| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08110094B2 |
Regenerable and non-regenerable sorbents for acid gas removal
A dewatered ethanol residue regenerable and non-regenerable sorbent for the removal of acid gas from hydrocarbon production gas streams and the process for the removal of acid gas from hydrocarbon gas. The process includes the steps of obtaining residue from the distillation of ethanol; de-watering the residue; mixing the de-watered residue with an amine; and, contacting the hydrocarbon gas with the dewatered residue/amine mixture. |
| US08110089B2 |
Apparatus and method for preparing multiple pH water streams
The invention provides an improved method for creating at least two flows of water from a reactor, derived from substantially pH7 water, for various applications and having widely divergent pH readings between 2 and 14 without need for chemicals. In addition, the reactor generates said divergent flows without need of an RF or A/C generator. |
| US08110083B1 |
Arbitrary and simultaneous control of multiple objects in micro-fluidic systems
In a microfluidic device, respective motion of a plurality of objects along corresponding trajectories is achieved by determining a force field, such as an underlying fluid flow which, when applied to the plurality of object, moves each object along its corresponding trajectory. The force field is a linear superposition of a subset of all force fields supported by the physical characteristics of the microfluidic device. Once the fields have been ascertained, a plurality of actuation signals corresponding to the fields is applied to actuators installed on the microfluidic device to cause the force on each object. By implementing a feedback structure, corrections for positional errors may be made by computing a corrective force for each object and adjusting the actuation signals appropriately thereto. |
| US08110081B2 |
Oxygen sensor improvement method
A method for improving the performance of a galvanic fuel cell type oxygen sensor comprises providing a pressure equalization port leading to the interior of an inner core housing that contains the membrane, the electrolyte and the anode and cathode electrodes and hermetically sealing the sensor housing except for its sample inlet port and its sample outlet port. By connecting the same vacuum source to both the pressure equalization port and the sample outlet port, the device's membrane is less subject to movement or rupture as gas samples are drawn in via the sample inlet port. A technique for ensuring a hermetic seal is also described. |
| US08110077B2 |
Sealing jig and plating treatment apparatus
A sealing jig comes into contact with a cylinder inner peripheral surface as a surface to be processed of a cylinder block and seals the cylinder inner peripheral surface in introducing treatment liquid to the cylinder inner peripheral surface. The sealing jig includes: a sealing member made of an expandable material and having a ring-buoy shape; a lower plate for supporting a lower side of the sealing member; and a seal base disposed so as to face the lower plate and to support an upper side of the sealing member. The sealing member is regulated by the lower plate and the seal base and expanded only in a radial direction to come into contact with the cylinder inner peripheral surface when air is introduced inward. |
| US08110075B2 |
Coated cutting tool for general turning in heat resistant super alloys (HRSA)
Coated cemented carbide inserts are particularly useful in general turning of superalloys. The inserts are formed from a cemented carbide of WC about 5.0-7.0 wt-% Co, and about 0.22-0.43 wt-% Cr, where the substrate has a coercivity (Hc) of about 19-28 kA/m. The coating contains a single layer of (TixAl1-x)N-layer, where x is 0.25-0.50, with a crystal structure of NaCl type, a total thickness of about 3.0-5.0 μm, (200)-texture, and a compressive residual strain of about 2.5×10−3-5.0×10−3, optionally containing an outermost TiN-layer. |
| US08110074B1 |
Photochemical method for producing hydrocarbons
The present invention relates to a method of using radiation and (in one embodiment) solar energy and UV radiation to convert natural products, for example derivatives of vegetable oils, to lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. The invention further relates to a process whereby these hydrocarbons can be converted to vinyl monomers and used in the formation of plastics, solvents, fuels and the like. |
| US08110068B2 |
Gas flow distribution receptacles, plasma generator systems, and methods for performing plasma stripping processes
Systems, system components, and methods for plasma stripping are provided. In an embodiment, a gas flow distribution receptacle may have a rounded section that includes an inner surface defining a reception cavity, an outer surface forming an enclosed end, and a centerpoint on the outer surface having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and through the reception cavity. First and second rings of openings provide flow communication with the plasma chamber. The second ring of openings are disposed between the first ring and the centerpoint, and each opening of the second ring of openings extends between the inner and outer surfaces at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis that is less than the first angle and has a diameter that is substantially identical to a diameter of an adjacent opening and smaller than the diameters of an opening of the first ring of openings. |
| US08110066B2 |
Adhesive composition suitable to be applied by screen printing
An adhesive composition comprising (A) an epoxy resin, (B) a curing agent, (C) a curing promoter, (D) an inorganic filler, (E) particles of a thermoplastic resin which is solid at 25° C., and (F) silicone powder having a particle size at cumulative 50% (d50), measured by a laser light diffraction method, of from 1 to 50 μm. The composition is particularly suitable to be applied by screen printing on a substrate or a silicon wafer. |
| US08110063B2 |
Mask, method of manufacturing mask, device for manufacturing mask, method of manufacturing layer of luminescent material, electro-optical device, and electronic device
This mask includes: a substrate in which an aperture is formed; a mask member which, along with being formed with a plurality of through holes, is joined to the substrate in correspondence to the aperture; and spacers which hold the substrate and the mask member with a predetermined gap between them. |
| US08110059B2 |
Three-dimensional decoration piece made of synthetic resin and method of manufacturing the same
There are provided (1) a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional decoration piece having a flat rear surface, (2) a method of manufacturing the decoration piece by easily cutting the same by means of a fusion cutter, (3) a method of manufacturing the decoration piece having a bonding or sticking feature on the rear surface and (4) a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional decoration piece without limiting the characteristics of the base member thereof.The three-dimensional decoration piece is manufactured by using an indented mold and high frequency dielectric heating. An indented mold having a second fusion cutter and arranged along an outer periphery of the fusion cutter is used. Firstly, a three-dimensional molded body of upper and intermediate layers having a recessed section on a lower surface thereof is molded by means of an indented mold and a protruding mold, and subsequently a lower layer material is molten by high frequency dielectric heating and made to flow into the recessed section. Firstly, a three-dimensional molded body of upper and intermediate layers is molded, and subsequently the three-dimensional molded body is welded to a base member by means of high frequency dielectric heating. |
| US08110056B2 |
Process for preparing studless tire with tread having zinc oxide whiskers, glass fibers and porous natural glass
A rubber composition used for a tire, in which friction on ice is improved, which includes 0.5 to 30 parts by weight of a filler having at least two protuberances and a non-metal fiber based on 100 parts by weight of a diene rubber. |
| US08110053B2 |
Method and device for cutting a laminate and laminate product
A method for cutting along a cutting line of a laminate, including a first and a second textile layer surrounding an intermediate layer of a porous elastic material. The laminate is pressed together in a local nip between an ultrasound emitting element and a counteracting element, and the laminate is moved in the cutting line through and past the nip during ultrasound cutting of the laminate simultaneous with ultrasound welding of the first and the second surface layers to each other in order to form a smooth, rounded, continuous edge joint between the surface layers at a free edge of the laminate. |
| US08110052B2 |
Systems and methods for sorting in a package delivery system
The present invention provides novel systems and methods for processing packages through a delivery network using a hub assist label. Generally described, the hub assist label includes indicia of a sequence of sorting locations that designates the flow of a package through a delivery network. |
| US08110050B2 |
Actively damped tension member
A system and method for actively damping tension members modulates the natural frequency of shape memory alloys incorporated into tension members, such as suspension ropes or cables. The frequency of the tension member can be modulated by heating the shape memory alloy, such modulation preventing potentially destructive resonance with natural exciting forces. |
| US08110049B2 |
Alloy containing rare earth element, production method thereof, magnetostrictive device, and magnetic refrigerant material
An RE-containing alloy, which is represented by a compositional formula of RrTtAa (wherein R represents at least one rare earth element selected from among La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Tm, Yb, Gd, and Lu; T collectively represents transition metal elements containing at least Fe atoms, a portion of the Fe atoms being optionally substituted by at least one species selected from among Co, Ni, Mn, Pt, and Pd; A represents at least one element selected from among Al, As, Si, Ga, Ge, Mn, Sn, and Sb; and r, t, and a have the following relationships: 5.0 at. %≦r≦6.8 at. %, 73.8 at. %≦t≦88.7 at. %, and 4.6 at. %≦a≦19.4 at. %) and having an alloy microstructure containing an NaZn13-type crystal structure in an amount of at least 85 mass % and α-Fe in an amount of 5-15 mass % inclusive. |
| US08110044B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and temperature control device
A first flow passage (16), which cools a temperature controlled object by a circulating first cooling water (15), and a second flow passage (19) separate from the first flow passage are provided so as to exchange heat between a second cooling water (18) flowing through the second flow passage (19) and the first cooling water (15). There is no need to store the first cooling water (15) in a tank of a constant capacity, and the first cooling water (15) flowing through the first flow passage (16) of a chiller corresponding part is absorbed substantially in its entirety by the second cooling water (18). A response becomes quick with respect to a load fluctuation of the temperature controlled object, and waste of energy can be reduced while improving accuracy of temperature control. |
| US08110043B2 |
Apparatus and method for applying coatings onto the interior surfaces of components and related structures produced therefrom
A methodology and system for applying coatings onto the interior surfaces of components, includes a vapor creation device, a vacuum chamber having a moderate gas pressure and an inert gas jet having controlled velocity and flow fields. The gas jet is created by a rarefied, inert gas supersonic expansion through a nozzle. By controlling the carrier gas flow into a region upstream of the nozzle an upstream pressure is achieved. The carrier gas flow and chamber pumping rate control the downstream pressure. The ratio of the upstream to downstream pressure along with the size and shape of the nozzle opening controls the speed of the gas entering the chamber. Vapor created from a source is transported into the interior regions of a component using binary collisions between the vapor and gas jet atoms. These collisions enable the vapor atoms to scatter onto the interior surfaces of the component and deposit. |
| US08110032B2 |
Solvent-based ink composition for thermal inkjets comprising acetate solvent
A solvent-based ink composition for a thermal inkjet printhead. The ink composition comprises: (a) 20-80 wt. % of a compound of formula (C); wherein: R7 is a C2-12 alkyl group interrupted with 0, 1, 2 or 3 oxygen atoms; (b) 10-70 wt. % of a C1-6 alcohol; and (c) 0.01-25 wt. % of a colorant. |
| US08110031B2 |
Ethanol-based ink composition
An ink jet ink composition includes ethanol, a binder, a conductive agent, and a colorant. The ethanol is present in an amount at least 70% by weight of the ink composition. The binder is not a polyamide resin, a hydroxyaromatic resin, or a phenolic resin. The binder is present in an amount between 2% and 15% by weight of the ink composition. Water, if present, is in an amount less than 5% by weight of the ink composition. |
| US08110030B2 |
Method of formulating ink having minimal visible coloration
A method of formulating an aqueous ink having minimal visible coloration. The method includes the steps of: providing an aqueous ink formulation containing a sulfonated water-soluble IR-absorbing naphthalocyanine dye having a central metal atom moiety; and adjusting a pH of the formulation to a pH value in the range of 4 to 6.5 so as to minimize visible coloration of the formulation. |
| US08110026B2 |
Functional graphene-polymer nanocomposites for gas barrier applications
A gas diffusion barrier contains a polymer matrix and a functional graphene which displays no signature of graphite and/or graphite oxide, as determined by X-ray diffraction. |
| US08110024B2 |
Separator tank for separation of fluid comprising water, oil and gas,use of such a tank, and method for separating a fluid including water, oil, and gas
A separator tank (1) comprising an essentially cylindrical vertical tank, a tangentially arranged inlet (3) in an upper part (9) of the tank, at least one first outlet (4) for oil and gas in the upper part of the tank, and at least one second outlet (5) for water in a lower part of the tank. A vortex zone (7) comprises a downward protruding conical frusta shaped wall (8) with an opening (11) at the lower end to allow communication between the upper and lower part of the tank. A helical spiralling vane is disposed on the upward directed part of said conical frusta shaped wall. |
| US08110019B2 |
Modified induction furnace and process for removing zinc-containing metallurgical waste, with recovery of the metals therefrom
The present invention is based on a novel electric induction furnace design that enables the removal of zinc-containing filter dust (FD) originating from the production of steel (alloy or non-alloy) and the production of cast iron with galvanized steel scrap, using a novel process based on the carbothermal reduction of the metal oxides present in the FD, performed at the temperature at which the materials are melted inside the electric induction furnace. The electric induction furnace of the invention incorporates an electric arc or plasma beam generator to melt all the inorganic non-metallic material. The incorporation of this generator also enables the use of large volumes of molten slag. |
| US08110012B2 |
System for hot solids combustion and gasification
In a retrofit system for hot solids combustion and gasification, a chemical looping system includes an endothermic reducer reactor 12 having at least one materials inlet 22 for introducing carbonaceous fuel and CaCO3 therein and a CaS/gas outlet 26. A first CaS inlet 40 and a first CaSO4 inlet 64 are also defined by the reducer reactor 12. An oxidizer reactor 14 is provided and includes an air inlet 68, a CaSO4/gas outlet 46, a second CaS inlet 44, and a second CaSO4 inlet 66. A first separator 30 is in fluid communication with the CaS/gas outlet 26 and includes a product gas and a CaS/gas outlet 32 and 34 from which CaS is introduced into said first and second CaS inlets. A second separator 50 is in fluid communication with the CaSO4/gas outlet 46 and has an outlet 52 for discharging gas therefrom, and a CaSO4 outlet from which CaSO4 is introduced into the first and second CaSO4 inlets 62, 66. The chemical looping system is in fluid communication with at least a portion of an existing power generation system. |
| US08110004B2 |
Expandable interbody fusion cage with rotational insert
An expandable intervertebral fusion cage that includes an inferior baseplate and a superior baseplate, an insert rotatably received between the inferior and superior baseplates, and a guide pin coupled to the inferior and superior baseplates for facilitating the rotation of the insert. The insert includes a pair of protuberances, each of which are releasably engageable with a corresponding lock groove formed within the inferior and superior baseplates. When said insert is rotated relative to the guide pin, the protuberances engage the lock grooves, and the inferior and superior baseplates expand from a collapsed position, in which said inferior and superior baseplates are juxtaposed with one another, and an expanded position, in which said inferior and superior baseplates are diverged away from one another. Tabs formed on the superior baseplate continuously engage slots formed within the inferior baseplate when the baseplates expand from their collapsed position to their expanded position. |
| US08110002B2 |
Amputation bone cap
A muscle fastening cap includes a head having one or more groups of openings along a direction of its axial length. The cap also may include a stem adapted for insertion into a muscle-supporting structure such as an intramedullary canal or a prosthesis device. |
| US08110001B2 |
Materials and methods for improved bone tendon bone transplantation
Disclosed herein is an improved Bone Tendon Bone graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a Bone Tendon Bone graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a porcine bone tendon bone graft for use in orthopedic procedures. Also disclosed are multiple embodiments of assembled bone tendon bone blocks for use in orthopedic surgeries. Additionally, a method of harvesting grafts that has improved efficiency, increases the quantity of extracted tissue and minimizes time required by surgeon for implantation is disclosed. |
| US08109991B2 |
Endoprosthesis having foot extensions
Endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes at least one annular element defined by a first set of strut members interconnected to define apices proximate opposite sides of the annular element. The annular element further includes a foot extension extending between at least one pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. The foot extension has first and second foot portions extending circumferentially from corresponding ends of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members, and are contoured to provide at least two areas of flexure. The first and second foot portions are joined at a toe portion of the foot extension, and define a circumferentially-directed apex between the pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. Preferably, at least one or more additional annular elements, each defined by interconnected strut members, are provided. The annular elements are generally expandable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. The annular elements are longitudinally aligned and connected at connection locations with connectors, wherein at least one of the connectors is constructed of a bio-absorbable material. |
| US08109983B2 |
Medical device delivery systems
Medical device delivery systems, as well as related methods and components, are disclosed. |
| US08109982B2 |
Non-invasive modulation of the autonomic nervous system
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for modulation of the sympathetic-parasympathetic balance by application of heat, carotid and/or ocular message to reduce sympathetic tone or increase parasympathetic tone in a target muscle system to relieve a symptom of urinary hesitancy, shy bladder syndrome, DESD, urinary retention, or laryngeal spasm, as well as to monitor the efficacy of treatments for bladder conditions and to assist in the passage of medical devices through bodily sphincters as well as to treat congestive heart failure. |
| US08109981B2 |
Optical therapies and devices
An optical therapy device for providing therapeutic light to a person's nasal cavity includes a body and at least one UV light source in or on the body. A distal end of the body is configured to be inserted into the person's nasal cavity. The body can be configured to be hand-held. The optical therapy device is configured such that the UV light source emits a dose of UV light toward tissue in the patient's nasal cavity. |
| US08109977B2 |
Method and apparatus for spinal fixation
Disclosed is a fixation device for spinal fixation. The fixation device includes an elongated body comprising a bone anchor at a distal end. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device. In one embodiment, the device is inserted through a first vertebra and the bone anchor is rotated into positioned within a second vertebra. The proximal anchor is distally advanced with respect to the bone anchor to provide compression across the first and second vertebra. In other embodiments, the device is used to secure stabilization devices across two or more vertebra. |
| US08109972B2 |
Interspinous process implant having deployable wings and method of implantation
An embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention can include an implant having a spacer with a thickness and a wing, wherein a first configuration of the wing has a first height substantially similar to the thickness and wherein the wing is adapted to be selectably arranged in a second configuration such that the wing has a second height greater than the first height. A periphery of the implant has a shape generally conformal with a shape of an inner surface of a cannula and a cross-sectional diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the cannula. The cannula is inserted such that a proximal end of the cannula is arranged between the adjacent spinous processes. The implant is then urged into position between the adjacent spinous processes by way of the cannula, and subsequently arranged in a second configuration to fix the implant in position. |
| US08109967B2 |
High strength suture with absorbable core and suture anchor combination
A novel high tensile strength semi-absorbable composite suture with minimized non-absorbable mass. The suture has a core made from a bioabsorbable polymer. The core is covered by a braided sheath. The braided sheath is made from an absorbable yarn and a bioabsorbable yarn. The bioabsorbable yarn is made from a least one filament of a bioabsorbable polymer. The nonabsorbable yarn is made from at least one filament of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. |
| US08109966B2 |
Methods for attaching connective tissues to bone using a multi-component anchor
An innovative bone anchor and methods for securing connective tissue, such as tendons, to bone are disclosed which permit a suture attachment which lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface, and wherein the suturing material between the connective tissue and the bone anchor is oriented in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bone anchor, so that axial pull-out forces exerted on the bone anchor are minimized. The suture attachment to the bone anchor involves the looping of a substantial length of suturing material around a shaft of the anchor, thereby avoiding an eyelet connection which requires a knot and which concentrates stress on a very small portion of the suturing material. Thus, failure rates are greatly decreased over conventional techniques, and the inventive procedures are significantly easier to perform than conventional techniques. |
| US08109965B2 |
Method and apparatus for soft tissue fixation
A positioning member may be released to move an anchor member to a holding position. The positioning member being operable to be held in a selected orientation until the anchor member is in a selected position. |
| US08109963B1 |
Method and apparatus for relieving menstrual discomfort
An pressure applicating band kit for treatment of menstrual cramps includes a flexible strap with a buckle and a free end. A stylus is attached to the buckle for applying pressure to a menstrual discomfort controlling pressure point on the patient's body when the strap is fastened. Cooperating fasteners are on the free end of the strap and the strap for securing the strap and maintaining pressure on the controlling pressure point. Software is also in the kit, which directs the operation of the treatment. The menstrual discomfort controlling pressure point is identified by applying light pressure to a menstrual discomfort controlling pressure region. The points that are most tender are considered the menstrual discomfort controlling pressure points. The pressure applicating band can comprise one or more stylus for applying pressure to one or more points to optimize the relief process. |
| US08109959B2 |
Blood sampling needle
A blood sampling needle has a shell, a trigger seat, a needle stand, an elastic resetter and a safety switching member. The shell is provided with inner wall, retaining space, needle outlet and insertion end. A through-flange is formed into the shell. The through-flange and inner wall form a release groove with a tapered end-face. The trigger seat is mounted into the retaining space in a moveable state. The trigger seat has a control end and a rod. An axial chamber is opened on the rod so that two elastic release blades are formed on the rod, and also accommodated correspondingly into the release groove. An abutting bevel edge is formed at the bottom of the elastic release blade, and mated with the tapered end-face of the release groove in an oblique surface. The present invention saves structural members, reduces fabrication cost with better safety and applicability. |
| US08109958B1 |
Method and apparatus for spinal osteoligamentous resection
A device for osteoligamentous resection comprising a resector having a shaft with a resecting tip at its distal end, and a retractor at least partially surrounding the resector, and at least part of the retractor being moveable relative to the resector. |
| US08109952B2 |
Device and method for treating varicose veins
A surgical instrument for treatment of superficial varicose veins in a body is provided. The surgical instrument includes at least one vein-engaging element disposed within or on a housing being adapted for insertion into a tissue. The at least one vein-engaging element is operable to a vein-engaging state whereby it protrudes from the housing at a length thereof. |
| US08109951B2 |
Device for implementing a cutting balloon intervention with IVUS monitoring
Device for implementing a cutting balloon intervention by means of a “cutting balloon” catheter, at the distal end of which is disposed an inflatable balloon with axially running blades mounted thereon, and which has IVUS monitoring, whereby the cutting balloon catheter is combined with an IVUS catheter to form an integrated module. |
| US08109941B2 |
Distal release retrieval assembly and related methods of use
A device and related method of use is provided for the capture and removal of various unwanted objects present within the body's anatomical lumens. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device includes an external elongate member; an internal elongate member disposed within the external elongate member; and a retrieval assembly connected to the internal elongate member and retractable within and extendable from a lumen of the external elongate member. The retrieval assembly includes an end configured to be selectively open or substantially closed. |
| US08109938B2 |
Ophthalmic implant injector and folding cartridge
A cartridge for folding an ophthalmic implant including pliers having two articulated arms which are provided with substantially coaxial channels and each of which is boarded by two longitudinal edges. The channels are open in front of each other and define a partially folded conduit containing the implant when the two arms are brought to each other. When the two arms are brought to each other, at least two edges positioned in front of the channels are driven apart transversally with respect to a conduit on a plane. The two arms are jointed in such a way that the arm delimits the supporting shoulder of the implant being projected in front of the channel embodied in the other arm. |
| US08109936B2 |
Cap device for use in the fixation of bone structures
The invention facilitates the fixation of bone fractures. In particular, the invention relates to a cap that has an inside surface comprising an interface component that is operable to engage a flexible wire. The flexible wire is connected to a head component that engages a first bone fragment. The outside surface of the cap may include cutting threads to facilitate attachment to a second bone fragment. A tensioner may be used to exert tension on the wire, the cap and the head component, thereby drawing the first bone fragment to the second bone fragment. In various embodiments, the cap is a planar disk that has a central hole that restricts backward translation and expands when the cap is translating down a wire. |
| US08109932B2 |
Bone regeneration device for bones, and method of use
A method of stimulating bone regeneration in a discontinuous section of a long bone in a subject requiring same, comprising the step of applying to said discontinuous section of the bone an effective vacuum for an effective length of time. A device for carrying out the method consisting of a sealable tubular-shaped sleeve or cuff that fits snugly and sealably around the bone section to be treated and that can be evacuated via a port that is integral to the sleeve or port. |
| US08109931B2 |
Implant site preparation method and relative piezoelectric surgical device
A surgical device for preparation of an implant site is disclosed. The device comprises a body capable of being held by a user and an insert that is capable of being coupled to an end of the body. An ultrasound transducer is disposed within the body and provides an ultrasound frequency vibration to the insert in response to an electrical signal. The insert includes a tip having a plurality of cutting elements disposed in a substantially circular configuration. The insert also includes a channel having an opening at the tip for the passage of fluid. |
| US08109930B2 |
Surgical nail
An intramedullary nail comprising a central axis and a transverse borehole, provided with an insert which can be introduced into the transverse borehole, said insert also containing a longitudinal slit. |
| US08109929B2 |
Medical instrument for coagulation of tissue
A medical instrument for coagulation of tissue has an electrode carrier and, at a distal end of the electrode carrier, an electrode that can be supplied with high-frequency current. The medical instrument also has a stripper arranged directly adjacent to the electrode. The stripper and the electrode can be moved relative to each other in order to remove contaminants from the electrode. |
| US08109927B2 |
Surface electrode multiple mode operation
A surface electrode for ablating tissue is provided. The surface electrode comprises a base, a plurality of tissue penetrating needle electrodes extending from the surface of the base an adjustable distance, and an electrical interface coupled to the plurality of needle electrodes. The adjustability of the needle electrodes allows the depth that the needle electrodes penetrate through tissue to be adjusted. |
| US08109925B2 |
Treatment of breast disease with vibrating device
An elongate probe, with a suction channel extending longitudinally along the probe, is inserted into a patient so that a distal tip of the probe is in contact with a fibroid mass inside the patient. Thereafter the probe is ultrasonically vibrated so that the distal tip has an excursion amplitude or distance greater than 275 microns. During probe vibration, suction is applied to the channel at a vacuum level greater than 24″ Hg to thereby maintain the target tissue mass in engagement with the distal tip during the vibrating of the probe and enable ablation of at least a selectable portion of the target tissue mass. |
| US08109924B2 |
Heads for dermatology treatment
Methods and apparatus for dermatology treatment are provided which involve the use of continuous wave (CW) radiation, preheating of the treatment volume, precooling, cooling during treatment and post-treatment cooling of the epidermis above the treatment volume, various beam focusing techniques to reduce scattering and/or other techniques for reducing the cost and/or increasing the efficacy of optical radiation for use in hair removal and other dermatological treatments. A number of embodiments are included for achieving the various objectives indicated above. |
| US08109920B2 |
Medical or veterinary digestive tract utilization systems and methods
Systems and methods are described for implementing or deploying medical or veterinary utility modules comprising a first module operable in a digestive or respiratory tract to engage a second module, optionally by a magnetic field. Alternatively or additionally, systems may be operable to remain in situ and also operable to permit a therapeutic material dispensation. In some contexts, for example, systems or methods may dispense a therapeutic material via a subject's throat or elsewhere in the digestive or respiratory tract. |
| US08109909B2 |
Medical instrument
An indwelling needle assembly has a hollow outer needle fixed to an outer needle hub, an inner needle in the outer needle and fixed to an inner needle hub, and a protector. A step section of the outer needle hub serves as a speed reducer that reduces the speed, in the direction of the flow path axis of a main pipe, of a liquid portion flowing in the flow path, the portion flowing along that portion of the inner surface of the main pipe located on that side of the main pipe on which a branch flow path is located. The step section has an opening in the inner surface of the main pipe located at a position corresponding to a front end opening of the branch flow path. The step section forms a space between the opening and the front end opening of the branch flow path. |
| US08109906B2 |
Control of a pump device
A pump system simply and selectably controls the temperature, flow rate, flow volume, and flow pressure of a fluid being infused into a patient's body. The pump system a includes a central controller and user inputs that allow for simple selection and efficient operation of the pump system, which includes manually or automatically priming the pump system to remove air, selectably controlling and rapidly adjusting the flow rate over a wide range, selectably and safely controlling the pump system temperature controls, and selectably controlling the flow pressure during delivery. The pump system includes a pump housing with a central controller and a cartridge with infusion tubing removably coupled to the pump housing. |
| US08109901B2 |
Breast pump
A breast pump has at least one collection assembly for engaging at least a portion of a breast surrounding a nipple and a vacuum pump for applying a vacuum to the collection assembly and thereby to at least the nipple of the breast. A controller is operable to cyclically operate the vacuum pump between a maximum vacuum pressure in the range of about 70 mm Hg to about 150 mm Hg and a latching pressure of about 30 mm Hg. |
| US08109900B2 |
Coextensive tubing system for phacoemulsification handpieces
An irrigation and aspiration tubing system for use with surgical handpieces and irrigation fluid supplies has a flexible tube with first and second lumens formed integrally along its length, with a first lumen used for transporting irrigation fluid to the handpiece and a second lumen used for aspiration of fluid and emulsified particles from a surgical site. The cross-sectional area of the first lumen is selected to provide a cross-sectional area available for fluid flow in excess of the cross-sectional area of a standard surgical irrigation tubes. The system also includes at least one adaptor to allow the tubing to be attached to known surgical handpieces. Preferably, a second adaptor is also provided allowing attachment to sources of irrigating fluid and aspiration vacuum. One said lumen is formed integral with either the interior or exterior surface of the flexible tube. |
| US08109899B2 |
Fully automated method of measuring and regulating cerebrospinal fluid parameters using disposable tube-set
A method and device for measuring and regulating pressure and flow in the spinal canal, in order to characterize individual patient's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics. A unique disposable tube-set plate, with computer regulated automated solenoids is used to control flow pressure and the location of a small pressure sensor allows for fully automatic control of the analysis process. |
| US08109896B2 |
Devices and methods for opening fluid passageways
Devices and procedures for assisting drainage of aqueous humor from the eye are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, an implant sized to fit within the Schlemm's Canal is provided. The implant has a plurality of penetrating members having an unextended position in which the penetrating members lie generally close to the longitudinal axis of the implant and an extended position in which the penetrating members are extended outward. In use, the implant is advanced around at least a substantial portion of the Schlemm's Canal with the penetrating members in the first unextended position. After the implant is positioned within the Schlemm's Canal, the penetrating members are caused to move from the first unextended position to the second extended position, wherein the penetrating members penetrate the wall of the Schlemm's Canal. This creates fluid passageways in the wall of the Schlemm's Canal. The implant can also serve to keep the Schlemm's Canal open. A delivery device is also provided for implanting an implant into the Schlemm's Canal. |
| US08109894B2 |
Indwelling heat exchange catheter and method of using same
A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system. |
| US08109889B2 |
Bending resistant male connector for a guide wire
During use there is a risk that a male connector for a guide wire is bent. With the present male connector (1) more material with high modulus of elasticity can be provided inside the male connector (1), which makes the male connector (1) more bending resistant. The male connector (1) comprises a core wire (3), a plurality of conductive members (4) spaced apart longitudinally along said core wire (3), a plurality of conductors (5) disposed along the core wire (3), each of the conductors (5) being connected to a respective conductive member (4). The connector (1) has such a configuration that the conductors (5) are protected from damage at the location where the conductors (5) connect to the conductive members (4). |
| US08109887B2 |
Guide wire
A method of making a guide wire involves butting a connection end face at a proximal end of a first wire against a connection end face at a distal end of a second wire while applying voltage and a pressing force to weld together the first and second wires at a welded portion. The welded portion forms a projection that projects outwardly in an outer peripheral direction relative to portions of the first and second wire adjacent the projection. The outer dimension of the projection at the welded portion is adjusted so that upon completing adjusting the outer dimension of the projection the projection still projects outwardly in the outer peripheral direction relative to the portions of the first and second wire adjacent the projection. |
| US08109883B2 |
Cable monitoring apparatus
A cable monitoring apparatus includes a housing having an input interface adapted to electrically connect to one end of a medical cable and an output interface adapted to electrically connect to a medical monitoring apparatus. Signal processing circuitry is incorporated within the housing for receiving a medical signal from the medical cable via the input interface and for selectively passing the medical signal to the medical monitoring apparatus via the output interface when in a first mode of operation, and has application software for selectively testing functionality of the medical cable when in a second mode of operation. |
| US08109881B2 |
Sphygmomanometer
A sphygmomanometer includes a base block and a cuff block having a cuff for restricting flow of blood, the cuff block being connected to the base block in such a manner that an angle of the cuff block with respect to a horizontal plane is variable within an angular range. The sphygmomanometer further includes a spring biasing unit for returning the cuff block to a position at a predetermined angle within the variable angular range of the cuff block when the cuff block is not used. |
| US08109880B1 |
Noninvasive method to measure intracranial and effective cerebral outflow pressure
A method to measure effective cerebral outflow pressure or intracranial pressure is disclosed. The craniospinal venous system has multiple anastomoses between the jugular veins and vertebral venous plexus. Jugular veins collapse with cervical compression or head elevation, when extrinsic pressure exceeds venous pressure. The vertebral venous plexus is exposed to intracranial pressure and collapses when intracranial pressure exceeds venous pressure. Vertebral venous plexus is not compressed with head elevation or cervical compression, because enclosure in the spinal canal protects veins from the direct effects of atmospheric pressure and cervical compression. Using cervical compression and/or head elevation blood outflow is redistributed between jugular veins and vertebral venous plexus, while the degree of cervical compression or head elevation indicates effective cerebral outflow pressure or ICP. |
| US08109879B2 |
Assessing autonomic activity using baroreflex analysis
A method involves implantably detecting changes in posture of a patient's body. Baroreflex responses to the posture changes are determined. An autonomic tone of the patient is determined based on the baroreflex responses. Based on the autonomic tone, various patient susceptibilities to disease may be determined, including susceptibilities to heart disease, arrhythmia, and/or sudden cardiac death. |
| US08109878B1 |
Use of coded excitation schemes in the detection and location of a target in a human body such as breast calcifications
A method for detecting a target or targets in a medium. The method incorporates generating beams of ultrasonic wave energy each having a modulation envelope and causing each beam of wave energy to impact a target region having a multiplicity of targets and demodulating each signal generated by vibration of each target caused by the interaction of a respective ultrasound wave energy beam having a modulation envelope with each of the targets and receiving each demodulated signal from each target by a multiplicity of sensors. Thereafter, each time-of-flight of each demodulated signal from each of the targets to each of the multiplicity of sensors is computed to determine the location of a respective target. |
| US08109877B2 |
Method for determining a position of an object utilizing and ultrasonic imaging device
A system is disclosed for determining a position and a change in the position of an anatomical structure. The system utilizes a surgical navigation system and a substrate that is capable of being removably mounted to an outer surface of a patient's body. The substrate includes a sensor that is tracked by the surgical navigation system and an ultrasonic imaging device that determines the position of an anatomical structure relative to the sensor. The concatenation of the position of the sensor and the relative position of the anatomical structure allows a global position of the anatomical structure to be determined by a computer system and displayed to the user. |
| US08109876B1 |
Noninvasive technique for identification of structural integrity of Bjork Shiley convexo-concave mechanical heart valves
The present invention is a non-invasive method and apparatus to determine the structural integrity of an implanted BSCC by insonifying the implanted heart valve with a megahertz frequency to cause the structural components of the heart valve to vibrate at a kilohertz frequency range to cause the individual structural components of the heart valve being investigated to vibrate at their resonant frequency. From experimental testing, the Applicants have established resonant frequency ranges of certain structural components of the BSCC which indicate that at certain resonant frequency ranges the heart valve components are intact. At other resonant frequency ranges, certain components are in danger of breaking. At other frequency ranges, the components of the heart valve are fractured. Through the present invention, the condition of the BSCC can be determined in order to provide a clinical determination as to whether or not the implanted BSCC needs to be replaced. |
| US08109875B2 |
Derma diagnostic and automated data analysis system
Disclosed is a derma diagnostic and automated data analysis system configured to acquire an array of data pertaining to a subject and their skin disorders. This data is subjected to a comprehensive analysis that culminates in diagnoses, treatments, monitoring activity and health strategy implementation. The derma diagnostic and automated data analysis system comprises a user interface and display unit, capable of acquiring a range of subject data, and communicatively coupled to a remotely located data analysis and reporting unit. The data analysis and reporting unit is capable of receiving and assessing the acquired data, using multiple analytical processes that culminate in a highly probable diagnosis and an effective treatment that is documented in a report and submitted to the subject. The diagnoses, treatments and supporting data are then permanently archived and made available for retrieval. |
| US08109873B2 |
Surgical retractor with gel pad
A surgical access device has a surgical retractor having a noncompliant outer ring with an annular axis, an inner ring, and a sleeve coupling the outer ring to the inner ring. The noncompliant outer ring is adapted to roll over itself around the annular axis to roll the sleeve around the outer ring to retract and seal an opening in a biological body wall. The access device may include a lid adapted for being coupled to the noncompliant outer ring of the surgical retractor. The outer ring of the surgical retractor has a cross-sectional shape that prohibits the lid from being partially or incorrectly coupled to the outer ring of the surgical retractor. |
| US08109870B2 |
Inflatable penile prosthesis bypass valve noise reduction
An inflatable penile prosthesis includes an implantable pump having a bypass valve. The bypass valve includes a cavity having a valve seat at a port, a poppet and a spring. The poppet includes a valve member and a stem extending from the valve member. In operation, the poppet includes a sealing position, where the valve member seals the port through contact with the valve seat, and a deflating position, where the valve member is displaced from the valve seat. The spring is configured to bias the valve member toward the valve seat, wherein the spring engages a portion of the stem while the poppet is in the deflating position. |
| US08109869B2 |
Vibrator
Disclosed is an apparatus to be worn by a user for providing sexual stimulus to a partner of the user. The apparatus comprises a harness to be worn by the user and a vibrating body supported by the harness. The vibrating body has at least one protrusion extending therefrom. The apparatus further comprises a pad securable to the vibrating body. The pad has at least one void corresponding to the at least one protrusion. The at least one void surrounds the at least one protrusion when the pad is secured to the vibrating body. The pad also has a bearing surface for transmitting vibrations from the vibrating body and the at least one protrusion to a surface of the user's partner's body. |
| US08109867B2 |
Tubular mesh for sacrocolpopexy and related procedures
A sacrocolpopexy mesh that includes lateral support to improve vaginal contact during colpopexy and to prevent slipping. |
| US08109865B2 |
Antiproton production and delivery for imaging and termination of undesirable cells
Systems and methods for using antiprotons for terminating unwanted or undesirable cells which can be used in the treatment of conditions caused by the existence and/or proliferation of such undesirable cells. Such conditions include cardiovascular ailments, Parkinson's disease, wet macular degeneration, endocrine disorders, dermatological ailments, and cancer. Because of the unique nature of antiprotons and their annihilation characteristics, the preferred antiproton delivery device (1010, 1015, 1030) embodiments further incorporate detector arrays (1050a), capable of detecting characteristic emissions in the course of treatment. |
| US08109858B2 |
Device and method for exercise prescription, detection of successful performance, and provision of reward therefore
An exercise computer monitors the exercises of a user, especially a child, and provides rewards for exercises done well and regularly, thereby motivating the user. Rewards take the form of video games, cartoons, music, and merchant coupons. The exercise computer also provides encouragement and advice as the user progresses in skill level. Exercises may be prescribed. A record of exercise performance can be produced, to track the user's progress over time. The system and method can readily utilize the current install base of handheld computers and video games pre-existing in the marketplace. |
| US08109856B2 |
Method for operating a drive train of a vehicle during trailing throttle operation
A method for operating a vehicle drive train during a coasting operation. The drive train has an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, a transmission, and a shift element, with a variable transmission capacity, located between the electric machine and a drive wheels. The electric machine is located in the flow of power between the combustion engine and the transmission. The output torque to be delivered to the wheel is a function of the delivery capacity of the shift element which is adjusted in a controlled manner. During the process of shutting down the combustion engine, the speed of the electric machine is adjusted while maintaining at least a partial engagement of the shift element and the speed of the combustion engine is reduced to zero with the electric machine. |
| US08109855B2 |
Method for controlling the coupling and the decoupling of the first motor and second motor of a parallel hybrid motive power group
The invention relates to a method for controlling the coupling and the decoupling of the first motor and of the second motor of a parallel hybrid motive power group comprising a first motor (11) driving an input shaft (4) at the entrance of a gear box (15), a second motor (12) and a coupling/decoupling means (13) of the second motor and of the first motor, maneuverable between an open position and a closed position, for enabling a change with regard to the gearbox when the motor group operates in hybrid mode, according to which the motive power group is controlled for decoupling the second motor and the first motor then changing the ratio of the gear box, and recoupling the second motor and the first motor. The laws of control of the motor group are used in such a manner that during the coupling and the decoupling, the torque set value for the input shaft comprises a discontinuity selected for compensating for the difference between the inertia produced by the input shaft when the second motor is coupled to the first motor and the inertia driven by the first input shaft when the second motor is decoupled from the first motor in order to avoid any sudden variation in acceleration of the input shaft driven by the motor group at the moment of decoupling or coupling. |
| US08109854B2 |
Superfinishing large planetary gear systems
Disclosed herein is a new improved large planetary gear system used on the input stage of wind turbine power generators. This improved planetary gear system reduces or eliminates lubricant debris traditionally generated from the gear teeth, thereby eliminating an initiating source for bearing failure. To achieve these results, some and preferably all of the gear teeth within the planetary gear system are superfinished using chemically accelerated vibratory finishing to a surface roughness of approximately 0.25 micron or less. Several objects and advantages of the invention are to provide a gearbox with reduced metal debris, improved bearing life, reduced wear, reduced vibro-frictional noise, improved contact fatigue, improved fretting resistance, improved lubrication, to simplify the run-in process, and to enhance the durability and efficiency of the gearbox. |
| US08109852B2 |
Variable speed transmission with rotating and orbiting drive gears
The present invention relates to transmission systems and changing gear ratios within power transmission systems. In particular, the present invention relates to a positive displacement variable speed transmission. The transmission includes one or more drive gears which orbit, rotate, and which translate radially to change the size of the orbital path. The change in the orbital path increases or decreases the linear velocity of the drive gears which engage one or more driven gears and transfer the changed linear velocity in the form of a gear ratio change. The driven gears are also radially movable and movement of the driven gears is synchronized with the radial movement of the drive gears to maintain substantially constant engagement between gear ratios change. Thus, as the drive and driven gears can slide or step radially to any location within a range of positions, gear ratio changes can be made in very small increments. |
| US08109850B2 |
Drive pulley for elevators and method of manufacture thereof
A drive pulley for elevators, with at least two sectors, wherein at least one sector is hardened and at least one sector is not hardened. |
| US08109847B2 |
Belt-driven conical-pulley transmission, method for controlling and operating it, and vehicle having such a transmission
An automatic transmission in the form of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission having conical disk sets on the power input and power output sides, and an endless torque-transmitting member interconnecting the input side and the output side disk sets for transmitting torque therebetween. At least one stop at at least one of the end positions of at least one axially displaceable disk is provided with a cushioned retarding component for minimizing disk impact loads. |
| US08109845B2 |
Sports target device and method
An interactive sports target device is designed specifically to be suspended on the inside of a net attached to a goal. The target device emits an audible signal when impacted by a projectile such as a ball, puck or the like. The target device is light in weight to avoid deforming the net and can be easily attached or detached to the net in less than 30 seconds. The target device is reversible and can include both a front and rear with contrasting colors or designs. Both mechanical and electronic target devices are shown which provide a loud audible sound when struck by a projectile. Advanced electronic versions contain a programmable processor. |
| US08109844B1 |
Ball tee for batting practice
A ball tee for batting practice has a flexible base. A receiver is attached to the base and may rotate forward relative to the front of the base. A substantially rigid first tube is attached to or inserted into the receiver. A substantially rigid second tube is similarly attached to the first tube. The combined length of the first and second tubes may be adjustable. A flexible ball holder is attached to an upper end of the second tube. A cup may be provide at the top end of the ball holder. The receiver may be positioned closer to the back end of the base than to front end of the base. The base may have a flex section of reduced thickness which allows the receiver to rotate forward when the tee is struck by a bat. The ball tee tends to automatically return to an upright position after being hit by a bat. |
| US08109842B2 |
Hollow golf club head
This invention provides an improved hollow golf club head having a sole portion and a crown portion, wherein the golf club head is configured so as to increase the launch angle of a ball so that the traveling distance of a golf shot can be increased. In particular, the sole portion and the crown portion of the hollow golf club head are configured such that the ratio of a rigidity of the sole portion to a rigidity of the crown portion is 1:0.1 to 0.8 and, as a result of such a configuration, the launch angle of a hit ball is increased. |
| US08109841B2 |
Putter face and golf putter having the same
A putter face includes microscopic protrusions which have stiffness higher than that of a golf ball and which are smaller than intervals between dimples of the golf ball, each of the microscopic protrusions having an end having a protrusion front edge surface formed in a planar shape, a periphery of the protrusion front edge surface including linear portions facing each other and curve portions facing each other, the linear portions extending in a horizontal direction of a face plane of the putter face or striking the golf ball, the periphery of the protrusion front edge surface forming a racetrack shape (i) which is defined by a pair of the linear portions facing each other and a pair of the curve portions facing each other and (ii) which has a shorter diameter of not less than 0.1 mm but not more than 0.2 mm. |
| US08109840B2 |
Golf club head with varying face grooves
The present invention is directed to a golf club head with an improved striking surface. Grooves are machined into the strike surface with tight tolerances. The grooves have sharp edges, radiused ends, and a draft angle between about 2° and 12°. The striking face is machined such that it has a uniform texture with a roughness of more than 40 Ra. The grooves may contain a plurality of portions, including a radiused or angled portion, a portion having substantially parallel walls, a portion having a v-shape, and a curved portion. The grooves may also be characterized by various dimensions, including draft angle, inclusive side wall angle, width, depth, cross-sectional area, spacing, and pitch ratio. Preferred values for these dimensions are provided. A golf club head having a variety of groove types and a set of golf clubs with grooves varying among the individual clubs of the set are also disclosed. |
| US08109831B2 |
Game apparatus, server apparatus, program, and recording medium
An object of the present invention is to provide a game server that can simulate the sensation of competing in a game against an actually existing specific person. The game server of the present invention offers a plurality of options for the actions that gamer A can select in game scenes that change along with the progress of a soccer game. The options include dribble (long), dribble (short), pass in front of the player, pass to the foot of the player, wait, and shoot. The action patterns of gamer A are stored for each game scene by counting the number of times each option is selected. The game server refers to the stored action patterns when playing against another gamer B. This configuration makes it possible for the gamer B to have a virtual experience as if he were competing with the gamer A. |
| US08109830B2 |
Driving simulation device for executing a simulating game
A driving simulation device for executing a simulating game includes a mounting frame and a seat body. The seat body has a coupling portion and a seating portion located above the coupling portion. The seat body further includes first and second connecting rods having at least two fixing parts journaled to the mounting frame, two swinging parts journaled to the coupling portion of the seat body and two coupling parts interconnecting the fixing parts and the swinging parts and transversely crossing each other. Once a rider is seated on the seating portion and swings the seat body so as to simulate a driving action, the seating portion and the coupling portion swing respectively in two directions opposite to each other, and thereby a swinging center of the seat body can fall between the coupling portion and the seating portion. |
| US08109828B2 |
System and method for playing a game having online and offline elements
A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type or casino-based game. A partial result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in an offline portion of the game. The remaining portion of the result is revealed to the player in an online portion of the game. In one example, the online/offline game includes a slot machine game. In one example, the online/offline game includes a bingo game. In yet another example, the online/offline game includes a game of roulette. In one example, particular game features are associated with either the online or offline portions of the game. In this way, players are motivated to participate in both portions of the game, enhancing and prolonging the game experience. |
| US08109823B2 |
Gaming machine with wild symbol feature
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game comprises one or more wild features having a wild symbol that matches or substitutes for other symbols used in the wagering game. The game may be a slot game utilizing a plurality of rotatable reels for displaying the symbols. The game includes a pay table defining standard awards for various winning combinations of the symbols. The game may duplicate a wild symbol included in a first combination of symbols into a corresponding position of a second combination of symbols to increase a probability that the second combination of symbols is a winning combination. If the wild symbol is used to complete one of the winning combinations on the pay table, the game may randomly select a modifier to enhance the standard award for that combination. Other wild features are also disclosed. |
| US08109822B2 |
Gaming machine
A gaming machine includes plural stations and a processor. Each station can determine a game result and execute a game independently. The processor accepts each station's entry to an event game when a predetermined condition is satisfied. There is collected an entry fee from a station whose entry to the event game has been accepted. Then, there is executed the event game in common at each station whose entry to the event game has been accepted. |
| US08109819B2 |
Internet contest
In general, the invention relates to providing infrastructure, process controls, and software to design, advertise, and implement an on-line contest in which participants in the contest search the Internet for a target in order to earn a reward. Hints and/or hidden objects may provide clues as to where to look for the reward, how to claim the reward, and what the reward is. The reward is funded by participating web site owners who reserve, in some embodiments via an auction, the opportunity to “host” the target during a contest or a portion of a contest, and as a result, drive traffic to their respective web sites. |
| US08109818B2 |
Home city for a real-time strategy video game
A strategy video game may include a persistent home city that gains experience as the player plays in more game sessions. The experience gained may lead to the unlocking of additional game features and options for use in future games. Players may assemble, prior to a game session, a subset of effects that may be used in future games, where the subset may be limited in number. Available effects may be limited by the experience level of the player's home city, and by the player's prior decisions as to which effects to purchase and/or obtain. Effects may be requested in-game, and may be delivered and/or carried out in response to the player achieving certain in-game requirements, such as the gaining of a number of in-game experience points, the passage of a predetermined amount of time, etc. |
| US08109817B2 |
Game system, game system control method and information storage medium
To provide a game system that enables a degree of difficulty of an occurrence of a predetermined game event to be changed depending on a degree of proficiency of a player in a game in which the predetermined event is made to occur when a controller is operated according to specific procedures. The present invention relates to a game system including one or more controllers. In the game system, a determining unit (52) determines whether or not a criterion operation data string has been inputted from the controller, a game event generation unit (58) generates a predetermined game event according to a result of the determination made by the determining unit (52), and the determining unit (52) changes the criterion operation data string based on a result of a past determination on at least one of the one or more controllers. |
| US08109815B2 |
Combine having a cutting mechanism and a feed mechanism
A combine has a cutting mechanism (12) for cutting a crop and a feed mechanism (13) for feeding the cut crop towards a threshing and/or separating rotor (21) which rotates within a housing (20) about an axis disposed generally longitudinally relative to the combine, the cut crop moving between the rotor and the housing from an inlet end of the housing towards an outlet end of the housing across a grating (22) through which separated grain leaves the housing. The harvested crop is fed by a final feed section (18) of the feed mechanism into the inlet end (20a) of the housing across a transition edge (A-A, B-B, C-C) of the housing which is split into a number of sections. The overall direction of extension of each section (A-A, B-B, C-C) of the transition edge is inclined at substantially the same angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor so that the crop entering the inlet end of the housing across the transition edge does so generally perpendicular to the transition edge, the transition edge being inclined generally helically relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. |
| US08109809B2 |
Eccentric transmission with an imbalance
An eccentric transmission having an imbalance compensation element (10a-10e) and having an eccentric element (12a-12e) for converting a revolving rotary motion of an armature shaft (14a-14e) into an oscillating rotary motion of a drive shaft (16a-16e) in order to drive an insert tool (40a-40e) of a hand-held power tool (18a-18e) to oscillate.The imbalance compensation element (10a-10e) is integral to another functional unit (12a-12d, 14e). |
| US08109807B2 |
Method and apparatus for cleaning a jet engine
An apparatus for cleaning a jet engine includes a supply device configured to make cleaning medium available, a nozzle device configured to introduce the cleaning medium into the jet engine, and a line connection between the supply device and the nozzle device. The cleaning medium can be solid carbon dioxide. A system including a jet engine and the apparatus. A method for cleaning a jet engine using solid carbon dioxide. |
| US08109805B2 |
Toy vehicle, and wheel device and carriage frame for the toy vehicle
A wheel device for a toy vehicle, in which one of a pair of wheels rolling on a pair of metal rails attracts with a magnet to reduce resistance caused by magnetic force and suppress load on a motor. The wheel device 1 includes a first axle 2, and a first wheel 10 and a second wheel 20 provided on opposite sides of the first axle 2. The first wheel 10 includes a first wheel main body 11 rolling on one of the rails 261 and a first flange 12 guided by the one rail. The second wheel 20 includes a second wheel main body 21 rolling on the other of the rails 261 and a second flange 22 guided by the other rail. The second wheel main body 21 is formed of a magnet. |
| US08109803B2 |
Assembling block
An assembling block includes block plates having square and equilateral triangular plan shapes, respectively, and a joint for connecting the block plates together. Each of the block plates includes seat portions provided along the respective sides of the block plate, and retaining pieces extending from the center of the block plate to the outer edge thereof and spaced from the seat portions in the thickness direction. The joint comprises a plate member made of a flexible and bendable material, whereby when the joint is inserted between two of the seat portions and one of the retaining pieces of each block plate, the joint engages the seat portions with engaging protrusions formed on the seat portions fitted in engaging holes formed in the joint, thereby coupling the block plates together. |
| US08109802B2 |
Toy helicopter having a stabilizing bumper
A toy helicopter has a fuselage having a front end a rear end and two lateral sides. A main motor is supported from the fuselage. A main rotor is operably connected to the motor and has at least one rotor blade that rotates about a center axis generally laterally centered with respect to the fuselage. The at least one rotor blade is configured and positioned to provide lift and has a rotational path having a maximum radius. A bumper is fixedly connected to the fuselage, is spaced entirely axially downwardly from the at least one rotor blade and extends radially outwardly from and at least partially around the fuselage. At least a portion of the bumper has a maximum radial dimension from the center axis at least as great as the maximum radius of the rotational path of the at least one rotor blade. |
| US08109801B2 |
Boat propulsion system and control unit
A boat propulsion system that easily and finely adjusts the rotational speed of a propeller includes an outboard motor including a power source, a propeller, a control lever to which an accelerator opening is input, an accelerator opening detection section arranged to output an operating amount of the control lever, a sensitivity switching section, and a control device. A degree of the accelerator opening relative to the operating amount of the control lever is switched by the sensitivity switching section operated by a boat operator. The sensitivity switching section outputs the degree of the accelerator opening relative to the input operating amount of the control lever as a sensitivity switching signal. The control device controls output of the power source based on the operating amount of the control lever and the sensitivity switching signal. |
| US08109797B2 |
Cable connector assembly and method of manufacturing the same
A cable connector assembly, for mating with a complementary connector, includes a cable having a number of wires; and a connector comprising a contact module connected with the wires, a mounting ring attached to the cable, and a shielding shell attached to the mounting ring. The shielding shell and the mounting ring both have a number of screw threads to match with each other. An associated method of manufacturing the cable connector assembly comprises screwing the shielding shell onto the mounting ring. |
| US08109792B2 |
System with cable mode converter
A compound video cable has a drive interface, a receive interface with a differential-to-single ended converter, and a differential mode data wired transmission medium connected to the drive interface and the receive interface. The differential-to-single ended converter is configured to convert differential mode signals into single ended signals. |
| US08109790B2 |
Electrical connector with improved mounting portion
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) having a base (11) and a tongue plate (12) extending beyond the base; a set of contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing; and a metal shell (3) covering the insulative housing. The metal shell includes a pair of first walls (31), a pair of second walls (32) including a front wall and a back wall, and a receiving space (33) surrounded by the first walls and the second walls. The first walls have a pair of first mounting portion (315) for being mounted onto first holes of the PCB. The front wall has a pair of jointing walls (326) extending toward each other from the respective front sides of the first walls and combining with each other at a joint. The front wall has a pair of mounting legs (325) extending from the jointing walls at the joint and forming as a second mounting portion (35) for being mounted onto a second hole of the PCB. |
| US08109789B2 |
Connector assembly with strain relief
A connector assembly includes an outer housing, an inner housing, a collet, and a retainer. The outer housing longitudinally extends between a front end and a rear end. The rear end has an opening for receiving a cable. The inner housing is located within the outer housing and includes a shield that is electrically coupled with the cable to restrict emission of electromagnetic interference. The collet is disposed around the cable at the rear end of the outer housing. The collet includes longitudinally extending fingers that are configured to engage the cable. The retainer is secured to the rear end of the outer housing and secures the collet between the outer housing and the retainer. The retainer and the collet redirect strain imparted on the cable away from an interface between the shield and the cable. |
| US08109787B1 |
Swivel connector
A swivel connector for coupling a cable to a terminal is disclosed. There is a socket contact plug in electrical communication with the terminal, and a fixed joint bushing attachable to the terminal with the socket contact plug extending therethrough. A joint housing is rotatably engaged to the fixed joint bushing. There is a primary terminal axially mounted to and electrically isolated from the joint housing, and includes an inner sleeve contact that is frictionally engaged to the socket contact plug. An outer sleeve contact is fixed to the joint bushing, and is also in electrical communication with the joint housing and with the terminal. The joint housing is rotatably engaged to the outer sleeve contact. |
| US08109786B2 |
Connector for coaxial cable
A connector for a coaxial cable physically and electrically connects a coaxial cable with various kinds of electric members. The coaxial cable includes a hollow inner conductor and a corrugated outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor. A carrier terminal inserted into the inner conductor of the coaxial cable has a diameter elastically adjusted to an inner diameter of the inner conductor. |
| US08109785B2 |
Connection box assembly method
A device is configured to be secured to a connection box. The device includes a fixture and a face plate. The fixture includes a main body and at least one flange extending from the main body. The at least one flange defines a fixture securement aperture configured to receive a fastener for securing the fixture to the connection box. It also defines at least one face plate engagement aperture configured to receive a prong extending from the face plate in a manner that secures the face plate to the fixture. The face plate is configured to at least partially cover the fixture. The face plate includes a body having a front face and an opposite rear face. The at least one prong extends outwardly from the rear face of the body. The at least one prong is configured to be inserted into the aperture in the flange of the fixture to secure the face plate to the fixture. |
| US08109783B2 |
Insulation displacement connector (IDC)
An electrical insulation displacement connector includes a bare single-wire contact element having a first end defined by opposed blades that define a receipt aperture for an insulated wire, and a second end configured for direct electrical contact at a contact position on a printed circuit board. Retaining structure is defined on the blades. A cap is configured for fitting over the exposed bare blades. The cap includes side walls and end walls with a slot defined in each of the end walls that align with the blade aperture. The side walls are engaged by the retaining structure upon pressing the cap onto the blades. The slots in the end walls of the cap have a width and height such that upon fully pressing the cap onto the blades, the slots engage and longitudinally align the insulated wire into the blade aperture so that the blades pierce and make electrical contact with a core in the insulated wire. |
| US08109779B2 |
Cable assembly with latching member
An cable assembly includes an insulative housing having a main portion and a mounting arm extending rearwardly from the main portion, the mounting arm; a plurality of terminals; a cable having a plurality of wires connected to the plurality of terminals, respectively; a latching member including a connecting arm, a latching arm and a retention arm, the retention arm inserted into a positioning hole in the mounting arm, the connecting arm deflected outwardly; and an external cover enclosing the insulative housing and the latching member, the external cover having a deformable button for actuating the latching arm. |
| US08109773B1 |
Multi-function card connector
A card connector (100) includes an insulative housing defining a card receiving space; a plurality of contacts (2) supported by the insulative housing and accommodated in the card receiving space, said the plurality of contacts divided into two sets and arranged along a longitudinal direction, said contacts adapted for mating with a first type card and a second type card, respectively; and an ejecting mechanism (3) mounted to the insulative housing, the ejecting mechanism (3) including a first slider (31), a second slider (31′), a follower (32) and a spring (33), the first slider mounted to the second slider and capable of moving on the second slider to carry one of the two cards, and the first slider and the second slider together to carry the other of the two card. |
| US08109771B2 |
Electrical connector with improved contacts
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing defining a receiving room having a bottom wall and a mating portion extending upward from an inner face of the bottom wall of the receiving room and a plurality of contacts received in the housing. The mating portion has a plurality of receiving passageways communicating with the receiving room and a plurality of nose portions are above the receiving passageways. Each contact defines an elastic portion, a soldering portion, and a fixing portion between the elastic portion and a soldering portion. The elastic portion includes a first contacting portion protruding from the nose portion in the receiving room, a second contacting portion extending from the fixing portion, and a connecting portion between two contacting portions and defining an arc portion extending in an upward-to-downward direction and under the nose portion. The arc portion defines a node extending far from the nose portion. |
| US08109770B2 |
High speed, high density interconnection device
An intercoupling component for receiving an array of contacts within a digital or analog transmission system having an electrical ground circuit and chassis ground circuit, the intercoupling component may include a segment formed of electrically insulative material and having an upper and lower surface, the segment including a plurality of holes disposed on its upper surface and arranged in a predetermined footprint, one or more a shield members formed of electrically conductive material disposed within the segment and configured to connect to the chassis ground circuit of the system and a frame formed of electrically conductive material and configured to connect with the chassis ground circuit of the system. The intercoupling component may include an array of electrically conductive contacts grouped to multi-contact groupings configured to transmit single-ended or differential signals. The intercoupling component may include a cavity located between signal contacts to adjust the differential impedance between signal contacts. |
| US08109766B2 |
Method for predicted reactor simulation
In the method for reactor simulation, a user modifies one or more design inputs used in creating a response surface. The response surface defines relationships between the design inputs and operational outputs of at least one or more aspects of a core design. A reactor simulation is then generated based on the response surface for the core design and the modified design input. |
| US08109760B2 |
Ignitor safety interlock and torch
A torch, and ignitor or gas valve interlock located on the same part which the operator moves to activate the torch, which is overcome by the operator by providing a tangential rolling force to the interlock as the finger is seated on a downwardly actuated ignitor. The torch ignitor and gas valve interlock according to the present invention requires a skilled, compound motion easily provided by an adult and unlikely to be imposed by accidental gross motions, without diminishing or interfering with the operator's ability to easily operate the ignitor. |
| US08109757B1 |
Method and system for molding elastomeric figures
A system for molding elastomeric figures includes a dispenser having first and second reservoirs containing co-reactive fluids. A mold is affixed to the dispenser and has a cavity in fluid communication with the reservoirs. A mixer is disposed between the reservoirs and cavity. A plunger forces the fluids from the reservoirs and through the mixer, where the fluids are homogeneously combined, and into the cavity. The combined fluids congeal within the cavity to form an elastomeric figure. |
| US08109754B2 |
Method and system for double-sided patterning of substrates
A system of patterning first and second opposed sides of a substrate is described. The system may employ a mold assembly and obtaining a desired spatial relationship between the first and second opposed sides of the substrate and the mold assembly. In a further embodiment, the method and system may employ a first and a second mold assembly. |
| US08109749B2 |
Demountable rigid core for the manufacture of tires comprising radiused lips
A core (N) defining at least partially a manufacturing form whose receiving surface (S), which is of essentially toroidal appearance, is designed to receive directly, by winding, profiles (B) in the form of contiguous bands forming the inside surface of a tire, comprising a plurality of segments (10, 10d, 10i), each having transverse faces (110d, 111d, 110i, 111i), said segments being circumferentially adjacent and located side by side, bearing against each other via their transverse faces, in which core the connecting radius (r) between the transverse face and the receiving surface (S) of a segment (10d, 10i) is between 0.8 mm and 1.5 mm, along all or part of the length of the edge formed by the intersection of these two surfaces. |
| US08109740B2 |
Mounting structure of linear compressor
The present invention discloses a mounting structure of a linear compressor, comprising: a shell which is a hermetic space, a connection terminal for supplying power being fixed to one side of the shell; a main body frame installed in the shell, one end of a cylinder forming a compression space for compressing a refrigerant with a piston being fixed to the main body frame; and a motor cover, a linear motor comprised of an inner stator, an outer stator and a mover, for reciprocating the piston by a mutual electromagnetic force being fixed to the outer circumference of the cylinder, the outer stator being bolt-fastened between the main body frame and the motor cover. Here, the main body frame is left-right symmetric. |
| US08109734B2 |
Article formed from a composite material
An article such as a fan blade of a turbofan engine comprises a core made up of components at least some of which comprise packs of rods embedded in a resin matrix material. The rods extend in the span-wise direction of the blade to resist centrifugal forces imposed on the blade during operation. The core is encased in a skin formed from preforms which may comprise fabric reinforcements. |
| US08109731B2 |
Radial fan impeller
A radial fan impeller has the following features: a plurality of blades distributed around the periphery; viewed in the radial direction, the blades extend from an inner inlet region to an outer discharge region; the blades extend axially, viewed in the direction of a rotation axis, between an inlet side and an axially opposite hub side; on the inlet side, the blades are connected by means of their radial extension as far as the discharge region to a covering disc which has a central inflow opening, opening out into the inlet region; on the hub side the blades are only connected with their radial inner end regions to a central hub; the blades and the covering disc define an outer fan impeller diameter which is at least ten times an axially measured flow discharge width of the blades provided in the discharge region. |
| US08109727B2 |
Wind turbine
A wind turbine (20) includes a turbine wheel (22). Radially extending sailwing assemblies (30) are supported between the axle structure (28) and the perimeter rail (26) of the turbine wheel. The sailwing assemblies include sail end supports (52, 53), sail support cables (54, 55) extending between the sail end supports, and sailwings (58) that are supported by the sail support cables and extend between the axle structure (28) and the perimeter rail (26) of the turbine wheel. The sail end supports (52, 53) may be pivoted to form a pitch in the sailwings (58) and pivoted with respect to each other to form a twist in the sailwings, and sail spreader bars (70) may be mounted in the sailwings and connected to the sail support cables (54, 55) to adjust the effective width and loft of the sailwings. |
| US08109725B2 |
Airfoil with wrapped leading edge cooling passage
A turbine engine airfoil includes an airfoil structure having an exterior surface providing a leading edge. A radially extending first cooling passage is arranged near the leading edge and includes first and second portions. The first portion extends to the exterior surface and forms a radially extending trench in the leading edge. The second portion is in fluid communication with a second cooling passage. In one example, the second cooling passage extends radially, and the first cooling passage wraps around a portion of the second cooling passage from a pressure side to a suction side between the second cooling passage and the exterior surface. In the example, the first portion is arranged between the pressure and suction sides. In one example, the first cooling passage is formed by arranging a core in an airfoil mold. The trench is formed by the core in one example. |
| US08109715B2 |
Variable nozzle turbocharger
There is provided a turbocharger with a variable nozzle assembly having a plurality of cambered vanes positioned annularly around a turbine wheel, each vane (20) being pivotable around a pivot point (Pp) and being configured to have a leading edge (Ple) and a trailing edge (Pte) connected by an outer airfoil surface (2) and an inner airfoil surface (4), said outer airfoil surface (2) being substantially convex and said inner airfoil surface (4) having a convex section at the leading edge (Ple) which has a local extreme (Pex) of curvature and transitions into a concave section towards the trailing edge (Pte). The positions of the pivot point (Pp) and the local extreme (Pex) are set such that, even when the vanes are placed in a closed position, the exhaust gas stream exercises a positive torque on the vanes which tends to open the nozzle. |
| US08109713B2 |
Heat-dissipating fan
A heat-dissipating fan includes a housing, a stator, a rotor and at least one retaining member. The stator and rotor are received inside the housing. The rotor includes an impeller having a plurality of blades. The at least one retaining member is removably mounted to the housing and includes a retaining plate. In an axial direction of the rotor, the retaining plate extends to be above and within a rotational area of the blades to retain the rotor to avoid departure of the rotor from the housing, even if the heat-dissipating fan is hit hard while it is packed, moved, transported or operating. Besides, the arrangement of the retaining member won't result in reduction of air input. Consequently, the retaining member can be quickly mounted to the housing at a predetermined position to enhance convenience of assembly. |
| US08109711B2 |
Tethered autonomous air vehicle with wind turbines
A wind turbine energy conversion device that can take advantage of the higher speed and more persistent winds at higher altitudes is hereinafter disclosed. The wind turbine energy conversion device includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) connected to one end of a tether (which may include multiple shorter tethers), the other end being connected to a terrestrial anchorage point. The UAV flies at altitudes where wind speeds can reach 40 mph or higher. The UAV comprises a flying wing with one or more trailing wind power turbines and flies airborne maneuvers designed to increase relative wind speed up to about four times the true wind speed. |
| US08109710B2 |
Method and a device for separating of magnetic and non-magnetic blanks placed in a stack
The invention relates to a method and a device to separate blanks form each other in a stack by that at least one separating unit is brought into contact with one or more of the edges of the blank stack. The separating unit comprises a separating arm having a narrow teeth provided blade, which moves first horizontally until a tooth grasps the uppermost blank, whereupon the arm having the narrow teeth provided blade controllably moves upwards and lifts one blank edge. An air knife, which acts towards the side of the blank stack in a direct connection to the point of application of the teeth provided blade, can give one or several air thrusts when the blade is starting its controlled movement upwards and is urging like an wedge in under a slit under the uppermost blank of the blank stack, an eventual existing vacuum between the blanks being disappeared at the same time as the uppermost blank of the blank stack receives a lifting force by the air cushion, created. |
| US08109709B1 |
Removable grapple apparatus for a loader bucket
A removable grapple apparatus for a loader bucket is disclosed, and comprises a grapple assembly comprising at least one grapple arm having an inboard end and an outboard end, and a grapple fork mounted on the grapple arm toward the outboard end thereof. The apparatus includes a mounting assembly configured to removably mount the grapple assembly to the bucket when the mounting assembly is mounted on the bucket. The grapple assembly is pivotally mounted on the mounting assembly to permit pivot movement of the grapple assembly with respect to the mounting assembly. The apparatus includes a grapple movement assembly configured to pivotally move the grapple assembly with respect to the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly comprises at least one mount structure including an arm mount mounted on the grapple arm and a base mount configured for mounting on the bucket, and the arm mount and the base mount are releasably coupleable together. |
| US08109708B2 |
Trolley for carrying loaded rack
The trolley includes a member which supports the shoe of a loaded rack. The member has a horizontal limb which extends beneath the shoe and first and second housings each having vertically adjustable casters. One of the housings is connected to the member while the other has a clamp for attaching the housing to the horizontal limb of the member. As the casters descend, the shoe rises with resulting raising of the foot from the floor on which the rack rests. |
| US08109702B2 |
Attenuated cargo caster
A caster for use in aircraft along a cargo deck comprises a housing having at least one wall, a pivot assembly, a brake assembly and at least one spring. A pivot assembly can have at least one wall, first and second ends, and a base between the first and second ends, wherein the first end of the pivot assembly can be elevated above the second end of the pivot assembly. The wall of the pivot assembly can be rotatably linked to the wall of the housing. An optional brake assembly can be on the first end of the pivot assembly. At least one spring can be on the second end of the pivot assembly. A cover on or above the at least one spring can be secured to the wall of the housing. |
| US08109685B1 |
Liquid dispenser with interchangeable head and remote operating mechanism
A liquid dispenser with an interchangeable head and remote operating mechanism includes: a) an elongated handle member having a proximal end for a user to hold and an opposing distal end, the distal end including a storage compartment; b) a liquid reservoir contained within the storage compartment; c) said liquid reservoir connected to a universal head connector; d) the universal head connector having external exposure at distal end for connection to at least one interchangeable head; e) a pump located in the storage compartment connected to said liquid reservoir; f) remote control means located near the proximal end of the handle member for turning the pump on and off and for operating the pump in a first direction to pump liquid into the liquid supply container and in a second direction for subsequently pumping out of the liquid supply container; and, g) at least one interchangeable head connectable to the universal head connector, selected from the group consisting of a liquid dispensing brush, a liquid dispensing squeegee, a liquid dispensing mop, a paint dispensing head, and combinations thereof. |
| US08109683B2 |
Method and device for printing on the surface of a strip-type medium
A method and device for improving the handling, in a label printer, of labels without a carrier strip operates by reversing the direction of transport of the label medium for a short distance before transporting the medium in the printing direction, allowing the label strip to reliably detach from a transport roller (10) that is used to guide the label strip through the printer. |
| US08109682B2 |
Printer for a plurality of layered sheets
A printer according to an embodiment of the present invention is a printer which transports a recording medium, provided with a plurality of laminated sheets, along a predetermined transport path including a curved portion. The printer is provided with a dot head for printing the recording medium, a platen roller which faces the dot head with the recording medium therebetween, and a feed guide which is located on the downstream side of the dot head and the platen roller with respect to the direction of transport and guides the recording medium in a manner such that the recording medium is bent in a direction opposite to that in which the curved portion is bent. |
| US08109680B2 |
Mounting device, system and method
The present application is directed to a device for securing an object to a mountable surface. The device is configured to face the object secured thereto in any direction up to 360 degrees about the mountable surface. The device comprises a mating surface securable to the mountable surface via a tamper proof locking means and a support attached to the mating surface that is operationally configured to secure the object thereto. |
| US08109677B2 |
Fiber optic cable connector
Fiber optic cable jacks and plugs are provided. In one aspect, a cable is made from at least one length of fiber optic line having a first end and a second end. A first plug includes a one-piece mechanical body with a cable interface to engage the fiber optic line first end, and a microlens to transceive light with the cable interface. The first plug is shaped to engage a first jack housing. A second plug includes a one-piece mechanical body with a cable interface to engage the fiber optic line second end, and a microlens to transceive light with the cable interface. The second plug is shaped to engage a second jack housing. The mechanical bodies have inner walls that form an air gap cavity interposed between the microlens convex surface and an engaging jack optical interface. |
| US08109674B2 |
Bearing assembly having a dual stage seal
A bearing assembly is presented having a novel lubricant sealing design that, in one embodiment, combines the sealing advantages of both a labyrinth-like seal in combination with a contact seal. The improved seal includes a non-rotating seal case working in closely spaced cooperation with a rotor to form a channel. The rotor is attached and turns with the shaft, inducing flow in the channel. Lubricant leakage is impeded by the tortuous fluid path formed by the convoluted channel of the labyrinth-like seal and the fluid shear forces developed by the turning shaft. Any lubricant leakage is further impeded by a resilient seal contacting the surface of the rotor and constricting the channel. |
| US08109673B2 |
Slide guide apparatus of press machine
A slide guide apparatus of a press machine, which guides reciprocating motion of a slide of the press machine by a sliding surface provided between a guide member and the slide, wherein a slide member that is rotatable about a predetermined rotation center axis and a slide member holder that rotatably holds the slide member and is rotatable about a rotation center axis transverse to the predetermined rotation center axis are provided between the guide member and the slide, and a flat portion of the slide member is adapted to function as the sliding surface. |
| US08109669B2 |
Temperature uniformity measurement during thermal processing
Methods and systems for determining a radial differential metrology profile of a substrate heated in a process chamber is provided. Methods and systems for determining an angular or azimuthal differential metrology profile of a rotating substrate in a processing chamber are also provided. The radial and azimuthal differential metrology profiles are applied to adjust a reference metrology profile to provide a Virtual metrology of the process chamber. The virtual metrology is applied to control the performance of the process chamber. |
| US08109666B2 |
Light guiding member and linear light source apparatus using same
A light guide member of the present invention is made of a light transmitting material. The light guide includes a light emitting surface 13, which extends in direction x and includes a lens surface 31 for converging light in direction y. The light guide also includes a light incident surface 11 provided at one of the ends spaced from each other in the direction x. The light emitting surface 13 includes a transitional region 13a adjacent to the light incident surface 11, where the transitional region includes the lens surface 31 and a round pillar surface 32. In the transitional region 13a, the lens surface 31 becomes less dominant in area as proceeding in the direction x toward the light incident surface 11. |
| US08109664B2 |
Vehicle lighting equipment
A vehicle lighting equipment is provided with: a light source in which a light emitting diode is employed; and a transparent lens on which a light emitted from the light source is incident and from which the incident light is emergent. The transparent lens includes: a center portion positioned to oppose the light source; and a light guiding portion positioned on an outer peripheral side of the center portion to guide the incident light to an inward area. |
| US08109659B2 |
Lighting fixture for an architectural surface structure
Lighting fixtures (20) for attachment to architectural surface structures are adapted to hold light sources (100). The lighting fixtures (20) may include a base plate (32) and mounting brackets (34A, 34B). Clamps (80) are provided that may bias the light source (100) in either the forward or rearward direction. The clamps (80) may include spring arms (92) that center the light source (100) within the fixture (20) in addition to retaining the light source (100) in place. The fixtures (20) may further accommodate overlying structures, such as lenses (350). The lighting fixtures facilitate use with a variety of different architectural structures and formation in various shapes. |
| US08109656B1 |
Bulb for light-emitting diode with modified inner cavity
A bulb adapted to fit over and around a light-emitting diode emitting a light of a first hue in a predetermined radiation pattern defines an inner cavity for housing the light-emitting diode with a cross-sectional geometry based on the predetermined radiation pattern of the light-emitting diode. The bulb is composed of a light-transmitting material and a light color-converting material, with the light color-converting material converting the light of the first hue into light of a desired hue, which is then viewed over a light-emitting surface of the bulb. |
| US08109654B2 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp includes a heat sink including a supporting plate, a light-reflecting member mounted on a bottom face of the supporting plate, and a plurality of LEDs disposed on the bottom face of the supporting plate. The light-reflecting member defines a plurality of concave portions recessed inwardly from an outer face thereof. The LEDs include a plurality of first LEDs arranged within the light-reflecting member and a plurality of second LEDs arranged outside the light-reflecting member. The second LEDs are located corresponding to the concave portions, respectively, whereby light generated by the second LEDs can be reflected by the light-reflecting member to illuminate a large area. |
| US08109649B2 |
Conversion type light emitting device
A conversion type light emitting device includes at least one LED element having a predetermined light emitting range and a fluorescent element performing wavelength conversion of light emitted from the LED element when disposed at a first location in the predetermined light emitting range. The fluorescent element is movable from a first location to a second location outside the predetermined light emitting range. |
| US08109646B2 |
Self-centering pull-out light tube assembly
A pull-out light tube assembly is mounted in an equipment component such as a component that is mounted in an equipment rack. The light tube assembly includes a light tube received within a bushing. The light tube can be pulled out from the bushing and retracted into the bushing. The assembly includes a mechanism for self-centering the light tube within the bushing when the light tube is retracted into the bushing. A guide channel formed in the bushing receives and guides a guide pin formed in the light tube to a centered position. The guide channel may be a V-shaped groove with a receptacle and detent formed at an end thereof to secure the guide pin in a centered position. The mechanism for self-centering maintains a logo formed at a front end of the light tube in a properly oriented position when the light tube is retracted within the bushing. |
| US08109643B2 |
Perfume-dispensing, auto light-regulating and music-playing lamp system
A perfume-dispensing, auto light-regulating and music-playing lamp system includes a body unit having a lamp mounted in a housing thereof, an aroma dispenser mounted in the body unit, a control panel mounted outside the body unit and having a function selector, a memory setting button and multiple display devices, and a speaker mounted in the body unit for sound/music output. By means of operating the function selector, a user can set on/off time of the lamp to simulate the lighting effect from dim to bright light of sun raise, to set alarm clock, to set on/off time of pre-recorded sound/music, and to set the aroma dispensing time of the aroma dispenser. |
| US08109634B2 |
Snapshot spectral imaging of the eye
Obtaining spectral images of an eye includes taking an optical system that images eye tissue onto a digital sensor array and optically fitting a multi-spectral filter array and the digital sensor array, wherein the multi-spectral filter array is disposed between the digital sensor array and an optics portion of the optical system. The resulting system facilitates acquisition of a snap-shot image of the eye tissue with the digital sensor array. The snap shot images support estimation of blood oxygen saturation in a retinal tissue. The resulting system can be based on a non-mydriatic fundus camera designed to obtain the retinal images without administration of pupil dilation drops. |
| US08109632B2 |
Vision modification with reflected image
Various embodiments of methods and systems for improving and enhancing vision are disclosed. Adjustable lenses or optical systems may be used to provide adaptive vision modification. In some embodiments, vision modification may be responsive to the current state of the user's visual system. Certain embodiments provide correction of the subject's near and far vision. Other embodiments provide enhancement of vision beyond the physiological ranges of focal length or magnification. |
| US08109630B2 |
Illuminated low-vision spectacles
Lighted reading glasses for individuals with low vision. In one embodiment, the reading glasses include a frame for supporting lenses having an oculus dexter side and an oculus sinister side, at least one oculus dexter lens supported by the frame on the oculus dexter side, and at least one oculus sinister lens supported by the frame on the oculus sinister side, each of the at least one oculus dexter lens and the at least one sinister lens having an induced prism in a range between about 4 PD and about 22 PD and a lens power that is greater than about +4.00 diopters and less than about +20.00 diopters such that each of said lenses focuses at a distance that is greater than about 5 cm and less than about 25 cm, and at least one light source having a predetermined light strength oriented to project light to provide a predetermined lighted area in a predetermined field. |
| US08109627B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus is provided. A transport mechanism is that transports a sheet in a first direction. A liquid ejecting head is configured to eject liquid onto the sheet. The transport mechanism includes: a plurality of transport belts that transports the sheet and arranged in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, each of the transport belts extending in the first direction and having a transport surface with which the transported sheet is brought into contact; a concave portion disposed between the transport belts adjacent to each other in the second direction; and a plurality of suction ports that sucks the sheet and disposed on both sides of the concave portion in the second direction. A distance between the liquid ejecting head and a suction surface of each of the suction ports is longer than a distance between the liquid ejecting head and the transport surface. A distance between the liquid ejecting head and a bottom of the concave portion is longer than the distance between the liquid ejecting head and the suction surface. |
| US08109625B2 |
Application apparatus and inkjet recording apparatus
An application apparatus has: a supply device which supplies a liquid in which a treatment agent having a prescribed function is dissolved; an application device which applies the liquid supplied from the supply device, onto a medium; and a condensing device which condenses the liquid supplied to the application device from the supply device during a period until the liquid is applied to the medium. |
| US08109620B2 |
Liquid storage container and liquid ejection recording apparatus having the container mounted thereon
A reliable ink cartridge that reduce printing nonconformity even during high speed inkjet-recording with multiple nozzles by alleviating rapid external impact applied from the outside of the ink cartridge. Within a casing of an ink cartridge, a flexible bag forming an ink reservoir is accommodated. Between the surface of the flexible bag where a sheet member is bonded and a wall surface of the casing, a stress damping chamber is provided. The stress damping chamber communicates with the atmosphere outside the ink cartridge via an orifice formed on a wall surface of the casing. |
| US08109615B2 |
Ink cartridges
An ink cartridge includes a frame, a first wall comprising a film connected to the frame, and a second wall opposite the first wall. The frame, the first wall, and the second wall define an ink chamber therein, and the ink chamber is configured to store ink therein. The ink cartridge also includes a movable member positioned within the ink chamber, and a shaft extending between the first wall and the second wall. The movable member is configured to pivot about the shaft. Moreover, the frame includes a first material, and the shaft includes a second material which is different than the first material. A rigidity of the second material is greater than a rigidity for the first material. |
| US08109613B2 |
Ink supplying method
An ink supplying mechanism includes a circulating system that connects an ink jet head having a nozzle, a pressure chamber opposed to the nozzle, and an upstream port and a downstream port that communicate with the pressure chamber, an upstream side tank that communicates with the ink jet head via the upstream port and is capable of storing an ink, a downstream side tank that communicates with the ink jet head via the downstream port and is capable of storing the ink, and a circulating pump that feeds the ink from the downstream side tank back to the upstream side tank. The ink supplying mechanism has a relief valve that is capable of opening and closing at least a liquid surface of the downstream side tank with respect to the atmospheric pressure, closes the relief valve to drive the circulating pump, sets the liquid surface of the downstream side tank to a negative pressure, and feeds the ink from the downstream side tank back to the upstream side tank via a feedback channel to circulate the ink. |
| US08109608B2 |
Micro-fluid ejection head and stress relieved orifice plate therefor
A micro-fluid ejection head and methods for improving the fabrication and operation of the micro-fluid ejection head. The ejection head includes a photoimaged thick film layer attached to a substrate containing fluid ejection actuators. An orifice plate is laminated to the thick film layer. The orifice plate has a plurality of concentric orifices therein and is derived from a first photoresist material that is heated to a temperature sufficient to relieve film stresses in the photoresist material prior to exposing and developing the orifices in the orifice plate. |
| US08109606B2 |
Printing images and flavors on substrates
In general, a fluid delivery system includes a plurality of fluid delivery printheads, a first reservoir for holding an ink, the first reservoir coupled to a first one of the plurality of fluid delivery printheads, and a second reservoir for holding a flavored liquid, the second reservoir coupled to a second one of the plurality of fluid delivery printheads. |
| US08109603B2 |
Recording apparatus
Durability of a recording apparatus is enhanced. The recording apparatus includes: a carriage that carries a recording head which discharges a liquid onto a recording medium; and a guide unit that supports the carriage so as to be freely movable. The carriage has a first sliding surface and a second sliding surface. The first sliding surface is slidable on the guide unit, and the second sliding surface is displaceable with respect to the carriage and slidable on the guide unit. The recording apparatus is switchable between a first condition in which the guide unit and the first sliding surface are in contact with each other, and a second condition in which the guide unit and the second sliding surface are in contact with each other. |
| US08109596B2 |
Printhead maintenance assembly comprising pair of transfer rollers
A printhead maintenance assembly for removing particulates from an ink ejection face of a printhead. The assembly comprises: pressure means for flooding the face and thereby dispersing the particulates into flooded ink; a first transfer roller having a transfer surface for receiving the flooded ink; a transfer mechanism for rotating the first transfer roller; and an ink removal system for removing ink from the transfer surface. The ink removal system comprises a second transfer roller engaged with the first transfer roller. |
| US08109588B2 |
Liquid ejecting method, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus
Provided is a liquid ejecting method, including: ejecting a liquid from a liquid ejecting head, wherein the viscosity of the liquid is in a range from 6 mPa·s to 20 mPa·s, wherein the liquid ejecting head includes: nozzles which eject the liquid; a pressure chamber which applies a pressure variation to the liquid in order to eject the liquid from the nozzles; and a supply unit which communicates with the pressure chamber and supplies the liquid to the pressure chamber, and wherein the opening area of the nozzles on the side in which the liquid is ejected is 1/10 or less of the opening area of the opening of the supply unit on the pressure chamber side. |
| US08109581B1 |
Method and apparatus for transparent shelves and drawers for kitchen cabinets
A transparent rollout pantry organizing system for kitchen cabinets has at least two rollout shelf units that are constructed of planar clear sheet material that is cut and fused together to form a rigid structural shape with shelves having heavy duty drawer guides fastened to the rollout unit which can be extended out of the pantry cabinet so that items can be easily accessed, and having at least one pair of side by side drawers above the rollout units also made of clear material used for the rollout units. By using clear material, items on upper shelves can be seen through the drawer bottoms, and by using the drawers in pairs, items on upper drawers at the rear of the drawer can be easily accessed by extending one drawer at a time and reaching over the sides. |
| US08109578B2 |
Hub wheel, hub unit, and method of working hub wheel
Bolt holes 23 are provided for press fitting and securing bolts 5 for mounting a brake rotor 4 to a flange 22 of a hub wheel. Each bolt hole 23 includes widening portions 28a, 28b, which are tapered to widen from the center portion of the bolt hole 23 toward a brake rotor mounting surface 25 of the flange 22. The widening portions 28a, 28b are formed by two tapered surfaces having different taper angles with respect to the axis of the bolt hole 23 from an opening rim of the bolt hole toward the inside. The taper angle of an outer tapered surface connected to the opening rim is greater than the taper angle of an inner tapered surface connected to the outer tapered surface. In machining the hub wheel 2 configured as described above, the brake rotor mounting surface 25 is finished after machining the bolt holes 23. |
| US08109572B2 |
Device for adjusting the seat back angle in a wheelchair and a wheelchair comprising such a device
The wheelchair comprises a seat back a module (2) movably coupled to a seat module (5). Two lateral plates (10, 10′) are secured to the seat back module (2) and pivotally mounted on the seat module (5). Each of said plate is provided with a recess (18, 18′) adapted to lodge an excenter member (19) comprising two parallel side faces (26, 27) and being perforated by three holes (21, 22 and 23), adapted to receive a spring release locking pins for locking the angle position of said seat back module. Due to the positioning of said three holes and the possibility of lodging the excenter member with either one of its two side faces (26 or 27) inside the recess (18), five different locking angle positions of the seat back module are possible. |
| US08109565B2 |
Automotive seat reconfigurable to work desk
An automotive seat has a seat back and a seat bottom that are movable between a seating configuration and a work desk configuration. When moving from the seating configuration to the work desk configuration, the seat bottom pivots forwardly into a generally vertical orientation and the seat back pivots downwardly into a generally horizontal orientation. The seat bottom supports an end of the seat back when the seat bottom and the seat back are in the work desk configuration. The back surface of the seat back faces upwardly to provide a work surface when the seat bottom and the seat back are in the work desk configuration. Sufficient space is provided beneath the seat back when in the work desk configuration to accommodate a person's legs underneath the seat back. |
| US08109563B2 |
Safety seat having a vertically acting, impact-dampening suspension
A safety seat for land vehicles, aircraft and watercraft, including a sitting portion secured to two vertical support straps attached to a vehicle and disposed in the vicinity of the rear edge of the sitting portion. Each support strap is a strap sling stretched between vertically spaced-apart anchors on the vehicle and includes a front strap facing the seating portion and a rear strap spaced therefrom. A transverse rod near the rear sitting portion edge reaches into the intermediate space between front and rear straps and is secured in closed fixed loops situated on the rear straps. The sitting portion is braced against the strap slings via supports pivotably connected to side rods of the sitting portion and extending at an angle below the sitting portion to the straps slings. The supports, via a transverse bracing disposed at their lower ends, reach into the intermediate space between front and rear straps. This transverse bracing is supported in loose loops on the rear straps that permit vertical movement of the transverse bracing. |
| US08109559B2 |
Door structure of vehicle
A door structure of a vehicle, having an effective space within a vehicle compartment increased, is provided. The door structure has a carrier plate (4) fixed to an inner panel (3) for closing an opening portion (3a) formed in the inner panel (3); and a plurality of trim members (7, 8, 9) for covering an inside of the carrier plate (4) within a vehicle compartment, the plurality of trim members (7, 8, 9) including a belt line trim (7) disposed along a belt line in an upper end portion of the inner panel (3), a pocket trim (8) disposed in the vicinity of a lower portion of the inner panel (3), and an arm rest trim (9) disposed between the belt line trim (7) and the pocket trim (8). |
| US08109549B2 |
Endeffectors for handling semiconductor wafers
Various endeffector designs are disclosed for handling semiconductor wafers. For instance, an endeffector for handling wafers at a relatively low temperature is disclosed along with an endeffector for handling wafers at a relatively high temperature. Both endeffectors include uniquely designed support members that are configured to only contact a wafer at the wafer's edge. The endeffectors may also include a wafer detection system. The endeffector for handling wafers at relatively low temperatures may also include a pushing device that is used not only to position a wafer but to hold a wafer on the endeffector during acceleration or deceleration of the endeffector caused by a robot arm attached to the endeffector. As designed, the endeffectors may have a very slim profile making the endeffectors easily maneuverable. |
| US08109545B2 |
Lock out mechanism for vehicle door outside handles
A handle assembly selectively allows the door latch of a door of a motor vehicle to be released. The handle assembly includes a base fixedly secured to the door. The handle assembly also includes a handle portion and a lock trigger. The handle portion is operatively connected to a door latch mechanism effectuating the opening of the door. The lock trigger is movably engaged with the handle portion to allow or disallow the movement of the handle assembly and hence the opening of the door. |
| US08109543B2 |
Blocking device for the door of an electric household appliance
A door blocking device including a retaining member movable, along a given path, between a work position and a rest position, in which it respectively cooperates with and does not cooperate with a coupling member of the door when the door is in a closed position; and controlled-actuation means for controlled actuation of the retaining member, and which include elastic means for pushing the retaining member into the rest position; means for moving the retaining member into the work position in opposition to the elastic means; a rotary member having at least one radially projecting peripheral lobe; and an electrically controlled actuator for moving the rotary member selectively between a first angular position, in which the at least one lobe does not interfere with the given path (T), thus allowing the retaining member to move between the work position and the rest position, and a second angular position, in which the lobe interferes with the given path to lock the retaining member in the work position in opposition to the elastic means. |
| US08109540B2 |
Pipe joint and related method
A pipe joint for plastic pipe includes a bell member and a spigot member. The bell member includes a tubular plastic body wall having a radially outer side including a pair of spaced apart circumferentially extending ribs and a metal reinforcement ring located between the ribs. The tubular plastic body wall includes a circumferential plastic ring portion extending between the ribs and radially exterior of the metal reinforcement ring to encase the metal reinforcement ring within the tubular plastic body wall. A radial gap may be provided between the plastic ring portion and the metal reinforcement ring to accommodate differing thermal shrinkage rates as between the two different materials. The spigot member, which is insertable into the bell member, includes a tubular plastic body wall having an internal surface and an external surface and a longitudinal axis and metal reinforcement encased within the tubular plastic body wall. A plurality of plastic ribs extend from the external surface of the tubular plastic body wall and forming a gasket channel. |
| US08109539B2 |
Variable joining device and method for its use
An adjustable or variable joining device (such as a fitting or connector) used to connect a duct (such as pipe or tubing) having a range of shapes, sizes and thread styles to an object (such as equipment, a container, or another length of pipe or tubing). In various embodiments, the device may generally comprise a sealing member, a support assembly, and a support plate. The sealing member is adapted to seal the duct to the device by elastically expanding to fit around the exterior surface of the duct. The support plate, which is placed adjacent to the interior surface of the sealing member, protects the sealing member and prevents it from collapsing under thrust loads. The support assembly is positioned on the outside of the sealing member and assists in operatively holding the sealing member in place. The device may also comprise a casing member, which encloses the above members. |
| US08109535B2 |
Sport utility vehicle (SUV) frame architecture for improved vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility
According to one embodiment, the invention provides for a light truck including a frame with opposing longitudinal frame rails running along each side of the vehicle. The frame rails include at least a leading portion with vertical placement lowered and selected to substantially align with a passenger car energy management structure. In this embodiment, the vertical placement of the leading portion of the light truck frame rails is selected to direct impact energy to a passenger car longitudinal energy management structure, improving vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility in the event of a front longitudinal impact with a passenger car. The present invention also provides embodiments which increase the impact energy absorption capacity of a light truck by providing geometric softening of the frame rails and material softening of the frame rails. |
| US08109533B2 |
Airbag module for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to an airbag module for a motor vehicle, comprising a gas sack package comprising a gas sack, an additional moveable element configured and provided to influence a state variable of the airbag, and a gas-tight protective covering that defines an inner space of the gas sack package, wherein the gas sack and the moveable element are arranged in said inner space, and a separate movement generating device configured and provided to move the moveable element. According to the invention, the movement generating device is arranged outside the inner space of the airbag package. |
| US08109532B2 |
Motor vehicle with A-pillar and airbag mounted therein
A motor vehicle is provided with a passenger cell having an A-pillar, which is arranged laterally of a windshield of the vehicle, and includes, but is not limited to bracing connected with the A-pillar, and the A-pillar and the bracing are connected and spaced from each other with a sidewall part of the passenger cell, and on a side facing the passenger interior a covering part is arranged which is connected with the A-pillar. An airbag is provided within the A-pillar and mounted between the A-pillar and the covering part and extends forward to beyond the contact region of the bracing on the A-pillar. The covering part covers the airbag, and with the bracing a further covering part is connected and the two covering parts are detachably connected with each other. |
| US08109529B2 |
Ergonomic wheelchair propulsion system
The present application pertains to a wheelchair having a frame; a seat attached to the frame and supporting a user; two lateral drive wheels mounted on essentially horizontal axes; and a propulsion system including a handle, an operating lever supporting said handle and having a friction element mounted onto the operating lever. The operating lever is movable axially with respect to one axis between a first and second position and radially. The friction element is arranged and constructed to frictionally engage said drive wheel in the first position and radial movement of the propulsion system propels the chair in a predetermined direction. |
| US08109527B2 |
Medical cart and keyboard tray
A medical cart comprising a base is supported on wheels. A first arm is supported on a track for linear movement in a first direction that supports a first platform. The arm also supports a second platform that is mounted for linear movement in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The first platform is mounted on a tilt assembly such that the angle of the first platform relative to the second platform can be adjusted. |
| US08109521B2 |
Metal laminate cylinder head gasket
A metal laminate cylinder head gasket is formed by a plurality of metal plates laminated together, and a misalignment preventing portion for preventing misalignment of the laminated metal plates, formed in the metal plates. The misalignment preventing portion includes a pair of notches facing each other and penetrating each of the metal plates, and a bridging portion provided between the notches in each of the metal plates and bulging in one direction to project from a surface of each of the metal plates. The metal plates are laminated together such that the notches and the bridging portions overlap and closely contact to engage together to thereby prevent displacement of the metal plates. |
| US08109518B2 |
Game apparatus and method of using the same
The present disclosure is directed to a game in which players launch, shoot, or propel objects at a target, and more specifically, to a game in which players launch, shoot, or propel objects in an attempt to attach the objects to a target that may be in motion, or to dislodge objects that are hanging from the target. |
| US08109517B2 |
Hand held product for playing a game
A hand-held product for playing a game is disclosed. The hand-held game includes a basketball goal assembly and a ring coupled to the basketball goal assembly that can be attached to the finger, wrist, arm, or other body parts or limbs of a user. The basketball goal assembly includes a backboard and a rim. The rim can be foldable. In one embodiment, the ring is adjustable to fit different sized fingers, wrists, arms, or other body parts. The adjustable ring can be an adjustable band with adjusters at ends of the band. The ring is coupled to the basketball goal assembly using at least one of an adhesive, tape, a snap-on clip, a press fit mechanism, a mounting bracket, welding and molding. The hand-held game can come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. |
| US08109513B2 |
Lottery game played on a geometric figure using indicia with variable point values
A system, method and lottery ticket that implement a lottery game that uses a geometric figure having a plurality of selection spaces from which a player selects at least one selection space. The selection spaces are then populated with one or more game indicia, with each game indicia having a point value, and prizes are awarded based upon the total number of points associated with the game indicia populated into the player-selected selection spaces. Other lottery games can also be played simultaneously therewith on the same ticket or round of play. |
| US08109510B2 |
Sheet inverting and conveying mechanism and sheet inverting and conveying apparatus
There is provided a sheet inverting and conveying mechanism for conveying a sheet in a first direction, inverting obverse and reverse sides of the sheet, and then conveying the inverted sheet in a second direction. The mechanism includes: a first conveyance section for receiving, at its conveyance face, one side of the sheet, and for conveying the sheet in the first direction; a sheet inverting section for receiving, at its bent inner peripheral face, one side of the sheet, and for inverting the sheet while bending the sheet along the bent inner peripheral face; and a second conveyance section for receiving, at its conveyance face, one side of the inverted sheet, and for conveying the sheet in the second direction, wherein the first conveyance section and the second conveyance section are formed so that the sheet is conveyed while being attracted to the conveyance faces. |
| US08109508B2 |
Method and system for determining improved correction profiles for sheet registration
A method and system improves sheet registration in a document processing device. A technique is implemented that produces accurate results with merely a small tail wag. To do so, the technique ultimately establishes or determines a variety of parameters (e.g. lateral position of a sheet, skew, registration time, nominal sheet velocity, and correction velocity). These parameters are then used to calculate a lateral velocity profile. In this regard, the calculated velocity profiles are applied to the wheels or nips, in the paper path. Thus, the wheels can be controlled and will allow for improved sheet registration in the document processing device. |
| US08109507B2 |
Recording apparatus
A movable component which can be moved between a protruding position in which the movable component protrudes from the outer chute into a curved path toward an inner chute so as to be able to contact the recording medium and a retracted position in which the degree of protrusion of the movable component from the outer chute into the curved path is smaller than the degree of protrusion in the protruding position, and the movable component is moved from the protruding position to the retracted position at a timing on or after a first timing and before a second timing. |
| US08109500B2 |
Medium supply unit and image forming apparatus having the same
A medium supply unit of an image forming apparatus, the medium supply unit may include: a main body housing; a tray connected to the main body housing and loading a printing-target medium therein; an activating shaft connected to the main body housing and being rotated in a predetermined direction by an activating force of an activating source; an intermediate member supported by one end of the activating shaft to deliver a rotating force of the activating shaft; a first elastic member having one end connected to the intermediate member and the other end supported by the activating shaft; and elastically biasing the intermediate member in a direction facing the printing-target medium according to a rotation of the activating shaft; and a roller unit having a roller unit housing that is attachable to the intermediate member and at least one roller that is supported by the roller unit housing and picks up and supplies printing-target media loaded in the tray; and configured to deliver to the roller(s) an elastic force of the first elastic member and a rotating force of the activating shaft when the activating shaft is rotated. |
| US08109498B2 |
Sheet feeding device
A sheet feeding device, having a sheet feeding mechanism and an image processor is provided. The sheet feeding mechanism includes a base structure, a first roller, and a second roller. The first roller includes a first shaft and a first roller body fixed to the first shaft. The second roller includes a second shaft and a second roller body fixed to the second shaft. The first roller feeds a sheet into a sheet feeding path, and the second roller conveys the sheet in the sheet feeding path. The first roller and the second roller are connected with each other by a connector member, which rotatably supports the first shaft and the second shaft and maintains positional relation of the first shaft and the second shaft with respect to each other. |
| US08109492B2 |
Lightweight, polymeric automotive strut suspension upper mounting
A strut top mount utilizing a mount dome including lightweight polymeric material for the primary structural member as a replacement for the steel material that is traditionally used. The utilization of the polymeric material is possible because the factors associated with strut top mount stresses are successfully managed by a strategic geometric arrangement of the components thereof and the body structure to which it interfaces, as for example by the mount dome being configured to seat in abutting relation to a support shell of the strut tower, wherein the polymeric material is placed under compression. A load bypass is provided in the event of a maximum jounce event. |
| US08109487B2 |
Linear solenoid device and electromagnetic valve
A linear solenoid device comprising an energizable coil; a movable core; a first fixed core as a magnetic member having a recess capable of accommodating one end of the movable core; a second fixed core as a magnetic member having an inner peripheral surface slidably supporting the movable core; and an annular non-magnetic member coaxially connecting the first fixed core and the second fixed core to each other, wherein the linear solenoid device is capable of being driven by an attraction force applied to the movable core towards the first fixed core upon energization of the coil, and the non-magnetic member is formed so that an inner peripheral surface of the non-magnetic member functions together with the inner peripheral surface of the second fixed core as a sliding surface along which the movable core is slidable. |
| US08109486B2 |
Chassis with rubber pads
A chassis includes a base body and a rubber pad. The base body includes a bottom plate and a side plate perpendicular to the bottom plate. A mounting portion is defined in a junction portion of the bottom plate and the side plate. The rubber pad includes a resisting portion and a clamping portion perpendicularly extending from the resisting portion. The rubber pad is detachably received in the mounting portion, with the resisting portion locking with the side plate and the clamping portion engaging with the bottom plate. |
| US08109478B2 |
Method and apparatus for stabilizing a standing infant
An apparatus for stabilizing, with respect to a grounded surface, an infant standing on a horizontal surface, the apparatus comprising: a grounded support structure configured for transmitting a ground force from the grounded surface; an outer support structure, operably coupled to the grounded support structure, configured for receiving the ground force and transmitting an outer support force; a connecting structure, disposed inside and operably coupled to the outer support structure, configured for receiving the outer support force and transmitting a connecting force; and an inner support structure, disposed inside and operably coupled to the connecting structure, configured for being disposed around the torso of the infant and for receiving the connecting force and transmitting a stabilizing force to the infant, there being no obstruction between the inner support structure and the horizontal surface. |
| US08109472B1 |
Collapsible structures with adjustable forms
Structures and methods are disclosed regarding deployable structures with expandable longerons adjustably coupled with supporting structures such that an angle between the supporting structures can be adjusted. Such structures can include and/or be used for solar arrays, bridges, support structures, and more. These structures can be easily transported to a new location and deployed from the stowed configuration into a larger functional structure. In some embodiments these structures can use one or more longerons that can have two resting states: deployed and rolled. |
| US08109471B2 |
Tubular shaped interstellar space craft
The invention relates to a plasma based aircraft possessing a magnetic field, and a plasma vortex. The craft is tubular in shape. The craft has a vast array of capacitors. The craft also has a proton accelerator, plasma guns, and diversion devices. The craft will approach the speed of light, over time. The craft obtains fuel direct from an atmosphere or a radiation induced atmosphere in space, at no cost, similar to our Moon's radiation induced atmosphere of the noble gases. The craft can travel to a gk star, for only the cost of construction of craft.The craft has three on-board escape, exploratory craft. The craft produces plasma vortices within an electromagnetic field. The field is an inhomogeneous, diamagnetic, orbiting plasma field, with a magnetohydrodynamic electrically conducting plasma current.The craft possesses approximately seven uninsulated, tungsten bands, encircling craft. |
| US08109468B2 |
Nacelle for aircraft comprising means of reversing thrust and aircraft comprising at least one such nacelle
Aircraft nacelle including a cowling and an engine, the cowling including a fixed portion and a mobile portion able to slide in order to define a radial opening with the mobile portion, a thrust reverser system including a plurality of flaps intended to be deployed in order to seal at least partially an annular channel surrounding the engine, the mobile portion of the cowling including an annular housing extending longitudinally in order to receive the flaps in rest position. Each flap is linked to the fixed portion by a pivot joint and is linked to the mobile portion by a sliding-pivot joint, in such a way that a sliding of the mobile portion in separating from the fixed portion provokes a rotation of each flap around the axis of rotation of the joint with the fixed portion. |
| US08109467B2 |
Thrust reverser assembly with shaped drag links
A thrust reverser blocker door assembly for use in turbofan engines includes an engine nacelle with an aft translating cowl that is movable from a stowed position to a deployed position. An engine case is disposed within the engine nacelle forming an airflow duct therebetween. A gap is uncovered when the translating cowl is moved into the deployed position, and a cascade vane set is positioned in the gap. A blocker door covers the cascade vane set while in the stowed position and blocks a portion of the airflow duct while in the deployed position. A geometrically shaped drag link is pivotally connected to the engine case at a first end and connected to the blocker door at a second end. While in the deployed position, the shape of the drag link provides clearance from the engine case. |
| US08109465B1 |
Electro-magnetic up-lock for retractable landing gear
An electro-magnetic landing gear up-lock includes at least one electro-magnet mounted to the aircraft structure positioned adjacent the landing gear trunion. When the at least one electro-magnet is energized, magnetically responsive material in the landing gear positioned adjacent to the electro-magnet is attracted to the electro-magnet with sufficient force to hold the landing gear in a retracted. De-energizing the electro-magnet causes the electro-magnet to release the landing gear to allow the landing gear to extend. |
| US08109464B2 |
Aircraft taxiing and secondary propulsion system
An on board secondary propulsion system for an aircraft provides the capability of taxiing the aircraft on the ground without using the main aircraft engine(s). The power system includes a small taxi engine mounted on or in the aircraft at a location suitable to provide a thrust sufficient only to taxi the aircraft. Such a suitable system may be provided as original equipment to an aircraft or retrofitted to existing aircraft. The on board secondary propulsion system, in addition to the taxiing function, can provide electrical power, an environmental control unit, power for the aircraft hydraulic system and an emergency power unit as desired. The system can also be used to supplement the main aircraft engines as necessary during takeoff and climb to further reduce fuel consumption, noise, engine emissions, maintenance costs and extend the life of the main aircraft engines, reduce the required takeoff distance of an aircraft when used in conjunction with the main engines and provide emergency glide support. |
| US08109459B2 |
Roller mill
A roller mill for grinding particulate material, such as cement raw materials, cement clinker and similar materials has a rotatable grinding table with a substantially vertical centerline and a number of rollers being configured for interactive operation with the grinding table and turning about separate roller shafts which are fixed to a rotatable center shaft with a substantially vertical centerline. The center shaft and the grinding table are fixed one to the rotor and the other to the stator of the same motor, which may have the capability of rotating both the grinding table and the center shaft. |
| US08109458B2 |
Rolling bearing
Described is a rolling bearing (1) for a rocker arm, said rolling bearing comprising an at least partly circular outer part (2), an at least partly circular inner part (3) and a number of rolling elements (5) which are fitted between the outer part (2) and the inner part (3). The rolling bearing is peculiar in that at least one of the rolling elements (5) comprises two opposite, curved side faces (6, 7), which viewed in at least one cross-sectional constitutes arc lengths of the same imaginary circle (10), and which constitutes contact faces for the outer and the inner circular part (2, 3) respectively, and at least one side surface (8, 9), which lies within the mentioned imaginary circle (10).It is hereby obtained that the number of rolling elements in the bearing can be increased, thereby reducing the load on each single rolling element subject to the same total load rate, thereby increasing the total load bearing capacity of the bearing. This is due to the fact that at least a part of the roller face of the traditional circular rollers which do not get into contact with the outer or inner part of the bearing through small reciprocating angular rotations is omitted thereby significantly reducing the space taken up by each of the rolling elements in the circumferential direction of the bearing. |
| US08109456B2 |
System to accelerate stabilization of drill cuttings
An integrated unit (1) for the treatment of drill cuttings, comprising one or more drill cutting inlets (2), one or more water inlets (4), one or more binder inlets (3) and one or more additive inlets (6). One or more measuring devices are arranged for measuring the composition of the drill cuttings furnished to the unit. One or more dosage units are arranged for furnishing the required amount of binder or additive respectively. The device further comprises a mixing (7) unit arranged for mixing the compounds and a first granulation unit (8) for milling, granulating, setting and hardening the mixture. The invention further describes a method for the treatment of drill cuttings and the use of an integrated unit on an off-shore drilling unit. |
| US08109454B2 |
Crusher, method for crushing material and method for controlling a crusher
A crusher comprising at least a first crushing blade and a second crushing blade which are arranged to be rotary, one of the crushing blades being also arranged to move back and forth along a substantially harmonic linear path, and the rotating axes of the first crushing blade and the second crushing blade being parallel with the linear direction of movement of the second crushing blade. The second crushing blade is adjusted to move substantially harmonically back and forth along a linear path. |
| US08109450B2 |
Connection structure for handheld showerhead
A handheld showerhead has a showerhead portion and a handle portion. The showerhead portion may include at least two fluid channels. The handle portion may be operatively associated with the shower portion. The handle portion may include at least one fluid inlet or fluid passage. A rigid internal shaft is used to reinforce the connection between a fluid conveyance structure in the showerhead portion, the handle portion, or both, and a water supply connector at least partially in the handle portion The handle portion may further include a movable mode selector. Movement of the mode selector may selectively place the fluid inlet or fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one of the two fluid channels in the showerhead portion. |
| US08109448B2 |
System and method for at-nozzle injection of agrochemicals
A system and method for combining an additive with a carrier fluid in a spray nozzle. The carrier fluid is fed to one or more nozzles that include an embedded Venturi. The Venturi includes an induction port connected to an additive supply. As the carrier fluid flows through the nozzle, the flow creates a vacuum or suction force that draws in the additive. Of particular advantage, the concentration of the additive combined with the carrier fluid can be maintained constant even if the flow rate of the carrier fluid varies. The system and process are particularly well suited for spraying fields, such as crop fields or orchards, with an agrochemical. |
| US08109447B2 |
Intrinsically safe valve for a combustion spray gun and a method of operation
A valve for a combustion spray gun. An apparatus includes a torsion element rotatable relative to a housing of the combustion spray gun to a charged position. The apparatus also includes a biasing element applying a force to the torsion element, which force urges the torsion element to move a valve core to an off position. The apparatus further includes an engagement mechanism configured to selectively engage and hold the torsion element in the charged position. |
| US08109444B2 |
Selectively switching antennas of transaction cards
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for selectively switching antennas of transaction cards. In some implementations, a method includes physically interfacing a card with a mobile host device including a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The card executes wireless financial transactions independent of the mobile host device. User credentials used to execute financial transactions with retail terminals are stored. Information is presented through the GUI of the mobile host device. An antenna of the card is selectively switched between an activate state and an inactive state in response to at least an event. |
| US08109441B2 |
System and method for encoding and decoding data and references to data in machine-readable graphical codes
A system for decoding machine-readable graphical codes is provided. The system includes a graphical code reading device configured to read a graphical code and generate reference encoded source data. The reference encoded source data includes a first reference identifier and a second portion. The system also includes a computing device in electronic communication with the graphical code reading device. The computing device also includes a reference decoder configured to effect conversion of the reference encoded source data into source data. The source data includes first affiliated data in place of the first reference identifier. The first affiliated data may be longer in length than the first reference identifier. The source data also includes the second portion. The computing device also includes a software application configured to use the source data. |
| US08109440B2 |
System and method for calibrating an optical reader system
A method and system for calibrating optical reader systems employs a target with areas comprising linear gray scale levels. The gray scale levels include the darkest and the lightest scenes. The gray scale levels are illuminated by an array of LEDs and the light reflected from target impacts photo-transistors. The photo-transistors are biased in their linear ranges and the target is scanned while the LED drive current is changed. The photo-transistor responses to the different gray scale levels at the different LED drive currents are analyzed, and the LED rive current that produces a linear output from the photo-transistors over the gray scale dynamic range is selected. Several video channels may be used and their offsets and gains are normalized. Black offsets and black to white gain correction functions are generated for balancing or correcting each pixel. The correction functions may be applied by a processor for later raw image data of scenes scanned by the optical reader. |
| US08109432B2 |
Method for attachment of solder powder to electronic circuit board and solder-attached electronic circuit board
A method for the attachment of solder powder includes the steps of treating an exposed metallic surface of an electronic circuit board with a tackifier compound, thereby imparting tackiness thereto to form a tackified part, attaching solder powder by a dry or wet process to the tackified part, and then removing excessively adhering solder powder in a liquid that is water, deoxidized water or deoxidized water added with an antirust. |
| US08109429B2 |
Welding station framing apparatus with breakaway provision
A motor vehicle car body framing apparatus for use at a welding station, the apparatus including a gate having a frame structure and a plurality of tooling members carried by the frame structure for use in positioning components of the vehicle body at the welding station for welding. The tooling members are mounted on the frame structure by a plurality of mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket includes a base member mounted on the frame structure and a riser mounted on the base and mounting a respective tooling member. The riser is fixedly mounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt which may include a reduced diameter portion sized to break away in response to predetermined impact against the riser. Each mounting bracket further includes means defining a triangulated mounting interface between the base and the riser arranged in concentric relation to the fastener bolt. The triangulated mounting interface may comprise a raised ring surface on one of the base and the riser centered on the axis of the fastener bolt and positioned at the mounting interface of the base and the riser. Each mounting bracket further includes two dowels received in aligned apertures in the base and in the riser at locations flanking the axis of the fastener bolt. |
| US08109428B2 |
Method of and apparatus for splicing metal strips
A method of splicing a trailing end of a downstream metal strip to the leading end of an upstream metal strip. The method has the steps of overlapping the leading end of the upstream strip with the trailing end of the downstream strip, and thereafter friction welding the overlapping ends together at a plurality of spots at which respective spot welds are thereby formed. |
| US08109425B2 |
Shooting mode switch control mechanism for nail gun
A shooting mode switch control mechanism used in a nail gun is disclosed to include a trigger, a lever function stop member pivotally mounted in the trigger, a spring member stopped against the stop member and a switch pivotally mounted in the trigger. The spring member and the switch are arranged at two sides relative to the pivoted area of the stop member so that when the switch is in the single-shooting position and the trigger is released, the second end portion of the stop member is forced by the spring member into the moving path of the safety bar and pushable by the safety bar for enabling the stop member to activate the air-valve switch once each time the trigger is pressed. When the switch is in the continuous-shooting position, the first end portion of the stop member is stopped against the switch for enabling the second end portion of the stop member to be continuously pushed by the safety bar to activate the air-valve switch continuously. By using the stop member to match with the left-sided switch and the right-sided spring member for controlling the biasing angle of the stop member, one single spring member can provide the necessary power for returning the stop member and the trigger, and therefore the invention has a compact structure characteristic. |
| US08109424B2 |
Tray apparatus
A tray apparatus may include a housing, a tray slidably accommodated in the housing to be opened or closed, a rotary lock pivotally coupled to the housing at a hinge portion of the rotary lock and locking the tray to the housing when external shock is applied to the tray beyond a predetermined value, wherein a center of gravity of the rotary lock is positioned above the hinge portion, and a holding unit for holding the rotary lock in a normal state so that the rotary lock maintains an original position thereof. |
| US08109423B2 |
Quick-connect structure for bicycle saddle
The invention is directed to a quick-connect structure for a bicycle saddle, particularly for removably mounting an accessory, such as a tool kit or the like, to the saddle. The saddle has at least one load-bearing body to be attached to a bicycle frame. The quick-connect structure comprises at least one male member that may be snap-fitted in a corresponding female member. The male member and the female member are associated either to the saddle or to the accessory. Preferably, one of the male member and the female member is integrally and monolithically formed in the body of the saddle. |
| US08109417B2 |
Garment washing device with removable form
A bra-washing device includes a shell and a divider removably insertable into the shell. The divider keeps one cup of the bra in one location of the shell and the other cup of the bra in another location of the shell. A system for washing garments includes a shell and two or more inserts each interchangeably coupleable to the shell. Each insert includes a three-dimensional form that is different from the three-dimensional form(s) of the other inserts. The openings in the shell may be sized to inhibit a bra strap from extending through the shell through the openings. A device may have buoyancy such that substantially all of the garment is maintained below the surface of water in a washing machine when the device and the garment are placed in the washing machine. |
| US08109413B2 |
Supply line connector for a bar gun assembly
A bar gun assembly for receiving a multiplicity of fluid carrying tubes carrying a multiplicity of fluids, for example, flavored syrup and soda water, therein. The bar gun assembly has a handle having a handle body. The handle body is a multiplicity of ports and fluid channels therein. A supply line connector assembly engages the supply lines and the handle body. A backing plate assembly engages openings in the fluid chambers of the handle body to seal fluid therein. A nozzle assembly engages at least some of the fluid channels in the handle. |
| US08109412B2 |
Dispensing nozzle for a dispenser of fluid product
A dispenser head (1) for associating with a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, so as to form a fluid dispenser, the head including a connection sleeve (11) for connecting to an outlet (31) of the dispenser member, the sleeve (11) being connected to a fluid dispenser orifice (13, 13′) via an internal channel (12), the head being characterized in that it further includes a fluid collection dish (14) for collecting the fluid at the outlet from the dispenser orifice, the dish defining a bottom (141) that is situated below the dispenser orifice under normal conditions of use of the head, such that the fluid drops by gravity into the dish. |
| US08109411B2 |
Electric soap dispenser
An electric soap dispenser that includes sensors for detecting the presence of an object. The dispenser can be configured to dispense an amount of liquid soap, for example, upon detecting the presence of an object. The dispenser can include various features for enhancing the performance thereof. For example, the dispenser can include an additional button for manual operation of the pump. Additionally, the dispenser can detect the voltage of a power supply and compensate for a drop in voltage of the power supply so as to produce more uniform dispensations of the liquid product. Additionally, the dispenser can include a valve at its discharge end to prevent drips. |
| US08109409B1 |
Garbage can deodorizer
The present application is directed to a deodorizer that comprises a package comprised of a porous compostable material and a crushable compostable material within the package that releases a deodorant when crushed. The application further describes a deodorizer assembly comprising an attachment assembly for removably attaching a deodorizer to the interior of a garbage container. The application also discloses a deodorizer assembly comprising a garbage can liner and a crushable compostable material that releases a deodorant when crushed. |
| US08109407B2 |
Apparatus for storing substrates
An apparatus includes an enclosure and a door configured to seal the enclosure. The door includes a plate. A rotational apparatus is disposed over the plate. At least one first member with a first arm extends from a first rib of the first member. At least one second member with a second arm extends from a second rib of the second member. The first and second arms are connected to the rotational apparatus. At least one corner member has a first edge. The first edge has a shape corresponding to a shape of a corner of the frame. The corner member is connected to a first end of the third arm. A second end of the third arm is connected to the rotational apparatus. A sealing material is disposed along a first longitudinal side of the first rib and a second longitudinal side of the second rib. |
| US08109394B1 |
Construction template
A construction template mounted on a mobile platform. The template is useful in the assembly of racks made for storing barrels, typically barrels of distilled spirits in a warehouse. Beams that will be joined to form a rack are placed alongside upright positioning elements of the construction template. Beams are placed horizontally held by tabs on the construction template. Then the upright and horizontal beams are joined to form a rack assembly that is lifted and moved off the platform. |
| US08109393B2 |
Holder and modular stacking system for safely storing and/or transporting frameless PV modules or other flat, cuboidal bodies
The invention relates to a holder for safely storing and/or transporting frameless PV modules or other flat, cuboidal bodies, the size of which is defined by three sides and the thickness of which is defined by the shortest one of the three sides, wherein the holder comprises a base body made from a first material, which base body has a first and second side wall, at least one first and second support element and at least one first and second securing element, and further comprises a buffer structure made from a second material which is softer with respect to the first material and has an adhering effect. |
| US08109390B2 |
Wafer container with overlapping wall structure
Improvements in a semiconductor wafer container including improvements in side protection to the wafers, improved cover design to minimize rotation, a simplified top cover orientation mechanism and an improved bottom holding mechanism for automation. The side protection to the wafers is with multiple staggered inner and outer walls. The improved cover design improves alignment of the top and bottom housings and minimizes rotation of the housings in transit or motion. The housings have a recessed tab ramp feature with bi-directional locking that also increases the rigidity of the containment device when the two housings are assembled. The improved bottom holding mechanism for automation is an integrated feature that is molded into the bottom housing and not assembled in a secondary operation. The molded integration reduces tolerance errors that are present in assembling multiple pieces and joining multiple pieces. |
| US08109389B1 |
Shipping container assembly for electrical storage cells
A shipping container for electrical storage cells includes a box and a plurality of tray elements adapted to be received in the box. The box defines an interior space having an inner periphery and a height. Each tray element has an outer periphery that substantially conforms to the inner periphery of the interior space of the box, and each tray element has at least one upwardly facing recess that substantially conforms to the shape an individual electrical storage cell. |
| US08109388B2 |
Security packaging
A security packaging provides multi-layer laminate structure for providing evidence of package tampering. The packaging may include a first panel having an opening therein in planar contact with an insert member and a film layer. The film layer may include a pattern layer that may be adhered to the film layer via an adhesion layer. A second adhesion layer may be placed onto the pattern layer to adhere the pattern layer to the insert member. |
| US08109387B2 |
Device for applying flowable substances
A device for applying a liquid, pasty or other flowable substance includes a pack with a receiving section comprising a wet portion for receiving the substance and a closure section defining a dry portion. The closure section is separated from the receiving section by a tear line. The wet portion is separated from the dry portion by means of a separation element comprising an orifice closed off by a closure element which is releasable from the separation element after tearing open the pack along the tear line. |
| US08109385B2 |
Nutritive substance delivery container
The present invention is directed to a container for delivering a nutritive substance. In an embodiment, the present invention comprises a container that protects a nutritive substance from contact with the contents of the container and from contact with the atmosphere until the consumer is ready to use or consume the product. When desired, a seal on the container is altered such that the nutritive substance can come into contact with the container contents, delivering the nutritive substance thereto. |
| US08109384B2 |
Conveyor and method for spacing packages
A spacing conveyor having article-accelerating rollers and selectively retractable stops to control the gaps between consecutive conveyed packages. A sensor measures the length of a package being fed onto the spacing conveyor. A controller selectively actuates one or more actuators positioned along the length of the conveyor to move selected stops advancing with the conveyor from a retracted position to a blocking position to receive packages a variety of sizes and to control the gaps between consecutive packages. |
| US08109383B1 |
Magnetic assembly for loading and conveying ferrous metal articles
An assembly for loading and conveying ferrous metal articles including a magnet having north and south poles, an axis between the north and south poles, the poles forming an annular belt support; a powered conveyor belt extending over the belt support for rotating the magnet, the magnet being segmented along the polar axis, a first polar axis segment being a magnet mounting plate, a plurality of second polar axis segments being sub-magnets, each such sub-magnet overlying or underlying the magnet mounting plate having north and south poles, and having a polar axis, and a third polar axis segment being a sheath extending annularly about the magnet's first and second polar axis segments, the sheath having a radially outer surface forming the magnet's annular belt support. |
| US08109379B2 |
Coin deposit and dispensing apparatus
A coin dispensing apparatus has a cabinet housing the apparatus. The apparatus has a controller and at least one dispenser for dispensing coins. The apparatus is for dispensing a specific composition of coins, under control by the controller, from the at least one dispenser to a portable coin receptacle. A closeable dispense space is arranged within the cabinet. The closeable dispense space has an open state which permits reception of the portable coin receptacle to be filled, and a closed state which permits dispensing of the specific composition of coins from the at least one dispenser into the portable coin receptacle while shielding the closeable dispense space from user access during the dispensing. |
| US08109377B2 |
Clutch device
In a clutch device wherein a plurality of clutch plates are relatively non-rotatably engaged with a clutch outer, a plurality of clutch disks disposed alternately with the clutch plates are relatively non-rotatably engaged with a clutch inner, and an end plate disposed so that the clutch plates and the clutch disks are disposed between itself and a piston slidably fitted in the clutch outer is relatively non-rotatably and axially movably supported on the clutch outer in the manner of being restricted in movement toward one end side in the axial direction, to prevent the clutch inner from coming out of position at the time of assembling the clutch device into position, thereby to enhance workability in the assembling operation, and to prevent the clutch inner from generating a collision sound by colliding against other member than the component members of the clutch device when the clutch is disengaged. |
| US08109375B2 |
Clutch systems and methods
Some embodiments of a clutch system may an output member and an input member can be biased to engage one another along opposing clutch surfaces. When input member drives rotation of the output member and a fan blade device secured thereto, the resulting fan thrust provides supplemental engagement to the opposing clutch surfaces. |
| US08109374B2 |
Production method for coned disk spring and clutch unit
A production method for coned disk springs includes: preparing a plate member; punching plural annular blanks from the plate member by pressing; and forming the blanks into coned disk springs. In the pressing, plural slits are formed at one of a peripheral portion and an inner peripheral portion of at least one of the blanks, and a smaller outer diameter blank among the blanks is punched from an inner region of a larger outer diameter blank among the blanks. |
| US08109369B2 |
Method of optimizing the weight of a counterweight of an elevator system and elevator system with a counterweight of that kind
An elevator system includes a car with an empty weight MK, which car can move a rated load MLmax, a counterweight, which is coupled with the car by a support device so that it rises when the car lowers and lowers when the car rises, as well as a drive device which can apply a maximum traction force MFmax to the support means. According to the present invention the drive device is selected in such a manner that the maximum traction force MFmax is at least greater than half the rated load MLmax (MFmax>0.5×MLmax) and the weight MG of the counterweight is optimized in such a manner that it is substantially equal to the empty weight MK and the difference between the rated load MLmax of the car and the maximum traction force MFmax of the selected drive device (MG≈MK+(MLmax−MFmax)). |
| US08109368B2 |
Elevator disaster rescue operation system
According to one embodiment, there is provided an elevator rescue operation system to be used in a building in which a plurality of elevators are installed in parallel. The system includes a disaster detection unit configured to detect, when a disaster has occurred in the building, an occurrence site of the disaster, a zone setting unit configured to set a plurality of zones to which all the elevators are caused to respond on the basis of the disaster occurrence site detected by the disaster detection unit, and a rescue operation unit configured to individually cause an elevator to respond to floors in each zone set by the zone setting unit, the elevator being corresponding to the zone, thereby carrying out a through-car operation up to a refuge floor. |
| US08109365B2 |
Engine supercharger lubricating apparatus
An engine supercharger lubricating apparatus is provided with an oil passage, a pump and an air introducing passage. The oil passage is configured and arranged to supply a lubricating oil to a supercharger of an engine and to return the lubricating oil from the supercharger to an oil pan. The pump is arranged in the oil passage at a location downstream of the supercharger for pumping the lubricating oil from the supercharger to the oil pan. The air introducing passage is arranged to introduce air into the oil passage at a location downstream of the supercharger and upstream of the pump. |
| US08109361B2 |
Solid-borne sound reducing structure
It is an object of the present invention to provide a solid-borne sound reducing structure which is able to reduce solid-borne sound with a simple configuration, highly durable, and being less degraded.There is provided a solid-borne sound reducing structure (100) in which a surface plate part (1) including a gas ventilating part (1a) which allows gas to pass through along a thickness direction is disposed by means of an outer peripheral wall part (2) on a structure (200) that radiates noise while vibrating, so as to at least partially cover a surface (200a) of the structure (200). The surface plate part (1) is supported by the outer peripheral wall part (2) so as to be integrally vibrated with the surface (200a) of the structure (200). In addition, the outer peripheral wall part (2) supports the surface plate part (1) in such a manner that an internal gas chamber is formed between the surface (200a) of the structure (200) and the surface plate part (1). |
| US08109360B2 |
Method and apparatus for a loudspeaker assembly
A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method is provided for mounting a loudspeaker driver in a loudspeaker driver aperture defined in a ground plane and installing a grille in relation to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases as the distance from the loudspeaker driver increases. In accordance with at least one embodiment, apparatus is provided comprising a ground plane, a loudspeaker driver mounted in a loudspeaker driver aperture of the ground plane, and a grille positioned relative to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases with increasing distance from the loudspeaker driver. The loudspeaker assembly can be used to replace ceiling tiles having any size or configuration, and can also me mounted in other surfaces, such as ceiling walls, floors, table tops, etc. made of drywall, hard decking, wood, stone, cement, glass, or any other material or type of construction, or configured in a stand-alone loudspeaker frame or cabinet. The loudspeaker assembly of the present invention can be mounted in any orientation. |
| US08109354B2 |
Oxyhydrogen vehicle
An oxyhydrogen vehicle includes an oxyhydrogen generating unit for electrolytically converting an electrolyte into oxyhydrogen gas, a combustible fuel supply unit for storing combustible fuel, an engine unit coupled to the oxyhydrogen generating unit and the combustible fuel supply unit, and an electric power supply system electrically connected to the oxyhydrogen generating unit for providing electric power thereto. The electric power supply system includes: a storage battery; an alternator driven by the engine unit to generate an electrical output, and electrically connected to the storage battery; a current controller electrically connecting the storage battery and the alternator to the oxyhydrogen generating unit for controlling electric current flow to the oxyhydrogen generating unit; and an auxiliary electricity generating unit electrically connected to the storage battery, and driven by renewable energy resources so as to generate an electrical output for charging the storage battery. |
| US08109353B2 |
Transport system incorporating linear motor charged electric vehicle
A system and method are provided for moving a vehicle along a roadway. The system includes at least one power segment that incorporates a multiple-phase winding. Structurally, the winding is embedded into the roadway for interaction with a magnet system mounted on the vehicle. With this interaction, a Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) is established between the roadway and the vehicle to drive movement of the vehicle along the roadway. Also, the vehicle includes a mechanism for initially synchronizing a waveform speed of the multiple-phase winding with the speed of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle is able to selectively establish the LSM for use when desired. |
| US08109351B2 |
Multi-link bridge in undercarriage system
The present invention employs a multi-link to an excavator for the first, and restricts a relative movement of the center frame (10) and the roller frame (20) using a multi-link bridge (30) in relation to an undercarriage system of vehicle body structures of the excavator. According to the present invention, in an undercarriage system in which the center frame 10 and the roller frame 20 are independently from each other, a plurality of links is added to rotate up and down by a predetermined angle in a vertical direction and a longitudinal direction of the roller frame (20) and thus the overturning can be prevented and also operator's feeling of riding can be enhanced by preventing an inclination of the center frame (10) due to condition of an uneven road surface, and a service life of the track can be increased as the partial wear is prevented. |
| US08109349B2 |
Thick pointed superhard material
In one aspect of the invention, a high impact resistant tool includes a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The superhard material has a substantially pointed geometry with a sharp apex having a radius of curvature of 0.050 to 0.125 inches. The superhard material also has a thickness of 0.100 to 0.500 inches thickness from the apex to a central region of the cemented metal carbide substrate. |
| US08109340B2 |
High-pressure/high temperature packer seal
A packer device includes an elastomeric packer element which is seated upon an inner sleeve that surrounds a central inner mandrel. The inner sleeve and the inner mandrel are oriented at an angle of departure with respect to the central axis of the tool, thereby providing a ramp assembly which helps to set the packer device. An anchor ring and a retaining ring are located on opposite axial sides of the packer element and contact the surrounding tubular member. |
| US08109337B2 |
Alignment of BOP stack to facilitate use of a rotating control device
An alignment system can include at least one alignment device positioned between two flanges, the alignment device having a greater thickness on one side of the alignment device than on an opposite side of the alignment device. A method of producing a relative angular offset between a first flange and a second flange can include positioning at least one alignment device between the first and second flanges, and securing the alignment device between the first and second flanges, thereby producing the angular offset. A method of aligning an axis of a blowout preventer stack with a rig floor can include positioning at least one alignment device between a first flange, and a second flange of the blowout preventer stack; and securing the alignment device between the first and second flanges, thereby producing an angular offset of the second flange relative to the first flange. |
| US08109336B2 |
Method of fracturing using ultra lightweight proppant suspensions and gaseous streams
In a method of hydraulically fracturing a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation, a proppant stage is introduced into the fracture which contains a gaseous fluid and an ultra lightweight proppant suspended in a viscosified aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the proppant stage contains at least about 90 volume percent of the combination of gaseous fluid and aqueous fluid. A pad fluid may first be introduced into the formation, the pad fluid containing a gaseous fluid and, optionally, an aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the pad fluid mixture typically contains at least 70 volume percent of the mixture. |
| US08109335B2 |
Degradable diverting agents and associated methods
Methods and compositions that include a method comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising at least a plurality of degradable diverting agents that comprise at least one degradable material selected from the group consisting of a fatty alcohol, a fatty acid salt, a fatty ester, a proteinous material, and a combination thereof; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation during a subterranean operation via a well bore. |
| US08109333B2 |
Indicator and method
An indicator comprising a band having a first radial dimension; one or more protectors having a greater radial dimension and disposed sufficiently proximate the band to substantially avoid wear of the band during running of the indicator and method. |
| US08109332B2 |
Method of optimizing production of a well
A sensor used to determine the height of one or more fluids in a fluid column and to determine a location of an interface or boundary between a plurality of fluids in a fluid column is disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements comprising a capacitor and other components, such as resistors and inductors. The sensor also includes an oscillator that alters a frequency of an electrical current applied to the sensor, from which the dielectric constant of the fluid in which each sensing element is disposed can be determined. Methods of using such a sensor to determine the relative heights of various fluids in a fluid column are disclosed. In particular, methods of using embodiments of the invention in a well, such as water and petroleum wells, are described. |
| US08109330B1 |
Inline choke and angled choke for use with oil field equipment
An angled or inline choke for flowing drilling fluid to a choke and kill manifold, wherein the choke has a body with a bore, a connection can be sealed to the body and can have a connection bore in communication with the bore. A locking plate can index the connection to the body. The choke can have a cavity with a piston. A port can be in communication with the cavity to provide a hydraulic fluid to the piston. A choke bean in the bore can flow drilling fluid to the choke and kill manifold. A tip can connect to the choke bean with a rod. When the hydraulic fluid passes into the port, the piston can move within the bore and compress a choke element around the tip to cause restriction of the drilling fluid, enabling for control of a pressure of the drilling fluid. |
| US08109328B2 |
Fluid temperature control device
A fluid temperature control device, which is particularly suitably applied to the temperature control of a processing liquid in a semiconductor device manufacturing process, capable of performing quickly and precisely the temperature control of a temperature-controlled fluid, and the device can also be made as small as possible. This fluid temperature control device includes a body block having flow passage grooves formed therein; heat transfer plates which are disposed on surfaces of the body block to form flow passages where a temperature-controlled fluid flows; heaters which heat the temperature-controlled fluid flowing through the flow passages via at least one of the heat transfer plates; and thermoelectric modules which heat and cool the temperature-controlled fluid flowing through the flow passages via at least one of the heat transfer plates. |
| US08109319B2 |
Molding process and the resulting mold
A molding process which comprises mixing together a particulate aggregate, plural kinds of water-soluble binders, a crosslinking agent causing crosslinking reaction with the binders, a phenol resin, and water, agitating the obtained mixture to prepare a bubbled fluid aggregate mixture, filling the aggregate mixture into a molding cavity, and solidifying the aggregate mixture through the evaporation of water from the mixture to give a mold made from the mixture. |
| US08109313B2 |
Corner bead roller tool
A wallboard finishing roller having an elongated bracket with two ends is provided. Two roller assemblies are attached to the bracket such that the first roller assembly includes a center axis that is perpendicular to a center axis of the second roller assembly. Each roller assembly includes a wheel, a bushing and a shaft such that the wheel is rotatable around the axis of the shaft. The roller assembly is affixed to the bracket by a bracket nut, which is held in place by a bumper. |
| US08109312B2 |
Tire patch applicator
Methods and apparatus for applying a patch to an interior surface of a tire, the apparatus comprising a patch holder having the top surface shaped to a contour of the interior surface of the tire, the patch holder comprising a patch receptacle and a plurality of orifices extending there through in fluid communication with a vacuum source, and, an adhesive barrier surrounding the patch receptacle. The steps of a method include placing a patch into a patch receptacle in a tire patch holder, the patch holder having the top surface shaped to a contour of the interior tire surface, directing the patch holder to obliquely contact the interior surface of the tire, and, pressing the patch into substantial adhesive contact with the interior tire surface. |
| US08109309B2 |
Tire with seats of unequal diameters and reverse axial offset in an inflated state
A tire is provided that includes a crown with a mid-plane S, two sidewalls, a first bead, of diameter Φ1, intended to be positioned on the outboard side of a vehicle, and a second bead, of diameter Φ2, intended to be positioned on the inboard side of a vehicle, such that Φ1>Φ2. When the tire is mounted on its working rim and inflated to its nominal pressure, the mid-plane S of the crown is axially offset towards the first bead relative to a mid-plane B of the beads by a positive or zero distance D. |
| US08109307B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having protrusions on bottom of grooves
A pneumatic tire includes a plurality of protrusions on a bottom of each of the grooves. The height of the protrusion is variable in a profile of the protrusion in a circumference direction of the pneumatic. The protrusion has at least one peak portion that protrudes away from a center of the pneumatic tire. The pneumatic tire further includes a connection member between the protrusion and an adjacent one of the lands, the connection member having a first end toward the land and a second end toward the peak portion, a height of the first end from the bottom of the groove being larger than that of the second end. |
| US08109303B1 |
Stump grinder having an automatic depth control system
An automatic depth controlled cutting assembly for a stump grinder includes a cutting assembly operatively attached to a stump grinder for engaging and grinding a stump, an actuating assembly to actuate movement of the cutting assembly relative to the stump, and an automatic depth control system cooperating with the actuating assembly to automatically control a depth of the cutting assembly relative to the stump. |
| US08109302B2 |
System and method for trimming wood blocks
There is disclosed a system, apparatus and method for preparing wood blocks. The embodiments disclosed may comprise paddle designs, trimming unit designs and methods, scanner unit designs and methods, for use in the trimming of wood blocks. The blocks may be used for finger jointing. |
| US08109299B2 |
Filling valve having a liquid chamber, a gas chamber and a medium chamber, and filling machine comprising the same
A filling valve (12) including: a hollow housing (21); a moving valve assembly (24) slidingly mounted in the housing (21), the moving valve assembly (24) and the hollow housing (21) together defining a liquid chamber (30) and a gas chamber (32); a liquid inlet (46) for putting the liquid chamber (30) into communication with a liquid supply pipe (14); a gas inlet (47) for putting the gas chamber (32) into communication with a gas supply pipe (17); wherein the hollow housing (21) and the moving valve assembly (24) together define a medium chamber the (33) located between the liquid chamber (30) and the gas chamber (32), and wherein the filling valve (12) further comprises: a first diaphragm (35) linking the valve assembly (24) to the housing (21) between the liquid chamber (30) and the medium chamber (33), and a second diaphragm (36) linking the valve assembly (24) to the housing (21) between the gas chamber (32) and the medium chamber (33). |
| US08109297B2 |
Valve arrangement for use with a water meter
Valve arrangements for use with a water meter include a first valve comprising a first valve housing, a first inlet, and a first outlet, the first inlet and the first outlet of the first valve being oriented substantially perpendicular to one another, a second valve comprising a second valve housing, a second inlet, and a second outlet, the second inlet and the second outlet of the second valve being oriented substantially perpendicular to one another; the first inlet of the first valve and the second outlet of the second valve being substantially coaxial with one another, and the first outlet of the first valve and the second inlet of the second valve being oriented substantially 180° apart from one another, with the first valve housing and the second valve housing being joined together by a connection member. The valve arrangement may also be provided as a kit of parts with a set of pipeline attachment members. |
| US08109294B2 |
Valve cartridge with integral stop
A one-handle valve cartridge has a housing that functions as a stop for an actuating mechanism of the valve cartridge to define a range of flow rates and/or temperatures for which the water flowing through the valve cartridge is delivered. |
| US08109291B2 |
Arrangement for conveying concrete with a height-adjustable concrete distributing mast
The invention relates to an arrangement for conveying concrete for the construction of multi-storey concrete buildings. The arrangement comprises a concrete-distributing mast which is height-adjustable on completed parts of the building, for example on storey floors (48′, 48″, 48′″), the mast comprising a supporting column (10), a rotary unit (12) and an arm assembly (14) preferably designed as an articulated boom, and the mast being equipped with a conveying line (16) which is guided over the height of the supporting column (10) to the arm assembly (14) and which is supplied with liquid concrete. To facilitate the handling of the concrete-distributing mast during transportation and during the climbing operation, the invention proposes that the supporting column (10) has at least one channel-shaped surface depression (36, 38) extending in the longitudinal direction of the column, in which depression can be sunk that part of the conveying line (16) which extends over the supporting column (10), and/or an elongate part of the climbing apparatus (52). |
| US08109289B2 |
System and method for decentralized balancing of hydronic networks
A method includes associating a plurality of valve balancing units with a plurality of valves in a hydronic network. The method also includes adjusting a setting of at least one of the valves using at least one of the valve balancing units to balance the hydronic network. Adjusting the setting could include identifying a differential pressure across a valve and a flow rate of material through that valve. Adjusting the setting could also include comparing the identified differential pressure to a target differential pressure and/or the identified flow rate to a target flow rate. Adjusting the setting could further include instructing an actuator to adjust the setting until the identified differential pressure is within a first threshold of the target differential pressure and/or the identified flow rate is within a second threshold of the target flow rate. |
| US08109286B2 |
Fuel tank including movable or deformable fuel chamber and waste chamber
In a fuel tank for containing a hydrogen storing material and a product generated by dehydrogenation reaction of the hydrogen storing material, comprising, a fuel chamber for containing the hydrogen storing material, a waste chamber for containing the product, and a tank envelope for containing the fuel chamber and the waste chamber, the fuel tank further comprises a partition wall fluidly separating the fuel chamber and the waste chamber from each other and being movable to change a ratio in volume between the fuel chamber and the waste chamber, and each of the fuel chamber and the waste chamber has a valve to be hermetically closed. |
| US08109280B2 |
Cosmetic product compact having pivoting sections
A device such as a compact or product container includes a plurality of stacked sections or housings, which are pivotable with respect to each other. The sections are substantially aligned with each other when the device is in a closed position, and when pivoted with respect to each other, the device is opened to allow access to compartments or reservoirs of the different sections. According to an example, a lower housing or section can include a projection which is received in a groove formed in the adjacent section and a depth of the groove can change from a first end of the groove to a second end of the groove to thereby change and vary the resistance felt by the user. |
| US08109276B2 |
Device, assembly and method for filtering tobacco smoke from a cigarette
The invention relates to a device for filtering tobacco smoke from a cigarette, in particular a filter cigarette, the device comprising a portable housing provided with a combustion space in which the cigarette can burn, a filter unit for filtering the tobacco smoke of a burning cigarette, at least one discharge opening for discharging filtered tobacco smoke and one or more tobacco smoke displacing units for displacing the tobacco smoke via the filter unit to the discharge opening, wherein a mouthpiece is formed on the housing, the mouthpiece comprising a holding unit for holding the cigarette, wherein the holding unit comprises an opening along which the cigarette can be pushed partially into the housing from outside the housing, and the opening is formed to hold the cigarette clampingly in the partially inserted situation. |
| US08109267B2 |
Simple inhaler
A dry powder inhaler for pulmonary or nasal use, comprising at least an inhaler body and a cartridge with one or more compartments each containing one dose of a drug. The compartment has holes to admit air and holes to deliver powder, which, in use, communicate with an inhalation channel in the inhaler body. To prevent the powder from leaking through the compartment holes before use, the air admission holes are of reduced dimension, thereby blocking or hindering powder exit under the force of gravity. When the cartridge is inserted inside the inhaler body, all its holes can be blocked. By sliding the cartridge in relation to the body until the inhalation position is reached, the holes come into in fluid communication with one another and with the inhalation channel, thereby allowing a flow of air to disperse and entrain the dose through the mouthpiece. Five embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08109265B1 |
Suction-recirculation device for stabilizing particle flows within a solar powered solid particle receiver
A suction-recirculation device for stabilizing the flow of a curtain of blackened heat absorption particles falling inside of a solar receiver with an open aperture. The curtain of particles absorbs the concentrated heat from a solar mirror array reflected up to the receiver on a solar power tower. External winds entering the receiver at an oblique angle can destabilize the particle curtain and eject particles. A fan and ductwork is located behind the back wall of the receiver and sucks air out through an array of small holes in the back wall. Any entrained particles are separated out by a conventional cyclone device. Then, the air is recirculated back to the top of the receiver by injecting the recycled air through an array of small holes in the receiver's ceiling and upper aperture front wall. Since internal air is recirculated, heat losses are minimized and high receiver efficiency is maintained. Suction-recirculation velocities in the range of 1-5 m/s are sufficient to stabilize the particle curtain against external wind speeds in excess of 10 m/s. |
| US08109262B2 |
Aging apparatus for aging an artificial stone
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for aging a stone, preferably an artificial stone. The aging device comprises a rotary support operatively connected to a rotary shaft, at least one abrasive tool mounted to the rotary support for roughing and/or polishing a surface of the artificial stone when the rotary support is brought into functional contact with said surface, and biasing means that biasingly connect the abrasive tool to the rotary support. The biasing means urge the abrasive tool away from the rotary support while allowing the same to move toward the rotary support when the rotary support is brought into functional contact with the surface of the artificial stone, thereby allowing the abrasive tool to follow a surface profile of the artificial stone while roughing and/or polishing its surface. |
| US08109261B2 |
Archery string nock
A speed nock for use with an archery bow includes a first enlarged portion and a second enlarged portion connected via a central portion. The central portion has a maximum dimension smaller than maximum dimensions of the first and second enlarged portions. The central portion is positioned between strands of a bowstring of the bow so that the strands pinch the central portion, at least assisting in holding the speed nock in place along the bowstring. The speed nock can be moved along the bowstring to a selected location that maximizes energy imparted to an arrow shot from the archery bow, and thus the speed of the arrow. A related method of using the speed nock above is also provided. |
| US08109260B2 |
Toy gun
A bolt has a cylindrical fit receiving portion. When the bolt slides forward, the rear part of a valve body enters the fit receiving portion. At a closed end opposed to its opening behind the fit receiving portion, a cylindrical body is provided. The cylindrical body lets the interior of the bolt and the exterior of the bolt communicate with each other. The shank of an opening/closing body is slidably placed in the cylindrical body. This opening/closing body has an lid portion at the end of the shank on the fit receiving portion side and a coming-off preventing portion at the outside end of the shank. An opening/closing body spring is placed between the closed end of the bolt and the lid portion and pushes the lid portion toward the fit receiving portion. |
| US08109259B2 |
Positive-pressure crankcase ventilation
A method for combusting a vapor of a fuel accumulated in a crankcase of an engine, the engine disposed in a vehicle having a fuel tank and an adsorbent canister coupled to the fuel tank. The method comprises flowing compressed air from a first air source through the crankcase to yield a crankcase effluent enriched in gasses leaked from the combustion chamber, which include the fuel vapor. The method further comprises combining the crankcase effluent with an effluent from the adsorbent canister, also enriched in the vapor, and, flowing the combined crankcase and adsorbent-canister effluent to an intake of the engine via a conduit. |
| US08109258B2 |
Method of diagnosing a slow EGR system in an internal combustion engine
There is disclosed a method for diagnosing slow EGR response in an internal combustion engine equipped with an electronic controller with memory. In one embodiment, the method includes passing an EGR setpoint value and an actual EGR value through first order filters to eliminate high frequency noise; determining an actual EGR gradient as a function of any difference between the EGR set point and the actual EGR value while simultaneously determining an actual EGR gradient; and logging a fault in the electronic controller if the expected EGR gradient is greater than the actual EGR gradient by a predetermined amount. |
| US08109257B2 |
Fluid selection valve unit, exhaust gas control valve having the same, and waste gate valve having the same
A fluid selection valve unit comprising a valve seat having a side surface having a predetermined depth and a bottom surface continuous to the side surface and a valve member supported with a rotary shaft at one end. The valve member includes a bottom portion and a side end surface formed above the bottom portion, and is configured so that a passage area of a gap formed between the side end surface of the valve member and the side surface of the valve seat is smaller than a contact passage area formed between the bottom portion of the valve member and the bottom surface of the valve seat during a time when the bottom portion of the valve member comes into contact with the bottom surface of the valve seat by the rotation of the rotary shaft, and the rotary angle increases up to a predetermined value of the rotary angle. |
| US08109256B2 |
Solenoid current control with direct forward prediction and iterative backward state estimation
An engine control system comprises a current control module and a solenoid actuator module. The current control module determines a duty cycle based on a desired current through a solenoid of an engine system and a resistance of the solenoid and corrects the resistance based on an actual current through the solenoid. The solenoid actuator module actuates the solenoid based on the duty cycle. |
| US08109255B2 |
Engine controller
A system for controlling fuel to an engine to minimize emissions in an exhaust of the engine. There may be a controller connected to an actuator, for example a fuel control actuator, of the engine and to emissions sensors, such as an NOx and/or PM sensor, proximate to an exhaust output of the engine. The controller, for example a speed controller, may have an input connected to an output of a pedal or desired speed setting mechanism. A speed sensor at a power output of the engine may be connected to an input of the controller. |
| US08109251B2 |
LPG fueled internal combustion engine powered devices
A gas phase of LPG such as propane is used to power a small internal combustion engine driving or powering a preselected device such as a powered lawnmower, weed whacker, string trimmer, leaf blower or the like and the fuel system is provided with heating arrangements that insure the gas phase of the LPG is discharged from the LPG tank for all operating conditions of the device. |
| US08109248B2 |
Valve lifter and surface treatment method thereof
The present invention provides a valve lifter, including a buffer layer, a Me diamond-like carbon layer having a thickness of 0.3˜0.6 μm, and a diamond-like carbon layer having a thickness of 1˜1.5 μm and a SP3 bonding fraction of 60˜70%, which are sequentially formed on a base body which is subjected to carbonitriding treatment. The valve lifter can exhibit superior low-friction characteristics and wear resistance. |
| US08109246B2 |
Camshaft damping mechanism and method of assembly
A camshaft damping mechanism may include first and second housing members and a biasing member. The first housing member may be engaged with a camshaft. The second housing member may be slidably coupled to the first housing member and may abut an engine structure. The biasing member may be retained axially between the first and second housing members and may force the first housing member in an outward axial direction from the second housing member. |
| US08109243B2 |
Spark ignition type internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine provided with a variable compression ratio mechanism able to change a mechanical compression ratio and a variable valve timing mechanism able to individually control the opening timing and closing timing of the intake valve. At the time of engine low load operation, the maximum expansion ratio is obtained by making the mechanical compression ratio maximum and, while the mechanical compression ratio is made maximum, the opening timing of the intake valve is maintained at a target opening timing of substantially intake top dead center in the noninterference region where no interference between the valve and the piston occurs. |
| US08109239B1 |
Interactive pet toy having extendable and retractable flexible target
A toy is provided that simulates a mouse tail moving randomly in and out and back and forth about the access orifice, thereby catching the pet's attention and stimulating the animal's instinctive curiosity. |
| US08109237B1 |
Device for actuating automated litterbox
An improved automated litter box comprises a motorized comb or rake drive mechanism for removing clumps, a means for cycling the drive mechanism, and a cat proximity sensor for sensing the relative position of a cat about or within said litter chamber. The cat proximity sensor is capable of identifying the location of a cat outside the litter box or litter box or litter chamber. The cat proximity sensor comprises a passive or inductive transmitter for identification for modulating and demodulating a radio frequency (RF) signal; and an antenna for receiving and transmitting a radio frequency (RF) signal. |
| US08109233B2 |
Method for collecting milk in a milk tank, milking system and computer program products
The invention relates to a method for collecting milk in a milk tank. The method comprises the steps of: milking a milking animal of a herd of milking animals by means of a milking station; establishing a quality parameter for the milk obtained from the milking animal during the milking; estimating a quality level of the total amount of milk in a milk tank connected to the milking station, wherein the estimation is based at least on the quality parameter; and collecting, in the milk tank, the milk obtained from the step of milking if the result from the estimation indicates that the quality of the total amount of milk in the milk tank would then result in a desired quality level. The invention also relates to computer program products and a milking system. |
| US08109226B2 |
Adding an additive to a meat product
Method of treating a large number of meat products, in particular slaughtered poultry or parts thereof, in which an additive is added to the meat products. The additives products are supplied to meat products using a conveyor which is designed to feed the meat products sequentially in groups or separately. Each meat product or each group of meat products are subjected to an additive-adding treatment which is adapted to the corresponding product or to the corresponding group of meant products. |
| US08109223B2 |
Apparatus and method for operating autonomous underwater vehicles
A method and apparatus of operating an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) may include receiving an AUV in a receptacle of a submersible station. The AUV and the submersible station may be launched to an underwater location. The AUV may engage with the submersible station before, after or during a mission, and may return to the same or a different submersible station after part, or all, of the mission has been completed. |
| US08109222B2 |
Apparatus for fixing floating bodies
An apparatus is described for fixing floating bodies (1), in particular boats, to a landing body (2) with at least two holding booms (5) which are fixed to respective moorrings (4) by fittings (3) functioning as coupling elements, in each case at one end on the floating body (1) and at the other end on the landing body (2). In order to create advantageous conditions, it is proposed that at least one of the holding booms (5) be fixed, at least at one end, to the respective moorrings by the fitting (3) functioning as a coupling element so as to be rotationally fixed or rotationally resilient about an at least approximately vertical axis (7) with an adjustable and fixable angular offset (α). |
| US08109220B2 |
Device and method to align the edge surrounding an end of a tubular knitted article
The device comprises a tubular member (377) on which a tubular knitted article (M) is disposed and an operating head (1432) positioned in front of an end of the tubular member, comprising a plurality of contact members (1467; 1447, 1453). The contact members comprise a pair of wheels (1447; 1453) and a plurality of pads 1467). |
| US08109219B2 |
Adjustable threading utensil and structure utilizing shape memory actuation
A selectively and reversibly adjustable utensil, aperture forming structure, and stirrup, and methods of geometrically modifying an eye defined by the utensil, the aperture defined by the structure, and the stirrup, utilizing active material actuation, so as to facilitate entraining a filament within the eye or aperture, and securing the filament once entrained. |
| US08109216B2 |
Liquid storage and dispensing device and method thereof
An apparatus for storing fluid containing bags comprising a shelf having a bag-supporting surface, and a pair of laterally extending projections. The device includes a pair of opposed sidewalls each comprising an inner surface, and a longitudinal groove for receiving one of said projections. The groove is disposed in the inner surface. A first support for supporting one of the projections in a first shelf position is disposed within the groove, and a second support for supporting one of the projections in a second shelf position is disposed within the groove. The shelf is disposed between the sidewalls such that each of the projections is disposed within a corresponding groove. The shelf is movable from the first shelf position wherein each of the projections is supported by a corresponding first support and the second shelf position wherein each of the projections is supported by a corresponding second support. |
| US08109212B2 |
Sleeved projectiles
A projectile (10) is for use with barrel assemblies of the type having a plurality of projectiles axially disposed within a barrel having a bore and a muzzle and which projectiles are associated with discrete propellant charges for propelling said projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel. Projectile (10) comprises expandable sleeve (11) encircling at least part of core (12). Sleeve (11) and core (12) have wedging surfaces (14) operable to deform trailing part (21) of sleeve (11) into sealing engagement with the bore in response to pressure exerted on the projectile (10). When projectiles (10) are axially disposed in the bore, rear face (24) of the leading projectile cooperates with leading face (20) of the trailing projectile to define a discrete space about spine (23) for receipt of the propellant charge. Sleeve (11) is retained about the core (12) during travel to the target. |
| US08109207B2 |
Gripping member for a magnetised lid
A gripper for a removable lid of a kitchen utensil is provided, which can be fixed to a top of a lid through the action of a magnet on a magnetic component. The gripper comprises a base plate and an operating member that can move relative to the base plate between a magnetizing position in which the force exerted by the magnet on the magnetic component allows the gripper to be secured to the top, and an isolating position in which this force is not strong enough to secure the gripper to the top. |
| US08109206B2 |
Limited overflow waffle iron
The inventive waffle iron has two baking sub-assemblies pivotable with respect to each other from an open position and a closed proximate position in which they define a baking chamber. At any position of the baking sub-assemblies between the closed proximate position and the closed offset position thereof, wherein they are offset from each other by a product expansion, a peripheral element of a baking sub-assembly slides along a corresponding peripheral element of the other baking sub-assembly in such a way that the variable volume baking chamber is formed. |
| US08109205B1 |
Vertical grilling apparatus
A vertical grilling apparatus employs food cartridges on rails to slideably insert the food cartridge into the housing of the grilling apparatus between two thermal elements for cooking the food items. The rails correspond to a vertical slot, or opening, in the housing for engaging the food cartridge. The food cartridge is sized to correspond to a top and bottom rail and to the vertical slot. The food cartridges have hinged sides which close or clamp to an opposed position for engaging and securing the food items in a food specific insert on the hinged sides sized to accommodate the food item. The horizontally disposed food cartridge is rotated to a vertical orientation after closing and securing the food items for insertion into the vertical slot. The insertion disposes the food cartridge equidistant between the opposed thermal elements for thermal communication with the thermal elements for cooking the food. |
| US08109200B2 |
Cartridge, a machine, a system and a method for the preparation of beverages
The invention provides a beverage preparation machine comprising a brew head for receiving beverage cartridges of various heights and means for passing an aqueous medium through said beverage cartridges to form a beverage from one or more beverage ingredients contained in said cartridges. The brew head comprises a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being movable relative to one another from an open position in which said beverage cartridges can be received in the brew head and a closed position in which said beverage cartridge can be fixedly retained in a brew head space defined between the first and second parts. The first part of the brew head comprises a clamping member which extends within the brew head space part-way towards the second part such that a distal end of the clamping member and the second part are a fixed distance from one another when the first and second parts are in the closed position. While in use, beverage cartridges of various heights may be clamped in the brew head space between the distal end of the clamping member and the second part. A beverage cartridge, a beverage preparation system and a method of preparing a single serving of a filtered beverage are also claimed. |
| US08109196B1 |
Cleanout port for gas-operated firearms
An improved gas tube system for a firearm having a gas tube with a distal end that is selectively openable to permit access to the distal end of the gas tube for cleaning thereof. |
| US08109189B2 |
Effort-saving hand operated punching device
A hole punching device includes two first punching members and a second punching member intermediate the two first punching members. First, second and third lever arms are adapted to render one of the two first punching members, another of the two first punching members and the second punching member to press holes in sheets respectively. The first lever arm has a longitudinal length longer than those of the second and third lever arms, with the second lever arm being longer than that of the third lever arm. Further, the first lever arm actuates the second and third lever arms upon depression of the hole punching device. |
| US08109182B2 |
Ratchet tool
The present invention provides a ratchet tool, wherein a circular tooth row is arranged into the round groove of the main body's actuating end. A tool driving seat is assembled rotatably onto the round groove of the main body. A first braking slot, a second braking slot and an arched control slot are triangularly configured onto the internal surface of the tool driving seat. The first and second braking slots are separately fitted with the first and second braking swing blocks. A moveable control gear is placed into the control slot and can shift to the through-hole at both ends of the control slot such that it is mated simultaneously with inner tip edges of the first and second braking swing blocks. An elastic resetter is additionally provided to make the first and second braking swing blocks with inner tip edge swing inwards in a normal state. |
| US08109180B2 |
Dustproof ring for ratchet wrench
A ratchet wrench includes a head rotatably receiving a drive member. The head includes an end wall having a hole. One of an inner face of the end wall and an end face of the drive member defines a first abutment face. The other of the inner face and the end face includes an annular groove having a bottom wall defining a second abutment face. A dustproof ring is mounted and compressed in the annular groove. The dustproof ring in an uncompressed state has a natural maximum height along a rotating axis of the drive member larger then a spacing between the first and second abutment faces. The dustproof ring includes three sealing units along a radial direction perpendicular to the rotating axis. Each sealing unit has a thickness along the rotating axis smaller than the spacing. |
| US08109177B2 |
Bit body formed of multiple matrix materials and method for making the same
Drill bit bodies are provided having one portion formed of one composition and a further portion formed of a different composition. The different compositions provide different functional properties to respective portions of the drill bit body. Methods for forming such drill bit bodies are also provided. |
| US08109164B2 |
Linear actuator
A linear actuator includes a housing formed of a first half shell and a second half shell and defining an accommodation chamber, a front opening in front of the accommodation chamber and a receiving chamber at the bottom side of the accommodation chamber, a driving mechanism having a push rod movably mounted in the accommodation chamber and extending out of the front opening, a motor mounted outside the accommodation chamber and a spindle coupled to and rotatable by the motor for causing the transmission shaft to reciprocate, and limit switches detachably mounted in the receiving chamber for stopping the motor upon movement of the transmission shaft to a front or rear limit position. |
| US08109156B2 |
Torque sensor
The present invention relates to a torque sensor comprising a torsion spring having first and second sides which are rotated with respect to one another by a torque applied to the torque sensor, wherein a mechanical coupling apparatus is provided between the first and second sides of the torsion spring and includes a movement element which is moved in the axial direction by a rotation of the first side with respect to the second side. In addition, a measuring apparatus is provided for the measurement of the axial movement of the movement element. |
| US08109151B2 |
Flow sensing systems and methods
A flow sensing system is provided. The system can include a first graphitic member and a first measurement device communicatively coupled to the first graphitic member. The first measurement device is adapted to measure a voltage along each of a plurality of orthogonal axes defined by the first graphitic member. The system can further include a display communicatively coupled to the first measurement device, the display adapted to convert the measured voltages into a signal proportionate to the fluid flow past the first graphitic member. |
| US08109146B2 |
Measurement of bowed string dynamics
There are disclosed systems and methods for measuring the bowing parameters and the bowed string dynamics of a player playing a bowed string instrument. A system for measuring the bowing parameters and the bowed string dynamics may comprise a computer, a bow system and a base component. The bow system may comprise a force sensing mechanism and a bow board. The bow board may comprise an acceleration and angular velocity sensing mechanism, a position and speed sensing mechanism, a data communication module, and a power module. The base component may comprise an acceleration and angular velocity sensing mechanism, a position and speed sensing mechanism, a data communication module, and a power module. |
| US08109143B2 |
Packaging for downhole pressure transducers
Methods and related systems are described for a sealed housing for downhole transducers. The housing system includes a housing body and a transducer positioned within the housing body, and one or more flexible members sealably mounted on the housing body. The flexible members each have one or more undulations which facilitate movement of the flexible member in directions primarily perpendicular to the surface of the flexible member. The dimensions of the one or more undulations are designed so as to optimize the ability of the movements of the member thereby accommodating volume changes in the sealed housing. A substantial amount of compensating material can also be positioned within the housing body. The compensating material has a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially less than that of the housing material. |
| US08109138B2 |
Method and system for estimating engine oil life based on viscosity
A method and control module for indicating engine oil life includes a viscosity determination module determining a viscosity of the engine oil based on an engine oil pressure and engine oil temperature. The control system further includes a comparison module comparing the viscosity of the engine oil to a threshold and generating a warning signal in response to comparing the viscosity. |
| US08109131B2 |
Meter register transmitting flow rate warning
A method and apparatus for measuring a fluid and determining a leak comprising the steps of providing a meter and a meter register coacting with the meter. When a leak is detected, a signal is transmitted from the meter register regarding fluid consumption. The transmitted signal indicates a leak either when the measured flow rate remains a fixed volume over a fixed period of time, or the measured flow rate exceeds a threshold value. |
| US08109129B2 |
Portable nanoparticle size classifier
A nanoparticle size classifier comprising a variable flow rate system with a single diffusion element 3 placed inside a cell 2 containing inlet 1 and outlets 6 and 7, an aerosol filter 8, flow meter 9, pump 10 and pump controller 11, which enables a plurality of measurements to be obtained by means of passing an aerosol through the diffusion element 3 at various flow rates. Preferably, outlet of the diffusion cell is connected to a particle counter 5 via a three-way valve 6. The diffusion element has a net or screen that permit air through but capture some particles. In a preferred embodiment, the nanoparticle size classifier is connected to a PC 12 (a notebook or a palm-size computer) to acquire and process data. |
| US08109126B1 |
Method and apparatus for sensor calibration in a dewatering system
A dewatering system includes a selective calibrating sensor circuit configured to receive sensor readings from an electronic sensor, to determine if the electronic sensor is immersed in water, and to generate a control output signal accordingly. The selective calibrating sensor circuit periodically performs a self-calibration when the electronic sensor is not immersed in water to cancel the effect of potential contaminants deposited on the electronic sensor over its operating life. The selective calibrating sensor circuit inhibits calibration when the electronic sensor is immersed in water. |
| US08109121B2 |
Drum type washing machine with gasket drain
Disclosed is a drum type washing machine comprising a cabinet having an opening, a door installed at the cabinet, a tub installed in the cabinet, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a gasket sealing a gap between the door and the tub by being installed between the opening of the cabinet and the tub and a moisture removing means provided at the gasket and a means sealing a gap between the door and the tub installed between the opening of the cabinet and the tub to prevent pollutants from being generated at a middle of a lower end of an inner side surface or to prevent washing water from remaining thereat, where the residual washing water preventing means is implemented as a drain portion or a heating member provided at the gasket that is capable of preventing odor or foreign substances caused by moisture remaining at the gasket. |
| US08109120B2 |
Steam generating device and washing machine having the same
A steam generating device and a washing machine having the same are disclosed. The steam generating device includes a lower housing including a main portion for receiving a heater, and connecting portions extending outwardly from the main portion, the lower housing defining a water chamber for containing water, an upper housing connected to the connecting portions, the upper housing defining a steam chamber for containing steam, a water level sensor for sensing a level of water contained in the water chamber, and a receptacle for protecting the water level sensor. The receptacle has an opening for allowing water to be introduced into the receptacle, and is substantially aligned with an inner surface of the lower housing or is arranged at a position spaced apart from the heater by a longer distance than the inner surface of the lower housing. |
| US08109118B2 |
Method for removing bubbles from molten glass and process for producing glass
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for efficiently remove bubbles present on a surface of molten glass, which can solve a problem that bubbles remaining on a surface of molten glass are get inside at a time of forming the glass to cause inside bubbles, to thereby provide a glass substrate of good quality, and which can improve productivity of glass substrates; and to provide a process for producing glass employing the above method for removing bubbles. The present invention provides a method for removing bubbles from molten glass, which is a method for removing floating bubbles on a surface of molten glass, wherein a floating bubble on the surface of molten glass is irradiated with at least one laser beam. |
| US08109114B2 |
Ice maker and control method of same
An ice maker and a controlling method thereof are provided. The system and method may prevent the overflow or splashing of water or thin ice out of an ice tray during the supply of water or when the ice maker is shaken by an external force. The ice maker may include an ice tray, and an ice tray cover that covers an open portion of the ice tray. The cover may include an opening through which water may be supplied to the ice tray, and through which ice may be discharged from the ice tray. The cover may move together with the tray, or may move separately from the tray, to facilitate these supply and discharge processes. |
| US08109112B2 |
Variable ice storage assembly and method of use
A variable ice storage assembly for a refrigerator includes a storage cavity adapted to receive ice from an ice maker. The storage assembly is positioned between a light emitter and a receiver of an ice level sensor. The storage assembly can be utilized in a non-reflecting configuration wherein the ice level sensor functions in a standard manner, or a reflecting configuration wherein the sensing level is effectively lowered within the storage assembly. In the reflecting configuration, first and second mirrored inserts, supported by respective insert portions on the storage assembly, cooperate with first and second reflecting plates on the storage assembly to redirect light from the emitter in a circuitous path. A user may position the mirrored inserts at various angles, depending on the level of ice desired within the storage assembly. The storage assembly may be utilized alone, or as in insert within an ice bucket. |
| US08109110B2 |
Advanced DX system design improvements
A direct exchange geothermal heating/cooling system has a self-adjusting expansion valve and a bypass flow path to improve efficiency when the system operates in a heating mode. The expansion valve may operate based solely on pressure from the vapor refrigerant transport line. The system may alternatively include an accumulator, a compressor, and an oil separator, wherein an oil return line returns oil from the oil separator to the accumulator. Additionally, a direct exchange geothermal heating/cooling system may include a hot-gas bypass valve for diverting heated vapor refrigerant to the liquid refrigerant line. Finally, a direct exchange geothermal heating/cooling system having a sub-surface heat exchanger extending to a depth of at least 300 feet may use a refrigerant particularly suited for such an application. |
| US08109109B2 |
System for cooling residential structures such as garages and attics
The present invention relates generally to a system for cooling residential spaces, such as a garage. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a steel security door modified with evaporative media to cool incoming air, a water supply and re-circulating subsystem and a large fan to move fresh air through the cool door, into one or more residential spaces, such as a garage and/or an attic. |
| US08109101B2 |
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system with multi-zone monitoring and diagnostics
A multi-zone HVAC&R system has its control programmed to provide diagnostic testing of air handling components and refrigerant components associated with each climate controlled zone in sequence. The control changes the original position of the corresponding component and a resultant change in a relevant operational parameter is sensed. If the actual change is outside of the tolerance band associated with the expected change, then the determination is made that the component under consideration is malfunctioning. The periodicity of a diagnostic procedure for a particular component is typically defined by its criticality and reliability level. If the change in the corresponding operation parameter is recorded and stored in the database, the component degradation can be observed over time and a prognostic prediction can be made when a particular component requires preventive maintenance or replacement. |
| US08109099B2 |
Flow sleeve with tabbed direct combustion liner cooling air
A combustion duct for a gas turbine engine has a combustion liner to receive products of combustion, and deliver the products of combustion downstream toward a turbine rotor. An outer housing is positioned radially outwardly of the combustion liner. A flow sleeve is positioned radially intermediate the outer housing and the combustion liner. A chamber radially outwardly of the flow sleeve receives cooling air. A plurality of holes through the flow sleeve deliver cooling air from the chamber against an outer periphery of the combustion liner. A plurality of tabs are associated with at least some of the holes in the flow sleeve. The tabs are positioned to extend radially inwardly on a downstream side of the holes. |
| US08109096B2 |
Method for production of mixed vapour
Method for production of mixed vapors at low temperatures. The thermal energy stored in the mixed vapors is intended to be converted to mechanical energy in a thermal power machine, in order to operate an electrical generator. |
| US08109094B2 |
System and method for aquifer geo-cooling
A geo-cooling system of specified cooling capacity for cooling a known heat load is disclosed. The system includes a cool water aquifer, a cool water production well and a heated water injection well. The cool water production well is open to the cool water aquifer and in hydrologic communication with a subterranean heat exchange area that provides requisite cooling capacity to a known heat load. The heated water injection well is in hydrologic communication with the subterranean heat exchange area and open to the cool water aquifer at a prescribed distance from the cool water production well. The prescribed distance between the cool water production well and the heated water injection well is at least based on the available size of a subterranean heat exchange area including a portion of the cool water aquifer that hydrologically communicates between the heated water injection well and the cool water production well. |
| US08109093B2 |
Method and an arrangement in connection with a turbocharged piston engine
The invention relates to a method and an arrangement in connection with a piston engine provided with a turbocompressor. In the method, combustion air from the engine is pressurized by the compressor of the turbocompressor, pressurized combustion air is humidified, fuel is combusted in the cylinder of the engine by means of combustion air and the exhaust gases generated during the combustion are conveyed by means of combustion air to the turbine of the turbocompressor. A partial flow is separated from the pressurized combustion air flow, conveyed past the engine and combined with the exhaust gas flow going to the turbine. |
| US08109091B2 |
Exhaust gas recirculation control systems and methods
An exhaust gas recirculation control system comprises a pressure condition evaluation module and a protection module. The pressure condition evaluation module evaluates at least one of vane movement of a turbocharger and engine pressure. The protection module selectively controls an exhaust gas recirculation valve based on the at least one of the vane movement of the turbocharger and the engine pressure. |
| US08109089B2 |
Waste gate actuator for an exhaust gas turbocharger
A waste gate actuator for an exhaust gas turbocharger, including an actuator housing and an actuator cover, an element for actuating the waste gate valve and electronic components for controlling the element to actuate the waste gate valve being arranged in the waste gate actuator. Provided is a simple and inexpensive revolution counting system on the turbocharger which allows the number of revolutions of the rotating parts (turbine wheel, compressor wheel, turboshaft) to be detected without substantial constructional alterations to the design of existing turbochargers. A sensor for detecting the variations in a magnetic field that are produced by the rotation of the rotating parts is arranged in or on the actuator housing or in or on the actuator cover. |
| US08109088B2 |
Master cylinder with U-shaped seal
Our problem relates to a master cylinder with a U-shaped seal. Our goal is to avoid defective bleeding of hydraulic braking systems. The defects arise out of the fact that the vacuum causes the lips of the seal (21) to stick together and to stick against the wall (41). To achieve this, reliefs (42) will be created on one wall (44) of one lip (28) facing the other lip (27) and on the edge face (50) of this same lip. These reliefs will prevent the lips from sticking tightly to one another and to the wall facing the edge face of the lips. This lack of sticking will prevent a vacuum from being created between the two lips and between the edge face of the lips and the wall (41). As a result, the seal will be able to return to a position in which bleeding can be performed effectively. |
| US08109086B2 |
External combustion engine
An external combustion engine provided with a main container in which a working fluid is sealed flowable in a liquid phase state, a heater heating part of the liquid phase state working fluid in the main container to make it vaporize, a cooler cooling steam of the working fluid heated and vaporized by the heater so as to make it liquefy, an output part converting displacement of the liquid part of the working fluid caused by a change of volume of the steam into mechanical energy and outputting the energy, an auxiliary container communicated with the main container through a venturi means and having a liquid sealed inside it, an auxiliary heater heating the liquid in the auxiliary container to make it vaporize, a storage container communicated with the auxiliary container and storing the liquid, and a liquid draining means for draining liquid in the auxiliary container into the storage container when the internal pressure of the auxiliary container becomes a first predetermined pressure or more. |
| US08109085B2 |
Energy storage and generation systems and methods using coupled cylinder assemblies
In various embodiments, pneumatic cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force produced by or acting on the pneumatic cylinder assemblies during expansion or compression of a gas. |
| US08109084B2 |
Exhaust device for motorcycle
An exhaust throttle valve protected from disturbance due to stones scattered during operation of a vehicle. Front side exhaust pipes and rear side exhaust pipes are connected to a catalyst chamber disposed below a crankcase. The catalyst chamber and an exhaust chamber disposed to the rear thereof are connected to each other via a rear exhaust pipe. The diameter of the rear exhaust pipe is smaller than the lateral width of each of the catalyst chamber and the exhaust chamber, so that a recessed space is externally formed so as to recede inside of the vehicle. An exhaust throttle valve is received in the space. The exhaust throttle valve is partially exposed to the outside of the rear exhaust pipe and a throttle valve is received in the rear exhaust pipe to throttle-control the passage-sectional area of the rear exhaust pipe according to the rotation of the engine. |
| US08109082B2 |
System and method for assisting regeneration of a diesel engine particulate filter
The invention concerns a system for assisting regeneration of a particulate filter (6) arranged in an exhaust line (3) of a diesel engine (1) associated with a oxidizing catalyst (7), the engine (1) being equipped with feeding means (8) for injecting into the cylinders thereof at least one post-injection. Said system comprises means (17) for controlling the feeding means (8) in accordance with a strategy for regenerating the filter (6) wherein the feeding means (8) are switched between a first operating mode with post-injection for priming the catalyst (7) and a second operating mode with post-injection for producing an exothermic reaction by the primed catalyst (7). Said system comprises a temperature sensor (18) arranged in the exhaust line (3) upstream of the catalyst (7), and the control means (8) are capable of switching the feeding means (8) between the first and second operating modes based on said sensed temperature. |
| US08109081B2 |
Hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction for NOx control with gasoline-fueled spark ignition engines using engine-out hydrocarbons
A method for controlling hydrocarbon delivery to a hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction device configured to receive an exhaust gas flow from an internal combustion engine includes monitoring measurable variable terms including factors affecting a conversion efficiency in the hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction device, determining classifications of the measurable variable terms based upon measurable variable ranges, determining a desired hydrocarbon delivery value range based upon the classifications; and utilizing the desired hydrocarbon delivery value range to control the hydrocarbon delivery to the hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction device. |
| US08109080B2 |
Method of controlling NOx purification system and NOx purification system
In a NOx purification system 1 provided with a NOx occlusion reduction catalyst 20 and a control unit 30 which executes a NOx regeneration control and a sulfur poisoning regeneration control, a binary λ sensor 26 and a reducing agent concentration sensor 25 for detecting a concentration of the reducing agent are disposed downstream of the NOx occlusion reduction catalyst 20. The level of deterioration of the NOx occlusion reduction catalyst 20 caused by sulfur poisoning is estimated on the basis of a time period Ta from a time point T3 at which a marked decrease of oxygen concentration is detected by the binary λ sensor 26 to the time point T2 at which the marked increase of the oxygen concentration is detected by the reducing agent concentration sensor 25 under the NOx regeneration control. Accordingly, the sulfur poisoning amount is accurately estimated and by performing the sulfur poisoning regeneration at an appropriate frequency, any excessive sulfur poisoning regeneration can be avoided, thereby preventing deterioration of mileage. |
| US08109071B2 |
Line structure for marine use in contaminated environments
The present invention may be embodied as a line structure for use as a mud line assembly. In this case, the line structure comprises a plurality of strands, and each of the strands comprises a core portion, a jacket portion, and a barrier portion. The barrier portion is arranged between the core portion and the jacket portion to inhibit movement of contaminate material into the core portion. |
| US08109067B2 |
System for managing documents without printed mark recognition
In a mail production system comprising at least one user workstation on which a document is generated, printer means for printing the pages of said document, and folding and insertion means for folding the pages once they have been printed and for inserting them into an envelope, a method is provided in which, in order to control insertion into the envelope of each of the pages of the document, a unique marking code is generated, for each page of said document, on the basis of a predetermined combination of characters on each of said pages. |
| US08109066B2 |
Systems and methods for dispensing pharmaceutical/medical product and branding pharmaceutical/medical containers
In some embodiments, containers can be, for example, labeled with a uniquely identifiable customer label. The labeled containers can be loaded into a carrier that caries containers. The carrier can be transported to and from various stations by a transport system. The container carrier can travel through, for example, a solid pharmaceutical dispensing system where all or some of the containers in the carrier can be filled with a specific quantity of pharmaceutical product. The carrier can be transported to a capping and branding station where the containers can be capped and branded. The caps can be pre-branded, blank, or a combination of pre-branded and blank. Where at least some of the containers are branded with blank caps, a carrier and/or container can be transported to a branding station that can brand caps with cap labeling information (e.g., logos, graphics, artwork, text, etc.) that can be specific to each cap. |
| US08109062B2 |
Packaging case closing and tape sealing machine and processes
A machine for closing and sealing cardboard boxes or other packaging cases with random sizes of cases presented. An input gate controls passage of cases onto at least one conveyor that moves the cases through the machine. An input positioning stage centers and squares the case. A measuring station performs a primary measurement of the width and height of the open case. A closing station and tape sealing station are adjusted to the primary case size measurement. The case closing station then closes the case. The side major flaps are closed using a major flap closer with crossed arms pivoted at separated pivot axes. The sealing station has a secondary or closed case measurement detector which more accurately adjusts the tape applicator height. Lateral support heads engage the sides of the case to prevent distortion while tape is applied. |
| US08109061B2 |
Tower part for a wind turbine, an aperture cover system, a method for manufacturing a tower part and uses hereof
A tower part for a wind turbine includes at least one wall segment and at least one aperture segment including at least one aperture. The wall segment and the aperture segment are connected and the aperture segment is of a substantially uniform thickness and is thicker than the thickness of the wall segment. The tower part further includes an aperture cover system for covering at least one aperture in a tower part for a wind turbine, including cover plates and attachments for attaching the system to the tower part, where the attachments do not affect the fatigue limit of the tower part. |
| US08109050B2 |
Flooring apparatus for reducing impact energy during a fall
A floor including a flooring plate and a plurality of spaced apart stiffening columns extending from an underside of the flooring plate. The columns remain substantially rigid up to a predetermined critical pressure and then buckle as the pressure increases. The columns are at least partially surrounded by a resilient underlayment. Deflection stops may extend from the flooring plate to prevent over-buckling and/or permanent deformation of the stiffening columns. In some examples, the deflections stops may assist the floor in providing a substantially rigid surface at very high pressures. |
| US08109048B2 |
Apparatus for forming and mounting a photovoltaic array
A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The inventive apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The inventive coupling member may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The inventive apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion for coupling to frame attachment, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth for the automatic creation of a reliable two axis grounding matrix, and a rapid twist-lock engagement means for reliably interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array. |
| US08109047B2 |
System for recovering hydrocarbons from water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material using a constructed infrastructure
A constructed permeability control infrastructure can include a permeability control impoundment defining a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can form a permeable body within the encapsulated volume. The impoundment includes a water vapor outlet for removing water vapor from the encapsulated volume. A heating device is also embedded within the permeable body to provide convective heating thereof. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via the outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can then be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered. |
| US08109039B2 |
Unit support for a motor vehicle door
A unit support for a motor vehicle door includes at least one longitudinally extended guide rail of a motor vehicle window lifter arranged on the unit support, which extends between a first and a second end portion and on which a drive element serving to receive a window pane to be adjusted along an adjusting path of the guide rail defined by guide surfaces is movably guided. A hollow body is integrally formed on the unit support in the region of at least one end portion of the guide rail. The hollow body extends the guide surfaces of the guide rail serving to guide the drive element, defining the adjusting path and/or a deflection element is provided on the hollow body for deflecting a flexible traction means of the window lifter, in order to increase the length of travel of the motor vehicle window lifter in the direction of extension of the guide rail. |
| US08109036B1 |
Midge/mosquito trap system
A chamber has upper end and lower ends. A base has an annular trough receiving and supporting the lower end of the chamber. When water is within the trough, air flowing through slots in the lower end of the chamber becomes moisture laden. A fan in the chamber directs the air flow in a recirculating path of travel. A carbon dioxide tank in the chamber dispenses carbon dioxide into the recirculating path of travel of the air flow. A solenoid has an input line coupling the tank and the solenoid and an output line with an exterior extent with apertures and a foam covering constituting a reservoir. A control assembly activates and inactivates the fan and the carbon dioxide tank in a timed sequence. |
| US08109034B1 |
Shoreline outrigger rod system
The two reel surf rod (FIG. A) is ideal for an anchor fishing technique that can be used on a dock, pier or jetty. The two reel surf rod (FIG. A) can be used in a normal fashion, if desired, with the removal of the retrieval reel (FIG. A3). The addition of a second reel seat (FIG. A4) to a regular surf rod improves and increases the function of a regular surf rod. |
| US08109033B1 |
Automatic precision baiting device
An improved automatic precision baiting apparatus for use with long line fishing gear, the apparatus having a baiter housing, a magazine, a hook rail extension, a hook orientation means, a baiting area, a bait moving means for moving bait to the baiting area, and a bait cutting means; where an unbaited fish hook is drawn off the magazine, over the hook rail extension, and into the hook orienting means of the apparatus where it is positioned in anticipation of being baited; and where an uncut piece of bait is fed into the baiting area of the apparatus by the bait moving means and cut by the bait cutting means to the appropriate size, then held in the baiting area of the apparatus until engaged by a hook. |
| US08109032B2 |
Accessory holder with linear actuator
An accessory holder including a housing for holding an accessory and a switching mechanism operable independently from at least two locations on the holder for actuating an accessory in the housing. In particular, the accessory holder can be mounted on a T-grip. |
| US08109028B2 |
Gun mount
A gun mount for use in sighting-in long guns having or not having a large bottom feed, clip magazine, belt, drum or other bottom loaded ammunition feed system includes a base to be mounted on a table top or other suitable surface and that supports a rotatably mounted gun holder on which a long gun is placed. The gun holder allows the gun barrel to be adjustably fixed in each of a horizontal and vertical position. An aligned sight picture is set into the gun sights and is maintained or reset after the gun is fired by shock absorbers that keep recoil shock from changing the sight settings, or return the gun to the position at which the sights have been set. |
| US08109026B1 |
Folding gunstock
A folding stock assembly for firearms such as rifles and shotguns. The stock is made of metal rod that has been bent to form laterally spaced left and right elongated arm members that have rear ends connected to the top end of a U-shaped shoulder rest portion. The front end of the respective elongated arm members are pivotally connected to the rear end of a neck portion extending rearwardly from the upper end of the handgrip. There is structure in the interior of the end cap for locking the elongated arm members in either its static storage position or its rearward functional deployed position. |
| US08109025B2 |
Trigger engagement link for firearm
A fire control assembly for a firearm includes a trigger engagement link comprising a forward end, a rearward end, and an intermediate portion. The fire control assembly further includes a sear including a bottom portion engageable with the intermediate portion of the trigger engagement link, and a hammer moveable between cocked and firing positions. The hammer includes a link displacement portion operable to displace the forward end of the trigger engagement link as the hammer is moved from its firing position to its cocked position. The displacement of the forward end of the trigger engagement link by the link displacement portion of the hammer disengages the intermediate portion of the trigger engagement link from the bottom portion of the sear so as to at least temporarily deactivate the fire control assembly. |
| US08109019B2 |
Presentation pad supporting use of each of two sheet sides
A flip-chart comprising at least two sheets bound by a linear attachment spine. The spine is positioned at a substantially vertical angle. The sheets are releasably securable to the spine and to optionally to a chart cover by means of support pegs. The sheets are adapted for writing on both sides thereon, and each sheet is removable from the pad. |
| US08109016B2 |
Adjustable golf spike
An adjustable golf spike assembly for a golf shoe includes a receptacle fixedly attached to the sole of the golf shoe. The receptacle defines an octagonal recess and an octagonal, externally threaded post disposed within the recess. A cleat includes an oversized gripping portion for providing traction and an attachment portion extending from the gripping portion. The attachment portion has an octagonal outer surface to match and engage with the octagonal recess and an octagonal threaded recess for engaging with the threads of the receptacle. Rotation of the cleat relative to the receptacle longitudinally moves the gripping portion relative to the receptacle. Engagement between the upper portion of the cleat and the receptacle provides for discrete rotational positioning of the cleat relative to the receptacle to position and hold the cleat a desired distance from the receptacle. |
| US08109014B2 |
Foot orthotic devices
A foot orthotic device is disclosed. More specifically described is an individualized foot orthotic device to correct and/or restore the ideal alignment and/or positioning of foot structures. The device is designed using a method and system that applies sequential pressure to regions on a plantar foot surface, and obtaining positional information about each region. Based on the positional information, an orthotic profile is determined, for design of one or more custom, individualized foot orthotic devices for a subject. |
| US08109010B2 |
Method for drying applied film and drying apparatus
The present invention provides a method for drying an applied film formed by applying an application liquid containing an organic solvent to a traveling long support medium, wherein the temperature Tb of the long support medium before application is not less than 2° C. lower than the temperature Tc of the application liquid and the wind velocity in the vicinity of the applied film after application is not more than 0.5 m/s, thereby the applied film is dried uniformly in the initial drying of the applied film. |
| US08109006B2 |
Post sleeve positioning apparatus and method
A post sleeve installation device includes a standing structure, a structure coupled to the standing structure and configured to support a post sleeve below the standing structure, and a mechanism configured to enable selective translation of the support structure in three axes and rotation around a vertical axis. Locks are provided to lock the post sleeve at a selected position and orientation relative to the standing structure. A beam extending from one installation device to another measures or controls the relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of associated post sleeves, and related data is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels. |
| US08109005B2 |
Dual-globe level
The dual-globe level comprises at least one indicator located on a body. The body defines front and rear faces, a pair of opposing ends, and at least one longitudinal surface. The at least one indicator comprises an inner vessel located within an outer vessel, and more preferably, a substantially spherical inner globe located within an outer globe and buoyantly supported within the outer globe. The inner globe, viewable through the outer globe and defining an equator around its outer periphery, is buoyantly biased within to maintain the equator in a substantially horizontal position. The equator is in operable registry relation with a first indicia to indicate a position of the at least one longitudinal surface of the body in relation to a surface or line in question located adjacent thereto. The inner globe also includes a polar marking concentrically centered within the outer periphery of the upper hemisphere defined by the equator, with the marking in operable registry relation with the first indicia to indicate a position of the rear face of the body in relation to a surface in question located adjacent thereto. In other embodiments, marking is in operable registry relation with a second indicia to indicate a position of the front face of the body in relation to the surface in question located adjacent thereto. |
| US08109003B2 |
Pruning shears
Pruning shears include a first arm including a first handle and a jaw including a first tab; a first blade including a cutting edge and an ear opposite the cutting edge and having a first through hole wherein the first arm and the first blade are secured together by inserting the first tab into the first through hole; a second arm including a second handle and a joining section; a second blade secured to the joining section; a pivot joint for pivotably securing the first arm to the second arm; and a torsion spring positioned between the first arm and the second arm. The torsion spring exerts an expansion force to push the first arm and the second arm apart from each other. |
| US08109001B2 |
Shaving system for performing multiple shaving actions
Shaving apparatus including a drivable shaving unit for performing a first shaving action on a user's skin; a motor adapted to drive the shaving unit to perform the first shaving action; a blade having a razor-sharp cutting edge positioned for shaving engagement with the user's skin; and a guard surface provided in front of the razor-sharp blade. During use, the blade performs a second shaving action to cut hair while the drivable shaving unit performs the first shaving action. The first shaving unit may be rotary or linear and may have a static or moving skin-engaging cutter. Two razor-sharp blades may be provided, facing in opposite directions. |
| US08109000B2 |
Salisbury axle assembly
A method of forming a Salisbury axle that includes: forming an assembly having a housing that is made of nodular iron, the housing having an opening and a pair of apertures; removing a pair of caps from the housing to expose a pair of journals; installing a differential through the opening to the journals; replacing the caps to the journals; forming a pair of axle tubes from a high strength steel, each of the axle tubes having a circular proximal end, a circular distal end and a mount portion between the proximal and distal ends, the proximal ends of the axle tubes being larger in diameter than the apertures, the mount portion having a top wall and a pair of opposite side walls that are oriented generally perpendicular to the top wall; and inserting the proximal ends of the axle tubes into the apertures. A Salisbury axle is also provided. |
| US08108998B2 |
Laser cutting method
At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a laser cutting method where a laser beam is condensed at internal points inside a substrate forming processing regions, and where the laser is swept along a cutting line, where the cutting line is associated with a recess on the substrate and where the recess can be formed contemporaneously with the formation of the processing regions. |
| US08108994B2 |
Process for manufacturing electrosurgical forceps with composite material tips
An electrosurgical forceps has at least the tip of one blade member formed of a composite material having aligned elongated particles of nickel interspersed in a matrix of silver particles. The tip can be provided as a tip member attached, such as by brazing, to the body of the blade member, or the entire blade member can be formed of the silver/nickel composite material. In another embodiment, the tip or blade member is formed of a dispersion strengthened silver or copper composite material. |
| US08108993B2 |
Method of manufacturing wiring substrate, and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a wiring substrate is disclosed. The method includes: (a) preparing a supporting substrate including a main body and a through electrode penetrating the main body, wherein the supporting substrate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a trace is formed on the second surface of the supporting substrate; (b) forming a build-up wiring structure by alternately forming a wiring layer and an insulating layer on the first surface of the supporting substrate; and (c) obtaining a wiring substrate by separating the build-up wiring structure from the supporting substrate. Step (b) includes: forming the wiring layer using the through electrode as a power feeding wiring, and step (c) includes: peeling the build-up wiring structure from the supporting substrate to obtain the wiring substrate. |
| US08108990B2 |
Method for manufacturing printed circuit board
A printed circuit board including a conductor portion, an insulating layer formed over the conductor portion, a thin-film capacitor formed over the insulating layer and including a first electrode, a second electrode and a high-dielectric layer interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a via-hole conductor structure formed through the second electrode and insulating layer and electrically connecting the second electrode and the conductor portion. The via-hole conductor structure has a first portion in the second electrode and a second portion in the insulating layer. The first portion of the via-hole conductor structure has a truncated-cone shape tapering toward the conductor portion. |
| US08108980B2 |
Hinge cover integration into door seal edges
An aircraft door includes a seal that integrates a flexible silicone seal portion and a rigid blade seal portion into a single continuous seal around the mold line gap between the door and frame. The arrangement allows for the use of space saving piano hinges to mount the door. The seal includes a rigid blade seal around three edges of the door and a flexible hinge cover seal adjacent to the hinge edge of the door. The flexible hinge cover seal is bonded to terminal blocks which in turn can be mounted to the door edge and to the door frame such that the flexible hinge cover seal covers the mold line gap adjacent to the hinge. |
| US08108975B2 |
Karabiner
A karabiner including a generally C-shaped body having opposed free ends with a gap therebetween and a gate for closing the gap through constraint. The gate is formed of a wire member located on one free end of the body and includes a shaped free end. The other free end of the body is configured to receive the shaped free end of the gate, and includes a shape that corresponds substantially with the shape of the shaped end of the gate. In one embodiment, the loop is oriented substantially transversely to the plane of the karabiner body, and in another embodiment, the second free end of the body includes a recessed seat. A locking means on the gate or karabiner body is also disclosed. |
| US08108972B2 |
Door handle for refrigerator
A decoration is installed in a seating channel provided in a handle bar. The seating channel with the decoration installed therein is shielded by a transparent or translucent handle cover. Cover end coupling pieces are provided at both ends of the handle cover and coupled with coupling ribs of a handle bar body of the handle bar or a cover base. The cover end coupling pieces protrude and extend from both ends of the handle cover to be perpendicular to other portions. A luminous body or jewel may be used as the decoration. |
| US08108965B1 |
Convertible particulate vacuum attachment
A convertible vacuum attachment for conveying a particulate material is disclosed. The attachment comprises a housing defining a chamber, with the housing having an inlet in fluid communication with the chamber and that defines an inlet opening. The housing has an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber for connection to a vacuum source. The convertible vacuum attachment also comprises an area changing structure configured to change an area of the inlet opening from a first area to a second area. |
| US08108960B2 |
Particle removing member of substrate processing equipment
The present invention intends to provide a particle removing member of a substrate processing equipment which can be assuredly conveyed into the substrate processing equipment and can conveniently and assuredly remove an adhered foreign matter, and a particle removing method of a substrate processing equipment that uses the particle removing member.A particle removing member of a substrate processing equipment comprising a particle removing layer in which a time necessary for a signal intensity of free induction decay measured by a pulse NMR-Solid Echo method to decay to 37% of an initial value at a measurement temperature of 100 degrees centigrade is 1000 μs or less, in particular, a particle removing sheet comprising the above-constituted particle removing layer on a support, and a conveying member with particle removing function formed by adhering the above-constituted particle removing sheet on the conveying member, and furthermore a method of removing particle of a substrate processing equipment, comprising conveying the above-constituted conveying member with particle removing function into a substrate processing equipment. |
| US08108954B2 |
Portable spa
A spa pool assembly has a pool having an enclosing wall and a base that together defines an interior. The base has a plurality of inflatable sections that are divided by a plurality of air passages that includes a first air passage that has a plurality of small bubble openings, and a second air passage that has a plurality of large bubble openings. The small bubble openings eject bubbles that are smaller in size than the bubbles ejected from the large bubble openings. The spa pool assembly can also include a bubble controller that controls the ejection of bubbles from the small bubble openings and the large bubble openings. |
| US08108953B2 |
Toilet warm water and air ejection device
The Toilet Warm Water and Air Ejection Device is a sanitary device for the flush toilets. People can use this device to wash and then dry up their anus area using warm water jet and warm air jet after they used the toilet. The concept of this device can be used for new toilet designs. The device is simple and can also be used as an added on system to install onto existing toilets. A close up PTC water heater is integrated into the device to produce fast available warm water. An electric air heater (hair dryer for example) is used to provide warm air. Two moveable nozzles (tied-together) are used for ejecting warm water and air. During washing process, one nozzle ejects warm water. During drying up process, both nozzles eject warm air. The moveable nozzles can be rotated out of the toilet after they are used. |
| US08108950B1 |
Crotchless underwear
Underpants particularly worn during intercourse which include a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels interconnecting and extending between the front and rear panels. Leg straps interconnect and extend between respective lower corners of the front and rear panels. Lower margins of the front, rear and side panels collectively define an open crotch area while padding arranged over a lower area of the front panel protectively covers a symphysis pubis area of the wearer during intercourse. |
| US08108946B2 |
Hand warmer known as “Z” muff
A special device for use as an auxiliary accessory to keep ones hands warm and safe from the elements. The device has many variations in size, color and materials anticipated with only minor physical changes for manufacturing. In a cold or a moderating environment with wide temperature variations and exposure to cold, a person often needs a means to protect ones hands from the severe cold temperature. This device provides an economical, efficient and durable way to protect ones hands in the exposed environment. The device is comprised essentially of a piece of “fur-like” cloth (natural or artificial) that is attached by a means (sewn, glued, or the like) to itself in a special configuration and then “inserted and stuffed” within itself to provide a new, special configuration for retaining heat and protecting ones hands. The result is a cost efficient and durable hand warming product. |