| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09005511B2 |
System and method for continuous flow production of nanometric or sub-micrometric powders by the action of laser pyrolysis
The invention relates to a system for continuous flow production of nanometric or sub-micrometric powders under the action of laser pyrolysis by interaction between a beam emitted by a laser and a flow of reagents emitted by at least one injector, wherein the laser is followed by an optical device allowing the energy of the beam to be distributed along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the flow of reagents, in an elongated cross-section with adjustable dimensions at least at one interaction area between this beam and the flow of reagents emitted by at least two injectors located perpendicularly to the axis of the beam. It also concerns a method for producing such powders. |
| US09005500B2 |
Method of manufacturing film for film capacitor and film for film capacitor
When extrusion of a molten resin by means of an extruder is started, a simple polyetherimide resin is melt extruded from a lip portion 7a of a T-die 7, and a film of the simple polyetherimide resin is molded. The molding material is then switched to a resin composition including the polyetherimide resin and a fluorine resin and then a film of the resin composition is continuously extruded and molded from the T-die 7. Having been covered with a very thin film 8a of the simple polyetherimide resin, on a flow passage face of the lip portion 7a of the T-die 7, a resin composition layer 8b including a polyetherimide resin and a fluorine resin, which has affinity with the film 8a, is then formed at a center part. |
| US09005495B2 |
System and method for rapidly heating and cooling a mold
A portable mold-temperature control unit includes a local heating system, a first fluid duct, a second fluid duct, and a fluid exchange system. The local heating system includes a local heater for heating fluid that is used to rapidly heat a mold. The first fluid duct carries hot fluid heated by the local heating system. The second fluid duct carries cool fluid that is used to rapidly cool a mold. The fluid exchange system includes an outlet that permits fluid to flow from the first and second fluid ducts to the mold during heating and cooling, respectively. The fluid exchange system also includes an inlet that receives the fluid as it returns from the mold. In one embodiment, the heating system reheats the fluid returning from the mold and reuses it to heat the mold again. In a more particular embodiment, the heating system includes a steam generator that generates steam used to heat the mold. In another embodiment, the portable mold-temperature control system includes a local cooling system that cools the fluid used to cool the mold. In a more particular embodiment, the local cooling system cools fluid returning from the mold and reuses it to cool the mold. A method for using the portable mold-temperature control unit is also disclosed. |
| US09005492B2 |
Methods for making silicone hydrogel lenses from water-based lens formulations
Described herein are methods for producing silicone hydrogel lenses. The methods involve introducing into a mold a water-based lens-forming composition, curing the lens-forming composition in a mold to form the lens, and removing the lens from the mold. The lens-forming composition comprises (i) a polysiloxane-containing vinylic monomer or macromer, (ii) at least one hydrophilic vinylic monomer, (iii) a surfactant, and, and (iv) water. The surfactant is polysiloxane-containing surfactant that is free of actinically-polymerizable groups and is a copolymer having from about 10% to about 40% by weight of one or more polysiloxane segments and from about 90% to about 60% by weight hydrophilic units and/or segments. The methods permit the use of water as a solvent and reduce the need for organic solvents. Additionally, the lenses produced by the methods can have improved properties such oxygen permeability. |
| US09005491B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition for color filter and color filter using the same
A photosensitive resin composition for a color filter includes (A) an acrylic-based binder resin including a structural unit represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, wherein the definitions of R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same as set forth in specification; (B) an acrylic-based photopolymerizable monomer; (C) a photopolymerization initiator; (D) a colorant; and (E) a solvent. |
| US09005490B2 |
Material for solid state sintered material
A solid state sintered material is described that includes a mixed oxide of lanthanum, strontium, cobalt, iron and oxygen, and CaCO3 inclusions. The solid state sintered material can also include calcium oxide, which can form from thermal composition of calcium carbonate. The solid state sintered material can also include a pore-forming particulate material such as carbon black and/or a doped ceramic metal oxide ionic conductor such as Sm-doped ceria uniformly dispersed in the solid state sintered material. The solid state sintered material can be formed from a two-step process in which a portion of the CaCO3 is mixed with the mixed oxide materials and heated to form porous agglomerates, and the remaining CaCO3 is added during the formation of a sintering paste. The solid state sintered material described herein can be used as a cathode material for solid oxide fuel cell. |
| US09005488B2 |
Aqueous ink for producing high-temperature electrochemical cell electrodes
The invention aims at an aqueous ink for high-temperature electrochemical cell electrodes and/or electrolyte containing particles of at least one mineral filler, at least one binder, and at least one dispersant. It also concerns the electrode and the electrolyte using such an ink. |
| US09005487B2 |
Tablet for ion plating, production method therefor and transparent conductive film
A tablet for ion plating enables to attain high rate film-formation of a transparent conductive film suitable for a blue LED or a solar cell, and a noduleless film-formation not generating splash, an oxide sintered body most suitable for obtaining the same, and a production method thereof. A tablet for ion plating obtained by processing an oxide sintered body includes indium and cerium as oxides, and having a cerium content of 0.3 to 9% by atom, as an atomicity ratio of Ce/(In+Ce). The oxide sintered body has an In2O3 phase of a bixbyite structure as a main crystal phase, has a CeO2 phase of a fluorite-type structure finely dispersed as crystal grains having an average particle diameter of equal to or smaller than 3 μm, as a second phase. The oxide sintered body is produced by (a) mixing raw material powder consisting of indium oxide powder with an average particle diameter of equal to or smaller than 1.5 μm, then (b) molding the mixed powder, and sintering the molding by a normal pressure sintering method, or (b′) molding and sintering the mixed powder by a hot press method. |
| US09005481B2 |
Method for manufacturing composite positive electrode active material
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a composite positive electrode active material being a composite of a positive electrode active material and carbon nanotubes. The manufacturing method includes preparing an aqueous solution of a starting material of a positive electrode active material containing a starting material of the positive electrode active material, and an aqueous solution of solubilized carbon nanotubes containing the carbon nanotubes and a solubilizing material that is composed of a water-soluble polymer whose solubilization retention rate of carbon nanotubes does not decrease with rising temperature; and synthesizing a positive electrode active material-carbon nanotube composite by mixing the aqueous solution of a starting material of a positive electrode active material and the aqueous solution of solubilized carbon nanotubes, and performing hydrothermal synthesis. |
| US09005480B2 |
Method for solventless quantum dot exchange
The present invention describes a solventless ligand exchange using a siloxane polymer having a binding ligand that displaces the binding ligand on a quantum dot material. |
| US09005478B2 |
2,2′-binaphthalene ester chiral dopants for cholesteric liquid crystal displays
A liquid crystal composition comprising a chiral dopant compound represented by the following structure (Structure 1): wherein: R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen, —(C═O)R9, —(C═O)R10, alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxyaryl, or heterocyclic all either substituted or unsubstituted, or combine to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring; R3 is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, alkoxy, NHCOR9, NHSO2R9, COOR9, OCOR9, aryl, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, or heterocyclic all either substituted or unsubstituted; R4 is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, or heterocyclic all either substituted or unsubstituted; R5, R6, R7, and R8 are independently hydrogen, halogen, cyano, alkoxy, NHCOR9, NHSO2R9, COOR9, OCOR9, aryl, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxyaryl or heterocyclic all either substituted or unsubstituted, or combine with each other, or R5 can combine with R4 to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring; R9 and R10 are independently alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, naphthyl, styryl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxyaryl, cycloalkoxy, or heterocyclic all either substituted or unsubstituted, or combine to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring. Also featured are liquid crystal compositions comprising a chiral dopant compound represented by any of Structure 2-4. |
| US09005470B2 |
Refrigerating machine oil and working fluid composition for refrigerating machines
The refrigerating machine oil of the invention includes an ester of a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid, wherein the molar ratio of C4-C6 fatty acid and C7-C9 branched fatty acid in the fatty acid is between 15:85 and 90:10, the C4-C6 fatty acid includes 2-methylpropanoic acid, and the ratio of the total C4-C6 fatty acid and C7-C9 branched fatty acid in the total fatty acids composing the ester is at least 20 mol %. The working fluid composition for a refrigerating machine according to the invention comprises the refrigerating machine oil, a difluoromethane refrigerant and/or an unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbon refrigerant. |
| US09005457B2 |
Counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cell and preparation method thereof
The present invention relates to a counter electrode for DSSC which includes a porous membrane include a carbon-based material calcinated at high temperature and a platinum nano-particles and maintains higher conductivity than a thin membrane and in which the electrolyte moves smoothly, a method of preparing the same, and a DSSC using the same which is improved in photoelectric efficiency. |
| US09005456B2 |
Method for manufacturing printed circuit board
Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board, wherein a protective film for stripping and a metal layer closely adhered to the protective film for stripping are formed on an inner layer pad to protect the inner layer pad at the time of laser processing related to cavity processing and applying an etchant, thereby making it possible to improve reliability of a product. |
| US09005453B2 |
Detection target substance detecting method, detection target substance detecting chip used in the method, and detection target substance detecting apparatus
Expedient and sensitive detection of a detection target substance is enabled in target substance detection that detects the detection target substance at a sensor portion provided within a flow channel. A detection target substance detecting method for a detecting detection target substance which may be contained in a liquid sample emits ultrasonic waves that propagate in a direction transverse to a flow channel when the liquid sample flows within a ultrasonic wave emission region at which ultrasonic waves can be emitted, to concentrate the detection target substance at a wall surface of the flow channel toward the side of the sensor portion and to detect the detection target substance. |
| US09005450B2 |
Use of magnetic, ionic liquids as an extraction agent
The invention relates to a method which uses magnetic ionic liquids for the liquid-liquid, liquid-solid, or liquid-gas extraction, wherein the partition of the phases occurs in a magnetic field. |
| US09005446B2 |
Magnetic micro- or nanoparticle assisted fluid separation
A fluid separation system including a fluid mixture including a first fluid component dispersed in a second fluid component. A plurality of micro- or nanoparticles is operatively arranged in the fluid mixture to stabilize the fluid mixture by adhering to interfaces of the first fluid component. A magnetic element is operatively arranged for forming a magnetic field through the fluid mixture. The micro- or nanoparticles are magnetically responsive to the magnetic field for urging the first fluid component in a direction defined by the magnetic field. A method of separating fluids is also included. |
| US09005443B2 |
Compartmentalized anaerobic digesters
An anaerobic digestion device includes a digester body configured to receive organic waste and a plurality of plates coupled to one another so as to divide an interior volume of the digester body into a plurality of compartmentalized chambers. The compartmentalized chambers are movable relative to the digester body to advance a slurry of said organic waste along a length of the digester body. A plurality of ports spaced along the digester body and arranged to vent biogas from the digester body. A storage vessel is configured to receive and store biogas received from the digester body via the ports, and a heating system configured to heat the digester body. The heating system is fuelled by the biogas vented from the digester body. |
| US09005442B2 |
Anaerobic lagoon or tank design for eflluent carbon to nitrogen ratio control
An anaerobic lagoon wastewater treatment system, which includes a plurality of wastewater treatment zones. The treatment zones are either formed by providing a plurality of separate lagoons or by providing one or more partitioning elements within one lagoon. One or more treatment zones may also be provided in the form of an anaerobic tank. The first wastewater treatment zone in the direction of wastewater flow has a smaller volume than the second wastewater treatment zone. Further, the first wastewater treatment zone achieves a significant reduction in fat, oil and grease removal, as well as in total suspended solids removal, but only a modest reduction in biological oxygen demand. An effluent from the first wastewater treatment zone is mixed with an effluent from the second wastewater treatment zone such that a predetermined ratio of carbon to nitrogen is maintained within the mixture of first and second effluents. |
| US09005441B2 |
Filtering membrane module and filtering apparatus having the same
A filtering membrane module and a filtering apparatus having the same, which is capable of remarkably reducing a vibration of filtering membrane module during an aeration process for a maintenance cleaning of filtering membrane, and preventing a crack from occurring in the filtering membrane module by the vibration, wherein the filtering membrane module comprises a filtering membrane; a header, to which the filtering membrane is potted, including a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side; a first coupling unit provided at the first lateral side; and a second coupling unit provided at the second lateral side. |
| US09005432B2 |
Removal of sulfur compounds from petroleum stream
A process for upgrading an oil stream by mixing the oil stream with a water stream and subjecting it to conditions that are at or above the supercritical temperature and pressure of water. The process further includes cooling and a subsequent alkaline extraction step. The resulting thiols and hydrogen sulfide gas can be isolated from the product stream, resulting in an upgraded oil stream that is a higher value oil having low sulfur, low nitrogen, and low metallic impurities as compared to the oil stream. |
| US09005430B2 |
Process and apparatus for integration of a high-pressure hydroconversion process and a medium-pressure middle distillate hydrotreatment process, whereby the two processes are independent
The invention relates to the integration of a process for hydrotreatment of distillates (light and/or middle), that operates under a hydrogen partial pressure of 0.5 to 6.0 MPa, with a process for hydrotreatment/hydroconversion of middle and/or heavy distillates that operates at a hydrogen partial pressure that is at least 4.0 MPa higher than the hydrogen partial pressure of the process for hydrotreatment of distillates (light and/or middle). The integration resides in the use of the hydrogen-rich gas, obtained from the hydrotreatment/hydroconversion effluents, in the process for hydrotreatment of distillates (light and/or middle) and in the adjustment of the pressure level of this hydrogen-rich gas removed from the hydrotreatment/hydroconversion. This invention makes it possible to considerably reduce the net consumption of make-up hydrogen in the process for hydrotreatment of distillates (light and/or middle). |
| US09005429B2 |
Process for the manufacture of hydrocarbon components
The present invention relates to hydrocarbons and particularly to the manufacture of hydrocarbon components suitable as aviation fuels or jet fuels and as blending stocks for aviation fuels. The process comprises the stages, wherein in the first stage an oil feed of biological origin and hydrogen gas are subjected to conditions sufficient to effect hydrodeoxygenation in the presence of a hydrodeoxygenation catalyst to yield n-paraffins; in the second stage the n-paraffins and hydrogen gas are subjected to conditions sufficient to effect isomerization in the presence of an isomerization catalyst to yield isoparaffins and separating fractions; and recycling the fraction boiling at a temperature above 200° C. under atmospheric pressure obtained from the second stage to reisomerization, where isomerization is effected in the presence of an isomerization catalyst. |
| US09005424B2 |
Method for determination of analyte concentrations and related apparatus
A method is provided for determining analyte concentrations, for example glucose concentrations, that utilizes a dynamic determination of the appropriate time for making a glucose measurement, for example when a current versus time curve substantially conforms to a Cottrell decay, or when the current is established in a plateau region. Dynamic determination of the time to take the measurement allows each strip to operate in the shortest appropriate time frame, thereby avoiding using an average measurement time that may be longer than necessary for some strips and too short for others. |
| US09005416B2 |
pH sensor
Improvements in references electrodes, halogen sensors, pH sensors, TDS sensors, combinations thereof, and related methods. |
| US09005410B2 |
Continuous electrolyzed oxidizing/reduction water generator device
A continuous electrolyzed oxidizing/reduction water generator device includes an electrically insulative housing which is an acid, alkali and pressure resistant box with a water inlet and multiple water outlets on opposing sides, positive and negative electrodes are mounted in the electrically insulative housing in parallel and equally spaced by a cation exchange membrane, and an electric control box to provide high voltage DC across the positive and negative electrodes to oxidize intake water into electrolyzed oxidizing/reduction water. Multiple generator units may be connected in series. |
| US09005406B2 |
Systems and methods for interior energy-activation from an exterior source
A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent. |
| US09005397B2 |
Polymer dispersion
The invention relates to an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising an anionic water-soluble dispersion polymer comprising in polymerized form a monomer mixture comprising (i) one or more anionic monomers, (ii) a first non-ionic vinyl monomer which is acrylamide, and (iii) at least one second non-ionic vinyl monomer; a water-soluble salt and a stabilizer, wherein the water soluble salt is present in an amount of at least 2.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the dispersion. The invention further relates to a process for producing the aqueous polymer dispersion, use of the aqueous polymer dispersion as a flocculating agent in papermaking or for water purification, and a process for producing paper which comprises adding one or more drainage and retention aids comprising the aqueous polymer dispersion to an aqueous suspension containing cellulosic fibers and then dewatering the obtained suspension. |
| US09005396B2 |
Method for forming a fire resistant cellulose product, and associated apparatus
A method is provided for forming a fire resistant cellulose product. A fire-retarding solution and a bonding agent are combined with refined cellulose fibers to form a fiber mixture, and the fire-retarding solution and bonding agent are substantially uniformly distributed with respect to the cellulose fibers within the fiber mixture. The fiber mixture is exposed to an actuating element, wherein the actuating element is configured to actuate the bonding agent so as to facilitate cohesion of the cellulose fibers and form the fiber mixture into a fiber board member, the fiber board member having opposing major surfaces. A cellulose sheet member is engaged with each major surface of the fiber board member, such that each cellulose sheet member substantially covers the respective major surface. An associated apparatus is also provided. |
| US09005390B2 |
Room temperature bonding apparatus
A room temperature bonding apparatus includes angle adjustment means supporting a first sample stage holding a first substrate so as to be able to change a direction of the first sample stage; a first driving device driving the first stage in a first direction; a second driving device driving a second sample stage holding a second substrate in a second direction not parallel to the first direction; and a carriage support table supporting the second sample stage in the first direction when the second substrate and the first substrate are brought into contact. The apparatus can impose a load exceeding a withstand load of the second driving device on the first and second substrates. Further, the apparatus uses angle adjustment means to change direction of the first substrate to be parallel with the second substrate and uniformly impose the larger load on a bonding surface. |
| US09005388B2 |
Method for joining resin and metal
A joining method for joining a resin member and a metal member by heating is provided. Joining of the resin member and metal member is performed by heating a joining interface of the resin member and metal member to a temperature in a range of equal to or higher than a decomposition temperature of the resin member and lower than a temperature at which gas bubbles are generated in the resin member and by cooling a surface of the resin member on the opposite side from a joining surface thereof with the metal member to a temperature that is lower than the melting point of the resin member. |
| US09005386B2 |
Sling label and method for making
A sling label comprises a single layer label portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, a cut in the label portion forming a sling, and adhesive on the lower surface of the label portion. The adhesive is inactivated on the lower surface of the label corresponding to the position of the sling. Further, a method for making a sling label comprises placing a single layer label portion over a backing layer so that the label portion adheres to the backing layer by means of the adhesive, and inactivating a portion of the adhesive on the lower surface of the label portion. A diecut is made in the label portion where the adhesive on the lower surface of the label portion has been inactivated, and the label portion is re-fastened to the backing layer. |
| US09005385B2 |
Bonding apparatus, bonding system and bonding method
A bonding apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first holding unit, a second holding unit, a first cooling mechanism, a second cooling mechanism, a third heating mechanism and a fourth heating mechanism. The first holding unit has a first heating mechanism and holds a first substrate. The second holding unit has a second heating mechanism and holds a second substrate. The pressing mechanism contacts and presses the first substrate and the second substrate. The first cooling mechanism cools the first substrate through the first holding unit. The second cooling mechanism cools the second substrate through the second holding unit. The third heating mechanism heats the first cooling mechanism. The fourth heating mechanism heats the second cooling mechanism. |
| US09005384B2 |
Method for forming laminate and laminating device
A surface of a laminate base body including a projection is caused to penetrate at least a film-shaped laminating body and surely laminated by a simple configuration, and a laminate thereof is formed at a uniform thickness without an occurrence of voids. A laminating device is provided with a heating unit configured to heat at least an insulating resin film; an upper plate and a lower plate configured to be capable of opening and closing, and configured to form a chamber that becomes sealed upon closing; a receiving member having an elasticity and disposed on the upper plate; an elastic membrane body disposed on the lower plate; a vacuuming unit configured to vacuum inside of the chamber; and a compressing unit configured to bloat the elastic membrane body. |
| US09005382B2 |
Method of manufacturing CMC articles having small complex features
A method for forming a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component for gas turbine engines. The method contemplates replacing a plurality of plies with insert material. The insert material can be partially cured or pre-cured and applied in place of a plurality of small plies or it may be inserted into cavities of a component in the form of a paste or a ply. The insert material is isotropic, being formed of a combination of matrix material and chopped fibers, tow, cut plies or combinations thereof. The use of the insert material allows for features such as thin edges (650) with thicknesses of less than about 0.030 inches and small radii such as found in corners (680, 710). The CMC components of the present invention replace small ply inserts cut to size to fit into areas of contour change or thickness change, and replace the small ply inserts with a fabricated single piece discontinuously reinforced composite insert, resulting in fewer defects, such as wrinkles, and better dimensional control. |
| US09005378B2 |
Spring steel wire rod excellent in decarburization resistance and wire drawing workability and method for producing same
Disclosed is a spring steel wire rod that comprises C in a range of 0.35 to 0.65% (mass %, the same applies to respective elements described hereinafter), Si in a range of 1.4 to 2.2%, Mn in a range of 0.10 to 1.0%, Cr in a range of 0.1 to 2.0%, P not more than 0.025% (0% excluded), and S not more than 0.025% (0% excluded), balance comprising iron, and unavoidable impurities, wherein an average grain size Dc of a central part of the steel wire rod is not more than 80 μm while an average grain size Ds of a surface layer part of the steel wire rod is not less than 3.0 μm. |
| US09005376B2 |
Amorphous alloys having zirconium and methods thereof
Alloys and methods for preparing the same are provided. The alloys are represented by the general formula of (ZraAlbCucNid)100-e-fYeMf, wherein a, b, c, and d are atomic fractions, in which: 0.472≦a≦0.568; 0.09≦b≦0.11; 0.27≦c≦0.33; 0.072≦d≦0.088; the sum of a, b, c, and d equals 1; e and f are atomic numbers of elements Y and M respectively, in which 0≦e≦5 and 0.01≦f≦5; and M is selected from the group consisting of Nb, Ta, Sc, and combinations thereof. |
| US09005375B2 |
Steel sheet for can having excellent surface roughening resistance and manufacturing method thereof
A steel sheet for cans containing 0.0060 to 0.01 mass % C and 0.02 to 0.12 mass % Nb and having the following characteristics: (i) an average ferrite grain size in a cross section in the rolling direction in a region from a surface layer of the steel sheet to a position ¼ of a sheet thickness away from the surface layer of the steel sheet is 7 μm to 10 μm or less, and (ii) an average ferrite grain size in a cross section in the rolling direction in a region from the position ¼ of a sheet thickness away from the surface layer of the steel sheet to a sheet thickness center portion of the steel sheet is 15 μm or less, wherein the average ferrite grain size (1) is smaller than the average ferrite grain size (2). |
| US09005370B2 |
Water-conducting household appliance having a treatment container assembled from at least two components
A water-conducting household appliance including a treatment container defining an interior of the water-conducting household appliance, the treatment container including at least two components made of different materials, wherein each of the at least two components include an edge section at which a mechanical connection is formed between the at least two components, wherein the mechanical connection is formed in a section protected against moisture, and a seal element that seals the mechanical connection on a side facing the interior of the water-conducting household appliance such that a gap exposed to moisture is formed which is free of a capillary gap. |
| US09005369B2 |
Filter assembly for a dishwasher
A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid. |
| US09005367B2 |
Resist stripping compositions and methods for manufacturing electrical devices
A liquid composition comprising (A) at least one polar organic solvent, selected from the group consisting of solvents exhibiting in the presence of from 0.06 to 4% by weight of dissolved tetramethylammonium hydroxide (B), the weight percentage being based on the complete weight of the respective test solution (AB), a constant removal rate at 50° C. for a 30 nm thick polymeric barrier anti-reflective layer containing deep UV absorbing chromophoric groups, (B) at least one quaternary ammonium hydroxide, and (C) at least one aromatic amine containing at least one primary amino group, a method for its preparation and a method for manufacturing electrical devices, employing the liquid composition as a resist stripping composition and its use for removing negative-tone and positive-tone photoresists and post etch residues in the manufacture of 3D Stacked Integrated Circuits and 3D Wafer Level Packagings by way of patterning Through Silicon Vias and/or by plating and bumping. |
| US09005359B2 |
Polysulfide treatment of carbon black filler and elastomeric compositions with polysulfide treated carbon black
A chemically treated carbon black product is provided, which includes a pellet having an agglomerated mass of carbon black aggregates densified in a generally spheroidal form. The carbon black aggregates have polysulfide adsorbed on surfaces thereof. The polysulfide is thereby distributed throughout the pellet. Elastomeric compositions containing the chemically treated carbon black are also provided, and exhibit a reduction in hysteresis and equivalent or better abrasion resistance. A method for manufacturing the treated carbon black product is also disclosed. |
| US09005358B2 |
Composition for ferroelectric thin film formation, method for forming ferroelectric thin film, and ferroelectric thin film formed by the method thereof
Disclosed is a composition for ferroelectric thin film formation which is used in the formation of a ferroelectric thin film of one material selected from the group consisting of PLZT, PZT, and PT. The composition for ferroelectric thin film formation is a liquid composition for the formation of a thin film of a mixed composite metal oxide formed of a mixture of a composite metal oxide (A) represented by general formula (1): (PbxLay)(ZrzTi(1-z))O3 [wherein 0.9 <×<1.3, 0≦y<0.1, and 0≦z<0.9 are satisfied] with a composite oxide (B) or a carboxylic acid (B) represented by general formula (2): CnH2n+1COOH [wherein 3≦n≦7 is satisfied]. The composite oxide (B) contains one or at least two elements selected from the group consisting of P (phosphorus), Si, Ce, and Bi and one or at least two elements selected from the group consisting of Sn, Sm, Nd, and Y (yttrium). |
| US09005356B2 |
Tropoelastin for promoting endothelial cell adhesion or migration
The invention provides methods, compositions, and devices for promoting adhesion or migration of endothelial cells. |
| US09005348B2 |
Segmented portable humidity control device for an enclosed volume storage device
A device for controlling a relative humidity level in an enclosed volume storage device includes a plurality of container segments each including two side walls with internal edges joined at an interior edge of the container segment, an outer wall extending between external edges of the two side walls, a base wall extending between bottom edges of each of the two side walls and the outer wall of the container segment, and a permeable top wall. The container segments are configured in a first instance to be compactly adjacently positioned so that each side wall of a container segment abuts another side wall of another container segment and the segments are radially arrayed around a central axis of the device. A binding element is applied to maintain the segments in this position. The binding element is removable to allow the segments to be individually distributed within the storage device. |
| US09005347B2 |
Air purifier
An air purifier includes a frame, a fan unit, and an electrostatic precipitator. The precipitator has a first strip with a first continuous conductive electrode layer directly adjacent to an edge, and a second strip with a second continuous conductive electrode layer directly adjacent to an edge. The first and second strips are nested with one another. The edge of the first strip is opposed to the edge of the second strip. An electrostatic precipitator for an air purifier includes a first spiral strip having a continuous conductive electrode, a second spiral strip having a continuous conductive electrode and nested with the first strip, a plurality of combs. Each comb extends from an outer periphery of the precipitator to an intermediate region between the outer periphery and a center of the precipitator. |
| US09005339B2 |
Method of treating flowback fluid
A method of treating flowback fluid comprising: introducing the flowback fluid into a first stage vertical separator to produce a first gas stream, a liquid stream, and a solids stream; passing the first gas stream from the first stage vertical separator to a sales line; passing the liquid stream from the first stage vertical separator to a second stage horizontal separator with the pressure in the second stage horizontal separator being less than the pressure in the first stage vertical separator but greater than atmospheric pressure to produce a second gas stream, a water stream; and a liquid hydrocarbon stream; passing the second gas stream from the second stage horizontal separator to a combustor or flare nozzle; passing the water stream from the second stage horizontal separator to a water storage tank; and passing the liquid hydrocarbon stream from the second stage horizontal separator to a liquid hydrocarbon storage tank. |
| US09005337B2 |
System for the treatment and purification of biogas
A system and method for the purification of biogas, the system comprising: a gas compressor for increasing the pressure of the biogas for processing; a gas processor for removing any CO2, volatile organic compounds, and H2S, from the gas; an optional biological sulfur removal system for treating offgas from the gas processor; a regenerative thermal oxidizer system for treating gas from the biological sulfur removal system for thermal destruction of volatile organic compounds, H2S, and CH4 slipped from the gas processor; a catalytic oxygen removal system for receiving product gas from the gas processor and removing oxygen from the product gas; and a caustic scrubber for receiving product gas from the catalytic oxygen removal system and neutralizing any acid formed during catalytic oxygen removal. |
| US09005335B2 |
Hybrid parallel / serial process for carbon dioxide capture from combustion exhaust gas using a sweep-based membrane separation step
A gas separation process for treating an exhaust gas stream from a combustion processes. The invention involves routing a first portion of the exhaust stream to a carbon dioxide capture step, and flowing a second portion of the exhaust stream and at least a portion of an off-gas stream from the carbon dioxide capture step across the feed side of a membrane, while flowing a sweep gas stream, usually air, across the permeate side, and then passing the resulting permeate sweep stream back to the combustor. |
| US09005332B2 |
Process for producing pig iron or liquid primary steel products
A process for producing pig iron or liquid primary steel products is provided. Charge materials containing iron ore and, if appropriate, additions are reduced in at least one reduction unit by means of a reducing gas, and at least parts thereof are smelted in a smelting unit, with coal being added and with formation of the reducing gas. Reducing gas from the smelting unit and/or top gas from the reduction unit are/is subjected to cleaning. The process water obtained during the wet cleaning is degassed and in the process volatile organic compounds are removed from the process water. |
| US09005330B2 |
Electrically conductive compositions comprising non-eutectic solder alloys
Transient liquid phase sintering compositions comprising one or more high melting point metals and one or more low melting temperature alloys are known in the art as useful compositions for creating electrically and/or thermally conductive pathways in electronic applications. The present invention provides transient liquid phase sintering compositions that employ non-eutectic low melting temperature alloys for improved sintering and metal matrix properties. |
| US09005316B2 |
Use of 1,1-diethoxyethane for increasing knocking resistance of automotive gasoline
The present invention relates to the use of 1,1-diethoxyethane for increasing the knocking resistance of low-boiling gasoline with an initial boiling point (IBP) of 80° C. to 120° C. by at least 40 units (Research Octane Number). |
| US09005312B2 |
Bio-oil production method
The invention relates to methods for the conversion of lignocellulosic matter into fuel products. More specifically, the invention relates to methods for the generation of a bio-oil product from specific component(s) of lignocellulosic matter. |
| US09005309B2 |
Four-link hydraulic buffer knee joint assembly
A four-link hydraulic buffer knee joint assembly which includes a hydraulic center axle configured at a center hole of a four-link hydraulic main body and utilizes a spring force and an oil-filling piston to achieve the auto-filling of hydraulic oil. The hydraulic center axle is able to utilize adjustable knobs provided on an outer side of the center axle to adjust the bending speed and the spring-back recovery speed. The setting location of the hydraulic center axle differs from the one of conventional joint assembly such that the overall size of the knee joint assembly is reduced while the joint assembly includes the functions of adjustable hydraulic bending and stretching speeds and buffering for the hydraulic head to return to its horizontal state. The four-link hydraulic main body comprises a setting changeable controlling axle for achieving the function of the buffered safety brake against the ground. |
| US09005308B2 |
Implantable film/mesh composite for passage of tissue therebetween
The present disclosure relates to implantable medical devices which include at least one mesh and at least one film attached to the mesh along different portions of the mesh creating at least one aperture between the mesh and the film. |
| US09005298B2 |
Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems
A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between adjacent body parts includes a system which facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint, such as between articulating bones. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a first attachment structure, a second attachment structure, a piston component, and an energy absorbing spring component. The spring component is attached only to one of the first attachment structure and the second attachment structure, and the piston component is attached only to the other of the first attachment structure and the second attachment structure. |
| US09005296B2 |
Tapered arcuate intervertebral implant
An intervertebral implant can include: a tapered arcuate shape. The implant can include a solid non-elastic portion. The implant can include an implant-suitable material. The implant can be at least partially porous, and optionally, the pores can be filed with a biodegradable material that can include one or more active agents, such as growth factors. The implant can be formed from a hybrid of at least two implant-suitable materials. The implant can include a body having a rounded surface and a substantially flat surface. Optionally, the substantially flat surface can be opposite of the rounded surface. The rounded surface and substantially flat surface can extend from a base to a tip of the tapered arcuate shape. The base may be substantially flat, where the tip can be rounded. The tapered arcuate shape can extend from a substantially flat base and curve to a tip of the arc. |
| US09005294B2 |
Artificial disk for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and insertion assembly thereof
An assembly for inserting an artificial disk is provided. The assembly includes an artificial disk, which includes a body which has a predetermined thickness to be inserted between vertebrae, and includes an incision recess incised on one side of the body in a sideways direction and a penetrating hole formed on the side on which the incision recess is formed in a vertical thickness direction, and a connecting unit which is inserted into the penetrating hole and serves as a shaft of a rotational movement of the body, and includes a connecting hole formed on a side surface of the connecting unit, and a guide protrusion, a first insertion tool which includes a connecting rod, and a handle, and a second insertion tool which includes a support rod, an insertion end, a support end, and a handle. |
| US09005290B2 |
Spinal interbody device
A multi-material spinal interbody device includes an inner dampener of compressible material in combination with a rigid outer material. The rigidity of the outer periphery of curved surfaces of the device, such as in an eluipsoid shape, provide support as a replacement to the nucleus propulsus, with the inner dampener providing for absorption of spinal forces. |
| US09005278B2 |
Quick-connect prosthetic heart valve
A heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The prosthetic valve has a base stent that is deployed at a treatment site, and a valve component configured to quickly connect to the base stent. The base stent may take the form of a self- or balloon-expandable stent that expands outward against the native valve with or without leaflet excision. The valve component has a non-expandable prosthetic valve and a self- or balloon-expandable coupling stent for attachment to the base stent, thereby fixing the position of the valve component relative to the base stent. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available valve with a sewing ring and the coupling stent attaches to the sewing ring. The system is particularly suited for rapid deployment of heart valves in a conventional open-heart surgical environment. |
| US09005277B2 |
Unitary quick-connect prosthetic heart valve deployment system
A quick-connect heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable coupling stent, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A small number of guide sutures may be provided for aortic valve orientation. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available valve with a sewing ring with the coupling stent attached thereto. The coupling stent may expand from a conical deployment shape to a conical expanded shape, and may include web-like struts connected between axially-extending posts. A system and method for deployment includes a hollow two-piece handle through which a balloon catheter passes. A valve holder is stored with the heart valve and the handle easily attaches thereto to improve valve preparation steps. |
| US09005272B2 |
Repositionable endoluminal support structure and its applications
An endoluminal support structure includes strut members interconnected by pivot joints to form a series of linked scissor mechanisms. The structure can be remotely actuated to compress or expand its shape by adjusting the scissor joints within a range of motion. In particular, the support structure can be repositioned within the body lumen or retrieved from the lumen. The support structure can be employed to introduce and support a prosthetic valve within a body lumen. |
| US09005271B2 |
Stent graft with integral side arm
A fenestrated stent graft (1) with a tubular side arm (11) extending therefrom in which the side arm can be turned inside out to extend into the stent graft during deployment of the stent graft and extended out during deployment. Also disclosed is a deployment device (19) for such a side arm stent graft which has a deployment catheter (26) and a side arm guide (32), the side arm guide is releasably fastened at a proximal end to the branch tube (11) and is able to be moved independently of the deployment catheter such that the branch tube can be extended from the tubular body of the stent graft while it is fastened onto the side arm guide. The side arm guide can be formed from a side arm catheter (32) and a side arm guide wire (34) carried in the side arm catheter. |
| US09005270B2 |
High metal to vessel ratio stent and method
A method includes covering ostai of branch vessels emanating from a main vessel and an aneurysm with a high metal to vessel ratio stent. A metal to vessel ratio of the high metal to vessel ratio stent is sufficiently high to encourage tissue ingrowth around the high metal to vessel ratio stent yet is sufficiently low to ensure perfusion of the branch vessels through the high metal to vessel ratio stent. The ingrowth of tissue provides secure fixation and sealing of the high metal to vessel ratio stent to the main vessel and remodels and essentially eliminates the aneurysm. Further, as the entire high metal to vessel ratio stent is permeably, the high metal to vessel ratio stent is deployed without having to rotationally position the high metal to vessel ratio stent. |
| US09005268B2 |
Thoracic stent graft
A thoracic arch stent graft (1) has a tubular body of a biocompatible graft material (3) and at least one fenestration (13, 15) in the wall on one side thereof. A combination guide and tubular side arm assembly (20, 22) is mounted into the or each fenestration. The combination guide and tubular side arm assembly comprises a tubular portion (24) and a funnel portion (26) extending from a distal end of the tubular portion. The funnel portion has an angled open end. The tubular portion and the funnel portion are formed from a biocompatible graft material wall and have a lightweight space frame (38 40) formed from a resilient wire and supporting the graft material and defining the combination guide and tubular side arm assembly. |
| US09005259B2 |
Receiving part for receiving a rod for coupling the rod to a bone anchoring element and bone anchoring device with such a receiving part
A receiving part for receiving a rod for coupling the rod to a bone anchoring element includes a receiving part body including: a rod receiving portion with a channel for receiving a rod, and a head receiving portion for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element, the head receiving portion having an open end and being flexible for inserting and clamping of the head, and an exterior surface with a curved portion; and a locking ring around the head receiving portion, wherein the locking ring has an interior surface with a curved portion for engagement with the curved portion of the exterior surface of the head receiving portion for locking a position of the head relative to the head receiving portion. |
| US09005255B2 |
Orthopedic compression plate
An orthopedic plate has a first end including a locking screw hole that receives a locking screw and spaced from that hole is a compression housing that extends from the bone-facing side of the plate and which receives a compression screw that forms an angle of from about 10° to about 70° with a longitudinal axis of the plate. In a further embodiment, the plate also includes a second end with a chamfer for insertion of the plate into bone, and in a still further embodiment, the plate is an MTP plate. |
| US09005252B2 |
Method for stabilizing a spine
Spine stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided in which a single resilient member or spring is disposed on an elongate element that spans two attachment members attached to different spinal vertebrae. The elongate element passes through at least one of the two attachment members, permitting relative motion therebetween, and terminates in a stop or abutment. A second resilient member is disposed on the elongate element on an opposite side of the sliding attachment member, e.g., in an overhanging orientation. The two resilient members are capable of applying mutually opposing urging forces, and a compressive preload can be applied to one or both of the resilient members. |
| US09005245B2 |
Acromioclavicular joint fixation technique
A reconstruction system and method for fixation of bone to bone, or soft tissue to bone. The reconstruction system comprises two fixation devices (for example, two buttons) joined by a continuous loop of flexible material. Each button is provided with at least one opening that allows the passage of the flexible material. The button may be formed, for example, of metal, PEEK or PLLA. The flexible material may be FIBERWIRE® suture. |
| US09005241B2 |
Means and method for reversibly connecting a patch to a patch deployment device
The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for reversibly coupling an implant to a deployment device. |
| US09005239B2 |
Medical instrument
The invention relates to a medical instrument comprising at least one movable tool element and at least one actuating element which is mounted such as to be pivotal about a pivotal axis and is coupled to the at least one tool element for the purposes of moving the tool element as a result of a pivotal movement of the actuating element, wherein, for the pivotal mounting of the at least one actuating element, there is provided a pivotal bearing comprising a bearing shaft holder and a bearing shaft which is held in the bearing shaft holder in a working position, wherein the at least one actuating element incorporates the bearing shaft or the bearing shaft holder, wherein the bearing shaft holder has an insertion opening and is insertable through the insertion opening into the bearing shaft holder in a direction that is transverse or substantially transverse to the pivotal axis. |
| US09005235B2 |
Embolization device and a method of using the same
Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leaden. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed. |
| US09005233B2 |
Contact activated lancet device
A lancet device including a housing and a lancet structure having a puncturing element. The lancet structure disposed within the housing and adapted for movement between a retaining or pre-actuated position wherein the puncturing element is retained within the housing, and a puncturing position wherein the puncturing element extends through a forward end of the housing. The lancet device includes a drive spring disposed within the housing for biasing the lancet structure toward the puncturing position, and a retaining hub retaining the lancet structure in the retracted position against the bias of the drive spring. The retaining hub includes a pivotal lever in interference engagement with the lancet structure. An actuator within the housing pivots the lever, thereby moving the lancet structure toward the rearward end of the housing to at least partially compress the drive spring, and releasing the lever from interference engagement with the lancet structure. |
| US09005231B2 |
Safe and convenient, disposable automatic lancet
An improved safe and convenient disposable automatic lancet, comprising a housing (1), a needle core (2), a spring (3) and a protective rod (4), wherein, a pressing arm of a trigger button (10) is divided into a first pressing leg (11) and a second pressing leg (19), and the first pressing leg (11) is used for triggering an elastic arm in a locking structure to form a press-type trigger structure, and the second pressing leg (19) fits with a safety sleeve (20) and a press-down channel (17) to achieve a safety function of the trigger button (10); a barb (12) on the second pressing leg (19) fits with a self-locking hook (13) on the housing (1) so as to achieve a self-locking function after one press. In order to shorten the exposed needle length of a needle body on the needle core (2), in the automatic lancet, the distance between the second pressing leg (19) and the needle tip (7) is designed to be less than the distance between the first pressing leg (11) and the needle tip (7). Since the exposed needle length depends on the position of the safety sleeve (20), the exposed needle length is shortened, therefore the puncture performance increases, which enables the design of the lancet to be more reasonable and practical. |
| US09005230B2 |
Motorized surgical instrument
A surgical cutting and fastening instrument that is motorized. The instrument comprises in one embodiment a charge accumulator device, separate from a battery, that provides additional power to the motor under certain conditions. In addition, the motor may comprise multiple windings. |
| US09005229B2 |
Dissection handpiece and method for reducing the appearance of cellulite
A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes. |
| US09005228B2 |
Vitrectomy probe with adjustable cutter port size
Vitrectomy probes and system related thereto are disclosed herein. The disclosure describes various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. Further, the disclosure provides examples for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation. |
| US09005226B2 |
Fluid ejection device and method to control fluid ejection device
A fluid ejection device includes a pulsating flow generation section adapted to eject a fluid in a pulsed manner; a fluid supply section adapted to supply the pulsating flow generation section with the fluid; a fluid supply tube having flexibility adapted to communicate the pulsating flow generation section and the fluid supply section with each other; and a drive control section adapted to perform drive control of the pulsating flow generation section and the fluid supply section, wherein the drive control section starts up the pulsating flow generation section, makes the fluid supply section supply the fluid at a first flow rate for a predetermined time period, and then makes the fluid supply section supply the fluid at a second flow rate lower than the first flow rate after the predetermined time period elapses. |
| US09005220B2 |
Suturing devices and methods with energy emitting elements
A device and method of promoting tissue adhesion to reinforce tissue apposition that may include collecting advancing a tissue apposition device to a body cavity having cavity calls, collecting tissue from the cavity walls, passing at least one tissue securement device through the tissue, applying energy to the collected tissue to produce injury to the tissue, and apposing the collected tissue and securing the one or more tissue securement devices. In this illustrative embodiment, the device and method promotes tissue adhesion between one or more portions of tissue, wherein the tissue adhesion may reinforce a tissue apposition. |
| US09005215B2 |
Specimen retrieval apparatus
A specimen retrieval apparatus includes a housing having an elongated tubular member extending distally therefrom. The elongated tubular member defines a longitudinal axis. An end effector assembly is coupled to a distal end of the elongated tubular member. The end effector assembly is configured to retain a specimen retrieval bag thereon. An articulation mechanism is operatively coupled to the elongated tubular member and the end effector assembly. The articulation mechanism is configured for selectively articulating the end effector assembly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated tubular member. |
| US09005212B2 |
Device for guiding a drilling tool for forming a second bore in a bone
A device serves for guiding a drilling tool for forming a second bore in a bone, which second bore intersects an already existing first bore. A frame, having a first end and a second end has a rod-shaped body arranged at its first end. Said rod-shaped body is designed to be inserted into said already existing first bore. A guide sleeve is arranged at said second end of said frame and has a longitudinal axis intersecting said rod-shaped body in an area of its distal end. A fixing device is provided at said guide sleeve, said fixing device protrudes distally from said guide sleeve, said protruding fixing device can be placed on a body of a patient to be treated in an area where said second bore is to be formed. |
| US09005209B2 |
High pressure surgical system
An instrument for performing a medical procedure includes a drive shafts a holding clutch, a drive clutch, and an actuator. The holding clutch only allows advancement of the drive shaft, while the drive clutch transfers an advancement force from the actuator to the drive shaft. The dual clutch system allows a lever to be used as the actuator so that a user can generate large actuation forces manually (and optionally remotely) without significant physical effort. This capability can beneficially improve the usability and effectiveness of percutaneous surgical systems, such as those for vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. |
| US09005208B2 |
Ligament balancing femoral trial
An instrument for setting ligament tension between a distal femur and a proximal tibia has a rod mounted on a femur. The rod has an extension extending along a first axis. A first drive element is mounted on the distal femur and is rotatable about a second axis. A body is rotatably mounted on the rod extension for rotation about the first axis. The body has a second drive element engaging the first drive element and a third drive element extending about a third axis offset from the first and second axes. A ligament tensioning element is mounted on the body and has a foot for engaging a posterior condyle of a femur and has a fourth drive element. A fifth drive element engages both the third and fourth drive elements for moving the ligament balancer with respect to the body along the third axis. |
| US09005207B2 |
Surgical instrument
Patient specific surgical instruments, and in particular cutting guides, and methods of use and manufacture are described. The surgical instrument can be used in an orthopaedic arthroplasty procedure to be carried out on a joint of a patient and can allowing soft tissue balancing for the joint. The instrument comprises a body having an attachment area configured using data specific to a bone of the joint of the patient so as to attach to the bone in a unique position. The instrument includes at least a first cutting guide and an adjustment mechanism operable to change the position of the cutting guide relative to the bone. |
| US09005206B2 |
Screw and washer dispenser system
A low profile bone screw system includes a retainable washer and a low profile bone screw having a smooth conical head for insertion into the washer. The washer has an axial bore with a conical portion for fully seating the screw head and a smooth outer surface shaped like the head of a conventional compression bone screw head. Washer dispensing units are also provided for assembling screw and washer assembled units. |
| US09005204B2 |
Derotation apparatus for treating spinal irregularities
Treatment of spinal irregularities, including, in one or more embodiments, derotation apparatus and systems that can be used to reduce the rotation of vertebral bodies. Derotation apparatus that may comprise a tube assembly comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed over the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve may have a distal end for attachment to an implant. The tube assembly may further comprise a handle assembly. The tube assembly may further comprise a ball joint assembly disposed between the tube assembly and the handle assembly. The ball joint assembly may comprise a ball joint configured for attachment to a coupling rod. The ball joint assembly further may comprise a reducing extension below the ball joint, the reducing extension being sized to fit in a central bore of the inner sleeve. Orthopedic fixation devices comprising a ball joint are also disclosed. |
| US09005203B2 |
Reciprocating surgical instruments
A surgical instrument system functional in multiple orthopedic applications, including but not limited to shoulder, knee, hip, wrist, ankle, spinal, or other joint procedures. The system comprises a cutting head which includes jaw members which may be urged between open and closed positions to providing a biting or chewing action for removal of targeted tissues. The instrument system is configured to be driven by an attached hub that translates a rotational movement into a reciprocating motion to open and close the jaw members. Suction for removal of bone fragments or other tissues is provided through a suction opening. |
| US09005202B2 |
Implant abutment
The present invention relates to a percutaneous implant abutment for bone anchored implant devices adapted to be anchored in the craniofacial region of a person, such as bone anchored hearing aids. The abutment comprises a skin penetration body having a skin contacting surface. The skin contacting surface has been modified. |
| US09005200B2 |
Vessel sealing instrument
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument is provided. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another. A first conductive lead is adapted to connect to a first electrical potential and a second conductive lead is adapted to connect to a second electrical potential. One of the first and second conductive leads extends through the pivot to connect to a respective jaw member. |
| US09005194B2 |
Atrial ablation catheter adapted for treatment of septal wall arrhythmogenic foci and method of use
An atrial ablation catheter with an electrode array particularly adapted to locate and ablate foci of arrhythmia which are required for sustained atrial fibrillation is provided. The array is easily deployed and retracted from the catheter, and presents a proximally oriented electrode array that can be pulled against the septal wall of the left atrium to engage the septal wall. |
| US09005193B2 |
Multichannel ablation with frequency differentiation
Apparatus, including an energy generator, configured to supply first ablation power modulated at a first frequency and second ablation power modulated at a second frequency different from the first frequency. The apparatus also includes a probe, having at least one electrode coupled to receive the first and second ablation powers simultaneously and to dissipate the first and second ablation powers in body tissue in contact with the at least one electrode. |
| US09005191B2 |
Neuromodulation methods using balloon catheter
According to some embodiments, a method of treating a subject having diabetes or symptoms associated with diabetes is provided. The method includes delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery. |
| US09005190B2 |
Treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
According to some embodiments, a method of treating a subject having diabetes or symptoms associated with diabetes is provided. The method includes delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery. |
| US09005189B2 |
Tissue ablation with irreversible electroporation
A new method for the ablation of undesirable tissue such as cells of a cancerous or non-cancerous tumor is disclosed. It involves the placement of electrodes into or near the vicinity of the undesirable tissue through the application of electrical pulses causing irreversible electroporation of the cells throughout the entire area of the undesirable tissue. The electric pulses irreversibly permeate the cell membranes, thereby invoking cell death. The irreversibly permeabilized cells are left in situ and are removed by the body immune system. The amount of tissue ablation achievable through the use of irreversible electroporation without inducing thermal damage is considerable. |
| US09005185B2 |
Nanochanneled device and related methods
A capsule configured for in vivo refilling of a therapeutic agent. In certain embodiments, the capsule may contain methotrexate. |
| US09005184B2 |
Device to be implanted in a human or animal body for material or signal delivery or acquisition within the body, and method of implanting the device
For fixedly implanting a device for material or signal delivery or acquisition or a part of such a device in a human or animal body, an opening is provided in hard tissue of the body, the opening reaching through a hard tissue layer, e.g. through a cortical bone layer into cancellous bone underneath. The device includes a plug portion (P) and/or a cover portion (C) which includes a ring of a material having thermoplastic properties extending around the plug portion (P) or on a tissue facing surface of the cover portion (C). The opening provided in the hard tissue has a cross section at least in the area of its mouth that is adapted to the plug or cover portion such that the plug portion (P) can be introduced through the mouth of the opening or the cover portion (C) can be positioned over the mouth of the opening such that the ring extends around the opening, along its wall and/or on the hard tissue surface around its mouth. |
| US09005182B2 |
Intradermal delivery of substances
The present invention provides improved methods for ID delivery of drugs and other substances to humans or animals. The methods employ small gauge needles, especially microneedles, placed in the intradermal space to deliver the substance to the intradermal space as a bolus or by infusion. It has been discovered that the placement of the needle outlet within the skin and the exposed height of the needle outlet are critical for efficacious delivery of active substances via small gauge needles to prevent leakage of the substance out of the skin and to improve absorption within the intradermal space. The pharmacokinetics of hormone drugs delivered according to the methods of the invention have been found to be very similar to the pharmacokinetics of conventional SC delivery, indicating that ID administration according to the methods of the invention is likely to produce a similar clinical result (i.e., similar efficacy) with the advantage of reduction or elimination of pain for the patient. Delivery devices which place the needle outlet at an appropriate depth in the intradermal space and control the volume and rate of fluid delivery provide accurate delivery of the substance to the desired location without leakage. |
| US09005179B2 |
Pressure-regulating apparatus for withdrawing medicinal fluid from a vial
In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial. |
| US09005178B2 |
Dispensing cartridge
A dispensing cartridge, particularly for dental impression materials, formed from a plastic material having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and including a metal reinforcement tube. |
| US09005177B2 |
Absorptive breast bandage
An absorptive breast bandage adapted to conform to the contours of a human breast. In one embodiment, the absorptive breast bandage comprises a half-moon shaped planar absorbent body configured for absorbing secreted bodily fluids from a post-surgical patient's surgical incision on the human breast. The half-moon shaped absorbent body includes a first surface and a second surface and it is configured to draw the secreted bodily fluids from the post-surgical patient's surgical incision and store the secreted bodily fluids. |
| US09005169B2 |
Cannula insertion device and related methods
A cannula insertion device includes a housing defining an opening for receiving therethrough a cannula and further defining a channel, and a cannula forming a lumen, the cannula adapted for sliding movement within the housing from a retracted position to an extended position. When the cannula is in the retracted position, the lumen is located remotely from the channel and the channel is in fluidic communication with the opening. When the cannula is in the extended position, the lumen is in fluidic communication with the channel. |
| US09005168B2 |
Anchor and anchor deployment apparatus
An anchor deployment apparatus for deploying an anchor about a therapy delivery element, such as a lead or a catheter, includes an anchor receiving element having an elongate member defining a lumen. The lumen is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the therapy delivery element. The anchor is disposable about the elongate member. The deployment apparatus further includes an anchor engagement apparatus having an anchor engagement feature and a channel in which the elongate member of the anchor receiving element is moveable. The engagement feature is configured to engage the anchor when the anchor is disposed about the elongate member, and to cause the anchor to move distally along the elongate member when the feature is engaged with the anchor and the elongate member is moved proximally relative to the engagement element. |
| US09005166B2 |
Fluid delivery systems, devices and methods for delivery of hazardous fluids
A system for delivering fluid to a patient includes a hazardous material enclosure suitable for holding a first container comprising a first fluid, and a pump device capable of pumping the first fluid from the first container and a second fluid from a second container. The hazardous materials enclosure has a cap which includes a flexible sealing member that cooperates with the first container to create a biohazard seal during connection of the first container to the cap. The system further includes a mixing device associated with the pump for mixing the first and second fluids for delivering the fluid mixture to the patient. |
| US09005163B2 |
Balloon catheter with external delivery tube
A balloon catheter having a shaft, a balloon, and an external delivery tube, as well as methods of use thereof. In one example, the balloon catheter is an agent delivery catheter including a catheter body extending between catheter proximal and distal portions. An inflatable balloon assembly is coupled with the catheter body. An agent delivery assembly, which is coupled with the catheter body and the inflatable balloon assembly, includes a delivery lumen extending through the catheter body and an agent delivery tube extending along an exterior balloon surface. The agent delivery tube includes at least one delivery orifice directed outside of the exterior balloon surface. The agent delivery assembly is isolated from fluid communication with the inflatable balloon assembly. |
| US09005158B2 |
Eradication of pigmentation and scar tissue
The invention is a non-surgical method for the eradication of pigmentation and scar tissue from an area of skin. The method comprises repeatedly puncturing the area of skin with an array of needles. As the needles are inserted into the skin, the needles and surface of the skin are washed with a clean solution. As the needles are withdrawn from the skin, the flow of clean solution ceases and the dirty solution, which contains cellular fluids and pigments released by the action of the needles, is removed from the surface. The invention is also a solution, which is used to clean the needles and to aid in destroying the pigment containing cells, and an apparatus, which is especially designed to move the needles into and out of the surface of the skin and to provide synchronization of the motion of the needles and flow of the solution such as to maximize the effectiveness of the method. |
| US09005156B2 |
Gas mist pressure bathing system
A gas mist pressure bathing system, which integrates a gas introduction part for increasing the supply pressure of a gas mist with a gas mist generator and enables the structure to be simplified and costs to be reduced, is provided. The gas mist pressure bathing system is provided with a gas supply means (10), a gas mist generating means (30), and a living body cover member (50). The gas mist generating means (30) is provided with, in an integrally formed manner: a connection part that connects to the gas supply means (10); a branched part that forces the gas flow from the connection part to branch off; a liquid storage part; a nozzle that discharges one of the gas flows that branched off at the branched part; a liquid-suctioning tube that transfers the liquid to the nozzle tip; a collision member that generates a gas mist by causing the liquid blown upwards by the gas flow discharged by the nozzle to collide; a merging part that merges the gas from above with the gas mist that was generated; a gas introduction part that guides the other gas flow that branched off at the branched part to the merging part; and a gas mist discharge part that collects and discharges the gas mist and gas that were generated. |
| US09005152B2 |
Dialysis system with cassette based balance chambers and volumetric pumps
A dialysis system includes a fresh dialysis fluid membrane pump; a spent dialysis fluid membrane pump; a first balance chamber having a fresh dialysis fluid compartment connected fluidly to the fresh dialysis fluid membrane pump and a spent dialysis fluid compartment connected fluidly to the spent dialysis fluid membrane pump; a second balance chamber having a fresh dialysis fluid compartment connected fluidly to the fresh dialysis fluid membrane pump and a spent dialysis fluid compartment connected fluidly to the spent dialysis fluid membrane pump; and a dialysis fluid cassette, wherein at least one of the fresh dialysis fluid membrane pump, the spent dialysis fluid membrane pump, the first balance chamber and the second balance chamber includes a fluid receiving portion provided in the dialysis fluid cassette. |
| US09005150B2 |
Flow balancing system and method, especially for citrate
A renal failure therapy system includes a blood pump; a citrate pump; and a control unit configured to automatically control the blood pump and the citrate pump to achieve a citrate flowrate that is based on at least a blood flowrate. |
| US09005148B2 |
Orthotic head and neck support
A kit of parts for forming an orthotic head support. The kit includes at least one frame having a plurality of arms extending from a central region. Examples of such frames are W-frames, Y-frames and H-frames. The kit further includes at least one extension connectable to a frame. Such extension members include straight extensions, L-shaped extensions, and extension with two elements at an acute angle to one another. The kit has elements for attaching the extensions to the frames. The frames and extensions may have lines of reduced stiffness formed therein about which they are preferentially bendable to conform the support to the shape of a wearer's head and/or neck. The kit further includes padding members connected, or connectable, to the frames and/or extensions on the surfaces thereof which in use are to be adjacent the wearer. |
| US09005143B2 |
External autonomic modulation
In some embodiments, nerves surrounding arteries or leading to organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate physiologic processes. In some embodiments, different types of energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In some embodiments, bioactive agents or devices activated by the energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the energy is enhanced by such agents. |
| US09005142B2 |
Method for diagnosing ADHD and related behavioral disorders
The invention features methods and systems for the diagnosis of ADHD and related disorders. The methods and systems of the invention can also be used to ascertain how much benefit an individual would derive from a particular therapy. |
| US09005139B2 |
Device, system and method for sizing of tissue openings
A device for determining a physical parameter of a tissue opening is provided. The device includes an expandable member which is designed for positioning within a tissue opening such as a valve annulus. The expandable member is capable of expanding while applying an inward radial force indicative of a diameter thereof. When the expandable member is positioned within the tissue opening and expanded, an increase in the inward radial force induced by contact between the expandable member and tissue surrounding the opening can be utilized to derive information relating to the physical parameter of the tissue opening. |
| US09005136B2 |
Biopsy device with vacuum assisted bleeding control
A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable hand piece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. External vacuum holes along the outer cannula (probe) that communicate with a vacuum and cutter lumen withdraw bodily fluids while a hemostatic disk-shaped ring pad around the probe applies compression to an external hole in the skin and absorbs fluids. |
| US09005134B2 |
Sensor over-mold shape
An implantable medical device having a flexible diaphragm is provided with a housing including a shell and an outer layer. The flexible diaphragm extends along the shell. The outer layer has an outer surface and an inner surface. An adhesive coating is applied between the diaphragm and the inner surface of the outer layer. The outer layer includes a recess along the diaphragm for receiving the adhesive. |
| US09005113B2 |
Hermetically sealed endoscope
In one embodiment, an endoscopic camera for a robotic surgical system includes a stereo camera module mounted to a robotic arm of a patient side cart. The optical and electro-optic components of the camera module are hermetically sealed within a first housing. Signals from an electro-optic component travel through traces in a ceramic substrate forming one side of the hermetically sealed first housing. A second housing surrounds the first housing and optical fibers are dispersed between the housings to provide lighting in a body cavity. The camera module may be sterilized by an autoclave. |
| US09005112B2 |
Articulate and swapable endoscope for a surgical robot
The present invention is directed to an articulate minimally invasive surgical endoscope with a flexible wrist having at least one degree of freedom. When used with a surgical robot having a plurality of robot arms, the endoscope can be used with any of the plurality of arms thereby allowing the use a universal arm design. The endoscope in accordance to the present invention is made more intuitive a to a user by attaching a reference frame used for controlling the at least one degree of freedom motion to the flexible wrist for wrist motion associated with the at least one degree of freedom. The endoscope in accordance to the present invention attenuates undesirable motion at its back/proximal end by acquiring the image of the object in association with the at least one degree of freedom based on a reference frame rotating around a point of rotation located proximal to the flexible wrist. |
| US09005111B2 |
Penile prosthesis implantation device
A penile prosthesis implantation device includes a barrel having a bore, an obturator and a needle clamp. The obturator has a distal end that is received within the bore of the barrel and is configured to slide along a longitudinal axis of the bore relative to the barrel. The needle clamp is at the distal end of the obturator and includes opposing pinching members that are displaced from an interior wall of the bore when the needle clamp is retracted within the bore, and a receptacle between the pinching members configured to receive a thread attachment end of a needle and hold the end of the needle through an interference fit with the pinching surfaces. |
| US09005110B2 |
Frosted glass toy
A decorative glass dildo comprising a solid, high density heat-resistant glass outer portion, a coated decorative inner portion, a sealing ring attached to the inner portion, an electrical conductive strip attached to the inner portion, and an end portion mechanically attached to the inner portion of the glass dildo. |
| US09005105B2 |
Hard-wired implanted controller system
A circulatory assist system is disclosed, the system including an implantable electrical device having an electric motor, an implantable controller connected to the implantable electrical device, and an implantable power source connected to the controller for supplying power to the controller. The controller is attachable to a first side of a percutaneous connector. A second side of the percutaneous connector, opposite to the first side, allows external connectivity to said controller. |
| US09005102B2 |
Method and apparatus for electrical stimulation therapy
Energy emitting systems are provided which include an adjustable conductive coil configured to generate a magnetic or electromagnetic field focused on a target nerve. The coil includes a central aperture which may be adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration having a radius greater than the radius of the first configuration. The adjustable or movable nature of the coil allows the conductive coil to conform to, accommodate, or be positioned on a particular anatomical structure of a patient to position the coil in proximity to the underlying target nerve. In certain embodiments, methods of magnetic induction therapy are provided which include positioning a conductive coil relative to a portion of a patient's body by adjusting the central aperture of the coil such that the coil may conform to, accommodate or be positioned on the portion of the patient's body in proximity to the underlying target nerve. |
| US09005100B2 |
Apparatus and methods for treating pulmonary hypertension
A method is described for decreasing activity of at least one sympathetic nerve, nerve fiber or neuron innervating at least one blood vessel in the pulmonary vasculature of a patient to ameliorate pulmonary hypertension. In one embodiment, the method may involve advancing an intravascular treatment device to a target location in a target blood vessel within the pulmonary vasculature of the patient and using the treatment device to decrease activity of at least one sympathetic nerve, nerve fiber or neuron innervating the target blood vessel at or near the target location to ameliorate pulmonary hypertension. |
| US09005099B2 |
Method and apparatus for the delivery of photochemical (cross-linking) treatment to scleral tissue
Delivery systems and methods for delivering riboflavin (R/F) and UVA irradiation to the sclera are disclosed. The R/F is delivered and then activated with UVA irradiation through the use of LEDs or optical fibers, thereby causing cross-linking of the collagen tissue. Delivery systems include implantable structures which provide surfaces that conform to the sclera. The delivery systems include various types of structures for delivery of R/F onto the sclera surface. Additionally, the delivery systems include UVA sources which provide irradiation of R/F in sclera collagen tissue. |
| US09005097B2 |
Vertical centrifugal separator
A vertical centrifugal separator includes a casing, a bowl that is rotatably housed in the casing and provided to separate a solution to be processed which is supplied to an interior of the bowl into a liquid and a solid by an action of centrifugal force and discharge the liquid and the solid, and a discharge assembly that is rotatably housed in the bowl and provided to discharge the solid in the bowl. The bowl and the discharge assembly each have an engagement portion that is engaged or disengaged when the bowl and the discharge assembly are moved relative to each other in an axial direction and a position adjustment mechanism for adjusting a phase between the discharge assembly and the bowl relative to a rotation axis, for example, at a single relative position. |
| US09005096B2 |
Folding method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for forming patterns on sheet material are disclosed. The method comprises a continuous lateral stretch process for producing zero- or near zero-curvature structures. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises pre-gathering the sheet material in the lateral direction to form longitudinal corrugated folds and then feeding the corrugated material through one or more sets of oscillating formers, preferably articulating discs, to impart folding in the lateral direction. Optionally, the sheet material may be fed through one or more sets of patterned rollers. |
| US09005095B2 |
Method for manufacturing restored winding cores
The present invention provides a restored winding core and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein at least one discarded winding core is first collected. At least one of the extremities of the discarded winding core is internally ground on a predetermined grinding distance to remove the crimping portion and provide a ground portion thereon. The ground portion defines a female joint socket extending at the corresponding extremity of the discarded winding core for providing a machined core extremity. The method also comprises the step of providing at least one hollow insert tube diametrically snugly fitting into the female joint socket. The at least one insert tube is inserted inside the corresponding female joint socket for providing a restored core extremity. The present invention thus allows to restore the damaged extremities of a winding core which can then be reused as a new winding core of the same length. The present method also allows to join several discarded winding cores end to end for providing a restored winding core of a longer length. |
| US09005090B2 |
Full body exercise band system
A system for performing proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (“PNF”) stretching. The system includes a harness portion comprising a harness strap with movably attached buckle portions and a hook receptacle surrounding the harness strap to support the harness strap when the hook receptacle is suspended. The harness strap includes a mini-strap with buckle portions extending in parallel with the harness strap. The harness strap buckle portions mate with the mini-strap buckle portions to form a double loop harness configuration, and alternatively, combine with a single loop enabler to form a single loop harness configuration. An attachment strap is configured for attachment to a fixing structure by a movably attached hooking mechanism, which varies the distance between the attaching end of the attachment strap and the hooking mechanism. The harness portion attaches to the attachment strap attached to the fixing structure to provide a user with a body support while in un-balanced positions. |
| US09005083B2 |
Start safety circuit arrangement in a work apparatus having an internal combustion engine
A start safety circuit arrangement is incorporated into a work apparatus having an internal combustion engine. Combustion air and fuel are supplied to the combustion chamber by a control unit for the engine operation. The fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber is ignited by an ignition plug. An operating mode selector has a start position for enriching the fuel/air mixture. A safety brake device in an operating mode brakes the work tool. A start position sensor is arranged on the operating mode selector and a brake position sensor is associated with the safety brake device. The status signal of the brake position sensor and the status signal of the start position sensor are combined to cause the control unit to disable the engine operation if the operating mode selector is in start position (III) and the safety brake device is in its standby mode (B). |
| US09005082B2 |
Control device and control method for vehicle
An ECU increases an engine rotation speed when the ECU determines that an inclination angle of an uphill is larger than or equal to a predetermined value, an accelerator is off and a vehicle speed in a direction opposite to a travelling direction of a vehicle, indicated by a specified range, is increasing. Subsequently, the ECU acquires an engine stall predicted vehicle speed, and calculates a predetermined value used in an immediate engine stall determination condition from a current rate of increase per unit time of a turbine rotation speed. Then, the ECU determines that immediate engine stall determination is affirmative when a rotation speed difference between the engine rotation speed and the turbine rotation speed becomes smaller than the predetermined value, and executes engine stall prevention control. |
| US09005076B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a shift in a multi-mode powertrain system
A method for operating a powertrain system includes executing a transmission shift between an initial electrically-variable transmission (EVT) range and a target EVT range. The transmission shift includes transitioning to operating with three speed degrees of freedom including controlling speed of a second torque machine to synchronize speed of an oncoming clutch associated with the target EVT range and coincidentally controlling speeds of a first torque machine and an engine to achieve a preferred speed of the output member of the transmission. The transmission shift further includes controlling torque output from the first torque machine in response to an output torque request, and activating the oncoming clutch upon synchronizing the speed of the oncoming clutch. Subsequent to the transmission shift, the powertrain system is operated in the target EVT range. |
| US09005075B2 |
Methods and systems for conditionally entering a driveline sailing mode
Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a driveline may selectively enter a sailing mode to provide quick driveline torque response with reduced impact on fuel economy. |
| US09005071B2 |
Flexible and scalable multi-ratio planetary transmission
The present disclosure provides a multi-ratio scalable transmission system for multiple vehicle configurations. The system includes an input disposed along a first axis configured to receive torque from a variable speed propulsion device and an output disposed along a second axis and coupled to the input. The system further includes a selectably engageable clutch coupled between the input and output and a planetary unit coupled to both the input and the output, where the planetary unit includes at least one planetary gearset and a brake. The system is configurable based on a particular vehicle configuration such that the first axis and second axis can be coaxial or non-coaxial. |
| US09005070B2 |
Clutch arrangement for a vehicle drive train
A clutch arrangement has a rotary element which is mounted on a housing so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis and which defines a cavity. A clutch has a first clutch element and a second clutch element which can be coupled thereto, which clutch is arranged in the cavity. The first clutch element or the second clutch element is coupled to the rotary element. A fluidic actuator arrangement has a first and a second actuator element which can move relative to one another in order to activate the clutch. At least the first actuator element can be secured in a rotationally fixed fashion to the housing and extends from outside the rotary element into the cavity. |
| US09005069B2 |
Power interrupting apparatus and power transmitting apparatus
A power interrupting apparatus is provided with: a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a clutch device adapted to interrupt a coupling between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and an actuator adapted to actuate the clutch device. The actuator is disposed on a radially outer periphery of a part of one of the first rotating member and the second rotating member. |
| US09005067B2 |
Speed reduction mechanism, and motor torque transmission device including the same
When an outer ring is fitted to an inner periphery of an input member, which defines a center hole, and an inner ring is fitted to an eccentric portion with clearances in a reduction-transmission mechanism, in a state where tooth tips of the input member contact bottomlands of a rotation force applying member on a line perpendicular to a second axis and a fourth axis, a size between the second axis and a third axis is set to a size that is smaller than or equal to half of a size obtained by adding a diameter difference between an outside diameter of a ball bearing and an inside diameter of the input member, which defines the center hole, a diameter difference between an inside diameter of the ball bearing and an outside diameter of the eccentric portion and an operating clearance of the ball bearing. |
| US09005066B2 |
Motor assembly with speed reducer
A motor assembly includes an electric motor and a speed reducing mechanism. The speed reducing mechanism includes: a housing; an internal gear supported by the inner diameter surface of the housing; eccentric disks capable of rotating inside the internal gear when the rotating shaft of the electric motor rotates; an output shaft having at the axial end thereof a cage rotatably disposed between the internal gear and the eccentric disks, the cage being arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the eccentric disks; and rolling elements retained by the cage and meshing with internal teeth of the internal gear, the number of the rolling elements being smaller than the number of the internal teeth. The eccentric disks are provided on the rotating shaft of the electric motor. |
| US09005065B2 |
Two-stage differential cycloidal speed reducer with a high reduction ratio
A two-stage differential cycloidal speed reducer with a high reduction ratio is provided, including: a plurality of supporting crank shafts; an input shaft including a first crank shaft portion and a second crank shaft portion; a first cycloidal gear provided on the first crank shaft portion; a second cycloidal gear provided on the second crank shaft portion and connected with the first cycloidal gear through the supporting crank shafts; a plurality of first ring pins provided around the outer circumference of the first cycloidal gear and in sliding contact with a plurality of teeth on the periphery of the first cycloidal gear; a first annular gear with the plurality of first ring pins; a plurality of second ring pins provided around the outer circumference of the second cycloidal gear and being in sliding contact with a plurality of teeth on the periphery of the second cycloidal gear; and a second annular gear with the plurality of second ring pins. |
| US09005061B2 |
Tensioning device
A clamping device (1) of a traction mechanism drive, comprising a fixedly positioned base part (2), with which a pivot arm (3) is associated. The pivot arm (3) can be pivoted via a rotary bearing, consisting of a hub (9), a pin (5) of the base part (2) and a sliding bearing (10). A spring means (12) inserted between the base part (2) and the pivot arm (3) exerts an expansion force and effects a non-positive support of a tensioning roller (11) that is connected to the pivot arm (3) on a traction mechanism. In order to damp adjusting movements of the pivot arm (3), a damping device (13) is provided, which comprises two separate spring-loaded friction elements. For this purpose, a friction disk (14) is supported with form fit on the supporting disk (8) connected to the pin (5) of the base part (2) and with friction fit on the pivot arm (3). The damping device (13) further comprises a friction ring (17), which is fixed to the pivot arm (3) and is supported with friction fit on an inner wall (19) of the crucible-shaped base part (2) and which directly cooperates with the spring means (12). |
| US09005060B2 |
Derailleur
A derailleur 10, for moving a chain 60 to different sized sprockets arranged small to large in a sprocket nest 101 is disclosed. The derailleur 10 has a pivot guide feed arm 11 for directing the chain 60 onto one of multiple sprockets within the sprocket nest 101. The pivot guide feed arm 11 is rotatably mounted at a pivot end on an angular pivot pin 12 and when the pivot guide feed arm 11 rotates about the pivot pin 12 an opposite chain guide end of the pivot guide feed arm 11 traces a path substantially parallel to a tangent to the outer periphery of the sprocket nest 101. The movement of the pivot guide feed arm 11 is mechanically driven by a user command and is preferably moved by a connected rod or wire or cable 109. |
| US09005057B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for electronic archery devices
According to one aspect, an apparatus is configured to couple to an arrow-mounted electronic device where the apparatus includes a housing, a receptacle included in the housing and at least one electrical contact configured to couple to a contact included in the arrow-mounted electronic device. According to one embodiment, the receptacle is configured to receive at least a portion of the arrow-mounted electronic device, the at least one electrical contact includes a spring-bias in a first direction and the spring bias is opposed with the arrow-mounted electronic device inserted within the receptacle. |
| US09005053B2 |
Golf ball cores having foam center and thermoset outer layers with hardness gradients
Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate and outer core layers are preferably formed from non-foamed thermoset compositions such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency. |
| US09005046B2 |
Golf club head or other ball striking device with wear indicator
A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having the ball striking surface located at a front of the head and a plurality of parallel face grooves extending laterally across at least a portion of the ball striking surface, a body connected to the face and extending rearward from the face, and an indicator on the ball striking surface of the face. The indicator is located in an area between the face grooves and proximate a lateral center of the ball striking surface, and includes at least one indent in the ball striking surface. The indent has a depth that is substantially less than a depth of any of the face grooves. Methods associated with such ball striking devices are also provided. |
| US09005044B2 |
Amusement ride
Described herein is an amusement ride that includes an object that supports a passenger, a carriage that releasably supports the object, a propulsion mechanism that accelerates the carriage and the object releasably supported by the carriage up to a desired velocity, and a braking mechanism that decelerates the carriage to release the object from the carriage at the desired velocity. |
| US09005043B2 |
Wheel supporting device
A wheel supporting device includes: a hub unit that has a rotary ring having a first spline on its axially inner end face; and a joint that has an outer ring having a second spline, meshing with the first spline, on its axially outer end face. At least one projection included in a plurality of projections of the first spline projects in the axial direction by a larger amount than the remaining projections of the first spline. When a crest of the at least one projection contacts a crest of one of projections of the second spline, a play is caused between the rotary ring and the outer ring due to the at least one projection that works as a fulcrum. |
| US09005040B2 |
Counter track joint with axial displacement range
A joint in the form of a counter track joint is disclosed that comprises a joint outer part with first outer ball tracks and second outer ball tracks; a joint inner part with first inner ball tracks and second inner ball tracks; wherein first aperture angles are respectively formed between tangents to contact points of a ball with the first outer ball track and with the first inner ball track, and second aperture angles are respectively formed between tangents to contact points between a ball with the second outer ball track and with the second inner ball track. The first aperture angles of the first track pairs open towards a first side of the joint, and the second aperture angles of the second track pairs open towards a second side of the joint. Outer axial play is provided between the joint outer part and the ball cage. Inner axial play is provided between the ball cage and the joint inner part. Axial play permits relative axial displacement of the joint inner part with respect to the joint outer part. |
| US09005039B2 |
Aluminum alloy propeller shaft and friction welding process thereof
An aluminum alloy propeller shaft including a tube made of an aluminum alloy, and a pair of yoke members made of an aluminum alloy, the yoke members including cylindrical base portions friction-welded to opposite end portions of the tube, each of the yoke members including a tip end portion having a pair of bearing retaining holes aligned with each other in a radial direction of the base portion. Variation in length between a central axis of the bearing retaining holes in one of the yoke members and a central axis of the bearing retaining holes in the other yoke member with respect to a reference length is set within a range of from +2.0 mm to −2.0 mm. A friction welding process of producing an aluminum alloy propeller shaft, including a friction step, a position displacement detection step, a rotation stop step and an upset step. |
| US09005034B2 |
Systems and methods for out-of-band gaming machine management
Gaming machines may be remotely accessed by a gaming machine management server. The gaming machine management server may access a respective gaming machine while the respective gaming machine is powered off. The gaming machine management server may access a respective gaming machine while the respective gaming machine is powered on and concurrently while an operating system of the respective gaming machine is being executed. |
| US09005031B2 |
Products and processes for operations management of casino, leisure and hospitality industry
In various embodiments of this invention, a suite of customized computer software applications, a linked or wireless computer network and accessory components cooperate to enhance and extend customer and employee resource management in the casino/gaming environment. |
| US09005028B2 |
Video game competition notifications
Methods and systems are described for automatically sending a popup or other message to another person's electronic device upon finishing a predetermined goal in a video game. The predetermined goal can be, for example, killing a first boss in under five minutes. The message to the friend can include a link or button enabled such that the friend can begin the game on his device in the same room, mission, scenario, etc. that the first player started out in so that the friend can attempt to duplicate or ‘one up’ the first player's achievement. Friends who are interested in receiving such messages can be determined from existing social networking sites. |
| US09005023B2 |
Gaming machine with surround sound features
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes selective application of surround sound. The selective application of surround sound allows certain key gaming events to be emphasized over other gaming events. The surround sound may be varied to produce certain effects, such as a tactile effect and a gradual building up of suspense and anticipation that increases player excitement and enjoyment. A surround sound decoder may be added in some embodiments to convert monophonic and stereo wagering games into surround sound. The surround sound may be implemented as true surround sound or as virtual surround sound. |
| US09005022B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbols game which builds layers of multiple dimension symbols
In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which retains, saves or stores zero, one or more of any symbols removed during the play of a primary cascading symbols game. In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which sequentially layers a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids at different depths. |
| US09005020B2 |
Multi-action poker game and method of conducting same via networked systems
A multi-action poker game played via a networked system such a server-based system or global computer network (e.g., the Internet). The poker game generally involves players playing two or more independent poker hands substantially simultaneously at the same virtual poker table. The multiple poker hands are distinguished using distinctive playing cards (and/or card placements) and/or poker chip counts or by multiple representations of the same virtual poker table. Alternatively, a single chip count may be used for each of the at least than two hands. |
| US09005019B2 |
Game system
One object is to provide a game system that can restrain real money trade from a technical aspect. In accordance with one aspect, a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a bid data generating unit configured to generate bid data including constant information related to a bid game content while not including either player specifying information of a bidder player or variable information of the bid game content and a second display control unit configured to cause a bid screen generated from the generated bid data to be displayed in a game played by an exhibitor player. |
| US09005016B2 |
Wagering on event outcomes during the event
Methods and systems are provided for managing a wagering system. In one exemplary embodiment, state information of a live event such as a sports game may be received in real time. During the event, a plurality of possible future states of the event and their associated probabilities (and odds) may be determined based on the state information, historical information, and current in-game information. A betting market is created for betting on the possible future states at determined odds. The betting market is closed, and winning and losing bets are resolved based on updated state information. |
| US09005010B2 |
Wagering game method, gaming machine, gaming system, and program product providing an enhanced tournament award feature
Gaming systems and methods provide a tournament game which selectively awards an enhanced tournament play result. The enhanced tournament play result may be of variable value which is selected for the given instance in order to place the receiving tournament player in some predetermined rank in the tournament. Such a variable enhanced tournament play result in the tournament game may be used to help keep all participants interested in the tournament, even those participants who trail the tournament leaders by a wide margin. |
| US09005008B2 |
Side betting for enriched game play environment (single and/or multiplayer) for casino applications
Methods and systems for making a side bet in a hybrid game having a gambling game portion and an entertainment game portion are provided. The side bet is made in regards to the play of the entertainment portion of the hybrid game and can be made using a real world credit, a game world credit or a game world element. If the side bet is made using a real world credit, the real world credits used by the gambling game portion of the hybrid game and credited to a player are incremented or decremented. If the side bet is made using a game world element, the entertainment game portion of the hybrid game is updated based on the outcome of the side bet. |
| US09005006B2 |
Gaming device having wild symbol generation within a play matrix
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a slot machine having a variety of methods of play to enable wild symbols to be created in the play matrix. In one embodiment, a game comprises: a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of symbol positions; a first plurality of symbols at the plurality of symbol positions on the reel, the first plurality of symbols comprising at least one designated symbol, the designated symbol having both a normal and a wild form thereof within the first plurality of symbols; a second plurality of symbols replacing a subset of the first plurality of symbols, the second plurality of symbols comprising a plurality of wild forms of the designated symbol; at least one predetermined winning symbol combination of a plurality of winning symbol combinations; and an award associated with the predetermined winning symbol combination. |
| US09005003B2 |
Electronic gaming system with 3D depth image sensing
Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The disclosure relates to an electronic gaming system which allows a player to make one or more inputs via human gesturing, and associated methods. |
| US09005000B2 |
Reusable card-based gaming system and method
An apparatus for gaming, comprising a card reader system for reading card data from a game card associated with a player. An instant win game system for associating an instant win game entry with the card data. A jackpot game system for associating a jackpot game entry with the card data. |
| US09004997B1 |
Providing enhanced game mechanics
Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for dynamically locking a camera-linked reticle onto a target vehicle are presented. In one or more embodiments, a computing device may provide a user interface that includes a controlled vehicle and a target vehicle. Subsequently, the computing device may receive user input moving a camera-linked reticle within a predetermined distance of the target vehicle. In response to receiving the user input moving the camera-linked reticle within the predetermined distance of the target vehicle, the computing device may lock the camera-linked reticle onto the target vehicle. In some embodiments, the camera-linked reticle may include a reticle portion of the user interface that is configured to indicate an aim of at least one gun associated with the controlled vehicle, and may be further configured to maintain a substantially constant directional relationship with a viewing angle. |
| US09004995B1 |
Wall curb for air treatment system
A device for reducing sound from an air treatment unit includes, in one embodiment, a wall curb. The air treatment system includes a supply opening and a return opening. The wall curb includes a frame portion defining an interior chamber. A partition divides the interior chamber into a supply plenum in a first portion of the interior chamber and a return plenum in a second portion of the interior chamber. A curb supply opening is formed through the perimeter frame in communication with the supply plenum. A curb return opening is formed through the perimeter frame in communication with the return plenum. The curb return opening is positioned such that airflow through the return plenum is non-linear and a sound absorbing material may be positioned on at least some inside surfaces of the return plenum. |
| US09004992B2 |
Apparatus to monitor a parked vehicle at a convenience station
A service unit for providing a convenience service to a cab of a tractor trailer includes a supply panel which is operable to attach to a cab of a tractor trailer. The supply panel provides conditioned air to the cab. A vibration detection unit is configured to interact with the supply panel and detect an idling engine by detecting a vibration with a vibration detector, transmitting the vibration as vibration signals to a controller, performing a signal analysis on the vibration signals to identify an engine idle signature, and storing a duration of the engine idle signature. |
| US09004991B2 |
Temperature control apparatus of working machine
Provided is a temperature control apparatus of a working machine that is inexpensive, energy-saving and capable of eliminating the temperature difference between a temperature in a room in which the working machine is installed and a temperature of a working area. |
| US09004980B2 |
Fluid jet lance
A fluid jet system providing a hydraulic induction manifold for at least two valves. The manifold is positioned “upstream” of an abrasives holding tank, so that no abrasive material flows through the valves and the manifold. The valves and the manifold provide pressurized fluid for at least two different flows: (1) a primary fluid flow and (2) an abrasive material flow through the abrasives holding tank. The two flows are merged again at a junction to provide a fluid flow having a predetermined abrasive-to-fluid mixture ratio. The manifold balances the pressure of the two different flows using a preset geometric relationship between the two different output flow paths associated with the valves. |
| US09004979B2 |
Replaceable fine machining membrane, stationary fine machining tool, and method for producing a replaceable fine machining membrane
The invention relates to a replaceable fine machining membrane (19) for fixing on a tool head (1), to which pressure can be applied, of a stationary fine machining tool for fine machining a workpiece surface. A fine machining means substrate (27) is integrated in the fine machining membrane (19), said fine machining membrane (19) having a crosslinked elastomer (40) and said fine machining means substrate (27) being embedded in the crosslinked elastomer (40). The invention also relates to a method for producing such a fine machining membrane (19) and to a stationary fine machining tool with a tool head (1) to which pressure can be applied and which has a removable fixing means (31) for fixing such a replaceable fine machining membrane (19). Finally, the invention relates to a method for producing the novel fine machining membrane (19). The invention allows the precise reproducible fine machining of workpiece surfaces even with highly convex or freely shaped membranes (19). Furthermore, a detaching or tearing of the fine machining means substrate (27) is prevented, and the fine machining is simplified and accelerated. |
| US09004976B2 |
Toy projectile launching system
A toy projectile launching system including at least one launchable toy projectile, including at least one RFID tag, and a toy projectile launching apparatus, including a housing, a projectile launching mechanism, a projectile receptacle, and an RFID writer adapted to write tag data to the at least one RFID tag, wherein the toy projectile is adapted to be loaded into the projectile receptacle and launched by the projectile launching mechanism. |
| US09004967B2 |
Skidproof sports mat
A sports mat includes a foam sheet, an adhesive bonding film, a patterned layer and a skid proof layer. The foam sheet is made of polyethylene foam. The adhesive bonding film applied to a top surface of the foam sheet. The patterned layer has a plastic film and a pattern printed in a bottom surface of the plastic film. The plastic film together with the pattern is joined on top of the adhesive bonding film. The skid proof layer, made of thermal plastic rubber, is coated over a top surface of the plastic film. Additionally, the skid proof layer together with the patterned layer, the adhesive bonding film and the foam sheet defines a plurality of indentations and protrusions over a top surface of the skid proof layer so as to strengthen connection therebetween. |
| US09004965B1 |
Forward facing rowing apparatus
A Forward Facing Rowing Apparatus and the associated vessel. The apparatus has a single attachment point and pivot assembly for supporting the oars. A built-in set of leaf spring elements reduce user effort by providing lifting force to raise the oar members. The apparatus is deployable on vessel hulls of virtually unlimited configuration, while still offering proper rowing leverage between the user's hands and the blades without the need for supplemental mounting systems or outriggers. The apparatus is stowable within the center area of the vessel hull. The positioning of the central pivot point for the oars can be adjusted along the axis of the vessel hull so that it can accommodate a wide variety of user preferences. An alternate design includes a foot-assisted sliding trolley mounting assembly that enables the user to add leg/foot power to the stroking motion. Furthermore, the apparatus is removable from the hull for transport or storage. |
| US09004964B2 |
Activation and deactivation assembly for an electric outboard motor
An activation and deactivation assembly for an electric outboard motor with an internal motor controller, a tiller arm, a handle mounted on the tiller arm, and a rotating knob attached to the distal end of the handle. The knob has a longitudinally aligned key slot that receives a complimentary shaped key. Located inside the handle is a reed switch and mounted on the key is a magnet that is magnetically attracted to the reed switch. An optional lanyard attaches the key to the tiller arm, an optional dead main lanyard is attached to the lanyard, and a linear hall effect sensor is located in the handle. |
| US09004961B1 |
Marine outboard engine having an auxiliary battery charging system
A marine outboard engine has an engine, a cowling, an alternator, and a controller electrically connected to the alternator. A primary charger is electrically connected to the alternator and is adapted to charge a primary energy storage device. A starter motor is selectively operatively connected to the engine and is adapted to be electrically connected to the primary energy storage device. An auxiliary charger is electrically connected to the alternator and is adapted to charge at least one auxiliary battery adapted to power an auxiliary device. The controller, the primary charger and the auxiliary charger are disposed inside the cowling. A vehicle bus connects the auxiliary charger with the controller to provide data from the controller to the auxiliary charger. A watercraft having the marine outboard engine and an auxiliary device is also disclosed. |
| US09004960B2 |
Connector with gold-palladium plated contacts
An improved outer layer of plating comprising a binary metal alloy of gold and palladium is employed on connector contacts. The binary metal alloy is plated on at least the contact surface of the contacts. Intermediate plating layers can be applied between the outer layer of gold and palladium and the conductive base of the contacts. The binary metal alloy of gold and palladium may be configured to have a mostly gold or a mostly silver appearance, depending upon the relative concentration of gold and palladium in the binary metal alloy. |
| US09004959B2 |
Electrical connecting device
An electrical connecting device includes an electrical connecting member including an electrical connecting element and a removable component connecting to the electrical connecting element. The electrical connecting element includes a base portion extending on a plane, two connecting portions formed on the base portion, and an arm portion extending between the two connection portions. The removable component includes a plurality of finger portions each connecting to one connecting portion of each adjacent electrical connecting element at a connection that is configured to be breakable. A supporting element respectively extend from the end portions of two outermost ones of the finger portions of the comb element and extend adjacent to the plane and beside the arm portions of the electrical connecting elements. |
| US09004955B2 |
Electrical plug-in connector element and plug-in connector part comprising a plurality of plug-in connector elements
A plug-in connector element (10) has at least two contact plates (72, 74) formed by shaped electrically conductive sheet metal strips. Each contact plate has a connection portion (76) for the electrical connection of the plug-in connector element (10) to an electrical line (6), a contact portion (82) for a detachable electrical connection of the plug-in connector element (10) to an associated connecting element, and a compensating portion (80) arranged between the connection portion (76) and the contact portion (82) for a resilient deflection of the contact portion (82) with respect to the connection portion (76). The connection portion (76), the compensating portion (80) and the contact portion (82) are integrally formed from the sheet metal strips (72, 74). A plug-in connector part has a plurality of plug-in connector elements. |
| US09004947B2 |
Shield connector device
A shield connector is provided capable of reducing the number of components and assembly processes while ensuring shielding characteristics and movability. First and second connectors 10 and 20 respectively including terminals 16 and 26, connector housings 11 and 21 having operation opening portions 12 and 22 for connecting the terminals, and service covers 13 and 23 covering the opening portions, electric wires 40 connecting both the connectors, and a shield shell 50 shielding both the connectors and the electric wires are included. The shield shell is divided into a first shield shell 51 fixed to the first connector and second shield shells 52 and 53 fixed to the second connector, and the peripheral edges of the shield shells overlap each other while enabling relative movement between the first shield shell and the second shield shell. The service cover of the first connector has an interlocking portion 15. |
| US09004945B2 |
Connector and electronic device
A connector is provided in which a connector member is secured to a case and a shielding effect can be maintained even if a mating plug-type connector to be engaged therewith has a flat insulating plate with connecting portions on both of its faces, forming mutually parallel arrays of pluralities of upper terminals and lower terminals, which are strips of conductive segments. The connector member and the case are included. The connector member includes an inner shield cover that includes engaging portions having press-fractured faces, formed in its rear end. The case has resin springs which are disposed inside the tube-shaped portion of the case and extend toward the back and fixing stops which are disposed at free ends of the resin springs and increase in thickness inward from back to front. |
| US09004942B2 |
Electrical connector with hybrid shield
An electrical connector with reduced cross talk and controlled impedance. The connector comprises hybrid shields with lossy portions and conductive portions. The synergistic effect of the lossy portions and the conductive portions allows the hybrid shields to be relatively thin such that they can be incorporated into the mating interface regions or other mechanically constrained regions of the connector to provide adequate crosstalk suppression without undesirably impacting impedance. The conductive portions may be shaped to preferentially position the conductive regions adjacent signal conductors susceptible to cross talk to further contribute to the synergy. The conductive regions may include holes to contribute to desired electrical properties for the connector. |
| US09004936B2 |
Edge connector
An edge connector is to accept a memory card therein, the memory card having two opposite side surfaces, each provided with a plurality of terminal contacts. The edge connector includes an insulated body formed with a reception chamber; a plurality of first and second terminals mounted on the insulated body, each having a fixing section extending into the reception chamber and a transmission section integrally formed with, bent relative to the fixing section and extending into the reception chamber in order to form a card slot therebetween. The transmission section of the first terminal has a scratching corner protruding into the card slot, wherein, forcibly insertion of the memory card into the card slot causes the scratching corner to scratch away of an oxidized layer formed on the terminal contacts of the memory card, thereby enhancing electrical connection between the memory card and the first and second terminals. |
| US09004935B2 |
Safety plug device for high-voltage battery
A safety plug device that is disposed in a high-voltage battery to interrupt power supply. The device includes a female housing, a male housing, and a grip part. The female housing includes a terminal part and the male housing is equipped with a fuse and is removably coupled to the female housing. The grip part is slidable on the male housing in forward and backward directions, is simultaneously coupled to the male housing in a vertical direction, and is equipped with an interlock pin connected to an interlock connector at a rear end thereof. In particular, the grip part slides forward to release the interlock pin and to be coupled to the male housing, to allow the grip part and the male housing to be removed in an upward direction to interrupt the power supply. |
| US09004934B2 |
Card edge connector
A card edge connector defines an insulative housing, the housing includes a lengthwise base portion with opposite end walls along a lengthwise direction thereof, and a card-receiving slot runs forwards for an electrical card; a plurality of terminals are loaded in the housing and the terminals defines contacting portions exposing to the card-receiving slot and welding portions extending out of the housing; a pair of latch members are fixed to the end walls, each latch member comprises a locking portion, the locking portion bends inwards and downwards slantwise, the locking portion also defines an upper guiding surface and a lower resisting surface opposite to the upper guiding surface, wherein the guiding surfaces are disposed slantwise to the electrical card while the resisting surface is parallel to the electrical card. |
| US09004932B2 |
Connector having a sealing ring with projections positioned in recesses on an inner periphery of a tubular fitting
A connector includes a housing (10) with a terminal accommodating portion (11) having a non-circular outer periphery and a tubular fitting (12) surrounding the terminal accommodating portion (11). A seal ring (30) is mounted on the outer periphery of the terminal accommodating portion (11) in the tubular fitting (12). Positioning projections (32) are formed on the seal ring (30), and positioning recesses (26) are formed on the inner periphery of a front end part of the tubular fitting portion (12) for engaging the positioning projections (32) at an initial stage of mounting the seal ring (30) and positioning the seal ring (30) in a circumferential direction by being. |
| US09004929B2 |
Manufacturing method for electric component and electrical component
A method for producing electric components (1) for high-voltage applications, in particular ignition systems. An insulator (3) is produced as a hollow body from a thermoplastic material by an injection-molding method, the electrical functional part (2) is introduced into the insulator (3), and a casting material is cast in the intermediate space between the electrical functional part (2) and the insulator (3). Also, an electric component (1) having an electrical functional part (2) and an insulator (3) for high-voltage applications, in particular ignition systems The insulator (3) preferably consists of polyphenylene sulfide having a glass fiber content. |
| US09004924B2 |
Magnetic power connector and an electronic system using the magnetic power connector assembly
A magnetic power connector and an electronic system using a magnetic power connector are disclosed, wherein a magnetic element of the magnetic power connector is magnetically attracted to a matching magnetic connector to ensure a stable contact. In addition, the electrical conductive path created between the contact elements does not pass through any elastic elements, thereby avoiding heating and improving the lifespan of the elements. Furthermore, sealing can be disposed in the gaps between the connector elements to make the connector waterproof. In addition, a trigger signal can be generated by establishing an electrical connection between a signal contact element and the conductive element in the magnetic power connector so as to achieve the purpose of identification or control, thereby avoiding the functional failure caused by the damage of the contact element of the matching magnetic connector. |
| US09004921B2 |
Motion and vibration cuing system
A motion and vibration cuing system for use with a motion simulator provides vibratory, impulse, onset and sustained motion cuing, independently or simultaneously, by operation of a frame assembly capable of producing vibration and six degrees-of-freedom of motion in coordination with one or more motion seats, mounted to the frame assembly, which produce surge, sway, heave and roll motions. |
| US09004918B2 |
Compositions, assemblies, and methods applied during or after a dental procedure to ameliorate fluid loss and/or promote healing, using a hydrophilic polymer sponge structure such as chitosan
Dental dressing assemblies are formed from hydrophilic polymer sponge structures, such as a densified chitosan biomaterial. The invention also contemplates systems and methods that can be used in conjunction with stents and periodontal dressings to promote hemostasis and secondary healing in free gingival graft palatal donor sites and all other oral and maxillofacial surgical sites. |
| US09004915B2 |
Tabbed dental appliance
Embodiments include dental appliances, dental appliance systems, and methods of making and using such appliances. In one embodiment, a dental appliance includes a number of tooth apertures for the placement of teeth therein and a tab representing a position of a tooth that has not fully erupted and oriented to be received over the position of the tooth that has not fully erupted. |
| US09004911B1 |
Apparatus and method for solid fuel chemical looping combustion
The disclosure provides an apparatus and method utilizing fuel reactor comprised of a fuel section, an oxygen carrier section, and a porous divider separating the fuel section and the oxygen carrier section. The porous divider allows fluid communication between the fuel section and the oxygen carrier section while preventing the migration of solids of a particular size. Maintaining particle segregation between the oxygen carrier section and the fuel section during solid fuel gasification and combustion processes allows gases generated in either section to participate in necessary reactions while greatly mitigating issues associated with mixture of the oxygen carrier with char or ash products. The apparatus and method may be utilized with an oxygen uncoupling oxygen carrier such as CuO, Mn3O4, or Co3O4, or utilized with a CO/H2 reducing oxygen carrier such as Fe2O3. |
| US09004909B2 |
Integrated polymeric-ceramic membrane based oxy-fuel combustor
Integrated polymeric-ceramic membrane-based oxy-fuel combustor. The combustor includes a polymer membrane structure for receiving air at an input and for delivering oxygen-enriched air at an outlet. An oxygen transport reactor including a ceramic ion transport membrane receives the oxygen-enriched air from the polymer membrane structure to generate oxygen for combustion with a fuel introduced into the oxygen transport reactor. |
| US09004907B2 |
Injection molding machine having a transport device disposed on a baseplate
An injection molding machine for producing molded parts has a machine table with a base frame on which three supporting elements with a baseplate disposed thereon are arranged. The base plate has a temperature-control element. |
| US09004905B2 |
Blow moulding machine in a modular design
An apparatus for producing plastic containers includes a heating module that heats plastic preforms and a molding module for molding the preforms into containers. The heating module includes a first transport unit that transports the preforms during the heating and a first interface. The molding module is downstream of the heating module in the transport direction and includes a blow molding unit for applying a flowable medium onto the preforms for expansion thereof, a second transport unit that transports the preforms during the expansion, and a second interface. The first and second interfaces allow a mechanical connection and an electrical connection between the modules such that the molding module may be disposed on the heating module and at least one further module integrated between the heating and molding modules. The further module treats the preforms following the heating and prior to the molding. |
| US09004901B2 |
Apparatus for casting a non-pneumatic tire
This invention relates generally to an apparatus for casting a portion of a tire, and, more specifically, to an apparatus that has a cap and an outer ring that are rotatably attached to a fixed portion of the molding apparatus for centrifugally molding the spokes of a non-pneumatic tire from polyurethane or some other suitable material. The cap and outer ring have separate rotatable attachments to the apparatus and are not otherwise connected to each other, so they are free to rotate without obscuring the pouring slot of the mold. |
| US09004900B2 |
Material forming apparatus
The present invention is a material forming apparatus that includes a piece of material that is a piece of laminated wood, a cover sheet made of plastic material, a flexible bed, a plurality of bed arms and a plurality of drive gears. The material forming apparatus also includes a numerical digital display, a plurality of roller clamps, one or more cranks with a grasping knob and a plurality of pivoting arms that are rotated by rotation of the drive gears and move the bed arms to force the flexible bed and the piece of material into a desired arc radius. |
| US09004899B2 |
Noodles and apparatus for processing the same
Noodles with hand-made quality consisting of thick and thin portions are processed by introducing a noodle belt between first and second cutting rolls 5 and 6 having first and second cutting blades 3 and 4 each formed by large and small diameter portions 3a, 4a and 3b and 4b, and spacers 7. The cutting rolls are relatively shifted in an axial direction such that the thick portion is formed by opposing large diameter portion and spacer and the thin portion is formed by opposing large diameter portion and small diameter portion. |
| US09004897B2 |
Mould base support
The support cooperates with the half-molds (2, 3) of a molding unit used to shape a container from thermoplastic material. This support comprises: a pedestal in the form of an actuating cylinder (11), the rod (12) of which is solidly connected to the mold base (1); and, between the rod (12) of the actuating cylinder (11) and the mold base (1), an assembly system (13) formed by a female part in the form of a nut (14) and of a male part in the form of a screw (15). The nut (14) is trapped at the end of the rod (12) of the actuating cylinder (11) and the screw (15) is associated directly or indirectly with the mold base (1). A system of shim(s) (40, 41) can be used to adjust the working stroke of the rod (12) of the actuating cylinder (11) as required. |
| US09004894B2 |
Mold assembly
A mold assembly for insert-molding a heterogeneous object includes an upper mold and a lower mold. The upper mold includes a cavity for accommodating an insert object. The lower mold includes a rigid body and a resilient contact member for resting the insert object. The resilient contact member absorbs dimensional variations of the insert object during the insert molding process. |
| US09004890B2 |
Gear wheel pump
The invention relates to a gear wheel pump with two meshing gear wheels which are rotatably mounted within a pump housing by means of a driven driveshaft and a crankshaft journal and which form a pumping channel system between a pump inlet and a pump outlet. Several gaps are formed between the pump housing, the gear wheels, the driveshaft, and the crankshaft journal. One of the gaps between the driveshaft and one of the gear wheels contains means for the rotationally fixed connection of the driveshaft to the gear wheel. In order to prevent leakages penetrating to the connecting means, according to the invention the gap between the driveshaft and the gear wheel is sealed, with respect to the front faces of the gear wheel, by means of a sealant. |
| US09004889B2 |
Internal gear pump
An internal gear pump includes an inner rotor having n teeth and an outer rotor having (n+1) teeth. A tooth profile of the inner rotor is an envelope of a group of locus circles (13) each having a diameter C and having a center on a trochoidal curve (T), the trochoidal curve being drawn along a locus of a fixation point, which is located distant from a center of a rolling circle (12) by e, when the rolling circle (12) rolls along a base circle (11) without sliding. A tooth profile of the outer rotor is an envelope of a group of tooth-profile curves of a formation inner rotor, the envelope being obtained by first drawing the formation inner rotor in which a diameter of the locus circle (13) is equal to C′ determined from expression (C−t), revolving a center (OI) of the formation inner rotor by one lap along a circle (S) having a diameter (2e) and centered on a center (OO) of the outer rotor, and rotating the formation inner rotor 1/n times during the revolution. |
| US09004883B2 |
Low noise high efficiency solenoid pump
A low noise, high efficiency solenoid pump includes a housing containing a hollow electromagnetic coil. Within the coil resides a pump assembly defining a tubular body having a pair of opposed ends which respectively include an inlet or suction port and an outlet or pressure port and within which a plunger or piston resides. The piston is biased in opposite directions by a pair of opposed compression springs. A first compression spring limits and arrests travel of the piston during the suction or return stroke and a second compression spring limits travel of the piston during the pumping stroke and returns the piston after the pumping stroke. The piston includes a first check valve that opens to allow hydraulic fluid into a pumping chamber during the suction stroke and closes during the pumping stroke to cause fluid to be pumped out of the pumping chamber. A second check valve opens to allow pumped fluid to exit the pumping chamber and the pump body through the outlet or pressure port and closes to inhibit reverse flow. |
| US09004880B2 |
Fan motor set locating structure
A fan motor set locating structure includes a base seat and a motor set. The base seat has a bearing cup. At least one locating notch is formed on a top section of the bearing cup. A bearing is disposed in the bearing cup. The motor set includes an insulation support. One side of the insulation support is formed with a sleeve. The sleeve is capped on the bearing cup. The sleeve has at least one protrusion section protruding from the sleeve to the bearing cup corresponding to the locating notch. The protrusion section is engaged in the locating notch in abutment with the bearing. Accordingly, the motor set can be quickly fixedly assembled with the bearing cup to fix the bearing. Therefore, the number of the components is decreased and the assembling process is speeded. |
| US09004877B2 |
Multi-stage diaphragm suction pump
A multi-stage diaphragm suction pump, includes at least two pump chambers, each having a inlet having at least one inlet valve, and a outlet having at least one outlet valve, and a suction line, which connects the fluid inlets of the pump chambers. Successive pump chambers are connected to one another by at least one connection line such that, when a differential pressure in the suction line is reached/exceeded, the diaphragm pump changes from parallel to an operating mode that is at least also serial. At least one check valve, which opens to a downstream pump stage, is interposed in each of the inflow and outflow regions of the at least one connection line. A suction-side opening or a pressure-side opening of the connection line is arranged in a region of the pump chamber on which a diaphragm associated with the pump chamber rolls first during a pump cycle. |
| US09004876B2 |
Cooling system and control method
A cooling system includes a fan group with a number of fans arranged in a row, a rail extending in a direction parallel to the row of the fans. A backup fan slidably mounted to the rail, a motor configured to control the movement of the backup fan, and a control board to determine whether there exists one malfunction fan in the fan group. When one abnormal fan exists in the fan group, the control board outputs a control signal to the motor, to enable the motor to drive the backup fan to move to a location corresponding to the abnormal fan. |
| US09004873B2 |
Airfoil, turbomachine and gas turbine engine
One embodiment of the present invention is a unique airfoil for a turbomachine. Another embodiment is a unique gas turbine engine. Yet another embodiment is a method for manufacturing an airfoil for a turbomachine. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for airfoils and turbomachinery. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith. |
| US09004872B2 |
Bearing surface combined load-lock slots for tangential rotors
A system for assembling a turbine engine component has a disk having a groove, which groove has a bearing surface and an upper wall, at least one locking slot being positioned at an intersection of the bearing surface and the upper wall; each locking slot having a shaped surface; and at least one lock having a shape which matches and mates with the shaped surface of the locking slot; and said locking slots providing clearance to assemble blades into the disk. |
| US09004871B2 |
Stacked wheel assembly for a turbine system and method of assembling
A stacked wheel assembly for a turbine system includes a plurality of wheels. A stud includes a forward end having a circumferential surface with at least one relatively planar portion and a first groove extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the circumferential surface. A first nut is disposed proximate a forward face of one of the plurality of wheels to receive the forward end of the stud. A resilient arcuate member is configured to fittingly reside within the first groove. A lock plate having at least one slotted region is disposed proximate an outer surface of the lock plate to fittingly engage at least one lug disposed on a forward region of the first nut for rotationally retaining the stud and a second groove is disposed within an inner surface of the lock plate to receive the resilient arcuate member for axially retaining the lock plate. |
| US09004869B2 |
Centrifugal pump impellers
A centrifugal pump impeller includes front and back shrouds and a plurality of pumping vanes therebetween, each pumping vane having a leading edge in the region of an impeller inlet and a trailing edge, the front shroud has an arcuate inner face in the region of the impeller inlet, the arcuate inner face having a radius of curvature (Rs) in the range from 0.05 to 0.16 of the outer diameter of the impeller (D2) The back shroud includes an inner main face and a nose having a curved profile with a nose apex in the region of the central axis which extends towards the front shroud, there being a curved transition region between the inner main face and the nose. Fr is the radius of curvature of the transition region and the ratio Fr/D2 is from 0.32 to 0.65. Other ratios of various dimensions of the impeller are also described. |
| US09004866B2 |
Turbine blade incorporating trailing edge cooling design
A turbine blade (10) including an airfoil (12) having multiple interior wall portions (70) each separating at least one chamber from another one of multiple chambers (46, 48, 50, 58, 60). In one embodiment a first wall portion (70-2) between first and second chambers (60, 52) includes first and second pluralities of flow paths (86P, 86S) extending through the first wall portion. The first wall portion includes a first region R1 having a first thickness, t, measurable as a distance between the chambers. One of the paths extends a first path distance, d, as measured from an associated path opening (78) in the first chamber (60), through the first region and to an exit opening (82) in the second chamber (52) which path distance is greater than the first thickness. |
| US09004864B2 |
Wind turbine
A wind turbine having a set of curved blades mounted on a central rotatable hub. Each of the blades has a defined pitch angle, to a rotational axis of the hub, along the blade from the hub to the tip. A curve is provided on the wind contact surface along each of the blades over the blade surface from the leading edge of the blade to the trailing edge of the blade by an amount between about 6 and about 24 degrees. The defined pitch angle from any point along the leading edge of the blade being defined by the arc-sine of a ratio of blade velocity to apparent wind velocity, with a variance of ±30 percent of the complementary angle to the arc-sine; and apparatus for varying the velocity of the blade to control power output so that it is within fifteen percent of maximum obtainable power of the blade most distant from the hub. |
| US09004855B2 |
Side-opening jet engine nacelle
The invention relates to a nacelle including an air intake upstream from the jet engine (1), a medium section surrounding the fan of the jet engine (1), and a downstream section. The nacelle further includes at least one pair of mobile cowlings (3) provided on both sides of a vertical longitudinal symmetry plane of the nacelle and hinged essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis (A) of the nacelle so they can be opened to provide access to the jet engine (1). The mobile cowlings (3) are paired by fastening means (8) so that they can be hinged on each other about separate or overlapping axes (6). Each mobile cowling (3) comprises permanent connection means or means (14, 15) for connecting it temporarily by rotation and in closed position to a fixed structure (7) of the nacelle. |
| US09004848B2 |
Feeding device
A feeding device includes a housing, a first conveying mechanism mounted on the housing, and a distribution mechanism. The housing forming a receptacle space includes a top surface defining a receiving opening communicated with the receptacle space. The distribution mechanism includes a slide platform slidably mounted on the top surface, a distribution member, and elastic members. The slide platform defines an unloading opening communicated with the receiving opening and a mounting groove adjacent to the unloading opening. The distribution member is movably mounted in the mounting groove. The elastic member elastically resists the distribution member to protrude out from the unloading opening. The stacked feeding trays resist the distribution member to move away from the unloading opening. When the top feeding tray is moved above the distribution member, the distribution member retracts by an elastic force to separate the top feeding tray from the stacked feeding trays located below. |
| US09004843B2 |
Method and apparatus for handling aerogenerator blades
Method and apparatus for handling aerogenerator blades that provide a versatile means for handling aerogenerator blades without an unbalanced distribution of the loads in the blade. The method comprises positioning an upper mounting part (103) over the blade after the upper mold has been retracted; lifting the blade with the upper mounting part from the under mold using a lifting means; positioning the blade over an under mounting part (104) which is fixedly attached to an inferior movable support (102); attaching the upper mounting part to the under mounting part, wherein the upper and under mounting parts together have the inner surface substantially corresponding to the shape of the blade outer profile section. The invention further comprises an apparatus for handling aerogenerator blades. |
| US09004838B2 |
Apparatus, system, and methods for weighing and positioning wafers
An apparatus for characterizing a wafer comprising an aligner comprising a chuck for receiving and rotating the wafer, a sensor for detecting the position of the wafer as it is rotated, a first actuator for lowering and raising the wafer vertically, and a second actuator for moving the chuck horizontally; and a weighing scale comprising a weight sensor disposed proximate to the aligner, and a cantilevered arm extending laterally from the weight sensor over the chuck of the aligner, the cantilevered arm having a through hole surrounding the chuck. The chuck is vertically movable relative to the weighing scale from a first position in which the wafer is supported by the chuck to a second position in which the wafer is supported by the cantilevered arm of the weighing scale. A method for characterizing a wafer using the instant apparatus is also disclosed. |
| US09004833B1 |
Toggle bolt device
A fastener apparatus is disclosed that features projecting locking members that extend and retract when a central drive shaft is rotated. The exterior of the connector has a body that is partially threaded to receive a nut so that two structures (e.g. flanges, panels, plates, beams, etc.) can be pulled together by tightening the bolt when the locking members are in the extended position. In one embodiment, the shaft can be an eyebolt. |
| US09004832B1 |
Intermodal container
An extendable, intermodal transport platform is disclosed. The invention comprises a standard ISO-length loading platform supported by main beams and crossmembers. The platform has ISO lifting and stacking fitments at its four corners. The platform has extendable supplemental platforms at each end, the extendable supplemental platforms fitting beneath the deck bed of the platform, or extendable to position stacking fitments at over-the-road trailer positions for North American fleet. Inner stacking fitments may laterally expand and retract so as to slide underneath the deck bed between the main beams. In some embodiments the platform includes posts that extend upward to position ISO lifting fitments at standard heights, such as under hydraulic power. |
| US09004824B2 |
Milling cutter as well as a milling insert therefor
A milling cutter for chip removing machining, including a basic body rotatable in a predetermined direction around a center axis and having a front end surface and an envelope surface that extends axially backward from the front end surface and is concentric with the center axis. A number of indexable milling inserts are mounted in respective peripherally spaced-apart seats having a mutually fixed pitch, each milling insert including an upper side, an under side and at least one clearance surface, the clearance surface together with the upper side delimiting at least two alternately active cutting edges that are uniform in their extension between first and second end points. The cutting edges of each milling insert are situated on different levels in relation to the under side of the milling insert to alter the effective pitch between the active cutting edges of the milling inserts by indexing of at least one of the milling inserts. |
| US09004816B2 |
In situ remediation of soils and ground water containing organic contaminants
A method for remediating contaminated soil includes adding a heat-activated oxidizing agent into the soil; exposing the soil to direct current through a first set of electrodes so as to cause migration of the oxidizing agent through the soil and pore water contained in the soil; and exposing the soil to alternating current through a second set of electrodes so as to heat the soil and thus to activate the oxidizing agent. The first and second sets of electrodes are optionally the same set. |
| US09004811B2 |
Systems and methods for aiming asphalt material feed sensors
A system for measuring the height of paving material distributed by an auger of a paving machine in front of a grading implement, such as a screed, is disclosed. The system includes a sonic sensor and a laser pointer. The sonic sensor generates a sonic signal which is directed at the paving material distributed by the auger. The laser pointer generates a laser beam which is similarly directed at the paving material that has been distributed by the auger. The laser beam and the sonic signal meet at a common position on the paving material. |
| US09004806B2 |
Sheet securing scaffold clamp
An elongated clamp for securing a flexible fabric-like shroud to a scaffold support member including two opposed jaws movable between an open and closed position by a one pin and an at-least-one wedge combination. The flexible shroud is held to the support member by the clamp's gripping force. Multiple clamps securable at different points along the various standard support members can provide positive securement of the shroud. |
| US09004797B2 |
Brush with rotatable handle
A rotatable brush having a brush head and a handle pivotally connected to the brush head, whereby the handle is rotatable relative to the brush head between an unfolded position lying end-to-end and axially aligned with the brush head and a compact folded position lying below the brush head. The brush head has a locking cavity formed therein and the handle has a locking rib formed thereon. The locking rib is removably received within the locking cavity by which the brush head and the handle are retained one above the other when the handle is rotated to its folded position below the brush head. The handle includes a hollow fluid chamber running therethrough. A spray pump is detachably connected to the handle so that a spray tube communicates with the hollow fluid chamber to enable a fluid to be sprayed therefrom. |
| US09004795B2 |
Container for a stick of a cosmetic or hygienic product having a retractable applicator element
A container (1) for a stick of a cosmetic or hygienic product, comprising an applicator element (3) in which a stick (2) of said product can move axially relative to a base (32), as well as a tubular storage element (4) comprising a top (41) that contains a mobile sleeve (42) and is suitable for covering the applicator element (3) in a configuration wherein said applicator element is fully inserted into the sleeve and connected to said top by means of an elastically compressible device having two stable axial positions relative to a hilly inserted configuration, said device comprising a resilient element (43) pushing the sleeve (42) towards the outside of the top, and, distributed between the top and the sleeve, a heart-shaped guide track (44) arranged parallel to an axial direction of the top, and a follower (45) carried by a generally axially pivoting arm (46) such as to define stable top and bottom positions allowing the applicator element to be gripped or not. The resilient element (43) is arranged between the outer wall of the sleeve (42) and the inner wall of the top (41), and the guide track and follower are arranged in a lateral space formed by the shape differences of the cross-sections of the top and the sleeve. |
| US09004794B2 |
Telescoping chalk holder
A telescopic chalk holder for drawing upon a drawing surface and including an outer cylinder having a tip at one end, a chalk stick received within the outer cylinder, the tip in radial receipt of the chalk stick, a push rod received by a second end of the outer cylinder and extending at least a portion of the chalk stick through the tip, and a push rod providing pressure to the chalk stick as the tip is manipulated over the drawing surface. |
| US09004787B2 |
Long hinge actuator snubbing
A device may comprise an upper module cover, a lower module cover, an outer frame, and an actuator having a movable frame. The movable frame may be at least partially disposed intermediate the upper module cover and the lower module cover. A hinge flexure may interconnect the outer frame and the movable frame such that the movable frame is rotatable with respect to the outer frame. The upper module cover and/or the lower module cover may be adapted to limit a movement of the movable frame. |
| US09004786B2 |
Light quantity adjusting device and imaging apparatus
Provided is a light quantity adjusting device that adjusts size of a diaphragm opening centering on an optical axis of an optical system that includes: a first pair of a first and a second rectilinear diaphragm blades slidably arranged at positions opposing across the diaphragm opening in a direction moving to and from the optical axis on a plane orthogonal to the optical axis; a second pair of a third and a fourth rectilinear diaphragm blades slidably arranged at positions opposing across the diaphragm opening, in a direction orthogonal the first pair of blades move, and in a direction to and from the optical axis; and a driving unit that adjusts a size of the diaphragm opening by sliding the blades. The driving unit drives the blades so as to adjustably form and maintain a shape of an opening perimeter of the diaphragm opening in nearly similar shapes. |
| US09004784B2 |
Camera mount assembly, methods of production and uses thereof
A camera mount assembly is disclosed that includes: a camera having a camera body and a lens, a D-shaped telescopic handle, wherein the handle is coupled to the top of the camera body, a removable eyepiece, wherein the eyepiece is operatively coupled to the camera body, a viewfinder tube, and an inverted kinematic arm. A camera mount assembly is also disclosed that includes: a camera having a camera body and a lens, a D-shaped telescopic handle, wherein the handle is coupled to the top of the camera body, a removable eyepiece, wherein the eyepiece is operatively coupled to the D-shaped telescopic handle, a viewfinder tube rotatably coupled with the camera body, and an inverted kinematic arm. Additionally, a camera mount assembly is described that includes: a camera having a camera body and a lens, a D-shaped telescopic handle, wherein the handle is coupled to the top of the camera body, a viewfinder tube rotatably coupled with the camera body, a removable eyepiece, wherein the eyepiece is operatively coupled to the viewfinder tube, and an inverted kinematic arm. |
| US09004783B1 |
Camera mountable arm
A camera mountable arm includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The first segment includes a recess extending substantially along a length of the first segment, and is configured to detachably couple to a camera. The first segment is rotatably coupled to the second segment and the second segment is rotatably coupled to the third segment. The arm is operable in a plurality of positions, including: a folded position, where the first, second, and third segments are aligned to be mutually length-wise parallel such that the second segment is enclosed within the recess along the first segment, and the first and second segments are substantially flush with the third segment; and an outstretched position, where the first and second segments are separated by a first angular displacement and the second and third segments by a second angular displacement. |
| US09004777B2 |
Optical fiber coupling assembly
An optical fiber coupling assembly includes a first optical fiber connector and a second optical fiber connector. The first optical fiber connector includes a first body having a first light incident surface, first optical lenses, first plugs, and second plugs. The first optical lenses, the first plugs, and the second plugs are formed on the first light incident surface. The first optical lenses are positioned between the first plugs, and the first plugs are positioned between the second plugs. The second plugs are longer than the first plugs. The second optical fiber connector includes a second body having a second light incident surface and second optical lenses formed on the second light incident surface. First engaging holes and second engaging holes are defined in the second light incident surface. The first plugs are inserted into the first engaging holes, and the second plugs are inserted into the second engaging holes. |
| US09004774B1 |
Ball bearing system for internal combustion engine turbochargers
A ball bearing system for use with engine turbochargers dampens axial and radial thrust loads of a turbocharger and enhances performance and longevity. The system includes a bearing carrier with an aperture to house a shaft having a compressor wheel affixed to a first end of the shaft and a turbine wheel affixed to a second end of the shaft, the bearing carrier being able to house a plurality of bearings in contact with the shaft, an outer housing member connected to the shaft to enclose the bearing carrier, and a first O-ring and a second O-ring both disposed within grooves around the outer surface area of the bearing carrier, each O-ring also in contact with a corresponding groove in the interior of the outer housing member. The O-rings dampen the axial and radial loads of the rotating shaft of the turbocharger. |
| US09004769B2 |
Synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing
A synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing 1 includes a synthetic resin-made upper casing 12, a synthetic resin-made lower casing 22, a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece 33 interposed between the upper casing 12 and the lower casing 22, an outer elastic seal member 47 having an inner elastically deformable lip portion 43 and an outer elastically deformable lip portion 46, and an inner elastic seal member 54 having an outer elastically deformable lip portion 50 and an inner elastically deformable lip portion 53. |
| US09004766B1 |
Axial control assembly
An axial control assembly comprises a bearing assembly and a bearing mount assembly, wherein the bearing mount assembly is structured to secure the bearing assembly in an operative configuration relative to a rotatable element of a mechanical device. The bearing assembly includes an inner bearing casing and an outer bearing casing structured to rotatably engage one another. The bearing mount assembly includes at least one axial control member disposed in an abutting relation to an axial load surface of one of the inner or outer bearing casing, and the axial control member is further positioned to counteract an axial load generated by a rotational movement of the rotational element of the mechanical device. |
| US09004764B2 |
Linear guide assembly
A linear guide assembly has a bar device, multiple partitions, multiple containing spaces and multiple rolling balls. The partitions are mounted between two bars of the bar device at intervals to form the containing spaces. The rolling balls are respectively and rotatably mounted in the containing spaces. Each partition has multiple first protrusions and multiple second protrusions. Each rolling ball is in point-contact with the first protrusions and the second protrusions of adjacent two of the partitions. With the point-contact configuration, an outer surface of each rolling ball is lubricated by much oil. |
| US09004761B2 |
Multiple chamber container with mistake proof administration system
The present disclosure provides a multiple chamber container that includes a container body sealed around a peripheral edge and having an outlet. The container also includes a first peel seal having a projecting portion and a second peel seal that isolates the outlet. The second peel seal may also include a projecting portion. The first and second peel seals may be configured to define a symmetrical chamber. The chamber may include an axis of symmetry extending between the first and second projecting portions. The chamber geometry of the container ensures a correct sequential opening of the first and second peel seals. |
| US09004754B2 |
Thermal sensors and methods of operating thereof
A thermal sensor includes a comparator having a first and second input nodes. A reference voltage generator is electrically coupled with the first input node. The reference voltage generator is configured to provide a reference voltage that is substantially temperature-independent. A temperature sensing circuit is electrically coupled with the second input node. The temperature sensing circuit is configured to provide a temperature-dependent voltage. The temperature sensing circuit includes a current mirror. A first metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistor is electrically coupled between the current mirror and ground. A first resistor is electrically coupled with the current mirror. A second MOS transistor is electrically coupled with the first resistor in series. The second MOS transistor and the first resistor are electrically coupled with the first MOS transistor in a parallel fashion. |
| US09004750B2 |
System for connecting a bracelet to a watch case
A system connects a bracelet to a watch case by a link. The watch case includes a caseband and a back cover. The link includes a first hollow element and a second element partly nesting in the first hollow element. The first hollow element carries a first device to fasten to the watch case. The second element carries a second device to fasten to an adjacent bracelet link. The watch case includes a mechanical device arranged to pivot the first hollow element so that the first hollow element is pressed against the caseband of the watch case. |
| US09004749B2 |
Oscillating weight
The oscillating weight for a self-winding watch mechanism is made by molding a plastic material charged with heavy metal particles. Moreover, the plastic material is also charged with fibers, wherein said fibers form between 1.5% and 7% of the total weight of the charged plastic material, and the density of the charged plastic material is greater than 8. |
| US09004748B2 |
Balance spring with two hairsprings and improved isochronism
A balance spring includes a first hairspring, a second hairspring, and an attachment member securing an outer coil of the first hairspring to one end of the second hairspring so as to form a dual balance spring in series. A curve of the first hairspring and a curve of the second hairspring each have a continuously variable pitch and are symmetrical relative to a straight line parallel to first and second planes and pass through a median plane of projection of the attachment member. Each hairspring further includes at least two counterweights so as to compensate for an unbalance formed by a mass of the attachment member and personalize an anisochronism slope of the balance spring. |
| US09004747B2 |
Timepiece movement with low magnetic sensitivity
A timepiece movement comprising including a sprung balance resonator mounted between a bar and a bottom plate wherein the balance is formed from a ferromagnetic material. The timepiece movement includes a magnetic polarizing device for the balance spring for maintaining a predefined state of polarization in the balance spring and including a permanent magnetizing device which forms a magnetic field in the plane of the balance spring so as to totally or almost totally magnetically saturate the balance spring in the absence of an external magnetic field. |
| US09004746B2 |
Timepiece wheel set with peripheral guiding
Timepiece wheel set (1) including a first guide surface (2) cooperating with a second guide surface (3) associated with a bridge (50), for pivotally mounting the wheel set (1) relative to the bridge (50) about an axis (D). The first guide surface (2) is a single surface, located on a median plane (P) of said wheel set (1), orthogonal to this axis (D), for holding the wheel set (1) careened or in a cantilever arrangement relative to this bridge (50), and the wheel set (1) is free of any guide arbours on either side of this guide surface (2).This wheel set (1) forms a ball bearing (10) wherein the first guide surface (2) forms an internal raceway (9) for balls (11) and wherein an external ball race (12) mounted on the bridge (50) includes the second guide surface (3) forming an external raceway for the balls (11). |
| US09004742B2 |
Method and apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock
A method and apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. The apparatus, such as a holding tank, has a passage. At the outlet to the passage, a conveyance member is provided to convey the cellulosic feedstock laterally across the outlet. The conveyance member, e.g., at least one screw conveyor, may have a variable pitch along its length. The method comprises passing the cellulosic feedstock through an impregnation chamber to an outlet of the impregnation chamber; passing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the impregnation chamber to an inlet of a holding tank; passing the cellulosic feedstock downwardly through the holding tank; maintaining a generally constant residence time in the holding tank; and subsequently subjecting the cellulosic feedstock to a hydrolysis process. |
| US09004741B2 |
Device for agitating a canister of material
A device for agitating a canister of material to mix the material therein. A housing in which the canister is inserted has a ball mounted to the bottom end of the housing. The ball is mounted on an axle driven by an external rotary power drill. The ball is located offset with respect to a main axis of the housing and is also mounted offset with respect to the axle of rotation thereby causing rotation of the canister as well as reciprocal motion of the canister. |
| US09004737B2 |
Illumination apparatus
An illumination apparatus including an illumination shell, a circuit and a light source is provided. The illumination shell is formed by a light guide plate. The circuit has a plurality of circuit contacts integrated with the illumination shell. The light source is disposed on the illumination shell and electrically contacted to the plurality of circuit contacts. |
| US09004731B2 |
Illumination device for generating a light strip and motor vehicle
An illumination device can be arranged along a contour of a component in a motor vehicle so that the contour of the component is recognizable in the dark as a bright strip. The illumination device allows producing a light strip along a predetermined distance. For this, the illumination device has a longitudinally shaped light conductor for distributing light along the distance and a coupling-in element which is connected to the light contour for coupling light into the light conductor. The light conductor is supported positionally fixed relative to the component in a region by means of a fixed-bearing device. The coupling in element on the other hand is supported by means of a floating-bearing device for movement relative to the component along at least one direction. |
| US09004728B2 |
Light assembly
A light assembly that includes a mounting frame on which a light engine is mounted so as to direct light through the mounting frame opening and out of an opening in the ceiling. The light assembly is designed to permit the light engine to be rotated and tilted, in some embodiments without the need for tools. |
| US09004727B2 |
Interchangeable reflectors for light devices
A reflector device for a light source device having a light emitter, wherein the reflector device includes first and second reflectors. The first reflector has a first reflector surface adapted to produce a first light beam and the second reflector has a second reflector surface different from the first reflector surface and which is adapted to produce a second light beam different than the first light beam. The second reflector is adapted to be removably coupled to the first reflector such that both reflectors are coupled to the light source device at the same time. This allows a user to change a beam pattern of the light source between a first, default, beam pattern and a second beam pattern by interchanging the second reflector on the light source. |
| US09004726B2 |
Light directing films
Light directing films employing at least two layers forming a continuous corrugated boundary between major surfaces of the film. Light received by a major surface of the film is internally redirected by interacting with the facets of the corrugated inter-layer boundary and is emitted from the opposing major surface towards a new propagation direction which is different from the original propagation direction by up to 90 degrees. Light directing films may have additional layers and/or layer boundaries which may provide additional bend angles to light rays or otherwise diffuse the emitted beam. |
| US09004725B2 |
Lighting device with electrowetting liquid lens with heat dissipation
A lighting device capable of changing light patterns, includes: (a) a heat dissipating substrate; (b) a light source, located on the heat dissipating substrate; (c) a first dielectric liquid, covering the light source and having a first dielectric constant; (d) a second dielectric liquid, covering the first dielectric liquid and having a second dielectric constant; and (e) an enclosing wall, located on the heat dissipating substrate for containing the first dielectric liquid and the second dielectric liquid. |
| US09004724B2 |
Reflector (optics) used in LED deco lamp
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an LED decorative lamp is provided. The LED decorative lamp comprises a light engine having at least one LED mounted on a platform, a current regulated driver configured to provide power to the at least one LED, the driver mounted inside a base, a substantially hollow envelope forming an enclosure over the light engine and driver, and a reflector disposed above the light engine. The reflector is configured to improve the light distribution of the at least one LED. |
| US09004723B2 |
Lighting and ventilating system and method
Embodiments of the invention provide a lighting and ventilating system including a main housing. The main housing can include an inlet through which air can be received within the main housing and an outlet through which the air can exit the main housing. A fan wheel can be supported in the main housing and it can be operable to generate a flow of air. A grille can be coupled to the main housing and the grille can comprise a plurality of apertures and a second set of illumination devices. The system further can include a lamp housing coupled to the grille, the lamp housing can include a first set of illumination devices. Also, a plate can be coupled to the grille so that the plate is adjacent to the second set of illumination devices. |
| US09004719B2 |
Trim cap illuminated channel letter lighting system and letter construction system
A channel letter lighting system comprising a channel letter housing including a light transmissive face, a rear wall and at least one trim cap adapted to receive the light transmissive face and rear wall. A plurality of light emitting units within the channel letter housing and at least one optical element proximate the plurality of light emitting units, wherein the at least one optical element is configured to direct light emitted from the plurality of light emitting units in a direction away from the face and towards the rear wall or the opposing trim cap. The channel letter lighting system arranged to provide low profile channel letters. |
| US09004718B2 |
LED decorative illuminated trim system
A decorative illuminated trim system having at least one mountable base track. The base tracks include a recessed LED seat and two parallel attachment grooves. The trim system includes a cover with two rails. The cover is partially translucent and adjacent the base track such that the rails engage with the attachment grooves. The trim system has at least one LED string between the cover and the LED seat. The LED string includes LED bulbs that receive electric current from an electricity source and emit light. Some of the light emitted by the LED string passes through the cover. |
| US09004717B2 |
Extruded housing with hinged lens for LEDs
An extruded housing using a single polymeric material to form an opaque body portion that defines an open channel, a light transmitting lens portion, and a hinge portion joining the body portion to the lens portion to form a unitary body. The hinge portion allows the lens portion to pivot relative to the body portion between an open position, where the channel is open, and a closed position, wherein the lens closes the open channel. The extruded housing is designed to form part of a light emitting diode light fixture, where the housing accepts a strip or plurality of LEDs within the channel for emission of light through the lens portion. |
| US09004716B2 |
LED tube socket, adaptor and assembly thereof
A Light Emitting Diode (LED) tube socket, an adaptor and an assembly thereof, which includes tow sockets capping either end of a LED tube. Each of the sockets has a socket main body, a pair of conductive terminals and a first threaded portion. The pair of the conductive terminals is disposed in the socket main body and electrically connecting a first LED assembly within the socket main body. The socket connects the adaptor via the threaded portions and the seal is watertight. Two or more LED tubes are connected thereby to satisfy a required length. |
| US09004710B2 |
Illumination device, display device, television receiving device
A backlight device of the present invention includes: a chassis having a bottom plate; a plurality of LED substrates 25 that are rectangular and that are arranged such that one end face on the short side of the LED substrate 25 faces the short side of the bottom plate; LEDs arranged on the LED substrates 25; first through holes that go through the LED substrates 25; second through holes 42 that are disposed nearer the end face of the LED substrate 25 than the first through holes 41, that go through the LED substrates 25, and that are horizontally longer than the first through holes 41 along the long side direction of the LED substrates 25; plate-shaped through holes disposed in the bottom plate; and securing pins that have a size that enables the LED substrates 25 to be secured in the plate surface direction thereof by the securing pins going through the first through holes 41 and plate-shaped through holes, that secure the LED substrates 25 in the short side direction thereof by going through the second through holes 42 and plate-shaped through holes, and that are a size allowing the LED substrates 25 to move in the long side direction thereof. |
| US09004709B2 |
Anti-abrasion optical diffusion film, LCD device and lighting device
An anti-abrasion optical diffusion film (2), an LCD device and a light source using the anti-abrasion optical diffusion film (2) are disclosed, in order to solve the problem of the prior art that the diffusion particles are abraded or detached in large area, when an optical diffusion thin film receives external force. The anti-abrasion optical diffusion film (2) includes a substrate (21) and a diffusion coating (22); the diffusion coating (22) includes diffusion adhesive layer (24) and diffusion particles (23). The variation coefficient of the diameter of the particles is 10-100%. The invention improves the anti-abrasion ability of the optical diffusion thin film. |
| US09004698B2 |
Optical micro-projection system and projection method
An optical micro-projection system comprising the following components: at least one laser light source (200, 400, 402, 600); at least one movable mirror (102, 103, 203) for deviating light from said light source to allow generation of images on a projection surface (104, 301, 303, 306, 603); a self mixing module for measurement of the distance (604) between the projection source and a projection surface, said self mixing module comprising: —at least one photodiode (401, 601) for monitoring the light emission power of the laser light source; —an optical power variation counter for counting optical power variations (605); successive displacements of said mirror allowing the self mixing module providing successive projection distance measurements of a plurality of points of said projection surface. A projection method for optical micro-projection system and a distance measurement method are also provided. |
| US09004690B2 |
Device and method for measuring a cornea
In order to measure a cornea with the aid of a projection (S11) of a two-dimensional reference pattern onto the cornea and of a detection (S12) of the reflection pattern reflected by the cornea by virtue of the reference pattern, a plurality of different reflection images of one or more reflection patterns reflected by the cornea are stored (S13). For points on the cornea a phase value of the reflection pattern is respectively calculated on the basis of intensities respectively measured in the stored reflection images at a pixel corresponding to the relevant point. At least one measured geometrical value of the cornea is calculated (S2) on the basis of the calculated phase value. The measurement of the cornea on the basis of a plurality of different reflection images of one or more reflection patterns reflected by the cornea enables a continuous measurement of the cornea in which corresponding pixels are acquired and evaluated for each point on the cornea. |
| US09004687B2 |
Eye tracking headset and system for neuropsychological testing including the detection of brain damage
A universal headset-mounted Neuropsychological Testing System utilizes eye tracking, with a single screen fixed with respect to the face and a dot on the screen driven to present an object that both eyes are focused on using a set of prisms, with the prisms eliminating interocular distance considerations. Ultrathin optics cast a virtual image at 40 centimeters and a universal mask against which the test taker's face is placed fixes the single screen with respect to the face so that head movement is not a factor. Additionally, miniature cameras are located in the headset housing beneath the eyes, and a quick release tensioning unit provides easy headset mounting and removal. Moreover, all elements are located in the headset hood to eliminate the effects of head movement as well as environmental distractions. |
| US09004683B2 |
Optical device with active user-based aberration correction
Exemplary embodiments enable an enhanced direct-viewing optical device to make customized adjustments that accommodate optical aberrations of a current user. In some instances a real-time adjustment of the transformable optical elements is based on known corrective optical parameters associated with a current user. In some implementations a control module may process currently updated wavefront measurements as a basis for determining appropriate real-time adjustment of the transformable optical elements to produce a specified change in optical wavefront at an exit pupil of the direct-viewing device. Possible transformable optical elements include refractive and/or reflective and/or diffractive and/or transmissive characteristics that are adjusted based on current performance viewing factors for a given field of view of the direct-viewing device. Dynamic repositioning and/or transformation of corrective optical elements may be based on a detected shift of a tracked gaze direction of a current user of the direct-viewing device. |
| US09004678B2 |
Safety glasses for blocking harmful electromagnetic radiation and preventing dazzling
Disclosed are safety glasses for blocking of harmful electromagnetic radiation and prevention of dazzling which protect eyes from harmful electromagnetic radiation and are ergonomically balanced by arranging the lens portion at the front and the adjuster and battery at the rear side of the temple to ensure convenient wearing of the glasses. The safety glasses include an inner/outer hosing formed of a soft material to closely contact the face of the user and fabricated through double injection molding, thereby ensuring convenient wearing of the glasses. |
| US09004677B1 |
Method and apparatus for tracking movement of a handheld device relative to a medium
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for an adaptive filter scheme in handheld positioning device are described herein. The adaptive filter scheme may determine a direction that the positioning device is traveling and adjust one or more parameters of the filter scheme based at least in part on the determined direction. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US09004673B2 |
Conveyance controller, printing apparatus, method of conveying printing medium, and printing medium conveyance apparatus
This invention includes an input operation unit which accepts the operation of selecting a first or a second printing medium and outputs information indicating the selected printing medium, a conveyance path, a conveyance mechanism which conveys the selected printing medium in the conveyance direction, and a control unit. The conveyance mechanism includes a main roller, a driven roller which presses the main roller through the selected printing medium, a rotation member having a cam shape, and an elastic member which deforms to change a pressing force in accordance with the rotational position of the rotation member. The control unit rotates the rotation member to the first rotational position when the first printing medium is selected, and rotates the rotation member to the second rotational position where the pressing force becomes smaller than that at the first rotational position when the second printing medium is selected. |
| US09004670B2 |
Temperature adjusting member and printer including the same
A temperature adjusting member includes: a thermoelectric conversion module; a casing which contains the thermoelectric conversion module; an exterior pipe which contains the casing; and a support body which brings the casing into contact with an inner wall of the exterior pipe. The support body includes a holding portion, a connecting portion and a support portion. The holding portion holds the casing; the connecting portion is connected to the holding portion; and the support portion supports the holding portion by the connecting portion. The connecting portion is connected to the support portion such that the holding portion is movable toward the inner wall of the exterior pipe. |
| US09004669B2 |
Methods of leveling ink on substrates and apparatuses useful in printing
Methods of leveling ink on substrates and apparatuses useful in printing are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the methods includes irradiating ink disposed on a surface of a porous substrate with radiation emitted by at least one radiant energy source. The radiation heats the ink to at least a viscosity threshold temperature of the ink to allow the ink to flow laterally on the surface to produce leveling of the ink. The ink is heated sufficiently rapidly that heat transfer from the ink to the substrate is sufficiently small during the leveling that ink at the substrate interface is cooled to a temperature below the viscosity threshold temperature thereby preventing any significant ink permeation into the substrate. |
| US09004667B2 |
Light irradiation device, light irradiation module, and printing apparatus
A light irradiation device according to an embodiment includes a light emitting element, and a substrate on which the light emitting element is mounted. The substrate includes a laminated body constituted so that a plurality of insulating layers are laminated, a first heat transfer member disposed in the laminated body so that a part thereof is located directly below the light emitting element, and a second heat transfer member disposed between the insulating layers so as to surround the first heat transfer member when seen in a plan view. Thermal conductivities of the first heat transfer member and second heat transfer member are higher than a thermal conductivity of the laminated body. |
| US09004665B2 |
Ink jet recording ink and ink jet recording system
An ink jet recording ink according to this invention is an ink jet recording ink to be contained in an ink containing vessel, in which the ink containing vessel has an ink containing chamber containing the ink and an air introduction flow path which introduces air into the ink containing chamber through the ink contained in the ink containing chamber, the ink contains a self-dispersion pigment, resin particles having a glass transition temperature of 10° C. or lower, and wax particles whose specific gravity is smaller than the specific gravity of a main solvent, and a ratio (R1/R2) of the volume average particle size (R1) of the resin particles and the volume average particle size (R2) of the wax particles is 1.0 or lower. |
| US09004664B2 |
Ink jet recording aqueous pigment ink
An ink jet recording aqueous pigment ink contains a self-dispersing pigment, a quaternary amino acid, a non-polymeric, nonionic material having a melting point of 40° C. or more, and at least one of trialkylamine and trialkanolamine. The content of the non-polymeric, nonionic material is 3% to 15% by mass relative to the total mass of the ink jet recording aqueous pigment ink. |
| US09004662B2 |
Filter and ink-jet recording apparatus having the same
A filter, the alignment of which does not need to be adjusted, and an ink-jet recording apparatus having such a filter are provided, the ink-jet recording apparatus capable of avoiding leakage of residual liquids in filter exchange operation. The filter of the present invention includes an upper capsule member, a lower capsule member, and a filter medium. The upper capsule member has a central connecting port and a peripheral connecting port, and also has a pipe section that extends, within the capsule, from the peripheral connecting port to the vicinity of the bottom surface (the deepest section) of the lower capsule member. A liquid supplied from the peripheral connecting port via the pipe section is filtered through the filter medium, and the filtered liquid is output from the central connecting port. |
| US09004659B2 |
Liquid consumption apparatus, liquid supply member, and liquid supply system
An adapter is mountable to a liquid consumption apparatus to connect an external source of liquid to the liquid consumption apparatus. The liquid consumption apparatus includes a liquid intake portion for taking liquid into the liquid consumption apparatus and a liquid catcher for catching inadvertently spilled or sprayed liquid, the liquid catcher being provided below the liquid intake portion. The adapter includes a liquid supply portion and an accommodation portion. The liquid supply portion is configured to connect to the liquid intake portion to supply the liquid from the external source to the liquid intake portion. The accommodation portion is located below the liquid supply portion. In a state where the adapter is attached to the liquid consumption apparatus, the accommodation portion accommodates at least a part of the liquid catcher. |
| US09004658B2 |
Liquid storing container
An ink storing container (liquid storing container) includes a memory device configured to store electronic data, an ink containing body (liquid containing body) configured to contain ink, an inner lid configured to cover an ink inlet and outlet formed in the ink containing body, and an outer lid configured to cover the ink inlet and outlet from outside of the inner lid. The memory device is configured to be stored in a storage space formed between the inner lid and the outer lid. Accordingly, without any special additional work to the ink containing body, the memory device can be held by the ink containing body. Also, the memory device is easily removed from the storage space by opening the outer lid. |
| US09004656B2 |
Ink-jet recording head and ink-jet recording apparatus having the same
An ink-jet recording head includes a recording head and pressure damper assembly module including a recording head part at a lower position having nozzle holes on an under surface and an ink passage communicating with the nozzle holes, and a pressure damper part higher than the recording head part having an ink containing chamber inside. The ink-jet recording head further includes first flexible tube supplying ink in the ink containing chamber to the ink passage and connecting an ink discharge part communicating with the ink containing chamber and an ink supply part at one end side in the recording head part communicating with one end of the ink passage; and a second flexible tube connected with another end side in the recording head part and communicating with another end of the ink passage. At least the inside of the first flexible tube is filled with the ink. |
| US09004654B2 |
Ink cartridge, ink jet recording system and ink jet recording apparatus
An ink cartridge adopts a construction in which an air seal and an ink seal are arranged on the cartridge side and in which sealing between the ink cartridge and the recording apparatus is performed with a radial seal. |
| US09004653B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and recording device using same
A liquid ejecting head and a recording device are disclosed. The head includes a fluid channel member and a piezoelectric substrate on the fluid channel member. The fluid channel member includes chambers, each having a diamond shape with two obtuse angle portions and two acute angle portions. In a plan view, the chambers are arranged in a matrix, and aligned in directions of a row and of a column. The substrate includes a first electrode, a piezoelectric body and second electrodes. Each of the second electrodes includes a main electrode and a lead-out portion. The main electrode overlaps with the respective chamber, and is located inside the chamber in the plan view. The lead-out electrode includes: a first end which overlaps with the respective chamber; and a second end located outside the chamber and located in a region that does not overlap with the column in the plan view. |
| US09004649B2 |
Printing device
A printing device includes a solution tank, a nozzle unit including a distribution path and a plurality of nozzles connected with the distribution path the nozzle unit being connected with the solution tank through a first pipe; a gas supply connected with the nozzle unit through a second pipe; and a discharge unit connected with the nozzle unit through a third pipe, wherein the distribution path includes first portions and second portions that respectively have different widths. |
| US09004647B2 |
Print carriage
A system and method for depositing a substance onto a continuously moving substrate in first and second transverse swathes, is achieved by providing a print carriage having a first set of inkjet heads and a second set of inkjet heads. The carriage is traversed across the substrate in a forward pass, while depositing the first and second swathes from the respective first and second plurality of inkjet heads and subsequently traversed across the substrate in a reverse pass. The first and second sets of inkjet heads are arranged such that the first and second swathes complement one another on both forward and reverse passes to provide substantially complete coverage of the substrate. In this manner complementary swathes may be deposited from a single head. |
| US09004642B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling a printing device
An apparatus and method for controlling a printing device are described. In examples, a printing device has a first printhead interface, a first printhead for use in applying a treatment fluid to a print medium and a second printhead interface, a second printhead for use in applying ink to the print medium. The first and second printhead interfaces are consecutively aligned along a common axis and each printhead has a plurality of nozzles that extend in a direction of relative movement of the print medium in relation to said printheads. An example apparatus then has a controller arranged to, when the printheads are installed, configure activation of nozzles of at least one of the first and second printheads in the direction of relative movement to spatially offset useable nozzles of the first printhead with respect to useable nozzles of the second printhead in said direction. |
| US09004641B2 |
Liquid droplet discharge head, liquid droplet discharge apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A liquid droplet discharge head includes a nozzle substrate having a nozzle hole; a liquid chamber substrate including a liquid chamber that is in communication with the nozzle hole and a liquid introduction path; an oscillation plate forming a part of the liquid chamber; an electromechanical conversion element that is arranged on the oscillation plate and is configured to be deformed by a voltage applied from the exterior to cause the oscillation plate to deform and the liquid chamber to generate pressure so that liquid within the liquid chamber is discharged from the nozzle hole; a common liquid chamber that is in communication with the liquid chamber via the liquid introduction path and is configured to supply liquid to the liquid chamber; and a common liquid chamber forming substrate that includes a single metal plate integrated with resin to form the common liquid chamber. |
| US09004640B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus, in which a time required for printing is shortened, includes a first printing unit that performs printing on a first surface of a sheet by an ink jet system, and a second printing unit that performs printing on a second surface of the sheet by the ink jet system, the second printing unit being disposed on a downstream side of the first printing unit. Moreover, the printing apparatus includes a sheet discharge sensor that detects the sheet to be discharged from the second printing unit. The sheet discharge sensor includes an arm having a rotating member supported thereon, the rotating member being brought into contact with the sheet being conveyed while being rotated. |
| US09004639B2 |
System and method for measuring fluid drop mass with reference to test pattern image data
A method measures distances between two printed lines on a rotating image receiving member to identify fluid drop mass or fluid drop velocity changes in inkjet ejectors in an inkjet printing system. An initial distance between the two lines is measured at the start of the operational life of the system. During the operation of the printing system, the lines are reprinted and the distance between the two lines compared to the initial distance stored in association with the printheads that printed the lines. If the distance has changed by more than a predetermined amount, a printer parameter is adjusted. |
| US09004638B2 |
Color measuring apparatus, printing apparatus and backing plate
The present invention provides a color measuring apparatus and a printing apparatus that enable the user to easily keep a backing plate. A color measuring apparatus includes a holder on which a backing plate is capable of being attached, the backing plate having a white portion and a black portion, and a sensor for measuring color patterns on a sheet on the backing plate. Either one of the white portion and the black portion faces the sensor, depending on the attached state of the backing plate on the holder. |
| US09004633B2 |
Ink-jet recording apparatus
To provide an ink jet recording apparatus in which the residual vibration of any ink can be prevented to avoid the spread of the ink at an opening portion and to perform the continuous discharge of the ink stably. An ink-jet recording apparatus includes a recording head including a pressure chamber and a nozzle, the pressure chamber containing ink, the nozzle communicating with the pressure chamber and having an opening portion formed therein to discharge the ink, a piezoelectric element forming part of the pressure chamber, and a driving signal producing section producing a driving signal to be input to the piezoelectric element to change the volume of the pressure chamber. |
| US09004631B1 |
Method and apparatus for accumulating excess ink in a stationary receptacle in imaging devices that form images on intermediate imaging surfaces
A mechanism enables inkjets in a printhead to be operated to eject ink in an effort to replace ink exposed to ambient conditions with ink from within the printhead. The mechanism includes a controller configured to operate an intermediate imaging member to rotate to align a plurality of apertures with inkjets on a printhead. The inkjets are operated to eject ink through the plurality of apertures and ink from within the printhead replaces the ejected ink without impacting the formation of subsequent ink images. |
| US09004630B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus and control method thereof
There is provided an inkjet printing apparatus which can perform stable ejection also in successive printing at high speed even in a case of performing printing in use of a print head provided with an ejection opening surface having hydrophilic properties. The inkjet printing apparatus comprises an inkjet print head wherein the control unit controls the print head such that, in a case where the ejection number of the ink ejected from the print head after removing the ink on the ejection opening surface by the ink removal unit is equal to or more than a threshold, a drive energy amount that is supplied for the preliminary ejection operation is larger than a drive energy amount that is supplied for the preliminary ejection operation in a case where the ejection number is less than the threshold. |
| US09004628B2 |
Image recording device, image recording method
An image recording device includes a support member, a print head, a tension adjustment unit, and a control unit. The control unit is configured: to move the print head to the retracted position; to control the tension adjustment unit to adjust the tension of the print medium to a print tension while the print head is positioned at the retracted position; to move the print head to the print position; to control the print head to execute printing; to move the print head to the retracted position, and to control the tension adjustment unit to release the tension of the print medium while the print head is positioned at the retracted position. |
| US09004620B2 |
Storage assembly
A storage assembly has a container, a plurality of drawers arranged to be located in the container, and a gang lock arrangement. The gang lock includes a locking member located in the container and a locking unit locatable in the container. The locking unit has a support, and also a shifting part and a retaining part carried by the support. The shifting part is arranged to move the locking member with respect to the container such that the locking member releasably engages with, and thus releasably retains, the plurality of drawers in the container. The retaining part includes a resiliently biased latch member arranged to releasably retain the locking unit in the container. |
| US09004619B2 |
Mobile machine track shoe
A mobile machine track shoe includes a ground engaging surface including a first grouser bar and a second grouser bar substantially parallel to the first grouser bar. The track shoe further includes a base opposite the ground engaging surface. The base includes a first relief disposed opposite the first grouser bar, and a second relief disposed opposite the second grouser bar. |
| US09004618B1 |
Endless track for propelling a vehicle, with lug replacement capability
An endless track for a track assembly providing traction to a work vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle, a construction vehicle, etc.). The endless track comprises an elastomeric carcass having an inner side for facing wheels of the work vehicle and a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground. The endless track has a lug replacement capability to facilitate replacement of one or more drive/guide lugs on the inner side and/or one or more traction lugs on the ground-engaging outer side or portions of these lugs. |
| US09004616B2 |
Brake control system for motor vehicles
A brake control system for motor vehicles includes a stability system for stabilizing the vehicle from the standpoint of driving dynamics during braking, a triggering unit for the automatic output of a braking demand as a function of the traffic situation, a braking unit which converts the braking demand into a braking action, and a control unit for modifying the braking demand prior to its implementation as a function of the state of the stability system. |
| US09004612B2 |
Connection of a flanged ring of a hub bearing unit to a motor vehicle wheel or suspension standard of a motor vehicle
A connecting element serves to connect a flanged ring of a hub-bearing unit to a wheel or a suspension standard of a motor vehicle. The connecting element has an overall crown-like shape and forms, in a single piece, an annular portion and a plurality of parallel, equally angularly spaced pin portions which extend protruding axially from a same side of the annular portion and each have a threaded section. |
| US09004611B2 |
Stamped wheel balancing weight
A wheel-balancing weight mounts to a wheel with a flange. The weight includes a body and a clip. The body is stamped by a punch to define a pocket within which an attaching portion of the clip resides. The defined pocket has a planar base and opposing side walls generally perpendicular to the base. The body as stamped by the punch includes a pre-stake for each side wall external to the pocket and adjacent the side wall, and an undercut for each side wall within the pocket and generally located at a juncture of the side wall and the base. |
| US09004610B2 |
Quick-change tool holder system for a cutting tool
The present invention relates to a quick-change tool holder system, comprising a base part with a quick-change tool holder receptacle and a quick-change tool holder having a cutting tool receptacle configured for insertion into the quick-change tool holder receptacle. |
| US09004609B2 |
Method and device for working rock
A method for driving tunnels, galleries, shafts or the like with a driving device (1; 2; 15), including: that a cutting head (4) rotating around a general axis of rotation (R) and having cutting elements directed essentially radially outwardly is applied against a rock surface to be worked. The rock cutting elements (13), are formed on cutting rolls (7) are brought to roll against the rock side during pressing against the rock and rotation of the cutting head (4), and the rock cutting elements during rolling are brought to cut sidewardly arranged grooves in the rock surface at a distance from each other. The invention also concerns a rotatable cutting head and a device and a rig for driving tunnels, galleries, shafts or the like. |
| US09004605B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat is such that a seating surface is formed by a plurality of pad block portions, each of which has a convex shape due to a pleat structure, that are fit together, with a sectional shape in a width direction of the seating surface being a concave shape. Even at a location of the seating surface formed in the concave shape that is affected by a difference in body shape of a seated person, a shape of the location is formed in a shape following the body shape of the seated person. |
| US09004603B1 |
Armrest assembly for a chair
An armrest assembly includes an adjusting seat received in a base slideable in a length direction. The adjusting seat is slideable in a width direction relative to a seat fixed to the base. A first control button initially engaged with the adjusting seat can be operated to disengage from the adjusting seat and to disengage a transverse positioning block from the seat, allowing adjustment in the length and width directions. A lower rod is fixed to a chair body and is received in an upper rod movable in a height direction. A second control button is mounted in a window in the upper rod and includes engagement teeth engaged with a gear on a screw rod in threading connection with a screw rod coupling seat on the lower rod. The second control button can be operated to disengage the engagement teeth from the gear, allowing adjustment in the height direction. |
| US09004601B2 |
Seat reclining apparatus
A seat reclining apparatus includes a base plate, a ratchet plate, lock members supported by the base plate to be movable between engaged and disengaged positions, an operating mechanism for moving the lock members between the engaged and disengaged positions, and an unlocked-state forcibly holding mechanism, for forcibly holding each of the lock members, including a forced lock release projection on one lock member and a forced lock release surface on the ratchet plate and which engages with the forced lock release projection to hold the lock members in the disengaged position. The lock members, on which the forced lock release projection is not formed, are subjected to a force so as to be urged downward due to gravity when the seatback is in between the forwardly-tilted position and the first-stage locked position. |
| US09004598B2 |
Seating system for a recumbent stepper
An adjustable seating apparatus for a recumbent stepper includes a seat base mounted to a carriage, which is mounted for longitudinal translation along a guide track. The seat base can be rotatable relative to the carriage. The seat base includes a first handle for releasing the carriage from an elongate positioning member to adjust the longitudinal position, and a second handle for releasing the seat base from a positioning plate to adjust the rotary position of the seat base relative to the carriage. When the seat base has been rotated from its nominal position, the carriage will generally be prevented from being released from the elongate positioning member. |
| US09004597B2 |
Chair back mechanism and control assembly
A chair assembly including a first chair structure, a second chair structure, an actuator assembly coupled to the second chair structure to move the second chair structure between the first and second positions, a control input assembly coupled to the first chair structure, and a control link assembly coupling the control input assembly with the actuator assembly to move the second chair structure between first and second positions, and including a first shaft operably coupled to the control link, and rotatable about a second axis that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis and to the first direction, and first and second universal joint assemblies coupling the first shaft member to the second shaft, wherein actuation of the control input moves the second chair structure between the first and second positions. |
| US09004596B2 |
Chair with improved back spring
Disclosed is a stackable chair containing a flexible back support frame mechanism that includes an improved spring system designed to allow reclining movement of a back support frame relative to a seat assembly. The back support frame and seat assembly are connected using right and left spring members disposed in a substantial surface-to-surface contact relationship with the seat assembly and back support frame members. |
| US09004591B2 |
Fixture unit and cover fixing method
A fixing unit includes: an attachment member attached to a seat body; an engaging member engaged with an opening provided to the seat body; and a string member connecting the attachment member and the engaging member, the string member being engaged with a cover. The engaging member includes: a body to which the string member is attached; a first contact portion provided to the body to be in contact with a first periphery of the opening; and an insert portion provided on the body at a position spaced apart from the first contact portion, the insert portion being inserted into the opening. The insert portion includes a first restricting portion to be in contact with a second periphery of the opening opposite the first periphery to restrict the insert portion from being detached from the opening. |
| US09004587B2 |
Canopy assembly for use in a child carrier apparatus and its assembly method
A canopy assembly can include a support bow having a side end portion, and a mount fixture including two coupling parts pivotally connected together, one of the two coupling parts being adapted to securely affix with the side end portion, and the other one of the two coupling parts being configured to affix with a support frame of a child carrier apparatus. Each of the two coupling parts can include a retaining structure integrally formed therewith, the retaining structures being engaged with each other to hold the two coupling parts together while allowing relative rotation between the two coupling parts. |
| US09004583B2 |
Structure for front portion of vehicle and method for manufacturing vehicle
A vehicle front structure includes: a bumper face disposed at a vehicle front end; and a lower grill disposed at a bumper opening section of the bumper face. The bumper face includes: a hook cover (20), after formed integrally with the bumper face within the bumper opening section, separated from the bumper face; and a hook cover holding mechanism (26) formed within the bumper opening section integrally with the bumper face to detachably fix the hook cover (20). The hook cover (20) includes: a cover body section (40) for closing a hook cover attachment portion in the bumper face; and a cover snap-fit claw (32) for snap-fitting onto a bumper engaging portion in the hook cover attachment portion. The hook cover holding mechanism (26) includes a hold latch nail (34) for engaging with the cover snap-fit claw (32) by resilient deformation of the hook cover (20). |
| US09004582B2 |
Floor structure of vehicle body center section
In a floor structure of a vehicle body center section, a floor side member is provided at lower portions of a main floor panel, a vertical wall is formed at a front side of a rear floor panel, a rear seat is installed on the rear floor panel, a rear seat leg extends downward along the vertical wall, a lower end portion of the rear seat leg is mounted to a portion of the rear floor panel, a rear seat leg reinforcement member that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction is disposed on each of upper portions at both left and right sides of the floor panels, a rear end portion of the reinforcement member is connected to the lower end portion of the rear seat leg, and a front end portion of the reinforcement member is connected to the main floor panel and the floor side member. |
| US09004578B1 |
Universal vehicle sensor bracket
A bracket for use in a vehicle includes a base configured to be welded to an interior surface of a vehicle fascia and configured to receive a sensor. The base has a configuration that generally matches a shape of at least a portion of the interior surface. An orientation of the sensor is based at least in part on an orientation of the base relative to the interior surface of the vehicle fascia. |
| US09004574B1 |
E Z roller
A roll-up golf cart side curtain having a rigid PVC pipe installed on the bottom of said curtain to assist in quickly rolling up the curtain into a neat, compact position. The rigid pipe is cut down one side, along the entire length and installed on the bottom of the curtain. |
| US09004572B2 |
Actuating device for an adjustable convertible top system of a motor vehicle
An actuating device for an adjustable convertible top system of a motor vehicle includes at least two hydraulic drive cylinders. A first drive cylinder transmits an adjustment movement to a first gearing arrangement, and a second drive cylinder transmits the adjustment movement to a second gearing arrangement. The first drive cylinder and the second drive cylinder are connected hydraulically in series, such that an annular volume of the first drive cylinder is in fluid communication with a circular volume of the second drive cylinder via a connecting line. There is a difference between an annular area of the first drive cylinder forming the annular volume and a circular area of the second drive cylinder forming the circular volume. Intermediate gears having a different geometry and/or kinematics compensate for a speed difference between the two drive cylinders resulting from the difference. |
| US09004571B1 |
Hard folding tonneau cover
A hard folding cover system for securely covering the bed of a pickup truck that can be opened or closed without the need to manually lift and fold individual panels sequentially in order to access the bed of the truck. The cover includes a plurality of hard folding panels that pivotably interconnected by alternatingly attached up-acting hinges and down-acting hinges whereby the panels are configured to sequentially fold and retract lengthwise while riding along side tracks. The cover is configured to operate between a flat position and at least one retracted position; in the retracted position, at least one of the folding panels is in a substantially vertical position. As the cover is retracted, the panels sequentially fold vertically toward one another. The retracted position, the panels do not block a rear window or brake light of the vehicle on which the cover is installed. |
| US09004569B2 |
Door trim structure of automotive vehicle
A pocket member includes a flat-shaped first floor portion located forward and extending substantially horizontally and a flat-shaped second floor portion located in back of the first floor portion and rising obliquely rearward from the first floor portion. A trim recess portion recessed outward in a vehicle width direction is formed at a portion which is located above a trim opening portion and between a door armrest portion and a speaker storage portion which respectively protrude toward a vehicle-compartment side. The trim recess portion is configured to extend obliquely forward and upward from the trim opening portion along the direction substantially perpendicular to the second floor portion. Accordingly, an appropriate storage position of any stored bottle containers, regardless of its size (a large-sized one, a small-sized one) can be provided. |
| US09004565B2 |
One-piece construction chopsticks
A one-piece construction chopsticks including a body having a first portion and a second portion conjoined by a U-shaped back end, the first and second portions having a respective S-shaped center portion and reverse-S shaped central portion disposed in a figure 8 position relative each other, that permits the separation of the front ends to pick up a food particle upon only the application of pressure on the center and central portions. A notch in each of the center and central portions helps to align the first and second portions and limits the size of the opening between the grasping ends. |
| US09004559B2 |
Compliant underactuated grasper
A compliant underactuated grasper includes a palm base and two fingers. Each of the fingers comprises: a proximal phalanx; a distal phalanx; a compliant flexure joint connecting the distal phalanx to the proximal phalanx; and a pin joint connecting the proximal phalanx to the palm base, the pin joint constraining angular movement of the proximal phalanx relative to the palm base to rotation about a pin pivot axis. The grasper further includes at least one actuator to move the fingers. The grasper has fewer actuators than degrees of freedom. |
| US09004552B2 |
Intuitive control system for power assisted vehicle doors
A heavy vehicle door or ramp is opened and closed using an intuitive control system. The door includes a latch assembly, a lock assembly, and a power unit to assist in opening and closing the door. The door includes an interior joy stick handle and an exterior lever handle. From outside the vehicle, the door is opened and closed by pivoting the lever handle downwardly and upwardly, respectively. From the interior of the vehicle, the joy stick handle is pulled inwardly to close the door and pushed outwardly to open the door. Pivoting the joystick handle forwardly engages the blast locks, while pivoting the joystick handle rearwardly unlatches the latch assembly and disengages the blast locks. The power assist unit is actuated by pivotal movement of the outside door handle and lateral pivotal movement of the interior joystick handle. |
| US09004550B2 |
Magnetic latch mechanism
A latch with dual rotary magnets is particularly suited for releasably securing dual doors of a compartment in the closed position. Each rotary magnet holds in a closed position a magnetic insert attached to a respective door by magnetic attraction to secure both doors in the closed position relative to the compartment. Mechanical hook-like rotary pawls supplement the action of the magnets. In addition, the latch is provided with a safety feature that prevents the latch from opening in the event that the vehicle in which the latch is installed is involved in a collision. |
| US09004546B2 |
Security box
A security box inter alia for tools has a metal box and a lid of the swing and slide type utilizing a pair of box hinges fixed to the box and a pair of lid hinges fixed to the lid, and a pair of intermediate hinges connected to both sets of hinges by links which make all the hinges parallel and enabling the door hinge to lie outside the plane of the door opening. In a variant, there is no intermediate hinge and the lid opening angle is less. The lid and box have interengaging profiled edges which in the closed position mutually obstruct but, when the lid slides to the open position, the profiles separate and the lid is free to swing open. |
| US09004544B2 |
Threaded joint for tubes, pipes and the like
A threaded joint comprises a coupling, a first pin, and a second pin, wherein the thread of the first pin has a pitch different from the pitch of the thread of the second pin. The extremities of the pins have slanted contact surfaces of complementary shape that make mutual contact after make-up of the joint. The slanted common plane of contact of both pins has an angle to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the joint which is greater than 0°. In an alternative embodiment the contact surfaces of the pins are split into two staggered planes and comprise a seal in-between. |
| US09004537B1 |
Regal push carriage for children
A regal push carriage for children including a cart ornamented with a crown atop an attachable roof and a plurality of decorative fleurons disposed upon the cart. A plurality of Light Emitting Diodes is disposed to illumine within the crown and the plurality of decorative fleurons when activated by depression of a switch member, wherein said plurality of Light Emitting Diodes scintillates and sparkles against a plurality of reflective elements disposed integral with the crown and plurality of decorative fleurons, thereby reminiscent of jewels and precious stones, whereby the appearance of traveling royalty is impressible to passersby. |
| US09004535B2 |
Chassis for an electric vehicle
A chassis for an electric vehicle comprises: a base frame, a front frame, a rear frame, two side frames, four suspension devices and four wheels. The front frame and the rear frame have the front arc-shaped tube and the arc-shaped rear tube fixed to the base frame, the arc-shaped tubes can not only reduce the number of tubes required but also increase the area of thrust force as compared to the straight tubes. Besides, the arc of the arc-shaped tubes avoids a connection point of an acute angle. Moreover, the height is larger than the width, which will produce less torque on the base frame as compared to that if the height is smaller than the width, thus preventing the torque acted on the base frame from damaging the connection points and improving the structural strength of the chassis at the connection points. |
| US09004531B1 |
Releasable tether retention system
The present invention incorporates a tether release system within a conventional airbag system or a conventional vehicle occupant protection system. Release of an associated tether may simultaneously open a vent on an associated airbag. A housing contains an actuator contained within the housing for actuation of the tether release system upon receipt of a crash detection signal, for example. A first moving member is configured for receipt of a propulsive force emanating from the actuator upon actuation of the tether release system. A movable tether release member is contained within the housing wherein the movable tether release member operably communicates with the first moving member upon actuation of the tether release system, for release of an associated tether. |
| US09004529B2 |
Vehicle side door structure and passenger protecting system
A vehicle side door structure has: a door outer panel; a door inner panel having a service hole; a door trim mounted to a vehicle transverse direction inner side of the inner panel; an inner pad provided, between the inner panel and the trim, spanning, in a vehicle longitudinal direction, over an outer peripheral edge of the hole as seen in a vehicle side view; and an outer pad between the outer and inner panels overlapping a vehicle transverse direction outer side of the inner pad as seen in a vehicle side view, and having a first region that, at a side collision, is pushed by the outer panel and passes through the hole and pushes the inner pad toward the trim side, and a second region that, at a side collision, separates from the first region and pushes the inner pad toward the trim side via the inner panel. |
| US09004528B2 |
Vehicle seat assembly
A vehicle seat assembly comprises a vehicle seat comprising a rigid frame, one or more resilient portions and a covering material, wherein an openable deployment seam is provided at a portion of the covering material, and wherein the vehicle seat defines a recess. An airbag module is provided within the recess and comprises a housing, an airbag and an inflator system. Also provided is gripping means which is movable between a first position and a second position in which the portion of the covering material is restrained to assist deployment of the airbag through the deployment seam. |
| US09004527B2 |
Curtain air bag system
A curtain air bag system includes a curtain air bag that is housed folded up in an upper edge portion of a door opening, and that includes a first deployment portion that deploys when a vehicle is collided with in a side collision as well as when the vehicle rolls over, and a second deployment portion that deploys at least when the vehicle rolls over, by receiving a supply of gas. The first deployment portion deploys in a cylindrical shape extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, above a belt line such that a rear end side of the first deployment portion overlaps with a center pillar when viewed from a side of the vehicle, and the second deployment portion deploys such that a lower end extends below the belt line, in a position not overlapping with the first deployment portion when viewed from the side. |
| US09004518B2 |
Shock-absorbing seat post for bicycle
A shock-absorbing seat post for a bicycle includes a connecting mount, a rod member, a shock-absorbing member and a fastening unit. The connecting mount has two connecting lugs each having a first through hole, and a receiving space defined between the two connecting lugs. The rod member has a connecting insert received in the receiving space and provided with a second through hole aligned with the two first through holes. The shock-absorbing member has two lateral walls, a tube portion located between the two lateral walls and provided with an axial hole aligned with the two first though holes. The fastening unit is inserted in the two first through holes, the second through hole and the axial hole for combining the connecting mount, the rod member and the shock-absorbing member together. |
| US09004513B1 |
Bicycle fender system
A fender system for a bicycle has a first base member, a second base member, a fender, and at least one return member. The first base member is secured relative to the bicycle. The second base member is rotatably supported by the first base member. The fender is secured to the second base member. The at least one return member biases the second base member into an initial position relative to the first base member. |
| US09004511B1 |
Stabilizing bar mounting structure
According to a further embodiment, an automotive vehicle including a body frame having opposed side frames and a subframe having opposed side members is disclosed. The subframe includes a stabilizer bar connection assembly comprised of generally U-shaped recess formed in each of the opposed side members and a generally U-shaped bushing disposed within the recesses. The opposed side frames overlie the opposed side members adjacent the recesses and secure the bushings within their respective recess. |
| US09004510B2 |
Vehicle
A vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include a base portion and a modular portion. The base portion may be a four wheel vehicle having an operator area with seating for at least two occupants in a side-by-side arrangement. The modular portion may be coupled to the base portion resulting in a six wheel vehicle. The wheels of the modular portion may be powered by an engine of the base portion. |
| US09004509B2 |
Transport cart with tilting load carrier
A transport cart includes a cart frame with wheels. A load carrier has bottom and side walls and an end wall structure at a first end, opposite a second end. A pivot axle is arranged between the cart frame and the load carrier so the load carrier pivots about a single axis. An interfering stop structure on the cart frame and the load carrier prevents pivotal movement of the load carrier beyond a predetermined angle. The pivot axle is arranged offset relative to a center of gravity of the load carrier. A force applying device provides a pulling force on the load carrier to pivot the load carrier relative to the cart frame. An arrest mechanism may be provided to arrest pivotal movement of the load carrier in a direction opposite of the pulling force, unless the arrest mechanism is released by a user of the transport cart. |
| US09004507B1 |
Boat dolly system
A boat dolly system facilitates transportion of a watercraft on land toward a fishing hole while protecting the bottom end of the watercraft from damage. The system includes a boat having a top end, a bottom end, a front end and a rear end. A pair of front straps is couplable to a front end of the boat and is extendable around the front end and a bottom end of the boat. A pair of rear straps is couplable to and extendable around a rear end of the boat. A lower rear mounting assembly includes at least one wheel and a lower mounting bracket. The at least one wheel of the lower rear mounting assembly is coupled to and extends downwardly from the lower mounting bracket. The lower mounting bracket is couplable to the bottom end of the boat. Each of the front straps and the rear straps is couplable to the lower mounting bracket. |
| US09004506B2 |
Rotatable ball cart
A ball cart comprising a removable and rotatable ball basket having a plurality of separated chambers that are each able to hold a different kind of ball. Thus, whenever a particular type of ball is desired, a user is able to rotate the basket and lock it in place such that a lid of the chamber that holds balls of that type is accessible to the user. As a result, the user is able to easily select that type of balls desired from the ball cart without sifting through all of the balls in the ball cart. |
| US09004505B1 |
Folding device for golf cart
A folding device for a golf cart includes a main part to which two side wheels, a handle and a front wheel unit are connected. A tubular portion is movably mounted to a front wheel stem and a connection member is connected between the tubular member and a handle stem. Two rods are connected between side wheel stems. An operation member is pivotably connected to the tubular portion and has notches so that the protrusion of the main part is engaged with the notches to control the main part to connect to or to separate from the tubular member. The tubular member is movable on the front wheel stem so as to fold or expand the front wheel unit. |
| US09004502B2 |
Hockey skate
A skate assembly includes a shell structure and a removable tendon guard. The shell structure includes a heel portion, a lateral ankle portion, and a medial ankle portion. The heel portion is formed to cover a human heel. The lateral ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The medial ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The lateral ankle portion and the medial ankle portion are spaced apart to form a notch extending toward the heel portion. The removable tendon guard is removably attached between the lateral ankle portion and medial ankle portion to cover the notch. |
| US09004501B2 |
Ice skate blade assembly
An ice skate blade assembly for attachment to a footwear comprising a flexible sole includes; an elongated blade comprising an ice engaging edge; the elongated blade and the ice engaging edge comprising a flexible region; the elongated blade and the ice engaging edge flexible to flex in the flexible region; and the elongated blade comprising an upper portion extending opposite the ice engaging edge, the upper portion for attachment of the elongated blade to the flexible sole of the footwear. |
| US09004500B2 |
Vehicle height control device for motorcycle
A vehicle height control device comprises a vehicle height control unit including a jack housing of a hydraulic jack provided at an upper end portion of an inner tube, a suspension spring provided between an upper end of a hollow pipe and a plunger of the hydraulic jack, a pump housing provided at the plunger of the hydraulic jack and forming a pump chamber of a hydraulic pump, and a pump pipe communicating with an oil reservoir chamber on an inner periphery of the hollow pipe and slidably inserted into the pump chamber in the pump housing, and a selector valve controlling the vehicle height by adjusting the amount of hydraulic oil fed to a jack chamber in the hydraulic jack by the hydraulic pump that performs the pumping operation in conjunction with extending and contracting motion of the hollow pipe with respect to the inner tube. |
| US09004499B2 |
Passively controlled adjustable ride height suspension
A suspension system for a vehicle having a vehicle body and a road wheel includes a suspension corner connecting the road wheel to the vehicle body. The suspension corner maintains contact between the road wheel and a road surface. The suspension system includes a bladder arranged at the suspension corner for pumping a fluid in response to forces generated at the wheel and holding a volume of the fluid. The suspension system also includes an accumulator in fluid communication with the bladder for selectively accumulating the fluid pumped by and releasing the fluid to the bladder. The suspension system additionally includes a valve for selectively retaining the accumulated fluid in and releasing thereof from the accumulator. The height of the bladder varies in response to the volume of fluid being held by the bladder to set a ride height of the vehicle at the suspension corner. |
| US09004497B2 |
Device for machining a substrate and a method for this purpose
In a device for machining, in particular etching and/or developing, substrates, in particular wafers, in particular etching and/or developing, having a turntable, the turntable has a Venturi gap. |
| US09004496B2 |
Molded gap seal apparatus with inward pointing fibrillations
A cover for the gap in an automobile automatic gear shift assembly is presented. The gap cover is formed from a single molded housing with inward pointing fibrillations. These fibrillations act as fingers to cover the hole created when the multi position mechanism is moved from one position to another. The fibrillations are assisted back to their original position through (1) physical properties of the advanced polymeric substance used to mold the housing and (2) through the interactions of assisting tabs formed on the back side of the fibrillations, which act as springs. |
| US09004491B2 |
Shaft seal assembly
An illustrative embodiment of a multi-shaft seal assembly generally includes a first seal, a second seal, and a collar. In the illustrative embodiment the collar may be integrally formed with a portion of the first seal, and may serve to axially space the second seal from the first seal. The second seal may be formed with a cutaway therein to ensure proper clearance between the second seal and one of the shafts. Other embodiments of the multi-shaft seal assembly use a collar formed with the equipment housing or second seal. Still other embodiments include additional seals for additional shafts. |
| US09004490B2 |
Projectile target system
According to one aspect of the present invention, a projectile target is disclosed comprising a target having a substantially sealed chamber having a front face and a rear face with an enclosing side wall disposed intermediate. The front and rear faces are formed by membranes configured to allow a projectile to pass therethrough and then substantially seal to maintain the substantially sealed chamber. Pressure wave sensors are disposed within the chamber and are configured to detect pressure waves created by the projectile. A target controller receives signals from the pressure sensors indicative of the pressure sensed by the sensors and determines an impact point of the projectile on the front face of the target. |
| US09004488B2 |
Conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus
A conveying apparatus includes a first pair of rollers having a drive roller and a pinch roller driven by the drive roller, a second pair of rollers provided downstream of the first pair of rollers, and an arm member supporting the drive roller and adapted to be swingable such that a force for pressing the drive roller against the pinch roller increases as a conveyance resistance of the sheet increases. The force for pressing the drive roller against the pinch roller decreases if driven by the moving sheet. The conveying speed of the second pair of rollers is set to be higher than the conveying speed of the drive roller so as to cause the drive roller to be driven by the sheet in the case where a skew of the sheet has been corrected and the sheet having the skew corrected is conveyed by the second pair of rollers. |
| US09004487B2 |
Sheet conveying device and image forming apparatus
A sheet conveying device includes a conveying unit configured to convey a sheet by a first rotating body and a second rotating body that is provided so as to be movable in a contacting/separating direction with respect to the first rotating body; a rotation amount measuring unit configured to measure a rotation amount of the second rotating body, the rotation amount measuring unit being provided so as to be movable in the contacting/separating direction along with the second rotating body; and a conveying distance calculating unit configured to calculate a conveying distance of the sheet based on a measurement result obtained by the rotation amount measuring unit. |
| US09004486B1 |
Aligning sheets in a sheet restacking tray using rotating helical brushes
Devices and methods to collect and align print media sheets. According to a device herein, a tray has a base and receives print media sheets. Registration guides are connected to the tray. The registration guides define a corner in the tray. A tamper mechanism comprises a rotating helical brush extending perpendicularly from the base adjacent to a side of the tray opposite the corner. The tamper mechanism is positioned to tamp the print media sheets against the registration guides causing a stack of the print media sheets to be squared against the corner. |
| US09004482B2 |
Sheet conveyor and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A sheet conveyor incorporated in an image forming apparatus includes an attraction/separation unit including an attraction belt, a first tension roller, and a second tension roller, a support member to support the attraction/separation unit, a roller drive unit to rotate one of the first and second tension rollers, a charging member to uniformly charge a surface of the attraction belt, a mechanism to swing the attraction/separation unit to move the attraction belt reciprocally about the support member between a sheet attraction position and a sheet conveyance position being located farther from the sheet stack than the sheet attraction position, and a pressing member disposed inside a loop of the attraction belt to press the attraction belt at the sheet attraction position toward the sheet stack and separating from the attraction belt at the sheet conveyance position. |
| US09004480B2 |
Web product folding and stacking machine
A web product folding and stacking machine includes two folding line making rolls, two folding fingers, a first carrier unit, a stoppage unit and a holder. The folding line making rolls and the folding fingers are operated to fold up web products on the first carrier unit to form a stack of interfolded web products. Further, there is at least one suction device arranged on the top surface of the first carrier unit to suck the web products nearing the top surface of the first carrier unit and facilitate accurate stacking of the interfolded web products. |
| US09004478B2 |
Welding workbench assembly with wraparound dual stage barriers
A welding workbench assembly comprises a base. The welding workbench assembly further comprises a first wraparound barrier comprising at least three panels, including a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The second panel is adjacent to the first panel at a first end of the first panel and the third panel is adjacent to the first panel at a second end of the first panel. The welding workbench assembly further comprises a second wraparound barrier comprising at least three panels, including a fourth panel, a fifth panel, and a sixth panel. The fifth panel is adjacent to the fourth panel at a first end of the fourth panel and the sixth panel is adjacent to the fourth panel at a second end of the fourth panel. |
| US09004474B2 |
Fixing device
A fixing device for fixing a workpiece includes a base, a first pressing block pressing the workpiece to the base, a second pressing block, a first support member, a second support member, and a side pressing block. The workpiece includes a preprocessing portion to be machined, which has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner and outer surfaces of the preprocessing portion are sandwiched between non-rigid materials during a machining process to avoid the generating of swarfs. |
| US09004470B2 |
Jounce bumper nose retaining feature for a shock absorber
A shock absorber includes an elastomeric jounce bumper which engages a jounce bumper cap during relatively large compression movements of the shock absorber. The jounce bumper cap includes a jounce bumper nose retaining feature which engages the nose of the jounce bumper during the compression movements. The jounce bumper nose retaining feature restricts sliding movement of the elastomeric jounce bumper with respect to the jounce bumper cap to eliminate noises associated with the relative movement. |
| US09004469B2 |
Space shuttle damping and isolating device
A device used for providing dynamic isolation and damping of dynamic vibrations, in a passive way, originated in the launch vehicle of a space shuttle and reaching the payload or satellite. The device comprises a plurality of identical elementary unit elements, such that the device is designed in a modular way, allowing the individual modularity of each of the elementary unit elements. Each of the elementary unit elements is tailored and designed individually, and the complete device can be designed for each particular application and payload needed as a function of each of the elementary unit elements allowing an easy design and lower costs, for a wide range of payload applications. Each elementary unit element comprises a spring component and a damping component, such that the functionalities provided for each component are separated and can be individually tailored, thus providing a device having a wider range of adaptation capabilities. |
| US09004465B2 |
Helical compression spring for an oil scraper ring of a piston in an internal combustion engine and method for coating a helical compression spring
A helical compression spring, preferably of steel, in particular CrSi steel or CrNi steel, comprises a coating which has at least one a-C: H: Me coating or a plurality of layers of CrN (16) and a-C: H: Me coatings (14) alternately. In a method for coating a helical compression spring, preferably of steel, a plurality of layers of CrN and a-C: H: Me coatings are applied alternately. |
| US09004463B2 |
Cooling tower with indirect heat exchanger
A heat exchange apparatus is provided with an indirect evaporative heat exchange section and a direct evaporative heat exchange section. The indirect evaporative heat exchange section is usually located above the direct evaporative heat exchange section, and an evaporative liquid is passed downwardly onto the indirect heat exchange section. The evaporative liquid that exits the direct evaporative heat exchange section then passes downwardly across and through the indirect heat exchange section. The evaporative liquid is collected in a sump and then pumped upwardly to be distributed again across the direct heat exchange section. The indirect heat exchange section is comprised of a plate type heat exchanger. |
| US09004462B2 |
Method and apparatus to help promote contact of gas with vaporized material
Vaporizable material is supported within a vessel to promote contact of an introduced gas with the vaporizable material, and produce a product gas including vaporized material. A heating element supplies heat to a wall of the vessel to heat vaporizable material disposed therein. The vessel may comprise an ampoule having a removable top. Multiple containers defining multiple material support surfaces may be stacked disposed within a vessel in thermal communication with the vessel. A tube may be disposed within the vessel and coupled to a gas inlet. Filters, flow meters, and level sensors may be further provided. Product gas resulting from contact of introduced gas with vaporized material may be delivered to atomic layer deposition (ALD) or similar process equipment. At least a portion of source material including a solid may be dissolved in a solvent, followed by removal of solvent to yield source material (e.g., a metal complex) disposed within the vaporizer. |
| US09004461B2 |
Humidifier with field-replacement components
A humidifier having a field-replaceable water heating enclosure and a humidifier main unit configured to receive the field-replaceable water heating enclosure is provided. The field-replaceable water heating enclosure may include a water inlet, a water outlet, a water vapor outlet, and a resistive heating element. The humidifier main unit may be configured to provide water to the field-replaceable water heating enclosure via the water inlet when the field-replaceable water heating enclosure is received by the humidifier main unit. To facilitate this, the humidifier main unit may include a manifold structured to interface with the water inlet, the water outlet, and the water vapor outlet. The humidifier main unit also may be configured to provide electrical power to the resistive heating element of the field-replaceable water heating enclosure when the field-replaceable water heating enclosure is received by the humidifier main unit. |
| US09004457B2 |
Portable hand rail for boat docks
A portable, universal, hand rail apparatus that can be easily and quickly attached or detached to any dock that has cracks between adjacent dock boards. |
| US09004455B2 |
Appliance lift
A device, system, and associated methods for appliance lifts are disclosed. The appliance lift sits on the bottom of a cabinet, rolls forward and rotates forward and up using four rotating bars and a gear with spring and damper linking them together. This system consists of a platform dimensioned of a size and shape to support most kitchen counter-top appliances or any other like sized items. The platform is supported by a series of linkages housed in a frame. The frame is then on a moveable track. The entire structure is sized to fit inside the lower section of a standard kitchen cabinet. |
| US09004452B2 |
Valve bodies having integral boost reducing capability
Valve bodies having integral boost reducing capability are described herein. An example fluid regulator includes a body having a main passageway defining an orifice to fluidly couple an inlet and an outlet where the main passageway defines an inlet volume boundary between the inlet and the orifice and an outlet volume boundary between the orifice and the outlet. A portion of the outlet volume boundary includes an inner wall adjacent the orifice. A valve plug is disposed within the second portion of the passageway such that the inner wall substantially surrounds an outer surface of the valve plug to substantially restrict fluid flow between the inner wall and the outer surface of the valve plug and toward the throat. The valve body having a secondary fluid passage within the outlet volume boundary to increase fluid flow toward the throat of the valve body when a fluid flows across the orifice. |
| US09004450B2 |
Fluid valve
Described herein is a fluid valve assembly includes a body that defines a fluid cavity. The body includes an inlet through which fluid enters the fluid cavity and an outlet from which fluid exits the fluid cavity. The fluid valve assembly includes at least one arm rotatably coupled to the body and positioned within the fluid cavity. Additionally, the fluid valve assembly includes a flap coupled to the at least one arm. The flap includes a domed portion and a flat portion extending radially outwardly away from the domed portion. |
| US09004449B2 |
Conical rotary valve for chromatographic applications
A conical rotary valve for chromatographic applications is provided, including a valve stator, a valve rotor, a drive adaptor and a pair of stoppers each mounted to the stator. The drive adaptor is rotatable and coupled to the valve rotor for transmitting a rotating force thereto. The drive adaptor has a body and a pair of radial arms projecting from the body radially outward from the axis of rotation on opposite sides thereof. Each of the pair of radial arms is movable along a respective arcuate travelling course with respect to the stator. The stoppers are each positioned to obstruct one of the radial arms at an end of the corresponding travelling course. The stoppers are positioned to simultaneously engage the radial arms, thereby balancing the reaction forces created within the valve when the radial arms reach the ends of their travelling courses. |
| US09004448B2 |
Valve and valve cartridge assembly thereof
A valve and valve cartridge assembly can provide an opening and closing operation with a low torque. The valve and valve cartridge assembly can be switched between a first transmission relationship and a second transmission relationship, and the first and second transmission relationships are formed between the top of the valve cartridge and a transmission device. The first transmission relationship is established so that the valve cartridge is driven to rotate axially. The second transmission relationship is established so that the transmission member drives the valve cartridge to carry out a squeeze sealing movement. |
| US09004447B2 |
Pressure relief valve
A pressure relief valve includes an outer frame, a ferromagnetic cylinder, a plastic air faucet, an electrical coil module and a spring. The plastic air faucet has a first end extending through a through hole of the outer frame and a second opposite end extending through a hollow channel of the ferromagnetic cylinder. The electrical coil module is located within the outer frame and has a central passage allowing the ferromagnetic cylinder to be accommodated inside. The ferromagnetic stopper is slidable along the central passage of the electrical coil module, wherein the ferromagnetic stopper has a seal gasket. The spring is located between the air faucet and the ferromagnetic stopper. When the electrical coil module is electrified, the ferromagnetic stopper and the ferromagnetic cylinder attract each other to against the resilient force of the spring to push the seal gasket against the air opening of the air faucet. |
| US09004446B2 |
Sliding valve device
A sliding valve device includes a fixing portion, a sliding component and a driving member. The fixing portion has an inlet port and an outlet port. The sliding component is connected with the fixing portion, and includes a fluid channel. The driving member is used for driving movement of the sliding component, wherein the driving member is not in contact with the fluid channel, the inlet port and the outlet port. |
| US09004445B2 |
Solenoid actuator
A press-fit space is formed between a hole end wall portion of a stator core and a closing end wall portion of a stopper, which are axially opposed to each other in a press-fit hole of the stator core. At least one of the hole end wall portion of the stator core and the closing end wall portion of the stopper, which are axially opposed to each other, has a recess that increases a volume of the press-fit space formed between the hole end wall portion of the stator core and the closing end wall portion of the stopper. |
| US09004442B2 |
Fixing element for a cable system
Vibration is transferred through components that pass from an engine compartment to a passenger cell in a vehicle. One such component is the transmission cable (7). An inner cable provides the mechanical movement between the gear shifter and the gear box, and an outer conduit houses the cable. An abutment attaches this conduit to a body of a vehicle. The present invention provides a fixing element (19) or abutment for securing a conduit for carrying a cable (7) therethrough to a vehicle body, the conduit comprising a first portion and a second portion (37), wherein the fixing element (19) is configured to retain a damper for absorbing vibration in the longitudinal length of the conduit between the first and second conduit portion, at least a portion of the damper being formed of silicon rubber. |
| US09004441B2 |
System for securing equipment
The system for securing equipment includes a locking device attached to equipment to be secured, a plurality of fasteners, and an anchoring device. The locking device can be a U-bolt with threaded ends to attach to a backflow valve of a sprinkler system or locking bolts attached to a park bench or barbecue grill. Each fastener has a first surface with a first threaded hole in alignment with the locking device and a second surface orthogonal to the first surface with a second threaded hole aligned with anchoring device. The anchoring device can be a flat bar fixedly attached to the fasteners at one connector end and permanently mounted in place at an anchoring end. Each fastener has an L-shape, so that a first surface engages the locking device and opposing second surfaces engage the anchoring device. A concrete plug for outdoor use holds the anchoring end in place for permanency. |
| US09004439B2 |
Post anchor
A post anchor for securing a support post for a structure comprises a base with four upstanding sidewalls forming a cavity into which a post is inserted, and means to secure the post inside the cavity. Interior ribs and exterior augmented corners resist deformation under pressure exerted by the post. Interior channels allow water to drain from inside the cavity toward a drain hole. The anchor post is slightly elevated relative to the ground, allowing air and water to circulate around the post and post anchor. The post anchor is made of a thermoplastic polymer which is given a textured surface, and may include an ultraviolet protection additive. |
| US09004437B2 |
Vibration proof structure of seat apparatus for vehicle
A vibration proof structure of a seat apparatus for a vehicle, includes a first member and a second member movably arranged relative to each other in a first relative direction corresponding to a forward movement of a seat element in a front and rear direction of the vehicle and in a second relative direction corresponding to a rearward movement of the seat element in the front and rear direction, a first restriction wall restricting a relative movement of the first member to the second member in the first relative direction, a second restriction wall restricting the relative movement of the first member to the second member in the second relative direction, and a resistance force applying portion applying a resistance force to the first member moving in the first relative direction while not applying the resistance force to the first member moving in the second relative direction. |
| US09004436B2 |
Pedestal structure of cash register display
A pedestal structure of a cash register display is disclosed, including a base, a supporting arm, a retaining shaft lever, at least one extension spring and a display loading plate. Multiple retaining grooves and an inclined slide walls are arranged on each of two side plates of the base. The supporting arm is pivoted between the two side plates through a first pivot unit, and a first end section of the supporting arm is provided with a slide opening. The retaining shaft lever passes through the slide opening and is positioned in one of the retaining grooves or on the inclined slide wall of each of the side plates. The extension spring is installed between the first pivot unit and the retaining shaft lever. The display loading plate is pivoted on a second end section of the supporting arm. |
| US09004434B2 |
Cradle for supporting a portable device
A cradle includes a cradle body having a push button and a pair of holding arms facing each other in a compressed state by first elastic members in the cradle body, receding from each other while the push button is being pressed, and advancing toward each other while applying pressure to the holding arms to hold a portable body mounted on the cradle body. A driver is disposed in the cradle body and in interaction with the pair of holding arms. |
| US09004433B2 |
Folding travel support device and method for using the same
A folding support device and methods for constructing and using the same are provided by the present invention. A foldable support member contains a series of hinge sections and support and stress limiting members. Construction is provided enabling the device to safely collapse and stow while traveling, but to unfold and provide a gripping tension on both a support member and a support device in a reliable manner. Force analysis is provided securing the item in an upright way via a force transfer generated by the supported weight itself. |
| US09004432B2 |
Rotatable housing assembly
A rotatable housing assembly for use in mounting slides to equipment racks has components for different mounting options on different sides of the housing, and a retractable pin for use in positioning the housing. In some embodiments the housing is rotatably mounted to a bracket attached to a slide member, for example approximate a front of the side, and the retractable pin extends into a semicircular slot of the bracket for use in indexing position of the housing. The housing may include a button for use in retracting the retractable pin, and the assembly may provide for toolless mounting of the slide, and do so in a variety of rack configurations. |
| US09004430B2 |
Articulating mount for a display
An articulating mount for a television or other device with a display screen, permits in/out translation, left/right translation, and left/right roll or tilting movement of the display of the television or device. The left/right roll or tilting movement is about a generally horizontal axis that remains substantially perpendicular to the display screen of the device that is mounted to the bracket. The articulating mount further provides added retention and support of the television or device when a bracket of the mount is fully retracted, such as when the mount is used in a vehicle that is underway. |
| US09004421B2 |
Fire protection sprinkler support system
A support system for a fire protection sprinkler includes a support bar having a pair of end brackets disposed at the ends of the support bar. A center bracket assembly is mounted on the support bar and includes a support bracket and a hinge bracket pivotally connected to the support bracket by a hinge pin. The pair of end bracket assemblies each include an outside bracket and an inside bracket secured to the outside bracket wherein at least one of the outside and the inside bracket has an upper end connected to the support bar and includes an angled body extending laterally outward from the upper end away from the center bracket wherein the outside and inside brackets define a channel therebetween for receiving an upper rail of a T-shaped rail of a drop ceiling system. |
| US09004419B2 |
Support device
A support device for a tripod includes a base body. On the base body, a pan turning body is provided turnably in the horizontal direction. On the pan turning body, a tilt turning body is provided turnably in the up-down direction. The support device also includes a pan fixing operation body fixing the pan turning body with respect to the base body, and a tilt fixing operation body fixing the tilt turning body with respect to the pan turning body. The support device further includes a tilt turning operation body turning the tilt turning body with respect to the pan turning body. |
| US09004417B2 |
Fastening device
The invention relates to a fastening device (10) for at least one cable (44), having an edge clip part (12) for fitting the fastening device (10) to an edge (28) of a base part (26). A holding device (30) for at least one cable strap (40) surrounds at least one cable (44). The holding device (30) includes fastening sections (38) that constitute a mount for the cable strap (40) in three directions of cable strap orientation orthogonal to each other, so that a cable strap (40) can be fastened to the base part (26) selectively oriented in one of the three directions of cable strap orientation. |
| US09004409B1 |
Extendable antenna reflector deployment techniques
A high capacity satellite having a launch configuration in which one or more antenna reflectors may be stored forward of a forward surface of the spacecraft and an on-orbit configuration in which a reflector boom may be extended forward and rotated to place the one or more antenna reflectors outboard of the spacecraft main body and further forward of the forward surface of the spacecraft. |
| US09004406B2 |
Aircraft wing box joint
An aircraft wing box spanwise joint, comprising a rib having a web, and a pair of rib fittings joined together, each rib fitting forming a closed loop around the periphery of the rib, wherein the rib is integrally formed with one of the rib fittings. Also, an aircraft wing including two or more of the joints. Also, a method of forming an aircraft wing box spanwise joint, the method comprising forming a pair of rib fittings, wherein one of the rib fittings is integrally formed with a rib having a web, each rib fitting forming a closed loop around the periphery of the rib, bringing the rib fittings together, and joining the rib fittings together. |
| US09004400B2 |
Method of controlling a buoyancy system for an aircraft, a buoyancy system implementing said method, and an aircraft
A buoyancy system (2) includes at least one float (3), a deployment assembly (30) having at least one deployment member (34) for deploying the float (3), an engagement controller (5) which activates the deployment assembly (30), and at least two immersion sensors (20) for issuing an order for automatic deployment of the float (3) to the deployment assembly (30). The deployment assembly (30) is provided with a memory (31) containing a pre-established list of events. The deployment assembly (30) deploys each float (3) when a predetermined event occurs. |
| US09004399B2 |
Nacelle flow assembly
A nacelle assembly for a turbine engine has a cowl for a turbine engine. The cowl has a first surface spaced from a second surface. The second surface defines defining a bypass flow passage. A flow volume is spaced between the first surface and the second surface. A plurality of holes are disposed on the cowl. Each of the plurality of holes are configured to alter local air pressure about one of the first surface and the second surface of the cowl. The plurality of holes are in communication with the flow volume. |
| US09004398B2 |
Balloon with deflation and maneuvering port
A hot air balloon with an adjustable deflation port at its upper end which can be selectively opened and closed on the ground and during flight. The positive control of the port by the operator of the balloon in the basket allows the deflation port to be adjusted at any position from full open to fully closed or held in intermediate positions as desired. |
| US09004395B2 |
Drive system for helicopters
The rotors of a helicopter are directly connected with electric high-torque motors, and are powered by the latter. Energy generation and rotor drive are separate from each other. The high-torque motor of the main rotor is pivoted to the cabin canopy, so that it can be tilted together with the main rotor. |
| US09004392B1 |
Apparatus and method for spooling wire
An apparatus and method for spooling wire or cable from a reel assembly. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an inner flange assembly and an outer flange assembly. The inner flange assembly is capable of freely rotating relative to the outer flange assembly for spooling wire from any surface. In another embodiment, wire is spooled from a reel assembly comprising an inner flange assembly and an outer flange assembly. |
| US09004391B2 |
Apparatus for hand winding a hose line
An apparatus for winding a hose line having a threaded male end. The apparatus comprises a frame that has a first side plate, a second side plate and means for positioning the side plates apart from one another. The first side plate has a circular aperture and a center assembly having a handle crank, a revolving handle and means for rotating the center assembly within the first side plate aperture when the handle crank is rotated by hand. A coupling jaw assembly is also provided and has a fork that is removably insertable into the center assembly to capture the threaded male end of the hose line. Rotation of the handle crank then winds the hose line to form a coiled hose within the apparatus. The coiled hose can be transported within the apparatus or can be left standing upright when released from the apparatus. |
| US09004389B2 |
Bobbin and method of using the same
A bobbin is provided, which includes a main body, a first block board, a second block board, and at least one guiding member. The main body extends along an axis. The first block board and the second block board circumferentially surround ends of the main body and radially extend from the main body, respectively. The guiding member is formed on the first block board or the second block board and comprises a dummy pin, radially extending from the first block board or the second block board. |
| US09004379B2 |
Paint container assembly for a paint sprayer
A paint container assembly includes: a container body; a cover detachably mounted to the container body and having a peripheral end and a central recessed portion which defines a cylindrical recess; and a vent conduit having a cylindrical plug portion and an extension portion. The plug portion is rotatably inserted into the recess. The extension portion has a free open end, and defines a fluid channel extending from an upper end of the plug portion to the free open end. The free open end of the extension portion is disposed adjacent to the peripheral end of the cover and distal from the central recessed portion of the cover for preventing paint material from flowing out of the container body through the fluid channel. |
| US09004378B2 |
System and method for land application of waste fluids
A system and method are provided for automated control of application of fluid to a surface. A surface map is annotated with shapes designating zones for spraying, and excluding others. A control system in a vehicle uses the annotated map and GPS to assist the operator of the vehicle avoid spraying on excluded zones, and provides a record of the spraying operation including locations sprayed and fluid spray rates. The control system operates valves to control spraying from a container on the vehicle, based on several parameters, so as to avoid spraying excluded zones and steep slopes, to avoid overlaps, and to limit fluid spray rates below pre-determined maximums. The system further assists the operator by providing a visual guide on a display. A kit can be provided to retrofit a vehicle for landspraying. |
| US09004376B2 |
Fluid control device and method for projecting a fluid
A nozzle for use in dispensing a fluid, such as water or a foaming agent to extinguish a fire, comprises a longitudinal body that comprises a plurality of helical shaped cam paths. The cam paths allow the operator of the nozzle to adjust a flow setting for the nozzle by moving a flow adjustment mechanism that is operatively associated with the cam paths. |
| US09004375B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating a mist
The present invention relates to apparatus and method for generating a mist comprising a conduit having a mixing chamber and an exit; a working fluid inlet in fluid communication with said conduit; a transport nozzle in fluid communication with the said conduit, the transport nozzle adapted to introduce a transport fluid into the mixing chamber; the transport nozzle having an angular orientation and internal geometry such that in use the transport fluid interacts with the working fluid introduced into the mixing chamber through the working fluid inlet to atomize and form a dispersed vapor/droplet flow regime, which is discharged as a mist comprising working fluid droplets, a substantial portion of the droplets having a size less than 20 μm. |
| US09004374B1 |
Irrigation method using thixotropic materials
The steps of the irrigation method include: flowing a stream of water having input and output and intermediate location; interposing a feeding device into the stream of water at the intermediate location, the feeding device having input and output ends; inserting a quantity of nutrient fertilizer into the feeding device; converting the nutrient fertilizer from the viscous state to the less viscous state through the flow of water through the feeding device; and intermixing the viscous nutrient fertilizer with the water entering the feeding device whereby the water leaving the device to plants and soil will include a fertilizer. |
| US09004368B2 |
Payment cards and devices with enhanced magnetic emulators
A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. Such a magnetic emulator may comprise non-magnetostrictive material such that the magnetic emulator may be fabricated in a wide variety of fabrication processes. Additionally, magnets may be added to amplify the signal of a magnetic emulator. In doing so, a magnetic emulator may provide a large amount of signal while consuming a reduced amount of electrical energy when compared to a magnetic emulator that does not include the presence of one or more magnets. |
| US09004363B2 |
Diffuser engine for barcode imaging scanner
An apparatus includes a diffusive plate that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of an imaging lens arrangement and covers a side face of a solid rectangular defining a volume space within which parts of a scan engine are deposited. The parts of the scan engine including at least the illumination light source, the imaging lens arrangement, an imaging sensor, and a controller for controlling both the illumination light source and the imaging sensor. The diffusive plate includes a first opening to allow light enter the imaging lens arrangement through the first opening. The area enclosed by the boundary of the diffusive plate substantially equal to the area of the side face of the solid rectangular. |
| US09004360B2 |
Contactless communication via a plurality of interfaces
A contactless communication device including an energy interface configured to activate the contactless communication device or a contactless communication partner based on a first carrier signal; and a contactless high speed data interface configured to enable data communication between the contactless communication device and the contactless communication partner based on a second carrier signal having a frequency greater than a high frequency (HF). |
| US09004355B2 |
Secure system and method to pay for a service provided at a reservation
A method and system for allowing the setting of reservations and the pre-authorization of credit to purchase a desired service for which a reservation is made. A customer accesses a reservation system that is integrated with a credit authorization system. The customer may make a reservation and substantially simultaneously become pre-authorized to pay for services to be provided at the reservation by one of any number of credit providers. Pre-authorized credit and reservation information is then supplied to the service provider in advance of services being provided, expediting the overall transaction time and allowing for a secure and cardless transaction procedure. The reservation and preauthorization information are typically stored upon the reservation system and then passed to the point-of-sale systems, but other types of input/output storage devices could be used to perform this function. |
| US09004354B1 |
Machine-readable code rendering device and methods for using the same
A machine-readable code rendering device may include an electronic paper display and a machine-readable code rendering module that dynamically renders machine-readable codes on the electronic paper display. The electronic paper display may be configured so that the machine-readable codes are read by a light-based code reader off of the electronic paper display. |
| US09004346B2 |
Delivery receptacle
A delivery receptacle for receiving objects, such as parcels, has a housing having an input opening, a delivery door rotatably coupled to the housing for opening and closing the input opening, and a drum rotatably coupled to the housing and having a drum access opening accessible through the input opening. The delivery door is mechanically coupled to the drum such that rotation of the delivery door in a first rotational direction causes rotation of the drum in the opposite rotational direction. The delivery door is rotatable between an open position in which the drum is oriented with the drum access opening aligned with the input opening such that a parcel can be inserted into the drum, and a closed position in which the drum is oriented with the drum access opening aligned with a drop area such that a parcel will exit the drum and enter the drop area. |
| US09004342B2 |
Welded hot-rolled high-strength steel structural members and methods
Hot-rolled high-strength steel elongated structural members and method of making same are disclosed by hot-rolling high-strength steel having a specific chemical composition to provide structural units. The units are then welded together to provide structural members of desired geometrical configuration including a thin web with opposed thicker flanges extending therefrom to increase the load bearing capacity of the members. |
| US09004339B1 |
Cartridgizable feeder belt for surgical stapler
An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt lying substantially in a single plane; and staples fixed to and frangibly separable from the feeder belt. A cartridge may hold at least one feeder belt, where that cartridge may be detachably held by a receiver. The cartridge itself may be reloadable. A surgical method may include providing a surgical instrument including a detachable cartridge holding a feeder belt, where staples are fixed to and frangibly separable from the feeder belt; deforming at least one staple to a deformed state; frangibly separating at least one deformed staple from the feeder belt; and removing the cartridge from the surgical instrument. |
| US09004337B2 |
System and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, a system for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes a spontaneous joining unit and a deformative joining unit. The spontaneous joining unit overlaps a first substrate and a second substrate and spontaneously joins mutual center portions of respective joint faces of the first substrate and the second substrate. The deformative joining unit deforms at least one peripheral portion of the respective joint faces of the first substrate and second substrate joined by the spontaneous joining unit toward the other peripheral portion and joins the mutual peripheral portions of the respective joint faces. |
| US09004336B2 |
Sheet conveyance apparatus and recording apparatus
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a conveyance roller pair that has a roller with a uniform diameter in a sheet width direction and that is configured to pinch and convey a sheet, and a guide unit that is provided on an upstream side of the conveyance roller pair and that is configured to regulate a position of an edge of the sheet, wherein the conveyance roller pair conveys the sheet in a state in which the sheet is bended by the guide unit so that on a roller side with a uniform diameter in a sheet width direction, the sheet convexly bends. |
| US09004332B2 |
Cup holder
A cup holder includes one or two supporting members that support a container inserted into a receiving portion of a holder main body, and is arranged in a circumferential direction of the holder main body. A container having the protrusion and recess pattern on a side surface can smoothly be taken out from the receiving portion with a low risk of the supporting members interfering with other members around the holder main body. |
| US09004329B2 |
Wearable device
A wearable device includes a main body, a housing, and two connection elements fixed to the housing. The connection element includes a body and at least one elastic protrusion protruding from one side of the body. When mounting the main body to the housing, the elastic protrusion of the connection element is deformed to generate elastic force to fix the main body to the housing. |
| US09004328B1 |
Adjustable, stealth of movement, quick-draw, cross-draw holster for a revolver
A quick-draw, stealth of movement, cross draw holster with stealth of movement for use specifically with revolvers. A pair of adjustable jaws having segmented faces grips the revolver only in the cylinder region. This support arrangement allows a very quick withdrawal of the revolver from the holster, typically requiring movement on the order of between one and two inches before the revolver is totally clear of the holster. The cylinder clamping support arrangement easily accommodates revolvers having scopes or other similar attached accessories. The holster may be either belt worn or strap-supported for over-the-shoulder mounting and can be used by either right- or left-handed shooters. |
| US09004327B2 |
Insertion guide for animal footwear
Disclosed is a paw insertion device. In one embodiment, the device includes two pivotally interconnected arms. Each of the arm can include a paw insertion guide at a distal end. The insertion guides are designed to be inserted into an article of animal footwear. The opposite grip ends of the arms can then be brought together to spread apart the insertion guide and permit the animal paw to be easily positioned within the footwear. A lock subassembly is also included for permitting the insertion device to be locked in the opened position. |
| US09004321B2 |
Reusable pour-on gun system
A reusable pour-on gun system is disclosed that is comprised of a pour-on gun component that does not need an inlet valve, a cap assembly including a one-way valve system, the cap assembly adapted to be coupled to a liquid reservoir container, and a hose component coupled on one end to the pour-on gun component and on the other end to the cap assembly. |
| US09004314B2 |
Glove dispenser
A dispenser is disclosed for flat items such as disposable gloves that are contained within a dispensing bag that has an at least partially-open front side. The dispenser includes a base that has a rear wall and a pair of opposing side walls. A non-opaque cover with a dispensing aperture therethrough is pivotally fixed between each side wall and adapted to swing between an open and a closed position. At least one elastic cord is stretched between each side wall to urge the dispensing bag towards the cover when the cover is in the closed position and the dispensing bag is between the cover and the at least one elastic cord. The front side of the dispensing bag may be non-opaque and open at a dispensing bag aperture therethrough, a temporary adhesive being fixed proximate a periphery of the dispensing bag aperture. |
| US09004313B2 |
Stack of interfolded first and second sheets
A stack of hygiene sheet products including first and second webs that are interfolded with each other. The stack includes a top panel of the first web and a top panel of the second web, wherein the top panel of the first web overlays the top panel of the second web but has been cut away so that the top panel of the second web is revealed by the top panel of the first web. An adherence layer is placed on the top panel of the first web and the top panel of the second web and is exposed at the top of the stack so that it can adhere to an adjacent stack so that when the last sheets of the adjacent stack are pulled through a dispenser opening of a dispenser, the first and second sheets are pulled securely through with it as a result of the direct adherence. |
| US09004312B2 |
Roller shutter type storage container
A roller shutter type storage container includes a container body, a roller shutter accommodating portion, a pair of guide grooves, and a roller shutter. Each of the guide grooves extends linearly in an opening of the container body and is curved in the roller shutter accommodating portion. The roller shutter is configured by connecting a plurality of slats each having shafts formed in the widthwise direction at two ends of the slat in a bendable manner. As the two shafts slide in the corresponding guide grooves, the roller shutter slides between an open position and a close position. Each one of the shafts is spaced from a vertical wall surface of the corresponding one of the guide grooves. A projection formed of soft material projects outward from each shaft of each slat in the widthwise direction and contacts the corresponding vertical wall surface in an elastically deformed state. |
| US09004310B2 |
Transporting and storing container for liquids
A transport and storing container for liquids includes a pallet-type base frame for an inner container made of plastic with side walls, a lower wall and an upper wall. A closable filler neck is formed on the upper wall. A draining neck with a tapping armature is formed on a lower section of a side wall. A cage mantle with horizontal and vertical bars made of metal receives the inner container, wherein the vertical bars comprise between a connection section and a linear longitudinal section with a tubular cross section a bent section, and at least the upper ends of the vertical bars comprise a convex cross section outline on their inner side facing the inner container in the transition of the connection section to the bent section. |
| US09004307B2 |
Container having movable support member assemblies for supporting dunnage and movable door
A container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse has a body, horizontal and vertical tracks attached to opposite sides of the body, and a plurality of support member assemblies extending between the tracks. Each support member assembly includes sliders or end members located at the ends of tubular supports, the sliders being movable in the tracks. The support member assemblies support dunnage for supporting products for storage or shipment. |
| US09004305B2 |
Cutting device for container coverings
The present invention discloses a container cover produced from a plastics film, having a rotating closure which has a rotatable cylindrical cutting device (100, 300), wherein the latter has a lower rim (110) on which at least one cutting edge section (120) is arranged, and wherein said at least one cutting edge section (120) has at least three teeth (130) which are located on a line extending in an inclined manner in relation to the bag, and wherein the front-most tooth in the direction of rotation comes first into contact with the plastics film during the cutting operation. The cutting device (100, 300) is characterized in that the inclination of the line on which the teeth (130) of each cutting edge section are located is selected such that, in the case of at least approximately maximum deformation of the plastics film before the latter is perforated by the front-most tooth, at least two following teeth of the same cutting edge section (120) are in direct contact with the plastics film. |
| US09004303B2 |
Housing for electrical operating means
The invention relates to a housing (1) for an electrical operating means such as a light, plug-in device, measuring instrument, switch, distributor, or the like, having at least one first and one second housing part (2,3) that can be assembled with one another in an explosion-proof fashion. Each housing part has one joining surface (4,5); when the housing parts are assembled, said joining surfaces are in contact with one another, forming a penetration-proof gap (6). In order to provide a novel structure of joining surfaces by means of which a corresponding penetration-proof gap is formed independently of the cross-sectional shape of the housing parts and to be able to substantially unite the advantages of both joining surfaces and the housing mentioned above, the joining surfaces run substantially perpendicular relative to the rest of the housing parts and surface profiles (7, 8) are formed in said joining surfaces, the penetration-proof gap being formed between said surface profiles. |
| US09004302B2 |
Package with foil seals and penetrating means
Improved packages, methods for manufacturing the packages and methods for producing beverages using the packages are provided. The packages (10) include a cap (60), a container (20), and an adapter (30) positioned between and connected to the cap and container. The adapter (30) is configured to penetrate seals (28, 66) on the cap and the container by means of a spike member (50) to allow contents (p) of the cap (60) to mix with contents (d) of the container (20). |
| US09004299B2 |
Storage rack
A rotating storage rack including a base and a plurality of vertically stacked shelves allows high storage density for shoes, boots, and other footwear, as well as miscellaneous wardrobe accessories, including purses. |
| US09004293B2 |
Semi-permeable film and separation membrane including nanoporous material, and method of manufacturing the same
A semi-permeable film includes a nanoporous material and a polymer matrix. The nanoporous material includes a nanoporous core and a coating layer that is disposed on a surface of the nanoporous core. The coating layer may include a particle selected from a metal hydroxide particle, a metal oxide particle, and a combination thereof. A separation membrane may include the semi-permeable film. Example embodiments also relate to a method of manufacturing the semi-permeable film and the separation membrane. |
| US09004292B2 |
Squeezable beverage bottle and filter system
Embodiments of the present disclosure could generally provide a relatively easily squeezable beverage bottle that allows control of the flow rate of the liquid being dispensed to the user. The bottle could provide sufficient radial rigidity—or resistance to squeezing—to return to its original shape (or “bounce back”) at a suitable rate without experiencing permanent deformation or denting and to withstand the rigors of filling, shipping, transporting, dispensing, etc. The present disclosure generally provides a beverage bottle filtering system that provides adequate filtering of water taken from the bottle at a suitable rate. In one embodiment, the present disclosure could include a support system to adequately secure the filter media within a filter housing while ensuring a sufficient compression fit and seal of filter media within filter system to eliminate “bypass flow” (i.e., water that might leak past filter system) and prevent consumption of unfiltered water. |
| US09004291B2 |
Fluid filter
A fluid filter including: an upper case member having a flow outlet; a lower case member having a flow inlet; a filter element having a folded filter material and a holding frame which holds the circumferential part of the filter material and is sandwiched between the upper case member and the lower case member; and a reinforcing member provided to extend in a direction crossing the ridge line direction of the folds of the filter material, the reinforcing member is provided in such a manner that, when the height of the folds is defined as h1, the lower end thereof is positioned above a position of 0.6 h1 from the upper end of the folds. |
| US09004290B2 |
Apparatus and methods for faucet-mounted water filtration systems
A faucet-mounted filter system that includes a body forming a fluid chamber having a water inlet, a quick connect device positioned adjacent the water inlet for mounting the filter system to a water faucet such that the water inlet is placed in fluid communication with the water faucet, a filtered water flow path disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the water inlet, an unfiltered water flow path disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the water inlet, a diverter valve disposed within the fluid chamber and operable to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths, a seal for sealing the fluid chamber, an actuator engaging the diverter valve to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths without having to interrupt the seal, a flow meter connected to the body and in fluid communication with the filter flow path, a filter housing connected to the body and having a reservoir, and a filter cartridge disposed within the reservoir. The filter cartridge is in fluid communication with the flow meter. |
| US09004282B2 |
Food storage bin
A nestable container and lid are provided. A first container may be received by a second container such that the first container nests in the second container. The lid of the first container is also nestable in the open lid of the second container when the lids of the first container and the second container are opened. |
| US09004280B2 |
Single-dose package for transdermal therapeutic system or sheet-like administration forms
In the case of a package (1) for single-dose films (2) containing active substances, comprising an upper packaging material element (3) and a lower packaging material element (4) which are connected together by a peripheral seal area or respectively sealing seam (5) such that a cavity (6) for holding the film (2) is formed, said cavity being enclosed on all sides, wherein the upper packaging material element (3) and the lower packaging material element (4) each have at least one cut (7, 8) in the region of the seal area or respectively, the sealing seam (5), said cuts being congruent, and at least one cut (7, 8) is crossed by a folding or bending line (10), the folding or bending line (10) is formed in a weakened manner. |
| US09004276B2 |
Packing assembly for car floor mats
A packaging assembly for car floor mats including a main body portion; at least one support member extending from the main body portion, and a securing arrangement releasably secured to the support member, wherein at least one car floor mat can be retained on the support member when the securing arrangement is secured to the support member, and wherein the at least one car floor mat can be removed from the packaging assembly when the securing arrangement is released from the support member. |
| US09004274B2 |
Fishing rod storage container
Described is a fishing rod storage container comprising a lid pivotally connected to a container housing by one or more hinges. The container housing comprises a pair of elongated sides and an interior volume adapted to store fishing equipment. The container housing further comprises a plurality of lower half supports extending between the pair of elongated sides that are adapted to support several fishing rods. The lower half supports are elevated above the bottom of the container housing so as to provide clearance for equipment stored on the bottom of the container housing. The lid comprises upper half supports that are positioned so as to align with the lower half supports, such that the lower and upper half supports are complementary halves of a fishing rod support. In this way, a fishing rod can be secured in place between the upper and lower half supports when the container is closed. |
| US09004271B2 |
Weighing system using a conveyor belt with load cells
A conveyor belt module, a conveyor belt, a weighing system, and a method for weighing articles conveyed on a conveyor belt. A conveyor belt includes an array of load cells embedded in belt modules to measure forces normal to the belt's conveying surface. The measurements are transmitted from the belt to a remote controller as part of a vision system that identifies individual articles conveyed on the belt and pressing down on underlying load cells. The vision system determines which load cells underlie the individual articles and combines their measurements to compute the weights of the articles on the fly. |
| US09004268B2 |
Conveying system, tower structure with conveying system, and method for conveying containers with a conveying system
The invention relates to a conveying system for moving containers (14), the conveying system (4) comprising an inclined track (8) and a conveying device (24), where the track (8) has an container inlet (11) at the bottom (12) and an container outlet (15) at the top (16) and where the conveying device (24) is arranged to travel down (R) the track (8) and comprises a container moving unit (54) which after passage below a container (14) moves the container (14) one step up (L) the track (8), the conveying device (24) thus moving one container (14) at a time one step up (L) the track (8) during the downward (R) travel of the conveying device (24). The invention also relates to a tower structure (2) comprising a container conveying system (4), and a method for conveying containers (14) with a conveying system (4). |
| US09004267B2 |
Conveying system sealed off from the surrounding atmosphere
A conveying system includes conveying cells (14) for accommodating in particular hot bulk goods or lumpy conveying material. The conveying cells have a bottom (16), a front wall (30) and a rear wall (31) in the conveying direction of the conveying system and side walls (15) connecting the latter. The conveying cells (14) open at the top are shielded from the surrounding atmosphere by a stationary and gas-tight top cover (17) that spans the open surface of the conveying cells. Both sealing elements (22; 34, 35) shielding intermediate spaces (32) existing between the conveying cells (14) in the conveying direction from the surrounding atmosphere and also sealing elements (22; 28) projecting laterally on both sides beyond the side walls (15) of the conveying cells (14) are disposed in the bottom region of the conveying cells (14) lying opposite the top cover (17). |
| US09004265B2 |
Methods for restricting backflow of solids in a pump assembly
A pump assembly includes a rotating component and a stationary component coupled to the rotating component such that the stationary component substantially circumscribes at least a portion of the rotating component. A high pressure outlet extends at least partially through the rotating and stationary components. An inlet is positioned a predefined distance from the high pressure outlet. The inlet extends at least partially through the rotating and stationary components. A solid fuel flow is channeled from the inlet to the outlet as the rotating component rotates. A flow control member is coupled to the rotating and stationary components in a first predefined position. The flow control member is selectively moveable from the first predefined position to a second predefined position to form a seal within the pump assembly such that the solid fuel flow and a fluid flow are substantially restricted from being channeled back into the inlet. |
| US09004262B2 |
Device for conveying plate-shaped elements
Disclosed is a linear conveyor (21) for transporting glass panels (3) in the vicinity of grinding stations (9, 13) or a washing station (15) of a system for producing glass panel blanks including a linear conveyor (23), for example, a driven toothed belt, and opposite the driven toothed belt a beam (25), from which a fluid, in particular water, is discharged. The glass panel (3) is pressed against the linear conveyor (23) in a non-positive manner and reliably conveyed by water discharged from the beam (25). Such linear conveyors (21) can be arranged at the upper or lower edge of a glass panel (3) in order to trim the glass panel using at least one grinding disk (27), for example. |
| US09004261B2 |
Bead feeding method and bead feeder
A method and device for feeding beads in a tobacco industry system including a bead container, a bead feeding unit having a plurality of channels for supplying a plurality of bead streams, a unit for transferring the beads to the filter material, where the beads are fed from holding pockets of the bead feeding unit to receiving pockets of the bead transfer unit, in which the beads are supplied from the bead container to a plurality of channels of the bead feeding unit which form holding pockets; the beads are fed from the holding pockets of the bead feeding unit to the receiving pockets of the bead transfer unit and to a delivery wheel by a movable feeding device; the beads are picked up from the receiving pockets by a movable guiding device. |
| US09004251B2 |
Electromagnetic clutch
An electromagnetic clutch includes a wrap spring being wound around to be in a pressure bonding state relative to an outer peripheral surface of a tubular portion of a driving-side rotation member. A first end of the wrap spring connects to a driving arm of a driving member, which connects to a driven-side rotation member. A second end of the wrap spring connects to a rim portion of an operating member formed in a disc form. The operating member is rotatable relative to the driven-side rotation member about the rotation axis as the center and movable along the rotation axis. After a rotation of the operating member is restrained, the driving member is restrained from rotation, which operates the wrap spring to twist and cancels the pressure boding state of the wrap spring relative to the driving-side rotation member, which in turn provides a power cutoff state. |
| US09004249B2 |
Hydraulic clutch
A hydraulic pressure clutch includes a first connecting hub on an input shaft, an inner sleeve, a boss, an outer sleeve, a clutch drum, a second connecting hub, a first piston forming a first piston chamber together with the second connecting hub, first clutch plates disposed on an outer protrusion and selectively pushed by the first piston along an axial direction, first friction disks disposed alternately with the first clutch plates, a first balance wall forming a first balance chamber, a second piston forming a second piston chamber, second clutch plates selectively pushed by the second piston along an axial direction, second friction disks disposed alternately with the second clutch plates, and a second balance wall forming a second balance chamber, wherein the first piston penetrates through the outer protrusion for pushing the first clutch plates. |
| US09004245B2 |
Hydraulic brake system
A hydraulic brake system is adapted to be assembled on a steering assembly. The hydraulic brake system includes a connecting member and hydraulic device. The connecting member has a receiving room and a receiving opening. The hydraulic device has a hydraulic cylinder and a fluid tank. The hydraulic cylinder is received in the receiving room. The fluid tank is inserted in the receiving opening and connected with the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder has a main body, two pistons and two springs. The main body has two hydraulic chambers. The two pistons are assembled in the two hydraulic chambers and two springs sleeve onto the two pistons. Two brake cables and two fluid pipes are connected with the hydraulic cylinder. When the brake cable pulls the piston to press a fluid in the hydraulic chamber, the fluid flows into the fluid pipe so as to control a brake device. |
| US09004244B2 |
Brake assembly with improved brake shoe retention
A brake assembly having a brake shoe and an anchor pin. The brake shoe may have an anchor pin slot that may include first and second connecting surfaces that extend from an arcuate bearing surface. The anchor pin may have a flat and may be inserted into the anchor pin slot when the flat is aligned with the second connecting surface. |
| US09004243B2 |
Magneto-rheological damping assembly
A magneto-rheological damping assembly including a piston (28) defining a core (38). A pair of spaced electromagnets (46) are disposed about the core (38) and are connected to a controller (48) for selectively generating a magnetic flux. A pair of permanent magnets (52) are disposed about the electromagnets (46) and a pole segment (54;154;56;156) is disposed therebetween. A main gap (74) extends through the piston (28) through which magneto-rheological fluid (26) is conveyed. Flux generated by the magnets controls the viscosity of the fluid in the main gap (74) to control the damping force of the assembly. The controller (48) defines an off operating state for cancelling the flux from the permanent magnets (52) across the main gap (74). The core (38) and the pole segment (54;154;56;156) define a closed auxiliary gap (80) extending axially between the electromagnets (46) and radially between the core (38) and the internal pole segment (56) for preventing leakage of flux across the main gap (74) when the assembly is in the off operating state. |
| US09004241B2 |
Powered vehicle brake cooling system
An inlet, positioned to access the flow of air passing around and under a moving vehicle, may draw in air which is conveyed through a duct and discharged to cool a brake on a vehicle. The inlet has a closure. The closure is opened and closed on demand by a temperature-operated actuator incorporating an active or smart material under the direction of a controller. In embodiments, a sensor, suitably positioned to sense a temperature representative of the brake temperature, communicates the sensed brake temperature to the controller. The controller may respond to the sensed brake temperature, by triggering operation of the actuator. Typically the closure is opened to allow passage of cooling air to the brake when the sensed brake temperature exceeds, or is anticipated to exceed, a predetermined temperature. |
| US09004239B2 |
Support for supporting a structure on a surface
A support for supporting a structure on a surface, comprising at least one support element, each support element comprising a piston, a cylinder in which the piston is moveable, and a brake for maintaining the piston in a position that is stable relative to the cylinder, wherein the piston and the cylinder are arranged so that a loading associated with the structure effects an adjustment of the support element, and wherein an increase in hydraulic pressure within the cylinder, effected by the loading associated with the structure, activates the brake. |
| US09004231B2 |
Elevator installation with a sound pick-up
An elevator installation includes a cage, a counterweight which balances the cage and a supporting and/or drive structure at which the cage and the counterweight are suspended. The elevator installation has a sound pick-up designed for detecting solid-borne sound generated at the counterweight. |
| US09004229B2 |
Marking device in elevator system
In order to achieve simple maintenance and/or installation of an elevator system, a marking device has at least one light emitting unit for generating at least one mark on a component of the system. |
| US09004228B2 |
Container for collecting waste lubricant
A container for collecting a liquid lubricant has a housing having one end formed with an inlet opening connectable to a source of the liquid lubricant and an opposite end formed with a vent hole, with a piston inside the housing subdividing the housing into a front lubricant compartment into which the inlet opening opens and a rear compartment into which the vent hole opens. The piston is shiftable between a front position close to the intake opening and a rear position close to the vent hole such that as the liquid lubricant fills the lubricant compartment the piston moves into the rear position. Formations on the piston and on the housing seal between the piston and the housing around the vent hole only when the piston is in the rear position. |
| US09004225B2 |
Silencing apparatus for a vehicle
A muffler has a flattened cross-sectional shape the width of which is greater than its height. The muffler includes therein a plurality of expansion chambers. The muffler also includes an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe and first to third communication pipes, through which the expansion chambers are open to the outside. All of an opening of the inlet pipe, an opening of the outlet pipe and openings of the first to third communication pipes formed in the muffler are arranged such that they fall between a position separated away from one end of the muffler in its width direction by a ¼ length of the width of the muffler and a position separated away from the end of the muffler by a ½ length of the width. |
| US09004223B2 |
Conformable dome ear canal tip for a hearing instrument
An ear canal tip for a hearing instrument comprises a series of slits in the ear canal tip surface to allow the ear canal tip to conform to the shape of the ear canal when the ear canal tip is inserted into the ear canal. |
| US09004220B2 |
Vehicle having compact configuration
A strut suspension is disposed on a vehicle front side of a rotation center of a front wheel. A rack and pinion mechanism is disposed on a vehicle front side of the strut suspension. Since the strut suspension and the rack and pinion mechanism are disposed on the vehicle front side of the rotation center of the front wheel, a foot space can be moved forward to a position where the foot space overlaps the front wheel. A vehicle cabin space can be thereby increased. |
| US09004218B2 |
Joystick with improved control for work vehicles
A system for controlling a work vehicle is disclosed. The system may include a controller configured to control motion of the work vehicle and an electronic joystick communicatively coupled to the controller. The electronic joystick may be configured to transmit signals to the controller as it is moved between a neutral position and a full stroke position. The joystick may also be configured such that a varying joystick force is required to move the joystick between the neutral and full stroke positions. In addition, a rate of change of the joystick force may be varied as the electronic joystick is moved across a start/stop position defined between the neutral and full stroke positions. |
| US09004209B2 |
Front air guide structure for a motorcycle
In a motorcycle with a cowl, a bent portion which has an upright wall facing forwardly and is bent in an upward and downward direction is provided at an intermediate portion in a forward and backward direction of an air intake duct. A plurality of dewatering devices are provided, and configured to be hit from the front by traveling wind to remove moisture from the traveling wind. The dewatering devices are disposed at a plurality of locations in the air intake duct spaced from each other along the traveling wind flowing direction in the air passage in the front of the upright wall. An overall extent of a range in which the air passage can be seen up to a rear end thereof without obstruction when the air intake duct is viewed from the front of the traveling wind inlet is occupied by the dewatering devices. |
| US09004206B2 |
Engine control device of work machine and engine control method therefor
An engine control device is provided including: detection units for detecting a driving state of a work machine using a generator, target engine speed setting units for causing, on the basis of the driving state, a target engine speed set for a case where electric power generation by the generator is OFF to be the same as a target engine speed set for a case where the electric power generation by the generator is ON, and engine target output calculation units for calculating an engine target output during electric power generation OFF that can be output at most when the electric power generation by the generator is OFF, and calculates an engine target output obtained by adding an output corresponding to an electric power generation amount by the generator to the engine target output when the electric power generation by the generator is ON. |
| US09004195B2 |
Apparatus and method for drilling a wellbore, setting a liner and cementing the wellbore during a single trip
A method of forming a wellbore is disclosed. An inner string and an outer string are conveyed downhole. The inner string is attached to the outer string at a first location and the wellbore is formed. The inner stringy is attached to the outer string at a second location us hole of the first location and an annulus between the outer string and the wellbore is cemented without retrieving the inner string from the wellbore. |
| US09004191B2 |
Power tool
The invention relates to a power tool, such as an impact drilling machine, impact screwdriver, saber saws, grinders, or the like, comprising a housing. In the housing, an electric motor and an electric or electronic module that is attached to holders in the housing, for example, an electric switch or electronics, are provided. Between the holders in the housing and the electrical or electronic modules, a vibration decoupling element is disposed. |
| US09004190B2 |
Hand held material moving tool
A hand held material moving tool is disclosed. The material engaging implement has a material engaging portion adapted for movement of material. A handle is connected to a top surface of the tool. The handle is positioned low and in close proximity to the material engaging portion of the implement. The handle is connected to the tool by a swivel mechanism permitting a predetermined amount of pivot of the implement in relation to the handle about an axis. |
| US09004188B1 |
Apparatus and method for extinguishing fires in a multi-floored building
An improved apparatus for treating a fire in a multi-floored building where the fire is located on an upper floor vertically displaced from a lower floor from which the fire is treated, and where the upper and lower floors each have a selectively openable environmental access along an external wall of the multi-floored building. The improved apparatus includes a tubular structure having an inlet, an intermediate portion, and an outlet and a bracing system. The bracing system has a frame, a first pivot point, and a second pivot point. The frame provides support against a sturdy surface. The tubular structure is supported on the first pivot point and rotates thereon to elevate or hoist the outlet towards the upper floor environmental access. The tubular structure is further supported on a second pivot point and further rotates thereon to elevate the outlet. |
| US09004186B2 |
Resin laminated film for enclosing fire extinguishing agent and fire extinguishing equipment utilizing the same
A fire extinguishing equipment for extinguishing cooking oil fires includes fire extinguishing agent, a single-layer hot-melt resin film enclosing the fire extinguishing agent, at least one float, and a quadratic prism-shaped paper case enclosing the single-layer hot-melt adhesive film and the at least one float. The quadratic prism-shaped paper case includes a plurality of sides, at least one of which has al least one outlet. |
| US09004185B2 |
Downhole plug drop tool
A plug drop tool, including a body defining a chamber, a plug initially housed in the chamber and a member disposed with the body. The member is actuatable for selectively enabling communication between the chamber and an annulus at least partially defined by the body. The plug is movable into the annulus when the communication is enabled. |
| US09004184B2 |
Method and wellbore system
The invention provides a wellbore system comprising an expandable tubular element arranged in a wellbore formed in an earth formation whereby an annular space is present between the tubular element and a wall surrounding the tubular element. The tubular element is provided with sealing means for sealing the annular space, wherein the sealing means includes a foldable wall section of the tubular element. The foldable wall section has a reduced bending stiffness relative to a remainder wall section of the tubular element and is deformable from an unfolded mode to a folded mode by application of a compressive folding force to the tubular element. The foldable wall section when in the folded mode comprises at least one annular fold extending radially outward into said annular space. The wellbore system further comprises a folding device for applying said folding force to the tubular element. |
| US09004180B2 |
Method and apparatus for actuating a downhole tool
Apparatuses and methods used for actuating downhole tools in which a ball is dropped from a surface of a wellbore until it contacts a ball seat of a downhole tool. The ball seat moves axially downward within the downhole tool and an expandable ball seating surface of the ball seat radially expands to pass the ball. The ball seat then moves axially upward within the downhole tool. |
| US09004174B2 |
System, apparatus, and method for monitoring a subsea flow device
A system, apparatus, and method are provided for monitoring a subsea flow device such as a subsea flowline. The apparatus generally includes a thermoelectric device that is adapted to generate electric power from a thermal potential between the subsea flow device and the surrounding seawater. A sensor that is powered by the thermoelectric device is adapted to monitor one or more characteristics of the flow device, such as temperature or strain, and provide a radiation output that is indicative of the characteristic. |
| US09004171B2 |
System for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation including a magnetic amplifier and related methods
A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source, an RF antenna to be positioned within the wellbore, and a magnetic amplifier to be positioned in the wellbore and configured to couple the RF source to the RF antenna so that the RF antenna supplies RF power to the hydrocarbon resource in the subterranean formation. |
| US09004167B2 |
Methods of using invert emulsion fluids with high internal phase concentration
In a method of gravel packing a wellbore in a subterranean formation, the wellbore comprising a cased section and an uncased section, the method may include pumping into the wellbore a gravel pack composition comprising gravel and a carrier fluid comprising an invert emulsion fluid, where the invert emulsion fluid may comprise: an oleaginous external phase; a non-oleaginous internal phase, wherein a ratio of the oleaginous external phase and non-oleaginous internal phase is less than 50:50 and an emulsifier stabilizing the oleaginous external phase and the non-oleaginous internal phase. |
| US09004164B2 |
In situ radio frequency catalytic upgrading
The present invention relates to a method and system for enhancing in situ upgrading of hydrocarbon by implementing an array of radio frequency antennas that can uniformly heat the hydrocarbons within a producer well pipe, so that the optimal temperatures for different hydroprocessing reactions can be achieved. |
| US09004163B2 |
Equipment and method for reinforcing a borehole of a well while drilling
The equipment for drilling and reinforcing a borehole of a well comprises a drill pipe string carrying a drill tool at its lowermost end and a downhole treatment device held on the drill pipe string for applying a liner of polymer material at the surface of the borehole. The polymer material is a fusible and/or curable material dissolved and/or emulsified and/or dispersed in drilling fluid or mud circulated through the drill pipe string and an annulus between the drill pipe string and the wall of the borehole. The treatment device is adapted to concentrate energy for fusing and/or curing the polymer material contained in the drilling fluid in a limited space at the vicinity of the wall of the borehole. The treatment device thus focuses its energy in the vicinity of the wall and allows a continuous reinforcing of the borehole simultaneously while drilling. |
| US09004151B2 |
Temperature regulated melt crucible for cold chamber die casting
Disclosed is a vessel for melting and casting meltable materials. The vessel may be a surface temperature regulated vessel for providing a substantially non-wetting interface with the molten materials. In one embodiment, the vessel may include one or more temperature regulating channels configured to flow a fluid therein for regulating a surface temperature of the vessel such that molten materials are substantially non-wetting at the interface with the vessel. Disclosed also includes systems and methods for melting and casting meltable materials using the vessel. |
| US09004149B2 |
Counter-gravity casting of hollow shapes
The embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for counter-gravity formation of BMG-containing hollow parts. In one embodiment, the BMG-containing hollow parts may be formed by first feeding a molten metal alloy in a counter-gravity direction into a mold cavity to deposit the molten metal alloy on a surface of the mold cavity and then solidifying the deposited molten metal alloy. |
| US09004146B2 |
Roller blind device for a motor vehicle
A roller blind device for a motor vehicle having a flexible roller blind sheet held windably and unwindably on a roller blind shaft, a dimensionally stable pulling-out section assigned to the roller blind sheet at an end area which is at the front in the pulling-out direction, at least one pulling/pushing apparatus continuously rotating and in operative connection with the roller blind shaft and to which the pulling-out section is fastened, and having lateral guide section arrays in which lateral edges of the roller blind sheet are guided. The pulling/pushing apparatus is guided in a guide track integrated in the guide section array and transversely movable together with the guide section array for setting of the function position, in particular before initial operation. |
| US09004145B2 |
Securable cover apparatus for trade show booths
A securable cover apparatus for trade show booths comprising a flexible cover; a fastener mount attached to the flexible cover and a securable fastener having a rotating handle potion and a locking pin that is controlled by the handle portion. The fastener further includes a bracket wall with two guide members that are used to guide the fastener into a channel of the frame of the booth support structure. The securable cover apparatus is able to secure a trade show booth having a frame when the extending guide members of the securable fastener are slid between an opening in the frame and the locking pin is extended and rotated such that the frame of the tradeshow booth is positioned between flanges at the head of the locking pin and the bracket wall. |
| US09004142B2 |
Blind assembly with two blind head rail
A blind for a building opening, having; an upper blind roller, located in an upper region of the head rail, a lower blind attachment located in a lower region of the head rail, an upper blind stored on the upper blind roller, a lower blind stored on the lower blind attachment, upper and lower blind control mechanism operable to operate the blinds and in which the upper blind roller is located in an upper plane in the head rail and the lower blind attachment is located in a lower plane, the axes being displaced vertically from one another, and in which the upper blind depends down beside the lower blind attachment, and in which the lower blind depends down alongside said upper blind, so as to provide a head rail having a slim, aesthetically pleasing profile. |
| US09004135B2 |
Method and apparatus for bonding together two wafers by molecular adhesion
The invention provides a method of bonding a first wafer onto a second wafer by molecular adhesion, the method comprising applying a point of initiation of a bonding wave between the first and second wafers, the method further comprising projecting a gas stream between the first wafer and the second wafer generally toward the point of initiation of the bonding wave while the bonding wave is propagating between the wafers. The invention also provides a bonding apparatus for carrying out the bonding method. |
| US09004131B2 |
Plasmonic assisted systems and methods for interior energy-activation from an exterior source
A method and a system for producing a change in a medium disposed in an artificial container. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one of a plasmonics agent and an energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy through the artificial container to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent. |
| US09004126B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having groove area ratio
A pneumatic tire for improving steering stability performance on dry and wet road surfaces. The tire tread pattern has circumferential center main grooves, outside and inside main grooves, land sections demarcated by the main grooves, ground contact borders on both sides of the tire, and closed shoulder lug grooves. A ratio Wmax/Wout of a maximum main groove width Wmax and an outside main groove width Wout is at between 1.5 and 2.5 inclusive. A ratio Sin/Sout of a groove area ratio Sin of a region on a tire-widthwise second side of a tire centerline and a groove area ratio Sout of a region on a first side of the tire centerline is at least 1.10 and smaller than 1.25. A groove area ratio of a region on the second side of a tire-widthwise centerline of the intermediate land sections exceeds that of a region on the first side. |
| US09004124B2 |
Tire having enhanced rolling performance
Tire provided with a tread surface and lateral faces intersecting at two corner edges to determine a total width of tread between the said two corner edges, provided with grooves of depth H opening onto the tread surface and delimited by faces of material which are distant by at least a width equal to 2 mm, a plurality of grooves on at least one of the opposing faces that delimit them with at least one profiled protrusion delimited by a radially external surface and by a radially internal surface, the radially external surface being closer to the tread surface than the radially internal surface, meeting at those points of the protrusion that are furthest away in the direction of the groove, each of these radially internal and external surfaces of each protrusion has, in a plane of section parallel to the faces delimiting the groove, a profile of length greater than the length of the profile of the radially internal surface. |
| US09004121B2 |
Tire including a continuous pressure membrane
Tire including a continuous pressure membrane. The tire includes a carcass, a rubber layer surrounding the carcass, and a belt. The carcass includes at least one continuous pressure membrane defining a generally U-shaped cross section. The pressure membrane includes a crown portion, a first sidewall portion, and a second sidewall portion connected with the first sidewall portion by the crown portion. The belt may be composed of at least one additional continuous pressure membrane adjacent the crown portion. |
| US09004119B2 |
Protective cover for use with handbags and a method for its use
A protective cover for handbags and like objects is provided, which comprises a portable and self-contained storage pouch. The protective cover can be attached to the exterior of a handbag by various mechanisms and can comprise one or more carrying straps. The protective cover can be made from a durable, water resistant and germ resistant material capable of preventing dirt, moisture and harsh chemicals from reaching the handbag. This protective cover can also prevent germ contamination of the handbag or other surfaces by removing it from the handbag and washing it after use. |
| US09004116B2 |
Systems and methods for inflatable avalanche protection
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for inflating a chamber within an inflatable avalanche safety system. The method includes providing an inflatable avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber; receiving a user-triggered action intended to activate the avalanche safety system; transmitting ambient air from an external region to within the inflatable chamber; and inflating the inflatable chamber entirely with the transmitted external ambient air to a particular internal pressure and shape configured to protect the user from burial during an avalanche. The transmission of ambient air within the inflatable chamber may be accomplished with a fan or an electrical component. |
| US09004113B2 |
Pipe having variable cross section
A pipe having variable cross section and including a working core pipe, capillary pipes or sheets, an outer pipe, a connection support, and a cavity. The capillary pipes or sheets are attached to an external surface of the working core pipe. The connection support connects the working core pipe and the outer pipe. The cavity is formed between the working core pipe and the outer pipe and has variable cross section. |
| US09004111B2 |
Plug for connector
A plug for a connector includes an insertion portion, and the insertion portion includes an O-ring abutment portion and a creep prevention portion. Also, when the insertion portion of the plug for a connector is inserted in a mouth portion of a connector, the O-ring abutting portion abuts against an O-ring mounted inside the connector, and closes the mouth portion of the connector. Also, the creep prevention portion prevents a creep of a lock member which is in a standby position. |
| US09004105B2 |
Valve device
A valve device includes a housing (2) and a valve piston (4) axially displaceable in a piston bore (3) of housing (2). First and second load connections (A, B) can alternately be connected to a pressure connection (P) and to tank connections (T1, T2) by moving the piston from an idle position by first and second solenoids (5, 6). First and second pilot control chambers (7, 9) pressurize first and second piston back sides (8, 10) of the valve piston (4). The pressure in the pilot control chambers (7, 9) is controlled by first and second pilot control pistons (12, 13) movable by the solenoids (5, 7). The pilot control chambers (7, 9) are connected via a connection (11) to the pressure connection (P). The pilot control pistons (12, 13) open or close connections (14) between the pilot control chambers (7, 9) and the tank connections (T1, T2). |
| US09004102B2 |
Apparatus and method for offloading a hydrocarbon fluid
Disclosed are various apparatus and method for transferring a hydrocarbon fluid between two bodies. To this purpose, a transfer skid and transfer hoses are moved from a first body to a second body to be installed thereupon to provide fluid communication between the two bodies. Offloading of hydrocarbon fluid may then take place between the two bodies. Emergency release operation may be triggered during the offloading, where the transfer hoses are disconnected from the transfer skid, and are returned to the first body. Various features of the transfer skid and associated apparatus allow the transfer skid to be installed on the second body with improved mating connections, transfer hoses to be returned to the first body after offloading operation without hydrocarbon fluid leakage, and transfer hoses to disconnect with speed and safety during emergency release operation. |
| US09004101B2 |
Devices and methods for causing turbulent flow in a tank assembly
Disclosed is a device for causing turbulent flow in a tank assembly that includes, inter alia, a base portion and a vane element that extends in an axial direction from the base portion. The vane element has a curved surface formed at a distal end thereof which is adapted and configured to redirect fluid traversing the device axially in a non-axial direction. Still further, a plurality of shoulder elements extend radially outward from the axis of the vane element and are adapted and configured for limiting that axial insertion of the device into a fitting associated with the tank assembly. In an embodiment of the present invention, the vane element includes lateral edges which are adapted and configured for press-fit engagement with an inside diameter of the fitting associate with the tank assembly. |
| US09004100B2 |
Tank container with a pump assembly
The present invention relates to a pump assembly (5) for a supply unit, in particular a tank container (1), comprising: a pump line (51; 51r, l) for conveying a liquid medium between a container (3) and a removal connection, a pump (55) arranged in the pump line (51), and a feed connection (58), which is connected to the pump line (51) via two connecting lines (57). Here the pump (55) acts between the two connecting points (57a) of the connecting lines (57) in the pump line (51). The medium can therefore be delivered as desired directly by the pump (55) between the feed connection (58) and the container (3), between the container (3) and the removal connection (52), or between the feed connection (58) and the removal connection (52). The invention further relates to a fuel supply unit having a pump assembly (5) according to the invention and a container (3). |
| US09004095B2 |
Support structure for repair of pipeline controls
A pipeline control unit that connects two conduits attached to opposing sides of a housing with an attachable pressure cover plate and a valve servicing assembly that can be installed onto the housing to form a fluid-tight structure. A pipeline control mechanism can be mounted in an access opening of the pipeline control unit to enable a user to selectively control fluid flow through the housing. The pipeline control unit allows the removal and replacement of the pipeline control mechanism without depressurizing a pipeline system. |
| US09004090B2 |
Sluice valve for operations
An operation for securing and coupling a coupling flange and a fluid device mounted through the interior of a valve case of a sluice valve for operations can be performed with good efficiency from the exterior while sufficiently ensuring the external mounting depth of the coupling tube part on the coupling flange and while facilitating the attachment of pulling and securing means and ensuring the attachment strength. A valve element (31) that is freely movable in a direction orthogonal to a pipe axial center and valve operation means (30) for movably operating the valve element (31) are provided to a valve case (32), which is provided with a coupling tube part (32C) that can be externally mounted on a coupling flange of a connecting pipe from the pipe axial center direction; pulling and securing means for pulling and securing the valve case (32) to the coupling flange is disposed on the coupling tube part (32C) of the valve case (32); and an operation recess (32J) for operating a fastener from a rear surface side of the coupling flange is formed in the coupling tube part (32C) of the valve case (32), the fastener being used for securing and coupling the coupling flange and the fluid device that is joined to the coupling flange through a flow channel inside the valve case (32). |
| US09004089B2 |
Blowout preventer with lock
A lock for a ram shaft of a blowout preventer has a ram shaft controlled by an actuator, the ram shaft having a ram block end and a locking end, the locking end having an internal cavity that extends along an axis of the ram shaft, and a locking pin in the internal cavity. The locking pin has a release position retracted into the internal cavity, and a locking position extending from the internal cavity. A rotational stop engages the ram shaft and prevents the ram shaft from rotating. A locking pin stop is secured relative to the actuator, the locking pin stop engaging the locking pin in the locking position to prevent axial movement of the ram shaft. |
| US09004088B1 |
Protective canopy and method
A portable canopy can be deployed either on a vehicle or on a paved area. Depending on the amount of tension of its elastic corner straps, the canopy can be deployed in a convex configuration, so as to arch over the cab of a vehicle, or alternatively in a substantially flat configuration, so as to cover a pavement. A series of coil spring strips within the canopy urge it to curl up around its longitudinal axis, so that, when the corner straps are released on one side, that side is lifted by the contraction of the coil strips, thereby expelling accumulated snow/ice to the other side of the vehicle or pavement. |
| US09004084B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing waste from a soiled container
An apparatus and method for removing waste from a soiled container that houses laboratory animals and has an opening is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor having a receiving end for receiving containers from a stack of containers. The stack is disposed such that the openings are upwardly oriented. The apparatus also includes a manipulator that aligns with and engages an uppermost container of the stack and causes the uppermost container to be separated from the stack and to be flipped over onto the receiving end of the conveyor such that the opening is downwardly disposed. Waste discarded from the container falls through openings in the conveyor, and a waste receptacle disposed below the conveyor collects the discarded waste. The conveyor advances to transport the container away from the receiving end toward a discharge end of the conveyor. |
| US09004083B2 |
Dishwasher, especially domestic dishwasher
A dishwasher including a cutlery basket that has an adjustable compartment. The adjustable compartment receives a cutlery item that is adjustable between a loading position for loading and/or unloading the adjustable compartment and an angled position for carrying out cleaning and/or drying the cutlery item. In the angled position, a first clearance height of the cutlery item is reduced in relation to a second clearance height of the cutlery item in the loading position. |
| US09004082B2 |
Dish rack height adjusting employing cam and follower mechanism
A dish rack is supported for vertical movement relative to a dishwasher tub, with the vertical adjustment being made by manually shifting the dish rack to cause a camming unit of a latching mechanism to cooperate with a follower in establishing at least a lowered position and a raised position for the rack. The camming unit includes a plurality of camming surfaces and ramps establishing multiple tiers upon which the follower is guided while being biased by a spring. |
| US09004081B2 |
Household appliance, in particular a household dishwashing machine
A household appliance, in particular a household dishwasher, includes an external display, a transmission interface connected for signal transmission to the external display, and a power supply network for supply of electrical energy. The household appliance is isolated from the power supply network after completion of a treatment cycle, and the transmission interface is configured to transmit a signal to activate the external display to display at least the completion of the treatment cycle before the household appliance is isolated from the power supply network. |
| US09004080B2 |
Water-bearing domestic appliance including a suspension apparatus with attachment means formed by openings through the base body
A water-bearing domestic appliance is provided which has an appliance element and an appliance component that is attached to the appliance element at a suspension point. The suspension point is disposed in a region of the center of gravity of the appliance component. |
| US09004078B2 |
Decorative devices, and methods for making and using same
A disclosed decorative device includes an elongate, flexible foam body, an elongate, pliable core element, a pair of adapters, and a pair of end pieces. A method for making the decorative device is described, as is a method for retaining hair using the decorative device. The decorative device includes the elongate, flexible foam body surrounding the elongate, pliable core element along its length. The pair of adapters are each configured to fixably receive an end of the elongate, pliable core element, with the pair of end pieces, each being configured to connect to one of the pair of adapters. |
| US09004073B2 |
Electronic cigarette
An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and a fibrous element downstream of the heater. |
| US09004062B2 |
Device for dosed administration of sprayable substances with operating and release options
A device for dosed administration of a sprayable substance, in particular aerosols, with an electronic unit for recording the administrations. The device includes a first housing part that forms a seat for a container, which contains the sprayable substance and has a valve. The device also includes a second housing part, which is movable relative to the first housing part and has an actuating part for acting on the valve to actuate the valve for administration of the sprayable substance. The electronic unit records the administrations of the sprayable substance and includes a switch that is actuated by the relative movement of first and second housing parts. |
| US09004059B2 |
Reusable heater in a package
A heater in a housing with an opening. The heater reacts with oxygen to produce heat and upon consumption of the oxygen, the heating reaction stops and can be restarted at a later point in time upon the introduction of additional oxygen and is used in a package for heating pre-moistened substrates such as sanitary wipes, and the like. |
| US09004058B1 |
Patio accessory and barbeque grill system
A barbeque grill and outdoor patio accessory system with an automotive theme has a barbeque grill with a multi-component automobile-shaped upper housing. The system has a grill control panel having a general form of an automobile dashboard. Upon activation of a keyed switch the burner igniter provides the ignition spark for the burner, and the audio playback system plays pre-recorded audio themed sounds. The system has an integrated patio lighting assembly with a light housing having a general shape of an automobile wheel and tire assembly. The light housing is located in a general area with respect to the wheel and tire assembly location on a typical automobile. The lighting member can be extended out and away from the first side upper housing via a telescopic pole. The lighting member is pivotally located on a pole second end via a ball and socket joint. |
| US09004048B2 |
Gas backpressure sensor assembly
A gas sensor assembly for sensing a pressure of a gas including a housing, a carrier, an electronic chip, a cap and a biasing apparatus. The housing has a wall defining cavity with a port open to the gas. The carrier is mounted to the wall in the cavity. The electronic chip is secured to the carrier on an opposed side from the port and includes a diaphragm portion exposed to the port. The cap is mounted to the chip on an opposed side from the carrier. The biasing apparatus is located between the cap and the wall of the housing, with the biasing apparatus being configured to bias the cap toward the chip whereby gas pressure acting against the diaphragm is opposed by the biasing apparatus. |
| US09004045B2 |
Tank ventilation and cooling system for hybrid vehicles
A deaeration and cooling system for a fuel tank of an internal combustion engine includes an absorption refrigerator configured to cool fuel in the fuel tank. The absorption refrigerator includes a burner, an evaporator and an exhaust-gas heat exchanger. Thermal energy for operating the absorption refrigerator is obtained from the combustion of evaporated fuel. The evaporated fuel is removed from the fuel tank and supplied to the burner of the absorption refrigerator. |
| US09004044B2 |
Method for supplying a high-pressure pump in a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine with fuel and fuel injection system
The invention relates to a method for supplying a high-pressure pump (1) in a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine with fuel, wherein for delivery and for controlling the delivered quantity a delivery pump (3) is used, wherein said delivery pump is arranged in a low-pressure circuit (2) and operated by an electric motor and by means of which, depending on the respective selected engine speed, a certain quantity of fuel is fed to the high-pressure pump (1), in which the fuel is first compressed and then fed to a fuel high-pressure accumulator (4). According to the invention, the fuel pressure on the intake side of the high-pressure pump (1) is controlled by means of a pressure control valve (5), wherein a supply of the high-pressure pump (1) with fuel for lubrication and/or cooling via the low-pressure circuit (2) and the delivery pump (3) is assured when the pressure control valve (5) is in the closed position. The invention further relates to a fuel injection system. |
| US09004043B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
A control device calculates a maximum amount of increase in an intake pipe pressure in a Δt obtained by moving a throttle to an opening side at a maximum speed, and calculates a maximum amount of decrease in an intake pipe pressure in the Δt obtained by moving the throttle to a closing side at a maximum speed. Then, command values for each of a VVT and a WGV are determined such that an amount of change in an intake pipe pressure in the Δt required to achieve a target intake air amount falls within a range from the maximum amount of decrease to the maximum amount of increase. Then, a target opening for the throttle for a purpose of achieving the target intake air amount is calculated on the basis of command values that have been determined for the VVT and the WGV. |
| US09004040B2 |
Timing cover assembly for an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes, but is not limited to an engine block, a crankshaft associated to the engine block, a cylinder head fixed on top of the engine block so as to define an assembly axis of the internal combustion engine, a camshaft, and a housing for a timing device connecting the crankshaft to the camshaft, the housing having a frontal opening which is laterally delimited by two opposite sidewalls belonging to the engine block and two opposite sidewalls belonging to the cylinder head, the frontal opening being closed with a first cover fixed to the sidewalls of the engine block, and with a second cover fixed to the sidewalls of the cylinder head. |
| US09004033B2 |
Method for a simplified and accurately positioned fixing of a camshaft module on a cylinder head
The invention relates to a method for the simplified and accurately positioned fixing of a camshaft module with a camshaft and bearing blocks on a cylinder head. The bearing blocks, aligned in axial direction and with respect to an angle, may be fastened on the camshaft. The camshaft may be aligned via two alignment elements with respect to the cylinder head. Further, the individual bearing blocks may be screwed tightly with the cylinder head with simultaneous or interim rotation of the camshaft. |
| US09004029B2 |
Variable valve actuating apparatus for internal combustion engine
A variable valve actuating apparatus includes: a first rotary member which includes a rotor fixed to one of the inner cam shaft and the outer cam shaft, and a receiving chamber formed within the first rotary member, and which is arranged to be rotated in an advance angle direction or in a retard angle direction relative to the drive rotary member by a hydraulic pressure selectively supplied to or drained from the advance angle operation chamber and the retard angle operation chamber; and a second rotary member fixed to the other of the inner cam shaft and the outer cam shaft, rotatably received within the receiving chamber of the first rotary member, and arranged to be rotated relative to the first rotary member and the drive rotary member within a predetermined angle range. |
| US09004027B2 |
Cam-data creation device and cam-data creation program
A cam-data creation device includes: a waveform generating/processing unit that generates at least one of a stroke waveform and a velocity waveform of a follower for each piece of cam data from cam data stored in a cam-data storage unit, a cam-data waveform-image processing unit that converts a waveform for each piece of cam data generated by the waveform generating/processing unit into image data, and a screen generating/processing unit that generates a list display window that collectively displays the waveform for every piece of cam data having been converted into image data by the cam-data waveform-image processing unit and displays the generated list display window on a display device. |
| US09004025B2 |
Variable valve timing control apparatus of internal combustion engine
A variable valve timing control apparatus has a housing having a plurality of working fluid chambers, a vane member rotatably housed in the housing and dividing the each working fluid chamber into advance and retard oil chambers, the vane member rotating to a most-advanced angle side and to a most-retarded angle side within a predetermined angle range relative to the housing, and a torsion spring, one end of which is retained by the housing and the other end of which is retained by the vane member. When the vane member rotates to the most-advanced angle side and to the most-retarded angle side, an angle formed by a line connecting the both ends of the torsion spring through an axial center of the vane member ranges from an angle positioned at one side to an angle positioned at the other side of a boundary with 180° being the boundary. |
| US09004024B2 |
Cam shaft adjuster and method for adjusting the angle-of-rotation position of a cam shaft relative to a crankshaft
a cam adjuster for adjusting the angle-of-rotation positions of a cam shaft relative to a crankshaft. The cam shaft adjuster has at least two operating chambers to which pressure oil can be supplied to change the angle-of-rotation position. At least one of the operating chambers can be deactivated depending on an operating parameter by blocking the pressure oil supply. |
| US09004022B2 |
Engine including a crankshaft
An inline engine is provided. The engine includes a cylinder block with four cylinders and only three main bearing saddles. The engine also includes a crankshaft with only three main bearing journals. The engine may exhibit less friction than other similar engines. |
| US09004021B2 |
Combustion engine with coolant collector for shut-down cooling and/or warm-up cooling
An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder crankcase and a cylinder head that includes an integrated exhaust manifold, wherein the cylinder crankcase, the cylinder head and the integrated exhaust manifold have a continuous water jacket that forms part of a coolant circuit of the internal combustion engine. To ensure during shut-down cooling and/or warm-up cooling of the exhaust manifold that a majority of the coolant that is fed into the water jacket reaches the exhaust manifold, while only a small portion of the coolant flows around the cylinder through the cylinder crankcase, the coolant circuit includes a collector that communicates via passage openings having reduced opening cross-sections with the water jacket, and coolant channels arranged in extension of a flow direction through the passage-openings lead to the exhaust manifold, while coolant channels branching off laterally behind the passage-openings lead to the cylinder crankcase. |
| US09004020B2 |
Method for warming an internal combustion engine, and internal combustion engine
The disclosure relates to a method for expediting warm up of an internal combustion engine cylinder block and engine oil utilizing an existing oil coolant circuit. A method for warming up an internal combustion engine with at least one cylinder, a cylinder block which is formed by an upper crankcase half mounted to a lower crankcase half, said lower crankcase half containing an oil sump which is fed, via a supply line, by a coolant jacket, an inlet side of said coolant jacket supplied in turn with oil via the oil sump by an oil pump, the method comprising: releasing oil from the coolant jacket via gravity to reduce a cooling capacity of the internal combustion engine. |
| US09004017B2 |
Water heater
A water heater includes a bypass that is formed, on the side of a water supply pipe, branching from a main water path and bypassing a part of the main water path, and a flow path switching unit (a valve and a stepping motor) that is formed at a branching portion of the main water path and the bypass. The flow path switching unit is controlled by a controller and that can selectively switch a flow path between the main water path and the bypass. A microbubble generator generating microbubbles is provided on the bypass, the microbubble generator including a water agitator portion, a compression portion and a decompression portion. When the controller determines that scale has built up, the flow path is switched to the bypass by the flow path switching unit, and water containing microbubbles is caused to flow inside the water heater. |
| US09004016B2 |
Dog vest with integrated flexible bumper
A vest can be worn by a visually impaired pet, such as a dog, to help the pet navigate without hurting themselves by bumping into walls or objects. The vest includes plastic tubing with wire woven therein. The tubing is shaped like a halo that surrounds the front and sides of the pet's head. Should the visually impaired pet run into an object or wall, the halo will hit before their head hits and the pet will turn away before injuring themselves. The vest can be worn about their torso with their front legs fitting in leg holes of the vest. The vest can be adjustable to fit a range of pet sizes. The halo can also be adjustable to provide safe navigation of the pet. Typically, the vest is designed for dogs, but other visually impaired pets or animals may benefit by using the vest. |
| US09004015B2 |
Tethering stake
A tethering stake includes a rod having a point at one end thereof and a driving cap at an opposite end. A collar is fixed to the rod adjacent to and spaced from the driving cap, thus providing a neck to receive a tether line or chain. A cap cover is slidingly received upon the rod and is adapted to be selectively engaged with the collar. The cap cover includes a central circular aperture with a radial slot extending therefrom. The centrally positioned aperture and slot allow the cover to assume a position substantially parallel to the rod during shipment and storage, while allowing it to take a position substantially orthogonal to the rod when the rod is driven into the ground. |
| US09004009B2 |
Rotary pet brush
Disclosed is a rotary brush for use in grooming a pet, such as a dog or cat. The brush includes a handle to which a head is rotatably mounted. The head preferably includes a series of channels that accepted elongated rows of tines. The tines can be formed in any of a variety of shapes or arrangements to facilitate proper grooming. A skin guard can also be included to prevent the tines from damaging the pet's skin. An accumulator is secured to the handle and is interdigitated with the series of upstanding tines. In this manner, the accumulator collects hair gathered by the tines. |
| US09004001B2 |
Interdigitated finger coextrusion device
A co-extrusion device has at least one first inlet port to receive a first material, at least one second inlet port to receive a second material, a first combining channel arranged to receive the first material and the second material and combine the first and second materials into a first combined flow flowing in a first direction. a splitter channel arranged to receive the first combined flow and to split the first combined flow into at least two split flows in a second direction at least partially orthogonal to the first direction, wherein each split flow consists of the first and second materials, and a second combining channel arranged to receive the split flows and combine the split flows into a second combined flow in the first direction, and at least one exit orifice arranged to allow the materials to exit the device as a single flow. A method for depositing a structure comprising interdigitated materials includes merging flows of at least two materials in a first direction into a first combined flow, dividing the first combined flow in a second direction to produce at least two separate flows, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and merging the two separate flows into a second combined flow. |
| US09004000B2 |
Gas wiping device
A gas wiping device for preventing splash on a steel band including a box-shaped body enclosing the steel band and gas wiping nozzles is provided with a plating bath for storing molten metal, and a box-shaped body placed above the plating bath. The box-shaped body is provided, in the interior, with gas wiping nozzles disposed facing one another on the respective tubular members so as to sandwich a band-shaped body. Gas wiping nozzle is provided with a first spraying unit capable of spraying gas to the steel band, and a second spraying unit and a third spraying unit capable of spraying gas towards the direction of gas wiping nozzle. Gas wiping nozzle is provided with a fourth spraying unit capable of spraying gas to the steel band, and a fifth spraying unit and a sixth spraying unit capable of spraying gas towards the direction of gas wiping nozzle. |
| US09003998B2 |
Indicator device and display device, particularly for a motor vehicle, and needle mounting method for a display device
The present invention relates to an indicator device, a display device, particularly for a motor vehicle, and a needle mounting method for a display device. |
| US09003997B2 |
Vessel having extensions for supporting swim platform and concealing outboard engines
A vessel, including a transom for mounting outboard engines thereto, is spanned on opposite sides by aft-facing hull extensions which extend beyond the engines and allow a swim platform to be positioned between the hull extensions. The design allows the outboard engines to be covered with an engine cover, which provides an attractive vessel design in which the outboard engines can be concealed with a cover, which may serve other functions, such as a seat or the like. The cover houses an engine cowl mist shield which includes a support frame surrounding one or more outboard engines. The frame includes aperture(s) with edges spaced from the cowl and a flexible member extending from the edges to the cowl below the air intake of the cowl, such that spray and mist from the operation of the vessel does not reach the air intake of the cowl. |
| US09003996B2 |
Magnetic drag vessel slowing method and apparatus
The present invention of MagDrag relates to methods and apparatus of a magnetic hull attaching sea anchors to slow down and impair the forward motion of sea vessels. The basic MagDrag device includes three major components, a large magnet, a sea anchor bag and a buoy. |
| US09003994B2 |
In-line mooring connector and tensioner
A mooring system for offshore vessels uses a chain stopper within a preset mooring line. The chain stopper has means for attaching a removable hydraulic chain jack actuator which may be used to stroke the chain through the stopper assembly while both the stopper and the mooring line remain under load. |