| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08911964B2 |
Fed-batch method of making human anti-TNF-alpha antibody
The invention describes improved methods and compositions for producing a recombinant protein, e.g., an antibody, in mammalian cell culture. In addition, the invention provides improved cell culture media, including improved production media, feed solutions, and combination feeds, which may be used to improve protein productivity in mammalian cell culture. |
| US08911963B2 |
Conditioned medium obtained from stem cells and its use in therapy
Described herein are conditioned medium and processed conditioned medium, each of which comprises secreted stem cell factors; compositions containing conditioned medium and/or processed conditioned medium and a delivery polymer. The conditioned medium, processed conditioned medium and compositions may be used to promote blood vessel growth and healing of injured tissues. |
| US08911953B2 |
TDF-related compounds and analogs thereof, analogs and bioactive fragments
The present invention relates generally to tissue differentiation factor (TDF) analogs. More specifically, the invention relates to structure-based methods and compositions useful in designing, identifying, and producing molecules, which act as functional modulators of TDF-like receptors. The invention further relates to methods of detecting, preventing, and treating TDF-associated disorders. |
| US08911952B2 |
Method for integrin ligand discovery
This invention relates generally to integrin ligand discovery and to a method of integrin ligand discovery base upon induction of ligand-induced epitopes. Such ligands have the potential to be active agent as anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenesis and/or anti-thrombotic agents and for the treatment of integrin mediated diseases and/or conditions. |
| US08911951B2 |
Plasma kallikrein fragments as diagnostic biomarkers for lung cancers
Disclosed herein are diagnostic markers for lung cancer, isolated from serum glycoproteins. The disclosed diagnostic markers for lung cancer are specifically expressed only in the sera of lung cancer patients at high levels, and thus will be very useful for diagnosing lung cancer and estimating disease progression and treatment. |
| US08911949B2 |
Systems and methods for performing amplicon rescue multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to systems and methods for performing amplicon rescue multiplex polymerase chain reaction (arm-PCR). In one embodiment, the system comprises a processor and a reader coupled to a control element. The control element is configured to control the operation of the processor and the reader based on a variety of settings. The processor is configured to receive a self-contained cassette for performing PCR amplification of DNA and/or RNA obtained from an organic specimen. The processor engages with the cassette and manipulates reagents within the cassette in order to amplify and detect the DNA from the specimen. The processor also causes the cassette to deposit the DNA on a microarray within the cassette. The reader is configured to receive the cassette after it has been processed by the processor and to capture an image of the microarray for transmission to the control element as test data. The control element is further configured to analyze the test data received from the reader and to produce an output indicative of a comparison of the test data to predefined data. |
| US08911947B2 |
DNA fragment used as attached to 5′ end of primer used in nucleic acid amplification reaction and use of DNA fragment
A method is provided which enables quick, convenient, inexpensive, and high sensitivity confirmation of nucleic acid amplification after a nucleic acid amplification reaction. The DNA fragment in accordance with the present invention is a single-stranded DNA fragment containing a hairpin structure which in turn contains a bulge, wherein the DNA fragment is used as being attached to the 5′ end of a primer used in nucleic acid amplification. The nucleic acid amplification confirmation method in accordance with the present invention quantifies a hairpin primer containing the DNA fragment at its 5′ end by using bulge-binding fluorescent molecules after carrying out PCR or like nucleic acid amplification reaction using the hairpin primer. SNPs are detected quickly and conveniently at low cost and with high sensitivity by applying the nucleic acid amplification confirmation method, for example, to allele specific PCR. |
| US08911944B2 |
Method for identifying polymorphism of nucleic acid molecules
The present invention provides a method for identifying polymorphism of nucleic acids in a sample solution in which the concentration or number density of the observed nucleic acids is lower than that of conventional photometric analysis technologies. Namely, the present invention relates to a method for identifying polymorphism of nucleic acid molecules, in which is compared the result of hybridization between a target nucleic acid molecule and a first nucleic acid probe labeled with a fluorescent substance; and the result of hybridization between the target nucleic acid molecule and a second nucleic acid probe having a sequence different from the sequence of the first nucleic acid probe, and being labeled with a fluorescent substance. Each of the hybridization is conducted in a separate sample solution and the detection of the conjugate is done by counting the molecule of the conjugate using a scanning molecule counting method. |
| US08911943B2 |
High through-put analysis of transgene borders
The present invention is a method to identify unknown DNA sequences which flank known DNA sequences. The invention improves the accuracy, sensitivity, and reproducibility for determining unknown DNA sequences which flank a known DNA sequence. This claimed method can be deployed as a high throughput method to quickly and efficiently identify plant genomic chromosomal sequences which flank a transgene. Further analysis of these unknown sequences can be used to characterize the transgene insertion site for the identification of rearrangements, insertions and deletions which result from the integration of the transgene. In addition, analysis of the chromosomal flanking sequences can be used to identify the location of the transgene on the chromosome. |
| US08911935B2 |
Mitochondria and human immunodefiency virus type 1
Methods described herein relate to mitochondria and their role in Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and cell-to-cell HIV-1 transmission and compositions and methods for modulating mitochondrial mediated cell-to-cell transmission of HIV-1. Methods for screening to identify inhibitors of mitochondrial mediated cell-to-cell transmission of HIV-1 are also envisioned herein. |
| US08911932B2 |
Photo-imageable hardmask with positive tone for microphotolithography
Disclosed are the deactivation mechanism and chemistry platforms that make high-silicon hardmask films photo-imageable like positive-tone photoresist for microphotolithography. The deactivation mechanism requires a catalyst to promote crosslinking reactions, and a photoacid generator to deactivate the catalyst. The initial hardmask films are soluble in developers. If not radiated, films become insoluble in developers due to crosslinking reactions promoted by catalyst. If radiated, films remain soluble in developers due to deactivation of catalyst by photoacid generator. Compositions of positive-tone photo-imageable hardmask based on the chemistry of polysiloxane and polysilsesquioxanes are disclosed as well. Also disclosed is a method of modifying polysiloxane and polysilsesquioxane films for controlled diffusion of catalysts, photoacid generators, and quenchers. Further disclosed are processes of using photo-imageable hardmasks to create precursor structures on semiconductor substrates with or without an intermediate layer. |
| US08911929B2 |
Developer and patterning process
An aqueous solution containing 0.1-10 wt % of a guanidine is a useful developer for photosensitive resist materials. A resist pattern is formed by applying a chemically amplified positive resist composition onto a substrate to form a coating, baking, exposing the coating to high-energy radiation, and developing the exposed coating in a guanidine-containing aqueous solution. |
| US08911927B2 |
Compositions and processes for immersion lithography
The present invention relates to barrier layer compositions that are applied above a photoresist composition for immersion lithography processing. In a further aspect, new methods are provided for immersion lithography processing. |
| US08911923B2 |
Toner for developing electrostatic charge image, electrostatic charge image developer, toner cartridge, developer cartridge, process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
The toner for developing an electrostatic charge image includes toner particles containing a colorant, a binder resin, and a release agent, and an external additive, wherein the external additive contains inorganic particles having fluorine atom-containing oil on the hydrophobization-treated surfaces. |
| US08911922B2 |
Electrophotographic photoreceptor, coating liquid for undercoat layer of electrophotographic photoreceptor, and method for producing the same
A coating liquid for an undercoat layer of an electrophotographic photoreceptor which is formed by sequentially stacking the undercoat layer and a photosensitive layer on an electrically conductive support, wherein the coating liquid comprises titanium oxide microparticles and silicon nitride microparticles as an inorganic compound, a binder resin and an organic solvent. |
| US08911919B2 |
Local hydrophilic gas diffusion layer and fuel cell stack comprising the same
The present invention provides a local hydrophilic gas diffusion layer configured to enhance the water removal performance of a fuel cell For this purpose, the present invention provides a gas diffusion layer in which a region under each of a pair of lands, which receives a clamping pressure of the fuel cell stack, is subjected to local hydrophilic treatment by a simple process, thereby enhancing the water removal performance of the fuel cell stack. In particular, the local hydrophilic gas diffusion layer has a first region under each land of the separator which receives the clamping pressure; and a second region under the gas channel of the separator, wherein the first region is subjected to hydrophilic treatment. |
| US08911917B2 |
Fuel cell
A cell unit of a fuel cell includes a second separator. A first oxygen-containing gas flow field is formed on a surface of the second separator. An inlet buffer is connected to an inlet of the oxygen-containing gas flow field, and an outlet buffer is connected to an outlet of the first oxygen-containing gas flow field. The inlet buffer includes a first inlet buffer area having a deep groove and a second inlet buffer area, and the outlet buffer includes a first outlet buffer area having a deep groove and a second outlet buffer area. The first inlet buffer area and the first outlet buffer area have different surface areas. |
| US08911913B2 |
Fuel cell system and method for recovering performance of a fuel cell
A fuel cell system is provided having at least one fuel cell including an oxidant electrode, a fuel electrode, and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the oxidant electrode and the fuel electrode. The fuel cell system includes a temperature detector which detects a temperature of the fuel cell and a controller which operates the fuel cell, controls a potential of the oxidant electrode, and determines whether to perform a performance recovery operation in which an impurity on the oxidant electrode is oxidized. When the performance recovery operation is to be performed, the controller controls the potential of the oxidant electrode to be a desired potential based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector. |
| US08911912B2 |
Fuel cell system and method of operating fuel cell system
A fuel cell system (100) includes: a hydrogen generator (2) including a reformer (3); a combustor (5) configured to supply heat to the reformer (3); a fuel cell (1); a first channel (10); a second channel (8); a third channel (16) through which an oxidation gas flows, the oxidation gas being supplied to the first channel (10) extending between a branch portion (10a) and the fuel cell (1); a first on-off valve (7a) provided on the first channel (10) located downstream of a meeting portion (10c); a second on-off valve (6) provided on the second channel (8); an oxidation gas supply unit (15) provided on the third channel (16); and a controller (200) configured such that when the first on-off valve (7a) is closed and the second on-off valve (6) is opened, and a hydrogen-containing gas is discharged from the hydrogen generator (2) at the time of start-up, the controller (200) activates the oxidation gas supply unit (15) to supply the oxidation gas through the third channel (16) to the first channel (10) located downstream of the branch portion (10c). |
| US08911906B2 |
Non-aqueous electrolyte type lithium ion secondary cell
There is provided a lithium ion secondary cell excellent in charging and discharging cycle characteristics. A lithium ion secondary cell includes: an electrode body including a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material, and a separator; and a non-aqueous electrolyte containing a lithium salt as a supporting salt in an organic solvent, the electrode body and the non-aqueous electrolyte being accommodated in a case. The positive electrode active material is a lithium transition metal oxide having a layered structure. The electrolyte contains a compound represented by a chemical formula (I) in an amount of β mol relative to the total content α mol of moisture to be mixed in the cell. β satisfies −1.3≦log(β/α)≦1. |
| US08911904B2 |
Mesoporous metal oxide microsphere electrode compositions and their methods of making
Compositions and methods of making are provided for treated mesoporous metal oxide microspheres electrodes. The compositions comprise (a) microspheres with an average diameter between 200 nanometers (nm) and 10 micrometers (μm); (b) mesopores on the surface and interior of the microspheres, wherein the mesopores have an average diameter between 1 nm and 50 nm and the microspheres have a surface area between 50 m2/g and 500 m2/g, and wherein the composition has an electrical conductivity of at least 1×10−7 S/cm at 25° C. and 60 MPa. The methods of making comprise forming a mesoporous metal oxide microsphere composition and treating the mesoporous metal oxide microspheres by at least one method selected from the group consisting of: (i) annealing in a reducing atmosphere, (ii) doping with an aliovalent element, and (iii) coating with a coating composition. |
| US08911903B2 |
Cathode active material, its manufacturing method, and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A cathode active material is provided. The cathode active material includes: a composite oxide particle including at least lithium and cobalt; a coating layer which is provided in at least a part of the composite oxide particle and includes an oxide including lithium and a coating element of at least one of nickel and manganese; and a surface layer which is provided in at least a part of the coating layer and includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of silicon, tin, phosphorus, magnesium, boron, zinc, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, and zirconium. |
| US08911901B2 |
Negative electrode for non-aqueous secondary battery and non-aqueous secondary battery
The object of the present invention is to inhibit occurrence of structural collapse caused by volumetric change of primary particles of negative electrode active material and to improve adhesion between negative electrode active material and electrically conductive agent and between negative electrode mix layer and collector, whereby improvement of life is attained in negative electrode for non-aqueous secondary battery and non-aqueous secondary battery. In the negative electrode for non-aqueous secondary battery of the present invention, the negative electrode active material comprises silicon and/or tin, and at least one element selected from elements which do not react with lithium and has pores in both of the inner core portion and the outer peripheral portion of primary particles and a material which cures by a heat treatment is used as a binder. |
| US08911897B2 |
Lithium microbattery provided with an electronically conductive packaging layer
A lithium microbattery comprises a packaging thin layer formed by a matrix of polymer material in which metallic particles are dispersed. The packaging thin layer constitutes at least a part of the anodic current collector of the lithium microbattery. The polymer material is advantageously obtained from at least a photopolymerizable precursor material chosen from bisphenol A diglycidylether, bisphenol F butanediol diglycidil ether, 7-oxabicylco[4.1.0]heptane-3-carboxylate of 7-oxabicylco[4.1.0]hept-3-ylmethyl and a mixture of bisphenol A and epichloridine. It can also be a copolymer obtained from a homogenous mixture of at least two photopolymerizable precursor materials, respectively acrylate-base, such as diacrylate 1,6-hexanediol and methacrylate, and epoxide-base, for example chosen from bisphenol A diglycidylether, 7-oxabicylco[4.1.0]heptane-3-carboxylate of 7-oxabicylco[4.1.0]hept-3-ylmethyl and a mixture of bisphenol A and epichloridine. |
| US08911895B2 |
All solid state rechargeable oxide-ion battery (ROB) system
An all solid state rechargeable oxide-ion (ROB) battery (30) has a thermal energy storage (TES) unit (20) between two oxide-ion cells (22, 24) with metal-metal oxide electrodes (34, 36, 40, 42) on opposite sides of an anion conducting solid electrolyte (32,38) where none of the electrodes is contact with air. |
| US08911894B2 |
Battery assembly
A battery assembly of the invention includes a secondary battery formed by stacking a plurality of unit battery cells having a cathode and an anode, collector electrodes provided on respective end surfaces of the secondary battery positioned in the stacking direction of the unit battery cells; and terminal portions formed at the collector electrodes, protruded outward from a side surface of the secondary battery, to which conductive members are connected for charging and discharging. A coolant is supplied to the terminal portions to cool the terminal portions. |
| US08911891B2 |
Battery electrolyte level detector apparatus
An electrolyte detector is provided that includes two micrometers which slide relative to each other along a frame to adjust the electrolyte detector to a size of the battery. A transmitter rod and a receiver rod support an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver, respectively, and are slidably mounted with respect to the micrometers. The micrometers measure the position of the transmitter and receiver for placement on the side of the battery at a desired level of electrolyte. A transmitter director and receiver director concentrates the transmission and receipt of acoustic energy to locate the electrolyte level. An electronic circuit analyzes the received signal to determine whether the signal is transmitted through air or through an electrolyte. |
| US08911888B2 |
Three-dimensional magnetic memory with multi-layer data storage layers
Magnetic memories and methods are disclosed. A magnetic memory as described herein includes a plurality of stacked data storage layers to form a three-dimensional magnetic memory. The data storage layers are each formed from a multi-layer structure. At ambient temperatures, the multi-layer structures exhibit an antiparallel coupling state with a near zero net magnetic moment. At higher transition temperatures, the multi-layer structures transition from the antiparallel coupling state to a parallel coupling state with a net magnetic moment. At yet higher temperatures, the multi-layer structure transitions from the antiparallel coupling state to a receiving state where the coercivity of the multi-layer structures drops below a particular level so that magnetic fields from write elements or neighboring data storage layers may imprint data into the data storage layer. |
| US08911887B2 |
Composite materials with metal oxide attached to lead chalcogenide nanocrystal quantum dots with linkers
Composite materials useful for devices such as photoelectrochemical solar cells include a substrate, a metal oxide film on the substrate, nanocrystalline quantum dots (NQDs) of lead sulfide, lead selenide, and lead telluride, and linkers that attach the NQDs to the metal oxide film. Suitable linkers preserve the 1s absorption peak of the NQDs. A suitable linker has a general structure A-B-C where A is a chemical group adapted for binding to a MOx and C is a chemical group adapted for binding to a NQD and B is a divalent, rigid, or semi-rigid organic spacer moiety. Other linkers that preserve the 1s absorption peak may also be used. |
| US08911886B2 |
Material for organic electroluminescent devices and organic electroluminescent devices made by using the same
A material for electroluminescent devices which comprises a compound in which a heterocyclic group having nitrogen is bonded to carbazolyl group and an organic electroluminescent device having at least one organic thin film layer which is sandwiched between the cathode and the anode and contains the above material in at least one layer, are provided. The material can provide organic electroluminescent devices emitting bluish light with a high purity of color. The organic electroluminescence device uses the material. |
| US08911884B2 |
Organic light emitting device
An organic light emitting device includes a substrate; a first electrode; a second electrode; and an organic layer including an emission layer between the first electrode and the second electrode. The organic layer includes a first intermediate layer including a first host and a first dopant, a second intermediate layer including the first dopant, and a third intermediate layer including a second host and the first dopant interposed between the first electrode and the emission layer. The organic light emitting device has a long lifetime. |
| US08911881B2 |
Organic light-emitting device
An organic light-emitting device is provided. The organic light-emitting device comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, and a light-emitting layer interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The device further comprises of a phosphorescent dopant and a phosphorescent host that includes at least two hole transport materials. The mixed phosphorescent host materials increase energy transfer efficiency, thereby improving the efficiency and lifespan of the resulting organic light-emitting device. |
| US08911880B2 |
Rotor of rotating machine and method of manufacturing the rotor
A turbine rotor which is composed by connecting Ni-based alloy and heat resisting steel such as 12-Cr steel by welding to be able to ensure strength of welded parts and can be used under steam conditions of 700° C. class and method of manufacturing the rotor are also provided. The rotor of the rotating machine into which working fluid of 650° C. or higher is introduced, the rotor being composed of a plurality of members connected by welding such that material of each member is different in accordance with temperature of working fluid which flows contacting the members, wherein the first member(s) is formed from Ni-based alloy having mean linear expansion coefficient of 12.4×10−6/° C.˜14.5×10−6/° C., preferably 14.0×10−6/° C. or smaller within a temperature range from a room temperature to 700° C. and second member(s) is formed from high-chrome steels, and the rotor is composed such that the first member(s) formed from Ni-base alloy is located in a portion which contact to the working fluid of 650° C. or higher. |
| US08911877B2 |
Embossed metal foil
A metal sheet at least part of which is embossed with an embossing pattern that includes undulations which are mutually arranged closely adjacent to each other so that in use egress of fluid from the plane of the sheet is omnidirectionally controlled. |
| US08911873B2 |
Pressure sensitive adhesive sheet for optics
An ultraviolet cross-linkable pressure sensitive adhesive sheet includes a (meth)acrylic copolymer of a monomer containing a (meth)acrylic acid ester having an ultraviolet cross-linkable site. The storage modulus of the pressure sensitive adhesive sheet before ultraviolet cross-linking is from 5.0×104 to 1.0×106 Pa at 30° C. and 1 Hz and 5.0×104 Pa or less at 80° C. and 1 Hz. The storage modulus of the pressure sensitive adhesive sheet after ultraviolet cross-linking is 1.0×103 Pa or more at 130° C. and 1 Hz. |
| US08911869B2 |
Transparent substrate
The present invention provides a transparent substrate excellent in solvent crack resistance, toughness, heat resistance, and flexibility. A transparent substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an inorganic glass; and a first resin layer placed on at least one side of the inorganic glass, wherein: the first resin layer contains a resin compound having a weight-average molecular weight in terms of polystyrene of 8×104 to 100×104; and no solvent crack occurs when a mixed solvent containing 20 wt % to 95 wt % of at least one kind of solvent selected from the group consisting of acetone, N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide, and N,N-dimethylformamide is brought into contact with the substrate. |
| US08911868B2 |
Coating based on diamond-like carbon
A coating based on diamond-like is formed from a plurality of films of diamond-like carbon formed alternatingly over one another and in this respect a film in which no portion or only a much lower portion of doped fluorine is contained. A film in which fluorine or at least fluorine with a higher portion than the film arranged thereunder or thereabove are formed alternatingly over one another. The coating could be manufactured by using a target of pure carbon. Films are deposited on a surface of a substrate by means of a PVD process, with the portion of fluorine contained in doped form. Films are formed alternately being varied by varying a supplied volume flow of a fluorine/carbon compound or sulfur/fluorine compound as a precursor. |
| US08911867B2 |
Protective coating, a coated member having a protective coating as well as method for producing a protective coating
The invention relates to a protective coating, having the chemical composition CaSibBdNeOgHlMem, wherein Me is at least one metal of the group consisting of {Al, Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W, Y, Sc, La, Ce, Nd, Pm, Sm, Pr, Mg, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn}, with a+b+d+e+g+l+m=1. According to the invention, the following conditions are satisfied: 0.45≦a≦0.98, 0.01≦b≦0.40, 0.01≦d≦0.30, 0≦e≦0.35, 0≦g≦0.20, 0≦l≦0.35, 0≦m≦0.20. The invention relates also to a coated member having a protective coating, as well as to a method for producing a protective coating, in particular a multilayer film for a member. |
| US08911864B1 |
Monodispersed particles fabricated by microfluidic device
According to various embodiments the present disclosure provides porous particles and methods and apparatus for forming porous microparticles. According to a specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides microparticles with multi-nodal porosity and methods for forming the same. According to a still further embodiment, the present disclosure provides microfluidic device-based methods for forming microparticles with multi-nodal nanoporosity. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides populations of monodisperse mesoporous microparticles with multi-nodal nanoporosity and methods and apparatus for forming the same. According to a specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides populations of monodisperse mesoporous microparticles formed using a microfluidic device. |
| US08911858B2 |
Multifunctional melamine epoxy resins, methylols and amines
Multifunctional melamine epoxy resins, methylols and amines are provided. Methods of making multifunctional melamine epoxy resins, methylols and amines are also provided. |
| US08911853B2 |
Printing ink
The present invention provides an inkjet ink comprising 5 to 30% by weight of organic solvent based on the total weight of the ink, a radiation curable monofunctional monomer, a radiation curable multifunctional monomer, a photoinitiator and a colourant. |
| US08911852B2 |
Fully crosslinked chemically structured monolayers
The present invention relates to a structured monolayer that is composed of low-molecular aromatics and fully cross-linked in the lateral direction, the monolayer having a pattern of functional groups on one of the two surfaces, and to a method for preparing such a structured monolayer, as well as to the use thereof. |
| US08911843B2 |
Multi-layer container
One embodiment of the present invention provides a partly-biodegradable system, which comprises a non-biodegradable portion and a biodegradable portion wherein the non-biodegradable portion is easily separated from the biodegradable portion for disposal of the system. In certain embodiments, the system further comprises a cover layer of non-biodegradable film which adheres to the first non-biodegradable portion to form a sealed compartment for food or drink reservation. |
| US08911841B2 |
Packaging pouch with food flow properties
In a packaging pouch made of a flexible mono or multilayer film for packaging viscous jelly and/or gravy matrix food, in which a thermo cycle such as retort, pasteurization, hot filling or aseptic conditions are applicable, the surface of a layer of the film forming the pouch inner walls or a surface coating on the film being in contact with food comprises a substance having the effect that the surface tension of the layer or the surface coating on the layer is 24 mN/m or less and the pouch inner walls being in contact with food exhibit easy flow properties. |
| US08911836B2 |
Spectrally selective coatings and associated methods for minimizing the effects of lightning strikes
A method for reducing structural damage to a substrate resulting from interaction between the substrate and a plasma, the method including the steps of identifying a wavelength at which a spectral radiance of the plasma is at a peak, the wavelength being a function of a temperature of the plasma, preparing a coating capable of imparting to the substrate a threshold electromagnetic reflectivity over a spectral band about the wavelength, and applying the coating to the substrate. |
| US08911835B2 |
Method and system for injecting liquid in a porous material
The present invention relates to a method for injecting a liquid in a porous material or a material including discontinuity interfaces, wherein said method includes the steps of: attaching an injection part to said material, the injection part defining a compression chamber with at least one surface of said material; injecting said liquid into said compression chamber under a low pressure; and applying a high-power acoustic wave to said liquid using a drawing element, wherein said drawing element extends into said compression chamber. |
| US08911830B2 |
Method of forming a fluoroplastic topcoat including carbon nanotubes
A method for forming a surface topcoat can include mixing a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNT) with a thermally decomposable polymer binder to form a thermally decomposable polymer composite. The thermally decomposable polymer composite is mixed with a plurality of fluoroplastic particles, a fluorinated surfactant, and a solvent media to form a coating dispersion. Next, the coating dispersion is applied to a substrate such as a printer fuser member substrate to form a coated substrate. The coated substrate is heated to cure the coating dispersion to form a final coating film on the substrate. |
| US08911828B2 |
Method of producing molded article
The present invention provides a method of producing a molded article, which can be perform the continuous processes and effectively impregnate a modifying material such as metal complexes in the thermoplastic resin for short period of time. The above object is achieved by providing the method of producing the thermoplastic resin molded article which includes impregnating the pressurized fluid having a modifying material dissolved therein, in thermoplastic resin; discharging the pressurized fluid from the thermoplastic resin in which the modifying material has been impregnated; and continuously molding the thermoplastic resin, in which the modifying material has been impregnated and from which the pressurized fluid has been discharged, into the form of a film. |
| US08911823B2 |
Mechanical sintering of nanoparticle inks and powders
Nanoparticle inks and powders are sintered using an applied mechanical energy, such as uniaxial pressure, hydrostatic pressure, and ultrasonic energy, which may also include applying a sheer force to the inks or powders in order to make the resultant film or line conductive. |
| US08911822B2 |
Method of repairing color filter and pre-repair material used thereby
A method of repairing a color filter and a pre-repair material used thereby are provided. The method includes the following steps. First, a color filter including a substrate and a color filter layer is provided, and the color filter layer having at least one defect pattern is disposed on the substrate. Then, a pre-repair layer is formed in the at least one defect pattern. After that, a repair layer is formed on the pre-repair layer, and the repair layer is connected to the substrate through the pre-repair layer. |
| US08911820B2 |
Fabrication method of electrolyte impregnanted cathodes
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an electrode, that is, a large-sized cathode, used for a molten carbonate fuel cell. In the disclosed method, a substrate and a pressure plate, used for electrolyte impregnation, are surface-treated so as to control the bending and cracking of the electrode during the impregnation of an electrolyte. |
| US08911816B2 |
Coating composition and use thereof
The present invention relates to a new coating composition and especially a new coating composition to be used with a specific coating device for providing an even, thin and enclosing coating on tablets, capsules or pills of different sizes and shapes in order to improve the taste and the swallowing characteristics of the tablets, capsules or pills. |
| US08911815B2 |
Thin film processing apparatuses for adjustable volume accommodation
An apparatus can be used to apply and remove fluid substances for processing biological samples. The fluid substances can be delivered between a first substrate and a second substrate. One substrate carries a specimen. A layer of the fluid substance is retained in a gap defined by the first and second substrates. One substrate is moved with respect to the second substrate to disperse the fluid substance in the gap. |
| US08911814B2 |
Medical device coating configuration and method for improved lubricity and durability
Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. An example medical device includes a slotted tubular member and a coating disposed over the tubular member. The coating may define one or more coating gaps therein. |
| US08911813B2 |
Structured lipid compositions
Lipid compositions are provided exhibiting the functionality of a typical shortening or filler fat, but are achieved with reduced and essentially zero trans-unsaturated fatty acids and that deliver reduced caloric content. By one approach, the functional lipid compositions include a blend of a matrix building ingredient, which is preferably a structured glycerol ester, and an edible liquid oil diluent in ratios such that the lipid composition exhibits the functionality of the traditional shortening or filler fat. |
| US08911811B2 |
Method of operating a coffee maker
A coffee maker and method of operating the same is shown. The method includes deactivating a heating plate of the coffee maker when a drip pan is positioned thereon, soliciting a user-selection of a serving size from a plurality of serving sizes when the drip pan is positioned on the base, and operating a pump of the coffee maker to advance fluid to a filter basket in accordance with the selected serving size. |
| US08911809B2 |
Method of separating meat components via centrifuge
A centrifuge has an inner and an outer screw. The outer screw transfers material towards a cone-shaped section that leads to an outlet of the centrifuge. A mixture of meat components, liquid carbon dioxide, gas, and optionally water, is spun in the centrifuge. The dense components, such as lean meat, will accumulate away from the axis of rotation and be transferred by the outer screw towards the cone-shaped section. The less dense components, such as fat and adipose tissue, accumulate toward the center of rotation, and are transferred toward an outlet of the centrifuge via the inner screw. Gas accumulates in the proximity of the cone-shaped section and impedes liquid carbon dioxide from exiting with the dense components. The centrifuge is pressurized, which maintains carbon dioxide as a liquid. |
| US08911804B2 |
Muscadine compositions with improved anti-oxidant activity
Disclosed is a composition for use as an antioxidant, such as for use as an anti-aging supplement. The composition can include a muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) pomace extract having a polyphenol content of at least 2% and trans-resveratrol from a source other than muscadine with a minimum purity of at least 5%. In an example, the ratio of muscadine pomace extract polyphenols to trans-resveratrol is in the range of 0.1/1 to 10/1 (weight to weight), thereby providing a composition with antioxidant activity. Also disclosed are methods of producing antioxidant compositions. These methods can include combining a muscadine pomace extract having a polyphenol content of at least 2% and resveratrol from a source other than muscadine with a minimum purity of at least 5% at a ratio in the range of 0.1/1 to 10/1 (weight to weight), thereby providing a composition with antioxidant activity. |
| US08911798B2 |
Multivitamin and mineral compositions for individuals having renal disease
The present invention relates to oral compositions which are useful for nutrient supplementation. The dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products and methods of the present invention are particularly useful in the treatment of patients in various stages of chronic kidney disease and supplementing levels of physiological anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals in subjects requiring dialysis therapy. |
| US08911797B2 |
Use of WF10 for treating allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis
The present invention provides a method of treating or inhibiting at least one of allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, or of reducing, inhibiting or treating allergy like symptoms. The methods use compositions comprising chlorite, chloride, chlorate and/or sulfate ions. |
| US08911795B2 |
Compositions comprising dihydroavenanthramide D and climbazole as cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions for alleviating itching
Compositions comprising dihydroavenanthramide D and climbazole; and, cosmetics or pharmaceutical end products comprising the compositions, useful for treating skin and/or hair. |
| US08911794B2 |
Method of producing copper hydroxosulphates and copper fungicidal compositions containing same
The subject of the invention is a process for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions of copper hydroxosulphates such as brochantite or antlerite, or a mixture of both, having a high copper content by weight, by reacting an aqueous solution of copper sulphate with an aqueous suspension of copper oxide or copper hydroxide in which the mean diameter of the solid particles is less than 25 μm.The invention also relates to the preparation of cupric fungicidal compositions having a copper content which may be as high as 45%, in the form of powders, granules or suspension concentrates, dispersible in water, and their use for the fungicidal treatment of crops. |
| US08911783B2 |
Continuous multi-microencapsulation process for improving the stability and storage life of biologically active ingredients
The invention relates to microcapsules, and a continuous micro-encapsulation water-in-oil-in-water microencapsulation process through in situ and interfacial polymerization of the emulsion. The formulation comprises a continuous water phase having a dispersion of microcapsules which contain oil drops and wherein the inside of each oil phase drop—containing optionally oil-soluble materials—there is a dispersion of water, or aqueous extract or water dispersible material or water soluble material. The oil drops are encapsulated with a polymerizable material of natural origin. Such microcapsules are appropriated for spray-dry processes, to be used as dry powder, lyophilized, self-emulsifiable powder, gel, cream and any liquid form. The active compounds included in the microcapsules are beneficial to the health and other biological purposes. Such formulations are appropriate to be incorporated in any class of food, especially for the production of nutraceuticals, as well as cosmetic products (such as rejuvenescence creams, anti-wrinkle creams, gels, bath and shower consumable products and sprays). The preparations are adequate to stabilize compounds added to the food, media for cultivating microbes and nutraceuticals, especially those which are easily degradable or oxidizable. |
| US08911776B2 |
Generation of new pancreatic beta cells
The present invention relates to novel therapies for treatment of new and existing type 1 and type 2 diabetes, PreDiabetes, Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood, and diseases of insulin deficiency, beta cell deficiency, insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. In particular, the present invention identifies common peptides within the human Reg1a, Reg1b, Reg3a and Reg4, as signaling peptides for beta cell generation acting through the human Reg Receptor on the surface of human pancreatic extra-islet tissue. This invention identifies a specific binding region of the Reg Receptor from which peptidomimetics and stimulating antibodies have been developed for the generation of new beta cells which may be administered directly to patients with said conditions including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, PreDiabetes and other conditions of beta cell deficiency, and provides specific methodology for protecting new beta cells generated for usage in type 1 diabetes and Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood. This invention also provides for ex-vivo generation and delivery of beta cells utilizing the inventions described within. |
| US08911772B2 |
Release liner or protective sheet having a slit covered by another layer for use in adhesive laminates
The invention relates to laminate segments equipped or coated with an adhesive matrix, particularly transdermal therapeutic systems having formulations strongly tending to leak adhesive. The inventive laminate segments include a matrix, with or without a back layer, a protective layer on the adhesive side of the matrix, provided with a cut as a peel-off aid, and a cover film partially coated with adhesive, applied to the protective film, which overlaps the cut in the protective film using the adhesive-free part thereof. The cover film prevents a leakage of the adhesive through the cut, and therefore a gluing together of the laminate segments to the packaging material thereof, without having an adverse effect on the function of the cut as a peel-off aid. Such laminate segments can be produced without the use of any intermediate carriers. |
| US08911770B2 |
Dissolvable dietary supplement strip and methods for using the same
A strip, which is both edible and dissolvable, is provided comprising a film and a dosage of at least 2% of the reference daily intake (RDI) of at least one dietary supplement for malnutrition or to prevent/treat alcohol induced hangovers. A method for treating malnutrition and/or preventing and treating alcohol-induced hangovers using a dissolvable orally administered strip. |
| US08911767B2 |
Hypotensive lipid-containing biodegradable intraocular implants and related methods
Biocompatible intraocular implants include a prostamide component and a biodegradable polymer that is effective in facilitating release of the prostamide component into an eye for an extended period of time. The prostamide component may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants may be placed in an eye to treat or reduce a at least one symptom of an ocular condition, such as glaucoma. |
| US08911766B2 |
Drug delivery compositions including nanoshells for triggered drug release
The current invention is directed to compositions comprising a plurality of particles including nanoshells or a medical device with a coating including nanoshells allowing for triggered drug release. Methods of treatment with such compositions are also included. |
| US08911763B2 |
Collagen carrier of therapeutic genetic material and method
A collagen matrix material is charged with a cell growth-promoting derived nucleic acid sequence. The nucleic acid sequence-charged collagen matrix material may be utilized in a method of promoting regeneration of surface cartilage of a joint. In the method, an area of injury is covered with the nucleic acid sequence-charged collagen matrix material, the collagen matrix material is fixed over the area to be treated, and the area is allowed to heal. |
| US08911762B2 |
Polylactic acid/calcium sulfate scaffold
The invention relates to a method of preparing a composite or porous composite used as a biodegradable scaffold, the composite prepared therefrom and the use of the composite. In particular, the composite is a calcium sulfate-polylactic acid composite or porous composite and the composite can be especially used as an in situ pore forming scaffold. |
| US08911761B2 |
Composite materials
This application discloses a composite material comprising one or more silk elements in an acrylic or cross-linked protein matrix. The silk elements are made from the group of silk elements consisting of domestic silkworm silk, wild silkworm silk, spider dragline silk, and filaments spun from recombinant silk protein or protein analogs. The composite material is particularly useful for use in-surgical-implants. |
| US08911759B2 |
Bone matrix compositions and methods
An osteoinductive composition, corresponding osteoimplants, and methods for making the osteoinductive composition are disclosed. The osteoinductive composition comprises osteoinductive factors, such as may be extracted from demineralized bone, and a carrier. The osteoinductive composition is prepared by providing demineralized bone, extracting osteoinductive factors from the demineralized bone, and adding the extracted osteoinductive factors to a carrier. Further additives such as bioactive agents may be added to the osteoinductive composition. The carrier and osteoinductive factors may form an osteogenic osteoimplant. The osteoimplant, when implanted in a mammalian body, can induce at the locus of the implant the full developmental cascade of endochondral bone formation including vascularization, mineralization, and bone marrow differentiation. Also, in some embodiments, the osteoinductive composition can be used as a delivery device to administer bioactive agents. |
| US08911756B2 |
Window sticker for attracting and destroying insects
There is disclosed a product for attracting and destroying insects which comprises an active-substance-comprising bait layer (1) together with a bait substance and an insecticide. The active-substance-comprising bait layer (1) furthermore comprises a superdisintegrant whose effect is that, upon the use of the product in an environment with high atmospheric humidity, the active-substance-comprising bait layer (1) does not run. |
| US08911750B2 |
Lung volume reduction therapy using crosslinked biopolymers
One aspect of the present invention relates to bronchoscopic lung volume reduction using solutions of biopolymers that can be polymerized in situ with a crosslinker and a polymeric additive which accelerates the cross-linking reaction. In certain embodiments, the biopolymer solutions can be in the form of a foam or gel. The biopolymer compositions disclosed herein may also be used for indications other than lung volume reduction, such as sealing fistulas or performing emergency tamponade of vessels. |
| US08911748B2 |
Cholera toxin chimera and its use as a staph vaccine
The present invention relates to chimeric protein vaccines and methods of use thereof in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of generating an immune response in a mammal, that includes administering to the mammal, a composition having a chimeric protein having at least one of: a portion of a cholera toxin, a portion of a heat-labile toxin, and a portion of a shiga toxin; and an antigen having at least one of: an antigenic material from S. aureus and an antigenic material from a S. aureus-specific polypeptide. |
| US08911747B2 |
HSV-1 and HSV-2 vaccines and methods of use thereof
This invention provides methods of treating, suppressing, inhibiting, reducing an incidence, reducing the pathogenesis of, ameliorating the symptoms of, or ameliorating the secondary symptoms of a primary or recurring Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection, or prolonging the latency to a relapse of an HSV infection, and disorders and symptoms associated with same and inducing an anti-HSV immune response in a subject comprising the step of contacting the subject with a composition comprising a mutant HSV strain comprising an inactivating mutation in a Us8 gene, followed by a second contacting with the composition. |
| US08911746B2 |
Recombinant polyprotein vaccines for the treatment and diagnosis of leishmaniasis
Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis are disclosed. The compositions generally comprise fusion polypeptides comprising multiple Leishmania antigens, in particular, KMP11, SMT, A2 and/or CBP, or immunogenic portions or variants thereof, as well as polynucleotides encoding such fusion polypeptides. |
| US08911745B2 |
Immunology treatment for biofilms
The invention provides a composition for use in raising an immune response to P. gingivalis in a subject, the composition comprising an amount effective to raise an immune response of at least one polypeptide having an amino acid sequence substantially identical to at least 50 amino acids, or an antigenic or immunogenic portion, of one of the polypeptides corresponding to accession numbers selected from the group consisting of AAQ65462, AAQ65742, AAQ66991, AAQ65561, AAQ66831, AAQ66797, AAQ66469, AAQ66587, AAQ66654, AAQ66977, AAQ65797, AAQ65867, AAQ65868, AAQ65416, AAQ65449, AAQ66051, AAQ66377, AAQ66444, AAQ66538, AAQ67117 and AAQ67118. The invention also provides a method of preventing or treating a subject for P. gingivalis infection comprising administering to the subject a composition of the invention. |
| US08911743B2 |
Haemophilus parasuis polypeptides and methods of use
The present invention provides isolated polypeptides having oligopeptide permease activity and an amino acid sequence that has at least 80% identity with a Haemophilus parasuis OppA polypeptide. Also provided by the present invention are isolated polynucleotides that encode the polypeptides described herein, and antibody that specifically binds a polypeptide described herein. The present invention further provides genetically modified microbes, such as attenuated Haemophilus parasuis strains and other microbes that express polypeptides described herein. Also included are methods for using the polypeptides, polynucleotides, antibody, and genetically modified microbes. |
| US08911736B2 |
Combination therapy for treating breast cancer
The invention provides compositions and methods for treating breast cancer. Specifically, the invention relates to administering a Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFβ) antagonist in combination with capecitabine and ixabepilone to treat breast cancer. |
| US08911735B2 |
Complement inhibitors and uses thereof
The invention relates to C2a inhibitors, which bind to C2a and block the functional activity of C2a in complement activation. The inhibitors include antibody molecules, as well as homologs, analogs and modified or derived forms thereof, including immunoglobulin fragments like Fab, F(ab′)2 and Fv, small molecules, including peptides, oligonucleotides, peptidomimetics and organic compounds. A monoclonal antibody, which bound to C2a and blocked its ability to activate complement was generated and designated 175-62. The hybridoma producing this antibody was deposited at the American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209, under Accession Number PTA-1553. |
| US08911732B2 |
Anti-mesothelin antibodies and immunoconjugates
The invention provides anti-mesothelin antibodies and immunoconjugates and methods of using the same. |
| US08911724B2 |
Nutrient compositions and methods for enhanced effectiveness of the immune system
Provided are methods and compositions for increasing CD4+ cell count in mammals, preferably by at least 25%, while undergoing treatment for various conditions whose treatment can have detrimental effects on immune system function. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, HIV infection, cancer, and hepatitis. The compositions include alpha lipoic acid; acetyl L-carnitine; N-acetyl-cysteine; and optionally: zinc, selenium, vitamin C, bioflavinoid complex, vitamin E, co-enzyme Q10, glutathione, beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, folic acid, vitamin B12, copper, manganese, chromium, and molybdenum. |
| US08911721B2 |
Method of constructing gene transport support
An object of the present invention is to provide a method of efficiently constructing a gene delivery carrier having a favorable activity and expression efficiency of a protein expressed by a gene introduced by transformation. Moreover, an object of the present invention is to provide a pharmaceutical composition comprising a gene delivery carrier constructed by the construction method and a therapeutic agent for solid tumor comprising the resistant bacterium. The objects of the present invention have been attained by a gene delivery carrier consisting of an anaerobic microorganism capable of growing in a tumor tissue in an anaerobic environment and capable of expressing (A) a protein having an antitumor activity or (B) a protein having an activity of converting an antitumor substance precursor to an antitumor substance, wherein DNA encoding the protein of interest is allowed to further comprise, on the 5′-terminal side thereof, a DNA fragment comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a peptide consisting of an amino acid sequence from the 1st to at least 4th amino acids at the N-terminus of a histone-like DNA-binding protein. |
| US08911714B2 |
Cosmetic heat treatment method using a structuring agent
A method of makeup and/or non-therapeutic care for non-fibrous human keratin material, particularly the skin, the lips, or the nails, having the steps of: bringing an outer surface of a piece of solid cosmetic composition into contact with, or near, a heating device so as to heat said piece in a localized manner with a view to essentially softening only said outer surface and lowering the dynamic rub coefficient thereof; and then applying the outer surface of the thus-heated composition onto the area to be treated, the solid cosmetic composition including, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least 4 wt % of at least one structuring agent selected from among waxes, organophilic clays, hydrophobic pyrogenic silicas, alkylated guar gums, hydrophobic celluloses, block copolymers, and the mixtures thereof. |
| US08911711B2 |
Method, device, and system to control pH in pulmonary tissue of a subject
Methods, devices, and systems are provided which include an aerosol generator and a pharmaceutical composition including a membrane selective for a charged ion configured to achieve a selected pH of a pulmonary tissue in a subject. The methods, devices, or systems which include the membrane may be configured to alter selectivity for the charged ion in response to a sensed condition in the pulmonary tissue. |
| US08911710B2 |
Intravascular contrast agents
Intravascular contrast agents are provided by Gd-chelates modified so as to comprise an amino acid unit attached to the chelate via a linker group suitably selected from C2-4alkylene and C3-5alkynylene. The chelates may be used as an intravascular contrast agent for MRI. Certain embodiments demonstrate enhanced relaxivity and good levels of signal enhancement. |
| US08911708B2 |
Nano-scale contrast agents and methods of use
Compositions and methods are disclosed for evaluating a subject's vasculature integrity, for differentiating between a malignant lesion and a benign lesion, for evaluating the accessibility of a tumor to nano-sized therapeutics, for treating tumors, and for live or real time monitoring of a nano-probe's biodistribution. |
| US08911704B2 |
Silicometallophosphate molecular sieves, method of preparation and use
A new family of crystalline microporous metallophosphates designated MAPSO-64 has been synthesized. These metallophosphates are represented by the empirical formula R+rMmn+EPxSiyOz where R is an organoammonium cation such as ETMA+ or DEDMA−, M is a divalent metal such as an alkaline earth or transition metal, and E is a framework element such as aluminum or gallium. The microporous MAPSO-64 compositions BPH topology and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes and separation properties for separating at least one component. |
| US08911701B2 |
Process for fabricating carbon nanotubes and apparatus for implementing the process
An industrial process and an apparatus for fabricating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is provided, comprising synthesis of the carbon nanotubes by decomposing a carbon source brought into contact, in a fluidized-bed reactor, whereby the carbon nanotubes synthesized in the reactor and fixed onto the grains of catalytic substrate in the form of an entangled three-dimensional network, forming agglomerates constituting the CNT powder, are recovered sequentially by discharging them while hot, that is to say at the reaction temperature for synthesizing the CNTs, at the foot of the reactor, the sequence in which the discharges are carried out corresponding to the frequency of filling of the reactor. |
| US08911699B2 |
Charge-induced selective reduction of nitrogen
A selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) or selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) system include a reagent charging apparatus configured to apply one or more electrical charges to a NOx reducing reagent. The electrical charges enhance mixing of the reagent with fluids carrying NOx and/or enhance reactivity of the reagent with NOx. |
| US08911697B2 |
Catalytically active material and catalytic converter for the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides
The invention relates to a catalytically active material for reacting nitrogen oxides with ammonia in the presence of hydrocarbons. The material consists of an inner core (1) made of a zeolite exchanged with one or more transition metals or a zeolite-like compound exchanged with one or more transition metals. The core of the catalytically active material is encased by a shell (2), which is made of one or more oxides selected from silicon dioxide, germanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, zirconium dioxide, and mixed oxides thereof. |
| US08911696B1 |
Recycle process for alkaline and carbon zinc batteries
High purity MnO and zinc oxide may be efficiently recovered from alkaline and/or carbon zinc batteries using a process involving the treatment of the crushed batteries with an alkali hydroxide to produce insoluble manganese oxides and an alkali zincate solution. Zinc oxide is obtained by reacting the zinc solution with carbon dioxide or an acid such as a mineral acid and furnacing. The manganese oxides are converted to MnO by furnacing under an inert atmosphere. |
| US08911695B2 |
Preparation of chitosan-based microporous composite material and its applications
Microporous glutaraldehyde-crosslinked chitosan sorbents, methods of making and using them, and a generator for the radioisotope 99Mo containing the sorbents. |
| US08911692B2 |
Liquid analyzer device and related method
An agitator (1) is for a liquid analysis system (3, 50). It has a chamber (5) for reception of a sample liquid. A passageway (6) from the bottom of the chamber (5) ends in an agitator chamber (7). A side wall of the agitator chamber (7) is formed by a diaphragm (8). The diaphragm (8) is connected to an electric motor (9) with an eccentric drive for reciprocating movement of the diaphragm (8). A gas inlet (10) in the opposite side of the body (2) is connected by a passageway (11) to the agitator chamber (7). The agitation chamber has a domed internal face opposed to the diaphragm, by which about 10% of the agitation chamber (7) volume is displaced by the inward movement of the diaphragm (8). Also, advantageously, there is a uniform application of displacement force within the agitation chamber (7) by virtue of the domed internal surface. |
| US08911688B2 |
Microvalve and sealing device for use in a microfluidics system, and method for the production thereof
A microvalve for controlling fluid flows, and a sealing device for sealing cavities in a microfluidic system, particularly in a lab-on-a-chip system, and a method for the production thereof. A sealing surface of a valve body, or a sealing element, respectively, rests on a sealing surface of a substrate and is pressed against the sealing surface of the substrate in a fluid-tight manner by means of a clamping element. The clamping element and/or the valve body, or the sealing element, respectively, are at least partially elastic. |
| US08911686B2 |
Separation device
A separation device for preparing biological samples for cytological, cytohistological and histological analysis includes a series of communicating chambers, means for moving a fluid through the chambers and one or more separating units for separating material contained in the fluid, wherein the separator units are arranged along the path of the fluid between the chambers. |
| US08911685B2 |
Automated analyzer
Disclosed is an automated analyzer intended for qualitative/quantitative analysis of blood, urine, and other biological samples, and including a reagent disk for mounting a plurality of reagent containers thereon, wherein any errors in liquid-level measurement due to oscillation of a reagent liquid surface during rotation of the reagent disk are minimized, even when reagent containers of a large capacity are mounted. If a predetermined constant cycle time is defined as one unit, the reagent disk with reagent containers mounted thereon is transported to a liquid-level detection position using at least two units when a liquid level of a reagent is measured. |
| US08911679B2 |
Color-based reaction testing of biological materials
A biological material test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart are affixed to a lid portion of an all-in-one specimen cup to perform color-based reaction testing of collected biological specimens in an uncalibrated environment. After specimen collection, the lid portion is secured to a container portion of the specimen cup. The cup may then be rotated into an upside down position causing the specimen, under the force of gravity, to pass from the container portion and into a volume of the lid portion, such that the test strip is exposed to the specimen as it is received into the volume of the lid portion. An image of the exposed test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart may then be captured and processed to identify any color matches between the individual test pads on the test strip and the corresponding sequences of reference color blocks on the reference chart. |
| US08911675B2 |
Discharge cell for ozonizer
To prevent the decrease of ozone concentration in the case that high purity oxygen without adding nitrogen is used as the raw material gas in a discharge type ozonizer. In an ozonizer in which a dielectric 10 is arranged contacting at least one of electrodes 30 to form a discharge gap 20 for the generation of ozone between a pair of electrodes 30, 30, a transition metal bronze containing alkaline metals alkaline earth metals or rare earth metals at position A of the transition metal oxide having a crystal structure in which an atom does not exist at position A of the perovskite structure is made to exist on the above-described surface of the dielectric 10. |
| US08911674B2 |
Electrically heated catalyst
The flow of electricity to the case (4) of an electrically heated catalyst (1) is inhibited. The heating element (2), the case (4), and the electrically insulating inner pipe (3) provided between the heating element (2) and the case (4) and inner mats 51 and 52 that are shorter in the direction of the flow of exhaust gases than inner pipe (3) that are provided in a compressed condition between heating element (2) and inner pipe (3), and outer mats 53 and 54 that are shorter in the direction of the flow of exhaust gases than inner pipe (3) that are provided in a compressed condition between inner pipe (3) and case (4) are provided and the load per unit area acting upon inner pipe (3) at the contact surface between inner pipe (3) and outer mats 53 and 54 is larger than the load born per unit area of acting upon the heating element (2) at the contact surface between the inner mats 51 and 52 and heating element (2). |
| US08911673B2 |
Process and apparatus for distributing hydrocarbon feed to a catalyst stream
A process and apparatus described is for distributing hydrocarbon feed to catalyst in a riser. Hydrocarbon feed is delivered to a plenum in the riser. Nozzles from the plenum inject feed into the riser to contact the catalyst. Streams of regenerated catalyst and carbonized catalyst may be passed to the riser and mixed around an insert in a lower section of a riser. The plenum may be located in the riser. |
| US08911671B2 |
Electronic incense and electronic burning using same
An electronic burner includes a burner base and an electronic incense. The burner base includes a burner body and a light emitting source mounted in the burner body. Then electronic incense includes a light guiding body and an incense head. The light guiding body is detachably mounted with the burner body. The incense head includes a first chamber, a second chamber, first reaction solution, and second solution. The first chamber is connected with the light guiding body away from the burner body. The second chamber is received in the first chamber. The first reaction solution received in the first chamber, and the second solution is received in the second chamber. When the second chamber is cracked, the first reaction solution and the second reaction solution would be mixed together in the first chamber to make a chemistry reaction happen, and at the same time, produce light. |
| US08911670B2 |
LED activated photocatalyst air filter
The present disclosure provides devices and methods for making a light emitting diode (LED) activated photocatalyst air filter. One or more embodiments include a filter material that includes a photocatalyst, and a frame that includes an array of a number of LEDs positioned on the frame to project a wavelength of light directed toward the filter material, wherein the array of LEDs is positioned a distance from the filter material. |
| US08911667B2 |
Device for preparing and/or treating a biological sample
A device for preparing and/or treating a biological sample including an assembly of storage chambers and/or reaction chambers intended for receiving a fluid, the chambers being separated by walls so as to form an assembly of adjacent chambers. The device includes a base and a drawer including the assembly of adjacent chambers, the drawer being movable in relation to the base, the drawer including a contact surface connected to first means for establishing fluid communication connected to the inside of at least one chamber, the contact surface of the drawer being intended to be positioned facing a contact surface of the base including at least one position at which second means for fluid communication connected to detection means are placed. |
| US08911666B2 |
Filter member and oxygenator using same
A filter member used in an oxygenator is constructed to provide improved contact with a hollow fiber membrane bundle and to capture bubbles contained in blood. The filter member possesses elasticity at least in the circumferential direction to allow the inner circumference of the filter member to be increased from a natural non-expanded state prior to placement on the hollow fiber membrane bundle to an expanded state in which the inner circumference of the filter member is increased when placed on the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The filter member is constructed to satisfy the condition 0.5≦L2/L1<1, wherein L1 represents the outer circumference of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and L2 represents the inner circumference of the filter member in the natural non-expanded state. |
| US08911665B2 |
Antiseptic compositions, methods and systems
Antiseptic compositions comprising at least one salt of EDTA are disclosed. These compositions have broad spectrum antimicrobial and antifungal activity and they also have anticoagulant properties. The antiseptic compositions have also demonstrated activity in penetrating and breaking down microbial slime, or biofilms. They are safe for human and medical uses and may be used as prophylactic preparations to prevent infection, or to reduce the proliferation of and/or eliminate existing or established infections. |
| US08911661B2 |
Cutting apparatus with two torches
A cutting apparatus embodying the principles of the present invention includes first and second cutting torches which can be selectively operated, depending upon the nature and thickness of a workpiece which is being cut. The cutting apparatus includes a pivotally moveable torch mounting plate on which each of the first and second torches is mounted, with the mounting plate in turn being rotatably moveable about a vertical main axis of the apparatus. The present apparatus provides significant savings, in that two individual torches, such as an oxy-acetylene gas torch and a plasma torch, and can be mounted on the same mechanism for positioning to produce bevel and vertical cutting in materials having different thicknesses and/or cutting requirements at a significant savings in machine complexity. |
| US08911649B2 |
Methods of preparing polyimide fibers with kidney-shaped cross-sections
The present disclosure provides polyimide fibers with kidney-shaped cross-section and their preparation methods thereof, falling within the technical field of polyimide fiber. Polyimide fibers with kidney-shaped cross-sections are prepared by a continuous, integrated approach, starting from a polyamic acid solution prepared by reacting an aromatic dianhydride with an aromatic diamine. PAA nascent fibers with kidney-shaped cross-sections are obtained by adopting a spinneret having circular orifices under wet spinning process. The kidney-shaped cross-sections are obtained by varying the processing condition, including spinning speed, coagulation bath composition, coagulation temperature, and depth of coagulation bath. After washing and drying, polyamic acid nascent fibers are converted to polyimide fibers with kidney-shaped cross-sections under thermal curing. The integrated preparation methods are suitable for mass industrial production. |
| US08911644B2 |
Optically isotropic liquid crystal medium and optical device
A liquid crystal medium having stability to heat, light and so forth, a wide temperature range of a liquid crystal phase, a large refractive index anisotropy and a large dielectric anisotropy and an optically isotropic liquid crystal phase is described. A liquid crystal composition is characterized by exhibiting the optically isotropic liquid crystal phase and containing achiral component T containing at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1) as a first component, and a chiral agent: wherein, for example, R1 is alkyl having 1 to 20 carbons, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and L6 are independently hydrogen or fluorine, and X1 is halogen. |
| US08911634B2 |
Apparatus and method for separating materials of different densities
A device for separating materials of different densities is provided. A cup body has an internal cavity configured to hold media. An inner wall defines a central body region having an upper and lower end. The upper end is wider than the lower end. An interior shoulder circumscribes the upper end of the central body region. The interior shoulder defines a neck region above the central body region and a shoulder trap below the neck region. The shoulder trap circumscribes the upper end of the central body region and is wider than the neck region. When the device is spun about a central axis, the media travels upward along the inner wall toward the shoulder trap. Relatively more dense material in the media is collected in the shoulder trap, and relatively less dense material is expelled from the device through an opening above the neck region. |
| US08911633B2 |
Fluid treatment elements and fluid treatment arrangements with posts and/or bands between fluid treatment elements and methods for making and using them
Fluid treatment arrangements and elements and methods for making and using fluid treatment arrangements are disclosed. A ribbon including a permeable fluid treatment medium may be spirally wound in a plurality of windings to form a fluid treatment element having a disk-shaped body. Two or more fluid treatment elements may be positioned along a core assembly with spaces between at least some of the adjacent fluid treatment elements. Posts may be located in some of the spaces and may be bonded to the adjacent fluid treatment elements. Bands may encircle some of the spaces to block radial fluid flow into or out of the spaces. |
| US08911632B2 |
Device, method and vessel for preventing oil damages and alleviating damages
The invention relates to an oil combating boom (1), which comprises an elongated boom part, which at its first end is connectable to an oil combating vessel (10). At least one pontoon member (5) and a number of turnable transfer members (6) equipped with rotating blade members (9) have been arranged in connection with the elongated boom part. The invention further relates to a method for collecting oil from a polluted shore area, in which method an oil combating vessel is steered to the vicinity of the shore, the oil combating boom (1) is arranged to extend onto the polluted shore area, oil is transferred from the shore area into the water and steered in the water towards the final collecting space (11) by rotating the blade members (9) of the transfer members (6). Also disclosed is a device and a method for separating oil from ice blocks and collecting oil from an icy water system, in which a floatable frame with a separation grate (18) presses ice blocks (16) at least partly under the water surface in order to separate oil from ice blocks. Support part (19) is pivotably connected to the separating grate and the frame for altering the elevation and angle of the separating grate in relation to the level of the water surface of the water system. |
| US08911631B2 |
Fluorine recovering apparatus and method for recovering fluorine
According to one embodiment, a fluorine recovering apparatus includes a precipitating device allowing fluoride ion-containing water to react with calcium source to form precipitate, a mixing tank mixing a filter aid including particles of a magnetic material having a diameter of 0.5 to 5 μm with a dispersion medium to produce slurry, a filter aid feeder to the mixing tank, a solid-liquid separator with a filter depositing a filter aid layer, and depositing the precipitate on the filter aid layer, a cleaning mechanism removing the filter aid and the precipitate, a separating tank separating the filter aid and the precipitate, and a returning mechanism returning the filter aid to the filter aid feeder. |
| US08911629B2 |
Dialysate regeneration system for portable human dialysis
A dialysate regeneration chamber is provided. In one embodiment, the dialysate regeneration chamber may include a toxin trap configured to selectively trap toxins and repel select cations. In another embodiment, generating a toxin trap may include oxidizing an activated carbon fiber and attaching a fatty acid to the oxidized activated carbon fiber to generate an ion-selective barrier, wherein the fatty acid extends away from the activated carbon fiber. |
| US08911628B2 |
Method for the biological purification of ammonium-containing wastewater
A method for the biological purification of ammonium-containing wastewater. The wastewater is purified in an aeration tank in which a low oxygen concentration of less than 1.0 mg/l is set so as to first convert, using aerobically oxidizing bacteria, ammonium contained in the wastewater to nitrite and then to convert, using anaerobically oxidizing bacteria, ammonium and nitrite to elemental nitrogen. At least a part of surplus sludge formed in the aeration tank is separated into a heavy sludge phase and a light sludge phase. The light sludge phase is fed as surplus sludge to a sludge digestion. Sludge water that is separated off from the sludge in a sludge dewatering is fed to a deammonifying tank. Nitrogen compounds in the sludge water are converted, by deammonification in the deammonifying tank, to elemental nitrogen. Surplus sludge formed in the deammonifying tank is fed to the aeration tank. |
| US08911609B2 |
Methods for electroplating copper
Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of electroplating copper onto at least one surface of a substrate in which more uniform electrical double layers are formed adjacent to the at least one surface being electroplated (i.e., the cathode) and an anode of an electrochemical cell, respectively. In one embodiment, the electroplated copper may be substantially-free of dendrites, exhibit a high-degree of (111) crystallographic texture, and/or be electroplated at a high-deposition rate (e.g., about 6 μm per minute or more) by electroplating the copper under conditions in which a ratio of a cathode current density at the at least one surface to an anode current density at an anode is at least about 20. In another embodiment, a porous anodic film may be formed on a consumable copper anode using a long conditioning process that promotes forming a more uniform electrical double layer adjacent to the anode. |
| US08911606B1 |
Dielectrokinetic chromatography devices
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for dielectrokinetic chromatography. As disclosed, the devices comprise microchannels having at least one perturber which produces a non-uniformity in a field spanning the width of the microchannel. The interaction of the field non-uniformity with a perturber produces a secondary flow which competes with a primary flow. By decreasing the size of the perturber the secondary flow becomes significant for particles/analytes in the nanometer-size range. Depending on the nature of a particle/analyte present in the fluid and its interaction with the primary flow and the secondary flow, the analyte may be retained or redirected. The composition of the primary flow can be varied to affect the magnitude of primary and/or secondary flows on the particles/analytes and thereby separate and concentrate it from other particles/analytes. |
| US08911604B2 |
Reference electrode having a flowing liquid junction and filter members
A flowing junction reference electrode comprising a liquid junction member matched with a filter. The junction member and the filter are situated between a reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. An array of nanochannels spans the junction member and provides fluid communication between the electrolyte solution and the sample solution. The filter is configured to allow a greater flux of electrolyte than that associated with the junction member. Preferably, the number of pores is greater than the number of nanochannels. The filter is preferably configured to have pores with an inner diameter that is the same or less than the inner diameter of the nanochannels. In some embodiment, the resistance of the filter is made lower relative to the resistance of the junction member by selecting suitable length, number, and inner diameter size for the pores of the filter relative to the nanochannels of the junction member. |
| US08911603B2 |
LED-based screener for photoelectrochemical materials discovery
An LED-based materials analysis apparatus that measures the photoelectrochemical response of materials to illumination. The apparatus uses an array of light sources such as a plurality of LEDs that provide light of desired wavelengths to illuminate one or more samples of materials of interest that are immersed in an electrolyte. A measurement circuit is connected between a transparent conductor attached to each sample of interest and a counter electrode. In some measurements, a third, standard electrode may be connected to the measurement circuit. A pulsing circuit that operates the LEDs causes each sample to be tested according to a predetermined sequence. Data is collected using a programmable computer operating under the control of instructions recorded on a machine readable medium. The data is analyzed and is available to be displayed to a user, recorded in a database, or communicated to another apparatus or process. |
| US08911601B2 |
Deposition ring and electrostatic chuck for physical vapor deposition chamber
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a process kit for a semiconductor processing chamber, and a semiconductor processing chamber having a kit. More specifically, embodiments described herein relate to a process kit including a deposition ring and a pedestal assembly. The components of the process kit work alone, and in combination, to significantly reduce their effects on the electric fields around a substrate during processing. |
| US08911600B2 |
Method of storing lanthanum oxide target, and vacuum-sealed lanthanum oxide target
A method of storing a sputtering target made of lanthanum oxide, wherein a lanthanum oxide target to which a lanthanum fluoride film was formed and lanthanum oxide powder are charged in a vacuum pack with an oxygen transmission rate of 0.1 cm3/m2 per 24 h at 1 atm or less and a moisture vapor transmission rate of 0.1 g/m2 per 24 h or less, and, after charging the target and the powder, the vacuum pack is subject to vacuum suction and sealing for storage. This invention aims to provide technology for enabling the long-term storage of a sputtering target in a usable state by devising the method of storing a target made of an oxide of lanthanum as a rare earth metal, and thereby inhibiting the pulverization phenomenon of the target caused by the hydration (hydroxylation) of such target due to residual air or the inclusion of air, and the pulverization phenomenon caused by the formation of carbonate. |
| US08911596B2 |
Method and apparatus for plasma decomposition of methane and other hydrocarbons
This invention relates to a process and an apparatus for generating hydrogen and synthetic carbon-free gas by plasma reforming-decomposing of Methane and other hydrocarbons for producing hydrogen and synthetic carbon-free gas through plasma discharge in hydrogen medium. The process involves applying an electrical potential between the electrodes while immersed in hydrogen medium. The plasma ionizes the medium, thereby generating hydrogen and synthetic gas by decomposing of hydrogen medium. The process further involves controlling the process by relocating the generated plasma between two or more further electrodes. |
| US08911595B2 |
Methods and systems for fuel generation
Systems, methods and compositions are shown and described. In one embodiment, a method of generating a hybrid liquid hydrocarbon fuel (HLHF) comprises locating a vineyard having a supply of grape waste (GW); loading the GW into a delivery system; delivering the GW to a transformation facility having a GW trough; depositing the GW into the GW trough; distilling the GW into ethanol; and mixing the ethanol with gasoline or diesel, thereby generating the HLHF. |
| US08911593B2 |
Method for the cationisation of legume starches, cationic starches thus obtained applications thereof
A novel solvent-free method for the cationization of a legume starch, and uses of the cationic starches thus obtained, in aqueous compositions and the paper industry, including the folding carton or paper thus obtained. |
| US08911591B2 |
Method for providing a nanocellulose involving modifying cellulose fibers
A method for the manufacturing of nanocellulose. The method includes a first modification of the cellulose material, where the cellulose fibers are treated with an aqueous electrolyte-containing solution of an amphoteric cellulose derivative. The modification is followed by a mechanical treatment. By using this method for manufacturing nanocellulose, clogging of the mechanical apparatus is avoided. Also the nanocellulose is manufactured in accordance with the method and uses of the cellulose. |
| US08911584B2 |
Integral double bag for vacuum bagging a composite part and method of using the same
Composite parts such as plastic laminates are formed using a pre-assembled, integral double bag to vacuum bag the part. The double bag is formed of two sheets of bag material that are cut to pre-determined width dimensions, with the width of one sheet being less than that of the other. The bag sheets are prealigned and then attached to each other by spaced apart bonds between the sheets which hold the bag sheets in registered relationship to each other when the double bag is placed over the part and sealed to a tool base. The attachment bonds may be formed by ultrasonic welding, heat sealing or an adhesive. |
| US08911580B2 |
Method for producing a structural component
This invention provides a method for producing a structural component, particularly in the aerospace sector. An unhardened prepreg fabric is formed from a composite fiber material, hardenable at a first hardening temperature, into a predetermined shape. The unhardened prepreg fabric is then connected to at least one hardening part of a composite fiber material partially hardened at a second hardening temperature for holding the unhardened prepreg fabric in the predetermined shape, wherein the second hardening temperature is lower than the first hardening temperature. In a further method step the unhardened prepreg fabric connected to the at least one holding part is hardened at the first hardening temperature to form the structural component. The idea on which this invention is based consists in replacing expensive tools of special steel previously used for holding dimensionally unstable prepreg fabrics with at least one holding part of composite fiber materials, wherein the at least one holding part has a lower hardening temperature than the prepreg fabric, and can therefore be produced with a lower cost tool. |
| US08911575B1 |
Moldable explosives formulated with chlorinated waxes and oils
Moldable explosives containing chlorinated and/or fluorinated oils and waxes are described which exhibit significant energetic characteristics while at the same time possessing desirable IM character. Such moldable explosives are potential replacements for the C4 compositions known and used in the art. |
| US08911571B2 |
L, R, C method and equipment for continuous casting amorphous, ultracrystallite and crystallite metallic slab or strip
This invention discloses an L,R,C method and equipment for casting amorphous, ultracrystallite and crystallite metal slabs or other shaped metals. A workroom (8) with a constant temperature of tb=−190° C. and a constant pressure of pb=1 bar, and liquid nitrogen of −190° C. and 1.877 bar is used as a cold source for cooling the casting blank. A liquid nitrogen ejector (5) ejects said liquid nitrogen to the surface of ferrous or non-ferrous metallic slabs or other shaped metals (7) with various ejection quantity v and various jet velocity k. Ejected liquid nitrogen comes into contact with the casting blank at cross section c shown in FIG. 2. This method adopts ultra thin film ejection technology, with a constant thickness of said film at 2 mm and ejection speed Kmax of said liquid nitrogen at 30 m/s. During the time interval Δτ; corresponding to different cooling rates Vk, a guiding traction mechanism (6) at different continuous casting speed u pulls different lengths Δm of metal from the outlet of the hot casting mold (4). Under the action of heat absorption and gasification of ejected liquid nitrogen, molten metal is solidified and cooled rapidly to form an amorphous, ultracrystallite or crystallite metal structure. |
| US08911566B2 |
Nitrocarburized crankshaft member and steel for nitrocarburized crankshafts
A nitrocarburized crankshaft member made of a steel that includes C in an amount by weight of 0.25 to 0.32% as a required element and an optional element that may be included, and Fe and inevitable impurities in a remaining portion. The steel-made crankshaft member mainly includes ferrite and perlite, wherein at least a portion of the steel surface thereof having a ferrite surface area of 50% or greater is imparted with a nitrocarburized hard layer. The nitrocarburized hard layer includes a surface compound layer suppressed to a thickness of 10 to 35 μm, and a nitrogen diffusion zone below the surface compound layer having a diffusion depth of 700 μm or greater. The steel includes C, Si, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Cr as the required elements and Mo, N, s-Al, and Ti as the optional elements. |
| US08911555B2 |
Method and device for coating substrates from the vapor phase
In a method for coating substrates with materials to be vaporized in a vacuum coating system, the vaporization material is deposited on the substrate by double vaporization using an intermediate carrier. The intermediate carrier is continuously moved and cylindrical. |
| US08911544B2 |
Phase change ink composition
A phase change ink composition including an amorphous compound; a crystalline compound; an optional synergist; an optional dispersant; and a white colorant having a volume average particle size of from about 25 nanometers to less than 200 nanometers. |
| US08911533B2 |
Method of recovering gold from dilute gold solution
Disclosed is a method of recovering gold from an aqueous solution having a gold concentration of 10 mg/L or lower, using a plurality of extraction apparatuses for bringing the aqueous solution into contact with an extraction agent, arranged to configure a multi-stage extraction process, the method allowing the aqueous solution to continuously flow from the first-stage extraction process to the next-stage extraction process, while recycling the extraction medium used in each stage twice or more times for the extraction process of the same stage, without back extraction and reduction. |
| US08911532B2 |
Method for leaching copper from copper sulfide ore
The present invention provides a method of leaching copper from a copper sulfide ore, wherein operating costs and environmental impacts can be effectively reduced. The present invention is a method of leaching copper from a copper sulfide ore by a process of leaching a layer of stacked ores, wherein the leaching solution containing Fe (III) ion and other leaching solution containing iodide ion are fed through routes independent of each other to a layer of stacked ores containing a copper sulfide ore. |
| US08911531B2 |
Hydrometallurgical plant of nickel laterite ore and operation method thereof
A hydrometallurgical plant for nickel laterite ore extraction having a plurality of treatment facility lines wherein the plant is capable of minimizing a decrease in throughput when line failure occurs and efficiently restoring normal operation status Each line of the treatment facility includes a pretreatment step, a leaching step, a solid-liquid separation step, a neutralization step, a zinc removal step, a sulfurization step and a detoxification step. The lines are coupled by pipelines, each having a valve, installed after the solid-liquid separation step for sending a liquid from the solid-liquid separation step to the neutralization step in each line and/or after the sulfurization step for sending a liquid from the sulfurization step to the detoxification step in each line. |
| US08911518B1 |
Method and system for dicing substrates containing gallium and nitrogen material with conductive core via structures
The present disclosure relates generally to semiconductor techniques. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods for efficiently dicing substrates containing gallium and nitrogen material. Additionally, the present disclosure provides techniques resulting in an optical device comprising a substrate having a dislocation bundle center being used as a conductive region for a contact. |
| US08911517B1 |
Composition to reduce phase separation in automobile fuels
An additive for gasoline, especially gasoline containing ethanol in an amount of up to about 15%, reduces the potential for phase separation of water from the gasoline. The additive has two components. The first component consists essentially of glycol butyl ether. The second component consists essentially of nonylphenol polyethylene glycol ether with minor amounts of polyethylene glycol and dinonylphenyl polyoxyethylene. Typically, the additive has the first component present in an amount in the range of from about 90 to about 95% by volume, with the balance being the second component. The additive is effective when added to the gasoline in an amount in the range of from about 0.52% to 0.63% by volume. |
| US08911515B2 |
Candle and candle wax containing metathesis and metathesis-like products
A wax comprises a metathesis product and/or a product that resembles, at least in part, a product which may be formed from a metathesis reaction. The wax may be used to form articles for example, candles (container candles, votive candles, and/or a pillar candles), crayons, fire logs or tarts. The wax commonly includes other components in addition to the metathesis product. |
| US08911514B2 |
Hydrotreating methods and hydrotreating systems
Hydrotreating methods and hydrotreating systems are provided herein. In an embodiment, a hydrotreating method includes heating a petroleum-based diesel feed. The heated petroleum-based diesel feed is introduced to a hydrotreating process. An unheated carbonaceous feed is introduced to the hydrotreating process separate from the heated petroleum-based diesel feed. The heated petroleum-based diesel feed and the unheated carbonaceous feed are co-processed in the hydrotreating process. In an embodiment of a hydrotreating system, the hydrotreating system includes a hydrotreating unit, and a heating apparatus, with the heating apparatus heating petroleum-based diesel feed prior to introduction to the hydrotreating unit. The unheated carbonaceous feed source is in fluid communication with the hydrotreating unit for introducing an unheated carbonaceous feed to the hydrotreating unit separate from the petroleum-based diesel feed. |
| US08911512B2 |
Use of NIR spectra for property prediction of bio-oils and fractions thereof
Disclosed is a method for determining properties of hydrocarbonaceous samples including a component prepared from: 1) the thermo-catalytic conversion of biomass, or 2) the pyrolytic conversion of biomass with subsequent upgrading. The determination of the property(ies) is by use of a near-infrared spectra based correlation. |
| US08911510B2 |
Electrical double layer capacitor with enhanced working voltage
The present invention relates to the method of increasing the working voltage of electrical double layer capacitor with enhanced working voltage, which has electrodes fabricated from porous carbon powder in which the pore sizes and the specific surface are created by extracting the non-carbon atoms from the carbon-rich organic or mineral compounds. The method is performed by step-by-step treatment of supercapacitor with the conditioning voltage (Uc), which is increased gradually up to the working voltage (Uw) by the voltage step (DUc) which is less or equal to 0.2V. |
| US08911505B2 |
Prosthetic socket stabilization apparatus and technique
A portable device, with method, advantageously applies dynamic stimulation of enclosed muscle tissue to stabilize a prosthetic socket on a residual limb. Dynamic stimulation is in response to physical conditions such as prosthesis motion, position and/or internal pressures. Tissue volume contained within the socket may be stabilized by varying average stimulation levels in response to internal socket pressure. |
| US08911504B2 |
Elastically deformable and resorbable medical mesh implant
The invention relates to a polymeric mesh implant for use in reconstruction of tissue defects, which mesh implant comprises a first set of fibers arranged in a first knit pattern comprising apertures, wherein each aperture, or a subset thereof, comprises an elastic fiber arranged in a first direction of the mesh implant such that when the mesh implant is stretched in this first direction, the elastic fibers are elongated and also exert a restoring force on the first knit pattern. |
| US08911501B2 |
Cruciate-retaining tibial prosthesis
A tibial prosthesis comprises a medial base portion configured to engage a medial surface of a tibia and a lateral base portion configured to engage a lateral surface of the tibia. At least a portion of the medial and lateral base portions are separated by a passage interposed therebetween. The tibial prosthesis also comprises a bridge coupling the medial base portion and the lateral base portion, wherein at least a portion of the bridge is elevated above a portion of the passage between the medial base portion and the lateral base portion. The bridge may define an underlying area that receives at least a portion of a tibial eminence when the tibial prosthesis is engaged with the tibia, wherein the height of the bridge varies in a superior direction across the passage. |
| US08911498B2 |
Intervertebral prosthetic disc
The present invention includes intervertebral prosthetic devices and methods for installing intervertebral prosthetic devices into an intervertebral space. In one embodiment, an intervertebral prosthetic disc includes a superior endplate; an inferior endplate; and at least one protrusion element, wherein at least one of the superior endplate and the inferior endplate is adapted to receive the protrusion element. In another embodiment, the invention includes an intervertebral prosthetic disc having a superior endplate including a core retaining member; an inferior endplate including a core retaining member; and an asymmetric core positioned between the superior endplate and the inferior endplate, wherein the superior endplate and the inferior endplate are adapted to accommodate the core. The present invention also includes an intervertebral prosthetic disc system that includes an intervertebral prosthetic disc and at least one spring element. |
| US08911495B2 |
Reliably retained shape memory ophthalmological implants
An implantable ophthalmological device (10) in the form of a punctal plug or canalicular implant is configured for use at or near the nasolacrimal drainage system. In a deployed state, the device (10) may include an elongated body (25), an anchor (15) operably connected to the elongated body (25), a radially expanding occlusive feature disposed on an outer circumference of the elongated body (32), and a flange (30). The elongated body (25) may define a lumen (35) configured to receive a pharmacological treatment (55). The device (10) is made of a shape memory material such as a shape memory polymer. |
| US08911493B2 |
Rapid deployment prosthetic heart valves
A heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The prosthetic valve comprises a support structure that is deployed at a treatment site. The prosthetic valve further comprises a valve member configured to be quickly connected to the support structure. The support structure may take the form of a stent that is expanded at the site of a native valve. If desired, the native leaflets may remain and the stent may be used to hold the native valve open. In this case, the stent may be balloon expandable and configured to resist the powerful recoil force of the native leaflets. The support structure is provided with a coupling means for attachment to the valve member, thereby fixing the position of the valve member in the body. The valve member may be expandable or a non-expandable type. |
| US08911487B2 |
Manual actuation system for deployment of implant
A system for mechanically deploying intraluminal implants is disclosed. The system is used with an implant that is delivered and/or deployed via a pull wire and includes a handle having a funnel and receiving channel for receiving the pull wire, a slider having a thumb grip and a wedge, and a shuttle having a grabber for grasping the pull wire. The thumb grip is pulled proximally to retract the wedge to cause the grabber to grasp the wire and retract the shuttle but not the wire. An extension spring linked between the slider and the shuttle abruptly pulls the shuttle to retract the pull wire after the slider is fully retracted. |
| US08911486B1 |
Implantable devices for thermal therapy and related methods
Methods and devices are disclosed herein that generally involve applying thermal therapy to tissue (e.g., localized cooling or heating of tissue). In some embodiments, tissue can be cooled or heated by implanting a malleable or deformable thermal device in proximity to the targeted tissue. The thermal device can be left in place following surgery to facilitate application of post-surgical thermal therapy. In some embodiments, the thermal device can be removed post-surgery in a minimally- or non-invasive manner. The thermal device can be connectionless or can include penetrable regions, pre-attached tubing, or detachable connectors to facilitate application of cooling or heating means to the device. Methods are disclosed for utilizing thermal devices and for carrying out various treatment regimens that involve cooling or heating tissue using such devices. |
| US08911485B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for rapid endovascular cooling
Devices and methods for warming or cooling blood flowing through the vasculature of a human or animal subject so as to alter or control the temperature of all or part of the subject's body. Heat exchangers are positioned within the subject's vasculature and heated or cooled heat exchange fluid is circulated through the heat exchanger. For certain therapeutic applications, the heat exchanger and associated elements of the system have sufficient power to lower the subject's body temperature by at least 3 degrees C. in less than 30 minutes. |
| US08911484B2 |
Multi-axial expandable pedicle screw and an expansion method thereof
A multi-axial expandable pedicle screw includes a hollow screw having a spherical shaped end for connecting with an adapting piece in the form of a universal joint structure. The hollow screw further includes a tip shaped end, and a bore formed inside the hollow structure having a taper shaped tip. Expansion gaps are formed in the hollow screw to uniformly set up two, three, four or more anterior fins on the hollow screw extending upward along its axial direction, from its tip to the bore. The hollow screw is configured to receive an inner needle disposed in the bore. This pedicle screw is easy to operate and provides a high degree of control in screw expansion with increased stability and reliability. At the same time, this pedicle screw reduces the occurrence of screw loosening, and screw pull-out events, and also reduces failure rates of spinal surgeries. |
| US08911482B2 |
Interlocking bone plate system
An interlocking bone plate system includes an outer bone plate for being arranged outside a broken bone, an inner bone plate for being installed inside the medullary cavity of the broken bone, and screws for being inserted through and engaged with the outer bone plate and the broken bone and then engaged with the inner bone plate so as to interlock the out and inner bone plates together. The inner bone plate provides an added support in addition to the support provided by the outer bone plate, enhancing the structural strength of the whole bone fixation structure and lowering the risk of failed surgery. |
| US08911481B2 |
Subchondral treatment of joint pain of the spine
Methods for altering the natural history of degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the spine are proposed. The methods focus on the prevention, or delayed onset or progression of, subchondral defects such as bone marrow edema or bone marrow lesion, and subchondral treatment to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease in the spine and thereby treat pain. |
| US08911475B2 |
Spinal facet implants with mating articulating bearing surface and methods of use
Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra. |
| US08911474B2 |
Suture anchor implantation instrumentation system
An apparatus for inserting a suture anchor into an internal anatomical site through a cannula, or percutaneously, has a curved hollow guide for insertion into the cannula and/or tissue. The guide has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has a “parabolic” shape for engaging the intended anatomical site such as a glenoid. A flexible obturator is insertable through the curved guide from the proximal end to the distal end to facilitate insertion of the guide through the cannula. A flexible drill is insertable through the curved guide from the proximal to the distal end once the guide is in place. A flexible inserter is provided for inserting a suture anchor into a bore at the anatomical site formed by the flexible drill. |
| US08911473B2 |
Tissue fixation devices and assemblies for deploying the same
Tissue fasteners carried on a tissue piercing deployment wire fasten tissue layers of a mammalian body together include a first member, a second member, and a connecting member extending between the first and second members. One of the first and second members has an elongated slot permitting fastener deployment while avoiding excessive tissue compression. |
| US08911472B2 |
Apparatus and methods for delivering hemostatic materials for blood vessel closure
Apparatus for sealing a vascular wall penetration disposed at the end of the tissue tract comprises a shaft, an occlusion element, a hemostatic implant, and a protective sleeve. The apparatus is deployed through the tissue tract with the occlusion element temporarily occluding the vascular wall penetration and inhibiting backbleeding therethrough. The hemostatic implant, which will typically be a biodegradable polymer such as collagen carrying an anti-proliferative agent or coagulation promoter, will then be deployed from the sealing apparatus and left in place to enhance closure of the vascular wall penetration with minimum scarring. The implant may be radiopaque to allow observation before release. |
| US08911466B2 |
Medical insertion device and method of use
An insertion device and method of use for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The device includes an outer tubular element with a tissue penetrating end and a side opening, an inner tubular element positioned partially within the outer member and movable longitudinally relative to it, a grasping device fixedly coupled to the inner element, and a central shaft extending through the inner tubular element and movable longitudinally relative to the inner and outer tubular elements. The central shaft is slidably coupled with the grasping device. The inner tubular element is further movable between a retracted position wherein the grasping device is positioned entirely within the outer tubular element, and an extended position wherein it extends outwardly therefrom through the side opening. In the extended position, the grasping device is adapted to grasp a filamentary element positioned external of the outer tubular element and in proximity thereto. |
| US08911462B2 |
One body lancet and no pain type blood collecting device
The present invention concerns a blood withdrawal device comprising a one-piece cap and lancet and a painless impulse generator. The object of the present invention is to withdraw blood painlessly and to reduce a risk of a secondary infection. In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the blood withdrawal device of the present invention comprises a cap, a hollow body and a painless blood withdrawal device. The cap comprises a one-piece cap and lancet within which a lancet is movably combined and a hollow body for a detachable connection with a painless impulse generator or a main body of a blood withdrawal device. The hollow body comprises open ends on both side of the body thereby allowing the lancet to be detachable and the movable axis to be inserted within the body. The painless impulse generator is connected with the main body of the blood withdrawal device through a means for connecting with the main body of the blood withdrawal device defined at one side of the body thereby allowing the movement of the lancet needle and the cap by the movable axis. Therefore painless blood withdrawal is possible. |
| US08911458B2 |
Device for performing end-to-end anastomosis
Herein is provided an anastomosis device which includes a cylindrical support housing having a tapered section being formed of a plurality of compliant fingers integrally formed around the circumference of an end of the cylindrical section which can flex at their connection point to the cylindrical section. Each compliant finger holds a suture needle. The device includes a push rod having a cam head at one end of the rod section. The cam head is located adjacent to the tapered portion. In operation the anastomosis device is aligned with the anatomical tubular structure undergoing an anastomosis process. When a back end of the push rod is pushed towards the tapered section of the support housing, the cam head section bears against an inner surface causing each compliant finger to flex radially outwards forcing the suture needles to simultaneously pierce the wall of the anatomical tubular structure. |
| US08911448B2 |
Device and method for enabling an orthopedic tool for parameter measurement
A system for enabling a medical device. The system includes a cradle having a magnet for generating a magnetic field. The cradle supports and aligns the medical device in a predetermined orientation. Medical device placed in the cradle exposes a magnetic sensitive switch to the magnetic field of the magnet that produces a change in state of the magnetic sensitive switch. Medical device further includes a switch, indicator, logic circuitry, delay circuit, and detect circuit for coupling a power source to electronic circuitry. In a first mode of operation the medical device can be turned on and then turned off. In a second mode of operation the medical device cannot be turned off after being turned on. |
| US08911442B2 |
Systems for vertebral adjustments and rod reduction
An instrument for compression and distraction of a vertebral segment and reducing a surgical rod includes a first arm, a second arm, a coupler, and a reducer. The first arm includes a first aperture for receiving a first screw extender that attaches to a first vertebra. The second arm pivotably couples to the first arm and includes a second aperture for receiving a second screw extender that attaches to a second vertebra. The coupler links the first arm to the second arm to position the first arm relative to the second arm for compression and distraction of the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra. The reducer is received within the second aperture for reducing a surgical rod within the second screw extender. |
| US08911436B2 |
Electrosurgical HF generator
An electrosurgical high frequency (HF) generator for cutting and/or coagulating biological tissue. The generator comprises a power supply and a generator stage for exciting an HF oscillation signal in an output filter comprising a parallel resonant circuit coupled to a series resonant circuit, to which at least one electrode is connected. The generator has an improved efficiency level if the series resonant circuit has a resonance frequency that is higher than the resonance frequency of the parallel resonant circuit. |
| US08911434B2 |
Balloon catheter with deformable fluid delivery conduit
A medical device, including an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a shaft at least partially disposed within the elongate body; an expandable element at the distal portion of the elongate body; and a fluid delivery conduit defining a deflectable segment movably coupled to the shaft, the deflectable segment being transitionable from a substantially linear configuration to a substantially curvilinear configuration. |
| US08911429B2 |
Steady hand micromanipulation robot
A cooperative-control robot includes a base component, a mobile platform arranged proximate the base component, a translation assembly operatively connected to the base component and the mobile platform and configured to move the mobile platform with translational degrees of freedom substantially without rotation with respect to said the component, a tool assembly connected to the mobile platform, and a control system configured to communicate with the translation assembly to control motion of the mobile platform in response to forces by a user applied to at least a portion of the cooperative-control robot. The translation assembly includes at least three independently operable actuator arms, each connected to a separate position of the mobile platform. A robotic system includes two or more the cooperative-control robots. |
| US08911426B2 |
Low-permeability, laser-activated drug delivery device
An implantable drug delivery device that uses multiple reservoir elements to contain and release doses of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The device includes a first shell element, which has a first enclosed cavity volume and forms a low-permeability barrier. The first shell element is configured to absorb light irradiation from a laser source, the laser irradiation causing a breach in the first shell element. A first active pharmaceutical ingredient is contained in the first enclosed cavity volume and is released when the first shell element is breached. The device also includes a second shell element, which has a second enclosed cavity volume and also forms a low-permeability barrier. A second active pharmaceutical ingredient is contained in the second enclosed cavity volume. The device also includes an envelope element containing the first and second shell elements. |
| US08911420B2 |
Device for the containment of platelet concentrates
A device (1) for the containment of platelet concentrates includes at least a bag (2) defining at least a containment chamber (3) having at least a mouth (4) for the entry of a platelet concentrate and at least a connection element for connection to an infusion line associated with the bag in correspondence to the mouth; the connection element includes a first and a second portion (5a, 5b) integrally associated together and includes at least a constantly open duct (6), passing through the first and the second portion and communicating with the chamber, where the first portion is associable with the infusion line and the second portion is associated with the bag in correspondence to the mouth, the first portion being separable from the second portion in such a way to interrupt the duct and define an opening (8) accessible from outside and including closing element (9) of the opening. |
| US08911419B2 |
Absorbent article with improved fastening system
The present invention provides an article to be worn about a wearer including a surface fastening system having a primary direction of load bearing. The surface fastening system has a first surface fastening element and a second surface fastening element. The first fastening element is joined to the article, and the second fastening element is disposed so as to be generally in a face to face relationship with the first fastening element when the surface fastening system is in a fastened configuration. The surface fastening system has a peel resistance in a direction other than the primary direction of load bearing greater than or equal to about 1000 grams. |
| US08911417B2 |
Diaper with umbilical feature
A diaper having a front portion with at least one line of weakness adapted to be torn and at least one umbilical cover defined in part by the at least one line of weakness. The at least one umbilical cover is moveable from a starting position to an anchored position upon tearing the at least one line of weakness. The diaper has at least one umbilical cover anchor adapted to maintain the at least one umbilical cover in the anchored position. |
| US08911416B2 |
Liner for a bra
The liner has a first sheet of fluid pervious non-woven material having a first edge and a second edge. A second sheet of fluid pervious non-woven material having a first edge and a second edge is positioned in adjacent relationship to the first sheet. The first edge of the second sheet is joined to the first edge of the first sheet and the second edge of the second sheet is joined to the second edge of the first sheet. A breathable compartment is formed between the first and second sheets. A layer of super absorbent gel material and cotton fluff is positioned in the compartment. The absorbent gel material is disposed in the compartment to absorb fluids while the liner is breathable and comfortable for the user. |
| US08911414B2 |
Anti free-flow occluder and priming actuator pad
A system for selectively preventing free flow in a tube includes an in-line occluder disposed in the tube and an actuator pad for creating a flow path between the tube and the occluder. The actuation pad presses towards the occluder from a single side and stretches the tube to create a large flow path. The occluder stem is strengthened to resist deformation and damage from the forces applied by the actuator pad. |
| US08911410B2 |
Auto-injector
The invention relates to an auto-injector (1) with a delay mechanism (36) for slowing down motion of a retraction sleeve (10) in axial direction of the auto-injector (1), the delay mechanism (36) comprising a circumferential outer wall (37) with a back collar (38) attached to a housing (2) of the auto-injector (1) and a circumferential inner wall (39) with a front collar (40) attached to the retraction sleeve (10) wherein a cavity is defined between the outer wall (37) and inner wall (39), the cavity sealed by the back collar (38) against the inner wall (39) and by the front collar (40) against the outer wall (37), the cavity filled with a viscous fluid, wherein at least one orifice is arranged in the delay mechanism (36) for allowing the viscous fluid to be pushed out as the volume of the cavity decreases due to axial motion of the component with respect to the housing. The retraction sleeve (10) is axially movably arranged in the housing (2) and serves for retracting the syringe (3) with the needle (4) into the covered position after delivering the medicament (M). |
| US08911409B2 |
Light for oral anesthesia injection syringe
A light for use with an oral anesthesia syringe that is received into a passageway of a barrel of the light. When the syringe is received into a first opening in a proximal end of the barrel's passageway, the needle of the syringe extends through a second opening at the proximal end of the barrel. At least one lamp and preferably a plurality of lamps at the distal end of the barrel illuminate the needle and the interior of a patient's mouth. A battery is included in the light for powering the lamps. The insertion of the syringe into the barrel closes a pair of contacts to cause the battery to power the lamps, or the battery may be removed to remove power from the lamps. |
| US08911408B2 |
Pivoting joint infusion system with seal
An infusion system for delivery of therapeutic fluids from a remote source into a patient's body. The system has an infusion assembly, a rotating pivot joint member, a fluid connector assembly, and a sealing assembly retained within the infusion assembly between the housing of the infusion assembly and the rotating pivot joint member. The seal reduces leakage of fluids. The rotating joint may be pivoted to three distinct positions to allow for emplacement on the patient, delivery of the therapeutic fluid to the patient, and protected, sealed closure of the fluid channels to avoid patient fluid backflow. |
| US08911405B2 |
Needle device
An inner hub (9) with a needle attached to a tip thereof is housed in a cylindrical body (2). The inner hub (9) includes a through-hole (22) penetrating the inner hub (9) in a radial direction of the inner hub (9), and a recessed portion (23a) formed in an outer circumferential surface (23) of the inner hub (9). An opening of the through-hole (22) and the recessed portion (23a) are connected together in a circumferential direction of the inner hub (9). A liquid flowing out from the opening of the through-hole (22) is limited so that the liquid flows along the recessed portion (23a), and the flow of the liquid moving in the circumferential direction of the inner hub (9) is promoted. As a result, the removal of air bubbles in the circumferential direction of the inner hub (9) is promoted, whereby air bubbles can be prevented from remaining on the outer circumferential surface (23) of the inner hub (9). |
| US08911403B2 |
Syringe infusion pump
One embodiment of the present patent application is a syringe infusion pump that includes a syringe, a syringe barrel holder, and a force sensor. The syringe includes a barrel and a plunger. The plunger has a plunger axis and the barrel has a barrel axis and a barrel diameter. The syringe is one of a plurality of syringes, each having a different barrel diameter. The force sensor is positioned for detecting a force along the barrel axis. The syringe holder provides the barrel axis automatically aligned with the force sensor for each syringe of the plurality of syringes. |
| US08911397B2 |
Steerable sheath handle pulley mechanism
Various embodiments concern an introducer sheath assembly comprising a tubular sheath member having a deflectable distal end portion and a sheath member lumen, and a handle assembly including a steering mechanism for deflecting the distal end portion of the sheath member. The distal end portion of the sheath member can deflect in different directions along a plane by selective tension in one of two pull wires. The selective tension can be caused by selective proximal or distal axial translation of a shuttle assembly relative to the tubular sheath member. The selective proximal or distal axial translation can be controlled by selective clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of a control knob. |
| US08911396B2 |
Sheath
The present application includes a sheath that is suitable for use in a variety of medical procedures. In one or more implementations, the sheath includes a shunt member, and a curvable portion. The curvable portion may be configured in various orientations to facilitate an intervention, such as a hemodialysis intervention, or the like, by an operator. The curvable portion may be configured to bend between a substantially straight configuration and a curved configuration. In implementations, the sheath may be configured to have detachable and/or interchangeable components (e.g., shunt member, curvable portion, etc.). |
| US08911394B2 |
Gas mist pressure bath device
The invention is to provide a gas mist pressure bath device which enables to cause efficiently absorb a gas mist into a skin or mucous membrane of a living-body, and attains to be compact and to lower cost. The device 10 is to cause oxygen, carbon dioxide, or a mixed gas (called as “gas” hereafter) of oxygen and carbon dioxide at a density of not less than a predetermined value to contact the skin or mucous membrane of the living-body, and the device comprises a gas mist generating means 11 for generating and supplying a mist (called as “gas mist” hereafter) prepared by pulverizing and dissolving the gas and liquid, and a substantially bag shaped living-body cover member 21 for covering the living-body's skin or mucous membrane and sealing inside, and the gas mist is supplied into the living-body cover member in order to heighten internal pressure therein so that the gas mist is caused to contact the living-body's skin or mucous membrane at a pressure more than the predetermined value. |
| US08911388B2 |
Method and device for spinal traction alignment
The present invention relates to a device for providing passive traction involving a pair of rails with 8 degrees of freedom and matching the user's spinal curve for providing relaxation and other medical treatment to a user. |
| US08911387B2 |
Patient/invalid handling support
A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress. The pneumatic system includes a pressurized reservoir for holding pressurized air and selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress. |
| US08911382B2 |
Catheter with pull wire measurement feature
An apparatus for determining a length of a portion of a steering wire disposed within a bendable medical device includes an electrical contact slidably coupled with a steering wire, an electrical source configured to transmit an electrical signal through a portion of the steering wire, and a processor configured to monitor a parameter of the electrical signal at or about the electrical contact and configured to determine a length of a portion of the steering wire using the monitored parameter. |
| US08911380B1 |
Respiration monitoring system and method
A respiration monitoring system includes a thermoelectric generator that may be mounted within a mask enclosure or free-standing, covering all or part of the nose and/or mouth of a subject. A first temperature sensor is attached to the thermoelectric generator for measuring the subject's breath. A power controller develops a difference between a preset temperature and the subject's breath temperature that is then inserted into a feedback error signal and then into a power controller which regulates the power to the thermoelectric generator to maintain a preset temperature. |
| US08911376B2 |
Array of electroacoustic transducers and electronic probe for three-dimensional imaging
An electroacoustic transducer assembly and probe for emitting and receiving acoustic radiation beams. The transducer assembly comprising an array of electroacoustic transducers composed of a plurality of individual transducer elements each one being composed of an electroacoustic element. A means for defocusing a radiation pulse emitted from the transducer element is associated with each transducer element. The defocusing means is constructed and arranged to cause the radiation pulse to generate a substantially cylindrical or spherical acoustic field. |
| US08911374B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, diagnostic imaging apparatus, and program
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is configured as follows. Namely, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided with a control unit which collets a heart synchronized signal, etc. synchronizing with workings of a heart of a patient, etc., and an image processing unit which detects an overlapped area of the three-dimensional data acquired by ultrasonic scanning from different echo windows, for the three dimensional image data group acquired in the same time phase in synchronization with the heart synchronized signal or aspiration synchronized signal, combines the three-dimensional image data, and generates a panorama three-dimensional image data group consisting of panorama three-dimensional image data which are continued in time and have a display area larger than each of the three-dimensional image data. |
| US08911368B2 |
Device, system and method for detection of bleeding
A device, system and method for detecting bile and blood are provided. The device may comprise a housing having a gap through which in-vivo fluids may flow, illumination sources on one side of the gap, a light detector which is facing the illumination sources and is positioned on the opposite side of the gap for detecting light which passes through the in-vivo fluids, and a transmitter to transmit the detected signals generated according to the detected light. The system may further comprise a receiver to receive the detected signals transmitted by the transmitter, and a processor. The method may comprise comparing the detected signals with a predetermined threshold calculated from the transmission spectra of bile and of blood and determining the presence and/or concentration of bile and blood in-vivo. |
| US08911361B2 |
Endoscope apparatus
An endoscope apparatus includes a housing. The housing includes an upper portion provided with the display part, and a lower portion provided with the manipulating part and having the insertion part connected thereto, at least a portion of the back face of the lower portion is set so that the fundamental shape thereof is convex toward a proximal end portion of the insertion part, the convex portion is a grip face on which a user's fingers are arranged when the user holds the housing, and wherein the housing is held such that the thumb of one hand of a user is located at a distal end of a manipulating rod, the other fingers in the one hand of the user are located above and below the proximal end portion of the insertion part in the grip face, and the thumb and the other fingers face each other. |
| US08911360B2 |
System and method for controlling power consumption of an in vivo device
A method and device may control energy consumption of in an in vivo imaging device by determining or estimating an amount of energy needed to capture images at a frame rate until a complete passage of the device through a predetermined region of the gastrointestinal tract, and alter or limit the frame capture rate accordingly. |
| US08911358B2 |
Endoscopic vision system
A multiple viewpoint endoscope system having a multiple viewpoint camera setup and/or an intelligent or cognitive image control system and display device particularly adapted for localizing internal structures within a cavity or an enclosing structure, such as an animal body, for instance the abdomen of an animal or human, or for localizing a real or synthetic image of such internal structures within an overview image or on an overview 3D model. |
| US08911355B2 |
Endoscope
An endoscope includes a tube having a single layer structure or a laminated structure made up of a plurality of layers, a branching member that branches a tubular path in an endoscope operation section and has a tube connection section to which the tube is connected, a channel locking member that sandwiches the tube with the tube connection section to thereby fix the tube to the branching member in close contact, and a fastening member that presses and brings into close contact the tube sandwiched between the tube connection section and the channel locking member, in which the channel locking member is formed so as to have a tapered portion that covers an outer circumference of the tube and have at least one flat surface on an outer circumferential face of the tapered portion. |
| US08911352B2 |
Endoscope-holding device and endoscopic system
An endoscope holding device includes an insertion part that is long and holds the distal end part of an endoscope so as to freely protrude and retract; a distal end face that specifies a protruding direction of the endoscope, and is formed at the distal end of the insertion part, a displacement part which has a displacement face that is curved from the distal end toward a proximal end and provided at a position apart from the distal end face in order to displace living body tissue in front of the insertion part to secure a space for operating the distal end part of the endoscope protruded from the distal end face to curve; and a fixing portion that fixes the displacement part and the insertion part such that the distal end side of the displacement face intersects a direction orthogonal to the distal end face. |
| US08911351B2 |
Antenna connection unit, received strength correction apparatus and capsule endoscope system
An antenna connection unit is a unit to which receiving antennas for receiving a wireless signal transmitted from a capsule endoscope introduced into a subject, is connectable. The antenna connection unit includes a received electric field strength detector configured to detect received strength of the wireless signal according to a plurality of pieces of input power from the receiving antennas, a correction parameter generation unit configured to generate a received strength correction parameter for correcting the received electric field strength detector, which is obtained by correcting the plurality of pieces of input power and the received strength corresponding to each input power, based on a reference parameter indicating a relationship between each input power and a detection strength obtained by performing a measurement for a received electric field strength detection circuit as a reference in advance, and a storage unit for storing the received strength correction parameter. |
| US08911350B2 |
Malleable prosthesis with enhanced concealability
A penile prosthetic device comprising a column formed of resilient material. The prosthetic device comprises multiple malleable cores arranged inside the column. The multiple malleable cores are spaced apart from one another. |
| US08911347B2 |
System and method for treating urinary incontinence
A method for supporting the urethra of a patient to treat urinary incontinence includes introducing a surgical implant through an incision in an upper wall of the patient's vagina. The surgical implant includes a suburethral support, first and second soft tissue anchors connected to the suburethral support, and a flexible filamentary member extending between a proximal end of the first soft tissue anchor and a first end of the suburethral support. The first and second soft tissue anchors are inserted into soft tissue without penetrating the abdominal wall. The method also includes adjusting a position of the suburethral support below the patient's urethra and manipulating the filamentary member to connect the proximal end of the first anchor to the first end of the suburethral support with the support at the adjusted position. |
| US08911344B2 |
Vaginal insert device having perpendicular segments
A vaginal insert device includes a support segment having a distal end and a proximal end, the support segment defining a support segment plane; and a stabilizing segment extending from the distal end of the support segment, the stabilizing segment defining a stabilizing segment plane, wherein the stabilizing segment plane is generally perpendicular to the support segment plane when the vaginal insert device is in an in-use configuration. A vaginal insert device system including the vaginal insert device can also include an applicator coupled to the vaginal insert device when the vaginal insert device is in an insertion configuration. |
| US08911343B2 |
System and method utilizing a smart phone for alleviating phantom limb discomfort
A system and method for alleviating phantom limb discomfort using a smart phone equipped with a camera and having a digital imaging program or application for acquiring, processing, and displaying digital images. The digital imaging program is first used to acquire a comprehensive, composite moving image of the subject's body. Next, using the program, the moving image of subject's half-torso adjacent the limb of the amputation site, and any remaining amputation-site limb, is deleted and replaced with the moving mirror-image of the complementary portion of the subject's torso and its adjacent healthy limb. The composite image is then melded and subsequently displayed for the subject's viewing. Alleviation of the subject's phantom limb discomfort results from viewing the composite imagery on subject's smart phone. This alleviation occurs by means referred to as Acquire, Flop, Meld and View. |
| US08911341B2 |
Hypodermic needle containment system
Containment systems and methods safely and permanently encapsulate a sharp portion of a sharp medical instrument (e.g. a hypodermic needle). The containment system includes a cap or other container having a rim defining an open end configured to receive the sharp portion therein and an ingress port configured to permit injection of a liquid hardenable solution into the container to encapsulate the sharp portion. The method of use includes inserting the sharp metal instrument into the container, and injecting a liquid hardenable solution into the container through the ingress port to encapsulate the sharp portion of the medical instrument. The hardenable solution then hardens, encapsulating the sharp portion of the medical instrument. The liquid hardenable solution is injected by a base or base unit configured to receive the container and to inject the solution through the ingress port. |
| US08911338B2 |
Folder gluer
A folder gluer for folding a cardboard sheet having first through fourth panels connected through connecting portions and a glue tab and joining the first and fourth panels at the glue tab is disclosed. The folder gluer includes a pair of pressing members movable relative to one another in a cardboard sheet width direction perpendicular to a cardboard sheet feed direction for pressing the connecting portions of the first and fourth panels which are being folded, a detector disposed upstream in the feed direction from the pair of pressing members for detecting a passage of the cardboard sheet being fed in the feed direction and generating a detection signal, and a controller for determining, based on the generation of the detection signal from the detector, a timing at which the pair of pressing members are caused to move relative to one another and press on the connection portions of the first and fourth panels after the first and fourth panels are folded to 90° and before being folded to 180°. |
| US08911337B2 |
Roller cover support assembly with roller cover retention spring
A roller cover support assembly includes a roller cover support mountable for rotation on a roller frame shaft and a resiliently deformable annular retention spring including a plurality of circumferentially spaced convex arcs having peaks engageable with the inner diameter of a roller cover when forced over the retention spring for frictionally retaining the roller cover on the roller cover support. These peaks may have an axial length for increasing the frictional contact between the convex arcs and inner diameter of the roller cover when forced over the retention spring and inwardly tapered outboard ends for ease of forcing the roller cover over the retention spring. The convex arcs may be interconnected by concave arcs between the convex arcs at respective tangent points of the arcs. |
| US08911335B2 |
Athlete training and monitoring system
An athlete training device that includes a platform that includes a plurality of spaced apart attachment members disposed adjacent to the periphery of the platform. A pole extends upwardly from the platform and is affixed to the platform. A weight, defining a hole passing therethrough, is disposed on the platform so that the pole passes through the hole. A top plate is affixed to the top of the pole and includes attachment structures disposed about the top plate. An attachment device is coupled to one of the attachment structures. A redirecting device is coupled to one of the attachment members. An elastic cord is attached to the attachment device and is engaged with the redirecting device so that the cord extends radially away from the pole. An exercise device is affixed to the end of the cord. |
| US08911333B2 |
Jump rope device comprising a removably-connected cable
Jump rope devices which allow for the quick and easy interchanging of a cable of varying weight and length from handles configured to provide smooth rotation of such cables at both low and high speeds are disclosed. Devices in accordance with the disclosure may comprise a ball bearing assembly configured to facilitate 360-degree rotation of the cable. In an aspect, the handle of such jump rope devices is comprised of a ball bearing portion which enables both speed of rotational movement for a plurality of relatively lighter cables, and strength and durability for a plurality of relatively heavier cables. Handles may further comprise a snap hook assembly configured to facilitate rapid interchanging of cables. |
| US08911332B2 |
Mobile elliptically driven device and steering mechanism
A steering mechanism is provided that steers by imparting a variable amount of toe or camber to a wheel, and is capable of imparting both toe and camber using a single mechanism. Some versions of the steering mechanism can provide extremely high stability during turns controlled by the simple leaning of the operator. Vehicles using the mechanism are provided, including lean-steered vehicles, and including a three-wheeled mobile elliptically driven device. |
| US08911330B2 |
Indoor-outdoor exercise system
An exercise system includes an exercise monitoring device that gathers data regarding an outdoor exercise routine, a remote communication system communicatively connectable to the exercise monitoring device, and an exercise device that is communicatively connectable to the remote communication system. The remote communication system is receptive to the data regarding the outdoor exercise routine and generates an exercise program based on the data regarding the outdoor exercise routine. The exercise device is receptive to the exercise program, and the exercise program causes the exercise device to simulate one or more aspects of the outdoor exercise routine. |
| US08911329B2 |
Real-time exercise coaching system
The invention provides a real-time exercise coaching system on the basis of that the whole exercise course could be subdivided into 4 basic components: sprint (anaerobic or speeding), aerobic endurance (balancing aerobic endurance), compensating (compensating O2 debt), and dynamic recovery. The real-time exercise coaching system of the invention enables a user to realize his/her current physiological state and change of fitness condition and then the user can further decide which action (sprint, aerobic endurance, and dynamic recovery) is to be taken next. The system of the invention instantly and continuously provides information that assesses a user's current physiological state during exercising in view of the exercise situations and the environmental conditions (such as temperature, humidity, altitude and air quality). |
| US08911324B2 |
Method and apparatus for limiting engine torque to protect disconnect clutch in a hybrid vehicle
A powertrain comprising an engine, a motor, a disconnect clutch connected between the engine and the motor, and a transmission. The transmission is connected to the motor by a launch clutch and selectively and indirectly connected to the engine by the disconnect clutch. A controller receives an engine torque output signal and limits the torque output of the engine to the clutch capacity limit value. A system and a method are also provided for controlling a powertrain for a hybrid vehicle. |
| US08911319B2 |
Dial recliner
The dial recliner includes a holder and a sector gear and also comprises a brake spring, a cam, a pair of clutch shoes and a spring which are accommodated and supported between the holder and the sector gear. The dial recliner also comprises a housing to maintain a combined state between the holder and the sector gear. The holder has inner teeth of a ring shape at its outer circular part and a boss at its center part to support a shaft. The sector gear has outer teeth to intermesh with the inner teeth of the holder. When intermeshed, the boss of the holder and a shaft hole of the sector gear become eccentric between their centers. The clutch shoe is supported by the brake spring which is elastically held around the boss of the holder so that a circular drifting movement of the clutch shoe can be prevented. |
| US08911316B2 |
Power transmission system of hybrid electric vehicle
A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include an input and output shaft. A first planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft includes a first rotation element connected to a first motor/generator, a second rotation element operated as an output element, and a third rotation element connected to the input shaft. A second planetary gear set includes a fourth rotation element connected to a second motor/generator, a fifth rotation element connected to the second rotation element and the output shaft, and a sixth rotation element connected to the first rotation element. A direct-coupling device connects two rotation elements of the second planetary gear set, and transfer gears connect two rotation elements of the first planetary gear set with the two rotation elements of the second planetary gear set. Friction elements connect a selected rotation element to a transfer gear or to the transmission housing. |
| US08911315B2 |
Hybrid drive of a motor vehicle
A hybrid drive of a motor vehicle comprising a combustion engine having a drive shaft, at least one electric machine, a manual transmission having input shafts (GE1, GE2) and an output shaft. Shaft (GE1) couples the combustion engine drive shaft and the electric machine can drive shaft (GE2). For efficient driving with the combustion engine and/or electric machine optionally decoupled or coupled, and for a reduction of size, shafts (GE1, GE2) are coaxially located one after the other, the output shaft coaxially surrounds one of the shafts (GE1, GE2) and planetary gearsets are disposed coaxially behind one another, each having an input and output element. The combustion engine can be coupled alternately to shaft (GE2), via a first shift element or to the input element of the first planetary gearset, via a second shift element. The output elements of the planetary gearsets are connected to the output shaft. |
| US08911314B2 |
Multiple sprocket assembly
A multiple sprocket assembly configured to be mounted to a wheel hub. The multiple sprocket assembly includes a truncated conical shell having a first opening proximate a small shell base and a second opening proximate a large shell base. The openings are coaxial with a central axis. A plurality of tooth sprockets having different numbers of chain-engaging teeth is disposed on the shell and extends radially of the central axis. A radial load transmitting profile is configured on the shell proximate one of the small and large shell bases. A torque load transmitting profile is configured on the shell proximate the large shell base. The shell, sprockets and the radial and torque load transmitting profiles embody a single piece. A load transfer element is connected to the large shell base to radially support the shell. The load transfer element has a greater number of chain-engaging teeth disposed on an outer periphery thereof and having a larger diameter than a largest sprocket on the shell. |
| US08911312B2 |
Belt type continuously variable transmission
A belt-type continuously variable transmission is provided. The belt-type continuously variable transmission includes a drive pulley assembly; a driven pulley assembly, a belt wrapped around these pulley assemblies, and a case assembly accommodating them. The case assembly includes a case body joined to a housing of a drive device such as an engine and a cover joined to the case body. Since an air-intake duct and an air discharge duct are attached to the case body, the cover can be configured to be thin, and thus the cover can be detached without providing a wide space in front of the cover in the direction in which the cover is detached. With this construction, the cover can be detached without detaching the air-intake duct and the air discharge duct, and thus maintenance can be performed easily. |
| US08911305B2 |
Multi-layer core golf ball having opposing hardness gradient with steep gradient outer core layer
A golf ball comprising an inner core formed from a substantially homogenous composition such that the geometric center hardness is 56-80 Shore C and the outer surface hardness is 50-75 Shore C. An outer core layer has an outer surface having hardness of 85-98 Shore C and an inner surface hardness of 68-78 Shore C and being formed from a second homogenous rubber composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the second outer surface is greater than the hardness of the inner surface to define a positive hardness gradient of +7 to +30 Shore C, and the hardness of the first outer surface is lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient of −1 to −15 Shore C. |
| US08911304B1 |
Weighted iron-type golf club head
The present invention discloses a forged iron-type golf club head having a cavity, tungsten weighting, and a back cap configured to simulate an undercut, conceal the weighting, and adjust the golf club head's overall weight and center of gravity location without interfering with or affecting the sole configuration. The golf club head of the present invention also includes a J-shaped face thickness pattern to further improve performance. |
| US08911301B1 |
Golf iron facetongue
A golf iron clubhead configuration tor increasing and controlling face flexure while stabilizing the face in all directions other than the flexure direction and reducing face vibration. The two features that contribute to these results are firstly to free the facewall from z axis restraint by the other portions of the clubhead to the maximum extent possible, limited by clubhead integrity. The second is to stabilize the free face in x and y coordinates of the facial plane with a horizontally elongated tongue or piston attached indirectly, not directly to the face. This tongue slides and is stabilized in a tight-fitting lubricated groove in the rear of the clubhead positioned downwardly from the geometric center of the clubface. |
| US08911298B2 |
Torque limiter
A torque limiter includes an input shaft connected to a driving source, an output shaft connected to a driven load, a shaft sleeve, and an adjustment mechanism. The input shaft includes a positioning post. The output shaft includes a resisting post. The shaft sleeve includes a cam surface and a resisting surface, and defines a cam groove in a periphery. When the driven load is in a predetermined torque range, the positioning post is engaged in the cam groove, the output shaft is rotated by the input shaft and drives the driven load. When the driven load reaches overload torque amount, the cam surface moves relative to the resisting post, the cam surface is separated from the resisting post, such that the input shaft is separated from the output shaft. Thus, the output shaft and the driven load are protected from damaged by torque overload. |
| US08911295B2 |
Method and system for online mobile gaming
Method of executing online gaming application software is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes determining a client device platform associated with a client computing device. The method further includes executing, at a server computing device, an online gaming application software hosted in the server computing device, based at least in part on the determined client device platform. The execution is performed in such a manner that the results of the execution can be communicated to a user at the client computing device. The client computing device may be, for example, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop, a palmtop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or other similar mobile devices with limited processing and memory capabilities and resources. |
| US08911286B1 |
Concentric air diffuser with an angled supply air face
Apparatus includes a four sided ceiling pass-through support structure and an angled air exchange structure wherein an air inlet portion is substantially co-planer with the ceiling and at least one air outlet portion is angled with respect to the air inlet portion at an angle other than 90 degrees. |
| US08911284B2 |
Transportation device with star wheels
The present invention relates to a transportation device for transporting sausage-shaped products with suspension elements from a clipping machine to a handling device. The transportation device comprises a conveying unit, a catching unit for catching the suspension element attached to one end of the sausage-shaped product, and a guide unit for guiding the suspension element caught by the catching unit to said handling device comprising a longitudinally extending guide element and supports for supporting the guide element, wherein the supports provide a passage way for the suspension element to be guided along the guide element. The supports include gear wheels arranged rotatably about an at least substantially horizontally aligned axis engaging the guide element. Moreover, there are provided ratchets for engaging the gear wheels adapted to position a gap between two subsequent teeth of said gear wheels in the passage way of said suspension element. |
| US08911283B2 |
Abrasive tool and a method for finishing complex shapes in workpieces
An abrasive tool includes a bonded abrasive body having abrasive grains contained within a bonding material, wherein the bonded abrasive body comprises a complex shape having a form depth (FD) of at least about 0.3. The form depth is described by the equation [(Rl−Rs)/Rl], wherein Rs is a smallest radius (Rs) at a point along the longitudinal axis of the bonded abrasive body and Rl is a largest radius (Rl) at a point along the longitudinal axis of the bonded abrasive body. The abrasive tool can be used to finish complex shapes in workpieces. |
| US08911280B2 |
Apparatus for shaping exterior surface of a metal alloy casing
A method and an apparatus for machining an exterior surface of a metal alloy casing of a portable electronic device to form a combination of a flat edge surface, a curved edge surface and a flat bottom surface is disclosed. The flat edge surface is abraded by contacting a first flat section of a rotating cutting tool along a first circuit of a pre-determined continuous spiral path. The curved edge surface is abraded by contacting a convex section of the rotating cutting tool along additional circuits of the first pre-determined continuous spiral path. The pitch of vertical movement of the cutting tool is adjusted for each circuit of the continuous spiral path based on a resulting curvature of the metal alloy casing. The bottom surface is abraded by contacting a flat section of the cutting tool along a second pre-determined alternating direction linear path. |
| US08911278B2 |
Sling and puppet toy
Disclosed herein is a toy puppet that is supportable on a manipulator's torso. In particular, a torso-supporting means typically takes the form of a sling in which the puppet figure is supported. The sling can be tied about the user or have two ends which are attachable. Typically, the ends are attached via velcro. Thus, the torso-supportable puppet has a slit into which the user can insert their hands to manipulate the puppet. The torso supportable means also comprises a slit into which the user can insert their hand. When the puppet is manipulated, the inserted hand is hidden by the puppet which gives the operation of the puppet a life-like feel. |
| US08911277B2 |
Context-based interactive plush toy
An interactive toy for interacting with a user while a story is being read aloud from a book or played from a movie/video. The toy includes a speech recognition unit that receives and detects certain triggering phrases as they are read aloud or played from a companion literary work. The triggering phrase read aloud from the book or played in the movie/video may have independent significance or may only have significance when combined with other phrases read aloud from the book or played in the movie/video. |
| US08911276B2 |
Assembling toy block with embedded magnets
Provided is a toy building block which uses magnets, and which is a combination building block toy and teaching instrument with embedded magnets, wherein on each of the four edges of an upper frame (2) and lower frame (3), an inward-facing insertion aperture (6) is formed to connect internally to a central hollow portion (7), a magnetic ball (8) is inserted in the respective central hollow portions (7), and a projecting protrusion on the top and bottom of four pillars are inserted in the respective insertion apertures; and inward-facing projecting protrusions (21, 22, 23, 24), (25, 26, 27, 28) on an upper frame (20), lower frame (30), and pillars (40, 41, 42, 43), are respectively inserted in insertion grooves (23′, 24′, 27′, 28′) and (23a, 23b, 28a, 18b) on respective rails (9, 9′) (11, 11′), (9a, 9b, 11a, 11b) to assemble blocks (1) (1′) (1″) (1′″), which are interconnected and used as a building block toy, or a random number of blocks (1) (10) (50) are stacked and assembled for observing the movement of a ball (8a) that rolls on a rail. |
| US08911275B2 |
Building elements with sonic actuation
A toy construction system includes a plurality of interconnectable building elements; a control system that generates an electromagnetic signal; a vibration speaker including a moveable permanent magnet; and a support building element mechanically linked to the permanent magnet of the vibration speaker. The vibration speaker includes a coil that is moveable relative to the permanent magnet. One or more of the coil and the permanent magnet vibrate in a manner that is based on the electromagnetic signal. The vibration speaker also includes a sound producer that is mechanically linked to the coil to vibrate with the coil as the coil vibrates. The coil vibrates relative to the permanent magnet to produce an audible sound, and the permanent magnet vibrates to cause the support building element to vibrate and animate interconnectable building elements linked to the support building element. |
| US08911273B2 |
Watersports inflation vest
A selectively inflatable watersports inflation device is disclosed. The device is a vest or another wearable device having an inner layer, an outer layer, and a bladder between the inner and outer layers. The device also includes one or more canisters coupled to the bladder and configured to selectively deliver pressurized gas into the bladder to provide flotation when actuated. The device also includes a pressure release valve that can also be manually actuated to release pressure from the bladder. The device can include multiple discrete canisters that can each be deployed independently of one another to provide an inflatable device that can be triggered multiple times even in hazardous conditions such as high surf. |
| US08911267B2 |
Container for electrical/electronic circuits provided with seats and associated contact elements for electrical wiring connectors
Container for electrical/electronic circuits, comprising an insulating body (110) having internally at least one central space (111) for receiving a printed circuit (2), and a side closing cover (3), at least one female seat (120) extending outwards in the longitudinal direction (X-X) in between the opposite top part and bottom part of the body (110), and a pin (201) which forms part of a conducting element (200) for electrically connecting together the connector (1) and the printed circuit (2) being arranged coaxially inside the said engaging seat (120), said pin (201) having a fold (201b) extending in the transverse direction (Y-Y) and integral with an edge (202b) of a first flat body (202) of the connector (200) parallel to the longitudinal direction (X-X). |
| US08911266B2 |
Contact holder
To provides a contact holder, capable of compensating a change of signal transmission characteristic at the outer edge area of the substrate. A substrate 21 has grounding conductive layers 291, 292 arranged on or above surfaces 212, 213 of the substrate, near a plunger of a signal transmitting contact 3b. Each grounding conductive layer is electrically connected to a conductive portion 241 electrically connected to each grounding contact, on surface 212 or 213 of substrate 21. Further, each grounding conductive layer is not electrically connected to the signal transmitting contact. |
| US08911265B2 |
Electrical connection plug for multipolar lead of active implantable medical device
A plug includes a pin having an axial contact at its opposite end with a mounting rod connected to a center conductor. At the interface between the pin and the inner wall of the plug body, a support sleeve mounted on the shaft and bearing axially against a collar formed on said rod is provided. Axially, a locking ring is secured to the shaft so that the support sleeve is clamped between the collar of the rod and the locking ring, if necessary, leaving a degree of freedom of rotation between the sleeve and the pin. Radially, the outer surface of the sleeve comes into direct contact with the inner wall of the bore of the plug body, to which it is directly secured. The direct attachment of the sleeve to the plug body may be obtained by a snap-in connection with notches cooperating with a counterpart groove. |
| US08911264B2 |
Connector with integral fuse holder
A connector with an integral fuse holder is described herein. The connector can include a portion having a fuse receiver disposed within a cavity and coupled to an electrical connection feature. The connector can include an end coupled to the portion, where the end includes a wall that forms a cavity. The connector can further include a fuse assembly having a contact member, a fuse, a fuse holder, and a conductor receiver. The contact member can couple to the electrical connection feature. The fuse holder can include a first end that couples to a top end of the fuse and the contact member, and a second end that couples to a bottom end of the fuse. The conductor receiver can couple to the second end of the fuse holder and to the bottom end of the fuse. A receiving feature of the conductor receiver can couple to a conductor. |
| US08911262B1 |
Electrical receptacle with lower speed signaling contacts farther from center
An electrical receptacle may include a first row of electrical contacts extending along a side of the receptacle a first distance from an opening of the electrical receptacle and a second row of electrical contacts extending along the side of the receptacle a second distance from the opening of the electrical receptacle. The first row of electrical contacts may include a first receptacle differential signaling pair closer to a center of the first row of electrical contacts than a second receptacle differential signaling pair in the first row of electrical contacts. The second row of electrical contacts may include a third receptacle differential signaling pair closer to a center of the second row of electrical contacts than remaining contacts in the second row of electrical contacts. |
| US08911261B2 |
Bidirectional connector with movable circuit unit
A bidirectional connector includes a hollow insulating main body, a plurality of first conductive terminals, a plurality of second conductive terminals and a circuit unit which is movably disposed within the insulating main body. The circuit unit has a circuit board that has a top face and a bottom face. The top face has a plurality of first contacts and a plurality of second contacts and the first contacts are arranged in alternative routing. Each of the first conductive terminals has a first contact portion and a second contact portion. The second contact portion selectively contacting the first and second contacts. |
| US08911259B2 |
Power supply module
A power supply module includes a sidewall, a socket detachably mounted to the sidewall, and a latch rotatably connected to the sidewall. An opening is defined in the sidewall. The socket includes a base engaging in the opening, and a mounting plate abutting an outer surface of the sidewall. A block is formed on the outer surface of the sidewall adjacent to a side of the opening, to abut a first side of the mounting plate. The latch is capable of being rotated to abut a second side of the mounting plate opposite to the first side. |
| US08911257B2 |
Connector
A connector comprises a housing, a plurality of contact terminals and a signal processing module. The housing has a receiving hole for receiving a plug. The plurality of contact terminals are disposed in the housing for being connected with the plug. The signal processing module is electrically connected with the contact terminals and has a first magnetic component, wherein the first magnetic component comprises a base and a plurality of magnetic cores, the base has a plurality of through holes, each of which has substantially the same size as that of the magnetic core so that the magnetic core is fixed in the through hole, and distances between adjacent two through holes are the same. |
| US08911251B2 |
Floating bus bar and connector within chassis
A chassis includes floating bus bars providing power and a sliding tray included in the chassis includes a power terminal and connecting fingers contacting the floating bus bars. As the sliding tray moves in a direction of motion, the connecting fingers remain in contact with the floating bus bars, providing power to components included on the sliding tray while it is repositioned. The floating bus bars are mounted inside the chassis in a direction parallel to the sliding direction of the sliding tray, and may be positioned within the chassis in a location that does not significantly impede airflow within the chassis. |
| US08911248B1 |
Busbar connection assembly
Disclosed are various embodiments for a busbar connection assembly that may be used in, for example, a datacenter. The busbar connection assembly may have multiple conductive plates that are configured to insert between busbar plates of a power bus for the datacenter. The busbar connection assembly may further include multiple slots that are configured to receive the busbar plates of the power bus for the datacenter. The busbar connection assembly may serve as an electrical connection for various purposes. |
| US08911246B2 |
Universal adaptor mount for a docking station
A universal adapter module supporting a plurality of different interface adapters, each of the interface adapters having a body, a plug, and a cable communicating with the plug and extended from the body; a housing having an internal cavity sized to receive therewithin the body of the adapter with an opening adjacent to one surface thereof that is sized to admit the plug therethrough, and access means for removing one interface adapter from the housing and substituting therefor a different interface adapter; and a means for urging the plug outwardly through the opening of the housing. A docking station formed of a docking tray configured for supporting a portable electronics device, the docking tray having a means for coupling the housing of the universal adapter module to a device receiver structure thereof with the opening of the adapter module positioned adjacent to an aperture formed in an interface portion thereof. |
| US08911245B2 |
Low-insertion-force connector assembly
For connection and disconnection of both connectors with ease and assurance in a narrow work space and connection, and for disconnection of a safety circuit unit without mistakes and in a saved-space, a low-insertion-force connector assembly 53 is provided with one connector receiving the one terminal and other connector 27 receiving a mating terminal, wherein the one connector includes a driving lever 6 having a rotative circular-arc-shaped gear part 13, and, pivotally supported along a wall part 17 of the one connector, a gear wheel part 11 engaged with the gear part, and a gear member 4 having a spiral groove engaged with a driven projection 37 of the other connector, wherein the safety circuit unit 8 is slidably disposed in the one connector, a small connector 38 for connection is disposed in the other connector, thereby the driving lever 6, at a provisional position, prevents the safety circuit unit from rotating in a connecting direction of the safety circuit unit, and, at a connecting position, allows the safety circuit unit to move and is blocked to rotate by a flange 31. |
| US08911244B2 |
Receptacle with heat management for electronic and optical systems
An apparatus that is a receptacle adapted for receiving a connector. The apparatus may further include a hinged heat sink included in the receptacle. The hinged heat sink adapted in an open position for insertion and removal of a cable. The hinged heat sink further adapted in a closed position to make thermal contact with a thermally active location of the connector wherein a thermal path is provided for a dissipation point on the outside of the electronic receptacle. |
| US08911240B2 |
Right-angle board-mounted connectors
A connector includes a housing including a conductive material, a base connected to the housing and including a base center hole and a base groove extending from the base center hole to an edge of the base, a center pin including a first portion and a second portion extending perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first portion, and a dielectric. The dielectric includes a first portion extending through the base center hole and including a dielectric center hole through which the first portion of the center pin extends and a second portion extending perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first portion of the dielectric along the base groove and including a dielectric groove along which the second portion of the center pin extends. |
| US08911239B2 |
Rotatable connector device
A rotatable connector device includes a rotator and a stator which are fit to each other so as to be rotatable with respect to each other. The rotator and the stator form an accommodation space. In a bottom part of the accommodation space, a retainer for axially supporting a plurality of rotatable rollers and a flat cable are accommodated. A guide unit for allowing a reversed part to be pressed thereon is fit and fixed to the retainer. In a vertical cross-section vertical to a planar surface of the retainer, a guide surface of the guide unit which faces the reversed part has a vertical cross-sectional shape which does not contact a prescribed range of the flat cable in a width direction of the flat cable. |
| US08911238B2 |
Prostate brachytherapy simulator
Methods for forming a prostate brachytherapy simulator are provided. A method comprises forming a molded rectum model between tubes secured to a base component of a container. The base component has a first open-bottomed cup that opens to an exterior of the container and a second cup that contains the first open-bottomed cup. The method also comprises forming a molded prostate model from recyclable materials. Additionally, the method comprises placing the prostate model relative to the rectum model. The method also comprises providing a gel-based environment that surrounds the rectum model and the prostate model within a container. |
| US08911237B2 |
Virtual reality pipe welding simulator and setup
A simulator facilitates virtual welding activity of orbital weld joints. The simulator may include a logic processor based system operable to execute coded instructions for generating an interactive welding environment that emulates welding activity on a section of virtual pipe having at least one virtual weld joint. It also includes a display connected to the logic processor based system for visually depicting the interactive welding environment, wherein the display depicts the section of virtual pipe. A pendant is provided for performing welding equipment setup and virtual welding activity on the at least one weld joint in real time where one or more sensors are adapted to track movement of the input device in real time for communicating data about the movement of the input device to the logic processor based system. |
| US08911232B2 |
Intraoral dental suction and isolation system
A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may include a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable. |
| US08911231B2 |
Substrate treatment installation with adjustable thermal insulation for controlling substrate temperature
A substrate-treatment installation includes a vacuum chamber, a substrate treatment device within the vacuum chamber, a substrate transport device within the vacuum chamber for guiding a substrate along a longitudinal direction in a substrate transport plane past the substrate treatment device, and a device for controlling substrate temperature. The substrate temperature controlling device includes a heat-absorbing cooler on one side of the substrate transport plane and an insulation member selectively displaceable between at least two different positions to vary extent of thermal shielding of the heat-absorbing cooler relative to the substrate transport plane by the insulation member. |
| US08911229B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor package
An apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor package includes at least a first mold, a rotator, and a driver. The first mold has a first mold section, a second mold section, and at least one cavity formed when the first mold section and the second mold are brought together. The rotator is coupled to the first mold, and the driver is between the first mold and a rotating axis of the rotator. The driver supplies a molding resin into the cavity based on centrifugal force generated when the rotator rotates on the rotating axis. |
| US08911224B2 |
Apparatus and mold assembly for molding and demolding cementitious products and methods therefor
An assembly for molding and demolding hardened cementitious products comprises a flexible mold and a demolding apparatus. The flexible mold has a top side with separate openings for receiving cementitious material therein for hardening thereof, an opposite closed rear side and a perimeter. The apparatus for demolding the hardened cementitious products from the flexible mold comprises a conveyor, a holding member, a clamp, and a movable member. The conveyor conveys the flexible mold. The clamp grips a portion of the perimeter. The holding member engages the mold. The movable member moves the clamp and the clamped portion of the mold about the holding member thereby disengaging the flexible mold from the cementitious material. |
| US08911219B2 |
Submersible water circulation system for enclosed tanks
A submersible, water circulation system for enclosed tanks such as used by municipalities, fire districts, and industries. The system includes a driving unit having a shell extending along an axis with a pump supported within the shell. The shell has at least one inlet and at least one outlet and is positionable on the floor of the tank with the outlet facing upwardly. In operation, the pump continuously draws an incoming flow of water from outside of the driving unit adjacent the tank floor through the inlet of the driving unit and preferably drives all of the continuously incoming flow out through the upwardly facing outlet. The upwardly facing outlet is preferably a thin, elongated slot that creates a thin, substantially planar discharge of water therethrough that presents a very large surface area for its volume and induces water adjacent the shell to move upwardly with it. |
| US08911215B2 |
Compressor blade for an axial compressor
A compressor blade for an axially permeated compressor, preferably of a stationary gas turbine is provided. The camber line of the blade tip side profile of the blade of the compressor blade includes at least two inflection points for reducing radial gap losses. By means of two inflection points, there is a concavely designed suction side contour segment in a segment from 35% to 50% for the suction side contour, and a convexly implemented pressure side contour segment for the pressure side contour. It is possible by means of the geometry to generate low-loss gap vortices, in order to increase the overall efficiency of an axial compressor including the compressor blades. |
| US08911210B2 |
Vibration-damping shim for fan blade
A vibration-damping shim configured to be interposed between a platform of a fan blade and a fan disk, including a radially external surface fitted with plates in contact with the fan blade platform, and a radially internal surface formed by an upstream surface, configured to be facing the disk, and a downstream surface separated from the upstream surface by a break in alignment. The upstream surface includes a zone protruding radially towards the interior, initiated at some distance from its upstream end. |
| US08911209B2 |
Helicopter, rotor thereof, and control method thereof
A helicopter rotor include a blade, a rotor hub which supports the blade, and a lead-lag angle mechanism configured to change the lead-lag angle of the blade in synchronization with the rotation of the rotor hub. The lead-lag angle mechanism changes the lead-lag angle of the blade such that a circumferential speed of a blade tip of the blade (3) is slower on a forward side and faster on a backward side. The result is a helicopter, a helicopter rotor, and a control method of a helicopter that enable higher speed flight. |
| US08911205B2 |
Method of repairing knife edge seals
A knife edge seal assembly includes at least one knife edge and at least one honeycomb ring seal. The at least one knife edge has material removed to a first knife edge radial height and the least one honeycomb ring seal has material removed to a finished radial thickness for sealable engagement with the at least one knife edge. The finished radial thickness of the replacement honeycomb ring seal establishes a first radial gap between an inner annular surface of the replacement honeycomb ring seal and the knife edge before the knife edge seal assembly begins rotating in the gas turbine. |
| US08911204B2 |
Gas turbine engine front center body architecture
A method for servicing a gas turbine engine includes disassembling a bearing compartment, providing access from a forward side of the gas turbine engine to a gearbox contained within said bearing compartment. The gas turbine engine provides a core flow path that extends from the forward side aftward in a core flow direction. The method includes servicing a component located within the bearing compartment. A method for servicing a gas turbine engine includes providing access from a forward side of a front center body assembly, and servicing a component located within a bearing compartment aft of the front center body assembly. The gas turbine engine includes a seal package located aft of a bearing package. A front wall is mounted to the front center body support and is removable from a front center body support to access at least one of the gearbox, the bearing package and the seal package. |
| US08911199B2 |
Cart with a support surface having a selectively adjustable contour and a printing system sheet stacker incorporating the cart
Disclosed is a cart having a support surface with a selectively adjustable contour for providing essentially uniform support to a load (e.g., a stack of print media sheets) during receiving and storing modes and for facilitating transfer of the load to another support surface during a transferring mode. The cart can comprise a support surface with alternating fixed and movable sections. In the receiving and storage modes, the movable sections can be top aligned with the fixed sections so that the support surface has an essentially planar contour for providing essentially uniform support. In the transferring mode, the movable sections can be dropped lower so that the support surface has a corrugated contour for facilitating transfer of the load (e.g., using an interdigitation technique). Also disclosed is a printing system sheet stacker incorporating such a cart for receiving, storing and transferring of a sheet stack as well as associated methods. |
| US08911197B2 |
Method and apparatus for the rapid transport of glass sheets
The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for the rapid transport of glass sheets between different manufacturing stations in a spacious manufacturing plant for producing photovoltaic elements, wherein said manufacturing plant is subject to clean room conditions, comprising the following features: a) a freely movable mounting for conveying a lifting portal, b) at least one vertical lifting carriage for vertically transporting a glass sheet by means of a telescoping jack plate, wherein said plate can be extended in two opposite directions, has a local lowering and raising function and can transport a glass sheet continuously from one side of the vertical lifting carriage to the other side, c) for operation, the mechanically moved parts are encapsulated free of emissions in a clean room and made of abrasion-proof material, d) a cordless energy supply unit for operating the mounting. |
| US08911195B2 |
Tail hauler
A lifting assembly for use on vehicles of a variety of types, including recreational vehicles, vans, trucks and the like, and includes one or more lifting structures that will support a deck structure. The lifting assembly will be removably mounted to the vehicle frame so that the whole assembly can be removed from the vehicle, and the deck structure is pivotally mounted to the lift assembly so that it can be moved between a stored position when not in use, or a transport position when loads are to be carried. When in the transport position the deck will be movable between lowered and raised positions so that items can be placed on the deck in the lowered position and then transported once the deck is raised to a desired height. |
| US08911192B2 |
Segmented nut for screw connections
A nut for screw connections has two substantially identically sized nut segments of a half-shell shape, wherein the nut segments each have an inner side provided with an inner thread segment defining together an inner thread. The nut segments are connected to each other so as to be moveable toward each other until the nut segments reach a closed position. The nut segments are maintained in the closed position by springs or a locking device. An actuating device is moveably arranged on at least one of the two nut segments for releasing the closed position, wherein the actuating device is adapted to manually actuated. |
| US08911189B2 |
Frangible fastener
This disclosure relates to a frangible fastener configured such that a first end of the fastener separates from a second end of the fastener responsive to a breaking force. The fastener may comprise a head portion, a frangible portion, a tool engagement portion, a threaded portion, and/or other portions. The frangible portion may include a frangible body. The frangible body may form a plurality of through wall cuts. The frangible portion may be configured such that the breaking force is proportional to a quantity of through wall cuts, a cross sectional area of through wall cuts, and/or a shape of through wall cuts. The frangible portion may be configured such that the breaking force is proportional to a wall thickness of the frangible body. The location of the tool engagement portion may minimize and/or eliminate torsional loading of the frangible portion during tightening with a tightening tool. |
| US08911187B2 |
Adjustable radius and angle coping device
A coping apparatus that performs a cope cut of varying diameters and angles on varying sizes, diameters, and types of materials without having to change the diameter of the cutting tool. The apparatus comprises a table with a clamp, a cylindrical housing with an aperture pivotally mounted to the table, a motor, a tool, and a yoke assembly. The yoke assembly is rotatably received within the housing and comprises a upper disc with a channel, a lower disc with a channel, a upper arm, a lower arm, a connector, and a handle. The arms are received in the channels of the upper and lower discs and moveable in a direction radial to the rotation of the discs. The motor is mounted to the lower arm and turns a spindle and the tool. Upon manipulation of the handle, the tool is plunged into the material to make the cut. |
| US08911185B2 |
Detachable insert type cutting tool
This detachable insert type cutting tool is provided with a cutting insert and a holder which holds the cutting insert. An insert mounting seat on which the cutting insert is mounted and upper and lower jaw sections which pinch the cutting insert are provided in the holder. The insert mounting seat is provided between the lower surface of the upper jaw section and the upper surface of the lower jaw section. Convex curve outer surfaces are formed on one side of the upper and lower jaw sections when viewed from the leading end sides of the upper and lower jaw sections, and concave curve inner surfaces are formed on the other side of the upper and lower jaw sections. In a state where the cutting insert is fixed to the insert mounting seat, the concave curve inner surface of the upper jaw section is disposed at a position retreated further radially outward than an arc surface extending along the concave curve inner surface of the lower jaw section. |
| US08911183B2 |
Cutting insert for drill, drill, and method of cutting using the same
A cutting insert for a drill of the present invention comprises an upper face having a first side and a second side respectively disposed on both sides of a first corner portion, a bottom face corresponding to the upper face, and a side face located between the upper face and the bottom face. The insert has a first cutting edge formed along the first side, and a second cutting edge formed along the second side. The side face has a first region corresponding to the first cutting edge, a second region corresponding to the second cutting edge, and a third region corresponding to the first corner portion. The third region has an upper region which is adjacent to the first corner portion and disposed toward the upper face, and a lower region located below the upper region. An inclination angle θ3 of the lower region to the bottom face is larger than each of an inclination angle θ1 of the first region to the bottom face and an inclination angle θ2 of the second region to the bottom face. A drill comprising the insert, and a method of cutting using the same are provided. |
| US08911179B2 |
Dual-derrick ice-worthy jack-up drilling unit
The invention relates to a jack-up rig. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the hull is lowered into the water into an ice defensive configuration. The hull is specifically shaped with a lower portion that is an ice-bending surface to bend and break up ice that comes in contact with the hull while in the ice defensive configuration. Furthermore, the jack-up rig comprises at least two derricks. |
| US08911178B2 |
Device and method for erecting at sea a large slender body, such as the monopile of a wind turbine
The invention relates to a method for erecting at sea a large slender body, such as the monopile of a wind turbine. The method comprises bringing the large slender body in a substantially horizontal floating condition at least partly underneath the work deck of a platform, attaching a tension cable to the slender body, and pulling on the tension cable using fixations means and guiding means that are provided at an edge of the work deck and are connected to it to gradually bring the slender body in an erected position along the edge of the work deck. The slender body is optionally driven into the under water bottom. The invention also relates to a device for performing the method. The method is reliable and obviates the use of large cranes. |
| US08911171B2 |
Attaching device for end of spring
There is disclosed a device for fixing a U-shaped end of at least one spring for supporting a cushion for a seat, to a seat frame of the seat which includes opposing frame sections, one of the frame sections being formed from a shaft, and the spring being stretched between the frame sections. The device comprises a collar fitted over the shaft and a retainer including a body having a geometry of similar figure with the collar and fitted over the collar on the shaft, and at least one pair of first and second spring engagement pieces provided at both edges of the body. A first axial region and second axial region of the U-shaped end of the spring are engaged with the first piece and the second piece, respectively, whereby the end of the spring is fixed to the shaft through the device. |
| US08911170B1 |
Back cream therapy dispenser
An apparatus for dispensing cream comprising of an arm having a plurality of apertures disposed along a length of the arm spanning a substantial region at the distal end of the arm, wherein the plurality of apertures are adapted to flow the cream; a reservoir, positioned within walls of an outer member of the apparatus at the arm's proximal end, wherein the reservoir is adapted for receiving either the cream or a tube; and a press bar, positioned on the exterior walls of the apparatus, that is adapted to urge against the cream or tube located within the reservoir to flow through the plurality of apertures. |
| US08911169B2 |
Platen roller assemblies for printer and methods of removal therefrom
A platen roller assembly for a printer includes a platen roller, a retaining clip, a plurality of bearings, and a pulley assembly. The platen roller defines a longitudinal axis. The retaining clip mounts to a support body of the printer and is positioned to retain the platen roller relative to the support body. The plurality of bearings is operably coupled to the platen roller. Each of the bearings permits rotational movement of the platen roller about the longitudinal axis thereof. The pulley assembly is mounted to the support body and is operably associated with one or more of the bearings. The pulley assembly includes a pulley and a belt. The belt is operably coupled to the pulley such that the platen roller rotates in response to rotational movement of the belt. The platen roller may be selectively coupled and uncoupled to/from the support body independent of the pulley assembly. |
| US08911168B2 |
Sheet cutting device with restriction unit and image forming apparatus including same
A sheet cutting device to cut a sheet conveyed through a conveyance path to a predetermined length, including a cutter casing movable in a sheet width direction perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction while retracted from the sheet conveyance path after cutting of the sheet, a movable member separate from the cutter casing in the sheet conveyance direction and movable in the sheet width direction, a connection member to connect the cutter casing and the movable member, and a restriction unit to transform a state of the cutter casing between a displacement restriction state in which displacement of the cutter casing is restricted during the cutting of the sheet and a released state in which the restriction of displacement of the cutter casing is released while the cutter casing is retracted from the sheet conveyance path. |
| US08911167B2 |
Sheet cutting device and printer
A sheet cutting device includes a conveyance unit configured to convey a sheet, a cutting unit configured to cut the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit, and a conveyance belt configured to convey a cut piece cut from the sheet cut by the cutting unit in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the conveyance unit. |
| US08911163B1 |
Variable aperture mechanism for cryogenic environment, and method
A device operable in a ultra-high vacuum and in a cryogenic environment. The device has bi-stable solenoid motors configured to drive a shutter assembly defining an aperture having a first shape when the motors are each disposed in the respective first position, and wherein the aperture has a second shape when the motors are each disposed in the respective second position. Actuators responsive to the motors are thermally isolated from the cryogenic shutter assembly except when the motors position the shutter assembly to change a shape of the aperture. The device is suitable for use in FLIR and other thermally sensitive devices. |
| US08911160B2 |
Light emitting device package and backlight unit using the same
An light emitting device package and a backlight unit using the same are disclosed, wherein light advancing upward from the light emitting device package can be refracted by a lens to enable the light having a uniform intensity to be emitted upwards to the advantage of efficiency and power consumption, even with a small number of light emitting devices. |
| US08911159B2 |
Circuit board assembly having optical transceiver for signal transmission
A circuit board assembly includes a circuit board, a first optical transceiver electrically connected to the circuit board, a first transparent shell optically coupled with the first optical transceiver, a second optical transceiver electrically connected to the circuit board, a second transparent shell optically coupled with the second optical transceiver, and a plurality of light wave guides optically coupled with the first transparent shell and the second transparent shell. The first optical transceiver sends first light signals. The first light signals are transmitted through the first transparent shell, the light wave guides, and the second transparent shell and are received by the second optical transceiver. The second optical transceiver sends second light signals. The second light signals are transmitted through the second transparent shell, the light wave guides, and the first transparent shell and are received by first optical transceiver. |
| US08911157B2 |
Optical connector with ferrule interference fit
An optical connector having a front and back orientation, the connector comprising: (a) a ferrule comprising a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion (COE), and having a first diameter at a first temperature, and a second diameter at a second temperature, the ferrule also comprising an endface; (b) a housing comprising a second material having a second COE, the housing having a restricted borehole having a third diameter at the first temperature, and a fourth diameter at the second temperature; (c) a resilient member disposed in the housing and in contact with the ferrule to apply a forward urging force to the ferrule; (d) wherein the connector has a first and second configuration, in the first configuration, the second COE is greater than the first COE, the first diameter is greater than the third diameter such that the connector is in an interference state at the first temperature, and the second diameter is less than the fourth diameter such that the connector is in a clearance state at the second temperature, in the second configuration, the second COE is less than the first COE, the first diameter is less than the third diameter such that the connector is in the clearance state at the first temperature, and the second diameter is greater than the fourth diameter such that the connector is in the interference state at the second temperature; and (e) wherein clearance between the ferrule and the housing is less than 0.5 μm at room temperature. |
| US08911156B2 |
Optical plug and related optical signal coupling assembly
An optical plug includes a connector body. The connector body defines a receiving hole with a opening, a hollow pusher extends from the connector body and surrounding the receiving hole; and a number of lenses are arranged in the receiving hole. The connector body includes a first side surface and a second side surface, the first side surface defines a reflecting groove and the reflecting groove includes a reflecting surface, an included angle between the reflecting groove surface and the first side surface is 135 degrees. A number of lenses arrange on the second side surface to receive signal reflecting by the reflecting surface; and two elastic shielding plates have fixed ends fixed to opposite sides of the pusher, and opposite free ends overlappable to cover the opening. |
| US08911155B2 |
Cage for thrust roller bearing
A cage bar of at least one of pockets, the cage bar being on one side of the at least one of the pockets in the circumferential direction, has a bent portion that is bent toward one side in an axial direction such that an end face of the cage bar on the other side in the axial direction is recessed toward the one side in the axial direction. Further, a cage bar of the at least one of the pockets, the cage bar being on the other side of the at least one of the pockets in the circumferential direction, has a bent portion that is bent toward the other side in the axial direction such that an end face of the cage bar on the one side in the axial direction is recessed toward the other side in the axial direction. |
| US08911154B2 |
Shoulderless tolerance ring
A tolerance ring can include a generally cylindrical body that can include a sidewall that defines a top and a bottom. The sidewall can include an upper unformed band and a lower unformed band opposite the upper unformed band. A plurality of shoulderless wave structures can protrude radially from the sidewall between the upper unformed band and the lower unformed band. Each shoulderless wave structure can be connected only to the upper unformed band and the lower unformed band. The sidewall of the tolerance ring can also include a plurality of unformed sections and a gap that extends along the entire axial length of the body. Each unformed section can be located between a pair of adjacent shoulderless wave structures. Moreover, the gap can establish a split in the body. |
| US08911148B2 |
Temperature detector for a contact thermometer
A temperature detector for a contact thermometer of process measurement technology having a thermowell, at least one thermal sensor element arranged in a process-side end of the thermowell, and at least one electrical connecting means connected to the thermal sensor element with a first connection side and extending in the thermowell at least up to an evaluation-side end of the thermowell, so that the thermal sensor element can be electrically contacted via a second connection side of the electrical connecting means, and in which the electrical connecting means is formed by a connection printed circuit board with conducting paths. |
| US08911144B2 |
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) freeze drying microscopy
A product critical temperature during freeze drying is determined. The product is imaged using optical coherence tomography (“OCT”). The product is freeze dried while the temperature of the product is measured. The product critical temperature is the temperature at which a product structure event occurs during freeze drying. |
| US08911141B2 |
Mixing device having radial openings and rotor supported mixing blades
A mixing device having at least one rotor supporting mixing blades that is also capable of being rotated. The device further includes an annular ring surrounding the rotor and having at least one axial opening and radial mixing openings associated with the mixing blades so as to allow the passage of the mixture therethrough. At least one particle-conveying line leads to the inside of said ring. The annular ring has a recirculation stage placed between the conveying line and the radial mixing openings and further includes at least two axially consecutive rows of radial openings. |
| US08911140B2 |
Method for preparing insulating varnish
A method for preparing an insulating varnish. The method includes: providing equivalence of an epoxy resin solution having a concentration exceeding 99 wt. % and acetone solution having a concentration of 40 wt. %, adding silane coupling agent-modified hexagonal boron nitride (BN) having a particle size of between 200 and 250 nm to the acetone solution and stirring; mixing the epoxy resin solution and the acetone solution and stirring, and dispersing the resulting mixture; adding to the mixture, low molecular weight polyamide resins as a curing agent, and stirring to uniformly disperse the curing agent; adding n-butane as a lubricant to the mixture and stirring, cooling the mixture to room temperature, adding di-n-butyl phthalate as a diluent to the mixture and stirring; and allowing the mixture to stand in a vacuum drier to remove bubbles to yield the insulating varnish, which is free of bubbles. |
| US08911138B2 |
Fluid dispensing system and method for concrete mixer
System and method for dispensing liquids into concrete mixer drums, particularly suitable for use on concrete mix trucks, involve use of liquid admixtures nozzle that is separate from water conduit and water nozzle, the admixtures nozzle being aimed and focused to spray through drum opening with dispersion pattern substantially within air/concrete interface defined by minimal volume concrete contained within the drum; and the water conduit or nozzle having a dispersion pattern preferably whereby wash water hits a portion of the inner drum wall and a portion of the air/concrete interface defined by a maximum amount of concrete contained within the drum. In preferred embodiments, a check valve assembly is used to connect separate admixture and water lines, so that both admixture and water nozzles can be used simultaneously during purging operation. |
| US08911134B2 |
Exit sign illuminated by color LEDs
An exit sign comprising a housing, a plurality of green color LEDs and red color LEDs or bicolor green and red color LEDs positioned in the housing for emitting both a green color light and a red color light with a filter holder for holding a selected green color filter or a selected red color filter for passing the selected green color light or selected red color light to a stencil having openings for passing the selected green color light or selected red color light to an observer. Yellow color LEDs can be alternatively positioned in the housing for emitting yellow color light comprising both green color light and red color light. White color LEDs can also be alternatively positioned in the housing for emitting white color light also comprising both green color light and red color light. |
| US08911133B2 |
Planar light source device and illumination apparatus
To provide a planar light source device that can provide large-area, uniform, and high-quality planar illumination light.A planar light source device includes a main body case 4 that surrounds the periphery of a gap between a pair of optical reflection plates disposed to face each other with side plates, and a plurality of point light sources 2 arranged at predetermined intervals on at least one side plate of the main body case. The planar light source device allows light from the point light sources 2 to be transmitted through at least one of the pair of optical reflection plates 5 and emitted to the outside. At least one 5 of the pair of optical reflection plates 5 includes a light blocking region S1 that blocks light from the point light sources on the point light sources 2 side, and a light transmission region S2 that does not allow the light from the point light sources 2 to be directly transmitted but allows reflection light reflected between the optical reflection plates to be transmitted, and is aligned so that transmissivity increases as the distance from the light blocking region S1 increases, and luminance is substantially uniform on the surface of the optical reflection plate. |
| US08911129B2 |
Headlamp to bumper attachment structure
A system, apparatus and method for attaching a bumper cover to a headlamp housing. The system includes a plurality of apertures defined in an upper portion of the bumper cover and a plurality of protrusions extending from a lower portion of the headlamp housing for engaging the plurality of apertures in the upper portion of the bumper cover. The system further includes a plurality of ribs extending from the lower portion of the headlamp housing for locating the upper portion of the bumper cover proximate to the lower portion of the headlamp housing. In this system, each rib of the plurality of ribs is located proximate to at least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions. |
| US08911128B2 |
Light projection unit and light projection device
A light projection unit is provided that can reduce the production of a portion where the light density is excessively increased on a fluorescent member. This light projection unit includes: a light collection member that includes a light entrance surface and a light emission surface which has an area smaller than that of the light entrance surface; a fluorescent member that includes an application surface to which the laser light emitted from the light collection member is applied and that mainly emits fluorescent light from the application surface; and a light projection member that projects the fluorescent light. The light emission surface of the light collection member is arranged a predetermined distance from the application surface of the fluorescent member. |
| US08911127B2 |
Lighting device for vehicle
A lighting device for a vehicle includes a lens, a housing, an engaging part, and an engaged part. The engaging part and the engaged part are configured to be a state in which the lens is fixed in a predetermined position by turning the lens by a predetermined angle with respect to the housing after the lens and the housing are fitted in a direction of an optical axis of the lens. An inside of the lens abuts, by screwing the fastening member to the housing when the lens is fixed in the predetermined position, on an end of the fastening member so that turning of the lens is disenabled even if it is tried to turn the lens in a direction in which the lens is disengaged from the housing. |
| US08911121B2 |
Light emitting diode recessed light fixture
A recessed light fixture includes an LED module, which includes a single LED package that is configured to generate all light emitted by the recessed light fixture. For example, the LED package can include multiple LEDs mounted to a common substrate. The LED package can be coupled to a heat sink for dissipating heat from the LEDs. The heat sink can include a core member from which fins extend. Each fin can include one or more straight and/or curved portions. A reflector housing may be coupled to the heat sink and configured to receive a reflector. The reflector can have any geometry, such as a bell-shaped geometry including two radii of curvature that join together at an inflection point. An optic coupler can be coupled to the reflector housing and configured to cover electrical connections at the substrate and to guide light emitted by the LED package. |
| US08911118B2 |
Lens, LED module and illumination system having same
An illumination system includes an LED module and an illuminated area. The LED module includes an LED, and a lens mounted in light path of the LED. The lens includes a light source recess, a first light emitting surface, a critical reflecting surface, and a second light emitting surface intersecting with the first light emitting surface and being on same side with the first light emitting surface. The first light emitting surface can receive more light quantity than the second light emitting surface. Although the light emitted from the first light emitting surface may have greater attenuation than the light emitted from the second light emitting surface, light emitted from the first light emitting surface can make up the intensity losses of attenuation as the first light emitting surface receives more light quantity than the second light emitting surface. As a result, the illumination system has a uniform illumination pattern. |
| US08911114B2 |
Retrofit reflector for a fixture
A retrofit reflector for a fixture that may be utilizing an induction lamp, mounts the lamp at a point of zero bending moment on the reflector. The reflector bends widthwise in the fixture to fit within various widths of fixtures while maintaining the lamp along the zero bending moment on the reflector. |
| US08911113B2 |
Laser pointer
A laser pointer suitable for a touch display panel is provided. The laser pointer includes a main body, a laser diode and a wave plate. The main body has a containing space. The laser diode is disposed in the containing space and has a light emitting end. The wave plate is disposed on the light emitting end, wherein the laser diode is suitable for emitting a laser beam having linear polarization from the light emitting end, and the wave plate is suitable for transforming the laser beam having linear polarization into a laser beam having circular polarization, such that the laser beam is suitable for being an input signal for the touch display panel. |
| US08911109B2 |
Peritoneal dialysis connection system and method for using ultraviolet light emitting diodes
Peritoneal dialysis systems and methods are provided by the present disclosure. In a general embodiment, a peritoneal dialysis system includes a peritoneal dialysis fluid supply, a supply line in fluid communication with the peritoneal dialysis fluid supply and terminating at a supply connector, a patient connector in fluid communication with a patient's indwelling catheter, a device configured to connect the supply connector to the patient connector without a user having to physically contact the supply connector or the patient connector, and a housing placeable around the connecting device and including a plurality of ultraviolet (“UV”) light-emitting diodes (“LED's”) positioned to direct energy towards at least one of the supply connector and the patient connector. |
| US08911102B2 |
Low-profile lighting system
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing a desired illumination pattern within a given plane. In one aspect, a light wash system can be configured to provide substantially even illumination on a wall or floor. The light wash system can use light-shaping optics such as a stack of optical films to provide a light wash system which is smaller than conventional light wash systems which utilize parabolic reflectors. The light wash system may include an internal retroreflector to allow a wider range of throw distances for the light wash system. |
| US08911100B2 |
Self-generating lighting shower head
The present invention of a self-generating lighting shower head comprises a top hood, an upper holder, an inlet header, a revolving part, a lower holder, an electric module, a shade unit, and a shower head disc unit: the upper holder is held in the top hood; the inlet header is installed in the water bearing space; the revolving part with a number of rotary vanes is placed in the inlet header and rotates under rush of water flows via water inlets; the lower holder has a watertight cavity at bottom to accommodate the electric module; the electric module comprises a spindle pivoted to and driven by the revolving part for generation of electric energy transformed from dynamic energy and luminescence excited by a number of luminous components on a printed circuit board. As such, the present invention is capable of generating electricity supplied to luminous components for illumination during a shower. |
| US08911096B2 |
Projection apparatus for projecting and processing an image
A projection apparatus comprising a projection unit provided with an optical system that projects an image, a housing that houses the projection unit, a first surface, provided at the housing, that functions as a distance reference surface that defines a distance from a projection window that the housing is provided with to a projection surface that projects the image and as a first placement surface used when setting the housing, and a second surface, provided at the housing, that perpendicularly intersects the first surface and functions as a second placement surface when setting the housing is provided. |
| US08911093B2 |
Light emitting device and super-luminescent diode having layer with first, second, and third waveguides
A light emitting device includes a first layer that generates light by an injection current, the first layer is provided with a first optical waveguide extending from a first light emitting section disposed on a first side surface to a first light reflecting section disposed on a second side surface, a second optical waveguide extending from the first light reflecting section to a second light reflecting section disposed on a third side surface, and a third optical waveguide extending from the second light reflecting section to a second light emitting section disposed on the first side surface, an element of the group II or the group XII is diffused in the first light reflecting section and the second light reflecting section, and a first light emitted from the first light emitting section and a second light emitted from the second light emitting section are emitted in the same direction. |
| US08911088B2 |
Optical apparatus for retinal photography
Optical apparatus for retinal photography includes a housing (20) fitted to or adapted to be fitted to a camera and defining an optical path (21) that is aligned with the camera lens assembly and extends therefrom to a nose region (25) of the housing. The housing has a projecting handle (24) dimensioned and profiled to be grasped by hand for holding the apparatus in one hand. A plurality of lens components (42, 44) in the optical path and an illumination source (46) co-operate to illuminate a retina of an eye in front of the nose region of the housing, and to image the illuminated retina at the image sensor of the camera. |
| US08911083B2 |
Calculation of post-lens pressure profile for contact lens
A system for facilitating contact lens design comprises an input unit for input of design parameters, and a processing unit for calculating a post-lens pressure profile based on the design parameters. The processing unit is arranged, in use, to perform a finite model calculation allowing for large deflection and non-linear geometry effects in the deformation of a model lens shape. Preferably the finite element model calculation utilizes solid elements of modelling the lens shape. A contact comprising a high Young's modulus material such as silicone hydrogel can be designed to have a maximum corneal or limbal post-lens pressure valve of less than 250 Pa. |
| US08911080B2 |
Usage compliance indicator for contact lenses
An ophthalmic lens incorporating a usage compliance indicator may be utilized to indicate when the lens should be discarded or otherwise treated. The usage compliance indicator comprises a material that is clear when the lens is removed from its packaging and transforms to a visible marking over a given period of time corresponding to the manufacturer's suggested usable time. The material is compatible with the lens material and does not interfere with the optics. |
| US08911078B2 |
Multicomponent optical device having a space
The present disclosure relates generally to multicomponent optical devices having a space within the device. In various embodiments, an optical device comprises a first posterior component having an anterior surface, a posterior support component, and an anterior component having a posterior surface. An optical device can also comprise an anterior skirt. The first posterior component and the anterior skirt can comprise gas-permeable optical materials. An optical device also comprises a primary space between the posterior surface and the anterior surface, with the primary space configured to permit diffusion of a gas from a perimeter of the primary space through the space and across the anterior surface of the first posterior component. A method of forming a multicomponent optical device having a space is also provided. |
| US08911077B2 |
Eyeglasses with replaceable lenses
A pair of eyeglasses includes a front having two semi-rims and two temples are pivotably connected to outsides of the two semi-rims. Each semi-rim has a groove defined in the inside thereof and a slot is defined in an outside thereof. Two lenses each have a protrusion protruding from the inside thereof, the protrusion is engaged with the groove. A notch is defined in the inside of each lens. Two locking devices are respectively located in the two slots of the two semi-rims, and each locking device is locked with the notch to secure the lens to the semi-rim. Each locking device has a switch member and the lens is disengaged from the semi-rim by shifting the switch member. |
| US08911076B2 |
Floating lens mounting system
Various embodiments of an eyeglass and eyeglass system are provided that can maintain the geometric and optical quality of a lens supported by the eyeglass. The eyeglass can comprise a frame, a support member carried by the frame, and a lens mounting area or groove extending at least partially along at least one of the frame and the support member. The support member can be pivoted, moved, or deflected relative to the frame between a retaining position and an open position. In the open position, the lens can be seated within the lens mounting area. In the retaining position, the support member and the frame retain the lens without exerting deformative forces on the lens. Accordingly, the as-molded geometric and optical qualities of the lens can be preserved. |
| US08911069B1 |
Ink cartridge source identification determination
A supply source indicator indicates whether an ink cartridge is received from a subscriber source. An ink order identifier indicates a combination of ink colors for different chambers in a color pen of a printer. When print data is received, the supply source indicator and the ink order identifier are accessed to determine whether the ink cartridge is received from a subscriber source. |
| US08911065B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting portion capable of ejecting ink, a liquid container provided with an injection port for ink, and a liquid reception portion disposed on a lower side of the injection port. |
| US08911064B2 |
Drop placement method for continuous printers
A method for providing drop placement adjustment of drops deposited on a print media by a printhead in a continuous inkjet printer, the method comprising the steps of providing the printhead with a drop generator having at least one nozzle; moving the printhead relative to the print media; causing the printhead to form drops from the at least one nozzle with a drop formation period being the time between consecutive drop formations; wherein a portion of the formed drops are allowed to strike pixel locations on the print media for forming print drops, while other drops are directed toward a catcher and do not strike the print media for forming catch drops; creating a series of the print drops to print on a series of consecutive pixel locations; and adjusting a velocity of a portion of the formed print drops relative to a velocity of other print drops to adjust the placement of the print drop within the pixel locations. |
| US08911062B2 |
Liquid-jet head and image forming apparatus
A liquid-jet head includes a channel plate forming an individual liquid chamber in communication with nozzles configured to eject liquid drops, a wall surface member forming a wall surface of the individual liquid chamber, and a drive unit disposed on the wall surface member side and configured to generate a pressure applied to a drive region inside the individual liquid chamber. In the liquid-jet head, a fluid resistance part is formed by disposing an island part in a liquid supply channel configured to supply a liquid to the individual liquid channel, and the island part includes a gradient part on the channel plate side, at least a part of the gradient part being formed such that the part of the gradient part faces the drive region inside the individual liquid chamber. |
| US08911061B2 |
Nozzle plate, nozzle plate production method, liquid discharge head, and image forming apparatus
A nozzle plate includes a nozzle base; a nozzle hole to discharge droplets and formed on the nozzle base; and a water-repellent film formed on at least a liquid discharging surface of the nozzle base. The nozzle base is formed of a stainless material that includes a surface layer area on which the water-repellent film is formed. The surface layer area has a higher chrome density than the chrome density of the stainless material itself, and a ratio of Cr to Fe (Cr/Fe) in the surface layer area is equal to and more than 0.8. The nozzle plate production method as such includes polishing with a polishing agent a surface of the nozzle base; removing Fe in a surface layer area of the stainless material by etching using a polishing agent; and combining chrome with oxygen. |
| US08911057B2 |
Printing apparatus and nozzle testing method
A printing apparatus includes a head unit and a control section. The head unit includes nozzles, pressure chambers, and piezoelectric elements. The control section is configured to determine whether or not there is a liquid discharge failure in the nozzles corresponding to the piezoelectric elements based on a detection signal obtained by applying a testing waveform included in a driving signal to the piezoelectric elements. The control section is further configured to detect residual vibration using a first testing waveform in a first print mode performed at a first print speed, and to detect residual vibration using a second testing waveform in a second print mode performed at a second print speed with the first print speed being slower than the second print speed, a period of time for testing with the first testing waveform being longer than a period of time for testing with the second testing waveform. |
| US08911056B2 |
Electronic instrument and management method
An electronic instrument is adapted to communicate with another electronic instrument. The electronic instrument includes an acquisition section, a storage section, an inquiry section and a processing section. The acquisition section is configured to acquire identification information from a managed article used by the electronic instrument, the identification information being read-only information uniquely assigned to the managed article. The storage section is configured to store the identification information acquired by the acquisition section. The inquiry section is configured to inquire another electronic instrument as to whether the identification information acquired by the acquisition section is already stored in another electronic instrument. The processing section is configured to perform processing in response to a result of inquiry by the inquiry section. |
| US08911054B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device, a belt member, a reflection-type photosensor, and a reflection member. The belt member includes plural suction holes to attract a printing medium onto the belt member. The reflection member reflects light from the reflection-type photosensor through the suction holes. The reflection member is disposed inside the belt member. The reflection member has a reflection rate at which, when the reflection-type photosensor receives reflection light at positions of the suction holes with a transparent printing medium being not present on the belt member, a sensor output of the reflection-type photosensor is lower than a predetermined reference value, and when the reflection-type photosensor receives reflection light at the positions of the suction holes with the transparent printing medium being present on the belt member, a sensor output of the reflection-type photosensor is equal to or greater than the predetermined reference value. |
| US08911053B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus configured to record images on both sides of a sheet includes a corrugate mechanism configured to form a sheet into a continuous corrugated shaped in a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction and parallel to a recording surface of the sheet. |
| US08911052B2 |
Inkjet recording machine
A control unit is configured to form a print image on a recording medium by ejecting ink drops from nozzles of an ink head to the recording medium being conveyed on a conveyance route and sucked to the conveyance route by a negative pressure generated by a suction unit. The control unit is configured to control a level of suction power of sucking the recording medium to the conveyance route by the negative pressure in accordance with a level of a resolution of the print image in at least one of a main scanning direction or a sub scanning direction. |
| US08911040B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a body having a cooling chamber, a door configured to open or close the cooling chamber, and a cover disposed at a front region of the cooling chamber so as to be movable up and down. Under such configuration, a temperature change occurring from a predetermined region inside the cooling chamber when the cooling chamber is open, can be prevented. |
| US08911039B2 |
Pull-out guide having a self-retracting device
A pull-out guide for a drawer or for a pull-out of a piece of furniture. The pull-out guide includes a guide rail, a self-retracting device mounted on the guide rail, a running rail mountable on the drawer or furniture pull-out, an actuator attached to the running rail to control the self-retracting device, and a closing stopper. |
| US08911038B2 |
Device for attaching a functional part to a rail of a drawer pull-out guide
A device (20) for attaching a functional part (14) to a rail (5,6) of a drawer pull-out guide (3) includes a first bearing element (11) and at least one second bearing element (12), wherein the bearing elements (11, 12) are arranged in the front end area of the rail (5) and in the rear end area of the rail (5), wherein at least one clamping device (13) is provided, by means of which the at least two bearing elements (11, 12), in the installed position thereof on the rail (5), can be connected to each other and braced relative to each other. |
| US08911035B2 |
Fitting for a corner cupboard and a corner cupboard
On a fitting for a corner cupboard (11), in particular a kitchen corner cupboard, comprising a cupboard body (12) and an internal space (21) accessible via a corner cupboard door (19), wherein at least one panel (22) is movably guided by means of the fitting (12) between an inner position and an outer position, in which the panel (22) at least partially extends beyond a level (23) of a door opening, said fitting (12) including at least one support arm for supporting the panel, which support arm can be mounted on the one hand so as to be pivotable about a stationary swivel pin (25) and can be mounted on the other hand on the associated panel (22) in a manner so as to be pivotable about a panel-fixed bearing axle (26), and control means for controlling the panel movement in a swivel plane between the inner and the outer positions, said control means having two control levers that can respectively be indisplaceably supported on the one hand so as to be rotatable about a stationary swivel pin (25, 29) and on the other hand so as to be rotatable relative to a panel-fixed bearing axle (26, 30), with said two stationary swivel pins (25, 29) being arranged next to each other or coinciding, and with said two control levers being connected to each other via a connecting link (36) receiving the panel-fixed bearing axles (26, 30) of the control levers, which connecting link (22) in its turn can be fixed to the panel (22), one of the two control levers at the same time forms the support arm and is formed in the shape of a combined control/support lever (27) which has a higher bending stiffness at a right angle to the swivel plane compared to the other control lever (28). |
| US08911033B2 |
Panel for ventilation and noise reduction and manufacturing method
A panel for ventilation and noise reduction and its manufacturing method are disclosed A left side and a right side of the panel each include one or a plurality of ventilation holes, and a sound insulation board for sound insulation is set near each ventilation hole along an inner side of the panel, so that at least certain sound from the inner of the electronic device needs to bypass the board to pass through the ventilation holes; and the ventilation hole on the left side and the right side of the panel are opened in a staggered position, so that when the panel is placed side by side with another panel, air exhausted from a ventilation hole at an adjacent side of the panel does not form strong face-to-face blowing interference with air exhausted from a ventilation hole at an adjacent side of another panel. |
| US08911032B2 |
Retail product display system with a drawer provided with a movable demonstration product locator at its front
A retail product display system has a retail product drawer slideable between a closed position and an open position. A demonstration product locator is arranged at the front of the retail product drawer and is movable between two extreme positions respectively, an inclined display position and a horizontal display position. The system is arranged for allowing the demonstration product locator to be in the inclined display position when the retail product drawer is in the closed position and for allowing the demonstration product locator to be in the horizontal display position when the retail product drawer is in the open position. |
| US08911028B2 |
Method for operating a braking system
A system and method for operating a hydraulic braking system) for motor vehicles with an electrically controllable pressure provision device), a high-pressure accumulator, which can be connected to the pressure provision device via a hydraulic connection), in which an electrically controllable shutoff valve is arranged, wheel brakes, which can be supplied with pressure medium by means of the pressure provision device and/or the high-pressure accumulator. An electronic control and regulating unit is provided for actuating the electrically controllable pressure provision device and/or the electrically controllable shutoff valve so as to regulate the hydraulic pressure which is provided by the pressure provision device and the high-pressure accumulator If a pressure buildup is carried out by activation of the pressure provision device, the high-pressure accumulator is connected only temporarily by at least partial opening of the shutoff valve. |
| US08911024B2 |
Milling drum tool holder
A tool holder is disclosed for use with a milling drum. The tool holder may have a generally cylindrical body defining a first end configured to be received within a tool mounting block of the milling drum, and a second end configured to receive a cutting bit. The tool holder may also have a flange located between the first end and the second end, and a first blind bore initiating at the second end and stopping at the flange such that the generally cylindrical body is substantially solid at the flange. The tool holder may further have at least one sloped surface located at a side of the flange facing the first end of the generally cylindrical body. |
| US08911018B2 |
Passenger seat with neck support
Described are passenger seats comprising a seat back support and a neck support structure comprising a headrest coupled to the seat back support and at least one wing pivotally coupled to the headrest, wherein the at least one wing is configured to rotate downwardly from a stowed position to a first deployed position and the at least one wing is also configured to rotate laterally from the stowed position to a second deployed position. The neck support structure may comprise a first wing and a second wing. A cover may be removably coupled to the at least one wing. The at least one wing may be formed from a flexible material. |
| US08911017B2 |
Motor vehicle seat
A motor vehicle seat having a sitting position and a backrest, which can be converted out of a sitting position into a cargo position in which they are essentially disposed in a common horizontal plane. The seat has a first arresting device for the sitting position of the backrest, a second arresting device for the sitting position of the sitting portion, and a third arresting device. The sitting portion and the backrest are biased into their cargo position, wherein after release of the first arresting device the backrest is pivoted in a direction toward the cargo position, against the third arresting device, and into a stand-by position, as a result of which the second arresting device is released and the sitting portion pivots into the cargo position, as a consequence of which the third arresting device is released and the backrest pivots out of the stand-by position into the cargo position. |
| US08911012B2 |
Apparatus for adjusting saddle retaining angle of bicycle
The present invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting a saddle retaining angle of a bicycle, and in particular to an apparatus for adjusting a saddle retaining angle of a bicycle by which a user can ride a bicycle in a safe posture irrespective of an inclination of a bicycle when a bicycle goes up or down an inclined road in such a manner that a retaining angle of a bicycle saddle fixed to a bicycle body can be easily changed by a rider depending on an inclination of a bicycle so that a user can ride in a safe posture. |
| US08911008B1 |
Acoustic spray foam control system and method
An acoustic spray foam control system and method are provided for a sunroof drain tube area in a vehicle. The system and method include an acoustic spray foam control baffle that is mounted within the sunroof drain tube area of the vehicle and a sunroof drain tube that is installed in the sunroof drain tube area by passing through the acoustic spray foam control baffle. The system and method also include acoustic spray foam that is injected into the sunroof drain tube area with flow of the acoustic spray foam controlled by the acoustic spray foam control baffle. |
| US08911006B2 |
Motor vehicle front-end assembly comprising means for locking a front-end module onto a railplate
This front-end assembly (4) comprises a front-end module (16), at least one railplate (18A, 18B) adapted to be attached to a rail (14A, 14B) of a motor vehicle chassis, and means for fastening the railplate (18A, 18B) to the front-end module (16), the railplate (18A, 18B) comprising at least one hole for receiving a pin.The fastening means comprise, for the railplate (18A, 18B), at least one locking pin and at least one fastening element, said locking pin being attached to the front-end module (16) and being adapted to be received by said hole, said fastening element including a fastening part which is mechanically linked to said railplate (18A, 18B) and which is movable relative to the railplate (18A, 18B), said fastening part having at least one aperture for receiving said locking pin, and means for locking the front-end module (16) onto said railplate (18A, 18B), said locking means comprising at least one guiding slide, said guiding slide being contiguous with said aperture and being adapted to lock the locking pin, the locking being performed by a rectilinear movement of the fastening part from a first position in which the aperture is aligned with the hole, to a second position in which the guiding slide is aligned with the hole. |
| US08911005B2 |
Vehicle headlamp assembly and method of installing a vehicle headlamp assembly
A vehicle headlamp assembly includes a first guiding component. Also included is a headlamp housing having a second guiding component for engaging the first guiding component in a sliding relationship for directing of the headlamp housing toward a loaded position. Further included is at least one locating pin integrally formed with and extending from the headlamp housing, the at least one locating pin configured to extend through an aperture of an adjacent vehicle component for providing stable positioning of the headlamp housing during installation of the vehicle headlamp assembly. |
| US08910999B2 |
Lightweight steel door for vehicle and method for manufacturing the same
A vehicle door assembly comprises an inner panel integrally formed by upper and lower horizontal beams interconnected by front and rear upright beams, and an outer panel bonded to the inner panel. The frame portion comprises opposite front and rear U-shaped side frame members non-detachably attached to each other by upper and lower intermediate frame members so as to form a continuous perimeter. The side frame members are made of a first steel material and the intermediate frame members made of a second steel material, which is different from the first steel material. A method for manufacturing the inner panel comprises the steps: providing U-shaped sheets of the first steel material, providing top and bottom sheets of the second steel material, non-detachably connecting the U-shaped sheets to the top and bottom sheets so as to form a blank, and stamping the blank into the frame portion. |
| US08910995B2 |
Designing and manufacturing vehicle floor trays
Points on a surface of a vehicle foot well are digitally measured with a coordinate measuring machine. A vehicle foot well surface model is recreated in an electronic memory to include these points. The foot well surface model is in turn used to construct a mold for a vehicle floor tray, which ensures a snug fit. |
| US08910994B2 |
Free breeze accelerator
This disclosure concerns a wind diverting device having a first hollow triangular body portion engaged with a second hollow triangular body portion in a concentrically nested manner for slideability therebetween, and a pair of opposing end caps configured to attach to each respective terminal end of the nested triangular bodies; wherein the wind diverting device is configured to attach to a window frame or similar object for diverting laterally passing wind into an opening of an enclosed structure. |
| US08910990B1 |
Device dock
A portable electronic device dock includes a storage unit and a lid, wherein the lid is adapted to clamp a portable electronic device between a portion of the lid and a portion of the storage unit to retain the portable electronic device in a user-accessible display position. The device dock includes a slide assembly adapted to bias the lid to an open position and a clutch assembly adapted to retain the lid in a clamped position on the portable electronic device. The slide assembly is coupled to an axle member, which is further coupled to support arms disposed on the lid. The slide assembly is further coupled to the clutch assembly on an opposite end such that the clutch assembly can limit movement of the slide assembly to further limit movement of the lid. |
| US08910986B1 |
Bonded and rotatable vehicle sensor assembly
An automotive vehicle fascia assembly is provided. The fascia assembly includes a bumper cover and an impact sensor assembly attached to, without mechanically fastening, the bumper cover. The sensor assembly includes a housing configured to selectively rotate from a first position to a second position, a sensor disposed within the housing, and a wall preventing access to the sensor when the housing is in the first position. The sensor is accessible when the housing is in the second position. |
| US08910985B2 |
Gripper apparatus and method for containers of different sizes
A gripper apparatus for removing and replacing objects such as containers or vials in an array of containers has a gripper head which extends downward from a support arm, a planetary gear assembly mounted in the gripper head including at least three planet gears, and at least one gripping grip extending downward from each planet gear and projecting beyond a lower end of the gripper head. A drive motor drives the planetary gear assembly to rotate the planet gears in opposite directions, moving the grips inward and outward along predetermined paths to grip and carry an object and release the object when in a desired location. |
| US08910984B2 |
Robot hand and robot
An object is to provide a robot hand and a robot that are compact and lightweight and can reliably hold various types of workpieces. To achieve this object, the robot hand and the robot include: a plurality of joint portions that rotates about respective rotation axes parallel with each other; a plurality of links that is connected via each of the joint portions in sequence from a distal end; a linking member that links rotations of the joint portions adjacent to each other; and a single drive source that drives only the joint portion at a proximal end to rotate the joint portion. |
| US08910975B2 |
Wheelchair with suspension
Embodiments of a suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame and a locking assembly. The locking assembly inhibits tipping of a frame of the vehicle when tipping of the frame is detected. |
| US08910974B2 |
Occupant protection device
There is provided an occupant protection device. An air bag device according to the present invention protects an occupant against an impact caused by a collision of a vehicle by inflating and expanding a head protection air bag body and a chest protection air bag body upon the impact which are housed in a center pad of a steering wheel, the occupant protection device including an inflation and expansion mode control unit configured to inflate and expand the head protection air bag body and the chest protection air bag body mutually independently in accordance with a collision mode of the vehicle, and to control inflation and expansion modes of the head protection air bag body and the chest protection air bag body when inflated and expanded. |
| US08910973B2 |
Safety belt for a vehicle
A seatbelt for a vehicle that includes a belt strap composed of a plurality of belt strap layers and at least one belt inner space which can be impacted with a gas. The belt strap is guided through a recess of a buckle tongue, which can be inserted into a belt buckle. A holding element is arranged on the belt strap, the holding element holds the buckle tongue in a defined position when the belt strap is in a retracted state. |
| US08910970B2 |
Rapidly collapsible stand
A rapidly collapsible stand includes a base frame, a pair of pivot members pivotally connected to a first side of the base frame, a first supporting frame connected to the pivot members, a first supporting unit pivotally connected between the base frame and the first supporting frame, a second supporting frame pivotally connected to the first supporting frame and a second supporting unit pivotally connected between the base frame and the second supporting frame. When operating the base frame, the second supporting frame is able to be extended away from the first supporting frame to an extended position by utilizing the linkage of the first supporting unit and the second supporting unit; or the second supporting frame is able to be received toward the first supporting frame to a received position by lifting up a handle portion of the first supporting frame. |
| US08910968B2 |
Binding system for recreational board
Binding systems for recreational boards are provided. A binding system is mounted atop a rider-support surface of the board. Portions of the binding system are pivotal with the rider's foot and with respect to the board. This pivotal motion may allow the rider to have greater control over the application of weight to the heel and/or toe edges of the board. In particular embodiments, the binding system comprises: a base rigidly mounted atop rider-support surface of the board; and a foot-retainer pivotally mounted to the base via pivot couplings for pivotal motion of the foot-retainer relative to the base and the board. |
| US08910961B2 |
Trailing arm suspension beam assembly
A suspension assembly includes an axle member, a first trailing beam assembly and a second trailing beam assembly. The first trailing beam assembly and the second trailing beam assembly each include a first end operably coupled to a vehicle frame and a second end that includes a downwardly opening recess, wherein the recess includes an outer periphery, the axle member is positioned within the recess, and wherein a weld extends about the entire periphery of the recess, thereby securing the trailing beams to the axle member. |
| US08910958B2 |
Snowboard training device
A snowboard training device, including: a board; a first wheel assembly connected to an underside of the board and including first and second pairs of rotatable wheels with first and second axis of rotation, respectively; and a second wheel assembly connected to the underside of the board and including third and fourth pairs of rotatable wheels with third and fourth axis of rotation, respectively. The first and second axis are non-parallel. The third and fourth axis are non-parallel. The first and second portions of the first and second wheel assemblies, respectively, are displaceable with respect to the board. |
| US08910955B1 |
Lightweight dolly assembly
A dolly assembly including a base formed of a lightweight, at least partially flexible material, which may be in the form of an inflatable construction or a substantially solid, one-piece construction. The base includes a plurality of pockets, or in some embodiments apertures, extending there-through and a plurality of casters each mounted on the base by extending through a different one of the plurality of pockets. At least some of said casters include a head portion having a sufficiently large transverse dimension to restrict passage of the caster through a corresponding one of the pockets. The enlarged head of the plurality of casters are disposed in an exposed relation to an outer surface of the base in confronting relation to an object supported on the base, wherein the lightweight characteristics of the material from which the base is formed necessitate a significant and/or majority of the weight of the supported object being accommodated by the plurality of casters. |
| US08910951B2 |
Caster wheel arrangements
A caster wheel arrangement includes a base; a yoke rotatably mounted to the base via a kingpin; at least a first caster wheel rotatably mounted to the yoke; and an assist arrangement moveably mounted to the yoke. The assist arrangement facilitates travel of the caster wheel arrangement over a surface transition (e.g., a gap, a rise, etc.). Non-limiting example assist arrangements include a leading wheel, a leading variable radius wheel, a trailing wheel, a step member, and combinations thereof. |
| US08910950B2 |
Rail car door sealing gasket
A sealing gasket that provides a seal between two members. The gasket includes a base at one end of the gasket and a gutter-forming surface at the opposite other end of the gasket. There is a pair of sides that join the one end and the opposite other end of the gasket. The sealing gasket is movable between a compressed condition wherein the gasket provides a seal between the two members and an uncompressed condition wherein the gasket does not provide a seal between the two members. When the gasket is in the compressed condition, the gutter-forming surface deforms to form a gutter along the one end of the gasket. |
| US08910945B2 |
Seal assembly and method of forming a seal assembly
A downhole seal assembly comprises a base pipe upon which is mounted a seal element and a ring member, wherein the ring member is located adjacent an end region of the seal element. The ring member and seal element are adhered together with a bonding agent. |
| US08910944B2 |
Target practice device
A shooting practice target that includes a roll with an elongated sheet having multiple images. The sheet is movable across a shooting zone formed in a frame. The sheet is movable across the shooting zone to position each of the images for use as a target. A back support may be positioned behind (away from the user) the sheet to support and position the images for viewing by the user. |
| US08910940B2 |
Image forming system and intermediate apparatus
An image forming system of one aspect of the present invention includes a first image forming apparatus arranged on the upstream side in a sheet conveyance direction, a second image forming apparatus arranged on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction, and an intermediate apparatus arranged between the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus and having a registration roller on the sheet conveyance path through which a sheet conveyed from the first image forming apparatus is conveyed to the second image forming apparatus. The intermediate apparatus has a path opening mechanism configured to release a pressure contact of the registration roller arranged on the sheet conveyance path. |
| US08910939B2 |
Sheet carrying device and image forming apparatus
A disclosed sheet carrying device includes a first carrying unit that includes a first rotary body, a first driving unit outputting a driving force at a first peripheral speed, a one-way clutch transmitting the driving force only in a sheet carrying direction, and a second rotary body driven by the first rotary body via the sheet; and a second carrying unit including a third rotary body rotating at a second peripheral speed being the first peripheral speed or more, a fourth rotary body carrying the sheet with the third rotary body, a second driving unit outputting a driving force for driving the fourth rotary body at a third peripheral speed being the second peripheral speed or more, and a torque limiter having a slip torque smaller than a sheet carrying torque and cutting off the driving force while the sheet is interposed between the third and fourth rotary bodies. |
| US08910938B2 |
Medium carrying device and image forming apparatus
A medium carrying device includes a first pair of rollers that forms a nip part and carries a medium, the nip part being defined as an area where the rollers contact each other applying a pressure to other, a guide part that guides the medium to the first pair of rollers, and a medium detection member that includes a tip end part and a pivoting fulcrum and that is pivoted around the pivoting fulcrum by the medium as the medium moves along the guide part. In a case of being viewed from a roller axial direction of the first pair of rollers, the tip end part passes the nip part when the medium detection member pivots around the pivoting fulcrum as a center. |
| US08910925B2 |
Fence enclosure system
A fence system, and method for making same, includes at least one support member, and at least one infill material having an edge. At least one union strip is coupled to the at least one support member, the at least one union strip including at least one channel configured for receiving the edge of the at least one infill material. In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one channel is U-shaped, and the edge is configured in a U-shape for matingly engaging the at least one U-shaped channel. |
| US08910918B2 |
Cutting a collapsible tube for biopharmaceutical use
Process for closing and cutting into sections a flexible tube, with a cutting element and a pinching closing device for cutting into sections with two cross-sections, each with two parts with indentations that can be placed in removable extension by combination elements and that make a passage with an access, whereby the pinching closing device is in the open or closed state where the cross-sections are closed by locking members and where the surfaces form a pinching closing passage of the tube; the pinching region of the tube is positioned in the indentation of a cross-section; the other cross-section is brought opposite the preceding one and the pinching closing device in the closed state, with cooperation of the locking elements, the tube being positively pinched and closed in two positive pinching zones, and thus held in place; the tube is cut into sections between the parts in the closed state, using the cutting element by passing it into the passage without it interfering with the pinching closing device; and the parts are dissociated. |
| US08910913B2 |
Supporting apparatus used medical treatment
A supporting apparatus used for medical treatment includes a support arm in which a leading end side is coupled to a supporting unit supporting an endoscope, and a moving arm that is coupled to a base end side of the support arm, the moving arm moving the supporting unit and supporting the supporting unit in a moved position of the supporting unit. The support arm includes a leading-end-side coupling unit that is turnably coupled to the supporting unit, a base-end-side coupling unit that is disposed in coaxial with the leading-end-side coupling unit and turnably coupled to the moving arm, and an offset unit laterally offset with respect to an axis line R passing through the leading-end-side and the base-end-side coupling units. The offset unit is freely rotatable about the axis line R with respect to the supporting unit and the moving arm. |
| US08910903B2 |
Aircraft generating a lift from an interior thereof
The invention discloses an aircraft generating a larger lift from its interior. The fluid channel inside the aircraft communicates with the engine and the ports on the upper surface of the outer shell. With the powerful suction of the engine, the fluid on the upper surface of the outer shell is quickly sucked into the fluid channel via respective ports under conditions of long path, large area, high speed and low air pressure, which results in large lift from the interior of the aircraft. In the course of generating the lift, the fluid resistances of the fluid wall and the fluid hole are sucked into the fluid channel through the ports at the front and the surrounding area of the aircraft, then high-speed fluid is emitted from the rear port. This approach contributes greatly to the transformation of the existing aircraft. The unified big wing significantly improves the lift, the speed and the carrying capacity of the existing aircraft with lowered energy consumption. |
| US08910901B2 |
Centrally-holed paper roll with reinforcing element and method of manufacturing said roll
A roll of sheet product, in particular of tissue paper, with a central hole along its winding axis includes a cylindrical reinforcing element onto which the paper is wound. The reinforcing element includes at least one ring joined to the innermost turn of the roll, with a width less than the width of the roll and provided with a means of extracting the ring by pulling substantially along the axis of the roll. |
| US08910900B2 |
Method for operating printer web medium supply
Methods are provided for operating a web medium supply for a printer and or operating a printer having a web medium supply to which any of a plurality of different cores can be mounted, each core having a web. In one aspect, a core data condition is detected indicating that an automatic core data acquisition process is to be executed and conditions are sensed from which a difference in the rotational positions of a first engaged surface at a first end of the core and a second engaged surface at a second end of the core can be determined. Data regarding the web on the core is determined based upon the sensed conditions. |
| US08910899B2 |
Core tube holding device and image recording device
A core tube holding device comprising: a plurality of out-pushing members that are arranged side by side spaced apart in the axial direction, each having a pressing part; a connecting member for connecting the plurality of out-pushing members; a holding member that has at every position in the axial direction a pressed part corresponding to the pressing part, and that is disposed radially outward with respect to the plurality of out-pushing members; and an action unit adapted to exert a force for moving, to one side in the axial direction, a one end out-pushing member which, among the plurality of out-pushing members, is at an end on the one side; wherein: at least one from among the pressing parts and the pressed parts is formed in a tapered shape that spreads radially outward from the one side to the other side in the axial direction, and when the force for moving the one end out-pushing member acts thereon via the action unit, the one end out-pushing member moves to the one side while also pulling the other out-pushing member(s) via the connecting member, and the pressing parts of each of the out-pushing members push the holding member radially outward via the corresponding pressed parts. |
| US08910898B2 |
Paper dispenser
A paper dispenser dispenses paper from a dispenser roll lying in a dispensing position. The paper dispenser contains two transport rollers for the web of paper, the rollers defining a gap, and a mobile sensor element for identifying the end of the web of paper. The sensor element being arranged between the two transport rollers downstream of the gap in the direction of transport of the paper. |
| US08910891B2 |
Comminution of waste and other materials
Comminution apparatus is described which is tailored for the processing of green, soft, and fibrous waste. Inner and outer comminution drums bear projecting macerating features which can progressively interact to provide a shearing action on material on waste within the outer comminution drum. Screening apertures on the outer comminution drum allow for the exit of comminuted material. |
| US08910882B2 |
Fuel injector having reduced armature cavity pressure
A fuel injector for an engine is disclosed. The fuel injector may have a fuel nozzle with at least one injection orifice, and a needle element movable within the fuel nozzle between a first position at which the needle element inhibits fuel flow and a second position at which fuel flow is substantially uninhibited. The fuel injector may also have a control chamber located at a base end of the needle element, a body, and a control valve disposed within the body and movable to selectively drain the control chamber, thereby causing the needle element to move between the first and second positions. The fuel injector may further have an armature disposed within an armature cavity of the body and selectively energized to move the control valve, and a pressure reducer disposed within the body and configured to reduce a pressure of the armature cavity. |
| US08910880B2 |
Heating system
A heating system comprising a fuel burner in co-operation with a primary heat exchanger, a reservoir for storing warmed water in, and a blending valve, and a controller wherein in use a user can signal to the controller to warm the water in the water store using a heater or by the primary heat exchanger, and when hot water is required water is removed from the water store and mixed with water from a cold main prior to being or after the water from the cold main has been admitted to a further heat exchanger for heating the water. |
| US08910879B2 |
Electronic card with a programmable magnetic stripe
An electronic card with a programmable magnetic band which operates to emulate a magnetic stripe on a payment card. The card connects to a smartphone for reducing the amount of cards in a wallet using a NFC protocol. The electronic card with programmable magnetic band includes a magnetic stripe emulator, NFC communication unit, energy harvesting battery management, and high level security. Buttons are used to enter a personal code for using a default card. The card can be used on all payment terminals, and devices that can read magnetic stripes. |
| US08910877B2 |
Inductive identification card
An inductive identification card on which a card holder's identifying information is recorded in order to recognize the holder's identity via a visual inspection. The identification card is provided with a sensor film on the surface having sensor points which are distributed on its exterior, blocking points corresponding to the identifying information on the identification card, and locally changing electrical responses of sensor points in advance so that different response signals corresponding to detective signals which are applied to the sensor film are generated by the blocking points and peripheral regions, respectively. Authenticity of the identification card and the card holder's identity are recognized by determining locations of response signals. |
| US08910874B2 |
Method for providing mobile service using code-pattern
A method and apparatus for providing a mobile service with the use of a code pattern is disclosed In one embodiment, the method comprising: taking a photograph of a code pattern image, decoding the photographed code pattern image so as to obtain code information, extracting uniform resourse locator (URL) information corresponding to the code information, transmitting a content information request message to a service provider server corresponding to the URL information, and receiving content information corresponding to the URL information from the service provider server. According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide various and convenient mobile services to mobile terminal users using a mobile terminal, having a camera, and a code pattern containing the URL information. |
| US08910867B2 |
System and method for card quality assurance
A system and method for payment card quality assurance is provided. The system and method use a grid or similar graphic to optically accentuate card surface deformations in test cards. The grid enables a generic test that checks the quality across the whole card surface. Process card monitors with the grid pattern can be used to qualify card-manufacturing processes. |
| US08910865B2 |
Ballot level security features for optical scan voting machine capable of ballot image processing, secure ballot printing, and ballot layout authentication and verification
A ballot authentication system uses a plurality of security features embedded in and/or printed on the paper stock used to print a ballot on which election-choice-information is printed and a voting unit that includes at least a scanner that is configured to detect the plurality of security features that are embedded in and/or printed on the ballot and authenticate the ballot based on the read information. The voting unit of the ballot authentication system can be configured to verify and confirm that the various security features embedded in and/or printed on the ballot is correct for a particular precinct of an election. The security features of the ballot authentication system can include static, dynamic and data security features. |
| US08910864B2 |
Electronic product information display system
The invention discloses a printed label and a display shelf for a business establishment, including a display shelf having a length and at least one area on which at least one product is to be placed. The area has a length and a depth. The label includes product information printed thereon for identifying the at least one product for display on the shelf, and first and second space indicators for indicating a position, corresponding to a portion of the length of the shelf, at which the at least one product is to be placed. The label is constructed and arranged to have a predetermined length that is coextensive with the portion of the length of the area of the shelf on which the at least one product is to be placed. The first and second space indicators define the predetermined length. The first space indicator indicates where the portion of the length of the area of the shelf begins and the second space indicator indicates where the portion of the length of the area of the shelf ends. |
| US08910863B2 |
Electronic device case for mobile point of sale
A case for an electronic device is provided. The case includes a battery, an interface to receive electrical power from an external power source, a payment device reader, a product information input device, and a computer processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions. The computer processor executes the instructions to conduct communications with the electronic device, limit an amount of current of the received electrical power consumed by the case, allocate the amount of current among the battery and the electronic device based on the communications, read product information from a product using the product information input device, and read a payment device using the payment device reader, where the payment device is used to pay for the product. |
| US08910860B2 |
Systems and method for providing information to a recipient of a physical mail object
A system and method is provided for transmitting information over a wide area network, such as the Internet, in response to receiving at least a portion of mail data. In one embodiment of the present invention, information is stored in a memory. Mail data is then affixed to a mail object. The mail object is then manually delivered to a recipient. The mail data is then provided to a reception device. The reception device then uses the mail data to retrieve the information from a mail device in communication with the memory. In a preferred embodiment, the mail data includes data corresponding to the recipient of the mail object, and the information includes data on a content of the mail object (e.g., data that is included inside an envelope portion of the mail object). |
| US08910858B2 |
Medication calculator and recorder
The invention provides a device for recording information relating to, and/or calculating a required medication dosage on the basis of, a plurality of variable factors influencing a medication requirement, in particular for the management of diabetes. The device comprises a substantially cylindrical body and at least one annular dial mounted to the body and selectively rotatable about the circumference thereof. |
| US08910855B2 |
Foldable boxes
A foldable box that is interchangeable from a flat configuration to a three-dimensional configuration. The foldable box includes a first set of panels, a second set of panels and a third set of panels. The second set of panels and the third set of panels can be adhesively and foldably connected to the first set of panels to form the foldable box. |
| US08910851B2 |
Material surface modification using friction stir welding hybrid process
A system and method for modifying a work piece surface of high melting temperature materials such as Advanced High Strength Steels, wherein a friction stir welding tool may include cutting elements located on the outside diameter of a collar assembly, wherein the collar assembly may be retrofitted for existing friction stir welding tools, or may be designed as a custom attachment for a new hybrid friction stir welding tool, wherein the surface of the work piece may be modified by removing detrimental flash and burr created during operation of the friction stir welding tool. |
| US08910848B2 |
Method for manufacturing beam, and beam
A beam includes at least three web plates that are connected to a bottom flange and top flange. |
| US08910847B2 |
Low cost anvil assembly for a circular stapler
An anvil assembly for a circular stapling instrument is provided. The anvil assembly includes a one-piece, polymer anvil and a staple-forming surface. The one-piece, polymer anvil comprises an anvil base surface and an anvil shaft extending from the anvil base surface. The staple-forming surface is attached to the anvil base surface. |
| US08910844B2 |
Backpack with side access
A backpack for providing improved user access points. In particular a backpack providing for side entry into the contents. The backpack may utilize an S-shape zipper to improve access. The backpack may have multiple ways to access the inner pocket, including top access and dual side access. |
| US08910842B2 |
Expansible bicycle cargo racks
An expansible bicycle cargo rack includes a first member, a pivoting mechanism arranged on the first member, a second member arranged on the pivoting mechanism, wherein the second member is configured to rotate about the pivot mechanism between at least two positions, and an elastic member coupled between first member and the second member. |
| US08910840B2 |
Shoulder harness for portable working machine
A shoulder harness includes a harness network (102) composed of right and left shoulder belts (104) and a side-fitting belt (114) for fitting on the left side of an operator's chest and joining at one end with front ends of the shoulder belts (104) on a stomach area of the operator. The shoulder harness further includes an intermediary member (120) connected to the harness network (102) via a holding member (122) and supporting a hook (108) for retaining a working machine. The right and left shoulder belts (104) are shaped asymmetric such that a shoulder-fitting portion (110Le) of the left shoulder belt (104Le) curves or slants toward the working machine retained on the hanging element (108). |
| US08910834B2 |
Flexible container having a grip
A flexible container for containing a product includes a dispensing portion, a panel forming a first compartment for containing the product and forming a second compartment that is separate from the first compartment, and an elongated grip disposed at least in part in the second compartment. A user may grasp the grip to transport the container or to pour a product from the first compartment. The grip may also prevent the container from collapsing, allowing the container to be efficiently stored on a surface and providing a surface on the flexible container to prominently display information regarding the product. The dispensing portion may be a metered cap. |
| US08910829B2 |
Method and apparatus for beverage extraction needle guiding
Devices and methods for guiding a needle in movement through a bottle closure, such as a cork, to extract fluids from the bottle without removal of the cork. A needle may be attached to a device body by a needle base, which includes a surface arranged to engage with a needle guide to guide movement of the needle base and needle relative to the guide. A needle guide may also provide a shield for the needle tip and/or a needle opening. |
| US08910826B2 |
Sheeted cleaning media dispenser with rotation limiting hanger
A dispenser is described for dispensing sheeted cleaning media, such as disposable hand towels, in a residential or household setting using the existing towel bar for a means of placement. |
| US08910824B2 |
Annular enclosure provided with an arrangement of recesses or protrusions to reduce mechanical resonance
A hollow cylindrical vessel comprising a cylindrical outer shell (12) and a cylindrical inner shell (14) joined by annular end caps (16), wherein at least one of: an end cap, or the cylindrical outer shell (12), or the cylindrical inner shell (14), is provided with an arrangement of recesses or protrusions (18). Preferably, the arrangement of recesses or protrusions is asymmetrical in all axes. |
| US08910817B2 |
Small volume container
A single-use storage and dispensing container is provided for use with small volumes of consumer products. The container is generally sleeve-like, sealed at both ends to contain the flowable material, and is scored or otherwise includes a break point for rupture by a user to dispense the container contents. Application of a threshold pressure to the container by the user will cause the container to rupture at the break point, dispensing flowable material therefrom. The container is suitable for one-handed use. Various cross sectional shapes of the sleeve are possible. |
| US08910814B2 |
Safety device for containers holding fluid under pressure
The safety device (1) for containers includes at least two units (3) to be engaged with each other so as to define an inner volume adapted to receive the fluid under pressure, the safety device (1) comprising a closing system (4) defining a closed position in which the components (3) are combined together in a fluid-tight manner, and an open position in which they can be mutually moved apart; a vent member (5) suitable to enable the fluid under pressure to be released or prevent the fluid under pressure from being released, and at least one junction mechanism (14) to operatively connect the vent member (5) to the closing system (4), to lock the closing system (4) to the closed position when the vent member (5) is also in the closed position and preventing the opening of the closing system (4) when the vent member (5) is the closed position. |
| US08910813B1 |
Laundry hampers and sorters with accessible front loading regions
Laundry hampers and sorters are disclosed that are front loading, in that they permit removal and replacement of individual laundry bags without requiring the bags to be raised significantly in order to remove the laundry bags from a supporting frame. Removable laundry bags are supported, at least in part, by support members, such as front vertical posts having cupped or saddle-shaped supports disposed atop the vertical posts. As a result, the requirement for a top front horizontal bar of the frame is eliminated, permitting the laundry bags to be removed and replaced in position using a substantially horizontal direction of movement. This, in turn, provides ergonomic benefit, as significantly less physical effort is required to both remove and replace the laundry bags. |
| US08910805B2 |
Shelving system and components
A shelving system including brackets and shelves suspended by flexible or rigid straps from various types of shelving. The shelving system includes two frames that may include wire for forming ends of the shelving system. Each frame includes a shelf supporting element including first and second shelf rod receiving elements. A shelf is provided that includes first and second spaced rods. The rod receiving elements are configured to receive and support the rods. In another embodiment, a shelving system includes at least two brackets that are configured to engage a fixed shelf, and at least one rigid strap depending from each bracket. Two frames are each associated with and releaseably attached to one of the rigid straps and include a shelf supporting element including a shelf retaining portion. A shelf is supported by the shelf supporting element and is retained in place with the shelf retaining portion. |
| US08910804B2 |
Supporting device of display apparatus
A supporting device of a display apparatus to fix the display apparatus to a wall includes a first supporting unit coupled to the display apparatus, a second supporting unit fixed to the wall such that the second supporting unit is coupled to the first supporting unit, and a position adjustment unit to move the display apparatus in three axis directions. |
| US08910803B2 |
Line pipe tray
A line pipe tray for supporting a line pipe is provided, the line pipe tray having parallel outer sidewalls operatively coupled to parallel outer end walls, parallel inner side walls operatively coupled to the inner end walls sidewalls and a planar bottom surface extending the inner sidewalls and end walls to form a basin. The tray can further include pipe saddles on the top edges of the end walls and sidewalls. The tray can further include a pour lip on the end wall pipe saddles, and a recess on the end walls for receiving a pail or fluid container. Lifting handles cut through the end walls can further include a tab for hooking onto a pail or fluid container to keep it from slipping away when the tray is lifted and tilted to pour fluids from the basin into the pail. |
| US08910801B2 |
Inductively coupled product positioning system
A product positioning apparatus for use on display shelves is provided. The system has a track with opposed sides, and a front portion that houses an inductive transmission coil. A product pusher is coupled to the track, and is guided down the track along the sides. The pusher has an inductive receiving coil in it, that provides power to a display element on the front face of the pusher, when the receiving coil is in proximity to the transmission coil within the track. The system also includes a biasing element that biases the pusher to the front of the track. A forward stop element is coupled directly in front of the track, and stops products on the track at the front of the shelf. |
| US08910800B1 |
Transparent sports cap display rack and adjustable bill shaper
Multiple embodiments of an improved sports cap display rack comprising a comprehensive collection of serviceable features. It possesses an adjustable bill shaper, capable of shaping and maintaining a plurality of sports cap bills with varying degrees of curvature. The rack simultaneously displays the sports caps in a precise, uniform presentation, highlighting the crown indicia for artistic observation, assisting in the locating of specific caps concealed in a large collection. From a manufacturing standpoint, the unique design of the interchangeable sidewall assemblies (20A) FIG. 1 or (20B) FIG. 2 lowers retooling costs and reduces packaging, shipping and storage expense. The design of the end slot intervals (38) enhances the coupling of additional racks, rendering them suitable for small or large sized hat collections. |
| US08910799B2 |
Integrated membrane system for distributed water treatment
Integrated membrane treatment systems for treatment of an aqueous solution. In embodiments, components, such as an MBR, are integrated with means to recover energy from the system, for example from an RO concentrate, to operate the other components. In embodiments including biological treatment, RO is integrated with other components, such as an MBR with the ROs ability to remove inorganic nitrogen enabling biological treatment to be performed with only partial nitrification and the MBR operated without active pH control. In embodiments, RO is integrated with a chlorine generator to convert chlorides present in the RO concentrate for an in-situ source of oxidizing biocides for disinfection purposes. Chloramines may be generated in-situ from residual ammonia and chlorides in the RO reject. In embodiments, carrier media is employed in a membrane tank to enhance removal of residual organics by the MBR and to also improve effectiveness of membrane scouring. |
| US08910796B2 |
Method and apparatuses for screening
A screening machine includes wall members, screen assembly guide members, a screen assembly and a compression assembly. The screen assembly includes a frame with a plurality of side members and a screen supported by the frame. The compression assembly is attached to at least one wall member and forms the screen assembly into a concave shape. |
| US08910795B2 |
Magnetic separator
A magnetic separator comprising a vibratory conveyor for vibratorily flowing non-ferrous articles and articles containing ferrous material within the magnetic field of a transverse extending magnet to magnetically capture the articles containing the ferrous material while allowing the non-ferrous articles to flow therepast. The magnet is periodically retractable to remove ferrous articles magnetically adhered thereto. The use of a set of transverse extending magnets enables a continuous on-the-go separation of articles containing ferrous material from non-ferrous articles without having to shut down the vibratory conveyor. |
| US08910792B2 |
Substrate storage container
The position of a substrate temporal placement piece (4) is set so that the substrate temporal placement piece (4) does not overlap a disc-shaped substrate (W) from a viewing direction perpendicular to the surface of the disc-shaped substrate (W), when a lid (20) is attached to a substrate transfer opening (2) of a container main body (1) and the disc-shaped substrate (W) is pressed to a location where the substrate is positioned and held by a back side holding portion (3). Thereby, even if the disc-shaped substrate (W) stored in the container main body (1) is bent due to vibration, impact, etc., there is no danger that the substrate (W) is in contact with the substrate temporal placement piece (4), and the disc-shaped substrate (W) having a larger diameter can be safely stored. |
| US08910790B2 |
Separators for unitized loads
A stacked shipping configuration useful for stacked upper and lower unitized loads of soft or flexible articles such as bales of natural rubber includes an upper unitized load stacked on top of a lower unitized load. An upper separator is associated with the upper unitized load and a lower separator associated with the lower unitized load. Each separator has a first leg and a second leg with the first legs of the separators disposed against each other between the unitized loads. The separators protect the unitized loads from damage when a lifting device is inserted between the loads to lift the upper load from the lower load. |
| US08910788B2 |
Carrying case for defibrillator and accessories
A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case hinge is constructed for greater structural integrity when the case is open, and to have a flush-mount profile when the case is closed. |
| US08910780B2 |
Conveyor belt
The present invention reveals a method of manufacturing a fabric reinforcement having improved peel adhesion characteristics which is of particular value in reinforcing endless belts, wherein at least two layers of fabric material are embedded in the fabric reinforcement, said process comprising (1) impregnating a fabric material with a bonding agent in a plastisol to form coated fabric material, (2) applying a plastisol layer between two or more layers of coated fabric thereby creating a belt carcass, (3) continuously feeding the belt carcass into a double belt press which presses the impregnated fabric materials together with the plastisol layer(s) at a pressure of at least 5 psi to produce a preformed fabric carcass while (4) heating the preformed fabric carcass to a temperature which is within the range of 360° F. to 450° F. for a period of at least 6 minutes, and (5) continuously withdrawing the fabric carcass from the press. |
| US08910777B2 |
Arrangement for monitoring a conveyor system to detect damage to the conveyor belt thereof
An arrangement continuously and non-destructively monitors a conveyor system having a continuous conveyor belt with a carrying-side cover plate and a running-side cover plate, each made of a polymeric material with elastic properties. The arrangement further includes drums wherein the above-mentioned components form, in conjunction with the conveyor belt, a material-conveying top strand (A) and a material-conveying or material-free bottom strand (B). A conductor loop packet with continuous conductor loops is embedded in the conveyor belt. An electronic slit protection system contactlessly detects damage to the conveyor belt. The slit protection system is an electrical system including an interrogation station and a slit monitoring station and is connected to a central controller which controls the entire conveyor system. The arrangement is equipped, as part of a conductor loop packet, with sequential conductor loops and a sequential slit protection system. |
| US08910776B2 |
Automated packaging systems with electric motor driven actuators for compression chambers
Methods, systems, apparatus, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material. The devices include an automated compression assembly with an electric drive motor and a pusher assembly with an electric motor, preferably each electric motor is a servo motor. The systems/apparatus devices can include a programmably adjustable index and/or speed profile for the compression and/or pusher assembly. |
| US08910773B2 |
Device for treatment of bulk material, a method as well as a beam construction intended for said treatment
The present invention relates to a device for the treatment of bulk material, comprising a platform 24′, 24′, 28 for supporting bulk material and at least one outfeeding device 28 arranged on the platform for feeding bulk material placed on the platform towards an outlet 29 arranged on the platform, wherein the feeding device has a feeding direction towards the outlet, a first and a second beam 30, 31, 32, 33 is arranged on the platform above the outfeeding device, which beams extends transversal to the feeding direction of the outfeeding device and at least a portion in over of the width of the outfeeding device, wherein the second beam 32 being arranged at a higher level above the outfeeding device than the first beam 31. Further, the invention comprises a method for the treatment of bulk material, wherein the bulk material is placed on a platform 24′, 24′, 28 comprising an outfeeding device 28 and an outlet 29 arranged in connection to one end of the outfeeding device, and wherein bulk material which is placed on the platform and being fed by the outfeeding device in a direction towards the outlet and is slowed down at several places above the outfeeding device. Additionally, the device comprises a beam construction intended to be used in a device for the treatment of bulk material. |
| US08910768B2 |
Clutch control apparatus for vehicle
Taught herein is a clutch control apparatus that suppresses oil leakage from a seal member of a hydraulic cylinder even when vibration occurs, without enhancing sealability of the seal member per se. The clutch control apparatus includes normally-closed first clutch, a hydraulic cylinder, a piston, a lip seal and a pressure holding control section. The first clutch is disposed between an engine and driving wheels and is held in engagement by an elastic force applied to the first clutch CL1 by a diaphragm spring. The lip seal is disposed on the piston and enhances sealability between the piston and a housing slide surface in accordance with an increase in hydraulic pressure in the piston chamber. When the first clutch is engaged, the pressure holding control section applies a hydraulic pressure to retain the sealability of the lip seal to the piston chamber while maintaining engagement of the first clutch. |
| US08910767B2 |
Open/close member driving apparatus
A clutch mechanism includes a field core into which an electromagnetic coil is incorporated and is fixed to a base member, a rotor rotatably fitted on a shaft and passing through a central portion of the field core to be connected to a speed reduction mechanism and an armature accommodated on an inside diameter side of the output drum. The armature is fitted on the shaft in order to rotate and move in an axial direction and is magnetically attracted to the rotor when the electromagnetic coil is energized. Drum side locking portions are provided inside of the output drum such that armature side locking portions provided on an outer circumferential portion of the armature can move in an axial direction of the shaft relative thereto and can be brought into engagement therewith in a rotational direction to transmit the rotation of the armature to the output drum. |
| US08910764B2 |
Overrunning clutch with integral piloting using assembled bearing blocks
A clutch is provided that includes an inner race and an outer race that moves relative to the inner race. A pedestal is also provided and the position of the pedestal is fixed with respect to at least one of the inner race or the outer race. A bearing block is also included that engages the pedestal. In some versions of the clutch the bearing block may be made out of plastic or bronze. |
| US08910763B2 |
Hydraulic control apparatus for vehicular automatic transmission
Providing a hydraulic control apparatus for a vehicular automatic transmission, which makes it possible to design an oil pump with a reduced delivery capacity, thereby permitting an improvement of fuel economy of a vehicle.The hydraulic control apparatus includes a supply passage connecting/disconnecting valve 114A which is operated, in synchronization with a switching operation of a lock-up relay valve 114, to apply a modulator pressure PM via an orifice 118 to a lock-up clutch 18, for placing the lock-up clutch 18 in the lock-up on state, and to inhibit the application of the modulator pressure PM to the lock-up clutch 18, for placing the lock-up clutch 18 in its lock-up off state. Accordingly, the modulator pressure PM via the orifice 118 is not applied to the lock-up clutch 18 when the lock-up clutch 18 is placed in the lock-up off state, so that a total amount of flow and consumption of the working oil is reduced, making it possible to design the oil pump 20 with a reduced delivery capacity, thereby permitting an improvement of fuel economy of the vehicle. |
| US08910761B2 |
Device and method for the adaptive degradation of collision energy
A device and a method for the adaptive degradation of collision energy. A deformation element is provided which carries out a first motion in one direction for degrading the collision energy and undergoes tapering. In addition, an actuator system is provided which adjusts the tapering for the adaptive degradation as a function of a control signal. The actuator system is configured for a second motion in the axis of the direction of the first motion and for adjusting the tapering of the deformation element. As a result of the second motion, the actuator system is able to hold at least one die plate having a respective opening through which the deformation element is driven for adjusting the tapering. A number of die plates held by the actuator system is a function of the control signal. The die plates held in each case cause tapering of the deformation element. |
| US08910759B2 |
Vibration damper
A vibration damper including a cylinder with a cylinder-side connection member. The at least one mounted component is fastened to the cylinder by a material bond. The cylinder and the mounted component are made of plastic. The mounted component and/or the cylinder are based on at least one ready-prepared semi-finished product that forms the surface of the vibration damper on at least one body side in the final state. Plastic supplemental volume fractions determine the finished body contour. |
| US08910758B2 |
Integrated retarder and friction brake
A brake assembly integrates both an impeller brake and a friction brake into an integrated brake assembly that provides for retarding and/or friction braking in response to a single braking action on a single brake assembly by the operator. In neutral, the impeller brake and the friction brake are disengaged from a brake hub. In a first braking position under a first applied fluid pressure, the brake hub engages the impeller brake for retarding axle rotation. In a second braking position under a second applied fluid pressure, the brake hub frictionally engages the friction brake for frictionally braking axle rotation. |
| US08910757B2 |
Heat-dissipating device for hydraulic brake system
A heat-dissipating device for hydraulic brake system is provided. The device includes a heat-dissipating element and a plurality of heat-dissipating tube units. The heat-dissipating element has a heat-dissipating portion which has large surface area, and is located between a brake mechanism and an oil tube. The heat-dissipating tube units are sleeved around the oil tube in order. Thereby, the heat generated by the brake mechanism can be dissipated rapidly by the heat-dissipating element and the heat-dissipating tube units, so as to promote performance of the brake mechanism. |
| US08910754B2 |
Floating-disk type brake system
A floating-disk type brake system that includes floating disk assemblies placed respectively in spaces between a rotating member, such as a wheel of a transportation machine or a rotating shaft of a machine tool, and a stationary member to reduce differences in the rotating speed of adjacent sliding surfaces of the floating disk assemblies in frictional sliding engagement. The floating-disk type brake system includes a first floating disk assembly and a first disk assembly that are arranged between the ring gear and the planet carrier of a planetary gear built in a transmission or the like, and the first floating disk assembly and the first disk assembly are pressed together into frictional engagement to brake a rotating shaft. |
| US08910751B2 |
Bearing lubrication system
A bearing lubrication system for providing supplemental lubrication to a bearing mounted within a bearing housing may include a pump having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the pump is fluidically connected to a lubricating fluid sump, whereas the outlet of the pump is fluidically connected to the bearing. A pump control system operatively connected to the pump operates the pump on an intermittent basis to provide a controlled amount of lubricating fluid to the bearing. |
| US08910749B1 |
Skid-mounted scissor lift platform
A scissor lift platform adapted to attach to an existing skid steer loader provides the functionally of a scissor lift to elevate personnel and equipment. The platform comprises hand rails and a lift control panel supported by a hydraulic scissor lift assembly section. The base of the scissor lift assembly is provided with a box-like frame attachable to a front loader portion of the skid steer loader and equipped with a hydraulic pivoting mechanism to keep the platform level. |
| US08910746B1 |
Firearm suppressor
A suppressor includes baffles with geometry and spacing minimizing sound level in the human hearing range, and overlapping tapers on consecutive elements replacing welds. The geometry includes conical baffles with approach angles between 153.7 and 163.7 degrees and at least one inch separation. The suppressor is assembled by compressing the elements between threaded end caps, thus expending the overlapping tappers against the interior of a suppressor tube to center and align the baffles. The suppressor may be attached to a rifle using a quick disconnect mount which includes an adapter fixed to the rifle barrel and having an “L” shaped slot with a first leg parallel to the barrel and a second leg turned greater than 90 degrees towards the front of the adapter. A post in the suppressor engaged the slot and a spring biases the suppressor forward and holds the post at the end of the turned leg. |
| US08910744B2 |
Speaker unit
A frame including an opening, a sound outputting unit arranged inside the frame, and an elastically deformable packing attached to the frame and projecting outward from the frame to be formed into an annular shape are provided, and they are configured to be stored in a tire storage unit including a storage concave portion opening upward in which a spare tire is stored in a state in which the packing is pressed against a rim portion of a wheel below a disk portion of the wheel of the spare tire. According to this, two spaces enclosed by the packing, each portion of the wheel, and the tire storage unit are formed, so that sound may be output from a speaker unit in an excellent manner and it is not required that the speaker unit be removed from the tire storage unit when the spare tire is stored in or removed from the tire storage unit. |
| US08910741B2 |
Steering device for tractor
The present invention relates, in general, to a steering device for tractor and, more particularly, to a steering device for a tractor for enabling front wheels of the tractor to be turned to an angle over or approximate to a right angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tractor by means of a driver manipulating a steering handle, thus making it possible to increase the steering angle of the front wheels and making the turning of the front wheels smoother, whereby the tractor can turn around in place and easily perform different kinds of tasks, for example, a task required in a limited space, a task where there is a need for turning the tractor around in place, etc. |
| US08910738B2 |
Snow bike conversion system
A snow bike system includes a motorcycle converted for use in the snow with a rear suspension and belt track system. The belt track is relatively very wide and driven by a front wheel sprocket through a jackshaft. Matching shocks and struts in the rear suspension independently equalize the pressure applied to the ground. The rear strut is a sliding extension type that causes the front of the sliders to kick up when fully compressed during acceleration or climbing uphill. Increased weight on the rear track is shifted forward to keep the front ski down. The jackshaft provides both disc braking and moves the motorcycle engine drive power outboard to accommodate the wider belt track. A tubular subframe and tunnel rigidly mounts to the motorcycle's original rear swing arm pivots and shock mounts. |
| US08910737B2 |
Service hole cover mounting structure, and vehicular battery mounting structure provided therewith
A service hole cover has a housing recessed portion that has been brought from above the vehicle floor toward the battery unit through the service hole through a service hole formed in a floor panel from inside a vehicle cabin, and that covers an upper portion of a power supply circuit interrupting device from the floor panel side. An extended portion that extends toward an outside of the housing recessed portion is provided on a lower end portion of an inner peripheral wall portion of this housing recessed portion. Also, a bent-back portion that is bent back toward the floor panel side is provided on an outer peripheral side end portion of the extended portion. This bent-back portion will easily deform toward the inner peripheral wall portion side of the housing recessed portion with the outer peripheral side end portion of the extended portion as the fulcrum. |
| US08910736B2 |
Hub reduction gear and driveline for a wheeled vehicle and multi-shaft wheeled vehicle
The invention relates to a hub reduction gear (10) for a driving wheel (20) of a wheeled vehicle with a planetary gear unit, which has a sun gear (12) connectable to a drive shaft (38a, 38b), a carrier (14) for planet gears (16), which are in mesh with the sun gear (12), and a ring gear (18) being in mesh with the planet gears (16). The planet gear carrier (16) and the ring gear (18) are configured to be alternately connected to the driving wheels (20) of the vehicle and being alternately connectable to a body-fixed part (24). The invention also relates to a driveline for a multi shaft, wheel supported vehicle with a hub reduction gear (10) of planetary gear type at the driving wheels of the vehicle, wherein the planet gear carrier and the ring gear of the planetary gears on at least one side of the vehicle are configured to be alternately connected to the driving wheels of the vehicle and being alternately connectable to a body-fixed part of the vehicle. |
| US08910735B2 |
Electric vehicle
In an electric vehicle, a bearing supporting portion supporting another end of a motor shaft is provided in a reducer case and protrudes to a recessed portion while extending at a lateral side of the knuckle. The reducer case being part of a drive unit is partially housed in the recessed portion of a wheel. The drive unit can be located closer to a rear wheel by an amount corresponding to the housed portion. Accordingly, it is possible to dispose part of the drive unit inside the wheel and thereby suppress protruding of the drive unit to a small degree. |
| US08910734B2 |
Robotic ball device with improved robustness and a multitude of interactive and sensing capabilities
A robotic ball device having a center point and an axis of rotation passing through the center point around which the robotic ball device rotates during motion in a forward linear direction includes a housing and a defined pathway located on an inner face of the housing that forms a closed loop around the axis of rotation. A rolling member is contained in the housing and movably disposed on the defined pathway. An actuator is coupled to the rolling member for actuating rotation of the rolling member. A weighted component is operationally coupled to the rolling member, and the weighted component is sufficiently heavy to maintain the rolling member, during a motion in the forward linear direction, at a substantially constant angular position in a forward vertical plane, which dissects the rolling member, relative to an origin in a moving frame of reference that moves with the robotic ball device. |
| US08910726B2 |
Harvester with an attachment for a support wheel and a method for storing a support wheel of a harvester
A harvester has an attachment, for rotatably supporting the support arm of the support wheel to the frame of the header, that includes a first bearing device with a substantially horizontal axis for rotatably supporting the support arm of the support wheel to the attachment, so that the support arm is tiltable between an operating position and a stowed position. The attachment further has a second bearing device with a substantially vertical axis, for rotatably supporting the attachment to the frame, so that the attachment is tiltable between a first position whereby the axis of the first bearing device substantially transverses the direction of travel and a second position whereby the axis of the first bearing device is substantially parallel to the direction of travel. |
| US08910721B1 |
Method of use of a quick connect liner latch system for use with oil well production liner insertion with wire line
A method of use of a quick connect liner latch system assembly (QCLL). The QCLL latches each joint of a slick line deployed liner together quickly. This system can set an anchor in an existing well bore at a shallow depth and run a new liner in the well with a wire line unit using the QCLL system. The QCLL has two main sections that are locked together to form the full QCLL. The upper and lowers sections are locked together using a body lock ring. The units are not threaded together. The QCLL it has a latch with an inside diameter (ID) that is large enough to accommodate a standard liner wiper plug for the weight of the liner being run into the well. |
| US08910719B2 |
Apparatus and method of handling rod-shaped components
A device and a method for handling rod-shaped elements on drilling gear are disclosed. The device for handling rod-shaped elements on drilling gear includes a drill rod magazine on which the rod components are deposited between a center of a drill hole and a center of a drilling mast, an elevator with a guide that lifts the drill rods above a drill hole, and a drive for displacing the elevator, a gripper attached to the elevator for picking up the rod component from the drill rod magazine, and a plurality of monitors. The plurality of monitors automatically monitor the movement of the rod-shaped components amongst the magazine, the elevator, and the gripper. |
| US08910717B2 |
Frangible pressure control plug, actuatable tool including the plug, and method thereof
A frangible pressure control plug includes a first portion of a body adjacent a first end of the plug. A second portion of the body adjacent a second end of the plug. The second portion attached to the first portion in a first condition. A groove in the body interposed between the first portion and the second portion. A bore within the body passing through the first end and the first portion and inaccessible from the second end and wherein, fluid communication between the bore and the groove is prevented in the first condition and allowed in a second condition. Also included is a method of actuating a tool. |
| US08910714B2 |
Method for controlling the downhole temperature during fluid injection into oilfield wells
Methods and apparatus for using a fluid within a subterranean formation comprising forming a fluid comprising a fluid additive, introducing the fluid to a formation, observing a temperature, and controlling a rate of fluid introduction using the observed temperature, wherein the observed temperature is lower than if no observing and controlling occurred. A method and apparatus to deliver fluid to a subterranean formation comprising a pump configured to deliver fluid to a wellbore, a flow path configured to receive fluid from the pump, a bottom hole assembly comprising a fluid outlet and a temperature sensor and configured to receive fluid from the flow path, and a controller configured to accept information from the temperature sensor and to send a signal. |
| US08910710B2 |
Pumpjack production control
A method, software, and apparatus for controlling a pump configured to pump liquid out of a well. Such control may involve determining whether a production rate of gas from the well is increasing, decreasing, or steady, and whether to switch the pump between an OFF state and an ON state. Whether the pump is switched may depend upon whether the production rate of the gas is determined to be increasing, decreasing, or steady. |
| US08910707B2 |
Cement head
A top drive-pumpable cement head is provided for cementing a casing into a wellbore comprising a top sub portion with a top drive connection connectable to a top drive shaft to receive cement and impart translational and rotational forces to the casing simultaneously during cementing, and a ball launching assembly for housing and launching one or more launching balls. A bottom sub portion comprises a casing sleeve for housing one or more hollow wiper plugs and a tattle tale wire. The cement head also comprises a hammer union. The ball launching assembly is pre-loadable with the launching balls, the bottom sub is pre-loadable with the one or more hollow wiper plugs and a tattle tale wire and the top sub and the bottom sub are connectable via the hammer union for storage, prior to cementing operations. A method is also provided for assembling a cement head for completing a casing in a wellbore. |
| US08910704B2 |
Heat exchanger
An outer peripheral sealing surface of an inner surface of a core plate of a header tank is configured into a loop and extends along an outer peripheral edge portion of the core plate and clamps a packing in cooperation with an outer peripheral end portion of a tank main body of the header tank. A transition section of the outer peripheral sealing surface connects between a primary section and a secondary section, which are located in two different planes, respectively, and the plane of the secondary section is the same as a plane of a boundary portion sealing surface held between two tube connecting surfaces in the core plate. |
| US08910703B2 |
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger includes a plurality of flat tubes and at least one wavily folded fin disposed between a pair of the flat tubes. The fin includes a heat transfer portion having a folded portion joined to a planar portion of each of the pair of flat tubes, and a cut-and-raised portion. The cut-and-raised portion is formed by raising a periphery of a cutting line segment when a material of the fin is wavily folded. The cutting line segment is set in a vicinity of a hypothetical center line of the folded portion before the material of the fin is wavily folded. The cutting line segment is formed by a combination of cutting line segments intersecting with the hypothetical center line, or a combination of a cutting line segment intersecting with the hypothetical center line and a cutting line segment displaced with respect to the hypothetical center line. |
| US08910701B2 |
Spacecraft modular thermal platform with temperature responsive bypass
A thermal module for use on a spacecraft to control thermal loads coming from a heat source is disclosed. The thermal module includes a two-phase loop system and a heat rejection system. The two-phase loop system includes a thermal collector, a heat flow regulator, a by-pass line, and a condenser. The condenser and the heat rejection system are thermally coupled, such that the heat flow regulator redirects part of the thermal loads from the heat source to the condenser, from which the heat rejection system directs said thermal loads to a heat sink. The temperature of the heat source is regulated by bypassing another part of the thermal loads back to the thermal collector through the by-pass line in a proportional manner, to avoid overcooling the heat source. The heat rejection system is designed based on the hottest possible conditions for the spacecraft mission. |
| US08910699B2 |
Centrifugal casting method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for centrifugal casting, in which transfer functions are developed relating the fluidity of molten metal, for example iron of varying composition, to casting machine movement for a particular mold in order to cast objects, for example pipe, having desired and uniform characteristics, including wall thickness. Fluidity is calculated for each pour of molten metal based on the measured pour temperature and measured liquidus arrest temperature. A drive system controlled by a programmable logic controller moves the casting machine in accordance with the output of the transfer functions based on the calculated fluidity. |
| US08910695B2 |
Systems and methods for remote control of a movable partition
A remote control system for use with a movable partition comprises a motor configured to drive movement of a movable partition of a movable partition system, a processor coupled with the motor to generate an actuation signal to control the motor, and a remote control switch coupled with the motor and configured to transmit a trigger signal to the processor in response to receiving an activation signal from a remote control key. The processor is configured to control the motor to drive the movable partition to a predetermined position along a track in response to the trigger signal. A method of driving a movable partition comprises receiving an activation signal from a remote control key, and driving the movable partition to an intermediate position along a track to provide access to user interface elements of the movable partition in response to receiving the activation signal. |
| US08910690B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin pellet
An apparatus for manufacturing a continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin pellet includes a roving package constituted by a cylindrical package of a reinforcing fiber bundle, a reinforcing fiber bundle delivery device, an impregnation die, a withdrawing device disposed on a downstream side of the impregnation die, and a cutter member. The reinforcing fiber bundle delivery device includes a plurality of collapse suppressing members adapted to be pushed radially outwards against an inner periphery surface of the roving package to suppress collapse of winding layers and a pusher for displacing said plural collapse suppressing members radially outwards following the inner periphery surface of the roving package which inner periphery surface shifts radially outwards gradually as the reinforcing fiber bundle is drawn out in a successive manner. |
| US08910687B2 |
Device for placing histological and biological samples
The device for placing histological and biological samples encompasses a working area, a bin for cover glasses with a slot in the lower part, a cover glass pusher embodied in the form of a plate, the thickness of which is less than the thickness of the cover glass, a unit for placing the cover glass, which can be reciprocally displaced above the working area, and a press connected to the drive for reciprocally displacing the cover glass placing unit. This unit is embodied in the form of at least one spring-loaded, narrow plate or needle, the length of which exceeds the width of the pusher, and situated directly under the cover glass pusher in the same fastener. Said fastener is connected to the reciprocating motion drive in a direction perpendicular to the working area, wherein the reciprocating motion drive is a carriage. The carriage also accommodates guides for lowering and lifting the press. The press is embodied in the form of at least one elastic clamping element secured to the arm. The arm has a side stop placed in contact with the carriage guides. |
| US08910686B2 |
Label supplying device
A label supplying device is provided, whereby false bonding at a cylindrical label's end is reliably released, and ill-timed supplying of the label to the label supply position hardly occurs. The supplying device includes: a material delivery unit (10) for continuously delivering an elongated label base material (M) paid out from a material roll by a pay-out unit; a cutting unit (20) for cutting, at a predetermined pitch, the base material (M) delivered by the delivery unit (10); an upstream and a downstream belt transfer units (30, 40) for transferring labels (L), formed by the cutting of the cutting unit (20), to a label supply position (α); and a separation unit (50) for separating overlapping edges of the upper end of the label (L) (upstream end in the transfer direction of the label (L)) during the transferring of the label (L) by the upstream transfer unit (30). |
| US08910684B2 |
Tire innerliner with improved resistance to air permeability
A tire comprising an innerliner, where the innerliner includes a rubber and boron nitride dispersed within the rubber. |
| US08910672B2 |
Powdered drink mix dispensing assembly
A powdered drink mix dispensing assembly includes a stand that may be placed on a support surface. A hopper is coupled to a top end of the stand. The hopper has powdered drink mix stored in it. A dispenser is coupled to a bottom end of the hopper. The dispenser is selectively actuatable so the dispenser dispenses a measured amount of the powdered drink mix. A bottle is positioned beneath the dispenser. The bottle contains a fluid. The bottle receives the measured amount of powdered drink mix so the powdered drink mix is mixed with the fluid. |
| US08910670B2 |
X weave of composite material and method of weaving thereof
An X weave of composite material has multiple latitudinal fibers, multiple longitudinal fibers, and a woven center. Each longitudinal fiber is layered on two of the latitudinal fibers and then is woven through and layered under two of the latitudinal fibers. The longitudinal fibers are each woven by shifting in relative alignment position from one of the latitudinal fibers sequentially and woven radially with respect to the woven center, such that the longitudinal fibers form an X woven structure. Therefore, the intensity of the X weave can be enhanced by the X woven structure. |
| US08910667B2 |
Flexible and extendable spiral wound hose and method therefor
An expandable hose is provided formed of a sidewall formed of a spirally wound flexible member which defines an axial passageway surrounding a center axis of the formed hose. Both side edges of the flexible member in the spirally wound position are engaged with a cap member which provides a skeletal structure to maintain the axial passageway open and to bias the hose back to a collapsed length from the extended length. A fold formed in the spirally wound flexible member allows for increased distance between the two side edges and an increased maximum extended length. A telescopic pole engaged with the formed hose provides an improved extendable vacuuming tool. |
| US08910666B2 |
Apparatus and method for axially transferring fluids to a plurality of components
An apparatus for axially transferring fluid may comprise an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passageway axially therethrough and a second fluid passageway from an outer surface thereof to the first fluid passageway. An elongated tube member defines an outer surface that is received within the first fluid passageway and a third fluid passageway axially therethrough. A plurality of axial channels are defined between the tube member and the first fluid passageway or along the tube member separately from the third fluid passageway. At least one of the plurality of axial channels define a first opening near one end thereof that receives fluid from a source of fluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the first opening and that aligns with the second fluid passageway such that fluid may be transferred by the at least one fluid passageway from the source of fluid through the second fluid passageway. |
| US08910656B2 |
Fluid controller
A fluid controller is disclosed, having a body unit, a fluid controlling valve, pressure sensors, and a casing. The fluid controlling valve is attached to a component part attachment face of the body unit. The pressure sensors are attached to the component part attachment face so that the pressure sensing surfaces thereof are positioned substantially perpendicular to the component part attachment face and substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. On the lateral walls of the casing, the inner surfaces thereof are arranged to be uneven, so that such sections facing the fluid controlling valve and the pressure sensors are arranged to be thin sections, whereas at least a part of such a section that does not face the fluid controlling valve and the pressure sensors is arranged to be a thick section that is thicker than the thin sections. |
| US08910653B2 |
Valve assembly
A valve assembly is provided and includes a poppet disposed to regulate a pressure of a fluid flowing through a pathway defined between the poppet and a valve body, a drive element configured to modulate a pressure of a servo fluid to thereby control a position of the poppet relative to the valve body and an actuator body coupled to the poppet and configured to deliver a supply fluid to the drive element from a first cavity defined between the poppet and the actuator body and to deliver the servo fluid from the drive element to a second cavity defined between the actuator body and the poppet. The poppet defines a filter through which fluid flows from the pathway into the first cavity as the supply fluid. |
| US08910644B2 |
Method and apparatus for inducing turbulent flow of a processing chamber cleaning gas
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to apparatus and methods for cleaning chamber components using a cleaning plate. The cleaning plate is adapted to be positioned on a substrate support during a cleaning process, and includes a plurality of turbulence-inducing structures. The turbulence-inducing structures induce a turbulent flow of cleaning gas while the cleaning plate is rotated during a cleaning process. The cleaning plate increases the retention time of the cleaning gas near the showerhead during cleaning. Additionally, the cleaning plate reduces concentration gradients within the cleaning plate to provide a more effective clean. The method includes positioning a cleaning plate adjacent to a showerhead, and introducing cleaning gas to the space between the showerhead and the cleaning plate. A material deposited on the surface of the showerhead is then heated and vaporized in the presence of the cleaning gas, and then exhausted from the processing chamber. |
| US08910643B2 |
Ultrasonic manipulator of dental floss and method for operating the same
An ultrasonic manipulator of dental floss is provided with an ultrasonic mechanism and a floss creep controller mechanism to enable periodic floss creep during use and a reverse of creep upon a tension designation. A process controller controls floss driving and an eccentric mechanism, and a user pause function allows a stop of floss motion and a locking of drive motors to allow floss to resist undue stress and to minimize damage to drive mechanism. |
| US08910642B2 |
Hair spoon
The “Hair Spoon” is a simple curved, double-spoon shaped, device for retaining long hair near the back of the head. This enables a method and apparatus for retaining and adornment of long hair. A hair device is used to hold long hair in a fixed location. The visible surface facing away from the head may be plain or adorned with ornaments and images. Only two motions required; one continuous motion to wrap the hair and one rotation of the device to hold it in place securely and safely. The device is simple and easy to use while ensuring beauty to the beholder. |
| US08910640B2 |
Wick suitable for use in an electronic smoking article
The present disclosure relates to an electronic smoking article that provides for improved aerosol delivery. Particularly, the article comprises a wicking element useful for improving delivery of aerosol precursor to a heating element. In particular, the wick can take on a brush-like configuration. The present disclosure further relates to methods of forming an aerosol in a smoking article. |
| US08910637B2 |
Sterile drape for robotic surgical equipment
A sterile surgical drape for protecting a robotic surgical system includes an oblong drape of a clear flexible plastic material, which unfolds from a compact packet. From the proximal side of the main panel of the drape there project two pocket flaps, which are separated by a medial trough. The two pocket flaps are configured to slip over one another and together enclose the top of the control tower in an overlapping fashion, such that the robotic manipulator arms extend on either side of the main panel, while the camera/endoscope arm extends through the medial trough. The open ends of the pocket flaps are folded over to form cuffs, wherein a nurse can insert his/her hand to draw the flap over the top of the tower without touching non-sterile surfaces. The unfolding of the main panel is controlled by adhesive tabs or tear strips, so that the bottom of the panel does not engage the cart's wheels or the floor. |
| US08910634B2 |
Stress deformable and sealed breathing mask
A stress deformable and sealed breathing mask that includes an air permeable rectilinear mask body having at least one layer of air filtering material and a resilient sealing strip at an upper edge of the mask body for sealing engagement with a user's face. An upper attachment strap is in a laced engagement with the mask body and the resilient sealing strip such that tightening of the upper attachment strap about a user's head causes the resilient sealing strip to resiliently deform substantially to the contour of the user's face in the bridge area of the user's nose. A lower attachment strap secures the bottom of the mask body against a portion of the user's face below the user's mouth. |
| US08910614B2 |
Supercharger with continuously variable drive system
A combustion system comprises a supercharger with an operating range from an idled condition up to a maximum rotations per minute (RPM) of its drive shaft. An engine in the system has an engine operating range from an idled condition up to a maximum RPM of its crank shaft, the engine having at least one airflow demand for each RPM in the engine operating range for providing peak torque output. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is connected to the drive shaft for transmitting a variable amount of rotational energy to operate the supercharger. The control system controls the transmitting of the CVT based on the at least one airflow demand for each RPM in the engine operating range such that the supercharger variably pumps air across the operating range as the engine operates across the engine operating range. |
| US08910613B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine is described that includes an expansion cylinder adjacent to a first combustion cylinder (or power cylinder). Combustion gases from the first cylinder are directed to the expansion cylinder to act on the piston in the expansion cylinder. The expansion cylinder has a larger bore (i.e. larger diameter piston) and/or a longer stroke than the first cylinder. The longer stroke also results in a much larger crankshaft arm resulting in a significantly improved mechanical advantage (i.e. torque). In addition, the expansion cylinder includes a check valve that is designed to automatically open the expansion chamber to atmosphere if a negative pressure develops due to the varying amount of exhaust gases at different speeds. In one embodiment, two power cylinders can be connected to one expansion cylinder. |
| US08910611B2 |
Fluid delivery system and method of forming fluid delivery system
A fluid delivery system formed of a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first surface and a pair of first walls extending outwardly from the first surface. The second component includes a second surface facing the first surface. The second component includes a pair of second walls and a pair of inner walls which both extend outwardly from the second surface. Each of the pair of second walls and each of the pair of first walls are vibrationally welded at a primary weld joint. The pair of inner walls extends outwardly from the second surface and sealingly contacts the first surface to define a fluid passage and a pair of cavities on either side of the fluid passage. Weld flash formed during the vibrational welding of the primary joints is contained within the pair of cavities and prevented from entering the fluid passage. |
| US08910609B2 |
Piston for an internal combustion engine
A piston for an internal combustion engine has a crown, a skirt extending from the crown, a pair of pin bosses, and a plurality of struts connecting the pin bosses to inner sides of the crown and skirt. An internal combustion engine having the piston is also disclosed. |
| US08910608B2 |
Cylinder head
A cylinder head includes a combustion chamber recess on a lower surface, an exhaust port with downstream and upstream side channels, and downstream and upstream liners respectively inserted into the downstream and upstream side channels. The downstream side channel has an open end at a side surface of the cylinder head and an opposite end sealed by a bottom wall. The upstream side channel has an end open to the combustion chamber recess and an opposite end connected to a side portion of the downstream side channel. The downstream side liner includes a generally tubular member with a linear axis and has an insertion end abutting the bottom wall. The downstream side liner has a connecting hole in a side portion facing the upstream side channel and engaged by the upstream side liner, which also includes a generally tubular member. |
| US08910606B2 |
Positive control (desmodromic) valve systems for internal combustion engines
Various types of valve systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a positive control reciprocating sleeve valve system for use with an internal combustion engine includes opening and closing rockers controlled by corresponding opening and closing cam lobes. In one aspect of this embodiment, interference can be designed into the valve control system to provide additional “hold-closed” force to hold the valve against its seat during a portion of the engine cycle. In another aspect of this embodiment, positive control valve systems can include compliant components and systems, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and/or mechanical spring systems to control valve lash, facilitate sealing, etc. |
| US08910601B2 |
Cylinder air volume difference adjuster and continuous variable valve lifter including the same
A continuous variable valve lifter having a cylinder air volume difference adjuster includes a camshaft having an input cam, an eccentric control shaft disposed parallel to the camshaft, and a control link rotatable around the eccentric control shaft. An output cam is provided to open and close a valve actuator for opening/closing, and a connection link is rotatably connected to the control link, and driving the output cam by the rotation of the input cam. A cam cap is disposed where the camshaft and the eccentric control shaft are mounted.The cylinder air volume difference adjuster includes a hinge pin serving as the rotational center of the output cam disposed parallel to the camshaft, a pin holder where the hinge pin is mounted, and an adjusting bolt for selectively shifting the position of the pin holder. |
| US08910598B2 |
Vehicle internal combustion engine
A vehicle internal combustion engine wherein the vertical height of a crankcase is made short in addition to making short the anteroposterior (front to back) length of the crankcase. A vehicle internal combustion engine is configured such that a crankshaft, a main shaft, a counter shaft and an output shaft are arranged in parallel in a crankcase with the main shaft being disposed to the rear of the crankshaft and the counter shaft is disposed to the rear of the main shaft. The output shaft is disposed below and forward of the counter shaft. |
| US08910597B2 |
Reciprocating piston engine
A single-crankshaft single-cylinder fully-balanced opposed piston engine module that provides extra time for the injection and the combustion of the fuel. |
| US08910595B2 |
Fully automated, sensor-driven, catch system for a hydraulic livestock squeeze chute
A fully automated, sensor-driven, catch system for a hydraulic livestock squeeze chute which includes a plurality of spaced-apart sensors positioned on the chute.One of the sensors is positioned just outwardly of the tail gate assembly of the chute and another sensor is positioned just inwardly of the tail gate assembly of the chute. A plurality of middle sensors are positioned between the tail gate and head gate assemblies of the chute. One of the sensors is positioned just inwardly of the head gate assembly and another sensor is positioned just outwardly of the head gate assembly.The sensors send signals to a control module which controls the hydraulic cylinders of the tail gate assembly, the side squeeze panels and the head gate assembly. The sensors sense the movement of the animal as it passes through the chute. |
| US08910591B2 |
Apparatus and methods for capacitively coupled plasma vapor processing of semiconductor wafers
A capacitively coupled plasma reactor comprising a processing chamber, a first electrode, a second electrode and a thermoelectric unit. The processing chamber has an upper portion with a gas inlet and a lower portion, and the upper portion is in fluid communication with the lower portion. The first electrode has a front side and a backside and is positioned at the upper portion of the processing chamber. The second electrode is positioned in the lower portion of the processing chamber and is spaced apart from the front side of the first electrode. The thermoelectric unit is positioned proximate to the backside of the first electrode and is capable of heating and cooling the first electrode. |
| US08910589B2 |
High-speed wire coating device and method
A device is provided for depositing a treatment substance on the surface of a moving thread. The device comprises a tank configured to contain a liquid solution of the substance that is used to deposit the substance on the surface of the thread. The device also includes at least one nozzle having a nozzle inlet configured to receive said solution. The at least one nozzle is directed to spray the received solution towards the thread with a spray velocity in a form of jets, and the jets converge on the thread to adjust a thickness of the solution remaining on the thread by removing excess liquid entrained by the thread. The device further includes a pump that is coupled to the nozzle inlet and a treatment apparatus. The pump is configured to regulate the spray velocity according to a run speed of the thread. |
| US08910587B2 |
Image forming apparatus and liquid application device
An image forming apparatus includes an application device. The application device has an application roller to apply a treatment liquid onto a recording medium before an image is formed on the recording medium. The application roller has a core member serving as a rotation shaft of the application roller and an elastic surface member disposed around the core member. The core member has a plurality of convex ring portions formed along a circumferential direction of the core member around a circumferential surface of the core member and a plurality of concave ring portions formed between the plurality of convex ring portions. The convex ring portions and the concave ring portions are alternately arranged. |
| US08910585B2 |
Thermal indicator
A heat-sensitive indicator that prevents a solid-state colored hot-meltable substance from being absorbed into an absorber and surely absorbs a colored melt includes an ampule bottle enclosing a colored heat-sensitive material that melts into a colored melt at a predetermined temperature, a composite membrane rolled cylindraceous body joining an absorbable membrane for the colored melt onto one surface side of an impermeable membrane for the colored melt so that the impermeable membrane is located inside thereof, and a tube inserting and sealing the ampule bottle into a space surrounded by the impermeable membrane through which the absorbable membrane color is visible from the outside. After part of the ampule bottle is broken below the melting point of the colored heat-sensitive material to discharge a portion of the heat-sensitive material into the space and the heat-sensitive material is melted, a colored portion of the absorbable membrane is formed. |
| US08910584B2 |
Storage unit that converts into a boat
The present invention is directed to a storage unit that converts into a boat. The storage unit can store emergency or other supplies as well as components for quickly converting the storage unit into a boat. The compact design of the storage unit allows it to be stored in many different locations including inside or outside a home, business, institution, church, or other buildings, and above or below ground such as on a deck or patio, in a shed, garage, or basement, etc. where it can be quickly accessed and converted into the boat. The storage unit is further convertible into a cart using the components for converting the storage unit into the boat. |
| US08910583B2 |
Method of sewing fastener stringer and method of manufacturing product to which fastener is attached
A fastener attached product is structured such that a slide fastener is sewn to right and left attached bodies which are bent in a U-shape, and the right and left attached bodies are arranged in a tape surface side to which the element rows of the fastener tape are sewn. Further, the right and left attached bodies come into contact with the outer surfaces of right and left flanges which are arranged in a slider, and the element rows are arranged and exposed between the right and left attached bodies. As a result of this configuration, since the fastener tape is invisible from the outside by the attached body, exposing the element rows can provide the fastener attached product with different design from conventional products and eliminate problems due to degradation in the appearance and design which is caused by the exposure of the fastener tapes. |
| US08910580B1 |
Wall mount cabinet assembly
A wall mount cabinet assembly safely mounts a flat screen television to a wall while also providing storage space for additional items. The assembly includes a frame having a first side positioned opposite a second side. A plurality of shelves is coupled to the frame and extends between the first side and the second side of the frame. A first side of each of the shelves extends outwardly of a front side of the frame. The plurality of shelves comprises at least two shelves wherein an uppermost one of the shelves is configured to support a flat-screen television positioned on the uppermost one of the shelves and a bottommost one of the shelves is configured to store items thereon. A plurality of mounting brackets is coupled to the frame and the shelves wherein the mounting brackets are configured for mounting the television to a wall surface. |
| US08910578B2 |
Aerial cable car system having transportation operating equipment for passenger and/or freight transport
An aerial cable car system including transportation operating equipment for passenger and/or freight transport, wherein electrical consumers are connected for operation thereof to a rechargeable electrical energy store of a transportation operating equipment by a respective power circuit. The transportation operating equipment includes an operating control device connected to measuring devices for dynamically capturing measurement values based on available quantity of energy in the energy store. The operating control device includes a storage module having at least one stored measurement control value and an associated control parameter. The operating control device includes a filter module comparing a captured measurement value to the at least one stored measurement control value and reading out corresponding stored control parameter, based on which power circuits can be selectively coupled or decoupled to the energy store by the operating control device. Electrical consumers in transportation operating equipment can be fed without interruption by the energy store, even during travel. |
| US08910569B2 |
Drive system for a forming press
The invention relates to a press drive by means of direct drive modules, wherein a space-saving construction with low height for the press can be achieved. |
| US08910568B1 |
Reinforced press base, piston cavity sleeve, and method of reinforcing a press base
High pressure presses, components for high pressure presses and related methods are provided herein. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a press base assembly is provided. The press base may include a piston cavity formed in the press base and a piston cavity sleeve positioned in the piston cavity. The piston cavity sleeve may include a wall having an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The piston cavity sleeve may further include a floor having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. An outer radius may be formed at a juncture of the outer surface of the wall and lower surface of the floor and an inner radius may be formed at a juncture of the inner surface of the wall and upper surface of the floor. The inner radius may exhibit a radius of curvature that is greater than a radius of curvature of the outer radius. |
| US08910562B2 |
Pneumatic system for controlling aluminum bath crust breaker
A pneumatic system controlling a bath crust breaker includes a cylinder defining a piston chamber. A piston is slideably displaced within the cylinder by pressurized fluid directed to either a piston chamber first portion with respect to the piston or a piston chamber second portion oppositely positioned about the piston. A pneumatic valve system includes a first control valve aligned between first control valve first and second positions, the first control valve first position aligned with the first portion, and in the first control valve second position is aligned with the second portion. A second control valve is aligned between second control valve first and second positions. An orifice between a pressure source and first control valve is sized to control fluid flow rate so a pressure reached in either the first or second portion during a crust breaking cycle is less than a pressure source maximum pressure. |
| US08910561B2 |
Semi-automatic pistol with a sliding barrel
The pistol comprises a frame (1) containing a barrel (4) slidably mounted. The pistol further comprises a firing mechanism comprising a hammer (11) mounted so that it can pivot at the rear of the pistol, and a trigger (10) secured to an actuating arm (15) that acts on means (19) of arming the hammer (11) and retaining it in the armed position. The means for arming and retaining the hammer (11) comprise a link (19) directly connected to the hammer (11) by an articulation (20) and which is actuated via a lever (40) pivot-mounted in the frame (1). The lever has a top end actuated by the barrel as the latter moves into its forward position in order to cause the lever (40) to pivot, and a bottom end acting like a cam on the link (19) by pushing it backwards in order to rearm the hammer (11). |
| US08910560B2 |
Adjustable gun mount
An adjustable gun mount is adapted for use in a motor vehicle and can be adjusted to support different sizes and types of weapons. The gun mount limits the release of a stored weapon to authorized users. |
| US08910559B1 |
System and method for modular turret extension
A modular turret extension system for providing improved situational awareness and methods for manufacturing and using same is provide herein. The turret extension system includes a first and second coupling end, a plurality of extension members extending between the first and second coupling end, a viewing chamber defined by the first and second coupling ends and the plurality of extension members and a plurality of viewing ports each defined by a portion of one or more of the extension members. |
| US08910557B2 |
Payload deployment system and method
A payload deployment system includes a mount for receiving one or more payload modules that each include one or more payloads to be deployed. The payload modules also each include a sleeve, with the one or more payloads are in one or more openings in the sleeve. The payloads may be contained in respective containers, such as hermetically-sealed containers, that are in the openings. The electrical coupling may be wireless coupling, for transferring electrical power to the payload module(s), and for communication, such as networked communication, between the mount and the one or more payload modules. The wireless coupling may be inductive coupling that involves overlap of inductive elements such as wire coils. The payload deployment system may also include one or more translators for translating commands and/or other communications between the one or more payload modules and a platform to which the payload deployment system is coupled. |
| US08910556B2 |
Bottom hole firing head and method
Detonation of a perforating gun is initiated by engagement of the lower distal end of the gun assembly against a bottom hole bore plug. A fluid pressure actuated firing head is initiated by well fluid that is pressurized by a free piston having an integral rod projecting from the distal end of the gun assembly. The piston is displaced against a closed fluid volume when the projecting rod engages the bore plug. |
| US08910555B2 |
Non-cylindrical mandrels
A mandrel for manufacturing a vascular device for treating a vessel includes an elongate strand and a plurality of bulbs coupled to the elongate strand. The elongate strand may extend through each of the plurality of bulbs. The mandrel may include first and second elongate strands each including a plurality of bulbs. The first and second elongate strands may be separable at an intermediate portion coupling the first and second elongate strands. A vascular device manufactured utilizing the mandrel may be configured to treat a vessel. |
| US08910546B2 |
Transmission assembly including brake
A motorcycle transmission assembly including a transmission housing having a hollow interior. The assembly includes a gear train having gears mounted in the hollow interior of the housing. The train includes an input operatively connectable to a motor of the motorcycle and an output operatively connectable to a drive wheel of the motorcycle. The transmission assembly includes a brake rotor having opposite faces operatively connected to the output of the gear train via at least one gear. The transmission assembly includes a brake caliper fixedly mounted with respect to the transmission housing having opposing brake pads. Each of the pads is positioned on one of the brake rotor faces. The pads are moveable between a running position in which the pads are spaced from the faces and a braking position in which the pads engage the faces to resist rotation of the gear and thereby the output. |
| US08910542B2 |
Panel for a domestic appliance having a rotary switch, and domestic appliance
A panel for a domestic appliance having a rotary switch, the rotary switch having a rotary element, a latching ring, at least one latching element and a rotation axis about which the rotary element rotates relative to the latching ring, wherein the latching ring has at least one latching lug on its inner face, said latching lug projecting radially toward the center the latching ring, wherein the latching element is held on the rotary element and is prestressed radially outward against the inner face of the latching ring, wherein the rotary element and the latching ring are arranged along the rotation axis, and wherein the latching ring is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the panel. A corresponding domestic appliance having a panel is also disclosed. |
| US08910540B2 |
System for electrically locking a steering column, and steering column including such a locking system
The invention relates to an electric locking system (1) for locking the position of a steering column of a vehicle relative to the dashboard of said vehicle, the steering column including a tube-body movably mounted in a supporting assembly for enabling the manual adjustment of said steering column. The locking system includes means (2) for locking the tube-body on the supporting assembly, an electric motor (4) coupled to the locking means (2) for driving the latter and placing the steering column in an unlocked state or a locked state, motor control means providing motor actuation instructions for placing the steering column in the locked state and/or in the unlocked state, and means for detecting the state of the steering column and for generating an electric signal representative of the state of the column. |
| US08910539B2 |
Robot with reducer
A robot includes a base seat, a first arm fixed to the base seat, a second arm rotatably connected to the first arm, an output shaft rotatably connected to a distal end of the second arm, a first driving member, and a first transmission mechanism. The first transmission mechanism includes a first transmission belt and a reducer. The first driving member is located at one end of the first arm adjacent to the base seat, the reducer is located at the other end of the first arm away from the base seat, and connected to the second arm, the first driving member is capable of driving the reducer via the first transmission belt. |
| US08910530B2 |
Method and apparatus for the measurement of flow in gas or oil pipes
The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring a flow rate through a conduit, such as a pipeline. The method comprises providing a reference parameter, measuring a first parameter at a first position at the conduit and determining a difference between the first parameter and the reference parameter. The flow rate through the conduit is determined based on the difference between the first parameter and the reference parameter. |
| US08910529B2 |
Gas flow-rate verification system and gas flow-rate verification unit
A gas flow-rate verification system includes: process gas lines each being arranged to supply gas from a process gas supply source to a process chamber through a first line cutoff valve, a second line a cutoff valve, and flow control device; and a shared gas line connected in a branch form to the process gas lines to discharge gas from a shared gas supply source through the second line cutoff valve and the flow control device. The shared gas line includes a shared cutoff valve, a measuring tank, a first pressure sensor, and a pressure regulating valve. When the first line cutoff valve and the shared cutoff valve are closed, the first pressure sensor measures a pressure drop of gas in the tank to verify a flow rate of the flow control device. The pressure regulating valve feedback-controls secondary side pressure of the pressure regulating valve. |
| US08910525B1 |
Eccentric load sensing device used to sense differential pressures
A differential pressure sensor positioned adjacent a pressure chambers separated by a nozzle. Flow in a conduit is determined by detecting the pressure on either side of a nozzle. Changes in pressure are proportional to a change in flow. An integrated differential pressure sensor having different pressure detecting portions with strain gauges thereon detects differences in deflection of each pressure sensor portion resulting from change in fluid flow. A bridge circuit detects changes in the signals from the two different pressure sensor portions creating a differential which is proportional to a change in liquid flow. The present invention reduces the need for calibration of pressure sensors and improves the detection of fluid flow. The invention can detect small changes in fluid flow and is particularly applicable to the medical field where, small fluid flows must be measured or determined accurately. |
| US08910522B2 |
Sensor-based orientation system
A method for measuring positional changes of an object, including rotation about any or all of three axes, using linear accelerometers. There is disclosed a method of using a linear accelerometer to integrate two 3D linear accelerometers in order to measure and supply for further use six-dimensional information, that is, translation in three dimensions and rotation about three axes. Two linear accelerometer sensors are used to determine all but rotation about an imaginary axis between the accelerometers. Output from a third accelerometer may be used to generate the data needed to determine rotation about the imaginary axis. The need for a gyroscope for detecting changes in heading (i.e., yaw or azimuth) may therefore be avoided. |
| US08910519B2 |
Vibration gyro element
A vibration gyro element that includes a piezoelectric substrate configured to have a shape that is line-symmetrical about each of the two detection axes X1 and X2 which are parallel to a principal surface and orthogonal to each other; and a plurality of pairs of principal surface electrodes which are provided on front and back principal surfaces of the piezoelectric substrate. The piezoelectric substrate is formed from a monocrystal classified into the trigonal system 3m point group, and a crystal axis X of a crystal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) coincides with an axis that equally divides between the two detection axes X1 and X2. |
| US08910515B1 |
Instrumented magnetic projectile
An instrumented projectile that senses and transmits change(s) in position of a projectile subsystem(s) during an interior ballistic event in real-time. |
| US08910510B2 |
Method for diagnosing the performance of a catalytic converter
The invention relates to a method for diagnosing the performance of a catalytic converter (3) of a petrol automobile onboard the vehicle, the catalytic converter being mounted on the exhaust line (1) of the vehicle, wherein said method comprises placing two oxygen probes (5, 6) on the exhaust line (1) upstream and downstream from the converter (3), respectively, analysing the signals (7, 16) thereof, and comparing the signal (16) of the downstream probe (6) with a threshold in order to carry out a passive diagnosis during a first period of the lifespan of the converter (3), after which, during a last period of the converter (3) lifespan, an intrusive diagnosis of the converter (3) performance is carried out using the two probes (5, 6) and a diagnosis automaton, by measuring the oxygen storage capacity of the converter (3). |
| US08910504B2 |
Device for compensating a filling level
A device for compensating a filling level (34) in a pressure vessel (1) for an extinguishing agent, includes an extinguishing line (32), a propellant-gas line (37) supplied with propellant gas (31), and an adapter (3) on a threaded socket of the pressure vessel (1). A compensation tank (30) is in communication with the pressure vessel and a shut-off member (9) is arranged between the compensation tank (30) and the pressure vessel (1). The shut-off member is closed automatically to isolate the compensation tank from the pressure vessel when a propellant is applied to the pressure vessel so that the extinguishing agent can be stored without pressure in the extinguishing-agent vessel and can be monitored using a simple device. |
| US08910501B2 |
Winding mandrel for vasoocclusive coils
The winding mandrel includes a pair of generally rounded-cube shaped or orthogonally flat-sided spherical main bodies connected together and having a plurality of cylindrical posts for forming vasoocclusive coils. The main bodies are connected together by a transition post, and the posts of the two main bodies are typically offset. A front end post and back end post are disposed on the front and rear ends of the mandrel. A short winding post member may be added between the connections of the two main bodies to provide additional winding posts. |
| US08910500B2 |
Low friction end feeding in tube hydroforming
An end plunger for end feeding during a hydroforming process (such as tube hydroforming) has at least one releasable seal. The effect of the releasable seal is that it avoids pressurizing the blank in a nip area, thereby reducing friction and wear, and allowing increased end feeding with a given end feeding force. The releasable seal may be actuable, for sealing or releasing. The plunger may be modular or monolithic. A kit and method may incorporate the end plunger. |
| US08910499B2 |
Multifunctional locking device and servomotor with actuator which can be wound up around an interchangeable reel
Disclosed are a multifunctional locking device a housing, and a motor in the housing. An actuator includes a distal end, a filament configured to convey a signal between the distal end and the housing, a first actuator section including a first plurality of engagement members, and a second actuator section including a second plurality of engagement members. There is a reel in the housing, the reel being driven by the motor, the reel being configured to wind up and store the first actuator section at a time when the first engagement members are disengaged from the second engagement members. A combining head is configured to bring the first actuator section together with the second actuator section, to engage the first engagement members with the second engagement members, thereby increasing a rigidity of the actuator, enabling the actuator to impart both a pushing force and a pulling force to an object. |
| US08910494B2 |
Container with flexible walls
A container arrangement has a container with a flexible wall. The container may be a disposable container and is insertable into a supporting container so that an inner supporting surface of the supporting container surrounds and supports a lateral wall of the container. At least one baffle that has a temperature-regulating system is disposed in proximity to the lateral wall of the container and/or the supporting surface of the supporting container. |
| US08910493B2 |
Oil free falling film heat exchanger
A falling film plate type heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a pressure vessel surrounding an encapsulated stack of plates. Each plate has a primary fluid side and a secondary fluid side. The primary fluid will be a refrigerant—such as R-134a. The secondary fluid will typically be water. A film of refrigerant is applied to the primary fluid side of each plate, where it evaporates by absorbing heat from the secondary fluid on the other side of the plate. The invention uses embossed patterns on the plates to direct the flow of the primary and secondary fluids in a desired pattern. Further, the primary fluid side of each plate has a roughened surface treatment to increase the effective surface area and thereby increase the heat transfer rate. |
| US08910492B2 |
Wall-mounted air-conditioning apparatus
An upper suction port is formed in a main-body upper part of an air-conditioning apparatus main body, a suction opening part is formed in a front grill disposed on a main-body front face of the air-conditioning apparatus, a suction opening whose opening is directed upward is formed by consecutively providing an air guide wall inclined downward inside the main body on the upper edge of the suction opening, and the suction opening is located between a part, in the main-body height direction, lower than a straight line passing through a rotation center of an impeller and a closest contact point between the impeller and a front-face heat exchanger and a part, in the main-body height direction, higher than a straight line parallel with the straight line and passing through the impeller and a tongue part of a stabilizer. |
| US08910491B2 |
Modular chiller system and method for retrofit
A Modular Chiller System integrated into a single Standalone Rack Assembly having vertically positioned air intakes, heat exchanger, and an air deflector is disclosed. The orientation of the components in the Standalone Rack Assembly allows for maximum heat exchange from a rack of hot food items positioned coextensively to the Chiller System. Hot air from the food rack is received through the air intakes into the heat exchanger where chilled air is recirculated outward through said frame assembly. The Chiller System is portable and can be retrofitted to existing walk-in cooler configurations, or be embodied in standalone and portable refrigeration enclosures. |
| US08910482B2 |
Aircraft engine nozzle
An apparatus and method comprising a fan nozzle sleeve, a plurality of slider mechanisms, and a fan nozzle actuator system. A flow of gases generated by an engine moves through and exits the engine at an aft end of the fan nozzle sleeve. The plurality of slider mechanisms is configured to connect the fan nozzle sleeve to a translating sleeve for a thrust reverser for the engine. The fan nozzle actuator system is configured to activate the plurality of slider mechanisms to move the fan nozzle sleeve in an aft direction to change a direction of the flow of gases exiting the engine at the aft end of the fan nozzle sleeve. |
| US08910480B2 |
Fuel injector with radially inclined vanes
A fuel injector comprises a plurality of swirler vane passages defined between swirler vanes. Each vane is leant with respect to the true radius of the swirler. The pressure distribution through the swirler passages is improved and the flow of air over a prefilmer located at the radially outer edges of the swirl vanes is improved and consequently atomization of fuel is improved and levels of NOx is reduced. |
| US08910478B2 |
Model-free adaptive control of supercritical circulating fluidized-bed boilers
A novel 3-Input-3-Output (3×3) Fuel-Air Ratio Model-Free Adaptive (MFA) controller is introduced, which can effectively control key process variables including Bed Temperature, Excess O2, and Furnace Negative Pressure of combustion processes of advanced boilers. A novel 7-input-7-output (7×7) MFA control system is also described for controlling a combined 3-Input-3-Output (3×3) process of Boiler-Turbine-Generator (BTG) units and a 5×5 CFB combustion process of advanced boilers. Those boilers include Circulating Fluidized-Bed (CFB) Boilers and Once-Through Supercritical Circulating Fluidized-Bed (OTSC CFB) Boilers. |
| US08910477B2 |
Thermodynamic cycle
A method of improving heat utilization in a thermodynamic cycle, the method comprising heating a working stream in a at least one distillation assembly to produce a rich stream and a lean stream; wherein the distillation assembly comprises a bottom reboiler section, a middle distillation section and a top condenser section; superheating the rich stream in at least one superheater to produce a gaseous working stream; expanding the gaseous working stream in at least one means for expansion to obtain energy in usable form and at least one spent stream; mixing the spent stream and the lean stream to produce a mixed stream; condensing the mixed stream in an absorber-condenser assembly using cooling water to obtain a condensed stream; exchanging heat between the condensed stream and the rich stream to partially condense the rich stream before step b); whereby the condensed stream on heat exchange gives a liquid working stream; exchanging heat between the liquid working stream and the lean stream in at least one heat exchanger before step d) to produce the working stream; and, recycling the working stream to the distillation section of the distillation assembly. |
| US08910474B2 |
Hydraulic system
A hydraulic system includes a first pump, a first actuator fluidly connected to the first pump via a first closed-loop circuit, a second pump, and a second actuator fluidly connected to the second pump via a second closed-loop circuit. The system also includes a third pump, a third actuator fluidly connected to the third pump via a third closed-loop circuit, a fourth pump, and a fourth actuator fluidly connected to the fourth pump via a fourth closed-loop circuit. The system further includes a first combining valve configured to combine fluid from the first and second circuits, a second combining valve configured to combine fluid from the second and third circuits, and a third combining valve configured to combine fluid from the third and fourth circuits. The system also includes a fourth combining valve configured to combine fluid from the first and fourth circuits. |
| US08910473B2 |
Pipe layer and warm-up method for pipe layer
A warm-up pilot pressure control unit adjusts pilot pressure inputted to a first flow channel open/close unit so that the flow channel open/close unit is switched to an open state when a warm-up start state is entered under the necessary condition that a first winch operation member is in a neutral position. When the first flow channel open/close unit is in the open state, a first pump displacement adjustment unit adjusts the displacement of a first hydraulic pump so that the differential pressure between a first pump hydraulic circuit and a first warm-up hydraulic circuit becomes constant at a predetermined set pressure. |
| US08910472B2 |
Utility vehicle
An exhaust system of a vehicle used for a parallel multiple cylinder engine in which a plurality of cylinders are aligned in vehicle width directions, at least comprising: an exhaust manifold that is connected to a plurality of exhaust ports formed in a front face of a cylinder head of the engine with respect to a vehicle traveling direction and that extends approximately horizontally in vehicle width directions along a front face of the cylinder head; and an exhaust pipe connected to an exhaust downstream end of the exhaust manifold. |
| US08910467B2 |
Hybrid vehicle control device and hybrid vehicle
In controlling a hybrid vehicle, an internal combustion engine and an electric motor are controlled such that, when a power request is received while traveling with an operation of the internal combustion engine stopped and a requested power required for traveling is higher than a predetermined power, the operation of the internal combustion engine is started with an intake air volume based on the requested power and the hybrid vehicle travels with the requested power. When the power request is received for the first time after ignition-on, the start control for controlling the internal combustion engine is performed such that the operation of the internal combustion engine is started with an intake air volume lower than that based on the requested power. The hybrid vehicle includes a controller that performs the above control, an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a battery, and a purification device. |
| US08910466B2 |
Exhaust aftertreatment system with diagnostic delay
An apparatus and method of controlling a vehicle aftertreatment system is provided. The aftertreatment system treats exhaust gas produced by the vehicle engine and includes a particulate filter, and a NOx reducing device such as a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device. The particulate filter is configured to regenerate to remove accumulated particles when the exhaust gas is heated above a regeneration temperature. A diagnostic device is included for monitoring the aftertreatment system. The diagnostic device may be a sensor for measuring the oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and/or an SCR efficiency monitor. A controller is employed to optimize the function of the diagnostic device. The controller does not enable the diagnostic device when the vehicle is powered until one or more entry conditions are satisfied. |
| US08910463B2 |
Turbine starter lubricant cooling
A cooling system for turbine starter lubricant includes one or more outflow transfer passages (54) extending from the turbine starter (10) to a secondary component (40). At least one heat exchange passage (56) affixed at a first end to an end of an outflow transfer passage (54) of the one or more outflow transfer passages (54), is located in the secondary component (40) having a lower interior temperature than the turbine starter (10). One or more return transfer passages (60) are affixed to a second end of the at least one heat exchange passage (56) and extend from the secondary component (40) to the turbine starter (10). Flowing a volume of starter lubricant (42) through the one or more outflow transfer passages (54), the at least one heat exchange passage (56), and the one or more return transfer passages (60) removes thermal energy from the volume of starter lubricant (42) and returns the volume of starter lubricant (42) to the turbine starter (10). |
| US08910458B2 |
Method for mowing around obstacles
A mower cuts vegetation and brush growing around and near obstacles. A supporting member pivotally connects to a supporting vehicle. The supporting member includes a pivotal connect that connects to a mower arm. The mower arm provides a pivotal connect at one end for a pivotal arm to connect thereto. The pivotal arm pivoting about an axis of rotation defined by the pivotal connect. Two rotary cutters connect to both ends of the pivotal arm and rotate about an axis of rotation defined by their respective pivotal connects. |
| US08910453B2 |
Vacuum insulated glass units system
Vacuum systems comprising vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units are provided. The vacuum spaces within the VIG units are connected to one another and to one or more vacuum pumps that are configured to operate during the service lives of the VIG units. |
| US08910452B2 |
Hurricane tie fastener and method of use
A hurricane tie fastener and method are provided for securing a truss to a wall structural member. The fastener includes upper and lower vertical perpendicular plates with respective nail-receiving through holes formed therein. A horizontal arm extends from adjacent the bottom of the upper plate away from the lower plate. A leg extends upwardly from the arm. A truss-receiving space is formed between the upper plate and leg having a top entrance opening for receiving the bottom of the truss when the fastener is moved upwardly relative to the truss. The fastener is self-supporting on the truss to make the nailing of the fastener to the truss and wall member easier and safer. |