed on a housing containing a magnetic sensor, a thin plate-like hole cover is placed on the housing to cover the elongated attachment hole, a single attachment bolt is disposed in such a manner as to go through the hole cover and the elongated attachment hole, and the attachment bolt is screwed in a screw hole of a cylinder body, thereby fixation of the housing on the cylinder body and fixation of the hole cover on the housing are performed at the same time by using the single attachment bolt. |
| US08646374B2 |
Weapon station and associated method
In certain embodiments, a weapon station comprises a weapon mounting apparatus and a sight mounting apparatus. The weapon mounting apparatus is adapted to rotate, using a first rotational drive mechanism, about an azimuth axis. The weapon mounting apparatus is adapted to receive one or more weapons for attachment at a position offset from the azimuth axis. The sight mounting apparatus is coupled to the weapon mounting apparatus and is adapted to receive for attachment a sighting device. The sighting device comprises one or more sensors and is adapted to rotate, using a second rotational drive mechanism, the one or more sensors about the azimuth axis independently of rotational movement of the weapon mounting apparatus about the azimuth axis. The azimuth axis about which the weapon mounting apparatus and the one or more sensors rotate is a common azimuth axis. |
| US08646369B2 |
Table saw guards, splitter assemblies, accessories, and table saws including the same
Table saw blade guards, splitter assemblies, attachments, accessories, and table saws including the same. The splitter assemblies include a splitter and a blade guard that is coupled to the splitter. The blade guards include a top guard. In some embodiments, the top guard is configured to be a hold-down guard. In some embodiments, the top guard is pivotally coupled to the splitter. In some embodiments, the top guard is adjustably coupled to the splitter. In some embodiments, the top guard is secured in a fixed orientation relative to the splitter. In some embodiments, the top guard includes a portion that is secured in a fixed orientation to the splitter and a portion that is pivotal relative to the splitter. |
| US08646366B2 |
Electronic cutting apparatus and methods for cutting
An electronic sheet cutting machine includes a housing to which a drive roller is coupled for moving a sheet to be cut in a first direction and a cutter assembly coupled to the housing and moveable in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. A user interface is incorporated into the housing for allowing a user to select via the user interface at least one shape to be cut by the cutter assembly wherein controlled movement of the drive roller and the cutter assembly causes a shape to be cut in the sheet. |
| US08646362B2 |
Special fluorescent bulb holding device
An apparatus for handling spiral-type fluorescent light bulbs particularly for removing and installing different size spiral fluorescent light bulbs in a light fixture. The device is comprised of a main body made of a durable and flexible material and having a front and a rear surface, side surfaces and features; a means to secure a main body to a pole adapter; and a pole adapter for the securement of the main body to an extension pole or similar device. An alternative embodiment anticipates reinforcement strips internal to the main body to provide additional strength, especially when the device is twisted and in torsion. Another alternative embodiment provides an external containment means to enable various modes of containment features and permit different marketing themes. |
| US08646360B2 |
Flexspline and wave gear device
In a flexspline of a wave gear device, an annular flange thereof is constructed from a first annular part bent at a right angle from an outer peripheral edge of a diaphragm, and a second annular part caused to inwardly protrude at a uniform width from a leading end of the first annular part. It is possible for the annular flange to be disposed within the region where the diaphragm is formed, as viewed in the direction of an axis of the device. An outer diameter can be reduced to a greater extent than with a “silk hat”-shaped flexspline; and when a hollow wave gear device is manufactured, a hollow diameter can be more readily increased than in a case where a cup-shaped flexspline is used. |
| US08646357B2 |
Vehicle braking assembly with gap management system
The present disclosure relates to various vehicle braking assemblies with gap management devices to manage the distance between the pedal arm and power booster under predetermined conditions. |
| US08646355B2 |
Automobile cable socket
An automobile cable socket. The automobile cable socket including a first socket member that is disposed to surround the first cable and includes a plurality of sawtooth portions formed on an external surface thereof in a direction in which the first cable extends, a second socket member coupled to the first socket member and including an engaging portion, a spring installed outside of the second socket member, and a position fix member that is disposed between the second socket member and the spring, releases engagement between the engaging portion of the second socket member and the plurality of sawtooth portions of the first socket member by pressing the spring, and engages the plurality of sawtooth portions with the engaging portion when the spring is restored to an original position. |
| US08646349B2 |
Motor-vehicle hybrid propulsion system including a double-clutch transmission with gear shift device comprising a rotary drum
The hybrid propulsion system for an internal combustion engine having a mechanical gearbox and an electric machine. A gear shift device includes a plurality of sliding engagement sleeves, each arranged to connect a driven gearwheel for rotation with the respective secondary shaft, a corresponding plurality of sliding shift forks, each arranged to cause a respective engagement sleeve to slide between a neutral position and at least one shift position, a rotary drum having on its outer cylindrical surface a corresponding plurality of guide grooves in each of which a respective stud slidably engages for translation with a respective shift fork in the sliding direction of this latter, and an actuation unit arranged to cause the drum to rotate stepwise among a plurality of angular positions each corresponding to predetermined positions of the engagement sleeves. |
| US08646348B2 |
Electric push rod and release mechanism combination structure
An electric push rod and release mechanism combination structure includes an electric push rod assembly using a coupling for connection to movable frame parts of equipment and a motor to rotate a transmission screw rod through a reducing gear set in moving a retractable tube set between an extended position and a received position, and a release mechanism consisting of a mounting socket, a connection socket, a torsion spring, a clutch module and an operating device and connected between the retractable tube set and the coupling of the electric push rod assembly for operation by a user to release the retractable tube set from the coupling safely with less effort. |
| US08646346B2 |
Skew detection
A skew detection arrangement comprises first and second series of targets movable past respective sensors, and monitoring means operable to monitor the outputs of the sensors, wherein the monitoring means is operable upon sensing that an output of a first one of the sensors is in a transition state to determine, from a transition direction of the transition state and an output of the other of the sensors, whether a skew condition has arisen. A skew detection method is also disclosed. |
| US08646343B2 |
Pipette device
There is provided a pipette device capable of adjusting a collection amount in a short time. A pipette device 1 adjusting a volume of a cylinder portion “a” by the axial-direction movement of a plunger 3 caused by the rotation of a push rod 5 includes a speed increasing mechanism 35 provided between a pipette main body 2 and the push rod 5 and increasing a speed of input rotation to transmit the input rotation with the increased speed to the push rod 5. |
| US08646341B2 |
Filtration system for gas analysis
A device for gas analysis includes a detector tube (2) and can be used in the area of explosive or combustible gases. A filter material, which consists of a granular, porous material and has an impregnation for absorbing toxic gases, is provided between the detector tube (2) and a pump (6). |
| US08646339B2 |
Thread clamping device including internal sensing and reporting
The present device relates to a thread clamping device including a plurality of movable segments with threaded inner surfaces suitable for engaging a threaded rod and including a strain gauge therein for measuring the actual strain on the device, in contrast to conventional thread clamping devices restricted to measuring the torque applied during installation, not the actual strain experienced during service. In addition to measuring the actual strain experienced by the thread clamping device, some embodiments of the present invention also relate to a transmitter for transmitting to a remote receiving station the actual strain measured, typically including a suitable identification code for determining which device is transmitting. |
| US08646338B2 |
Hydraulic section for load sensing applications and multiple hydraulic distributor
Hydraulic section (1) including: a main spool (2);a pressure compensator (40;4) able to maintain a substantially constant pressure drop through a metering orifice (3) of the main spool (2); a first chamber (7) interposed between the main spool (2) and a first end (16a) of the compensator (40;4) and a second chamber (6) situated at a second end (16b) of the compensator (40;4), the second chamber (6) being connectable to a feed line (Pal) from a pump (100) by a predefined channel (Pp) in such a way that said hydraulic section (1) operates as a priority section, and being connectable to a line (LS) for detecting the highest load pressure in such a way that the hydraulic section (1) operates as a flow-sharing section. |
| US08646337B2 |
Tensile test device and method for testing deposits on electronic substrates
A tensile testing machine has a jaw which includes a unitary ‘H’ section member having a cross piece and two uprights. The cross piece is mounted to a cantilever beam which is supported on the test machine and has force measuring elements. A pneumatic actuator applies tensile forces to the first ends of the uprights via strands to urge the first ends apart. When first ends of the uprights are urged apart, their oppositely disposed second ends are urged together to grip a sample deposit to be pulled off a substrate in a tensile test. In use, the jaws can be moved at speed, in the order of 500 mm/s to pull the deposit off of the substrate. The force required to pull the deposit off the substrate in this tensile test is measured by the force measuring elements on the beam. |
| US08646336B2 |
Method for testing lift equipment
The method is for testing load equipment. A trolley is provided that has a housing with an upwardly sloping front segment and an upwardly sloping rear segment. Upwardly directed weights are stacked side-by-side on the front and rear segments so that the weights lean towards each other. The trolley is stopped by engaging the brake support against the ground so that the front segment is substantially parallel to the ground. Weights are added or removed from the trolley by downwardly inserting or upwardly pulling, respectively, the weights without removing any of the wheels. The trolley is connected to lifting equipment. The lifting equipment lifts the trolley from the ground. |
| US08646331B2 |
Inertial sensor cluster and sensor system
A sensor device includes an outer casing, a first sensor module and a second sensor module. The outer casing encloses the first sensor module and the second sensor module at least partially. The first sensor module is enclosed at least partially by a first medium, and the second sensor module is enclosed at least partially by a second medium. |
| US08646330B2 |
Bicycle wheel balance machine
A bicycle wheel balance machine includes a base having two spaced arms for engaging with a bicycle wheel, a casing slidably engaged in one of the arms and having a center member movable to engage with a wheel hub with an anchoring device, a spindle rotatably engaged in the other arm and engaged with the wheel hub, a motor coupled to the spindle for rotating the spindle and the bicycle wheel, two sensors attached to the arms for sensing conditions of the bicycle wheel, and the bicycle wheel balance machine includes a simplified structure to be easily operated by the users themselves at home. |
| US08646328B2 |
Discrete fluid level sensor and mount
A level sensor for determining the presence or absence of a liquid in contact with the sensor includes an elongate probe, a transducer operably connected to the probe and configured to produce compressional waves in the probe, and circuitry for detecting acoustic energy emitted into the liquid when liquid is in contact with the probe. A mount for the releasably holding the sensor includes a base have a receiving region formed in part by a plurality of flexible securing fingers. The fingers have locking projections extending therefrom. A contact is mounted to the base and extends into the receiving region. A cartridge supports the level sensor and is received in the receiving region. The cartridge includes a circumferential recess for receiving the securing fingers. When the level sensor is positioned in the cartridge and the cartridge is inserted into the base, the level sensor is operably connected to the contact and the cartridge is resiliently secured in the base. |
| US08646327B2 |
Fluid flow sensor
A bi-directional fluid flow sensor is disclosed. The sensor comprises a turbine configured to rotate along an axis as a result of fluid flowing past the turbine substantially in the direction of the axis; a magnet mounted to the turbine and configured to rotate with the turbine; and a magnetic flux angle sensor provided adjacent to the turbine and configured to detect the relative flux angle of the magnet as it rotates. The bi-directional fluid flow sensor is sensitive and robust and may be used in a downhole well for example. |
| US08646320B2 |
Fuel property determining apparatus
A fuel property determining apparatus is provided that can reduce power consumption in energization of a fuel property sensor by efficiently determining a fuel property as determined by activating the fuel property sensor. Upon starting an internal combustion engine, it is determined whether or not determination is made of the fuel property in a preceding trip. When the fuel property is determined in the preceding trip, a switch is turned ON to activate the fuel property sensor after waiting for a short period of time after the start of the internal combustion engine. When the fuel property is not determined in the preceding trip, the switch is turned ON to activate the fuel property sensor immediately after the start of the internal combustion engine. |
| US08646314B2 |
Externally engaging test barrier
An externally engaging test barrier for use in testing hydrostatic pressure in a plumbing system having two abutting plumbing components. The test barrier includes a barrier body having a first face, a second face, and at least one peripheral engagement for engaging an external surface of at least one of the two abutting plumbing components to hold the barrier body in position across an end of at least one of the two abutting plumbing components. The peripheral engagement extends perpendicularly from the first face or the second face. A removable portion of the barrier body is defined by a frangible connection. The peripheral engagement of the barrier body is incapable of sealing the plumbing system during a hydrostatic pressure test, unless used in combination with a pipe coupling that forms an overlying sealing sleeve. |
| US08646312B2 |
Method and system for measuring RON and MON values for light distillates
A method and a system is disclosed for determining RON and/or MON values from constant volume combustion chamber apparatuses capable of producing pressure versus time combustion profiles having a fast combustion region and a slow combustion region, where data from the two regions is used to compute RON and/or MON values for light distillate fluid samples using a series expansion equation. |
| US08646309B2 |
Air bubble detector
Air bubbles may be characterized by an air bubble detector by choosing an optimum set of frequencies and then comparing a return signal from a sensor receiving those frequencies against an internal reference. The number of pulses that exceed the internal reference represents a width and may be counted. The width, as counted, may be correlated to bubble characteristics including volume. |
| US08646308B2 |
Robust self testing of a motion sensor system
A method for self-testing a dual-mass linear accelerometer in which a self-test voltage is applied to urge the two masses to move in opposite directions. Self-test signals are then applied to obtain a differential mode signal to detect masses repositioned in opposing directions. During testing, common disturbances to the two masses are rejected as common mode signals. |
| US08646307B2 |
Mass flow controller verifying system, verifying method and verifying program
In a mass flow controller verifying system, there are provided a verifying gas line arranged in parallel to influent flow gas lines and joined into a post-confluent flow gas line, a reference volume calculating portion adapted to calculate a reference volume determined for a specified piping of a gas piping system, a verifying parameter calculating portion adapted to calculate a verifying parameter based on time series data of a measurement pressure measured by a pressure measurement unit during a control of a flow rate by a mass flow controller to be verified, and a comparing portion adapted to compare a reference parameter set based on the reference volume and the verifying parameter, whereby the verifying system can be introduced into an existing gas piping system used in a semiconductor manufacturing process and so forth at a low cost and is capable of verifying a mass flow controller quickly and accurately. |
| US08646305B2 |
Duct smoke detection system and method
An assembly for testing of smoke detectors, installed to detect the presence of smoke in ductwork or through a smoke protected opening, and includes a plenum rated hose assembly having a duct end and a smoke end. The hose assembly smoke end is extendable to within the duct and is terminated with a nozzle directable at an inlet tube of a smoke detector associated with the duct, or to the detector protecting a smoke protected opening. A duct mounting plate is adapted to be sealingly installed to cover an aperture formed within the duct and to retain the hose assembly duct end. Smoke is directed into the hose smoke end. The smoke exits the hose through the nozzle and towards the inlet tube of the duct-mounted smoke detector, or towards the detector for a smoke protected opening, for testing of the smoke detector. |
| US08646301B2 |
Method for manufacturing high strength hot rolled steel sheet
A method for manufacturing a high strength hot rolled steel sheet includes heating a slab to a temperature in the range of 1150 to 1300° C.; hot rolling the slab with a finishing rolling temperature being in the range of 800 to 1000° C.; cooling the steel sheet at a mean cooling rate of 30° C./s or higher to a cooling termination temperature in the range of 525 to 625° C.; suspending cooling for a time period in the range of 3 to 10 seconds; cooling the steel sheet in such a manner that cooling of the steel sheet is nucleate boiling; and coiling the steel sheet at a temperature in the range of 400 to 550° C. |
| US08646300B2 |
Method and controlled machine for continuous bending
A method to check and control a roller bending machine for continuously bending an elongated workpiece at variable curvature radii in a bending machine using a series of rollers for bending, comprises the steps of measuring the distance of the elongated work piece in a point that is situated downstream the series of rollers for bending in successive instants, calculating a curvature radius of each bend section of the elongated workpiece, comparing the calculated curvature radius with the desired curvature radius and determining a difference between them, calculating the change of position to which an upstream roller has to be subjected in order to annul such a difference and operating the upstream roller on the base of the calculated change of position. A machine embodying the method is also described. |
| US08646296B2 |
Steering locking device
A steering locking device (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) includes: a locking member (6) including a first face (B) parallel to an axial direction of a steering shaft, a second face (C) perpendicular to the first face (B), and a protrusion (62) protruding from the second face (B); and a sliding plate (91) extending from the first face (B) in a plate thickness direction (D) of the locking member (6), arranged outside the first face (B), and engageable with the protrusion (62). |
| US08646289B1 |
Method for offshore liquefaction
A method for offshore liquefaction of natural gas and transport of produced liquefied natural gas using a floating production storage and offloading vessel, fluidly connected with a flexible conduit to a moored floating disconnectable turret which can be connected and reconnected to a liquefaction vessel with onboard liquefaction unit powered by a dual fuel diesel electric main power plant of the liquefied natural gas transport vessel. |
| US08646286B2 |
Refrigeration system controlled by refrigerant quality within evaporator
A method of controlling a refrigeration system having a refrigerant disposed within a fluid-tight circulation loop with a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator, wherein the method includes the steps of (a) compressing refrigerant in a gaseous state within the compressor and cooling the refrigerant within the condenser to yield refrigerant in the liquefied state; (b) flowing refrigerant from the condenser into the evaporator, wherein the refrigerant partially exists in a two-phase state; (c) flowing refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor; (d) repeating steps (a)-(c); (e) detecting the condition of the refrigerant with a sensor disposed within the evaporator upstream of the outlet opening; and (f) controlling the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator in step (b) based upon the detected condition. |
| US08646284B2 |
Heat-source system and method for controlling the same
A heat-source system includes centrifugal-chillers, cooling-water pumps, cooling towers, cooling-tower fans, chilled-water pumps, and a control unit for controlling them. A plurality of the cooling towers are provided so as to have a cooling-tower capacity corresponding to the total capacity of the rated capacities of the respective centrifugal-chillers, the cooling towers being commonly connected to the plurality of centrifugal-chillers. The control unit preliminarily prepares an optimum cooling-tower capacity relationship representing the cooling-tower capacity with which the heat-source system efficiency, taking into consideration the centrifugal-chillers, the cooling-water pump, the cooling towers, the cooling-tower fan, and the chilled-water pump, is higher, in relation to the outside-air wet-bulb temperature and the centrifugal-chiller partial load factor. The control unit determines the number of cooling towers to be operated by referring to the optimum cooling-tower capacity relationship, on the basis of the outside-air wet-bulb temperature and the partial load factor of the centrifugal-chillers during operation. |
| US08646280B2 |
Heat-power conversion magnetism devices
The invention discloses a heat-power conversion magnetism device. The heat-power conversion magnetism device includes a magneto caloric effect material so that the magnetic field thereof can be changed according to the temperature difference. The heat-power conversion magnetism device rotates by changing the magnetic field of the magneto caloric effect material. |
| US08646277B2 |
Combustor liner for a turbine engine with venturi and air deflector
A combustor liner for a combustor of a turbine engine includes a single-walled generally cylindrical liner that extends from a head end to an aft end. A venturi is formed on the combustor liner at a location between the head and aft ends. The venturi is formed by first and second straight portions of the combustor liner that angle inward to form a reduced diameter portion. The combustor liner may also include an air deflector to deflect air down onto the exterior of the reduced diameter portion of the single-walled combustor liner. The combustor liner may also include dilution holes, and turbulator rings. |
| US08646272B2 |
Rankine cycle system and method of controlling the same
There is provided a Rankine cycle system which generates electricity by using heat as an energy source, in which a conventional pump for carrying a working fluid is not used, thereby reducing the cost of manufacturing the Rankine cycle system, saving the electric power consumed to operate the pump and therefore obtaining a greater output of power, and in which a control system is used to automatically operate the Rankine cycle system, thereby enabling to stably operate the Rankine cycle system even though a heat source is intermittently supplied. |
| US08646268B2 |
Master cylinder for a vehicle
Disclosed herein is a master cylinder for a vehicle. The master cylinder includes a housing, a piston, inlet ports and a seal. The housing has therein a liquid pressure chamber to contain oil. The piston reciprocates in the liquid pressure chamber to control the pressure in the liquid pressure chamber. A front end of the piston has a stepped structure. The inlet ports are provided in the housing so that oil is supplied into the liquid pressure chamber through the inlet ports. The seal is seated into a seating depression which is formed in the inner surface of the housing. The seal opens or closes a flow path of the oil depending on whether the seal is brought into contact with the piston. The oil flows into the liquid pressure chamber along the stepped outer surface of the piston through a space defined between the piston and the seal. |
| US08646267B1 |
Buoyant force power generation
An underwater air or gas powered apparatus utilizes the buoyant force of water to generate power in the form of work or electricity. Air bags are spaced circumferentially around the perimeter of a rotary member immersed in water and are alternately inflated and deflated in a sequence enabling buoyant forces to rotate the rotary member. A generator is coupled to the rotary member for generating power in response to rotation of the rotary member. |
| US08646266B2 |
Hydraulic output drive shaft generator
The invention relates to a mobile machine having a traction drive and working hydraulics. The drive unit has a radial piston pump which is driven by a drive set and supplies working hydraulics. The radial piston pump is arranged on the axis of the output drive shaft of the drive set, between the drive set and a gearbox which is connected thereto via the output drive shaft. The drive set, the radial piston pump and the gearbox in this case form a compact drive unit. |
| US08646265B2 |
Hydraulic power apparatus
An apparatus and method for providing hydraulic power to a turbine generator. A neutrally buoyant wheel having radially opposed first and second containment chambers is suspended in a reservoir containing a liquid. One chamber is filled with the liquid and the wheel rotated so that the chamber containing the liquid is in an uppermost position, which due to the configuration of the wheel results in the chamber that does not contain liquid being in a lowermost position. The uppermost chamber is coupled to an input port of the hydraulic turbine, the lowermost chamber coupled to an output port of the hydraulic turbine, and the liquid allowed to flow from the uppermost chamber to the lowermost chamber through the hydraulic turbine. After the liquid has drained from the uppermost chamber and filled the lowermost chamber, the wheel is rotated 180 degrees and the process repeated. |
| US08646264B2 |
Cooling system and a transmission system having said cooling system integrated therewith
The present invention provides a cooling system such as employed in cooling a heat source and a transmission system having said cooling system integrated therewith. The cooling system further includes a pump for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure to a motor for driving a fan employed in the cooling process. In operation, a controller initiates operation of the pump such as to supply hydraulic fluid to said motor only when needed, thereby to improve the efficiency and controllability of the cooling system. |
| US08646261B2 |
Thermoelectric generators incorporating phase-change materials for waste heat recovery from engine exhaust
Thermoelectric devices, intended for placement in the exhaust of a hydrocarbon fuelled combustion device and particularly suited for use in the exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine propelling a vehicle, are described. Exhaust gas passing through the device is in thermal communication with one side of a thermoelectric module while the other side of the thermoelectric module is in thermal communication with a lower temperature environment. The heat extracted from the exhaust gasses is converted to electrical energy by the thermoelectric module. The performance of the generator is enhanced by thermally coupling the hot and cold junctions of the thermoelectric modules to phase-change materials which transform at a temperature compatible with the preferred operating temperatures of the thermoelectric modules. In a second embodiment, a plurality of thermoelectric modules, each with a preferred operating temperature and each with a uniquely-matched phase-change material may be used to compensate for the progressive lowering of the exhaust gas temperature as it traverses the length of the exhaust pipe. |
| US08646260B2 |
Two-stroke lean burn gas engine with a silencer/catalytic converter
A low emissions 2-stroke natural gas fueled engine includes at least one cylinder with an exhaust port in communication with a silencer/catalytic converter unit. The unit has first and second volumes in communication with each other. The first volume dampens spurious exhaust pressure excursions and removes particulates in the exhaust. The second volume houses an oxidation catalyst for treating exhaust to reduce exhaust emissions. The engine oil has at most 10 ppm zinc content to reduce metal poisons contained in the exhaust prior to contact with the oxidation catalyst. The engine oil preferably has a very low ash content to minimize sulfur combustion components in the exhaust to reduce masking of the oxidation catalyst. The first volume preferably has a pressure relief valve set to relieve at a pressure greater than the maximum normal operating pressure of the engine to avoid excessive pressure excursions of the engine exhaust from damaging the oxidation catalyst. |
| US08646259B2 |
Electronically heated selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device
An exhaust gas treatment system is provided having an internal combustion engine, an exhaust gas conduit, a passive selective catalyst reduction (SCR) device, a heated SCR device, and a control module. The exhaust gas conduit is in fluid communication with and is configured to receive an exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The passive SCR device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and is configured to receive the exhaust gas. The passive SCR includes a passive SCR temperature profile. The heated SCR device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and is configured to receive the exhaust gas. The heated SCR device is located upstream of the passive SCR. The heated SCR is selectively activated to produce heat. The control module is in communication with the heated SCR and the engine and includes a control logic for determining the passive SCR temperature profile. |
| US08646251B2 |
Flutter sensing system for a gas turbine engine
An exemplary gas turbine engine assembly includes a fan casing within a nacelle, a variable area fan nozzle. A controller is operable to move the variable area fan nozzle to influence a discharge airflow area associated with the variable area fan nozzle in response to an airfoil flutter condition. A gear train reduces a rotational speed of a fan in the gas turbine engine relative to another portion of the gas turbine engine. |
| US08646245B2 |
Method and device for packaging a fluid product dispenser
A method for packaging a fluid product dispenser, where the said dispenser includes a reservoir (1) of constant effective volume filled with a fluid product (10), and a dispensing device (3) that includes a dip tube (2) which is intended to extract the fluid product (10) contained in the reservoir on operation of the dispensing device (3), the reservoir (1) and the dip tube (2) being made from a material or materials that are substantially or perfectly transparent, where the said dip tube initially contains air (A), and the dip tube (2) is connected to the dispensing device and has one free end extending to the bottom of the reservoir,the method being characterized in that the air (A) is extracted from the dip tube (2) and is replaced by the fluid product. |
| US08646237B1 |
Sealing retention clip
An insulated wall assembly including a plurality of pre-cast panels, a plurality of insulation panels, at least two J-shaped clips, and at least one I-shaped clip is provided. The precast panels may be oriented such that the adjacent vertical edges are in an abutting relationship to form a wall, and the J-shaped clips comprise a trough portion and a wall engaging portion. The I-shaped clip comprises two wall engaging portions and a two retention portions, and the wall engaging portions of the J-shaped clips each define a substantially planar wall-engaging surface capable of attaching to the wall. The wall-engaging portions of the I-shaped clip each define a substantially planar wall-engaging surface capable of attaching to the wall. The trough portion of the J-shaped clip comprises at least one pliant integral co-extruded seal extending away from a distal edge of the trough portion in an angled configuration, and each retention portion of the I-shaped clip includes at least one pliant integral co-extruded seal extending away from a distal edge of the retention portion in an angled configuration. |
| US08646234B2 |
Lath furring strips
The present invention provides a lath furring strip having a height not exceeding 0.365 inches which has improved waterproofing capabilities by incorporating the lath furring strip into other architectural structures such as reveals, expansion joints, and window flange, coverings. By integrating these structures with a lath furring strip having water proofing features, there is increased water proofing of the entire architectural structure. One of more moisture barriers can easily be applied to the wall or furring strips that prevents seepage of moisture from the stucco on the lath to a wall or framing. |
| US08646233B2 |
Carved solid face door having a window formed therein and methods of fabrication
Embodiments of a carved solid face door having a window formed therein and methods of fabrication are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a carved solid face door may include a solid base having a face and an opposing rear surface; and a window carved into the face and having an opening passing through the face to the opposing rear surface, wherein the window includes at least one of a frame, a trim, a molding, or mullions carved into the face that emulate the appearance of multiple-piece construction. |
| US08646230B2 |
Flat roof support structure
A flat roof support structure includes a plurality of vertical columns, an elongated generally horizontally oriented beam associated with and positioned atop each vertical column, and attachment structure fixing the upper end of each vertical column to a mounting area of the associated elongated beam. The attachment structure includes U-shaped attachment members affixed to opposed sides of the vertical columns at the upper end of each column with the attachment members opening in an outwardly directed orientation parallel to the associated elongated beam. A pair of attachment plates is fixed to opposed sides of each elongated beam in the mounting area. The attachment plates extend downwardly below a lower surface of the elongated beam a distance equal to a portion of the U-shaped attachment members so as to overlap the portion. Attachment devices fix the attachment plates to the U-shaped attachment members and are assembled on-site. |
| US08646228B2 |
Photovoltaic systems, methods for installing photovoltaic systems, and kits for installing photovoltaic systems
The present invention relates particularly to photovoltaic systems for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing system disposed on a roof deck. The photovoltaic roofing system includes one or more photovoltaic elements contiguously disposed on the roof deck, the contiguously-disposed photovoltaic elements defining a photovoltaic area; a plurality of roofing elements disposed adjacent the contiguously-disposed photovoltaic elements, along their side edges; side flashing disposed along the side edges of the contiguously-disposed photovoltaic elements, the side flashing having a cross-sectional shape comprising a vertically-extending feature and a flange extending from each lateral side at the bottom of the vertically-extending feature, with the flange facing the photovoltaic area being at least partially disposed between a photovoltaic element and the roof deck, and the flange facing away from the photovoltaic area being at least partially disposed between a roofing element and the roof deck. |
| US08646227B2 |
Mass producible solar collector
Provided is a solar collector assembly that can be manufactured, assembled, and maintained efficiently. A number of arrays that include one or more reflective material formed in a parabolic shape can be attached to a backbone. The backbone is attached to a polar support that is positioned at or near the center of gravity for the solar collector assembly. The polar support at or near the center of gravity allows the entire assembly to be tilted, rotated and/or lowered for various purposes (e.g., service, maintenance, safety). The solar collector assembly can be transported as modular units and/or in a partially assembled state. |
| US08646224B2 |
Construction apparatus
Construction apparatus for use within an elevator hoistway are provided. The construction apparatus include a span member having a first end and a second end. A sill attachment is connected to the first end of the span member and configured to seat against a building sill. A support member is connected to the second end of the span member and configured to seat against a second side of the elevator hoistway, wherein the second side of the elevator hoistway is opposite the building sill. A plurality of apertures is arranged on the span member and configured to allow a connection to a hoist device. The span member is configured to rotate about the sill attachment. |
| US08646223B2 |
Concrete building wall having cast-in-place window wells
A method and apparatus for forming cast-in-place window well walls includes first and second forming panel modules each having an inner and outer section. The forming panel modules may be connected together by a spacer panel which extends downwardly to a footing for providing a pier for supporting the window well wall. The forming panel modules are preferably configured with arcuate corners and upper and lower rails to permit stacking of the modules to increase the height of the window well wall, or include additional spacer panels or filler forms to increase the width or thickness of the window well wall. |
| US08646222B2 |
Building construction wrapped with reinforcement fabric to resist wind loading
A building construction has a foundation, walls and a roof structure, the walls being wrapped by a reinforcement fabric, with the reinforcement fabric being connected to the foundation and the roof structure to tie the roof structure to the foundation for increased resistance to natural disasters. The connection of the reinforcement fabric to the roof structure includes a top rail having a connector plate attached to the roof structure and having an upwardly oriented opening, and a wrapping member about which the reinforcement fabric can be wrapped, the wrapping member having a geometry corresponding with the geometry of the upwardly oriented opening in such a manner that the wrapping member is prevented from rotating in the opening. |
| US08646220B2 |
Combination wood and plastic enclosure
A system or kit of wood and plastic component materials is provided which can readily be assembled to form a structure. The components are precut so that measurement and cutting of the component materials is eliminated. The components are readily assembled using conventional fasteners. Components have precut notches in order to facilitate the assembly of the components without the requirement for measurements. This assures that the components will be assembled correctly and eliminates the opportunity for inaccurate measurements. The roof is formed from plastic panels secured to wooden trusses. The floor is formed from plastic panels secured to the wood framing of the walls. The plastic roof panels and plastic floor panels are designed to be secured to each other and to the wood frames to assure heavy duty interlocking construction of the components. |
| US08646212B2 |
Seal structure for vehicle
There is provided a seal structure for vehicle that includes a weather strip member 8 installed to a retainer member 9 provided to a circumference edge of a body aperture 7 and having a substantially “U” shape in section. The weather strip member 8 includes a primary seal lip 10 installed to an outer-cabin side surface part 9a of the retainer member 9 and makes a contact with an outer-cabin side surface 6b of a glass panel member 6, and a secondary seal lip 11 installed to an inner-cabin side surface part 9b and makes a contact with an inner-cabin side surface 6c of the glass panel member 6. The weather strip member 8 further includes a hollow seal part 12 installed near a bottom surface part 9c of the retainer member 9 and makes an elastic contact with an periphery end 6a of the glass panel member 6. |