| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08197779B2 |
Catalyst for removing nitrogen oxides from exhaust gas, method for preparing the same and method for removing nitrogen oxides using the same from exhaust gas
The present invention relates to a catalyst for removing nitrogen oxides from an exhaust gas, a method for preparing the same and a method for removing nitrogen oxide in an exhaust gas using the same, and more particularly, to a catalyst for removing nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas in which a ceramic fiber carrier is treated by hydrothermal reaction prior to washcoating to improve the hydrothermal stability of catalyst, a method for preparing the same and a method for removing nitrogen oxide in an exhaust gas using the same. The catalyst prepared according to the present invention has excellent hydrothermal stability and an activity of the catalyst remains for a long time. Further, by using this catalyst to remove nitrogen oxides in an exhaust gas, a removal ratio of the nitrogen oxides is greatly enhanced. |
| US08197778B2 |
Handling of acids from compressed oxyfuel-derived CO2
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is removed from a carbon dioxide feed gas by maintaining the feed gas at elevated pressure(s) in the presence of oxygen (O2), water and NOx for a period of time sufficient to convert SO2 to sulfuric acid and NOx to nitric acid and produce SO2-depleted, NOx-lean carbon dioxide gas. The invention resides in separating the sulfuric and nitric acids from said SO2-depleted, NOx-lean carbon dioxide gas, and then neutralizing the acids by reaction with an alkaline sorbent in an acid/sorbent reactor system to produce sorbent-derive sulfate. The method has particular application in the removal of SO2 and NOx from flue gas produced by oxyfuel combustion of a carbonaceous fuel. |
| US08197777B2 |
Microcombustors, microreformers, and methods involving combusting or reforming liquids
The invention describes combustors and steam reformers and methods of combustion and steam reforming. For example, integrated combustion reactors are described in which heat from combustion is transferred to an endothermic reaction. Thermally efficient reactors and methods of alcohol steam reforming are also described. Also described is an integrated combustor/reformer containing a methanation catalyst. |
| US08197776B2 |
Reaction vessel and method for the handling thereof
A cuvette (10) for an automatic analyzing apparatus according to the invention includes at least two positions (20), for each position pair one separating wall (22) connecting the positions (20), and brackets (24), which are at the outermost positions (20) and which guide the cuvette (10) into a curved shape. In a handling method of a cuvette (10) according to the invention a cuvette (10) is transported from its brackets (24) to an incubator (30) and bent into a curved shape. In the method the cuvette (10) is then loaded into an opening (34) of the incubator (30), in which opening (34) it remains by its own spring back factor, until the cuvette (10) is removed from the opening (34) after the analysis. |
| US08197774B2 |
Microchip
A microchip is provided, in which dead space provided only for holding excess fluid is made smaller. The microchip is formed by joining at least a first substrate with a trench formed on the substrate surface and a second substrate, and it has a fluid circuit formed by the trench and a surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate. The first substrate and/or the second substrate has a projection for moving fluid and/or air in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity during an operation of the microchip, and the projection is provided near an end portion of a through hole and/or an air vent. |
| US08197769B2 |
Extruded body devices and methods for fluid processing
Disclosed is a device for processing fluids, the device comprising an extruded body having multiple elongated cells therein, the body having a first fluidic passage therethrough defined principally within at least some of said cells, the first fluidic passage having a longitudinally serpentine path back and forth along the at least some of said cells. |
| US08197768B2 |
Apparatus for conversion of materials including asbestos
A method of heating asbestos containing materials and changing their structure from crystal fibrous to that deprived of fiber structure using an electromagnetic field is provided and is characterized by crumbling of utilized material. Crumbled material is being transported to microwave reactor. During transportation and the crumbling process, material chunks are being mixed with a heating facilitating agent. The device includes a utilized materials' crusher (1), crumbled material chunks's worm (2), heating facilitating agent's feeder (3) and microwave thermal reactor (4). The feeder (3) is adjoined to the crusher (1) and/or to the worm (2). The reactor (4) has a heating chamber (9) made of materials that do not absorb microwave radiation which is located at the transporter's (2) outlet. |
| US08197767B2 |
Honeycomb structure
A disclosed honeycomb structure includes at least one honeycomb unit having parallel through holes separated by partition walls and extending in the longitudinal direction, the honeycomb unit including a first SOx-occluding agent, first inorganic particles, and an inorganic binder; and coating layers formed on the partition walls and including a second SOx-occluding agent and second inorganic particles. In the honeycomb structure, the basicity of the honeycomb unit is higher than that of the coating layers. |
| US08197762B2 |
Method of dispensing a volatile material
A method of dispensing a volatile material comprises the steps of providing power to a volatile material diffuser having a diffusion element. The method further includes the step of operating the diffusion element for a randomly determined period of time, wherein the diffusion element is continuously activated and deactivated during the period of time at a randomly determined duty cycle. |
| US08197758B2 |
Zwitterionic dyes for labeling in proteomic and other biological analyses
The invention relates to compositions and methods useful in the labeling and identification of proteins. The invention provides for highly soluble zwitterionic dye molecules where the dyes and associated side groups are non-titratable and maintain their net zwitterionic character over a broad pH range, for example, between pH 3 and 12. These dye molecules find utility in a variety of applications, including use in the field of proteomics. |
| US08197749B2 |
Methods for cleaning luer connectors
Illustrative pairs of caps are disclosed, each of the caps being sized and shaped to provide a protective union about a separated medical connector. A pair of caps can include a male cap and a female cap, each of which is configured to be coupled to the other cap in an assembly. The assembly is sealed until the caps are separated for use, thereby maintaining sterility of the internal surfaces of the caps. Related methods are also disclosed. |
| US08197744B2 |
Method and apparatus for blow molding
A method and apparatus for blow molding an article wherein a parison is positioned between substantially opposed mold closures. The opposed mold closures and at least one other mold closure are advanced, wherein the at least one other mold closure is advanced into abutment with at least one of another of the substantially opposed mold closures, and another of the at least one other mold closure. Thereafter, a gas may be injected within the interior of the parison to form a molded article, the mold closures retracted along their respective axes, and the molded article removed. |
| US08197743B2 |
Hydrogel constructs using stereolithography
A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method and system for building cost-efficient biocompatible hydrogel constructs using stereolithography. Hydrogel constructs may be used in, for example, multi-lumen nerve regeneration conduits and other tissue engineering scaffolds with embedded channel architecture that facilitate tissue regeneration through possible incorporation of precisely located bioactive agents, cells, and other desired inert and/or active chemical agents and devices. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method of fabricating a hydrogel construct comprising: solidifying a first solution into a first construct layer with a first energy dosage using stereolithography, the first solution comprising: a first polymer; and a first photoinitiator, wherein the first polymer and first photoinitiator are of a first concentration. |
| US08197742B2 |
Laser ablation process for removing a portion of dilation element from a balloon
A method is provided for a ablating dilation beads on a balloon with a laser. The laser removes integral dilation beads from the neck regions and/or the tapered regions of a blow molded balloon. Part of the neck portions of the dilation beads may remain on the body of the balloon after the dilation beads have been removed. |
| US08197740B2 |
Method and apparatus for molding a laminated trim component without use of slip frame
An apparatus for producing a molded product from a sheet-form raw material blank has first and second mold tools that each respectively include a respective inner core mold and a respective outer edge mold laterally adjacent thereto. Drive elements drive the outer edge molds relative to a machine frame, and drive the inner core molds relative to the outer edge molds. A molding process involves closing the outer edge molds to hold an edge rim of the material blank while allowing slippage thereof, and then closing the inner core molds to three-dimensionally deform and mold a central portion of the material blank while pulling required additional material by slippage through the outer edge molds. A separate slip frame is not used. The edge rim held by the outer edge molds remains as a permanent mounting rim or flange of the finished molded product. Edge waste is minimized. |
| US08197737B2 |
Reinforced stripper rubber body and method of making same
A reinforced stripper rubber assembly with a stripper rubber body including a drillstring engaging portion having a drillstring bore extending axially therethrough. The drillstring engaging portion of the stripper rubber body is made from an elastomeric material, has an inner surface that engages a drillstring when the drillstring is dispose therein and has a reinforcing insert receiving recess within an exterior surface thereof extending at least partially around the drillstring bore. A reinforcing insert is disposed within the reinforcing insert receiving recess. The reinforcing insert includes an elastomeric material bonded to the stripper rubber body within the reinforcing insert receiving recess. A support structure is disposed within a support structure engaging portion of the stripper rubber body. The support structure includes a central opening generally aligned with the drillstring bore thereby allowing the drillstring to pass jointly through the central opening and the drillstring bore. |
| US08197725B2 |
Thermal curing methods and systems for forming contact lenses
Contact lens curing systems and methods are described. A contact lens curing system includes an oven that has a plurality of curing zones, a mold advancement system for moving the contact lens mold assemblies between the plurality of zones, and a controlled atmosphere within the curing zones that provides a substantially chemically inert environment in which contact lens precursor materials can be polymerized in contact lens mold assemblies located in the curing zones. Methods of producing contact lenses include curing contact lens precursor materials in contact lens mold assemblies in the lens curing system. As an example, an oven for curing contact precursor materials in molds, the curing process being done in an inert atmosphere, includes a plurality of heating zones, such as three heating zones 106, 107, 108 or two heating zones 307, 308 and a mold advancement system for moving the molds between the plurality of zones, wherein a first zone and second zone of the plurality of zones are maintained at different temperatures 106, 107 or 307, 308. |
| US08197723B2 |
Curable resins and articles made therefrom
Optical devices of excellent optical and physical properties produced from cured resins are disclosed. The resins and/or the cured hybrid polymer material made with the resins are characterized by a high level of cycloaliphatic-containing groups. Specific additives that can participate in crosslinking the curable polysiloxane provide additional physical property advantages. |
| US08197722B2 |
Two-photon or higher-order absorbing optical materials and methods of use
Compositions capable of simultaneous two-photon absorption and higher order absorptivities are provided. Compounds having a donor-pi-donor or acceptor-pi-acceptor structure are of particular interest, where the donor is an electron donating group, acceptor is an electron accepting group, and pi is a pi bridge linking the donor and/or acceptor groups. The pi bridge may additionally be substituted with electron donating or withdrawing groups to alter the absorptive wavelength of the structure. Also disclosed are methods of generating an excited state of such compounds through optical stimulation with light using simultaneous absorption of photons of energies individually insufficient to achieve an excited state of the compound, but capable of doing so upon simultaneous absorption of two or more such photons. Applications employing such methods are also provided, including controlled polymerization achieved through focusing of the light source(s) used. |
| US08197721B2 |
Thermochromic coatings II
The invention provides improved conditions for atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) of vanadium (IV) oxide. Specifically, higher quality vanadium oxide (particularly in the form of films) can be obtained by employing concentrations of precursors in the APCVD reaction which are substantially less than those used previously. These conditions improve the reproducibility of the films obtained by APCVD and also prevent particulate formation in the manufacturing apparatus, which in previous work had caused blockages. The films obtained have improved visual appearance, especially color, and/or have improved adhesion to a substrate. The obtained films also show a greater difference in transmission above and below the switching temperature than previous films. The invention also provides doped vanadium oxide, particularly with tungsten. Substrates (e.g. glass substrates) coated with a film of vanadium oxide are also provided. The vanadium oxide of the invention is useful for intelligent window systems, infrared modulators and data storage devices. |
| US08197717B2 |
Metal ink for ink-jet printing
The present invention relates to a metal ink that comprises metal nano particles that are capped by a capping material; and an organic solvent that has a solubility parameter for swelling the capping material. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for producing a metal wire, which comprises the steps of jetting the metal ink by using an ink-jet nozzle, drying the metal ink, and firing the metal ink. |
| US08197715B2 |
Thermoplastic moulding compositions having improved ductility
Thermoplastic molding compositions comprising A) from 40 to 96% by weight of a semiaromatic polyamide, B) from 2 to 30% by weight of a copolymer composed of B1) from 35 to 89.9% by weight of ethylene, B2) from 10 to 60% by weight of 1-octene or 1-butene or propylene or a mixture of these, and B3) from 0.05 to 5% by weight of functional monomers, where the functional monomers have been selected from the group of the carboxylic acid groups, carboxylic anhydride groups, carboxylic ester groups, carboxamide groups, carboximide groups, amino groups, hydroxy groups, epoxy groups, urethane groups, or oxazoline groups, or a mixture of these, C) from 1 to 50% by weight of fibrous or particulate fillers, or a mixture of these, D) from 0.1 to 10% by weight of D1) at least one highly branched or hyperbranched polycarbonate with an OH number of from 1 to 600 mg KOH/g of polycarbonate (to DIN 53240, part 2), or D2) at least one highly branched or hyperbranched polyester of AxBy type, where x is at least 1.1 and y is at least 2.1, or a mixture of these, E) from 0 to 15% by weight of an electrically conductive additive, F) from 0 to 30% by weight of further additives, where the total of the percentages by weight of components A) to F) is 100%. |
| US08197714B2 |
Electrically conductive composite
The invention provides an electrically conductive composite having high conductivity, hermeticity, high mechanical strength, low surface roughness, lightweight, and thin profile. The composite comprises a rubber modified with vinyl ester resin. After curing in mold, the composite may serve as a bipolar plate in a fuel cell. For example, the bipolar plate is combined with a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) to form a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). |
| US08197713B2 |
Fluorescent powder, process for producing the same, and light emitting device, display device, and fluorescent lamp containing fluorescent powder
According to the present invention, a fluorescent powder composed mainly of an acicular or fibrous zinc oxide single crystal with an aspect ratio of 5 or higher is produced by the following steps: a step of producing a raw material solution selected from the group consisting of a raw material solution (A) that is an alkali solution containing zing ions, a raw material solution (B) that is a solution containing zinc ions and ions of dopant element, and a mixed solution of the raw material solution (A) and the raw material solution (B); and a hydrothermal reaction step wherein a hydrothermal reaction of the mixed solution is carried out in a hermetically sealed vessel at a subcritical or supercritical temperature and at a subcritical or supercritical pressure. A zinc oxide single crystal powder can be produced at low cost without the need for a pulverization step or a similar step and high-density orientation can be realized by such crystal powder. Such crystal powder is most suitable for light emitting devices, display devices, fluorescent lamps, and the like. |
| US08197709B2 |
Liquid-crystalline compounds
The present invention relates to chemical compounds containing five or more benzene rings arranged in a linear manner and two bridging units between these rings, where at least one of these units represents a —CF2O— bridge. The invention additionally relates to liquid-crystalline media and to high-frequency components comprising these media, in particular antennae, especially for the gigahertz range. |
| US08197707B2 |
Lithium-porous metal oxide compositions and lithium reagent-porous metal compositions
The invention relates to lithium metal/porous metal oxide compositions. These lithium metal compositions are prepared by mixing liquid lithium metal with a porous metal oxide in an inert atmosphere under exothermic conditions sufficient to absorb the liquid lithium metal into the porous metal oxide pores. The lithium metal/porous metal oxide compositions of the invention are preferably loaded with lithium metal up to about 40% by weight, with about 20% to 40% by weight being the most preferred loading. The invention also relates to lithium reagent-porous metal oxide compositions having RLi absorbed into a porous oxide. The preparation and use of these compositions are also described. |
| US08197702B2 |
Manufacturing method of printed circuit board
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board. The method of manufacturing a printed circuit board having a via for interlayer connection can include forming a circuit pattern on one side of a carrier, pressing one side of the carrier into one side of the insulator, removing the carrier, forming a hole penetrating through the insulator by processing one end of the circuit pattern, and forming a conductive material inside the hole to have the conductive material correspond to the via. |
| US08197698B2 |
Methods for removing impurities from water
A method for removing undesired substances from liquid water may comprise the steps of: subjecting an oxygen-containing substance to an environment; increasing a temperature within said environment; ionizing said oxygen-containing substance; forming an electrostatically enhanced oxygen species; transferring at least some of said electrostatically enhanced oxygen species to said liquid water; processing said liquid water by action of said electrostatically enhanced oxygen species; creating a charged negatively electrostatically enhanced water species by the presence of said electrostatically enhanced oxygen species in said liquid water; and removing said undesired substances from said liquid water through action of said charged negatively electrostatically enhanced water species in said liquid water, perhaps with the goal of purifying water. Such water may be used in a variety of manners, including but not limited to reuse of the purified water in a closed loop system as a cleaning agent. |
| US08197697B2 |
Method for thickening and thickening apparatus
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for thickening liquids carrying suspended particles, such as slurry containing minerals, by using a thickening apparatus (1) comprising a tank (2) whereby pulp of higher relative density tends to settle towards the bottom of the tank, forming a bed of thickened pulp (3), and dilute liquid (9) of lower relative density is thereby displaced towards the top of the tank, a feedwell (4), which includes a chamber having means for receiving fed material (5), such as slurry and at least one outlet in fluid communication with the tank and means for distributing the material in the tank, at least one feedpipe (8) for feeding the material (5), at least slurry, into the feedwell, when the feedpipe cross-sectional area for the fed material (5) is constantly varying when the flowrate inside the feedpipe (8) varies. |
| US08197696B1 |
Methods to control the precipitation of inorganic materials and/or to scrub flue gas
Methods are disclosed for the precipitation of magnesium hydroxide in a standalone basis or in conjunction with the precipitation of calcium in different forms from saline streams. Methods are also disclosed for flue gas scrubbing in conjunction with the precipitation methods or in a standalone basis. Among the benefits of the disclosed methods is that their resulted spent saline stream and/or gas can be used, for instance, to feed seawater desalination plants and/or to enhance hydrocarbons recovery. |
| US08197695B2 |
Absorbents
An absorbent composition suitable for removing mercury, arsenic or antimony from fluid streams includes 5-50% by weight of a particulate sulphided copper compound, 30-90% by weight of a particulate support material, and the remainder one or more binders, wherein the metal sulphide content of the absorbent, other than copper sulphide, is below 5% by weight. |
| US08197692B2 |
Porous materials for solid phase extraction and chromatography and processes for preparation and use thereof
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to porous materials for use in solid phase extractions and chromatography. The materials feature at least one hydrophobic component, at least one hydrophilic component and at least one ion-exchange functional group. The materials exhibit superior wetting and ion-exchange performance. |
| US08197690B2 |
Method and apparatus for biological wastewater purification
A biological wastewater is mixed in an activated sludge tank with activated sludge that is concentrated in the activated sludge tank to a predetermined value. The mixture of wastewater and activated sludge running off in a drain of the activated sludge tank is then sieved to effect an incomplete solid/liquid separation that leaves a separated solid phase in the activated sludge tank. The liquid phase including a remnant of solids is then removed from the tank. |
| US08197689B2 |
Wastewater treatment
A wastewater treatment system includes wastewater having nitrogen-containing compounds, an anoxic zone having denitrifying bacteria, and an aerobic zone having nitrifying bacteria. The anoxic zone is coupled to the aerobic zone, and wastewater flows from the anoxic zone to the aerobic zone or vice versa. The wastewater treatment system is configured to accept heat from a heat engine to heat the wastewater. Treating wastewater can include flowing wastewater having nitrogen-containing compounds into a biological reactor having an anoxic zone and an aerobic zone, and heating the wastewater with heat from a heat engine to facilitate denitrification reactions in the anoxic zone and to facilitate nitrification reactions in the aerobic zone. In some cases, the wastewater is heated with a three phase fluidized bed heat exchanger having porous particulates in contact with heat exchange tubes, with bacteria coupled to an interior of the porous particulates. |
| US08197686B2 |
Fuel filter cartridge and keyed end cap
A filter cartridge has a keyed end cap which is configured and shaped for unlocking an associated valve mechanism that comprises a latch device and a valve. In this manner, when the fuel filter cartridge is placed into a fuel filter housing having such a latch and valve mechanism, the fuel filter cartridge is operable therein to filter fluid and pass the fluid into a standpipe contained within the fuel filter housing. The fuel filter cartridge of this type generally includes pleated filter paper which is disposed between two opposed end caps. The keys may be provided along the bottom end cap. |
| US08197685B2 |
Filter element, securing ring and method for filtering
The invention relates to a filter element for a press filter comprising first and second filtering means, each having at least one opening for the passage of a slurry to be filtered, and first and second connecting means for connecting the openings of the first and second filtering means. Each of the first and second connecting means comprises a flange portion and a tubular portion, wherein the flange portion of the first connecting means is fixedly attached to the first filtering means and the flange portion of the second connecting means is fixedly attached to the second filtering means, and wherein the tubular portion of the first connecting means is insertable into the tubular portion of the second connecting means. A securing ring is provided, which is insertable into the tubular portion of the first connecting means and is adapted to exert a radial force on the tubular portion of the first connecting means, pressing the tubular portion of the first connecting means against the tubular portion of the second connecting means. |
| US08197684B2 |
Desalination device using selective membranes and magnetic fields
Device designed to desalinate brackish water which performs said function by the combined action of magnetic fields generated inside the device and ion-selective membranes, thus obtaining two separate water currents, one with a low salt concentration and the other reject current with a high salt concentration. It comprises an external cylindrical body of magnetized iron (1), an inner body also cylindrical and made of the same material (2) and an intermediate chamber (3) in which are placed a series of ion-selective membranes (6 and 7) arranged radially around the axle common to all of the bodies, and placed alternately such that each negative-ion selective membrane has a positive-ion selective membrane on either side. |
| US08197679B2 |
Particle separation assembly
A particle separation assembly comprises a vessel provided with an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. The assembly is arranged such that the flow rate of fluid through the inlet is greater than the flow rate of fluid through the first outlet such that there is a resultant fluid flow of lighter particles up the vessel and through the second outlet. Flow adjustment means are provided to enable the velocity of this resultant fluid flow to be adjusted, said means comprising a pivotable flap in one example. |
| US08197677B2 |
Process and system for heating or cooling streams for a divided distillation column
One exemplary embodiment can be a system for separating a plurality of naphtha components. The system can include a column, an overhead condenser, and a side condenser. Generally, the column includes a dividing imperforate wall with one surface facing a feed and another surface facing at least one side stream. Typically, the wall extends a significant portion of the column height to divide the portion into at least two substantially vertical, parallel contacting sections. Typically, the overhead condenser receives an overhead stream including a light naphtha from the column. Usually, a side condenser receives a process stream from the column and returns the stream to the column to facilitate separation. A cooling stream may pass through the overhead condenser and then the side condenser. |
| US08197676B2 |
Method for tailings solvent recovery
A tailings solvent recovery vessel substantially without conventional internals utilizes nozzles for forming very fine solvent-containing hydrocarbon droplets from a solvent-containing tailings feedstream. The hydrocarbon droplets are discrete from water droplets. The hydrocarbon droplets are small enough to result in a large surface area and a desired fall residence time but sufficiently large that they are not entrained with the rising vapor in the vessel. The feedstream is introduced to the vessel with a pressure drop to result in an initial flashing of the solvent from the solvent-containing droplets. Heat from the vessel atmosphere or from steam flowing countercurrent to the falling hydrocarbon droplets is transferred to the falling hydrocarbon droplets resulting in vaporization of any residual solvent therefrom. A substantially solvent-depleted pool is collected in the bottom of the vessel and retained only so long as is required to pump the underflow stream from the vessel. |
| US08197673B2 |
Converting heavy sour crude oil/emulsion to lighter crude oil using cavitations and filtration based systems
A process for converting heavy sulfur-containing crude oil into lighter crude oil with lower sulfur content and lower molecular weight is provided. The process is a low-temperature process using controlled cavitation. |
| US08197671B2 |
Methods for upgrading of contaminated hydrocarbon streams
A method of upgrading a heteroatom-containing hydrocarbon feed by removing heteroatom contaminants is disclosed. The method includes contacting the heteroatom-containing hydrocarbon feed with an oxidant and an immiscible acid to oxidize the heteroatoms, contacting the oxidized-heteroatom-containing hydrocarbon feed with caustic and a selectivity promoter, and removing the heteroatom contaminants from the heteroatom-containing hydrocarbon feed. The oxidant may be used in the presence of a catalyst. |
| US08197670B2 |
Process for upgrading hydrocarbons and device for use therein
A process is disclosed using a dispersion of supercritical fluid and oil to upgrade a hydrocarbon feedstock such as a heavy oil into an upgraded hydrocarbon product or synthetic crude with highly desirable properties such as low sulfur content, low metals content, lower density (higher API), lower viscosity, lower residuum content, etc. The process utilizes a capillary mixer to form the dispersion. The process does not require external supply of hydrogen nor does it use externally supplied catalysts. |
| US08197668B2 |
Process and apparatus for upgrading steam cracker tar using hydrogen donor compounds
A process and apparatus are provided for upgrading steam cracker tars from steam crackers. The invention also relates to a steam cracking process and apparatus for reducing yields of tars produced from steam cracking while increasing yields of higher value products by heating steam cracker tar, in the presence of hydrogen donor compounds, e.g., tetralin. The hydrogen donor compounds can be provided in a hydrogen donor-rich hydrocarbon stream, e.g., light cycle oils, or low sulfur vacuum tower bottoms. The treated tar can be separated into gas oil, fuel oil and tar streams. |
| US08197667B2 |
Method to recover crude oil from sludge or emulsion
Recovering crude oil by separating and removing valuable hydrocarbon, water and solid components from sludge or an emulsion. A sludge or an emulsion with added reagents of predefined ratio is received to form a mixture for treatment. The mixture is processed to break a micelle structure of the sludge or the emulsion. The mixture is agitated to allow homogenization thereof. The processed mixture is centrifuged to separate hydrocarbons, water and solids from the sludge or the emulsion. The separated hydrocarbons are tested to ensure separated solids are disposed as environmentally safe materials. Basis solids and water contents of separated hydrocarbons are tested. The separated hydrocarbons are separated, and the filtered hydrocarbons (i.e., the recovered crude oil) are stored. The crude oil is thereby recovered from sludge or emulsion through a chemical exothermic reaction and centrifugation to resolve the emulsion into free water, solids and hydrocarbons. |
| US08197666B2 |
Method and apparatus for the manufacture of one or more gases
A method serves the production of one or more gases, in particular of oxyhydrogen. A liquid, preferably water (9), is electrolytically treated in the method. To improve the efficiency of a method of this type, a substance is present in the liquid (9) to which the or one of the gases to be produced adheres, in particular an ion exchanger (10) (single FIGURE). |
| US08197662B1 |
Deposit morphology of electroplated copper
The present invention provides improved methods and devices for electroplating copper on a wafer. Some implementations of the present invention involve the pre-treatment of the wafer with a solution containing accelerator molecules. Preferably, the bath into which the wafer is subsequently placed for electroplating has a reduced concentration of accelerator molecules. The pre-treatment causes a reduction in roughness of the electroplated copper surface, particularly during the initial phases of copper growth. |
| US08197656B2 |
Device for separating micro particles and a method for fabricating the device
A device for separating micro particles is provided. The separating device comprises a sample inlet into which a sample containing micro particles is injected; fluid inlets into which fluid is injected to form a flow sheath for the sample; a plurality of outlets through which the micro particles are separated and discharged out; a channel through which the sample and the fluid flow; and a first electrode and a second electrode longitudinally disposed in parallel in the channel. The first and the second electrodes are provided in such a manner that an electrode gap between the first and the second electrodes has a curved shape. The micro particles in the sample are easily separated using a dielectrophoresis characteristic. |
| US08197655B2 |
System and method for detecting interaction between substances by superimposingly applying sinusoidal voltage
Disclosed herein is a system for detecting interaction between substances includes a reaction field for allowing the interaction to proceed between the substances, and a voltage application section for applying a voltage to a working electrode arranged facing the reaction field such that a predetermined electrodynamic effect is given to the reaction field. The voltage application section is provided with a section for superimposingly applying two sinusoidal voltages of different frequencies to generate a beat. Also disclosed herein is a method for detecting interaction between substances in a procedure of allowing the interaction to proceed between the substances by making use of a predetermined electrodynamic effect, the method includes the step of applying two sinusoidal voltages of different frequencies superimposingly to generate a beat such that an electrochemical reaction is suppressed in a reaction field where the interaction is allowed to proceed. |
| US08197654B2 |
Methods for preparing an electrodepositable coating composition
Methods for preparing an electrodepositable coating composition are provided comprising: (a) mixing a flatting agent with an electrodepositable resin; (b) combining the mixture of (a) with a pigment paste to form a flatting agent-pigment paste mixture; and (c) combining the flatting agent-pigment paste mixture of (b) with an electrodepositable resin. Methods of coating articles including electrodepositable coating compositions prepared by these methods, as well as processes for coating electroconductive substrates with compositions prepared by these methods are also provided. |
| US08197649B2 |
Ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell
[Problems] The liquid pressure of an anode chamber in a two-chamber ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell using a gas diffusion electrode are different among one another depending on depths so that the liquid pressures are applied on an anode or an ion exchange membrane, thereby introducing damage or deformation of the elements.[Means for Solving] A cushion material 10 is accommodated between a cathode gas chamber back plate 9 and a gas diffusion electrode 7 of an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell 1 such that a repulsive force of the cushion material at the bottom part of the cathode gas chamber is larger than that at the top part. The excessive pressure applied to an ion exchange membrane is suppressed to prevent the generation of scratches or the like by decreasing the repulsive force of the cushion material toward the top in accordance with a differential pressure between an anode chamber pressure and a cathode gas chamber pressure. |
| US08197648B2 |
Method for depositing electrically insulating layers
A method for producing a low-conductivity layer on at least one workpiece by vacuum coating is provided. The method includes operating an electrical arc discharge between an anode and a cathode of an arc source in an atmosphere containing a reactive gas. A small external magnetic field is generated to be essentially perpendicular to a target surface of a target, which is electrically connected to the cathode, to assist an evaporation process. A degree of recoating of the target surface by other coating sources in a vacuum coating installation is less than 10%, and the magnetic field is generated by a magnet system with an axially-polarized coil having a geometry similar in size to that of the target.Excitation current for the electrical arc discharge is supplied through the axially-polarized coil. |
| US08197646B2 |
Processes for continuous fractional distillation of mixtures comprising morpholine, monoaminodiglycol, ammonia and water
Process for the continuous fractional distillation of mixtures including morpholine (MO), monoaminodiglycol (ADG), ammonia and water obtained by reaction of diethylene glycol (DEG) with ammonia, which includes separating off ammonia at the top of a first distillation column K10, feeding the bottoms from K10 to a second distillation column K20 in which water and organic products are separated off at the top at a temperature at the top in the range from 45 to 198° C. and a pressure in the range from 0.1 to 15 bar, feeding the bottoms from K20 to a third distillation column K30 in which MO and organic products having a boiling point of <140° C. (1.013 bar) are separated off at the top or at a side offtake and ADG and organic products having a boiling point of >190° C. (1.013 bar) are separated off at the bottom, feeding the MO including stream which is separated off at the top or at a side offtake of the column K30 to a fourth column K40 in which organic products having a boiling point of ≦128° C. (1.013 bar) are separated off at the top and MO and organic products having a boiling point of ≧128° C. (1.013 bar) are separated off at the bottom and the bottoms from K40 are fed to a fifth distillation column K55 in which MO is separated off at the top and organic products having a boiling point of ≧128° C. (1.013 bar) are separated off at the bottom. |
| US08197645B2 |
Process for separating propylene glycol from aqueous compositions
The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one propylene glycol from a mixture (M) comprising water and said propylene glycol, said process comprising (I) evaporating the mixture in at least two evaporation and/or distillation stages at decreasing operating pressures of the evaporators and/or distillation columns obtaining mixture (M′) and mixture (M″); (II) separating the mixture (M′) obtained in (I) in at least one further distillation step, obtaining a mixture (M-I) comprising at least 70 wt.-% of water and a mixture (M-II) comprising less than 30 wt.-% of water. |
| US08197641B2 |
Preparation of aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers and their use for the production of papers having a high filler content and high dry strength
Process for treating aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers, an aqueous dispersion of at least one latex and an aqueous slurry of at least one starch being metered separately from one another into an aqueous slurry of at least one finely divided filler. |
| US08197635B2 |
Plasma processing apparatus including etching processing apparatus and ashing processing apparatus and plasma processing method using plasma processing apparatus
A diameter of a mounting unit of the stage of an ashing processing apparatus is less than a diameter of a mounting unit of the stage of an etching processing apparatus, and the diameter of the mounting unit of the stage of the etching processing apparatus is less than a diameter of an objective item. |
| US08197632B2 |
Method for producing fuel cell electrolyte membrane and method for producing membrane-electrode assembly
According to the present invention, an electrolyte membrane having recesses and projections on the surface thereof is obtained. In addition, a membrane-electrode assembly comprising the electrolyte membrane, in which the effective contact area between the electrolyte membrane surface and an electrode catalyst layer is increased, is obtained. An electrolyte membrane 1 which comprises a fluorine-based electrolyte is heated and pressed with the use of plates 10a and 10b each having recesses and projections 11 on the surface thereof such that recesses and projections 2a and 2b are formed on the surface of the electrolyte membrane 1. Thereafter, the electrolyte membrane 1 is subjected to a treatment for imparting ion exchange properties to an electrolyte polymer, such as hydrolysis, such that an electrolyte membrane 3 having recesses and projections on the surface thereof is obtained. Electrode catalyst layers 21a and 21b are separately laminated on the both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 3 such that a membrane-electrode assembly 20 is obtained. |
| US08197631B2 |
Method of transfer printing, and print originals for these purposes
The present invention relates to a method of transfer printing on substrates that comprises the steps of printing a UV-curing substance onto a polymeric release layer of a transfer material at regions not intended for transfer to the substrate. This release layer has at least one image which is printed from conventional inks, or it is a colored film. The method further comprises at least partial transfer of the image or the colored film or a combination of the aforementioned to the substrate under the action of heat and pressure, and removal of the transfer material from the substrate. The regions of the polymeric release layer coated with the UV-curing substance are detached from the substrate, and the image-bearing regions of the polymeric release layer or the colored film regions, or the combination thereof, remain joined to the substrate. |
| US08197624B2 |
Welding of functional components to polymer composite components
A method for joining functional components with at least a thermoplastic components to thermosetting composites with at least some thermoplastic surface. The thermosetting composite has a functional thermoplastic surface layer attached by a process of selection of a compatible thermoplastic, heating the combined materials to allow migration of uncured thermosetting polymer into the thermoplastic polymer, then cooling the combined materials to provide a strongly attached thermoplastic surface. The thermosetting composite component may have a polymeric material coating. The present invention subsequently relates to the joining of the functional component and thermosetting polymer composite components, using high-speed oscillating relative displacement or high-speed continuous relative displacement. |
| US08197623B1 |
Thermal and vacuum assessment method
A thermal and vacuum assessment method includes providing a composite part having a repair area, installing a vacuum bag over the repair area, drawing a vacuum on the vacuum bag, testing for air leaks in the vacuum bag, heating the vacuum bag and obtaining a thermal image of the repair area. |
| US08197621B2 |
Method for manufacturing planar heating element using carbon micro-fibers
A planar heating element using for carbon micro-fibers and its manufacturing method have developed. The high-resistant carbon micro-fibers and carbon powder are efficiently coated to completely replace a conventional heating element using resistance heat of a nichrome wire. A single heating element is possibly formed to have a large width and an ultra thin heating element without temperature restriction by overcoming drawbacks of a carbon powder printed heating element serving as an initial module of the planar heating element. Thus, it is possible to produce the various convenient heating elements or heating modules using DC and AC electricity without restriction by solving problems in installation and use, for example, space restriction, thereby various convenient heating elements. |
| US08197618B2 |
Ni3A1-based intermetallic compound including V and Nb, and having dual multi-phase microstructure, production method thereof, and heat resistant structural material
An Ni3Al-based intermetallic compound of the present invention comprises greater than 5 at % and not greater than 13 at % of Al, not less than 9.5 at % and less than 17.5 at % of V, not less than 0 at % and not greater than 5 at % of Nb, not less than 50 weight ppm and not greater than 1000 weight ppm of B, and the remaining portion consisting of Ni and inevitable impurities, and has a dual multi-phase microstructure comprising a primary L12 phase and an (L12+D022) eutectoid microstructure. |
| US08197617B2 |
High-strength steel sheet having excellent elongation, stretch flangeability and weldability
The present invention provides a high-strength steel sheet which has a 980 MPa class tensile strength as well as has excellent elongation, stretch flangeability and weldability, and also has excellent anti-delayed fraction property. The high-strength steel sheet comprises steel satisfying: C: 0.12 to 0.25%, Si: 1.0 to 3.0%, Mn: 1.5 to 3.0%, P: 0.15% or less, S: 0.02% or less, Al: 0.4% or less, and comprising the remnant made from iron and unavoidable impurities, wherein a ratio of the contents of Si and C (Si/C) is within the range from 7 to 14 in terms of a mass ratio, and a microstructure in a longitudinal section comprises, by an occupancy ratio based on the entire structure, 1) bainitic ferrite: 50% or more, 2) lath-type residual austenite: 3% or more, and 3) block-type residual austenite: 1% or more to ½×occupancy ratio of lath-type residual austenite, and 4) average size of block-type second phase is 10 μm or less. |
| US08197616B2 |
Manufacturing method of carbon steel sheet superior in formability
A carbon steel sheet having high formability due to a microscopic and uniform carbide distribution and having a good characteristic of final heat treatment, and a manufacturing method thereof. The carbon steel sheet having excellent formability, includes, in wt %, C at 0.2-0.5%, Mn at 0.1-1.2%, Si at less than or equal to 0.4%, Cr at less than or equal to 0.5%, Al at 0.01-0.1%, S at less than or equal to 0.012%, Ti at less than or equal to 0.5×48/14×[N]% when the condition of B(atomic %)/N(atomic %)>1 is satisfied or by 0.5×48/14×[N]% to 0.03% when the condition of B and N is not satisfied, B at 0.0005-0.0080%, N at less than or equal to 0.006%, Fe, and extra inevitable elements; an average size of carbide is less than or equal to 1 μm; and an average grain size of ferrite is less than or equal to 5 μm. |
| US08197613B2 |
Nanoparticle surface treatment
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing damaging oxidation of metals. In particular, the present invention relates to nanoparticle surface treatments and use of nanoparticle surface treatments to reduce the damaging oxidation and corrosion of stainless steel and other alloy components in oxidating and corrosive conditions. |
| US08197610B2 |
Electric interface for water-bearing household devices
An electric interface for water-bearing household devices is provided comprising a program control for economically controlling, in a flexible and modular arrangement, hydraulic and electrical components which are required for the operational control of the water-bearing household device. At least one part of the electronic components and the magnetic valve is integrated into a component group that is connected to the program control of the water-bearing device. The necessary electric connections are reduced between the individual magnetic valves and the program control due to the integration of hydraulic magnetic valves with electronic components that are used to control the magnetic valves in a component group. The complexity of the cable form for the electric connection of the hydraulic component and the electronic components is reduced, thus enabling modular construction of the related components. The equipment of the component groups can be varied according to each household device design. |
| US08197609B2 |
Automated detection and control system and method for high pressure water wash application and collection applied to aero compressor washing
The present invention relates to a system and method for washing gas turbine engines comprising a manifold comprising one or more tubes; a pumping system for providing pressurized washing liquid to the manifold, the pumping system comprising a pump, and one or more valves; and a control unit for regulating the pumping system according to washing parameters associated to a particular engine. |
| US08197606B2 |
Substrate cleaning method, substrate cleaning apparatus, control program, and computer-readable storage medium
Disclosed is a substrate cleaning method for prevent damage to a pattern formed on a substrate. The substrate cleaning method includes cleaning the substrate by striking cleaning particulates carried in a flow of dry air or inert gas against a surface of the substrate, and removing the cleaning particulates. |
| US08197602B2 |
Ultrasonic jet-pump cleaner
A method of in-situ cleaning of a portion of a boiling water reactor nuclear power plant. In one aspect, the method includes identifying a jet pump for the boiling water reactor nuclear power plant for cleaning, providing an ultrasonic cleaning tool that has a transducer, inserting at least a portion of the transducer into or adjacent to the interior cavity of the jet pump, in-situ, and energizing the transducer to a desired energy level. |
| US08197599B2 |
Gas head and thin-film manufacturing apparatus
A gas head that, at low cost, is capable of suppressing any deactivation of radical gas and capable of uniformly introducing a raw material gas on a substrate; and a relevant thin-film manufacturing apparatus are provided. A gas head (13) according to the present invention includes a reactive gas introduction port (30A) for introduction of a reactive gas, a plurality of raw material gas introduction ports (30B) for introduction of a raw material gas, and a dispersion board (32) for dispersing the raw material gas, wherein the plurality of the raw material gas introduction ports (30B) are disposed so as to surround the periphery of the reactive gas introduction port (30A). The reactive gas having been introduced in the reactive gas introduction port (30A) is mixed with the raw material gas having been introduced through a plurality of raw material gas introduction ports (30B) and dispersed by means of the dispersion board (32). Although the plurality of raw material gas introduction ports (30B) are disposed around the reactive gas introduction port (30A), they are not required to be minute holes such as shower holes. |
| US08197597B2 |
Gallium trichloride injection scheme
The present invention is related to the field of semiconductor processing equipment and methods and provides, in particular, methods and equipment for the sustained, high-volume production of Group III-V compound semiconductor material suitable for fabrication of optic and electronic components, for use as substrates for epitaxial deposition, for wafers and so forth. In preferred embodiments, these methods are optimized for producing Group III-N (nitrogen) compound semiconductor wafers and specifically for producing GaN wafers. Specifically, the method includes reacting an amount of a gaseous Group III precursor as one reactant with an amount of a gaseous Group V component as another reactant in a reaction chamber under conditions sufficient to provide sustained high volume manufacture of the semiconductor material on one or more substrates, with the gaseous Group III precursor continuously provided at a mass flow of 50 g Group III element/hour for at least 48 hours. A system for conducting the method is also provided. |
| US08197587B2 |
Sizing composition for mineral wool comprising a monosaccharide and/or a polysaccharide and an organic polycarboxylic acid, and insulating products obtained
A sizing composition for insulating products based on mineral wool, in particular on rock or glass, the composition including at least one dextrin, at least one organic polycarboxylic acid having a molar mass of less than or equal to 1000, and a catalyst chosen from Lewis acids and bases, phosphorus-comprising compounds and compounds including fluorine and boron. |
| US08197586B2 |
Polyfluoroalkylphosphonic acid, method for producing the same and mold-releasing agent comprising the same as active ingredient
Disclosed is a polyfluoroalkylphosphonic acid represented by the general formula: CnF2n+1(CH2CF2)a(CF2CF2)b(CH2CH2)cP(O)(OH)2, wherein n is an integer of 1 to 6, a is an integer of 1 to 4, b is an integer of 1 to 3, and c is an integer of 1 to 3, or a salt thereof, which is a compound having a perfluoroalkyl group containing 6 or less carbon atoms, which is said to have low bioaccumulation potential, and being usable as an active ingredient of a mold-releasing agent. The polyfluoroalkylphosphonic acid is produced by hydrolyzing a polyfluoroalkylphosphonic acid diester represented by the general formula: CnF2n+1(CH2CF2)a(CF2CF2)b(CH2CH2)cP(O)(OR)2, wherein R is a C1-C4 alkyl group, n is an integer of 1 to 6, a is an integer of 1 to 4, b is an integer of 1 to 3, and c is an integer of 1 to 3. |
| US08197585B2 |
Friction material and process for the production thereof
A process for the in-situ formation of a lubricating phase comprising sulphur and tin in a friction material, wherein reaction of a sulphur source with a tin source in said friction material results in the formation of said lubricating phase, and wherein said reaction is initiated or effected by heat resulting, in use, from the generation of friction, wherein said sulphur source is selected from one or both of sulphur and/or a metal sulphide selected from one or more of iron, copper, zinc, titanium and bismuth, and wherein said tin source is selected from one or more of tin, a tin-containing compound and/or a tin-containing alloy. |
| US08197584B2 |
Methods for preparing curable pigment inkjet ink sets
A curable pigment inkjet ink set includes a cyan inkjet ink, a yellow inkjet ink, and a magenta inkjet ink, wherein the yellow inkjet ink having ABS(Y)momo <5 and ABS(Y)400-500>60 includes one or more yellow pigments; the cyan inkjet ink includes one or more β-copper phthalocyanine pigments; and the magenta inkjet ink contains a mixed crystal including a first quinachdone and a second quinacridone in a ratio of the first quinacridone over the second quinacridone such that ABS(M)500-530>20 and ABS(M)500-600 >60. ABS(Y)500-530 represents the absorbance of the yellow inkjet ink between 500 and 530 nm; ABS(M)500-530 represents the absorbance of the magenta inkjet ink between 500 and 530 nm; ABS(Y)400-500 represents the absorbance ot the yellow inkjet ink between 400 and 500 nm; and ABS(M)500-600 represents the absorbance of the magenta inkjet ink between 500 and 600 nm. |
| US08197578B2 |
Liquid degasser for a space device
A liquid degasser for a space device including a gas permeable material configured for contact with a flow of liquid to be de-gassed on one side and a vacuum on the other side, and wherein the gas permeable material allows gas in the liquid to diffuse to the vacuum to remove the gas from the liquid. |
| US08197571B2 |
Air filter with improved structural support
An air filter having an improved structural support. A pleated air filter having a plurality of truncated pleat tips and sloping side surfaces along a front face and rear face. The truncated pleat tips are orientated perpendicular to the direction of pleating. A reinforcing support member oriented in the direction of pleating and substantially contouring and connecting to the face of the pleated air filter and thereby having truncated pleat tips orientated perpendicular to the direction of pleating. A reinforcing strip connected to the truncated pleat tips of the reinforcing member along the face of the air filter and another reinforcing strip located on the opposite face of the air filter and connected to the truncated pleat tips of the filter to form a truss structure. |
| US08197569B2 |
Waved filter media and elements
Various high performance, high efficiency filter media are provided that are cost effective and easy to manufacture. In particular, various filter media are provided having at least one layer with a waved configuration that results in an increased surface area, thereby enhancing various properties of the filter media. The filter media can be used to form a variety of filter elements for use in various applications. |
| US08197562B2 |
Modification of rheological properties of coal for slurry feed gasification
The feeding of coal slurries into a gasifier for the production of synthesis gas is improved by modifying the rheological properties of the coal particles so that conventional liquid transfer equipment can be used in the feed transfer process to the gasifier. The coal particle surface modification is accomplished by adsorbing asphaltenes derived from petroleum onto the surfaces of coal particles prior to and/or during contact with the slurry liquid. The coal particles with their surfaces thus modified exhibit lower particle-particle interaction in the liquid slurries to form a shear independent Newtonian fluid or a weakly shear thickening pseudoplastic fluid. The rheological properties of the slurries permit them to be transported reliably into a pressurized, entrained feed gasifier vessel using convention slurry pumps with a low potential expenditure of energy. |
| US08197553B2 |
Composite scaffolds and methods using same for generating complex tissue grafts
A composite scaffold for engineering a heterogeneous tissue is provided. The composite scaffold includes: (a) a first scaffold being capable of supporting formation of a first tissue type thereupon; and (b) a second scaffold being capable of supporting formation of a second tissue type thereupon; wherein the first scaffold and the second scaffold are arranged with respect to each other such that when the first scaffold supports the first tissue type and the second scaffold supports the second tissue type, a distance between any cell of the second tissue type and the first tissue type does not exceed 200 μm. |
| US08197550B2 |
Method and apparatus for use of porous implants
An orthopedic prosthesis for implantation into a bone of a patient includes a porous metal shell adapted to be affixed within the bone. The porous metal shell includes an outer surface adapted to receive bone ingrowth and an inner surface adapted to engage a liner. The porous metal shell is porous from the outer surface to the inner surface. A non-porous member may be affixed to the porous metal shell. The non-porous member may include a piercing member extending from the outer surface, the piercing member adapted to penetrate the bone in an implanted position. The non-porous member may include spikes or fins. In one example, the piercing member may define a reduced material cross section at an interface with the outer surface of the porous metal shell. The piercing member may be adapted to be broken at the reduced material cross section and removed from the porous metal shell. |
| US08197549B2 |
System and method for prosthetic fitting and balancing in joints
A system and method for prosthesis fitting in joints comprising an artificial condyle and a spacer which cooperates with the condyle to form an artificial joint. The spacer embedded with at least one sensor which is responsive to a force generated between the condyle and the spacer. The artificial joint is adapted to move between a flexed position and an extended position defining a range of motion. The sensor is responsive to the force and generates an output representative of that force. The output is transmitted, either wirelessly or other, to a processor which utilizes an analysis program to display a representation of the forces applied. A practitioner utilizing the displayed analysis may intraoperatively determine the adjustments and balancing required within the artificial joint. The system may also utilize a ligament tension sensor which generates generates data representative of tension on a ligament of the artificial joint, and a joint angle sensor responsive to the range of motion of the artificial joint. The processor may be adapted to store the outputted sensor data to provide the practitioner with statistically relevant historical data. |
| US08197546B2 |
Corpectomy implant
The present invention describes an expandable vertebral implant and the method of use. The longitudinally expandable vertebral implant includes telescoping sections adapted for incremental expansion and ease of securement at any desired increment in situ, and constructed and arranged to engage opposing vertebrae. The corpectomy device is a distractible vertebral body replacement for the thoracic and lumbar spine. The device is cylindrical shaped having an inner and outer sleeve made adjustable by use of locking pads formed integral with the outer sleeve for use in engaging parallel circumferential locking grooves formed along the outer side surface of the inner sleeve. |
| US08197537B2 |
Implantable textile prostheses having PTFE cold drawn yarns
The present invention provides an implantable prosthesis and more specifically, an implantable tubular textile prosthesis comprising a biocompatible fabric having inner and outer surfaces and first and second ends; the fabric having a textile construction comprising cold drawn PTFE yarns having a substantially uniform denier and high molecular orientation. Use of cold drawn PTFE yarns result in implantable prostheses that have excellent abrasion resistance, strength and lubricity properties. Useful textile constructions include weaves, knits, braids, filament windings, spun windings and combinations thereof. The prostheses of the present invention are lubricious and have characteristics that closely resemble the properties of a natural body lumen. |
| US08197536B2 |
Method for placing a medical device at a bifurcated conduit
A method for treating a diseased body conduit at a bifurcation point is provided. A system having devices mounted thereon is advanced into the bifurcated region of the conduit. The system includes a delivery means, such as a catheter having a shaft with varying torsional properties along its length and a delivery apparatus mounted at its distal end. A distal end of the delivery means can be inserted into the main branch and at least one side branch of a vessel bifurcation. The distal end includes at least two expansion members having expandable devices or prostheses mounted thereon. One device is configured such that one expansion member extends through the length of the scaffold while the other expansion member extends through the side-structure of the scaffold. A second scaffold is mounted on the expansion member extending through the side-structure of the first scaffold. The devices are positioned within the main and side branches of the bifurcation and are expanded. |
| US08197531B2 |
Intraluminal stent graft
A method of making a tubular intraluminal graft in the form of a tubular diametrically adjustable stent having a tubular covering of porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene which is less than 0.10 mm thick. The covering may be on the exterior surface of the stent, or on the interior surface of the stent, or both. The covering may be affixed to the stent by an adhesive which is preferably fluorinated ethylene propylene. |
| US08197528B2 |
Low profile medical stent
The present invention relates to a medical prosthesis having a low profile for delivery into a body lumen. The stent includes a plurality of geometric cells defining the stent, which has first and second opposed open ends; and a plurality of wire strands woven to form a plurality of crossed regions defining the geometric cells. Each wire strand has strand ends and the strand ends are disposed at the second end of the stent. |
| US08197525B2 |
Full body split access blanket
A full body blanket has a central bonded strip that extends from a distal end of an upper portion of the blanket to the foot end of the blanket to divide the main body of the blanket into two longitudinal portions. A discontinuous slit or tearable line is provided along the length of the strip to enable the longitudinal portions to be separable from each other by a user applying a force along the tearable strip. The strip may be torn anywhere along its entire length so that the longitudinal portion to be removed from the patient may be folded back anywhere along the length of the strip to selectively expose particular body parts of the patient. The blanket is inflated by heated air, and the heated air is circulated by channels that extend longitudinally along each of the longitudinal portions. Rows of apertures provided along the channels at the layer of the blanket that makes contact with the patient output the heated air to warm the patient. |
| US08197524B2 |
Energy irradiation device and method, control device and control method
An energy irradiation device for medical use to irradiate a living body with energy includes a data storage for storing data indicative of correlations between information about bloodstream quantities and amounts of tissue necrosed in living bodies for a plurality of living bodies differing in bloodstream quantity that are irradiated with a predetermined quantity of the energy, a calculation unit for calculating a quantity of the energy with which to irradiate a predetermined living body based on the data stored in the data storage, the information about the bloodstream quantity in the predetermined living body, and the amount of tissue to be necrosed in the predetermined living body. |
| US08197523B2 |
Bone screw for positive locking but flexible engagement to a bone
A bone screw having a head portion and an adjoining shaft portion is described. The shaft portion has a front, a mid, and a neck section, where at least two of the sections having complementary features and/or attributes to facilitate positive-locking, but flexible engagement of the bone screw to a bone. |
| US08197517B1 |
Frictional polyaxial screw assembly
Various embodiments are provided with a polyaxial spinal screw assembly that comprise a threaded screw having a bulbous or curvate head, and a receiver for receiving the head of the screw, and a slotted collet between the receiver and the screw head. The collet may, in an un-locked condition, bear against the head of the screw to frictionally retain the screw's angular position. The collet may have a lip that may engage with a corresponding internal feature of the receiver. The screw head may be able to be inserted into the receiver through the bottom of the receiver. The screw may be cannulated and also may be fenestrated. Embodiments may also include a bone screw having fenestration holes that include a component in the rotational direction, such as backward-facing with respect to the forward-rotational direction of the screw. |
| US08197513B2 |
Facet fixation and fusion wedge and method of use
A spinal implant including an at least one screw disposed within a wedge body is herein provided. The implant can be configured for placement with a facet joint in an intra-facet delivery. Furthermore, the implant can include a fusion-promoting bioactive material thereby providing a single device capable of spinal stabilization and/or fusion. Furthermore, a method of placing such an implant within a facet joint in an intra-facet orientation is hereby provided. |
| US08197510B2 |
Suturing device and method
A suturing device and method allows a physician to remotely suture biological tissue. The device includes an elongate body, first and second arms operably connected to the elongated body, whereby each arm mounts an end portion of a suture, and first and second needles, each needle having a distal end and being mounted such that the distal end of the needle is movable to engage respective end portions of said suture. The suturing apparatus further includes an actuator which drives the needles to engage the suture. The suturing apparatus further includes an occluding device operably connected to the elongate body such that the occluding device may be advanced from the distal end of the elongate body to temporarily occlude the incision to be sutured. |
| US08197509B2 |
Suture anchor with improved torsional drive head
The present invention provides a suture anchor that includes an elongate shank defining a longitudinal axis and having at least one engaging member for applying the suture anchor within the bone and securing the suture anchor in the bone once implanted formed thereon, and a drive head having a proximal end, a distal end and a radial cross-sectional geometry, where the drive head is mated to the elongate shank, includes at least one suture attachment element formed in a portion thereof and at least one anti-rotational member integral therewith, suture anchor kits utilizing the suture anchors and methods of attaching bone to gone. |
| US08197508B2 |
Fused loop of filamentous material and apparatus for making same
A fused loop of an elongated material, such as a surgical suture, and apparatus for making the loop. Portions of one or more segments to be joined together are fused in a welding process to form a welded joint. The shear area of the fused portion of the joint determines the strength of the joint and is thus preferably relatively large. Various configurations for the welding apparatus facilitate the creation of relatively large fused portions of the joint by maximizing contact between at least one of the welding members of the apparatus and at least one of the segments to be joined. |
| US08197506B2 |
Wound closing device
A wound (50) is closed using a first adhesive shoe (10) adhesively affixed adjacent to a first edge (51) of the wound, a second adhesive shoe (20) adhesively affixed adjacent to a second opposite edge (52) of the wound, a forceps device (100) comprising a first leg (101) adapted to couple with the first adhesive shoe and a second leg (102) adapted to couple with the second adhesive shoe; and a locking mechanism (150) adapted to draw the first and second forcep legs together and hold legs in the desired closed position after they are drawn together. |
| US08197505B2 |
Balloon catheter system for treating vascular occlusions
The present invention provides a balloon catheter comprising: a hollow inner shaft disposed within a hollow outer shaft; a balloon attached at its proximal end to said outer shaft and at its distal end to said inner shaft; wherein the inner shaft is constructed such that following radial expansion of the balloon to a first expanded state, said inner shaft is capable of responding to further longitudinal expansion of the balloon to a second expanded state by increasing its length from a resting value, and of responding to subsequent partial deflation back to said first expanded state by reducing its length back to said resting value. |
| US08197501B2 |
Control for a powered surgical instrument
A surgical instrument is provided for cutting bone and other tissue. The instrument includes a housing. A plurality of sensors are located in the housing in a spaced apart orientation from each other. A collar is moveably mounted to the housing into a plurality of different collar orientations on the housing. A lever comprising an actuator is moveably coupled to the collar and, with the collar located in any one of the plurality of different collar orientations, the lever is operable to move the actuator relative to one of the plurality of sensors in order to vary a signal produced by that sensor. |
| US08197499B2 |
Compositions and methods for joining non-conjoined lumens
Disclosed are compositions, methods, and kits for joining together non-conjoined lumens in a patient's body including vascular lumens. More particularly, in various aspects, this invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for joining such non-conjoined lumens, including small lumens typically requiring microsurgical technique. |
| US08197498B2 |
Gastric bypass devices and procedures
Methods and devices for treating obesity are provided, and more particularly, methods and devices for performing gastric bypasses are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment a gastric bypass procedure is provided that includes forming a gastro-entero anastomosis between a stomach and an intestine and forming an entero-entero anastomosis between a portion of the intestine distal to the gastro-entero anastomosis and a portion of the intestine proximal to the gastro-entero anastomosis. A surrogate path is formed between the esophagus and the gastro-entero anastomosis to at least partially direct fluid from the esophagus to the intestine by way of the gastro-entero anastomosis, thereby bypassing the stomach. Devices useful in gastric bypass procedures that include anastomotic devices coupled to or integrally formed with a shunt. The devices can include a plurality of tubular bodies that are configured to have an adjustable length. |
| US08197495B2 |
Biopsy targeting cube with elastomeric edges
A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. The biopsy device comprises a holster portion and a probe. The probe and/or other associated components are configured to selectively couple with a targeting cube that is configured to selectively couple with a grid plate having apertures for receiving the targeting cube. The targeting cube comprises a body defined by faces. The targeting cube further comprises guide holes that originate and terminate at the faces and pass through the body of the targeting cube to provide passageways through the targeting cube. The intersections of the faces of the targeting cube comprise edges that are comprised of elastomeric material. The elastomeric edges allow for compression and may thus provide a secure fit with a wide range of grid plates having openings of various shapes and sizes. |
| US08197494B2 |
Medical device position guidance system with wireless connectivity between a noninvasive device and an invasive device
A medical device position guidance system having a noninvasive medical device communicable with an invasive medical device. The system provides outputs useful to assess the position of an invasive medical device in an animal, such as a human. A magnetic field is used to gather information about the position of the invasive device. Radio waves are used to communicate this information between the noninvasive device and the invasive device. |
| US08197490B2 |
Non-invasive adjustable distraction system
A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An o-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod. |
| US08197486B2 |
Surgical cutting guide
A surgical cutting guide is adapted to receive a cutting instrument during a surgical procedure. The surgical cutting guide comprises at least one body portion including a bone engaging surface. A plurality of separate plates are secured to the at least one body portion. At least one cutting slot is formed in the surgical cutting guide between the plurality of separate plates. The at least one cutting slot is configured to receive the cutting instrument and orient the cutting instrument for the surgical procedure. The at least one body portion is comprised of a first material, such as a plastic material, and the plurality of separate plates are comprised of a second material, such as a metal material. |
| US08197484B2 |
Assembly for minimally invasive reduction of hip fracture
An assembly includes a holder having a first arm and a second arm, the holder being movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The assembly further includes an actuator movable in relation to the holder between a first position and a second position. Movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position causes movement of the holder from the first configuration to the second configuration. The first arm has a first bone plate contact portion, and the second arm has a second bone plate contact portion. The first bone plate contact portion and the second bone plate contact portion are separated by a first distance when the holder is in the first configuration. The first bone plate contact portion and the second bone plate contact portion are separated by a second distance when the holder is in the second configuration. The first distance is greater than the second distance. The assembly further includes a bone plate having a plurality of fastener openings defined therein. The holder retains the bone plate between the first bone plate contact portion of the first arm and second bone plate contact portion of the second arm when the holder is positioned in the second configuration. |
| US08197483B2 |
Surgical bone punch
In a surgical bone punch having a stationary shaft joined to a handgrip, a slide shaft mounted for longitudinal displacement on this stationary shaft, and a motorized drive in the handgrip for displacement of the slide shaft from a proximal inoperative position to a distal operative position with a preset forward displacement force, in order to control the effective forward displacement force of the slide shaft, it is proposed that the slide shaft carry a stop, which, during displacement of the slide shaft to the operative position, strikes an elastic spring element, which is supported on the stationary shaft, and, during displacement of the slide shaft, counteracts the forward displacement force of the drive. |
| US08197481B2 |
Adjustable length tap and method for drilling and tapping a bore in bone
The present invention is directed to an adjustable self drilling tap assembly and method for drilling and tapping bores in bone for use in orthopedic procedures to treat bone. The adjustable length tap assembly includes a shaft having cutting threads for drilling holes in bone, a stop collar configured and dimensioned to be translatable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a locking collar comprising a member configured and dimensioned to be received over at least a portion of the stop collar. The locking collar preferably is configured and dimensioned to engage with the stop collar to adjustably set the effective length for the cutting threads and to prevent movement of the stop collar along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. |
| US08197478B2 |
Apparatus and method for electrically induced thrombosis
An apparatus and method for electrically induced thrombosis. The surgical device includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is for placement adjacent to, near, or within a treatment site of a patient. The second electrode can be movable with respect to the first electrode. When the electrodes are charged by an electricity source, negatively charged blood components are attracted to the positively charged electrode while being repelled from the negatively charged electrode. Due to the electric potential between the adjacent electrodes, thrombosis is induced. The negatively charged blood and components form a thrombus or a clot adjacent to the positively charged electrode. The surgical device can be used to induce the otherwise natural process of thrombosis. When the surgical device is used in a treatment site such as a puncture or incision, the thrombosis can seal the opening created by the treatment site. |
| US08197469B2 |
Inserter joint and inserter
A controlled relative motion system comprising a base support, a manipulable support, and a plurality of hinged doubled pivoting links rotatably coupled to the base support and rotatably coupled to the manipulable support. A plurality of force imparting members has at least one coupled to one of the plurality of doubled pivoting links so as to be able to cause it to rotate. Also, at least one is coupled to the base support so as to be able to cause that base support to move toward or away.This joint can be used with a similar control joint, coupled thereto by coupling shafts held apart by a slidable separator, to form an extended length inserter for inserting an object positionable by the insertion joint in an obstructed location reached along a constricted passageway. These structures, positioned within a barrel, can rotate together but an activator slider, positioned at least partially about that barrel though not rotatable therewith, is coupled to the separator to cause sliding thereof. |
| US08197466B2 |
Connector and infusion tube set
A connector includes a male connector section having a cavity, a female connector section having a cavity to which another male connector section the same as the male connector section can be connected, a male lock section or a female lock section, disposed adjacent to the male connector section so that the connection direction thereof is parallel to that of the male connector section, a female lock section disposed adjacent to the female connector section so that the connection direction thereof is parallel to that of the female connector section, and to which another male lock section the same as the male lock section can be coupled, or a male lock section disposed adjacent to the female connector section so that the connection direction thereof is parallel to that of the female connector section, and to which another female lock section the same as the female lock section can be coupled, and a seal member formed from an elastic material, for maintaining liquid-tightness of the connection between the other male connector section and the female connector section in a locked condition where the other male lock section and the female lock section are coupled to each other, wherein an unlocking sound, which enables recognition of unlocking, is generated at a time of unlocking when the locked condition is released. |
| US08197465B2 |
Magnet cuff for vascular catheters and bloodlines
A catheter (100) having a catheter body (102) having a proximal end (106) and a distal end (104) and a proximal portion fixedly connected to the proximal end. A magnet (120,220,320) is disposed around the catheter body (112) distally of the proximal portion and may be contained within a hub (208, 308). |
| US08197464B2 |
Deflecting guide catheter for use in a minimally invasive medical procedure for the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation
A deflecting guide catheter for use in minimally invasive medical procedures such as the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by reshaping the mitral valve annulus using one or more plications of annular or adjacent tissue each fixed by a retainer is described. The catheter includes an elongated tubular portion having various durometers along its length and at least one puller wire attached to an anchor band near the distal end. The deflecting guide catheter is used to provide a means for guiding a plication device or other medical instrument into a desired position within the vasculature or heart chambers of a patient. |
| US08197462B1 |
Method and system for mitigating effects of biomechanical forces on cell, particle and drug based therapies
A medical practitioner can specify certain parameters for a procedure that involves delivering a therapeutic agent, while leaving other parameters open. The therapeutic agent can be sensitive to biomechanical forces (or other influences) associated with delivery. The procedure can involve regenerative medicine, for example delivering progenitor or stem cells to a diseased heart using a catheter, whereby unbridled transport in the catheter may compromise efficacy. The open parameters can influence efficacy of the agent and thus therapeutic outcome. A computer-based system can apply stored information, such as from databases, to narrow the possible values of the open parameters. From the narrowed possibilities, an optimization routine can determine suitable or optimized values for the open parameters. The determined values can manage biomechanical forces incurred by the therapeutic agent, thereby promoting efficacy and healing. The optimized parameters can guide the practitioner in the procedure. |
| US08197459B2 |
Self-sealing medical fluid transfer device
Embodiments of the invention relate to a transfer device for a container whose interior is under negative pressure and which is closed by means of an elastic stopper. The device has a receiving cap and a piercing mandril for piercing the stopper. Relative to its direction of piercing, the piercing mandril is provided with a front piercing portion and with a rear sealing portion which is of greater diameter. In the position in which a bead of the container is inserted into the receiving cap, the sealing portion contacts the stopper. In this way, a tear in the stopper, which tear has been formed by eccentric application of the device onto the container, can be sealed off. |
| US08197455B2 |
Absorbent articles and/or packaging components each having different patterns in a single container
In the present invention, a packaging component having an outer surface and an interior volume contains within the interior volume a plurality of absorbent personal care articles. Each absorbent personal care article has a garment facing surface and a body facing surface. A portion of the plurality of the absorbent personal care articles in the packaging component are first absorbent articles having a first pattern embossed or printed on at least a portion of one of the surfaces. In addition, a portion of the plurality of the absorbent personal care articles in the packaging component are second absorbent articles having a second pattern is embossed or printed on at least a portion of one of the surfaces. In this aspect of the present invention, the first and second patterns are different from each other in at least one aspect. Further, a portion of the plurality of absorbent personal care articles may also contain additional absorbent articles which have yet another pattern embossed on one of the surfaces. In another aspect of the present invention there are more that two different embossing or printing patterns on the absorbent articles within the package. Generally, in the present invention every absorbent article within a given package may have a different pattern embossed or printed on the body facing surface or the garment facing surface of each of the absorbent articles. Also provided are wrapper components for absorbent articles having different patterns thereon. |
| US08197454B2 |
Fluid cartridges and partially implantable medical devices for use with same
A fluid cartridge including a housing, a needle extending from the housing and a plurality of circumferentially spaced sensible members carried by the housing such that each of the sensible members is circumferentially spaced from the other sensible members, and apparatus including such a cartridge in combination with a partially implantable medical device. |
| US08197451B2 |
Ampoule with a seal in two compression states
Ampoules for dispensing flowable substances and metering systems incorporating the same are described herein. An ampoule for a flowable substance includes an ampoule body comprising an interior space for receiving the flowable substance and an inner circumferential surface having a guide region and a sealing region. A piston may be disposed in the interior space of the ampoule body such that the piston is slidably displaceable along a direction of displacement. The piston includes a one sealing element for forming a seal with the inner circumferential surface in a contact zone on the outer circumference of the sealing element. The sealing element has as first compression state when the contact zone is in the guide region and a second compression state when the contact zone is in the sealing region. A second blocking device prevents movement of the contact zone from the sealing region to the guide region. |
| US08197448B2 |
Device for retaining and dispensing a free-flowing substance
A device for retaining and dispensing a free-flowing substance includes a syringe-like retaining body (12) in which a retaining space (46) is formed. A displaceable piston (22) is axially introduced into the retaining space (46) and the retaining body (12) is provided with a dispensing nozzle (18) on its front end facing away from the piston (22). A locking pin (36) through which at least one transverse channel (44) passes, with an axial channel (42) branching off therefrom, is provided on the inside of the dispensing nozzle (18). In a closed position of the locking pin (36), a flow connection between the retaining space (46) and the transverse channel (44) is blocked. In an activation position of the locking pin (36), the transverse channel (44) is connected to the retaining space (46), so that the free-flowing substance can be dispensed from the retaining space (46) via the transverse channel (44) and the axial channel (42). |
| US08197446B2 |
Access cannula with hinge restrictor
A cannula assembly adapted to facilitate the percutaneous introduction of surgical instrumentation. In particular, the cannula assembly includes a cannula housing and a cannula member incorporating an restrictor hinge. The restrictor hinge is configured and dimensioned to transition from a first, initial stage in which an initial internal dimension is defined, to a second, expanded stage, such that the proper orientation of any surgical instrument inserted into the cannula may be achieved and a substantially fluid-tight seal may be formed therewith. |
| US08197443B2 |
Detection apparatus and method
A detection apparatus for, and a method of, detecting the location of the tip of a tubular element, in particular a needle, within a region, in particular one of the epidural space and the peritoneal cavity. |
| US08197429B2 |
Double arm sling
A double arm sling, including two pouches, each of the two pouches configured for individually receiving one of a patient's arms, and at least one pair of half-straps, the at least one pair of half-straps configured to fasten the double arm sling around the torso of the patient. The double arm sling may further include at least one pair of tongues coupled to the two pouches and coupled to the at least one pair of half-straps, a backing portion coupled to the two pouches, and at least one back pad configured to receive the at least one pair of half straps. |
| US08197428B2 |
Portable air pulsator and thoracic therapy garment
A portable human body pulsating apparatus has an air pulse generator mounted on a pedestal having wheels to facilitate movement of the apparatus on a surface. The pedestal has an upright piston and cylinder assembly operable to adjust the elevation of the air pulse generator. A reversible thoracic therapy garment is connected with a hose to an air pulse generator which can be selectively located adjacent opposite sides of a person receiving therapy. |
| US08197427B2 |
Acoustical-based tissue resuscitation
Acoustical-based methods that increase tissue oxygenation, and equipment for carrying out the methods, are provided. The methods involve exposing tissue to low frequency sound in order to increase blood flow in the tissue, and hence oxygenation of the tissue. The methods may be used to treat or prevent disorders related to ischemia and low blood flow, such as shock, stroke and congestive heart failure. |
| US08197425B2 |
Ankle-foot orthosis prescription assistive device
A measurement device (10) for quantitatively measuring stiffness, torque or range of motion (ROM) around the joint axis of the ankle-foot complex of a lower limb in the sagittal and coronal planes, the device (10) comprising: a plate (13, 21) for placement of the ankle-foot complex, the plate (13, 21) operatively connected to an actuator (14, 16) for manual actuation; an angular measurement device (12, 17) to measure an angular position of the ankle-foot complex; a torquemeter (11) to measure resistance torque of the ankle-foot complex; an electromyograph (48) to monitor muscular activity of muscles of the lower limb; and computer software to record the measured angular position, resistance torque of the ankle-foot complex and EMG of the lower limb muscles. |
| US08197423B2 |
Method and apparatus for penetrating tissue
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site that includes an electrically powered drive force generator. A penetrating member is operatively coupled to the force generator. The force generator moves the member along a path out of a housing having a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stops in the tissue site, and withdraws out of the tissue site. A cartridge houses the penetrating member. The cartridge has first and second seals coupled to the penetrating member to maintain a sterile environment around a portion of the penetration member prior to penetrating member actuation. A user interface is configured to relay at least one of, penetrating member performance or a penetrating member setting. |
| US08197420B2 |
Systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination
The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media. |
| US08197419B2 |
Biopsy device having specimen length adjustment
A biopsy device having a sample size control assembly for selecting the specimen size to be collected. The sample size control assembly includes a rotatable nose on the exterior of the biopsy device for actuating the operation of the sample size control assembly. A needle assembly of the biopsy device can extend through the rotatable nose. A tip protector can be coupled to the sample size control assembly, and can be engaged by a user to operate the sample size control assembly. Also disclosed is a method for making a biopsy device, including coupling a tip protector to a sample size control assembly. |
| US08197417B2 |
Metabolic analyzer transducer
A compact and wearable metabolic analyzer transducer comprising a housing containing a plurality of analog sensors, an A/D converter, a microcontroller, and a power source operatively coupled thereto where the microcontroller is programmed to compute minute ventilation, O2 uptake, and CO2 production of a subject. The transducer and its contents are of a size and weight that can either be easily supported from a facemask worn by a subject or incorporated in a respiratory circuit. The measured values can be wirelessly transmitted or transmitted, via a cable, to a remote personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or other display devices such as digital watches or image projectors. |
| US08197415B2 |
Non-invasive heart monitoring apparatus and method
The present invention discloses an apparatus for non-invasive heart monitoring comprising a pulse wave transit time (PWTT) determining device for determining a PWTT at predefined intervals, a first storing means for storing PWTT values resulting of the determining, a blood pressure measuring device for measuring a blood pressure close in time with the determining and a second storing means for storing blood pressure values resulting of the measuring. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a cardiovascular dynamic change calculating device for calculating a relative change of the PWTT values and the blood pressure values as a function of time. The apparatus further comprises an alarm emitting device for emitting an alarm if the blood pressure values are substantially constant as a function of time and the PWTT values decrease as a function of time. A method for non-invasive heart monitoring is also disclosed. |
| US08197411B2 |
Reference deformable body, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and ultrasonic diagnostic method
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and method are disclosed for enabling identification of a type of reference deformable body. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe to which the reference deformable body is attached, a tomographic image constructing unit, and a display unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes a storing unit configured to store the relationship between the ID given to the reference deformable body and a type of the reference deformable body, and a type identifying unit configured to specify the type of the reference deformable body corresponding to the inputted ID. A tomographic image can then be constructed based on the type of reference deformable body specified. |
| US08197405B2 |
Surgical retractor assembly and associated method of use
A surgical retractor assembly is disclosed that includes a bone plate and a retractor. The bone plate has a tapered end portion. The retractor includes a base having (i) a body defining a bottom surface and a distal portion, the distal portion defining a distal surface, (iii) a first pair of tabs extending from the body that are spaced apart from each other, and (iv) a second pair of tabs extending from the body that are spaced apart from each other. The retractor further includes a handle attached to the base. The first pair of tabs and the bottom surface define a first plate space. The second pair of tabs and the distal surface define a second plate space. |
| US08197404B2 |
Handoscopy interwoven layered seal laparoscopic disk
A laparoscopic disk assembly, which includes an interwoven gasket seal, either flat or conical, comprised of four gasket sections, forms a seal without anything inserted or in the presence of a laparoscopic instrument or surgeon's hand, approximating an opening of a single through hole of a lip seal providing the same sealing as a lip seal. By breaking the seal through hole into multiple pieces, the direction and amount of strain applied to any section is less than the strain applied by the simple change in diameter. The layers form contact zones with the inserted probe or hand. The sum of the array of contact zones provides contact around the full diameter of the inserted tool or hand. Additionally, the hoop stress of the seal is reduced, thereby reducing the drag force on the instrument or the hand and wrist of the doctor. |
| US08197403B2 |
Otoscopic instrument having tip attachment and ejecting mechanism
An otoscopic instrument includes an instrument head attached to a handle and a speculum tip actuator mechanism for receiving, retaining and selectively ejecting an otoscopic speculum tip element. The tip actuator mechanism includes an actuator knob rotatably attached to the instrument head in which the instrument head includes annular securement slots sized for receiving external engagement features of a speculum tip element which are rotatably fitted into the slot(s). The actuator knob further includes a pin for displacing a secured speculum tip element from the securing slot upon rotation in a predetermined direction in order to eject the tip element. |
| US08197400B2 |
Selectively rotatable shaft coupler
The present invention is a system for dissipating loops in an elongated medical device having one end secured to an anchor point, such as a housing. The system includes a selectively rotatable shaft coupler that connects a shaft to the anchor point that allows a limited amount of shaft rotation during use, but which sets a restriction on the maximum amount of shaft rotation. In another embodiment, the invention provides a shaft coupling system for connecting a proximal end of an endoscope shaft to an object without the use of adhesives or fasteners. In another embodiment, the invention provides a rotatable shaft coupling system for rotatably coupling a first and second shaft segment. |
| US08197399B2 |
System and method for producing and improving images
A method for displaying images includes adjusting at least one characteristic of an image from a first imaging device of an endoscope to match at least one corresponding characteristic of an image from a second imaging device of the endoscope. The at least one characteristic may be one or more of color, contrast and brightness. An endoscopic system includes an endoscope including a first imaging device and a second imaging device, and a display device that displays an image from the first imaging device of the endoscope and an image from the second imaging device of the endoscope, wherein the images are sized so that an object, when placed at the same distance from the imaging devices, appears to have about the same size in the images. |
| US08197396B2 |
Treatment tool for endoscope and medical procedure
A treatment tool for an endoscope according to the present invention includes: an outer sheath to be inserted into a channel of an endoscope; a forcep sheath which is movably arranged in the outer sheath along an axial direction; a plurality of forcep cups which are attached to a distal end of the forcep sheath, at least one of which is formed with a sharp needle-shaped portion on a distal end, and which cooperate with each other to be openable/closable as a whole; an operation wire which is movably arranged in the forcep sheath along an axial direction, and is connected to the forcep cups, and which opens/closes the forcep cups when moved in its axial direction; a first operation portion which is movably attached along an axial direction of a proximal end of the outer sheath, and is connected to a proximal end of the forcep sheath; and a second operation portion which is movably attached to the first operation portion along an axial direction of the proximal end of the forcep sheath, and is connected to a proximal end of the operation wire. |
| US08197393B2 |
Adaptable bi-directional range-of-motion exercise apparatus providing repose configuration
A resistance exercise apparatus is provided which, includes structures for receiving a body extremity of a user, the means for receiving a body extremity subject to a force provided by the body extremity, structures for maintaining the means for receiving a body extremity in a predefined plane during movement; and resistance providing devices to impose resistance against, the movement of the body extremity. Versions of the apparatus may positioned on a floor, on a wall, or be free standing. Various embodiments of the invention are particularly suited to provide range-of-motion exercises for legs, arms, and hands of the user for both recreational strengthening and physical therapy applications. |
| US08197390B2 |
Mini-trampoline with support bar
A trampoline assembly (10) includes a bed (12), a base frame (14), a plurality of first resilient members (16) that connect the bed (12) to the base frame (14), and a support assembly (22). The support assembly (22) includes (i) a plurality of support arches (26) connected to the base frame (14) and cantilevering upward away from the base frame (14); (ii) a first support segment (28) that is connected to the base frame (14) and one of the support arches (26); (iii) a second support segment (30) that is connected to the base frame (14) and one of the support arches (26); (iv) a support bar (32); and (v) a plurality of support resilient members (34) that connect the support bar (32) to at least one of the plurality of support arches (26). In some embodiments, the plurality of support arches (26) extend around only a portion of the base frame (14). Further, each support arch (26) can be connected to at least one of the other support arches (26). Additionally, in some embodiments, the support bar (32) has a first end (48) and a spaced apart second end (50). For example, in some embodiments the support bar (32) is substantially C-shaped. |
| US08197388B2 |
Method for automatically engaging a parking lock of an automatic or automated gearbox of a motor vehicle
A method of automatically engaging a parking lock or an automatic or automated gearbox of a motor vehicle, which can be engaged depending on a drive position selected by the driver of the motor vehicle, by way of a selector device and depending on other operating parameters. In order to achieve as little restriction of the drivability of the motor vehicle as possible, without neglecting the safety of the driver and surroundings, two different complex embodiments of an Auto_P function for automatically engaging the parking lock are proposed, if the motor vehicle is at least approximately stopped and, at the same time, an ignition circuit acting on the drive motor of the motor vehicle is electrically interrupted. |
| US08197387B2 |
Shift lever assembly having a dual signal park position switch
A shift lever assembly utilizing a single switch to produce a first signal indicating that a transmission of a vehicle is in a park position and a second signal to authorize removal of a key from an ignition of the vehicle is disclosed. The switch includes a casing supporting a plunger having a first park indication contact and a first key removal contact. The casing includes a second park indication contact and a second key removal contact. The first park indication contact engages the second park indication contact when the plunger is in a rest position and is disengaged from the second park indication contact when the plunger is in a depressed position. The first key removal contact is disengaged from the second key removal contact when the plunger is in the rest position and engages the second key removal contact when the plunger is in the depressed position. |
| US08197383B2 |
Multi-stroke hybrid propulsion system
A hybrid propulsion system for a vehicle and method of operation are described. In one example, the engine may operate in a two stroke cycle to provide increased engine torque when a recharging operation of the on-board energy storage device is requested. Further, a transition from a four stroke cycle to the two stroke cycle may be performed while maintaining the transmission in the previously selected gear ratio in response to a requested increase in charging or a requested increase in wheel torque as requested by the vehicle operator. |
| US08197378B2 |
Multi-speed transaxle for a front wheel drive vehicle
A front wheel drive transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing. |
| US08197377B2 |
Automatic transmission gear and clutch arrangement
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. Further, a hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members. |
| US08197376B2 |
Multi-ratio transmission
A multi-stage transmission with nine forward gears and one reverse gear comprising four planetary gear sets, eight rotatable shafts and six shift elements. The sun gear of the first set is connected to fourth shaft which is couplable to a housing by the first brake, the carrier of the first set is connected to the third shaft, which is coupled to the housing by the second brake, which is detachably connectable to the drive shaft, via the first clutch, and via a second clutch is detachably connectable to the seventh shaft. The seventh shaft is connected to the ring gear of the second set and with the sun of the fourth set, and the drive shaft is connected to the sun of the second set and to the carrier of the third set. The sixth shaft is connected to the ring gear of the first set, the carrier of the second set and the sun gear of the third set. The ring gear of the fourth set is connected to the fifth shaft which can be coupled to the housing via the third brake. The output shaft, via a third clutch, is detachably connectable to the eighth shaft, which is connected to the ring gear of the second set and to the carrier of the fourth set. |
| US08197375B1 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission includes an input and output member, four planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, five interconnecting members continuously interconnecting members of the four planetary gear sets and six torque transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first members, second members, and third members with at least one of another of the first members, second members, third members, and a stationary member. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. |
| US08197372B2 |
Power transmission belt
A power transmission belt comprising a body comprising an elastomeric material and having tensile members running in a longitudinal direction, the body having a pulley engaging region having a profile; the pulley-engaging region comprising a fibrous nonwoven fabric material; characterized in that the fibers of the nonwoven material comprise acrylic fibers. The acrylic fibers are preferably micro-fibers of less than about 1.5 dpf and having an average diameter of 13.5 microns or less and an average length of about 1 to about 10 mm. The nonwoven material may be commingled with the elastomeric material in the pulley engaging region. Up to about 75% by weight of the fibers of the nonwoven material may comprise non-acrylic fibers such as other synthetic fibers, natural fibers, or cellulosic fibers. |
| US08197371B2 |
Cogset assembly for a bicycle
A bicycle hub assembly comprises a shaft, a first load bearing adjacent said shaft, a hub main body surrounding said shaft, and a cogset. The cogset can define an inner surface, and the inner surface can define a seat configured to receive the first load bearing. Further, the inner surface can define an opening of variable size. The cogset can also define an inner end and an outer end, and the opening can generally increase in size from the outer end to the inner end. |
| US08197369B2 |
Hydraulic tensioner
The present invention is directed to varying the oil pressure in the chamber of a hydraulic tensioner at multi-stages and preventing an increase of the chain friction at various driving conditions. A hydraulic tensioner (1) includes a housing (2) that has a plunger bore (2a) to slidably receive the plunger (3) and a spool bore (2b) to slidably receive the spool (4). The housing (2) further has an inner relief aperture (22) to provide a connection between the plunger bore and the spool bore and outside relief apertures (23a, 23b) to provide a connection between the spool bore and the outside of the housing. The entire opening areas of the inside and outside relief apertures (22, 23a, 23b) provide a connection between the plunger bore and the outside of the housing through the spool bore (2b) and vary at least at two stages in accordance with the travel of the spool (4). |
| US08197366B2 |
Ball bat including integral barrel features for reducing BBCOR
A ball bat includes a barrel having one or more integral features for selectively stiffening regions of the barrel. The barrel may include an indented region forming a rib projecting inwardly into the barrel. Alternatively, one or more inwardly projecting lips may be formed on adjoining barrel sections that are bonded, welded, or otherwise attached to each other, such that an integral, internal rib is formed in the barrel. The internal rib stiffens the barrel, thus reducing the barrel's BBCOR. One or more integral ribs may be provided at any desired barrel locations for selectively limiting the barrel's performance without appreciably increasing the moment of inertia of the ball bat. In another embodiment, a joint, to which two barrel sections are bonded, welded, or otherwise attached, includes an inwardly projecting member that stiffens the barrel, thus reducing the barrel's BBCOR. |
| US08197364B2 |
Training device for beach volleyball players
A volleyball training device includes a telescoping vertical member having a height adjustable between a predetermined minimum and maximum height. The telescoping vertical member has a lower end adapted to be mounted in the ground and an upper end. A horizontal member having a first end and a second end is attached to the upper end of the telescoping vertical member adjacent to the first end thereof. A flexible member having a first end and a second end is connected adjacent to the second end of the horizontal member at a first end thereof. A volleyball holder is coupled to the second end of the flexible member and is adapted to securely hold a volleyball in a manner which allows a user to strike a top portion thereof when the volleyball is positioned within the volleyball holder. |
| US08197363B1 |
Training baseball and method of using the same
The present invention is a training baseball. The training baseball includes elongated fins that cause the training baseball to have a curved flight when thrown in a straight-throw motion. The present invention also includes a method for using the training baseball. |
| US08197355B2 |
Iron-type golf club head with chamfered leading edge
An iron-type golf club head having a coated stepped sole is disclosed herein. The coated stepped sole is stepped such that the sole surface furthest from the face is raised away from the turf to minimize the turf contact through a golfer's swing particularly for the longer, less lofted irons. The surface friction is reduced by applying a thin dense chromium coating thorough electroplating to the stepped sole. |
| US08197350B2 |
Portable ride-on bouncing and spinning toy
A ride-on activity device is disclosed, wherein the device includes a seat, a base and a connector for movably connecting the seat relative to the base. The connection between the seat and the base allows multiple degrees of freedom such that the seat is capable of bouncing and rotating relative to the base. The connection between the seat and the connector includes a rotation safety mechanism that allows rotation at the connection when the seat is occupied by a user and prevents rotation at the connection when the seat is unoccupied. Furthermore, the connector includes a resilient member that allows the seat to bounce vertically relative to the base. |
| US08197347B2 |
Damper device
A damper device includes a first plate member rotated when the rotational force is inputted from an input side, a second plate member rotatable relative to the first plate member and outputting the rotational force to an output side when rotated in response to rotation of the first plate member, a damper portion for absorbing relative rotation between the first plate member and the second plate member, and a hysteresis portion for absorbing the relative rotation by a friction force. The hysteresis portion includes an intermediate member between the first plate member and the second plate member, and the intermediate member is pressed against one of the first plate member and the second plate member by the other one of the first plate member and the second plate member when the first plate member and the second plate member rotate relative to each other. |
| US08197342B2 |
Game system, program, information storage medium, and method of controlling game system
A game system accepts a position designation operation performed for an operation area OA as a first input operation, and performs game calculations. In this game system, a disturbance area DA is set in the operation area OA when a given disturbance condition has been satisfied. A position designation operation performed for the disturbance area DA is not accepted as a first input operation. The disturbance area DA is canceled when a given cancellation condition has been satisfied. |
| US08197340B2 |
Wagering game machine with remote audio configuration
A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising gaming code which is operable when executed on to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered. The system is coupled to at least one external sign assembly via a sign server, the external sign comprising one or more speakers. The wagering game system provides a volume control interface operable to allow a user of the wagering game system to control the volume of the one or more speakers comprising a part of the external sign assembly via the sign server. |
| US08197339B2 |
Video game processing apparatus, a method and a computer program product for processing a video game
Multiple characters in a video game can be displayed in a field so as to be easily distinguished, allowing the video game to proceed smoothly while maintaining realism. When an action content command and an action target character are received, a control section and a graphics processor carry out the control to display a target line for notifying the category of action in an action content specified by the action content command and a character that a player character specifies as the action target. In this way, by viewing an image in which a target line is in turn drawn from the player character to the target character, a player of the video game can quickly and easily recognize an action entity and an action target. This makes it possible to display the multiple characters in a field so as to be easily distinguished, and therefore, the video game can proceed smoothly while maintaining realism. |
| US08197338B2 |
Suspending wagering game play on wagering game machines
Systems and methods for suspending wagering game play on wagering game machines are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a content signal associated with regulated operations. The method can also include determining whether an enable signal is detected. Additionally, if the enable signal is not detected, the method can call for prohibiting performance of the regulated operations. |
| US08197336B2 |
Gaming apparatus and systems
Gaming apparatus (1), e.g. an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM), includes a controller (2) for implementing e.g. a slot-machine game, casino game or the like. The controller (2) displays a suitable gaming image on a screen (6), e.g. virtual symbol reels or card hands, and a player interacts with the EGM 1 through buttons (8) or the like, e.g. to spin the reels or deal cards. The apparatus includes award means for awarding a player event points during the course of play, accumulator means for accumulating the awarded event points, and purchasing/selection means for allowing a player to purchase a game event using the accumulated event points. These game events may provide the player with the chance of higher returns or the like, and may include free plays, high return games, a jackpot game and the like. |
| US08197332B2 |
Gaming machine and playing method thereof, in which gaming machine bet amount for special payout is added to bet amount placed at gaming terminal designated to be shooter of common game
A gaming machine enables a common game with a common game bet amount when a common game start condition has been met based on an accumulated value of bet amount information transmitted from each gaming terminal for each unit base game. The gaming machine also enables a common game with a bet amount to which a special bet amount is added, at a specific gaming terminal selected to be a shooter. A gaming terminal having won the common game is awarded a payout corresponding to a common game bet amount, and the specific gaming terminal having been selected to be the shooter is awarded a payout of an amount corresponding to a bet amount where the special bet amount is added to the common game bet amount. |
| US08197330B2 |
Gaming system having incrementally activated bonus awards
A gaming system comprises a wager input device and a display for displaying a plurality of primary symbols, a first bonus reel, and a second bonus reel. The first and second bonus reels have a plurality of bonus symbols thereon. The system further comprises a controller operative to detect a primary wager, a first bonus wager, and a second bonus wager. The controller varies the primary symbols and spins and stops the first bonus reel and the second bonus reel to display a randomly selected outcome. The controller provides a primary award if the primary symbols display a winning outcome. The controller provides a first bonus award if the first bonus wager is detected and the first bonus reel displays a first bonus winning outcome, and provides a second bonus award if the second bonus wager is detected and the second bonus reel displays a second bonus winning outcome. |
| US08197329B2 |
Wagering game with multiple reels forming multiple symbol arrays
A gaming system for playing a wagering game comprises at least one display adapted to display a plurality of reels having symbols. The symbols indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The plurality of reels includes at least one single-symbol reel and at least one multi-symbol reel. The at least one display is adapted to display at least one payline overlapping at least one symbol from the at least one single-symbol reel and at least one symbol from the at least one multi-symbol reel. |
| US08197325B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing an instant lottery game and a supplemental game
A process provides indicates, with a display module, on a display a first price category and a second price category in which an instant online lottery ticket can be purchased for an instant online lottery game and a supplemental game. The first price category is distinct from the second price category. The first price category corresponds to (i) a first known portion of an instant online linear prize and a first known portion of an instant online non-linear prize associated with the instant online lottery game and (ii) a supplemental game prize. The second price category corresponds to (i) a second known portion of the instant online linear prize and a second known portion of the instant online non-linear prize associated with the instant online lottery game and (ii) the supplemental game prize. |
| US08197320B2 |
Table game related broadcast show and lottery
A method for providing a poker-related game related broadcast show, comprising selecting players, providing each player with a medal indicative of a gaming position order, positioning the players at respective gaming surfaces according to the order associated with the medal provided at step, playing hands of the poker-related game until at least one player is eliminated, handing over the medal of the at least one eliminated player to a winning player and eliminating prizes in accordance with random selections made by the eliminated at least one eliminated player until only one player remains, the remaining player being identified as the grand winner, allowing the grand winner to bring back into play an eliminated prize for each medal possessed by the grand winner and allowing the grand winner to randomly select a prize. |
| US08197319B2 |
Gaming system and method for providing multiple blackjack hands
A gaming system having a multiple hand Blackjack game is provided. The Blackjack game includes four cards initial dealt to the player and four cards initially dealt to the dealer. First, the gaming system sets the four dealer cards to form a first two-card dealer hand and a second two-card dealer hand, according to a set of predetermined rules. Similarly, the player sets the four player cards to form a first two-card player hand and a second two-Card player hand. The gaming system reveals an upward in the first dealer hand and then enables the player to modify the first player according to predetermined Blackjack rules. The gaming device modified the first dealer hand according to predetermined Blackjack rules. If the first player hand beats the first dealer hand, the player wins an award. The gaming device resolved the second player and dealer hands in a similar fashion. |
| US08197314B2 |
Game apparatus, game control method, game control program, and recording medium for recording the same
A batter control unit controls a batter to start a preparation swing at the timing at which an input of a first operation information is detected by an operation determination unit after a pitching movement is started, and controls the batter to start a batting swing at the timing at which an input of a second operation information is detected by the operation determination unit. A ball control unit changes the movement result of a ball by batting, according to the period from the starting timing of the pitching movement until the starting timing of the preparation swing, and the starting timing of the batting swing. |
| US08197312B2 |
Extension for an agricultural combine unloader tube
An agricultural combine unloader extension is provided that can be used to extend the reach of conventional unloader tubes and for preventing the loss of crop material residing within the unloader tube from falling out and becoming waste. The unloader extension is hingedly connected to the unloader tube, wherein a drive mechanism is configured to rotate the unloader extension about a vertical axis from a discharging position to a closed or storage position. |
| US08197311B2 |
Device and method for skinning fish fillets
An apparatus for skinning fish fillets includes a skinning knife to separate skin from the fish fillets, a delivery element to deliver the fish fillets into the region of the skinning knife, a driver roller for the skin separated from the fish fillets, a contact pressure element including a device to indicate a position of the contact pressure element, a discharge element to carry away the skinned fish fillets; and an element arranged in a region of the driver roller to monitor an input of fish fillets onto the driver roller and an output of fish fillets from the driver roller. |
| US08197303B2 |
Sapphire substrates and methods of making same
A sapphire substrate includes a generally planar surface having a crystallographic orientation selected from the group consisting of a-plane, r-plane, m-plane, and c-plane orientations, and having a nTTV of not greater than about 0.037 μm/cm2, wherein nTTV is total thickness variation normalized for surface area of the generally planar surface, the substrate having a diameter not less than about 9.0 cm. |
| US08197300B2 |
Simultaneous double-side grinding of semiconductor wafers
Correction of grinding spindle positions in double-side grinding machines for the simultaneous double-side machining of semiconductor wafers is achieved by torsionally coupling the two grinding spindles, each comprising a grinding disk flange for receiving a grinding disk, and providing a measuring unit with an inclinometer and two sensors for distance measurement, between the two grinding disk flanges such that the grinding spindles are essentially in the position they would have with mounted grinding disks during the grinding process, wherein the coupled grinding spindles are rotated while inclinometer and sensors determine radial and axial correction values of axial alignment to adjust the grinding spindles to a symmetrical orientation. The spindle positions may be corrected under the action of process forces. |
| US08197291B2 |
Method for operating a vessel
A method for operating a vessel is provided. The method can include determining the most efficient power source from a plurality of power sources for operating the vessel. The power sources can include a battery bank and an AC power source. The method can also include drawing power from the most efficient power source to operate the vessel; harvesting energy from electrical rotating sources; monitoring the battery bank; and charging the battery bank when a state of charge of the battery bank drops below a predetermined state of charge, wherein the charging is performed using the harvested energy, the AC power source, an external power source, or a combination thereof. |
| US08197290B2 |
Electric connector, electronic device, and electrically-conductive touch method
A compact electric connector in which a contact has a high contact pressure and a large displacement amount is provided. An electric connector includes a contact spring and an auxiliary spring. The contact spring includes a support portion that is supported by a housing, a contact portion that is projected from the housing to abut on the-other-end contact, and a plurality of flexing portions that are bent so as to be deformed between the support portion and the contact portion when the contact portion is pushed into the housing. The auxiliary spring includes a flexing auxiliary portion that abuts on the contact spring to exert an elastic force in a direction in which deformation of the flexing portion closest to the support portion is obstructed when the contact portion of the contact spring is pushed into the housing. |
| US08197289B1 |
Self-locking power connector
Self-locking power connectors and circuit breaker assemblies with self-locking power connecters are presented herein. A self-locking power connector is disclosed for connecting a circuit breaker to an electrically conductive bus bar. The connector includes a cage and a cluster of electrically conductive fingers pivotably mounted to the cage. A lower end portion of each finger is configured to straddle the cluster support of the circuit breaker. Spring members bias the lower end portions of the fingers onto the cluster support. A retaining member is operatively engaged with the cage and one or more of the fingers. The retaining member is designed to inhibit a compressive force applied to the upper end portions of the fingers from overcoming the bias of the spring members and thereby separating the lower end portions of the fingers from the cluster support of the circuit breaker. |
| US08197288B1 |
Terminal block having adjoining transverse surfaces with protrusions
A terminal block assembly for a generator includes a terminal block having a base with a first and second transverse surfaces adjoining one another. Spaced apart protrusions extend from the first and second surfaces to provide spaced apart terminal areas overlapping the first and second surface. The terminal areas are configured to receive a cable lug. A terminal stud is provided in each terminal area and extends from the second surface. The first surface is without terminal studs. A cable lug secured to the terminal stud is arranged in the terminal area. |
| US08197286B2 |
Communications plugs having capacitors that inject offending crosstalk after a plug-jack mating point and related connectors and methods
Communications plugs are provided that include a plug housing. A plurality of plug contacts are mounted in a row at least partly within the plug housing. The plug contacts are arranged as differential pairs of plug contacts. Each of the differential pairs of plug contacts has a tip plug contact and a ring plug contact. A first capacitor is provided that is configured to inject crosstalk from a first of the tip plug contacts to a first of the ring plug contacts at a point in time that is after the point in time when a signal transmitted through the first of the tip plug contacts to a contact of a mating jack reaches the contact of the mating jack. |
| US08197284B2 |
Printed circuit board assembly and connecting method thereof
Disclosed herein is a printed circuit board and a connecting method thereof. The connecting method of the circuit board assembly may include molding the printed circuit board assembly by applying a resin to the printed circuit board assembly, exposing ends of the electrode terminals of a connector mounted on a printed circuit board by partially removing the molded printed circuit board assembly, and connecting a connection member to the exposed ends of the electrode terminals of the connector. Therefore, even if the whole of the printed circuit board assembly is molded, the connection member may be freely connected to the connector of the printed circuit board assembly. |
| US08197282B1 |
Small form-factor pluggable (SFP) connector structure and assembly thereof
A small form-factor pluggable (SFP) connector structure is disclosed. The SFP connector structure comprises an insulating body, a plurality of first terminals, a plurality of second terminals, and a metal cover. Two card entry slots are formed vertically on the insulating body. Dovetail structures are formed on the sides of the insulating body. The first and second terminals are disposed on the insulating body and extend into the card entry slots. The metal cover is over the insulating body. Thus, the SFP connectors can be connected in parallel without tolerance variation, hence achieving better alignment. A SFP connector assembly is also disclosed. |
| US08197281B2 |
Plug connector
A plug connector includes an insulating housing of which a rear surface is provided with a plurality of insertion holes, a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulating housing and each having a soldering tail projected beyond the rear surface of the insulating housing, and a propping lid which has a base block mounted against the rear surface of the insulating housing, and a plurality of insertion bolts protruded forwards from a front face of the base block for being inserted into the corresponding insertion holes to make the propping lid detachably mounted to the insulating housing. The soldering tails can be soldered with cables respectively by means of being positioned against a top and a bottom of the base block, or directly soldered onto a printed circuit board by means of demounting the propping lid from the insulating housing to set the soldering tails free. |
| US08197280B2 |
Smart cable provisioning for a patch cord management system
A network documentation and revision system is presented that includes first and second devices connected by a patch cord. The first device has provisioning and signal ports with corresponding contact assemblies. The second device has a switch port without a contact assembly. The patch cord has signal and control wires, a first connector that connects the signal wires into a signal port and the control wire to a corresponding contact assembly, and a second connector that connects the signal wires to the switch port and terminates the control wire. The second connector contains an indicator controlled by control circuitry, detection circuitry detecting whether the second connector is plugged into the second device, and ID circuitry providing an ID number through the first connector. Installation or removal of the patch cord is guided by indicators on the patch cord and first device without retrofit contacts being added to the second device. |
| US08197277B1 |
Charger connector
An electrical connector (10) which facilitates its proper holding for insertion and latching to a charging station receiver (14). The connector has a body (40) with a front portion (42) that extends along a horizontal axis (60), a rear portion (44) that extends at a rearward-downward inclined axis (62) of approximately 45°, and a middle portion (46) with a bottom (22) that is concavely curved to receive the small fingers of a hand. The front portion of the body has grooves (76) on opposite sides of a top ridge (72), so the person's thumb fits around the ridge and into a groove. A palm pad (30) lies immediately rearward of the top ridge and is automatically depressed by the person's palm to operate a latch (32). |
| US08197275B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. A semiconductor substrate is etched to form a trench, a gate electrode is buried in the trench, an etch-back process thereon is performed to form a buried gate, and an insulating layer is formed at the entire surface with the trench. Subsequently, an ion implantation process with respect to the entire surface with the insulting layer is carried out, the dose amount in ion-implanted in the insulating layer of an upper portion of the semiconductor substrate is more than that of a sidewall in the trench. Therefore, when an etch process is performed to form a contact during a subsequent procedure, the short between the buried gate and the contact may be prevented using a difference between an etch rate of the insulating layer. |
| US08197274B2 |
Torsional contact device and method for electronics module
A torsional electrical contact includes a body including a helix with N turns around an axis, N≧1. The body includes first and second ends. First and second contact arms extend outwardly away from the helix. The contact arms include respective distal ends. The arms define a contact angle α. At least one of the first and second contact arms is selectively resiliently movable toward the other of the first and second contact arms to reduce the contact angle α. One or more contacts are installed in a module and/or connected to an electronic component. A module including first and second contacts can be configured in a first condition in which the contacts are connected directly to each other or a second condition in which the contacts are engaged with respective parts of a circuit board or other component inserted into the housing according to a disclosed method. |
| US08197271B2 |
Lever engagement type connector
A lever engagement type connector includes a first connector housing having a retaining portion and a second connector housing. A lever formed with a cam groove is rotatably attached to the first connector housing. An engagement pin engaged with the cam groove is projected on the second connector housing. A wire cover is attached to the first connector housing. An engagement portion engaged with the retaining portion is provided in the wire cover. The lever is formed with a jig insertion hole at a position where an engagement area between the retaining portion and the engagement portion is covered by the lever in a state that the lever is disposed at a position other than a predetermined position. |
| US08197270B2 |
Electrical connector having reversible wire dress
An electrical connector assembly is disclosed having a main housing portion, camming slide mounting in camming slide receiving guides of the main housing portion, a wire guide and a lever. The lever is operably coupled to the camming slides to translate the camming slides upon rotation of the lever. The lever is mounted to the wire guide, and the combination of the wire guide and the lever are reversible to reverse the orientation of the wires in the wire dress. |
| US08197268B2 |
Electronic device having an interface connector with power supply covering another power supply connector
An electronic device includes a first opening disposed in a casing; a power source connector disposed opposing the first opening and to which a detachable power supply plug that supplies power from a power supply unit is attached; a second opening disposed in the casing; and a support member by which at least one interface connector among various types of interface connectors for communication with an external apparatus can be attached at the second opening, where the support member covers and hides the power source connector if among the various types of interface connectors, an interface connector having a power supply terminal is attached. |
| US08197267B2 |
Retractable power plug
A retractable power plug applied for an electronic apparatus or an extension outlet is disclosed. The retractable power plug includes a housing, a base, a movable unit and a plurality of prongs. The housing has a space for enclosing the base. The prongs are pluggably disposed on the base. The base is rotatably and movably located in the space. The movable unit is configured to prompt the base to move in the space. The direction of movement of the base is generally parallel with the connection direction of the prongs. So that, the prongs associated with the base is capable of moving up and down in the space. |
| US08197266B2 |
Surge protection plug and ground bus
The invention relates to a surge protection plug (1) for connector or distributor modules in telecommunications and data fields, comprising a housing and a printed circuit board, wherein at least one surge protection element is disposed on the printed circuit board and the printed circuit board comprises a plug-in region on which electric contact pads are disposed that are electrically connected to the surge protection element, wherein the surge protection element is at least connected to a ground line, wherein the housing (3) is designed in an at least partially electrically conductive manner, wherein the housing (3) is electrically connected at an electrically conductive point to the ground line on the printed circuit board (4) or to a ground connection (23) of the surge protection element (19). The invention further related to a ground bus (2) suitable for this purpose. |
| US08197264B1 |
Electrical connector
The connector assembly includes a body extending along a length with a longitudinal height defined by a first surface and an opposing second surface. At least one terminal projects through the body. The terminal includes a blade extending from the first surface for electrically connecting with a mating connector. The terminal also includes a leg extending from the second surface. A tab has a convex surface and is formed at a distal end of the leg without any apertures formed therethrough. The convex surface is adapted for electrically connecting with a mounting surface of an electronic component upon receipt of a predetermined signal. |
| US08197258B2 |
Cognitive training using face-name associations
Computer-implemented method for enhancing the cognitive ability of a participant using face-name associations. A plurality of facial images of people are provided for visual presentation to the participant, each person having a name. A learning phase is performed, including concurrently presenting a first facial image of a person from the plurality of facial images, and the name of the person. A testing phase is then performed, including: presenting a second facial image of the person from the plurality of facial images, displaying a plurality of names, including the name of the person and one or more distracter names, requiring the participant to select the name of the person from the plurality of names, and determining whether the participant selected the name correctly. The learning phase and the testing phase are repeated one or more times in an iterative manner to improve the participant's cognition, e.g., face-name association skills. |
| US08197257B2 |
Dual swing breach training system
A dual-swing breach training system is provided that includes a door having a removable strike plate therein and a removable means for adjustably securing the door and the doorframe in a coaxial position, that is readily removable to meet various training needs. A base for the system that does not obstruct access to the door during training is also provided. |
| US08197255B2 |
Condensing skeletal implant that facilitate insertions
A dental implant that facilitates insertion includes a body having a coronal end and an apical end opposite the coronal end. An implant-prosthetic interface region is provided adjacent the coronal end. A tapered region is adjacent the apical end. A variable profile helical thread extends along the tapered region. The thread becomes broader in the apical-coronal direction and higher in the coronal-apical direction. The threads include an apical side, a coronal side and a lateral edge connecting them. The variable profile thread includes an expanding length of the lateral edge while the distance of the lateral edge from the base is reduced in the direction of the coronal end. The implant also has a gradual compressing tapered core, a self drilling apical end with a spiral tap, and a coronal end with and inverse tapering. |
| US08197250B2 |
Adjustable burners for heaters
Disclosed are heaters having at least one adjustable fired burner and an adjustable fired burner for use with various types of heaters. The heaters may be part of an industrial processes such as petroleum refining. The adjustable burners are configured to be adjusted and positioned in any direction and then be locked into place. The adjustable burners may be adjusted automatically or manually. The ability to quickly adjust the position of an adjustable burner results in substantially less or virtually no damage to elements in the heater and provides for a more even distribution of heat within the heater. |
| US08197249B1 |
Fully premixed low emission, high pressure multi-fuel burner
A low-emissions high-pressure multi-fuel burner includes a fuel inlet, for receiving a fuel, an oxidizer inlet, for receiving an oxidizer gas, an injector plate, having a plurality of nozzles that are aligned with premix face of the injector plate, the plurality of nozzles in communication with the fuel and oxidizer inlets and each nozzle providing flow for one of the fuel and the oxidizer gas and an impingement-cooled face, parallel to the premix face of the injector plate and forming a micro-premix chamber between the impingement-cooled face and the in injector face. The fuel and the oxidizer gas are mixed in the micro-premix chamber through impingement-enhanced mixing of flows of the fuel and the oxidizer gas. The burner can be used for low-emissions fuel-lean fully-premixed, or fuel-rich fully-premixed hydrogen-air combustion, or for combustion with other gases such as methane or other hydrocarbons, or even liquid fuels. |
| US08197239B2 |
Flow-control valve device for a pump
A pump, especially a power-steering pump, having a flow-control valve device that has a piston arranged inside a piston bore so as to be displaced. The piston bore has at least one inlet and at least one outlet channel. The piston has an axial inlet opening and a plurality of substantially radial outlet openings as well as a continuous outlet groove between a first collar and a second collar, representing a control edge for an outlet fluid flow. The axial inlet opening extends at least to the beginning of the radial, lateral outlet openings in a substantially cylindrical manner and the continuous outlet groove widens in terms of its radial depth on the outer circumference of the piston towards the control edge. |
| US08197235B2 |
Infusion pump with integrated permanent magnet
Described herein is an infusion pump with an integrated permanent magnet. The permanent magnet is positioned to provide an attractive force that moves an armature to compress a fluid-filled infusion tube. An electromagnet can be activated to overcome the attractive force of the permanent magnet and move the armature away from the infusion tubing. The force required to overcome the permanent magnet is much less than the force required to compress the tubing. For this reason the infusion pump has very low power consumption since much of the pumping work is provided by the permanent magnet. |
| US08197234B2 |
In-line actuator for electromagnetic operation
An electromagnetic actuator for a microfluidic pump of the type that causes periodic pinching and releasing against the walls of a fluidic channel, e.g., a tube. At least one permanent magnet is placed against the walls of the fluidic channel, and located in an area with magnetic fields, produced by coils that are radially symmetric to the channel. The permanent magnet is cause to press and release against the wall of the fluid channel to cause a fluid flow through the channel. |
| US08197231B2 |
Diaphragm pump and related methods
In some arrangements, a pump for moving a fluid has one or more pump chambers and one or more flow control valves with diaphragm actuation regions. Motive fluid can activate the diaphragm actuation regions, and a pattern of fluid flow can be controlled by varying the pressure levels of the motive fluid. |
| US08197226B2 |
Fan assembly
A bladeless fan assembly for creating an air current includes a nozzle mounted on a base housing a device for creating an air flow. The nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving the air flow and a mouth for emitting the air flow. The nozzle defines, and extends about, an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth. The nozzle also includes a heater for heating the air flow upstream of the mouth. |
| US08197223B2 |
Method of operating a fluid working machine
When the fluid flow output of a synthetically commutated hydraulic pump is adapted to a given fluid flow demand, pulsations in the fluid output flow of the synthetically commutated hydraulic pump can occur. To avoid such pressure pulsations, it is suggested, to use a set of pre-calculated actuation patterns for actuating the electrically commutated valves of the synthetically commutated hydraulic pump. |
| US08197222B2 |
Getter pump and vacuum coating installation comprising a getter pump
A highly efficient getter pump with low maintenance requirements is applied to a vacuum coating installation, allowing a substrate to be coated to remain uncontaminated by a dusting of getter material. The getter pump comprises a pump housing with an exposure opening. The housing has a getter body, of getter material that essentially closes the exposure opening and can move in relation to the exposure opening. An inner sub-section of the surface of the getter body points towards the interior of the pump housing and an outer sub-section points towards the exterior of the pump housing through the exposure opening. The positions of the inner and outer sub-sections are interchangeable by movement of the getter body. The getter pump is equipped with a device for removing getter material from the inner sub-section. |
| US08197221B2 |
Pressure differential motor control system and method
A pressure differential motor control system for controlling a motor of a high volume low pressure (HVLP) spray system via a pressure differential. The pressure differential motor control system has an outlet fitting connected to a turbine assembly, and a pressure switch adapted to be activated by a pressure differential from the outlet fitting. The outlet fitting has a first section connected to the turbine assembly, a mid section featuring low and high pressure ports, a second section connected to a quick coupler hose and spray gun, and a venturi defined through the outlet fitting. The low pressure port is in communication with the venturi, and the high pressure port is in communication with the input side of the outlet fitting. The pressure switch is activated by a pressure differential from the low and high pressure ports of the outlet fitting, thereby sending a signal to a motor controller for controlling a motor of the turbine assembly. |
| US08197215B2 |
Drive train for a wind turbine
A drive train for a wind turbine, comprising a main bearing arrangement in the form of a single locating bearing arranged to support a main shaft. An outer raceway of the main bearing is coupled to a support structure, such as a base frame of a nacelle, via flange parts arranged on the outer raceway and the support structure, respectively. The flange parts define interfacing surfaces extending in a plane which is arranged non-parallel, preferably substantially perpendicular, to the rotational axis of the main shaft. Thereby a service friendly design is obtained, in which the main bearing and/or the main shaft can be repaired and/or replaced without having to remove the rotor from the nacelle. |
| US08197212B2 |
Power-assisted control system for a rotorcraft
An assisted control system for controlling the attitude of a rotorcraft comprises a flight control device; at least one control member configured to act on an aerodynamic element of the rotorcraft; a mechanical connection connecting the flight control device to the at least one control member, the mechanical connection including at least one connecting rod moveable in translation, a crank device pivotably disposed about a stationary support shaft passing through the crank device, and a motor including a drive rotor and a stator configured to facilitate a pivoting movement of the crank device about the stationary support; a motor control device configured to control a rotation of the drive rotor relative to the stator; and at least one sensor configured to measure information representative of an operation performed by the flight control device under pilot control and to deliver a signal to the motor control device. |
| US08197203B2 |
Air diffuser for a HVAC system
A diffuser for carrying air flow to an evaporator in an air conditioning system of an automotive vehicle includes an inlet and an outlet, a wall extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a guide vane, extending at least partially between the inlet and the outlet, spaced from the wall by a containing a control region whose area ratio changes along a length of the guide vane. |
| US08197196B2 |
Bushing and clock spring assembly for moveable turbine vane
A bushing assembly for a turbine vane includes a bushing, housing, and a flexible conductor. The bushing includes a bore for receiving a trunnion of the vane and a first conductor extending from the bushing. The first conductor is adapted to be connected to a heater element disposed on the vane. The housing is positioned over the bushing, and the bushing is rotatable relative to the housing. The housing includes a second conductor extending from the housing for connection to an electrical power source. The flexible conductor is electrically connected between the first conductor and the second conductor, such that an electric current is transmitted from the second conductor to the first conductor to provide an electric current to the heater element. |
| US08197195B2 |
Turbocharger with stepped two-stage vane nozzle
A turbocharger having a variable nozzle with stepped two-stage vanes (50), the variable nozzle comprising a tubular piston (70) disposed in the bore (44) of the turbine housing (38) such that the piston (70) is axially slidable adjacent to the vanes (50) that extend across the nozzle. Each vane defines a first vane stage (50a) proximate the free end of the vane, the second vane stage (50b) having a different aerodynamic contour in comparison with the first vane stage (50a), each vane comprising a step (60) transitioning from the first vane stage (50a) to the second vane stage (50b). The piston (70) in a closed position closes the second vane stage (50b) so that exhaust gas flows only through the first vane stage (50a). The second vane stage (50b) is progressively opened as the piston (70) is axially slid toward an open position. |
| US08197191B2 |
Inlet section of an aircraft engine nacelle
A nacelle inlet for an aircraft engine of a type having an engine fan case with a forward flange includes an acoustic inner barrel having a forward edge and an aft edge, an outer shell having a nose lip portion with a trailing inner edge, and an outer barrel portion having an aft portion. The nacelle inlet also includes an aft attachment flange configured to attach the inlet to the forward flange of the engine fan case, and an aft bulkhead having an aft end and connecting the outer barrel portion of the outer shell to the aft attachment flange. The forward edge of the acoustic inner barrel is connected to the trailing inner edge of the nose lip portion, and the aft portion of the inner barrel is attached to the aft attachment flange. |
| US08197186B2 |
Flange with axially extending holes for gas turbine engine clearance control
A gas turbine engine annular turbine casing having an annular shell, axially spaced apart forward and aft flanges extending radially outwardly from the shell, forward and aft case hooks depending radially inwardly from the annular shell, and an axially curved surface at an outer diameter of the aft flange. The axially curved surface may be a semi-spherical surface. The forward and aft case hooks may be located axially near or at the forward and aft flanges respectively. A circular row of holes may be axially disposed through the aft flange circumscribing the central axis and radially located between the outer diameter of the aft flange and the annular shell. An annular manifold spaced radially outwardly of the shell forming an annular space between the manifold and the shell and having impingement holes disposed through the manifold may be used for impinging cooling air on the axially curved surface. |
| US08197185B2 |
Apparatus and method for cooling a turbine airfoil arrangement in a gas turbine engine
A turbine airfoil arrangement for a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil having an inlet and an exit, the inlet configured to receive a cooling gas flow operable to cool at least part of an other airfoil; and a passage disposed in the airfoil and fluidly coupled to the inlet and the exit, the exit being configured to pass at least some of the cooling gas flow to the other airfoil. |
| US08197184B2 |
Vane with enhanced heat transfer
A vane cluster has a coated metallic substrate. The cluster includes a platform and a shroud. At least first and second airfoils extend between an outer face of the platform and an inner face of the shroud. Each airfoil has a pressure side and a suction side. The pressure side of the first airfoil faces the suction side of the second airfoil. The cluster includes a cooling passageway system including one or more first feed passageways in the first airfoil and one or more second feed passageways in the second airfoil. At least a first side selected from the pressure side of the first airfoil and the suction side of the second airfoil includes a first region with a local thinning or gap in the coating. Along the first side, the cooling passageway system includes means for locally cooling said first region. |
| US08197180B1 |
Water flow energy extraction device
The specification and drawings describe machines and methods that transform the kinetic energy of moving bodies of fluid into useful work. Specifically, embodiments of the invention may be used to generate electricity. In preferred embodiments a buoyant or semi-buoyant propeller assembly interfaces with a flowing body of water to capture power for electricity generation or any other work project. |
| US08197177B2 |
Semiconductor wafer handling and transport
Modular wafer transport and handling facilities are combined in a variety of ways deliver greater levels of flexibility, utility, efficiency, and functionality in a vacuum semiconductor processing system. Various processing and other modules may be interconnected with tunnel-and-cart transportation systems to extend the distance and versatility of the vacuum environment. Other improvements such as bypass thermal adjusters, buffering aligners, batch processing, multifunction modules, low particle vents, cluster processing cells, and the like are incorporated to expand functionality and improve processing efficiency. |
| US08197176B2 |
Foldable access ramp for vehicles
This invention relates to a folding ramp for vehicle access, made up of two frames. (5 and 6), linked to one another by a hinge (7) and with the door frame through a hinge (8), which frames can shift between a folded position, folded upon the door, and a deployed position, each frame being made up of two longitudinal beams (15 and 16) and an intermediate floor formed by a moving section (17) and at least one fixed section (18), the moving section (17) being able to shift between a position superimposed with the fixed section (18) and another extracted position, in which it is extended with the fixed portion (18). |
| US08197175B2 |
Light-weight live-floor module for trailers
The light-weight live-floor module has a floor surface, parallel cables laid on the floor surface, a length of conveyor belt laid on the cables, a movable bulkhead and a winch system for moving the belt, the cables and the bulkhead back and forth in unison, such as a shuttle. The belt has just enough length to cover the return axis and the floor surface on which goods are transported, thereby reducing any unnecessary weight in the live floor structure. The cables and the belt are wrapped over different axes for eliminating relative movement between the cables and the belt. One axis is set higher than the floor surface for easily breaking static friction under the belt. In a method for breaking static friction between a conveyor belt and a floor surface, a first segment of the belt is jolted upwardly while tension is applied in the belt. |
| US08197174B1 |
Automatic bag slitter, and method of use thereof
The automatic bag opening and slitting machine has a spike star wheels assembly comprising either of one or a combination of star wheels or cylindroid drum like object. The star wheels assembly is provided with spikes which convey a bag, impaled on the spikes when in an extended position, and extends beneath rotary cutting disks driven by two independent pneumatic or electric motors, that may make a continuous cut around three sides of the bag, so that after cutting thereof, the bag comprises two halves joined only at the rear or trailing side of the bag. These two bag halves are unfolded as one half of the bag engaged by the spikes is drawn around the upstream end of the star wheels assembly, while the other half slides over the rocker arm/bag separation bar/slide guide bar, thus emptying the powder/granular content of the bag into a hopper and releasing the emptied bag by retraction of the spikes from the bag for collection therebelow into a chute, for disposal into an endless screw which extrudes the bag into a compaction tube. The compacted bags are thereafter pushed into a waste plastic bag for refuse disposal. |
| US08197171B2 |
Apparatus for loading and unloading a tray of a freeze drying plant and method thereof
Disclosed is an apparatus for loading and unloading a tray of a freeze drying plant with a number of vials. An example apparatus includes a transfer table upstream of the freeze drying plant for receiving temporarily said vials and a pusher apparatus for displacing said vials between said transfer table and said tray. The pusher apparatus includes right and left transport carriages and a loading element. With the example apparatus, the vials are securely transferred with little friction onto/from the tray, and the transport carriages are disposed on the transfer table and/or on the tray to form a lateral limitation of the transfer table and/or of the tray for the vials located on the edge of the transfer table and/or of the tray to directly abut a transport carriage during loading or unloading. |
| US08197170B2 |
Anti-cross threading screw
An anti-cross threading screw (1) includes a first threaded portion (4) including a first thread (5) having a first outer diameter (6) and a first pitch (9) and a second threaded portion (12) having a second thread (13) having second outer diameter (18) and a second pitch (21). The second threaded portion (12) is designed as an anti-cross threading portion. The second thread (13) has enlarged an thread crest (15). The second outer diameter (18) of the second thread (13) is smaller than the first diameter (6) of the first thread (5). The first pitch (9) of the first thread (5) is different than the second pitch (21) of the second thread (13). |
| US08197169B2 |
Hollow wall fastener
An anchor system for a hollow wall or ceiling includes an anchor portion having a flange and a penetrating portion extending from a rear surface of the flange. The penetrating portion has a fixed sleeve extending from the rear surface of the flange and a pivoting locking leg connected to the fixed sleeve by a hinge. The fixed sleeve has a sleeve opening extending longitudinally therethrough and the pivoting locking leg has a stub extending from a rear surface thereof to retain the penetrating portion rigid as the anchor is inserted into the wall or ceiling. A pin portion has a body and includes a flexible shaft extending from the body. The pin portion has an actuating element extending transversely from the shaft. The pin portion further includes an opening in the body, spaced from the flexible shaft. Once the pin portion is in place in the anchor, a secondary locking pin is inserted through the pin portion body opening into the hollow wall or ceiling to prevent rotation of the pin portion relative to the anchor portion. |
| US08197168B2 |
Captive screw
A captive screw includes a screw member and a tubular elastic member. The screw member includes a threaded post and a screw head positioned at an end of the threaded post. The tubular elastic member is sleeved on the threaded post and is tightly fitted with the threaded post. The tubular elastic member further includes a fold formed on the outer surface and spirally extending from one end of the tubular elastic member to the other. |
| US08197167B2 |
Securing mechanisms for components of a load indicating fastener
A load indicating fastener comprising a load indicator, a fastener body, and a securing mechanism retaining the load indicator on the fastener body. The load indicator has integral protuberances struck and partially sheared from the load indicator to project from a face and leave corresponding indentations in an opposite face. The securing mechanism may be a member extending radially outward from the shank of the fastener body, such as a plurality of spaced apart tabs; at least one thread; at least one flare, stake, or form; a step ring; a series of bumps; a knurl; and one or more lobes. Alternative embodiments of the securing mechanism include a key-and-keyhole combination; an interference fit facilitated by a chamfer or by one or more lobes or by shaped surfaces of the fastener body and of the load indicator; one or more tack welded interconnections; and an adhesive patch. |
| US08197166B2 |
Tie down assembly
A tie down assembly including a cup, a cross-shaped crossbar that is fastened removably to and positioned within a recess of the cup, and a disc-shaped plate that is fastened removably to the cup and/or the crossbar. The crossbar is fastened to the cup by a plurality of fasteners, while the plate is fastened to the cup and/or the crossbar by at least one fastener. The cup is installed within a hole formed within a first surface of a structure, and the plate is positioned against an opposite surface of the structure. When the plate is attached, a compressive load is introduced and squeezes the first and second surfaces of the structure together, such that most of the load is borne down the center of the fastener attaching the plate. |
| US08197161B2 |
Chip-removing tool
A chip-removing tool, includes a basic body, at least one cutting body attachable to the basic body and having at least one geometrically defined cutting edge. An adjusting device has an adjusting element expandable by an adjusting screw. The adjusting element is a slotted ring which is supported, on the one hand, on the cutting body and, on the other hand, on the basic body of the chip-removing tool. |
| US08197159B2 |
Wire facing unit for retaining walls with strut attachment locator
A wire strut indicator facing unit for a retaining wall, such as a temporary retaining wall, having an upstanding face section and a rearwardly extending floor section, wherein the floor section is formed from pairs of parallel wire elements and transverse cross-wire elements, and otherwise substantially free of wire elements between the wire element pairs. The pairs of parallel wires define the attachment location for a wire strut that extends between the face section and floor section of the facing unit. |
| US08197157B2 |
Compaction wheel cleat
A compactor wheel having a compactor cleat mountable on a compactor wheel is disclosed. The compactor cleat includes a base affixable to a compactor wheel and a body secured to the base and extending radially outward from the base, with the body comprising an arrangement of protrusions generally dividing the body into four protrusion quadrants. Each of the four protrusion quadrants is angled away from other respective protrusion quadrants such that forcing the protrusions of the cleat into a malleable material causes the malleable material to diversify along the four protrusion quadrants. |
| US08197152B2 |
Liquid dispenser
A liquid dispenser includes a hollow shank, a dispensing head longitudinally mounted to a first end of the hollow shank, a control device longitudinally mounted to a second end of the hollow shank and a sheath detachably mounted to the first end of the hollow shank for protecting the dispensing head after use. A passage is defined in one end of the hollow shank for communicating with an inner periphery of the hollow shank and the dispensing head such that the liquid contained in the hollow shank can flow into the dispensing head. The control device is provided to selectively close/open the passage for controlling the output quantity of the liquid dispenser. |
| US08197148B2 |
Wiring tool and monitor camera device
The wiring fixture has a base unit, which is to be mounted on a predetermined position, and a functional unit that is formed as a removable structure and is to be electrically connected to the base unit. The base unit has a connecting body having a connecting section for connecting a first line from a control section of an electric device. The connecting body is rotatably disposed to the base unit so that the connecting section not only faces in a mounting direction of the base unit but also faces in a direction different from the mounting direction of the base unit. The structure copes with a layout change and offers easy wiring between the base unit and lines led through the ceiling or a wall. |
| US08197143B2 |
Sliding bearing for internal combustion engines
A sliding bearing has a pair of semi-cylindrical bearings assembled together to form a cylindrical configuration. At least one of the semi-cylindrical bearings is provided with an inner surface circumferentially extending oil groove extending a central portion of the circumferential length of the semi-cylindrical bearing. A bottom surface of the oil groove has an ups and downs form consisting of a plurality of ridges and valleys, which sinusoidally undulate consecutively without a flat portion therebetween. The dimensional relationship between a typical ridge and the adjacent valleys is defined by the formula h<0.15H where H indicates the groove depth and h indicates an elevation difference of the ups and downs of the bottom surface, namely a height of the ridges where h is preferably not less than 10 μm. |
| US08197140B2 |
Preload biased structure of linear rail
A preload biased structure of a linear rail includes a rail and a sliding block disposed on the rail. The sliding block includes a sliding base, a supporting element, two connecting pieces and two locking pieces. The sliding element is provided with a connecting space. The front and rear end of the sliding base each is provided with abutting pieces. The abutting piece extends to form a biased block toward the connecting space. The biased block extends to form a biased slope. In assembling, the biased slope guides the supporting element to be inserted in the connecting space. The biased block provides a preloading force, whereby the supporting element can be fixed in the sliding base in advance. The locking pieces lock the two connecting pieces on both ends of the sliding base, so that the supporting element and the two connecting pieces can be assembled on the sliding base. |
| US08197139B2 |
Valve and valve strip for a reclosable container
A reclosable pouch includes first and second film layers disposed on a first pouch sidewall. The first film layer is attached to the second film layer by first and second intermittent spot seals disposed at least across respective first and second edges of the first film layer. The second film layer is sealed to the sidewall by third and fourth intermittent spot seals disposed at least across respective third and fourth edges of the second film layer. Offset first and second apertures extend through the first and second film layers, respectively, wherein one of the first and second apertures communicates with a pouch interior and the other of the first and second apertures communicates with a pouch exterior. A fifth intermittent spot seal is disposed between the first and second film layers, the fifth intermittent spot seal surrounding a region including the first and second apertures. |
| US08197134B2 |
Thermocouple head unit
A mounting terminal head of a thermocouple head unit having a metal casing for an end of a thermocouple wire, and thermocouple signal terminals 4 for connection to a thermocouple wire. The thermocouple head unit includes an insulating support member 8 extending around the outside of the thermocouple head unit and supporting the thermocouple signal terminals. |
| US08197131B2 |
Abnormality determination apparatus and abnormality determination method for oil temperature sensor
Until the accuracy in calculation of an estimated oil temperature value which is calculated by means of a heat dissipation amount map reaches a predetermined level, an ECU determines, when a transmission oil temperature well exceeds a predetermined temperature after the engine start, whether or not an oil temperature sensor fails. When it is determined that the oil temperature sensor is normal, the ECU uses the detected oil temperature value to learn about the heat dissipation map. When the accuracy in calculation of the estimated oil temperature value reaches the predetermined level through the learning about the heat dissipation amount map, the ECU determines whether or not the oil temperature sensor fails based on the divergence of the detected oil temperature value relative to the estimated oil temperature value. |
| US08197130B2 |
Method to accurately read temperature for a room sensor apparatus
A temperature sensing device enclosed in a housing having at least one thermally isolative wall and machined slot for isolating the temperature sensing device to ensure accurate reading of ambient temperature in room. |
| US08197129B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining component parameters by means of thermography
A method for determining parameters of a component using thermography, where at least one component is heated by a hot gas, is provided. Also provided is a device for determining component parameters using thermography, including a device for heating at least one component and a temperature sensor for detecting at least one temperature value of the component, wherein the device for heating the component is a hot gas emission device for the emission of a modulated, mostly pulsed, hot gas. |
| US08197123B2 |
Thermistor circuit calibration
Temperature detection circuitry is selectively coupled to a thermistor and one of two sources representing the impedance at respective ends of the expected range of temperature to which the thermistor is to be exposed. The offset of an amplifier and a scale factor to account for gain set of the amplifier are determined in an automatic calibration process while coupled to the source(s), and thereafter temperature readings are taken from the thermistor. During the calibration process, if the gain or scale factor are outside of expected ranges, a failure is determined and an alarm given and/or a heater is disabled. |
| US08197121B2 |
Blender blade assembly
A blender blade assembly, blade unit, and blade assembly for mixing materials. Blender blade assembly includes a center portion that defines an axis of rotation for the assembly. The assembly includes a lower double-sided blade coupled to the center portion. The lower blade includes blade sections that extend from the center portion. In addition, the assembly includes an upper double-sided blade coupled to the center portion. The upper blade includes blade sections that extend from the center portion. The lower and upper blades are separated by a partition. One blade section of the upper blade has a top sheered portion and the other blade section has a bottom sheered portion. One blade section of the lower blade has a top sheered portion along with a blade tip pointed downwards, while the other blade section has a bottom sheered portion along with a blade tip pointed upwards. |
| US08197118B2 |
Salad mixing apparatus
A salad mixing apparatus includes a first bowl having an inner surface, an interior area, and a plurality of mixing ribs in the first bowl interior area and at least one partition configured for removable attachment to the mixing ribs to form a plurality of compartments. The apparatus includes a lid extending across the partitions whereby the inner surface, the at least one partition, and the lid selectively enclose the plurality of compartments. A second bowl having an interior area is configured for selective attachment to the first bowl whereby the first bowl interior area and the second bowl interior area collectively form a unitary interior area when the at least one partition is separated from the mixing ribs and the second bowl is attached to the first bowl. |
| US08197116B2 |
Convenience nectar mixing and storage devices
The Convenience Nectar Mixing and Storage Device consists of a container that is divided proportionately to allow for the precise measuring of the recommended sugar to water ratios used for nectar type bird and butterfly feeders. The device is adapted for supporting a movable or removable divider that separates the container into proportionate volumes, 4 to 1, 6 to 1, and 9 to 1 that correspond to the commonly recommended sugar to water ratios for hummingbird, oriole, and butterfly nectar feeders. The device allows for the water and sugar compartments to be filled to the same “line of sight” level to facilitate the making of precise nectar sugar to water ratios. Once the sugar and water compartments are filled to the same level, the divider is moved or removed to allow for mixing. In the preferred embodiment of the Convenience Nectar Mixing and Storage Devices, the container divider can be used as a stirring implement and lid to cover the container during storage. |
| US08197115B2 |
Luminaire with adjustable light source
Light sources in a luminaire attach to the luminaire by one or more tabs. Up to three axis of rotation are possible. Bendable tabs enable a first axis of rotation of the light source. Light sources are rotatable about a mounting point to the tab providing a second axis of rotation. Some tabs are twistable about a third axis of rotation. Some tabs also conduct heat away from the light source. Tabs can also be formed in a baffle plate for new luminaires or for the retrofit of existing luminaires. Multiple types of light sources can be combined to provide luminaires with custom light patterns and intensities. |
| US08197113B2 |
Display device
Provided is a display device for an embodiment in which a central axis of a light guide plate (LGP) and a central axis of one or more light sources are matched with each other to maximize efficiency of the light sources, and which has an ultra-slim structure. The display device may include: a display panel which displays an image; an LGP which guides light to the display panel; light sources which are disposed on a side of the LGP and provide light to the LGP; a circuit board which is disposed on a side of the display panel with the light sources mounted on a surface thereof, and driving chips which drive the display panel mounted on an opposite surface thereof; and a frame which houses the LGP and the light sources and on which the circuit board and the display panel are mounted. |
| US08197108B2 |
Bumper arrangement in or for a motor vehicle
A bumper arrangement in or for a vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to a bumper, comprising at least one headlamp housing disposed at least partially in the bumper, that includes, but is not limited to a device for positioning the headlamp housing relative to the bumper, having a first receiving means, at which the bumper is attached, a first engagement means, which is firmly connected to the first receiving means, and the first engagement means is displaceably in engagement with the headlamp housing along an x axis, wherein the first engagement means has a fixed distance to the first receiving means along the z axis substantially perpendicularly to the x axis. |
| US08197103B2 |
Diffusion plate with at least one star diffusion structure and a lighting module using the same
A diffusion plate for use with a lighting module is provided. The diffusion plate includes a substrate, a plurality of circular diffusion structures, and at least one star diffusion structure. The circular diffusion structures are disposed on one face of the substrate in array. Each circular diffusion structure includes a plurality of first partial reflecting units. The first partial reflecting units are disposed on the substrate in circular distribution. The outer arcs of adjacent circular diffusion structures together form a star region. The at least one star diffusion structure includes a plurality of second partial reflecting units. The second partial reflecting units are disposed in the star region on the face of the substrate, wherein the second partial reflecting units are distributed in star distribution. |
| US08197098B2 |
Thermally managed LED recessed lighting apparatus
An LED recessed lighting apparatus has a housing mountable in a recess located behind a recess opening in an architectural structure. A non-vented trim is securable in place over the recess opening. A lens that allows light from the LED to pass through the trim has a fluid-tight internal cavity containing at least the light-emitting portion of the LED. At least a major portion of the heat generated by the LED is carried directly from the LED to the outside surface of said trim by way of a thermal path that includes a first heat sink located substantially immediately adjacent and intimately thermally conductively coupled to the LED, at least one second heatsink supported by and substantially directly thermally conductively coupled to, the inside of the trim, and at least one heat pipe thermally connecting the first heat sink to the second heat sink. |
| US08197097B2 |
Light source unit and lighting system
The light source unit is provided with a substrate and a decorative cover having thermal conductivity. The substrate includes a circuit pattern area, in which a plurality of LED chips are disposed, at the middle part thereof, has thermal conductivity, and transmits heat from the circuit pattern area to an area in the outer circumferential direction thereof. The decorative cover encloses the substrate, is electrically insulated from the circuit pattern area, and is thermally coupled to the surface side of the substrate at the periphery of the circuit pattern area by being face-contacted thereto. Heat of the substrate can be radiated by the decorative cover while securing an electric insulation property with respect to the circuit pattern area. |
| US08197094B2 |
Stage lighting fixture
A stage lighting fixture having a casing extending along a longitudinal axis; a light source housed in a closed end of the casing to emit a light beam substantially along an optical axis; an objective lens located at an open end of the casing; and beam size adjusting means located between the light source and the objective lens to intercept the beam. The beam size adjusting means have an optical element, in turn having a first region with a first concave beam incidence surface of first beam diffusion properties, and a second region with a second concave beam incidence surface of second beam diffusion properties. |
| US08197092B2 |
Lighting apparatus having a plurality of retractable means and method of manufacturing the same
A lighting apparatus including a plurality of lighting members configured to be connected to each other in a series configuration and a plurality of retractable housing members each positioned between the plurality of lighting members and each configured to include retractable wires on opposed ends thereof. The plurality of lighting members are adapted to be selectively repositioned with respect to each other via the opposed retractable wires of each of the plurality of retractable housing members. |
| US08197091B1 |
LED unit for installation in a post-top luminaire
An LED unit is provided with a plurality of LED panels each having a support surface supporting at least one LED. The LED unit may be provided with a frame that may support the LED panels and the arrangement of the LED panels may be movable between a symmetric and an asymmetric configuration. |
| US08197087B2 |
Peritoneal dialysis patient connection system using ultraviolet light emitting diodes
A light applicator for a peritoneal dialysis conduit connection includes a housing having a inner surface; a plurality of ultraviolet (“UV”) light-emitting diodes (“LED's”) positioned on the inner surface of the housing; and circuitry connected to the UV-LED's such that power can be supplied to energize the UV-LED's simultaneously. |
| US08197086B2 |
Lighting fixture
A lighting fixture includes a light-emitting section composed of a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting devices arranged separated from one another on a planar substrate and a lighting control section configured to control lighting of the semiconductor light-emitting devices of the light-emitting section. The light-emitting section is attached at a front of a fixture main body, and a convection generation section configured to generate convection is provided at a back of the fixture main body. The convection generation section generates convection and promotes heat radiation. With the configuration, even if the lighting fixture is installed to abut on a ceiling surface, the effect of radiating heat generated by the semiconductor light-emitting devices can be ensured. |
| US08197085B2 |
Portable lighting device having user selectable light control
A lighting device embodied as a flashlight is provided that includes a handheld housing and a light source provided on the housing for generating a light beam. The light device also includes a battery power source for providing power to the light source. The lighting device further includes light control circuitry for turning the light source on and off and controlling intensity of the light beam. The light control circuitry includes a user actuatable switch and a controller for controlling intensity of the generated light beam. The controller processes user activation of the switch and adjusts the intensity of the light beam as a function of the activation of the switch such that the light intensity may be increased or decreased. |
| US08197083B2 |
Lighting device
A portable, battery-operated flashlight having improved pivoting, switching and focusing features is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the flashlight takes the form of an attachment to a head gear for hands free use. In another aspect of the invention, the flashlight takes the form of a head lamp held in place on an user's head by an elastic band. The pivot connection between the body and the base, as well as the serrations on an exterior surface of the body, allows a user to adjust any angular direction of the light as desired. In another aspect of the invention, the flashlight takes the form of a long-handled flashlight having improved switching and focusing capabilities, such that axial movement of the switching assembly turns the flashlight “on” or “off,” as well as causing a position of the lamp to vary in order to focus or defocus the light. |
| US08197079B2 |
Flexible LED lighting systems, fixtures and method of installation
A low-voltage LED lighting system and method for installation thereof in which the system includes: (a) at least one LED lighting fixture each having one or more LEDs; (b) at least one remotely-located power driver; and (c) interconnections between the at least one LED fixture and the at least one driver using communication network cabling and standard 8P8C network connectors. Preferred lighting fixtures are recessed lighting fixtures adapted for ceiling mounting. |
| US08197078B2 |
LED light matrix equipped with impulse means
The invention relates to a LED light matrix (14) equipped with impulse means for illuminating a moving object (10) in a selected area (11) from an oblique direction for video imaging, said LED light matrix (14) including a group of LEDs (15, 16) each equipped with optics for focusing the light produced by the LED, and with the group being located substantially obliquely relative to the object to be illuminated. Separate LEDs (15, 16) of the LED light matrix (14) are so oriented that the intensity distribution of illumination in the selected area (11) is weighted proportionally to the distance. |
| US08197074B2 |
Omnidirectionally reflective buoyant rope
A flexible abrasion resistant water shedding omnidirectionally reflective rope has a central low-density polymeric closed cell foam core comprising EPDM, Neoprene, SBR, NBR, EVA, PVC, PVC/NBR foam surrounded by cylindrically braided sleeve of reflective strips composed of narrow width reflective strips that comprise a woven or knitted narrow width strip and a flexible nylon retroreflective sheet sewn thereon and covered with abrasion resistant water shedding coating. The flexible retroreflective sheet is formed by thermally bonding corner cube, microsphere retroreflectors, or wide angle exposed retroreflective lenses to a flexible polymeric sheet. Due to its low-density foam core construction, the reflective rope floats on water and sheds water from the surface preserving omnidirectional reflectivity. The rope reflects light omnidirectionally over a large angle of acceptance and provides accurate illumination of the rope floating in water, location of a rope wound buoy and the like when used during dusk, fog or nighttime hours. |
| US08197070B2 |
Color-based feature identification
Disclosed are embodiments of systems and methods for identifying features using color information in an image. The image may be formed from one or more display images comprising color information and features or feature components. Because color information may be used to identify features, more than one feature or feature component may be displayed in a display image. Because a plurality of features may be identified in a calibration image, an image system, such as a projector-camera system, can reduce the number of display images needed to calibrate the system. |
| US08197069B2 |
Projection apparatus, projection method, and medium
A projection apparatus includes a projection unit which forms a picture corresponding to an input image signal and projects the formed picture onto an object, a specifying unit which specifies a region in the picture projected by the projection unit, and a projection control unit which causes the region of the picture projected by the projection unit to be limited according to the region specified by the specifying unit. |
| US08197067B2 |
Projection type display apparatus with means for removing unnecessary polarized components of color lights
A projection type display apparatus includes: a reflective polarizing plate for each color light which transmits each of R light, G light and B light therethrough, allows each transmitted light to enter a corresponding reflective liquid crystal panel for each color light, and reflects image light of each color which has been subjected to light modulation in accordance with an image signal of each corresponding color light by the reflective liquid crystal panel for each color light; an absorption type polarizing plate for R and G lights and a reflection type polarizing plate for B light, each of which removes an unnecessary polarized component from the image light of each color reflected by the reflective polarizing plate for each color light; a color combination optical system which subjects the image light of each color transmitted through the transmission type polarizing plate for each color light to color combination. |
| US08197066B2 |
Image display apparatus
A laser projector includes a green laser, a two-wavelength laser, a PBS, a collimator lens, a two-axis galvanometer mirror, a group of lenses, and a screen. The green laser emits a green laser beam. The two-wavelength laser emits red and blue laser beams. The PBS is provided at the position where respective optical paths of laser beams emitted from respective lasers cross each other to cause these optical paths to coincide with each other. |
| US08197065B2 |
Vision testing and/or training using adaptable visual indicia
The present invention tests and/or trains the visual sensitivity of a subject using adaptable visual indicia. One or more visual indicia possessing a visual trait are displayed to the subject. The displayed visual indicia possessing a visual trait may be adjusted to determine when a subject can and cannot be perceived by the subject. A displayed visual indicia may be adjusted in its size, rate of movement, direction of movement, location of display, duration of display, or other characteristic. To determine whether a subject correctly perceived the visual trait possessed by a displayed visual indicia, an input may be received from the subject. If an input received corresponds to the visual trait possessed by the displayed visual indicia, the subject may be determined to have correctly perceived the displayed visual indicia and the visual trait. |
| US08197063B2 |
Refractive-diffractive multifocal lens
Aspects of the present invention provide multifocal lenses having one or more multifocal inserts comprising one or more diffractive regions. A diffractive region of a multifocal insert of the present invention can provide a constant optical power or can provide a progression of optical power, or any combination thereof. A multifocal insert of the present invention can be fabricated from any type of material and can be inserted into any type of bulk lens material. A diffractive region of a multifocal insert of the present invention can be positioned to be in optical communication with one or more optical regions of a host lens to provide a combined desired optical power in one or more vision zones. Index matching layers of the present invention can be used to reduce reflection losses at interfaces of the host lens and multifocal insert. |
| US08197062B1 |
Varifical lens system for eyeglasses
A variable focus lens system for eyeglasses is disclosed. The system consists of superimposed first and second thin lenses, simulating Alvarez lenses, with one side of each lens divided into Fresnel zones and zone boundaries. The second lens element is slidable for focus adjustment. The Fresnel zone boundary surfaces are made parallel to the user's optical line of sight to reduce visual obstructions, and the zone boundaries may be restricted to areas near the lens periphery to further reduce visual obstructions. The Fresnel zone boundaries may follow paths which enable equal, constant step size for the boundaries along their lengths. An opaque light absorbing coating may be applied to the zone boundaries to reduce light scattering. A fixed prescription lens, having the user's distance and astigmatism corrections, is superimposed on the first and second lens elements. In a second embodiment, a lens element may have at least one additional Fresnel lens component mated and bonded to it, forming a composite lens element. A composite lens element may have internal antireflection layers between the mated lenses, to further reduce internal reflections. The outer smooth sides of a lens element or composite lens element may have antireflection coating applied. |
| US08197060B2 |
Printer opening and closing mechanism which prevents interference of the platen and the inkjet head
A roll paper printer enables opening the cover and platen using a 4-part parallel linkage mechanism without interfering with the inkjet head. The cover unit for the roll paper compartment of the roll paper printer opens and closes by means of the parallel linkage mechanism. The back end part of the platen frame part of this linkage mechanism is connected to the top end part of the rear parallel links and so that the can move down. |
| US08197059B2 |
Media processor
A media storage is adapted to store a plate-shaped medium. A media drive is operable to write data in the medium. A label printer is operable to print on the medium. A media conveyer is operable to convey the medium between the media storage, the media drive and the label printer. A casing defines an interior space of the media processor. A plate-shaped frame divides the interior space into a first space located in a rear upper portion of the interior space, a second space located in a rear lower portion of the interior space and a front space located in a front portion of the interior space. The media drive is disposed in the first space. The label printer is disposed in the second space. The media storage and the media conveyer are disposed in the front space. |
| US08197058B2 |
Set of curable liquids and methods for inkjet printing
A method for inkjet printing includes, in order, the steps of a) providing an ink-receiver having an image thereon; b) forming on the ink-receiver a layer of a first curable liquid and curing the layer; and c) forming an outermost layer of a second curable liquid only on the cured first curable liquid and at least partially covering the image; wherein the second curable liquid contains an abherent agent which is absent in the first curable liquid and wherein at least one of the first and second curable liquids is inkjet printed. Also, a polymerizable abherent agent may be used in a curable liquid to prevent falsification of an ID document. Also, a set of curable liquids for inkjet printing includes a first curable liquid and a second curable liquid wherein the second curable liquid contains an abherent agent which is absent in the first curable liquid. |
| US08197056B2 |
Image forming apparatus having line-type recording head
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head, a conveyance member, and a guide member. The recording head includes a plurality of head units to discharge liquid droplets onto a recording medium, each of the plurality of head units having a plurality of nozzles through which liquid droplets are discharged. The conveyance member conveys the recording medium in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the plurality of head units are arranged. The guide member includes a plurality of ribs of at least two, first and second, types having different heights and is disposed opposite the recording head so as to guide the recording medium. The first type of ribs having a height greater than a height of the second type of ribs are disposed opposite areas where the plurality of head units overlap in the arranged direction thereof. |
| US08197052B2 |
Method of manufacturing a light emitting device
A technique capable of efficient, high speed processing for the formation of an organic compound layer by using an ink jet method is provided. In the method of forming an organic compound layer by using the ink jet method, a composition containing an organic compound having light emitting characteristics is discharged from an ink head, forming a continuous organic compound layer. The organic compound layer is formed on pixel electrodes aligned in a matrix shape, and is formed in a continuous manner over a plurality of pixel electrodes. A light emitting device is manufactured using organic light emitting elements in accordance with this manufacturing method. |
| US08197047B2 |
Liquid container
A liquid container mountable in a liquid ejecting apparatus. The liquid container includes a liquid storage section that stores liquid, an air communication section that allows the liquid storage section and an outside of the liquid container to communicate with each other, a bubble separation unit that separates bubbles from the liquid, a communication path that allows the bubble separation unit and the liquid storage section to communicate with each other and has at one end thereof an exit connected to the bubble separation unit and at the other end thereof an entrance connected to the liquid storage section, the exit having a cross section whose area continuously increases toward the bubble separation unit, a liquid supply unit through which the liquid is supplied to the liquid ejecting apparatus, and a detection unit that is connected to the liquid supply unit and the bubble separation unit and detects an amount of the liquid stored in the liquid container. |
| US08197044B2 |
Ink cartridges
An ink cartridge includes a frame and a movable member. At least the frame defines an ink chamber therein, and the ink chamber is configured to store ink therein. The movable member is configured to move within the ink chamber in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The movable member includes a plurality of projections, and each of the plurality of projections extend from a surface of the movable member in one of the first direction and the second direction. |
| US08197042B2 |
Detachable structure for ink cartridge
A detachable structure for an ink cartridge includes a supply port, a joint section, an insertion rod and an anti-outflow member. The port is provided in the cartridge. The stopper is provided in the port and urged outward to close the port. The joint section is provided in a printer and coupled with the port. The joint section has an ink flow path that communicates with the port while the port is coupled. The insertion rod is provided in the joint section for pushing the stopper inward to communicate the ink flow path with the port while the port is coupled. The anti-outflow member is slidably provided in the joint section. The anti-outflow member is urged outward and slides along the insertion rod when the port is being inserted into the joint section. According to the structure, ink leakage on attaching or detaching of the cartridge can be prevented. |
| US08197037B2 |
Method of removing thermoset polymer from piezoelectric transducers in a print head
A method for mounting a piezoelectric transducer layer to a diaphragm layer exposes an electrode for each piezoelectric transducer after thermoset polymer filling the interstitial space between the piezoelectric transducers has been cured. The method includes bonding a polymer layer to a diaphragm layer having a plurality of openings, bonding piezoelectric transducers to the diaphragm layer, filling areas between the piezoelectric transducers on the diaphragm layer with thermoset polymer, and removing the thermoset polymer from the piezoelectric transducers with a laser to expose a metal electrode on each piezoelectric transducer. |
| US08197036B2 |
Liquid discharging head with increased strength and image forming apparatus including the liquid discharging head
A liquid discharging head includes a plurality of nozzles for discharging liquid, a channel member formed of a metal plate, and a contacted member for being contacted by the channel member. The channel member includes a plurality of liquid chambers, each of which is connected to one of the plurality of nozzles, and a separation wall for separating adjacent liquid chambers from each other. The separation wall includes a center portion and a contact surface. The center portion is provided at a center of the separation wall in a long direction of the separation wall. The contact surface contacts the contacted member, and is tilted in a cross-section of at least the center portion of the separation wall taken in a short direction of the separation wall. |
| US08197033B2 |
Ink jet cartridge comprising a layer made by a curable resin composition
The present invention relates to a curable resin composition comprising a cyclic aliphatic multifunctional epoxy resin, a cyclic aliphatic difunctional epoxy resin having formula B in the specification, and, optionally, a photoinitiator, a process for manufacturing an ink jet printhead comprising a polymeric material layer defining ink passage ways formed by curing said curable resin composition, and ink-jet print head comprising a polymeric material layer defining ink passage ways formed by curing said curable resin composition. |
| US08197027B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a rotating moving table that is rotatable between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation and movable in a horizontal direction; a head cap that is movable so as to come into contact with or become spaced from the liquid ejection surface; and an interlocking mechanism that interlocks the rotating moving table with the head cap. The rotating moving table has a platen portion on which a target of ejection of a liquid can be carried; and a cleaning portion that can clean the liquid ejection surface. When the rotating moving table has been rotated to the horizontal orientation, the head cap is situated in a position spaced from the liquid ejection surface. When the rotating moving table has been rotated to the vertical orientation and is not being moved in the horizontal direction, the head cap can come into contact with the liquid ejection surface. |
| US08197025B2 |
Correction value setting method, liquid ejecting apparatus, printing system and storage medium having program stored thereon
A correction value setting method includes: generating, based on a first correction value that has been set in advance and is used in correcting a density of an image to be printed on a first medium, a second correction value that has a larger correction amount than the first correction value and a third correction value that has a smaller correction amount than the first correction value; printing respectively a first pattern to which the first correction value is applied, a second pattern to which the second correction value is applied, and a third pattern to which the third correction value is applied, on a second medium that differs in type from the first medium, by ejecting liquid from a head including a plurality of nozzles that eject liquid; and setting, based on the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern that have been printed on the second medium, one of the first correction value, the second correction value, and the third correction value, as a correction value used in correcting a density of an image to be printed on the second medium. |
| US08197022B2 |
Automated time of flight speed compensation
A method for determining a speed compensation factor includes the steps of transporting a media moving at first speed; printing a first image on the media using at least one printhead while moving at the first speed; capturing the first image in a first frame of an image capture device; transporting the media moving at a second speed different from the first speed; printing a second image on the media using the at least one printhead while moving at the second speed; capturing the second image in a second frame of the image capture device; determining using a change of position of the first image relative to the second image using automated image analysis; and inputting the determined change of position into a processor for computing the speed compensation factor from the determined change of position and a known difference in speed between the first and second speeds. |
| US08197021B2 |
Recording head driving method and recording apparatus
A recording head includes electrothermal transducers associated with temperature sensing elements. A method for driving the recording head includes supplying driving energy to the electrothermal transducer, and evaluating a temperature change in a temperature fall interval, occurring after supplying of driving energy to the electrothermal transducer, based on temperature information acquired from the temperature sensing element. The method further includes changing a setting value of the driving energy supplied to the electrothermal transducer, determining an energy value for driving the electrothermal transducer based on the evaluated temperature change and an energy value supplied to the electrothermal conversion element, and recording data on a recording medium by driving the electrothermal transducer according to the determined energy value. |
| US08197020B2 |
Image forming method, image forming apparatus and inkjet head
An image forming method for use in an inkjet head includes a pressure chamber filled with ink, a nozzle which communicates with the pressure chamber and in which a meniscus of the ink is formed, a piezoelectric element which pressurizes the pressure chamber, and a drive circuit which performs an operation of ejecting the ink in a printing state and generates a basic pulse for vibrating the meniscus in a non-printing state. The basic pulse is generated by turning off a voltage applied to the piezoelectric element for substantially the same period as a natural vibration period of the ink. An additional pulse is generated at least once before or after the basic pulse when the basic pulse is generated by the drive circuit in the non-printing state. The additional pulse is generated by turning off the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element. |
| US08197013B2 |
Railway vehicle brake control system
In a brake system for a railway vehicle, actuation of the respective inlet, (4,6), exhaust (5,7) and a link valve (9) is controlled by an electronic control unit (20). The electronic control unit (20) has a counter for counting the number of valve operations performed by each respective inlet (4,6) and exhaust (5,7) valve, wherein the electronic control unit (20), in use, determines which of the respective inlet (4,6) and exhaust (5,7) valves are to be actuated to brake the railway vehicle. The determination is made at least in part in dependence on the number of valve operations performed by the respective inlet (4,6) and exhaust (5,7) valves. |
| US08197010B2 |
Seat trim assembly
A seat trim assembly including a cushion having an opening and a retention clip. The retention clip has a retention feature and a base disposed in the cushion. The base includes a pad and first and second arms extending from the pad at an angle. The retention feature extends from the pad and extending into the opening. |
| US08197007B2 |
Combination pivotal and displaceable headrest assembly incorporated into a vehicle seat
A pivoting headrest assembly having a pivotally supported and cable actuated hook secured to fixed bracket. The hook engages a pin associated with a widthwise extending and upwardly biased support secured within a pair of side channels associated with the fixed bracket. Upon triggering the release of the hook, the support is upwardly displaced within the side channels. A pair of end supported pivotal linkages are secured in coaxial fashion with the ends of the displaceable support. Upper ends of the linkages pivotally engage a base plate of an upper pivotally driven headrest bun support offset from a pivotal engagement established between the base plate and upper end of the headrest bracket. The linkages are configured so that upward displacement exerted by the support is converted to the forward dump rotation of the headrest bun support. |
| US08197006B2 |
Foldable vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes a pivotable backrest, a locking/unlocking mechanism and an adjustment mechanism. The backrest is counterbalanced such that torque produced by the weight of the backrest during pivoting is adjustable by a counter torque. |
| US08197000B1 |
Chair structure having auxiliary backrest leg and accommodating backrest pockets
A chair assembly that contains both an auxiliary leg and at least one rear pocket that extend from the rear of the backrest. The chair assembly has a seat and a leg framework that supports the seat at a predetermined elevation. A backrest is provided that is adjustable between a generally vertical position and a generally horizontal position. At least a first pocket extends outwardly from the rear surface of the backrest. The auxiliary leg is connected to the rear of the backrest above the first pocket. The auxiliary leg can be folded against the backrest or rotated to a position where it extends away from the backrest. When in its folded position, the auxiliary leg extends around the periphery of the first pocket. In this manner, the auxiliary leg and the first pocket do not physically interfere with each other. |
| US08196998B2 |
Vehicle front structure
A vehicle front structure has a pair of right and left apron side members 1 each extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and having a closed cross section structure, a bumper 2 located on the vehicle front side Fr of the front end portion of the apron side member 1, and a grille 5 attached to air intake openings 3, 4 in the bumper 2. In this vehicle front structure, shock absorbing parts 20 formed integrally with the grille 5 are disposed between the bumper 2 and the front end portions of the apron side members 1. |
| US08196996B1 |
Vehicle drag reducer
A vehicle drag reducer. Implementations may include an upper portion attached or integrated within a top of a vehicle and having four air ducts configured to receive air from a front end of the top of the vehicle and transmit it towards a rear end of the top of the vehicle; and two back portions located at a back of the vehicle each including two air ducts and six exit ports, each back portion being configured to receive air from two of the four air ducts of the upper portion and exit the air from the back portion through the six exit ports. The upper portion may include one of a U joint, a Z joint, and an L joint connecting the upper portion to the vehicle. The back portion may include one of a U joint and a Z joint. Methods of reducing vehicle drag are disclosed. |
| US08196995B2 |
Sliding diversion apparatus for reducing drag of vehicle
A diversion apparatus, adapted to be arranged at the tail end of a vehicle, includes a diversion assembly and a slide mechanism. The inside of the diversion assembly is hollow and formed an airflow channel. The slide mechanism is arranged fixedly at the tail end of the vehicle body and has slot tracks extended along the lengthwise direction of the tail end of the vehicle body. The diversion assembly arranged on the slot tracks can be moved and slid thereon. Therefore, the diversion assembly can be slid on the slot tracks and moved toward the front of the vehicle body to prevent the opening of the door leaf of the vehicle from being hindered by the diversion assembly. |
| US08196989B2 |
Seat cowl structure of saddle-riding type vehicle
To provide a seat cowl structure of a saddle-riding type vehicle that can reduce weight of a seat cowl support structure, while achieving stiffness to support an occupant load. The seat cowl structure includes a pair of left and right seat rails and a stiffness portion. The pair of left and right seat rails extends rearwardly from a vehicle body frame and is disposed inside a seat cowl. The stiffness portion connects between seat cowl fastening portions of the left and right seat rails in a vehicle width direction and is disposed inside an upper surface portion and side surface portions of the seat cowl. |
| US08196987B2 |
Storage panel assembly for a vehicle
A storage panel assembly for a vehicle includes a panel having louvered exterior and internal surfaces. A vent structure is formed on a portion of the panel. At least one lug nut retention assembly is formed on the portion of the panel including the vent structure. The exterior louvered surface of the panel remains unblemished. |
| US08196984B2 |
Apparatus for removing earrings from a purchase card
An apparatus for removing earrings from a display card includes a pronged mechanism for slipping between the ornamental portion of the earring and the card. A user applies leverage to the pronged mechanism to separate the earring from the card. The pronged mechanism can be enhanced with a cover for preventing the earring from flipping away as it is removed from the card. The cover can be attached to the pronged portion using any suitable resources, such as a band, adhesive or hinge. When the pronged mechanism removes the earring from the card, the earring retainer on the back of the earring necessarily also separates from the card, so the device can be further enhanced with a cup for catching and containing the earring retainer. The apparatus can be a single, integrated device, and is of a sufficiently diminutive size to avoid unwieldiness of use and to prevent damage to the earring itself. |
| US08196982B1 |
Sod handling device
A hand held device is disclosed which may be manipulated with a single hand of the user to engage, transport and release a piece of sod. Curved sod penetration members are pivotally displaced to enter and to leave the piece of sod from opposing directions. This pivotal displacement of the curved penetration portions of the sod penetration members act to minimize any disturbance to the piece of sod which might damage the piece of sod. A dual handle arrangement provides of easy use of the device. An upper handle is utilized to place the device and for the device to engage the piece of sod while a lower handle is then utilized to transport the device with the piece of sod attached thereto with a shifting of hand position from the lower handle to the upper handle causing release of the piece of sod from the device. |
| US08196976B2 |
Chain hook
A chain hook having a landing area above a mouth of a slot for easy placement of a chain link in the slot so that a gate or door may be detachably held to a support. The chain hook also has a lock hole so that the chain may be padlocked to the chain hook. |
| US08196974B2 |
Vehicle door latch assembly
A vehicle door and a vehicle door latch assembly is disclosed. The vehicle door includes a door outer panel; a door inner panel affixed to the door outer panel and defining a door wet cavity, with the door inner panel including an access hole; and a door trim panel mounted to the door inner panel and defining a door dry cavity. A door latch is located in the door wet cavity; a latch locking lever is exposed to the door dry cavity and shielded from the door wet cavity, with the latch locking lever engaging the door latch; and a lock rod has a first end attached to the latch locking lever, with the lock rod extending through the access hole and between the door inner panel and the door trim panel, whereby the lock rod is not exposed to the door wet cavity. |
| US08196973B2 |
Device for childproofing a door lock
The device for childproofing a door lock is a device that fits on a standard lockset and prevents a lever or doorknob from turning when the device is engaged. The childproof door lock includes a substantially rectangular base plate and a circular disk that mounts atop the base. A sliding plate mounted on the base has a cylindrical locking post that engages a notch on the circular disk and prevents it from turning. The sliding plate may be spring-biased to hold the locking post in the notch. A lever may be attached to the sliding plate to disengage the locking post from the notch and allow the circular disk to turn freely. |
| US08196970B2 |
Connector device for media conduits
A connector device having a housing part and a clamping ring arranged in the receiving hole and cooperating with an inner cone of the housing part to lock a plugged-in media conduit. An inner insertion piece is removably connected to a base piece and provided with the inner cone. The insertion piece has at least two radially elastic spring arms to enable removal of the conduit. Radially outward-protruding catching extensions of the spring arms engage catching holes for detaching purposes. A contamination seal is disposed in the region of free ends of the spring arms to circumferentially rest upon the media conduit. The catching extensions are disconnected from the sealing area via a deformation zone so that the radial detaching movement of the catching extensions is performed without being influenced by the contamination seal because the deformation zone is deformed. |
| US08196967B2 |
Improvements to high pressure fuel fittings
A fitting for making a metal-to-metal fluid seal between a first conduit and a second conduit and corresponding first and second fluid passages. The first conduit has a generally spherical-shaped exterior surface, and the second conduit has a generally conical-shaped interior surface for receiving the generally spherical-shaped exterior surface of the first conduit. A nut is engaged with a threaded exterior surface of the second conduit, tightening of the nut on the threaded exterior surface urging the first and second conduits axially together to apply increasing pressure. A ring can be positioned between the nut and the first conduit, the ring providing a lower net coefficient of friction during tightening of the nut compared to direct contact between the nut and first conduit. The ring can be radially spaced from a radially facing interior surface of the nut. |
| US08196965B2 |
Folded label, article with folded label and method of manufacturing same
A folded label is produced without necessity of adhering any portions of a sheet to each other. The label uses only one sheet having display contents described on predetermined portions on both surface sides thereof. The label is formed by folding the sheet. Sheet sections are superposed over each other, being partitioned by a folding line. First and second sheet sections are adjacent and continuous to each other through the folding line and appear on upper and lower surface sides of the label, respectively. Only the first sheet section appears on the upper surface side of the label. The second sheet section and only one part of the first sheet section constituting a protruding portion protruding from the second sheet section on a side opposite to a side of the first folding line appear on the lower surface side of the label. Perforated lines are formed in the first sheet section. |
| US08196963B2 |
Fuel tank trailer
A fuel tank trailer includes a fuel tank defining a first containment region, a trailer having a bed supporting the fuel tank, and a secondary containment wall surrounding the fuel tank on the trailer providing an open second containment region for collection of any fuel leaking from the first containment region of the fuel tank and that is open for visual inspection to detect leakage of the fuel from the first containment region of the tank. The height of the secondary containment wall is sufficiently high to contain substantially an entire content of the fuel tank within a third combined containment region defined by the first and second containment regions and sufficiently low so as to permit visual inspection of the fuel tank. |
| US08196960B2 |
Knee belt restraint
A three-point seat belt assembly for an occupant sitting in a seat of a motor vehicle is provided. The three-point seat belt assembly can include a seat belt web that has a shoulder harness portion and a knee portion. The shoulder harness portion extends across the occupant's torso and the knee portion extends across the occupant's knees. In addition, a guide member can be included that prevents the knee portion of the seat belt web from sliding up above the occupant's knees and sliding down towards the occupant's shins. A pretensioner can further be included and be attached to the seat belt web. The pretensioner can have a release force of between 5 and 6 kilonewtons which is an improvement over current limits of between 2 and 3 kilonewtons. |
| US08196959B2 |
Motor vehicle with connection elements between a chassis frame and a vehicle body having a changeable transverse rigidity
A motor vehicle having a chassis frame and a vehicle body has switchable connection elements between the chassis frame and the vehicle body. The connection elements are arranged both in front of and behind the connection line of the wheel contact points of the front wheels and/or the connection line of the wheel contact points of the rear wheels. As a result, during cornering, the vehicle body exercises a bending moment upon the chassis frame, which results in a self-steering behavior of the front axle and/or of the rear axle. This self-steering behavior can be influenced in that either the connection elements in front of or the connection elements behind the corresponding axle are triggered such that they exhibit a transverse rigidity that is as high as possible. While the respective other connection elements are triggered such that they exhibit a transverse rigidity that is as low as possible. The triggering takes place by way of a control unit which, for example, uses parameters from the driving operation of the motor vehicle as control variables. |
| US08196958B2 |
Light-weight, roll-bonded heavy duty truck frame member
A frame member for a frame assembly of a vehicle includes a first outer steel layer, a second outer steel layer and an aluminum core layer between the first outer steel layer and the second outer steel layer. The first outer steel layer, the second outer steel layer and the aluminum core layer are metallurgically bonded together. |
| US08196955B2 |
Airbag system
An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle includes an airbag including an inflatable portion and an inflator for providing inflation gas for inflating the inflatable portion of the airbag. The airbag includes a non-inflatable portion located within the inflatable portion so that in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle the non-inflatable portion is bounded on both sides by the inflatable portion of the airbag and wherein the non-inflatable portion extends the entire cross vehicle width of the airbag. The airbag is configured to inflate into a position so that a surface of the airbag faces the occupant. The stiffness of the inflatable portion varies along the surface facing the occupant based on a changing distance from the surface to the non-inflatable portion. |
| US08196953B2 |
Film plate for an airbag cover
A film plate for an airbag cover is provided. The film plate is pre-formed by deep-drawing or embossing and is directly, without reinforcing elements, attachable to the airbag cover by mechanical connecting elements. The airbag cover has, at the location of the film plate, at least a partial support for the film plate and the film plate has an embossed structure on its lower side, which is visible on the upper side. |
| US08196951B2 |
Personalizable sports themed ice chest, and methods of constructing and utilizing same
A personalizable sports themed ice chest having a main ice chest housing and a selectively openable and closable lid member pivotably secured to the housing. The ice chest has a personalizable sports related shape, wheels rotatably secured to the housing, a collapsible pull handle mechanism connected to the housing, and areas on the housing and lid member for the placement of a logo or emblem. |
| US08196943B2 |
Oval axle housing and clamp assembly
An axle housing (110) for clamping with a clamp assembly (118, 218) to a spring (16, 216) of a suspension system (14) of a vehicle, the clamp assembly having at least two U-bolts (120, 220) each having a curved portion (136, 236) and two generally linear legs (128, 228) extending therefrom, and a clamping plate (122, 222) for receiving and attaching the legs of the U-bolts to form an enclosure that clamps the axle housing (110) to the spring (16, 216), the housing having a generally oval shape in cross section. The axle housing (110) has a generally planar fore side (132), a generally planar aft side (134), a generally rounded top surface (144) and a generally rounded bottom surface (146), wherein at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface are sized and arranged to mate flushly with the curved portion (136) of the U-bolts (120). |
| US08196938B2 |
Modular mobile workstation with storage capacity
The described embodiments of the present invention provide a modular mobile workstation with storage capacity. The apparatus has a modular shell that can be used for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to, a stool and low table combination, a table and coat-rack combination, and a high table combination. The modular shell encloses a removable inner shell that can be used to store goods while traveling with the unit. In one embodiment, two large wheels cap the respective ends of the shell and allow the apparatus to roll freely behind a user. A multi-use handle is also included with the apparatus. In one embodiment, the handle is collapsible and is secured to the apparatus by a securing scarf, which also serves to hold the interlocking pieces of the outer shell together. The unit is useful for travelers needing a mobile workspace, and prevents the need for additional luggage, as it also provides storage capacity. |
| US08196937B2 |
Transport wheel for a helicopter
A transport wheel device for a helicopter having a runner defining an axial direction. The transport wheel includes a holding frame, a wheel axle, a slide, a wheel and a lifting device. The holding frame is detachably securable to the runner. The wheel axle is attached the holding frame by the slide. The slide is continuously adjustable axially with respect to the holding frame and securable in an axial position. A wheel is disposed on the wheel axle. The lifting device is coupled to the holding frame and the wheel axle. The lifting device is configured to vertically move the transport wheel. |
| US08196936B2 |
Independent suspension for lawnmowers, cutting decks and off-road vehicles
A suspension apparatus for off-road vehicle includes a plurality of linear actuators, each coupled to a power source and attached to a respective one of the plurality of wheels and frame or body of the vehicle for moving the respective one of the plurality of wheels away from the frame or the body upon receiving a first command signal or moving the respective one of the plurality of wheels toward the frame or the body upon receiving a second command signal. Tilt sensors are provided with each tilt sensor mounted directly on or in close proximity to the respective one of the plurality of wheels for sensing its vertical attitude relative to a predetermined level condition and selectively generating each of a first and second position signals. A control device receives first and second position signals and outputs respective first and second command signals. |
| US08196935B2 |
Safe and quick release device for a tool adapter
A safe and quick release device for a tool adapter includes a main body and a combination head. The main body has its front end axially bored with a combination groove with an open end. The combination groove has its opposite sides respectively bored with at least one position-limiting hole having its opposite ends respectively and annularly formed with a first position-limiting portion and a second position-limiting portion. A spherical position-limiting member is slidably disposed in the position-limiting hole and restrictedly positioned therein by the first and the second position-limiting portion. Thus, the position-limiting member is ready made, needless to be especially processed, can easily be in stalled for facilitating assembly and disassembly of the combination head, reducing processing cost. |
| US08196934B2 |
Slider seal assembly for gas turbine engine
A slider seal assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a housing, a seal plate moveable relative to the housing and a retaining ring. The housing includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a recessed opening between the outer surface and the inner surface. The seal plate is received within the recessed opening. The inner surface of the housing includes a curved portion which is curved in an outward direction toward the outer surface. |
| US08196930B2 |
Moovdisk
Described herein is a game system that includes a game control unit that communicates with a plurality of play units. Each play unit typically has a user input functionality (e.g., a button) and a visual indicator (e.g., lights). The play units can communicate and receive instructions from the game control unit. The game control unit may also include a user input, and can track play and upload results (e.g., scores) into a central data repository. Players may wear identification tags that can also provide identifying information for tracking or monitoring by the game control unit. Also described herein are methods of playing games using the system, and social networking website for players. |
| US08196926B2 |
Apparatus for electronically diverting signatures
An apparatus for diverting incoming printed products which includes a shaft, at least one first flipper mounted in a first fixed direction on the shaft, a motor coupled to the shaft; and a controller coupled to the motor for controlling positioning of the shaft to allowing printed products to be diverted along different paths associated with a particular shaft position. The apparatus further includes a low inertia coupler interconnected between the motor and the shaft. Alternatively, the apparatus includes a roll, a first motor coupled to the roll and a controller coupled to the first motor for controlling the rotation of the roller for diverting printed products along one of two different paths, each path associated with a direction of rotation of the roll. This alternative apparatus may also include a shaft with at least one flipper mounted thereon and a second motor coupled to the shaft. |
| US08196924B2 |
Drive control method and drive control apparatus for processing machine
An upstream-side printing unit group and a downstream-side printing unit group, respectively, are driven by separate prime motors and synchronously controlled. In addition to rotary encoders for the upstream-side and downstream-side prime motors, rotary encoders are provided on a last impression cylinder of the upstream-side printing unit group and a first transfer cylinder of the downstream-side printing unit group to detect differences between rotational phases, which the upstream-side and downstream-side printing unit groups should have, and the actual rotational phase of the last impression cylinder of the upstream-side printing unit group or the first transfer cylinder of the downstream-side printing unit group. In accordance with the rotational phase differences, the rotational speeds of the prime motors are corrected. |
| US08196920B2 |
Media cassette
A media cassette comprises a housing defining a closeable pick window; an urging plate biased towards the pick window for urging a stack of media items towards the pick window; a detent located distal from the pick window for limiting movement of the urging plate when the pick window is closed; and a detent moving mechanism operable to move the detent when the pick window is opened. The media cassette allows the urging plate to exert less force on the stack of media items by expanding the space available for media items located within the cassette by activating the detent moving mechanism. |
| US08196917B2 |
Detachable feed member with detection unit
In an embodiment of the invention, a detection unit arranged near a feed roller is rotatably arranged. A space where the feed roller is attached and detached is formed by rotating the detection unit. The detection unit is rotated in accordance with an operation of attaching and detaching the feed roller to and from a shaft, and the maintenance of the feed roller is performed while the formed space is used. |
| US08196914B2 |
Clamp for a key cutting machine
A clamp for key cutting machines includes a pair of jaws mounted on a single pin fixed to the machine structure and associated with a knob screwable on a threaded portion of said pin and acting in the sense of causing the jaws to forcedly approach each other, against the elastic reaction of a spring tending to repel them, and to retain a key positioned between them. A clamp according to the invention further includes a friction type overload clutch interposed between the knob and the pin. |
| US08196913B2 |
Clamping assembly for clamping strings of stringing machine for sport rackets
A clamping assembly for stringing machine includes a slide member, a positioning device, a control device and a rail. The positioning device and a tube are located on two ends of the slide member. The control device includes a pin, a ring-shaped member and a knob. The pin is pivotably connected with the knob. The tube includes an engaging section and a receiving section. The receiving section has a positioning pin and a spring which biases the positioning pin so as to move the positioning pin axially. The knob having a pin hole defined in an underside thereof and can be securely positioned by inserting the insertion member into the pin hole. The knob includes a release button which is connected with a bolt. When pressing the release button, the bolt moves the insertion member which releases the knob. |
| US08196910B2 |
Platform isolator
The platform isolator of the present invention isolates a vibration source from its surroundings. The platform is supported on elongated members that in turn are supported on knife-edge supports. The ends of the elongated members are restrained from longitudinal movement. The distance between a pair of knife edge supports may be fixed or adjustable based on the expected vibration frequency. |
| US08196909B2 |
Tubular condensers having tubes with external enhancements
Improvements in tubes, which increase the heat exchange capacity of tubular heat exchangers using the tubes, are described. These improvements involve the use of one or more external surface enhancements, optionally combined with an internal enhancement and/or differing tube geometries. These improvements apply, for example, to internal condensers, including those in which the tube bundles are oriented vertically, in vapor-liquid contacting apparatuses such as distillation columns. |
| US08196908B2 |
Counter flow type of cooling tower
This invention relates to a counter flow type of cooling tower generating low grade of noise, which includes: a body wherein an external air inhalation hole is formed in the lower portion and a discharge hole is formed in the upper portion; a fan that is provided in the body and absorbs external air into the body through an inhalation hole and discharges the external air to the discharge hole; an spraying nozzle that sprays coolant; an eliminator that is provided above the spraying nozzle and prevents air and water from scattering; a filler that is provided below the spraying nozzle; and a collection tank collecting the coolant that passes the filler and drops, wherein a space portion is formed between the filler and the collection tank, and the space portion formed between the filler and the collection tank further includes a noise generation restraining portion consisting of at least one noise generation restraining unit. According to the invention, the noise that occurs when the coolant directly drops into the collection tank is reduced, the scattering of the coolant by incoming air may be prevented, the loss of pressure by the noise generation restraining portion is minimized, the amount of lost coolant and air may be reduced, and the cooling efficiency increases because the noise generation restraining portion maximizes the cooling effect. |
| US08196907B2 |
System for conditioning the airflow entering a turbomachine
An embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioning system (ACS) for conditioning the airstream entering an air-consuming machine, such as, but not limiting of, a gas turbine. Conditioning may be considered a process that adjusts at least one physical property of the airstream. The physical property may comprise: a wet-bulb temperature, a dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity, density, or the like. In an embodiment of the present invention, the major components of the ACS may be located in a single structure, which may be considered a module. Depending on the application of the ACS, multiple modules may be physically and/or operationally integrated on the air-consuming machine. An alternate embodiment of the ACS may comprise a module having multiples stages. Here, each stage may operate independently other stages. Furthermore, each stage may use a separate fluid from other stages. |
| US08196906B2 |
Liquid aerator
A fluid aerator (1) comprising a fluid vessel (2) and a pipe (4) extending from the interior of the fluid vessel (2) to the exterior. The pipe (4) has inlet means for permitting liquid to flow into the pipe (4) from the vessel (2) and is closed at its lowermost end but has one or more outlet holes (8) arranged in the wall of the pipe where the fluid exists from the pipe (4). The pipe (4) is movable relative to the vessel (2) between a first position in which the outlet holes (8) are distant from the vessel and a second position in which the outlet holes (8) are closer to the vessel. By means of the movable fluid supply pipe (4) the same fluid aerator can be used both in relation to delivering aerated fluid into a large bottle and to delivering smaller amounts of aerated fluid to a smaller container, such as a wine glass. |
| US08196905B2 |
Electric milk frother
A milk frothing apparatus comprising a drive unit which drives a shaft. An elongate, flexible, bent frothing element that has an adjustable shape which preferably adjusts to the surface of the liquid to be frothed during operation is connected to the shaft. In a particular embodiment, the frothing element is designed as a flexible helical coil. In addition, another frothing element can be provided at the lower end of the shaft. |
| US08196903B2 |
Aromatic nebulizing diffuser
An aromatic nebulizing diffuser includes a base panel (10), a power adapter (20), an electric fan (30), a shell (40), a fluid container (50), an oscillator (60) and a top over (70). The oscillator (60) oscillates an aromatic fluid in the fluid container (50) to produce a fine mist. The fluid container (50) has an air conduit (53) that reduces in direction from its bottom air inlet (531) toward its top air outlet (532) for causing acceleration of the speed of the induced flow of air to carrying the fine mist of aromatic fluid droplets out of jet holes (71) on the top cover (70). The fluid container (50) is detachably fastened to the base panel (10) by means of plugging bottom mounting rods (512) of the fluid container (50) into respective tubular upright posts (12) of the base panel (10), facilitating cleaning. |
| US08196902B1 |
Methods and apparatuses for providing multiple air fragrances
Described herein are methods and apparatuses for providing multiple air fragrances. In one embodiment, a multi-air fragrance system for use in a vehicle includes an air fragrance block having a plurality of cartridges for storing a plurality of fragrances and a control unit that is coupled to the air fragrance block. The control unit controls a selection of one fragrance to be distributed within an interior of the vehicle. The control unit also controls an intensity of the selected fragrance to be distributed within the interior of the vehicle. In another embodiment, a portable multi-air fragrance system provides multiple air fragrances. A control unit controls a selection and intensity of a fragrance to be distributed by the portable system. |
| US08196892B2 |
Fluid control valve
A valve includes a body, a cage, a plug, a stem, a stop ring, and a pilot plug. The cage includes at least one cage port there through allowing fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The plug is movable linearly within the cage to allow fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet when the valve is open. The pilot plug is adapted to transfer downward force from the stem to the plug by contacting the stop ring of the plug and thereby urging the plug downward through the cage when the stem moves linearly downward to adjust the valve from the closed position to the open position. In an alternative embodiment, the stem includes a collar adapted to contact the plug and adjust the valve from the closed position to an open position. |
| US08196888B2 |
Seat slide device for vehicle
In a vehicle set slide device, a lower rail has a base portion extending in face-to-face relation with a vehicle floor, two first inside portions extending in close contact upward from a center part of the base portion, and lower hook portions extending outward from upper ends of both of the first inside portions each to take an inverted U-letter shape. An upper rail has vertical wall portions extending downward from both ends of a horizontal wall portion. Further, the upper rail is provided therein with a hook member which has joining portions joined with both of the vertical wall portions and extending downward and upper hook portions extending inward from lower ends of the joining portions each to take a U-letter shape. When a separation load against the lower rail is exerted on the upper rail, the lower hook portions and the upper hook portions are brought into engagements. |
| US08196887B2 |
Seat mount with integrated adjustment
A seat mount with integrated adjustment that includes a seat base with integrally molded slide bearing receiving pockets that each receives an integrally formed slide bearing of one piece and unitary construction that engages apertures formed in a seat mount that preferably is a seat slide plate or seat mounting plate. |
| US08196876B2 |
Support mechanism with adjustment subassembly
A support mechanism includes a bracket and a rotary unit including a base and at least one adjustment subassembly. The adjustment subassembly includes an elastic member and a ball. The elastic member resists the ball to contact the bracket. The bracket is rotatable relative to the base. |
| US08196873B2 |
Bag dispenser
An apparatus for supporting and dispensing bags and a method for dispensing a bag from the dispenser. |
| US08196872B1 |
Adjustable bracket assembly
A bracket assembly for securing a longitudinal support member includes a base portion and a dome portion sized and adapted to be threadably engaged around the support member, thereby securing the support member within the bracket assembly. Fasteners in the base portion affix the assembly to a planar surface. The dome portion covers the base portion fasteners when the dome portion has been threaded onto the base portion. |
| US08196863B2 |
Aircraft horizontal stabilizer
According to the invention, the horizontal stabilizer comprises a fixed intermediate part secured to the structure of said aircraft and at least one mobile edge part able to slide with respect to said fixed intermediate part, transversely to the length thereof. Mobile flaps are able to provide the aerodynamic continuity of the suction face and of the pressure face of said stabilizer when said mobile edge part is deployed. |
| US08196860B2 |
Aircraft having reduced environmental impact
An aircraft having reduced environmental impact includes at least one engine with at least one propeller carried, at the rear, on the top of the aircraft with the propeller(s) located in vertical alignment with the rear part of a noise barrier cell and the rear face of a burst zone situated forward of the central part of an empennage box. |
| US08196856B2 |
Method for suppressing vibration in a tiltrotor aircraft
A method is disclosed for suppressing vibration in an aircraft having at least one pair of multiple-blade rotors. The first step of the method is to install in the aircraft at least one pair of vibration suppression devices to form a system, the devices of each system being mounted on opposing sides of the aircraft. Then, during operation of the aircraft, the next step is to rotate the at least one pair of rotors in a manner that causes the blades one of each pair of rotors to be out of phase from the other of each pair of rotors. The final step is to use the system to suppress vibrations caused by the out-of-phase rotation of the rotors. |
| US08196851B2 |
Paper shredder with feeder
A paper shredder comprising a housing, cutters positioned in the housing, a feeder base coupled to the housing and including a feeder slot, and a pressure plate mounted for movement above the feeder base. The pressure plate has a length perpendicular to the feeder slot that is less than 80% of a length of the feeder base. In one embodiment, the pressure plate includes two rollers positioned on opposing sides of the feeder slot (e.g., rotational about axes fixed relative to each other). The pressure plate preferably does not overlap with any aperture(s) in the feeder base. The paper shredder can also include a feeder door that substantially covers the entire feeder base and is pivoted at one end of the feeder door. The pressure plate can be mounted adjacent a bottom surface of the feeder door. |
| US08196849B1 |
Roller-type homogenizing mill
The invention relates to the grinding method with simultaneous homogenization of powder-like materials with liquid components in construction engineering, chemical and other industries.The roller breaker-homogenizer comprises a cone-shaped backing roll and not less than three driven rolls and driven rolls, the large bases of which face reverse directions. The rolls are arranged in the case with a replaceable cup vertically at the same level so that the driven rolls are located epicyclically relative to the backing roll and mounted in cantilever fashion in the case cover rotation bearing assemblies, and the backing roll is connected axially with a drive shaft via a spring coupling. An appliance used to regulate the spring coupling pressing force is mounted between the drive and spring coupling. The case cover has an opening for loading basic process materials above the upper end surface of the backing roll, and an anchor-type mixer is fixed on the lower end surface of the backing roll. |
| US08196847B2 |
Spray head for liquid product
A fluid spray head comprising an expulsion channel (5) provided with a spray orifice (1) and a spray profile (10) formed in an end wall of said spray head, said spray profile (10) comprising preferably non-radial spray channels (11) opening out to a central spray chamber (12) disposed directly upstream from said spray orifice (1), an insert (20) being disposed in said expulsion channel (5) so as to form a cover for said spray profile (10), the central axis (X) of said insert (20) being substantially identical to the central axis (Y) of said expulsion channel (5), and said spray head including centering means for centering said insert (20). |
| US08196840B2 |
Keyboard with horizontal card reader
A keyboard (1) with a horizontally arranged card reader. The card reader has a card insertion opening (2) and a card holder section (3). The card holder section (3) defines a plane for placing a card on the upper surface of the keyboard (1). The card holder section (3) is arranged next to the card insertion opening (2), into which the card can be inserted substantially parallel to the plane defined by the card holder section (3). |
| US08196835B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining position and rotational orientation of an object
A method and apparatus for determining position and rotational orientation of an object within a predetermined area is disclosed. Position markers, encoded with their identity, are viewed with a camera, images are captured and processed, and the position and rotational orientation of the object are calculated. Three embodiments are disclosed; the first having a camera mounted on the movable object while position markers bearing linear bar codes are fixed in location, the second having a camera mounted on the movable object while position markers bearing two-dimensional bar codes are fixed in location, and the third having a position marker of either type affixed to the object while the camera is fixed in location. |
| US08196830B1 |
Hand-operated document reader/imager with speed limiting device including a viscous damper to insure uniform scan rate
A hand-operated document processor includes a base for receiving a document containing magnetic ink character data to be read and recognized. A manually operated moving magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) subsystem includes a MICR read head and is attached to the base such that movement of the subsystem causes the MICR read head to pass over the magnetic ink character data on the document. MICR reading and recognition logic receives the signal from the MICR read head. A speed limiting device includes a viscous damper, and is connected to the MICR subsystem. The viscous damper provides a resistance load when the MICR subsystem is moved across the document being processed. The resistance load increases as the operator increases the speed of the MICR subsystem to encourage the operator to maintain a constant scanning rate over the length of the document. |
| US08196829B2 |
Chip module, sim card, wireless device and wireless communication method
The invention refers to a chip module comprising at least one memory and/or microprocessor chip and at least one antenna element connected to said chip. Further the invention relates to a SIM card comprising a dielectric substrate, eight or more contact pads provided on one side of said dielectric substrate, at least one memory and/or microprocessor chip provided on the other side of the substrate and connected to said contact pads, a first antenna element provided on the same side of the dielectric substrate as the chip, wherein the first antenna element has at least one driving point and at least one termination point, a second antenna element provided on the same side of the dielectric substrate as the first antenna element, wherein the first antenna element is given in an area different from the area where the contact pads are arranged, and the chip can be accessed by a wireless communication link with help of the antenna operating at a frequency of more than 800 MHz. |
| US08196826B2 |
RFID drawer integration with cash handling devices and point of sale devices
Methods, systems, and devices utilize RFID devices in order to provide integrated information for receivables, inventory, and/or transactions from point of sale (POS) devices and cash handling device(s) to accounting systems. Transactions (e.g., debit card, credit card, coin, cash, check, etc.) are allowed at POS devices. The transactions may be communicated to cash handling devices through RFID devices (e.g., coupled to or on tills, receipts, printouts, etc.). Transaction-related materials (e.g., paper currency, coins, checks, receipts, etc.) may be moved from the POS devices to cash handling device(s). Actual counts and expected counts may be determined and may be communicated to accounting systems. |
| US08196825B2 |
Medical device tracking system with tag and method
Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for tracking a medical device. Systems configured for such tracking may include the capability to either or both detect tampering with the medical device and to effectively expose the medical device to sterilization substances while the medical device is captured by a mechanism including an identifying characteristic. |
| US08196822B2 |
Self checkout with visual recognition
A system and method is disclosed for using object recognition/verification and weight information to confirm the accuracy of a UPC scan, or to provide an affirmative recognition where no UPC scan was made. In the preferred embodiment, the checkout system comprises: a universal product code (UPC) scanner configured to generate a product identifier; at least one camera for capturing one or more image of an item; a database of features and images of known objects; an image processor configured to: extract a plurality of geometric point features from the one or more images; identify matches between the extracted geometric point features and the features of known objects; generate a geometric transform between the extracted geometric point features and the features of known objects for a subset of known objects corresponding to matches; and identify one of the known objects based on a best match of the geometric transform; and a transaction processor configured to execute one of a predetermined set of actions if the identified object is different than the product identifier. |
| US08196820B2 |
Self-service terminal
A self-service terminal comprising a plurality of devices is described. The devices comprise: a racking handle for moving that device from an operational position to a maintenance position; a primary visual identifier (such as a bright color) associated with the racking handle, where the primary visual identifier is common for all of the racking handles and is not used for any part of the device except a racking handle; and a secondary visual identifier associated with any other parts of the device that may be safely touched, where the secondary visual identifier is visually distinct (for example, by using a different color) from the primary visual identifier. |
| US08196819B2 |
Method and device for authenticating economic transactions
A method of conducting an economic transaction includes the steps of wirelessly receiving a card-transmitted signal, where the card-transmitted signal includes user account information and an indicator of an amount of elapsed time between a recognition of a vibration applied to a wirelessly-transmitting credit or debit card and a transmission of the card-transmitted signal from the card. The method further includes determining a last detected vibration at a point-of-sale device, calculating an amount of time elapsed since the identification of the last detected vibration, and comparing the amount of time elapsed since the identification of the last detected vibration with the amount of elapsed time between a recognition of a vibration applied to a card and a transmission of the card-transmitted signal from the card. |
| US08196817B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating payment transactions using a financial transaction card
A financial transaction card associated with an account of a cardholder is provided. The financial transaction card includes a front side, a back side, a signature block, and a validation code. The signature block includes a substrate having a bottom face and a top face wherein the bottom face is coupled to at least one of the sides of the card. The top face is substantially planar and includes a first data field and a second data field. The first data field and the second data field are non-overlapping. The validation code is associated with the account and is displayed within the second data field. |
| US08196814B2 |
Cash letter print streams
Producing print streams for efficiently generating properly formatted and ordered paper cash letters comprises print stream file that includes electronic form definitions for each cash letter document. The cash letter documents can include a cover page, one or more bundles of substitute checks, a bundle summary for each substitute check bundle, and/or a cash letter bundle summary. Information from an electronic image cash letter file can be input in data fields of the electronic form definitions. Printing the information in the print stream file results in a properly formatted and ordered paper cash letter including substitute checks and audit data. Each substitute check can include all of the MICR data provided on a corresponding, original paper check. The audit data includes the cover page, bundle summary(ies), and/or cash letter bundle summary, which can each detail the documents printed concurrently therewith. |
| US08196812B2 |
Conducting multiple financial transactions on a self-service terminal
A self-service terminal (SST) for use in conducting multiple financial transactions between a user of the SST and a financial institution includes one or more user-interface devices and a processing module. The user interface devices are configured to receive information from and provide information to the user. The processing module is configured to: (1) receive from the one or more user-interface devices information identifying a first one of the transactions and information containing details necessary to complete the first one of the transactions; (2) receive from the one or more user-interface devices information identifying a second one of the transactions and information containing details necessary to complete the second one of the transactions; and (3) thereafter initiate execution of the first one of the transactions and the second one of the transactions over a financial-transaction network. |
| US08196811B2 |
Multiple criteria buying and selling model
A multiple criteria buying and selling system and method is provided. A seller initially establishes a deal structure for a product, which provides seller defined selling criteria information relating to the purchasing of the product, such as volume per unit price, quality, delivery time and warranty information. A buyer will be able to review a list of deals if the seller's selling criteria matches a buyer defined buying criteria. The deal structure is preferably set up so as to provide buyers with both price and non-price criteria information that the buyer's would consider important in a purchase of the type of product being offered by the seller. The deal structure is electronically made available to potential buyers of the product. For example, the deal structure may be displayed on an Internet site. |
| US08196810B2 |
Method and system to monitor hand hygiene compliance
A system which allows healthcare providers to monitor hand hygiene compliance includes a data reader adapted to be worn by a healthcare provider. The system includes a portal trigger disposed at each door portal of a patient room which activates the reader to record an entrance event when the provider enters the patient room. The system includes a dispenser trigger disposed at each cleaning dispenser having cleanser in or at the entrance of each patient room which activates the reader to record a dispensing event when the provider causes the dispenser to dispense cleanser, the reader having a display which displays a number of dispensing events and a number of entrance events. A method which allows healthcare providers to monitor hand hygiene compliance. A system which allows a person to monitor hand hygiene compliance. A method for allowing a person to monitor hand hygiene compliance. |
| US08196809B2 |
System and method for associating an absorbent article with a user
A system for associating a particular absorbent article with the identity and/or the location of a user of the absorbent article, includes an absorbent article, and machine-readable information concerning the identity and/or the location of a user of the absorbent article. The system includes machine-readable information identifying the absorbent article and a reader to read the information identifying the absorbent article and the information concerning the identity and/or the location of a user of the absorbent article. The system also includes a memory that is arranged to store information identifying the absorbent article and information concerning the identity and/or the location of a user of the absorbent article in a form such that on retrieval of information from the memory, information concerning the absorbent article is automatically associated with information concerning the identity and/or location of a user of the absorbent article. |
| US08196805B2 |
Cartons with liquid-tight receptacles
Cartons include liquid-tight vessels that line the interior volumes of the cartons. The cartons may have selected sections reinforced by one or more reinforcing blanks. |
| US08196799B2 |
Compression box for reflow oven heating with a pressurizing plate
A reflow oven chamber assembly that is configured to be installed within a reflow oven chamber of a reflow oven includes a chamber housing disposed within the reflow oven chamber, one or more heating elements disposed in the chamber housing, and one or more compression box assemblies disposed in the chamber housing. The compression box assembly includes a compression box housing having an intake port located adjacent the heating element, an intake duct disposed in the compression box, and a diffuser plate disposed above the intake duct. The intake duct has an inlet opening in fluid communication with the intake port of the compression box housing and an outlet opening. The compression box assembly is configured to draw heated air into the compression box housing from the reflow oven chamber through the intake port and into the inlet opening of the intake duct and exhaust air out of the outlet opening of the intake duct to the diffuser plate. A method of distributing heated air within a reflow soldering oven is further disclosed. |
| US08196792B2 |
Mounting plate and leg harness assembly
A mounting plate and leg harness assembly for carrying holsterable items having a rigid center portion and vertically disposed sides and two spaced side panels integral with a respective side of the center portion, each side panel having an outside edge, a first pair of vertically spaced elongate slots located adjacent the center portion and a second pair of vertically spaced elongate slots located adjacent the outside edge. Two horizontally disposed straps are threaded through the respective upper and lower slots with the straps spanning the center portion. The side panels are bendable adjacent the respective sides of the center portion to conform the plate to the shape of the leg of a wearer when the straps are tightened. A vertical adjustable strap is mounted to the plate for connection to a belt. |
| US08196785B2 |
Air vent for liquid containers, based on the principle of communicating vessels
An air vent for liquid containers such as baby bottles, flasks, or the like, for containing any liquid easily poured through an upper spout such as a nipple or a hard plastic spout or even a metal spout. The container includes an air vent defined by a system based on the principle of communicating vessels acted upon by equal air pressures, defined by a duct of an adequate diameter placed in a vertical or oblique manner, whose lower end is placed inside and in the bottom of the container, while the upper end defines an external air inlet that is open to external air. The duct communicates with the main internal space in the bottom of the container, such that when the container is sufficiently tilted, the liquid inside the duct may go to the bottom of the container, enabling a free flow of external air to the bottom of the container, without passing through the liquid, thus preventing the formation of a vacuum in the bottom of the container, before even this same liquid be discharged or sucked from the container. |
| US08196778B2 |
Process air-assisted dispensing systems
Systems for dispensing heated liquids, such as hot melt adhesives, with the assistance of process air. The dispensing system may include a control operative to independently control a characteristic of the process air dispensed by a first dispensing module compared to the same characteristic of the process air dispensed by a second dispensing module. |
| US08196775B1 |
Glove dispenser with glove catch well
The present invention is directed toward a glove catch apparatus configured for connection to an existing glove dispenser. The glove catch apparatus comprises a frame, and access opening configured to permit access to a dispensing hole of the existing glove dispenser, and a well configured to catch dropped gloves dispensed from the glove dispenser. In addition, a glove dispenser, mountable to a wall, is disclosed. The glove dispenser comprises a well configured to catch dropped gloves dispensed from the glove dispenser. |
| US08196770B2 |
Fluid supply assembly
A fluid supply assembly. The fluid supply assembly includes a disposable cup and lid, and a reusable cup holder and outer lid. |
| US08196769B2 |
Container
A container body 1 has a rim profile formed by folding sheet metal material. The profile defines at least two separate zones 14, 15 which are completely enclosed by the folded material and two runs of the material 5, 10 meet at the junction 16 between the two zones 14, 15 and are welded to one another at that junction. A lid 2 also has a rim profile folded from sheet material. |
| US08196768B2 |
Connector, particularly for casks
A connector for a container, particularly a cask, comprises a bush (14), intended to be received in an opening (11) in the container through which liquid is discharged, in use. The bush has a closed end (17) with a weakened portion (18), an inner thread (20) and an inner deformable portion (21). Sealing means (23) are intended to be disposed between the exterior of the bush and the interior of the opening at the position of the deformable portion. An insert (15) is screw-threadedly engageable within the bush so as to deform the deformable portion, thereby effecting compression, and thus sealing, of the sealing means between the bush and the container. |
| US08196765B2 |
Multi-function carrier
A multi-function carrier includes a bottom plate bilaterally connected to pivotable lateral plates, wherein each of the lateral plates may be a one-piece grid or a two-piece folding grid, a pivotable rear plate, and a pivotable front plate. The front plate has sliding blocks for being slidably mounted on horizontal sliding guides of the bottom plate. The two lateral plates, the front plate and the rear plate, when posed vertically, are mutually coupled and jointly form a top-opened basket-like structure together with the bottom plate. When the two lateral plates and the front plate are laid over the bottom plate, the multi-function carrier provides a rack-like structure. The multi-function carrier further has an extendable gripper which is movably attached to the front plate and has a movable pressing member. |
| US08196761B2 |
Easily assembled shelving system of small overall size
Shelving system has first and second lateral support elements for a plurality of shelves. The shelves formed from metal wire mesh structure and including a base wall and at least two mutually parallel side walls. The support elements and shelves including, respectively, elements and counter-elements for removably connecting shelves to support elements. The two side walls connected to the base wall and shaped for stacking one shelf on another with base walls of the shelves mutually superposed, one in contact with another, to reduce overall disassembled system size. Each shelf base wall lower face has at least one seat sunken with respect to side walls, to at least partly house at least a portion of one support element. The shelves shaped for housing, in the upper face of the base wall between the side walls, at least a portion of the other support element, to reduce overall disassembled system size. |
| US08196756B2 |
Asymmetric nanotube containing membranes
This invention relates to heterogenous pore polymer nanotube membranes useful in filtration, such as reverse osmosis desalination, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and gas separation. |
| US08196750B2 |
Process and apparatus for adsorptive bubble separation using a dense foam
A method of concentrating particles in a liquid-particle dispersion feed by adsorptive bubble separation by intimately contacting a gas with a pressurized stream of liquid in a chamber to form an aerated dispersion that retains at least some of the kinetic energy from the pressurized stream, and removing at least some of the kinetic energy from the aerated dispersion to form a dense foam. A liquid-particle dispersion feed is then injected into the dense foam to form a gas-liquid-particle dispersion. The gas-liquid-particle dispersion is injected into a flotation chamber at a point below a surface of a liquid contained therein, where the gas-liquid-particle dispersion forms bubbles of a gas-particle agglomerate, and the bubbles are released from the feed liquid depleted in hydrophobic particles and rise to the surface to form a floating froth enriched in particles. Also described is a device that includes plurality of chambers for aeration and mixing, feed injection, and a duct that is positioned below the liquid-foam line of a flotation chamber, so that the gas-liquid-particle dispersion is released within the chamber, and rises to the surface as a floating froth enriched in particles. |
| US08196744B2 |
Packaging unit for pipe sections
The present invention concerns a packaging unit (1) for several pipe sections (2) of mineral wool with a packaging material (5), which surrounds the several pipe sections (2) to form the packaging unit (1), with the packaging material (5) arranged around the pipe sections (2) under pressure, the pipe sections (2) are folded within the packaging unit (1) with reduction of the pipe section cavity, and the pipe sections (2) are formed elastically such that, in the folded state, recovery forces for restoring the unfolded initial shape are built up. By means of the packaging unit (1) of the invention, several pipe sections (2) can be transported and stored very economically. In this connection, pipe sections (2) are not restricted in their functionality, but, after removal from packaging unit (1), may be used directly and without restriction, e.g., to insulate chimneys. |
| US08196743B2 |
Needle-receiving device
A needle-holding device (1) suitable in particular as a package comprises a flat needle carrier section (4) and an adjoining section that has a clamping lip (5) that is resiliently biased against the needle carrier section (4). The clamping lip (5) reaches around the stitch-forming sections of the needles (2) which are held lying next to each in contact with each other on the needle carrier section (4). The resiliently yielding clamping lip (5) permits the insertion and the pull-out of one, several or of all the needles (2). |
| US08196742B1 |
Tool bit toolbox
A toolbox includes a base having a compartment with a bottom wall. A cover is pivotably connected to the base. A bit seat is received in the compartment and pivotably connected to the base. The bit seat includes a plurality of bit grooves for receiving bits. When the bit seat is in a storage position, a longitudinal axis of each bit groove is parallel to the bottom wall of the base, and the bits are received in the compartment. An abutment portion of the bit seat abuts a rib on the bottom wall when the bit seat is in an extended position. The cover and the base can be in an inverted V-shaped state and can be placed on a platform while the abutment portion of the bit seat abuts the rib under action of weights of the bits, retaining the bit seat is in the extended position. |
| US08196741B2 |
Syringe assembly and package for distribution of same
A package assembly includes a panel, an array of openings defined in the panel, and a plurality of syringe wells. The panel includes an upper surface. Each of the syringe wells is individually associated with a different one of the openings. The panel and the plurality of syringe wells are integrally formed as a unitary structure. Each of the syringe wells is configured to removeably receive a syringe assembly. |
| US08196740B2 |
Bicycle travel/storage bag
A bag (10) for transporting or storing a partly disassembled bicycle is provided in the form of a lightweight soft shell with strategically located rigid reinforcements. The bag (10) can be collapsed in a compact storage configuration when not in use while still providing added impact protection to the most vulnerable parts of the bicycle. Inflatable partitions (42) can be provided on either side of the bicycle frame to provide added protection while still allowing collapsing of the bag (10) when not in use. Hub attachments (18) can be provided on the side panels (16) of the bag (10) for securely holding the bicycle wheel by the hub thereof on the inner surface of the bag soft side panels (16). |
| US08196739B2 |
Endostitch packages
A suture package assembly is provided and includes a suture tray having a loading unit mounted thereon for supplying a surgical needle-suture assembly to a surgical instrument. A suture package cover is provided to protect the surgical needle-suture assembly prior to use. The suture package cover includes a disc engagable with the suture tray to protect the suture retained in the suture tray and an elongate flap configured to overlie the loading unit to protect the surgical needle contained therein. The elongate flap is bendable relative to the disk along a primary fold line and includes a nose portion removably engagable with the disk. |
| US08196737B2 |
Belt conveyor and method
A method of replacing a continuous belt on a belt conveyor having a frame assembly includes providing a removable belt module with a removable belt module frame, the removable belt module frame having at one end a rotatably mounted drive pulley and having at an opposite end a rotatably mounted other pulley. The continuous belt is reeved around the drive pulley and the other pulley. The removable belt module is removed from at least one attachment surface of the frame assembly while the continuous belt remains under tension. A replacement removable belt module is then placed at the attachment surface. Optionally, the continuous belt has a low modulus characteristic, and the removable belt module may include at least one pivot arm for mounting at least one of the drive pulley and the other pulley to the removable belt module frame. |
| US08196732B2 |
Buffered storage and transport device for tool utilization
A transport mechanism is configured to transport a work piece carrier within a buffer in fabrication facility, comprising: a transporter configured to travel on two rails, wherein the transporter comprises (i) a flat belt hoist mechanism configured to lift and to lower one or more work piece carriers, and (ii) a gripper mechanism configured to capture and to release the one or more work piece carriers. |
| US08196728B2 |
Roller assembly
A roller assembly is provided which includes a roller tube having outer and inner surfaces extending between ends, a pair of bearing assemblies mounted respectively at either end of the roller tube, locating assembly for axially locating the pair of bearing assemblies with respect to the roller tube, the bearing assemblies being distal from each other, and centering assembly for centering each of the bearing assemblies with respect to the roller tube. Each bearing assembly includes an axle, the axles of the bearing assemblies being independent from each other, first and second bearings positioned in a spaced apart relationship on the axle, and a casing enclosing the first and second bearings. |
| US08196724B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a selectable one-way clutch in an electro-mechanical transmission
A selectable one-way clutch includes a strut plate co-annular to a slide plate and a notch plate. The selectable one-way clutch is configured to transfer torque between a strut plate and a notch plate in a first direction when a displacement actuator moves a pin and a slide plate to a first position. The selectable one-way clutch is configured to disengage the strut plate from the notch plate when the displacement actuator moves the pin and the slide plate to the second position. |
| US08196719B2 |
Sintered brake lining
The invention relates to a sintered brake lining (3) with a cylindrical friction element (4) made from a first sintered material, which has an external cylinder surface and a cylinder height (6), and with a reinforcing element (5) enclosing the friction element (4) which is disposed on the external cylinder surface and extends at least approximately across the entire cylinder height (6), and the reinforcing element (5) is made from another sintered material with a metal matrix. At least one abrasive substance is contained in the metal matrix of the other sintered material of the reinforcing element (5). The other sintered material is of a higher strength than the first sintered material of the friction element (4). |
| US08196710B2 |
Oil pan structure
An oil pan structure is provided that can prevent overheating when the temperature of oil is high, and can rapidly raise the temperature when the temperature of the oil is low. The oil pan structure includes: an oil pan main body; a partitioning wall that partitions the inside of the oil pan main body into a first area and a second area; a plate-shaped baffle plate that is provided at an upper portion of the oil pan main body and inclines downward from the first area toward the second area. The oil pan structure further includes: an oil retaining portion at a lower portion of the second area and an oil cooling portion at a lower portion of the first area, at the bottom wall of the oil pan main body; an upper communication opening that communicates an upper surface side and a lower surface side thereof in the baffle plate; a lower communication opening at a lower end side of the partitioning wall that communicates the first area and the second area as well as causes oil that has fallen into the first area after passing through the upper communication opening to flow into the second area via the oil cooling portion. |
| US08196708B2 |
Lubricant circulation system
A lubricant circulation system (10) includes a lubricant supply cup (1) containing a lubricant (6) and having an oil return hole (13) connected to an oil return pipe (16) of a rotary equipment (5). A pump seat (2) is coupled to the lubricant supply cup (1) and includes a pump chamber (253) and a pump outlet (254) connected to an oil supply pipe (256) of the rotary equipment (5). The lubricant (6) in the lubricant supply cup (1) flows into the pump chamber (253). A pump body (3) is coupled to the pump seat (2) and includes a pressure chamber (34) having a pressure inlet (341) and a pressure outlet (342) with a pressure relief valve (35). By introducing a pressurized fluid (7) from the pressure inlet (341) into the pressure chamber (34), a piston rod (27) in the pump chamber (253) reciprocally moves to allow the lubricant (6) in the pump chamber (253) to be successively supplied to the rotary equipment (5). A cooling device (4) is provided on the lubricant supply cup (1) for cooling the lubricant (6) before it enters the rotary equipment (5). |
| US08196707B2 |
Arrangement for cooling of oil in a gearbox for a vehicle
An arrangement for cooling oil in a gearbox of a vehicle which is powered by a combustion engine. An oil cooler is fitted in the vehicle close to the gearbox. An oil system circulates oil between the gearbox and the oil cooler. An oil circuit contains a circulating coolant to cool the oil in the oil cooler. A cooling element cools the coolant by air which flows through the cooling element. The cooling element is situated at a location in the vehicle where air at the temperature of the surroundings flows through it. The cooling circuit includes a line to lead the cooled coolant from the cooling element to the oil cooler. The oil in the oil cooler can thus be cooled to a temperature close to the temperature of the surroundings. |
| US08196704B2 |
Linear acoustic liner
A linear acoustic liner for an aircraft includes a cellular core having a first surface and an opposed second surface. A substantially imperforate back skin covers the first surface, and a perforate face skin covers the second surface of the core. The perforate face skin includes an outer face skin layer having a first plurality of spaced openings, an inner face skin layer having a second plurality of spaced openings, and a porous layer disposed between the outer face skin layer and the inner face skin layer. Each of the first plurality of spaced openings are substantially aligned with one of the second plurality of spaced openings. |
| US08196701B1 |
Acoustic and heat control device
An acoustic and heat control device is disclosed and described. The device can include a central chamber oriented along a central axis within an outer shell, said central chamber having an inlet configured to receive a high energy material from a high energy outlet. Additionally, the device can include a damper disposed proximate to the central chamber and comprising an energy absorbent material. In one aspect, the device can be used with a firearm. |
| US08196698B2 |
Motor-driven power steering apparatus
The invention provides a motor-driven power steering apparatus provided with a fault diagnosing apparatus diagnosing a fault of a board temperature detecting apparatus on the basis of an armature current Im detected by a motor current detecting apparatus and a board temperature Tb of the control board detected by the board temperature detecting apparatus, and a target current suppressing apparatus suppressing a target current Iq at a time when the fault diagnosing apparatus diagnoses that the board temperature detecting apparatus is out of order. |
| US08196693B2 |
Vehicular regenerative braking system
A regenerative braking system for a vehicle, motorized or otherwise, that captures and stores the braking energy of the vehicle through the mechanical compression of a volume of pressurized gas contained in one or more onboard gas springs. This stored energy can be selectively released by the driver to assist with the acceleration of the vehicle from a stopped or moving condition. The compression of the volume of gas is accomplished by the insertion of a plunger into the cylinder of a gas spring by a mechanical spooling cable arrangement powered by the rotative braking of the vehicle. The release of the stored energy is accomplished by the withdrawal of the piston which acts through the spooling cable arrangement to transmit torque to the vehicle's drive train. The system can be implemented in various motorized or non-motorized vehicles. |
| US08196691B2 |
Arrangement for mounting a battery in a motor vehicle
An arrangement for mounting an accumulator battery in a motor vehicle that includes a first body structure part that forms an engine compartment, in which the first structure part includes at least two substantially longitudinal and parallel side members and which is positioned to the rear of a second, a transverse structure part that forms the front filler panel of the vehicle, in which the transverse structure part includes at least one front cross member connected to the side members and supporting at its ends a light-projecting member including bulbs that are accessible from the engine compartment via at least one opening, and in which a support accommodating the accumulator battery is located to the rear of this opening. The accumulator-battery support includes a removable part providing access to the opening of the light-projecting member from the engine compartment so that dead bulbs can be changed leaving the support in position. |
| US08196689B2 |
Saddle-type vehicle including front-end mounted radiator, controller case and controller heat shield
A saddle-type vehicle including a radiator disposed forwardly of a steering shaft for steering a front wheel, the radiator being covered by a vehicle body cover, the vehicle including a controller case which extends forwardly of the steering shaft of a vehicle body frame, formed separately from the vehicle body cover, and fixed on a frame supporting the radiator. The controller case is positioned rearward of and above the radiator, and is configured such that the controller case supports an electronic controller therein. The saddle-type vehicle also includes a heat shield disposed between the radiator and the controller, wherein the heat shield substantially isolates the controller from heat emitted from the radiator. |
| US08196688B2 |
Method for carrying out a tractive-force interrupted shifting in a parallel hybrid vehicle
A method of carrying out a shift operation with traction force interruption during hybrid operation when the electric machine has failed or the energy accumulator is full in a parallel hybrid vehicle having an automated transmission. During an upshift, the power inverter, connected to the electric machine, is actuated with an active short-circuit whereby a torque is generated, at the electric machine, which is used for synchronizing the transmission input. |
| US08196686B2 |
Supercharged hybrid input differential engine system
A hybrid input differential engine system comprising a planetary gear set. Preferably, an ICE is connected to the planet gear carrier, the output shaft is connected to the ring gear, and the sun gear is connected to a supercharger/expander and an electric or hydraulic motor/generator. As engine torque increases, the supercharger speeds up, increasing torque still further, enabling a small displacement engine to have very high torque at low RPM. In cruise conditions, the sun gear direction is reversed by the motor/generator, causing the supercharger to act as an expander for efficiently throttling the engine. The motor/generator modulates the speed/torque relationships between the engine and the supercharger/expander. A second motor/generator may be used on the output shaft. The electric machines and electric storage may be downsized because less electrical power is needed for the operation of the system. |
| US08196685B2 |
Outboard electric drive for vehicles
An outboard electric drive attachable to a vehicle having a hitch attachable to a passenger vehicle; a momentum switch capable of detecting acceleration and deceleration; a swing arm; an electric motor; a wheel secured to the swing arm and coupled to the electric motor; an electric storage battery; and a motor controller electrically cabled to the electric motor, storage battery, and momentum switch such that the outboard electric drive applies force in the direction of vehicle travel when the momentum switch senses acceleration and applies force in the direction opposite the direction of vehicle travel when the momentum switch senses deceleration and recharges the battery. The drive can be operated in manual mode using a switch to enable the application constant force. A swing arm raising and lowering system can be provided to raise the apparatus when not in use or when the vehicle is operating in reverse. |
| US08196684B2 |
Wearable folding wing apparatus
A wearable folding wing apparatus includes a top central support ring having a pair of connected shoulder straps and a pair of selectively horizontally and vertically orientable wing support beams connected to the top central support ring with slidable connections. A pair of collapsible and extendable wing members are connected to the selectively horizontally and vertically orientable wing support beams. A user may employ provided arm connectors to lift and lower the selectively horizontally and vertically orientable wing support beams in order to deploy and collapse the wing members. |
| US08196683B2 |
Impregnated rotary bit
A drill bit includes a plurality of continuous segments impregnated with diamond that are each mounted to form a corresponding blade. The regions between the blades define a plurality of fluid passages on the bit face. The blades extend radially outwardly to the gage. The continuous segments may be either straight or spiral in design. Furthermore, the design of the segments supports varying one or more of: diamond content, width, back rake angle and/or relief angle along a length of the segment. |
| US08196678B2 |
Method of downlinking to a downhole tool
A method of downlinking to a downhole tool located in a borehole is provided. The downhole tool detects transitions in the flow velocity of fluid circulating in the borehole at the downhole tool. To provide for the detection of the transitions fluid is pumped into the drillstring so that it circulates in the borehole at the downhole tool and the the pumping rate of fluid into the drillstring is either increased to a rate which overshoots a steady state pumping rate needed to produce a transition or is decreased to a rate which undershoots a steady state pumping rate needed to produce a transition. |
| US08196675B2 |
Impact hammer with pre-pressing damping and buffering effect
An impact hammer with pre-pressing damping and buffering effect includes a handle, outer barrel, air inlet, internal slide, actuating cylinder, air flow switching module and air inlet coupling portion. A front damper is assembled between the front end of the internal slide and the front end wall of the holding space and is characterized by a two-section pre-pressing rear damper assembled between the rear end of the internal slide and the rear end wall of the holding space. The two-section pre-pressing rear damper includes superposed upper and lower elastic buffers. At least the lower elastic buffer is pressed by a pre-pressing member to the preset degree. When the impact hammer yields recoil force under the impaction of the piston, the pre-pressing rear damper is employed to realize stronger buffering effect, so that the impact force is not much affected, thereby improving the impact efficiency and yielding excellent buffering effect. |
| US08196673B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining when a threaded fastener has been tightened to a predetermined tightness
Apparatus for determining when a fastener has been tightened by an impact wrench comprises determining when the number of hammer impacts to advance an anvil of the impact wrench through a predetermined angle reaches a predetermined number. The cumulative angular displacement of the anvil from the first detected hammer impact is determined from the corresponding cumulative angular displacement of the hammer at the corresponding hammer impact from the first detected hammer impact. The cumulative angular displacement of the hammer is determined just prior to the direction of rotation of the hammer reversing at the corresponding hammer impact, and is determined by computing the difference between the cumulative angular displacements of the hammer at the corresponding and previous hammer impacts and subtracting an angle through which the hammer freely rotates between the two hammer impacts from the computed difference. The result is added to the cumulative angular displacement of the anvil computed for the previous hammer impact. |
| US08196670B2 |
Downhole device
A stop collar or like device is formed in one piece to have a portion for a tool to be attached. Movement of the tool allows the collar to be drawn tightly into engagement onto a pipe or other tubular member. A bow centraliser has alternate bows longitudinally offset to reduce initial insertion force. The centraliser may be formed to have end bands of the type used in the stop collar. |
| US08196668B2 |
Method and apparatus for completing a well
A technique that is usable with a well includes running screen assemblies into the well on a base pipe. Each screen assembly is associated with a different zone of the well to be gravel packed. During gravel packing of the well, the screen assemblies may be selectively configured to contain pressure without running a tool inside the base pipe to form a fluid seal. |
| US08196665B2 |
Method and apparatus for containing an oil spill caused by a subsea blowout
A method and apparatus are described for containing an oil spill caused by a subsea blowout, (i.e., a source of pollution located on a floor of an ocean, (e.g., a defective blowout preventer (BOP) that caused the oil spill)). A cylindrical containment assembly may be positioned such that a wall of the cylindrical containment assembly circumvents a portion of a floor of an ocean where the subsea blowout occurred. At least one mud flap may be configured to selectively protrude from the wall or retract into the wall when activated to control the depth that the cylindrical containment assembly sinks to below the ocean floor. A valve assembly may be positioned on the top perimeter of the wall. The top perimeter of the wall may have the same diameter as the outer perimeter of the valve assembly. |
| US08196655B2 |
Selective placement of conformance treatments in multi-zone well completions
Selective placement of conformance treatments in multi-zone well completions. A method includes injecting a relative permeability modifier into a zone and optimizing a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid produced from the zone, including adjusting at least one flow control device between fully open and fully closed configurations. Another method includes injecting a relative permeability modifier into multiple zones, one at a time, via respective flow control devices, and then producing fluid from each of the zones. Another method includes identifying which of the zones to treat by, for each of the zones: a) closing flow control devices corresponding to the other zones, and b) evaluating fluid produced from the zone; and injecting a conformance treatment into the zones identified as the zones to treat. |
| US08196650B1 |
Combination swivel and ball dropper
For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system and novel seal configuration. |
| US08196640B1 |
Self supporting core-in-a-core for casting
A core-in-a-core casting method and hybrid core (40) for use in the method. An inner core (42) formed of process-inert particles disposed in a binder material is used as a mold for casting an outer core ((44) formed of particles that will sinter during a subsequent firing step. The inner core provides mechanical support for the outer core during the firing step, and during which the inner core devolves into compacted but unbonded particles that can be removed conveniently from the outer core following the firing step to reveal the fired hollow outer core (44). |
| US08196630B2 |
Thermally-controlled friction bonding of workpiece layers
A system for controlling the strength of seals imparted to workpiece layers by a sealing roll and an anvil roll, the sealing roll and the anvil roll arranged on opposing sides of a conveyed web of workpiece layers, heating elements provided on at least one of the rolls, temperature sensors provided on the at least one of the rolls, and a controller in communication with the sensors and in operable communication with the heating elements. The sealing roll includes a textured sealing surface, the textured sealing surface being divided into a plurality of regions, the texture of a first of the regions being different from a texture of a second of the regions. By controlling the temperature of the respective regions, detrimental effects of anvil wear on the strength of the seal imparted to the workpiece layers may be offset, increasing the service life of rolls. |
| US08196629B2 |
Run-flat support system for a pneumatic tired wheel and method for installing same
A run-flat support system and method for installing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the run-flat support system includes a torque assembly removably coupled to a split wheel rim of a pneumatic tired wheel. Support segments are adapted for attachment to the torque assembly in order to support the pneumatic tired wheel in a flat condition such as an under-inflated condition or deflated condition. Lateral support structures, which may include the form of a wedge, are secured to the support segments to provide a bead lock between beads of the interior side walls of the pneumatic tired wheel and the split wheel rim. |
| US08196627B2 |
Tire having a coated surface
A tire includes at least one outer structural element, wherein the at least one outer structural element is at least partially coated by at least one coating layer including a crosslinked composition obtained by reacting: (a) at least one polysulfide polymer; (b) at least one thermoplastic polymer having at least one hydroxyl group; with (c) at least one polyisocyanate. Preferably, the at least one structural element is at least one of the tire sidewalls. |
| US08196624B2 |
Pencil sharpener
A pencil sharpener has an electrical motor which drives a sharpening assembly. The end of the pencil to be sharpened is inserted downwardly into an opening in the top surface. Shavings from the sharpening process are deposited in a drawer-like receptacle below the sharpening assembly. A switch is provided so that the sharpening assembly will not be activated when the receptacle drawer is removed for disposal of the shavings. |
| US08196620B2 |
Bag valve
The improved bag valve includes a flexible bag (4) made of an impermeable material with an opening that is closed by a valve (6) for filling the bag (4) with a desired product. The empty bag (4) is rolled up or folded about a longitudinal axis (X-X′) and kept in the rolled position. The bag (4) is designed so as to elongate itself when filled with the desired product. |
| US08196618B2 |
Dispenser with an ice discharge duct in which a part of the ice discharge duct is detachably provided and a refrigerator including the same
A dispenser and a refrigerator including the same are disclosed. The dispenser includes a first section of ice discharge duct that receives ice supplied from an ice supplier, a second section of ice discharge duct that receives the ice guided by the first section, and a third section of ice discharge duct that receives the ice guided by the second section. The third section guides the ice through an outlet positioned in front of a surface of a door of the refrigerator. The dispenser also includes a first coupling mechanism located at the second section and a second coupling mechanism located at the third section. The first and second coupling mechanisms are configured to engage and disengage with each other to enable removal of the third section from the second section and attachment of the third section to the second section. |
| US08196614B2 |
Method and apparatus for contamination-free transfer of a hazardous drug
The invention is a method that allows contamination-free transfer of a liquid from one container to another and devices including embodiments of a transfer apparatus and adaptors that are used to carry out the method. By contamination-free transfer of liquid it is meant that during the transfer process there is no leakage of the liquid or air contaminated by the liquid or vapors of the liquid to the surroundings and also that no contaminants from the surroundings come into contact with the liquid. The main advantages of the method, in addition to its simplicity, is that at no stage of the transfer procedure is there leakage of the liquid or air contaminated by the liquid or vapors of the liquid to the surroundings and also that no contaminants from the surroundings come into contact with the liquid. The present invention is particularly directed towards providing an apparatus that is adapted to effect contamination-free transfer of a hazardous drug to and from any container equipped with a standard connector port. |
| US08196609B2 |
Integrated gas panel apparatus
Provided is an integrated gas panel apparatus which has excellent responsiveness, stabilizes gas concentration, and furthermore, can keep a conventional panel shape as it is. A panel body comprises at least a main flow channel block body for forming a main flow channel, and a branch flow channel block body for forming a branch flow channel. The branch flow channel block bodies are arranged on the both right and left sides to face each other by having the main flow channel block body at the center. |
| US08196607B2 |
Subsea coupling
A subsea coupling comprises a male coupler having a probe and a female coupler comprising a socket for the reception of the probe. The couplers each include a valve which is openable on mating of the couplers to provide communication with the socket. The socket includes a recess accommodating an annular seal for providing a radial seal between the probe and the socket. In one embodiment the leading edge of the probe includes at least one relief channel for allowing the escape of hydraulic fluid entrapped between the probe, the seal and the recess when the couplers are made up. There may be a stand-off ring disposed between one end of the recess and the inner side of the seal. In another embodiment the relief channel is provided in the socket. |
| US08196604B1 |
Deployable automated vent cover device
A deployable automated vent cover device includes a vent cover and a telescopic pole. The vent cover includes a vent base, a first vent door, a second vent door and a release mechanism. The release mechanism includes a solenoid, a pivot release, a first latch device and a second latch device. The vent base preferably includes a base plate with two openings, and a vent seal. The first and second vent doors are pivotal attached to the base plate. The first latch device is retained on the base plate and the second latch device is retained on the base plate. The first and second latch devices retain the first and second vent doors in a closed orientation. The pivot release is pivotally connected to the solenoid and to the first and second latch devices. The solenoid is actuated to open the first and second vent doors through the pivot release. |
| US08196602B2 |
Water distribution system for cold climates
The Water Distribution System is specifically applicable in cold climates in which water distribution systems may be subjected to freezing during the winter months.The Water Distribution System is applicable to domestic, industrial, recreational and institutional water distribution systems including water transmission and distribution mains and service connections.The Water Distribution System has applications in specific terrain and climatic conditions such as high bedrock, high groundwater table and permafrost.The Water Distribution System may, in specific terrain and climatic conditions, use uninsulated or insulated water mains and service connections, but without heat tracing or water bleeding in any case.The Water Distribution System is applicable to single and multiple complex distribution pipe systems arranged as parallel or looped, or combination of both arrangements.The system design is simple, practical and economical when compared to conventional design of insulated and heat traced pipes or deep burry installations, or water bleeding to prevent freezing. |
| US08196601B2 |
Thermal flow sensor with zero drift compensation
One embodiment of the present invention comprises a thermal flow sensor having a first capillary tube coupled to a mass flow controller main flow line across a mass flow controller bypass. A first pair of sensing elements is coupled to the first capillary tube. The thermal sensor also comprise a second capillary tube having a substantially similar cross-sectional area to the first capillary tube, a first end thermally coupled to one of a mass flow controller base and the first tube proximal the first tube inlet port, and a second end thermally coupled to one of the mass flow controller base and the first tube proximal the outlet port. The second tube is not adapted to receive and eject a fluid flow. A second pair of sensing elements is coupled to the second tube. |
| US08196599B2 |
Saddle tee
An improved saddle tee for branching a conduit from a main line is disclosed. The saddle tee includes a base unit that defines an opening for receiving a tap and interlocking jaws for securing the base unit to a main line. The tap may include a shaped portion for receiving a tool interface to rotate the tap to drive the tap into the main line. The tool interface could be secured to a power tool to enable rapid driving of the saddle tee into the main line. The saddle tee may also include offset arcuate interlocking jaws to enable the jaws to interlock around the main line with ease. Optional interface surfaces on the tap and base unit enable the tap and base unit to interlock to limit rotation of the tap relative to the base unit when the tap is fully inserted into the base unit. |
| US08196598B2 |
Actuator for the actuation of submarine devices
Submarine actuator for the actuation of a submarine device comprises a container body (2), from which a drive shaft (4) projects that is suitable for inserting in a seat of said submarine device, which through its rotation actuates said submarine device. Said shaft is moved by an electric motor (21, 22) arranged inside said container body and actuated by an electric control signal generated by a remote station. |
| US08196597B2 |
Check valve
In one aspect of the present invention, it is contemplated that a valve includes a passage. A first sealing element is biased to restrict flow of a fluid in a first direction through the passage when an upstream volumetric flow rate of the fluid in the first direction is less than a first predetermined threshold. A second sealing element is biased to unrestrict flow of the fluid to a baseline unrestricted flow rate in a second direction through the passage when an upstream volumetric flow rate of the fluid in the second direction is less than a second predetermined threshold. |
| US08196592B2 |
Hair brush for hot curling
A hair brush for hot curling includes a body, a closing cap, a connection member and a brush part. The body made of ceramic coated aluminum includes holes through which a steel teeth of the brush part protrudes. The closing cap engages with the body formed by assembling segmented portions. The connection member for connecting the segmented portions of the body includes a body part and an insertion groove to which the body is inserted. The brush part includes a handle part and a fastening part, a first end of which is connected to the handle part and a second end is engaged with one end of the assembled body. An iron core is formed by twisting two or more wires, one end of which is securely engaged within the fastening part, a plurality of the steel teeth being formed on the iron core in a circumferential direction thereof. |
| US08196588B1 |
Immobilizer
This invention generally relates to a product and method to restrain movement, and more particularly to a product and method to releasably restrain the movement of a part of the human body, such as an arm or a leg. In one embodiment of the invention, a first piece is releasably positioned at a part of the body the movement of which is desired to be restrained and a second piece is positioned at the desired location of restraint. The first piece and the second piece are adapted to be releasably connected to each other, such as by magnetic forces, the attractive magnetic forces of two or more magnets, or by mechanical forces such as by a snap, button, buckle, pin, hook and loop fastener or other device. |
| US08196585B2 |
Delivery of respiratory therapy
An air delivery system for providing a supply of air from a source of air at positive pressure to an interfacing structure located at the entrance to the airways of a patient includes a manifold adapted to connect with the supply of positive air pressure and at least one tube connected to the manifold and adapted to deliver the supply of air to the interfacing structure. Each tube is structured to allow movement between an open phase in which the tube allows the passage of air and a collapsed phase in which the tube is collapsed. Each tube is structured such that weight of a typical patient's head against bedding apparel is sufficient to collapse the tube from the open phase to the collapsed phase. |
| US08196583B2 |
Patient interface assembly with simultaneous mask strap adjustment
A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device having a first fastening element and a second fastening element and a headgear for attaching the patient interface device to a head of a user. The headgear includes a headgear member having a first headgear attachment portion and a second headgear attachment portion, and an attaching mechanism coupling the first headgear attachment portion to the first fastening element and coupling the second headgear attachment portion to the second fastening element. One adjustment of the attaching mechanism controls a tension in the connection between both (i) the first headgear attachment portion and the first fastening element and (ii) the second headgear attachment portion and the second fastening element simultaneously. |
| US08196581B2 |
Mouthpiece supply valve
A mouthpiece supply valve which may be used in connection with a rebreather. An exemplary mouthpiece supply valve may include a housing, an inlet mushroom valve, an outlet mushroom valve, a supply gas regulator, an exhaust valve, and a mode selector. An exemplary mouthpiece supply valve may perform manual diluent valve, automatic diluent valve, overpressure relief valve, excess fluid ejection, and bail-out valve functions. |
| US08196580B2 |
Implantable respiration therapy device
Apparatus (10) is provided, including a housing (26) configured to be implanted in a trachea (20) of a patient and a propeller (22), coupled to the housing. The propeller is configured to generate a positive pressure in the trachea while the propeller is in the trachea. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08196575B2 |
Method and an apparatus for monitoring and controlling flows
A method and an apparatus for monitoring and controlling flows in medical equipment including an anesthetic machine and a ventilator for influencing a patient's respiratory system are disclosed. The apparatus includes a microprocessor and an airway system including drive gas conduits provided with an inhalation valve (2) and an exhalation valve (5) for gas discharging as well as a ventilator end flow sensor (3) for measuring the introduced or discharged drive gas flow through the valves. The airway system also includes patient end breathing tubing in which a patient end flow sensor (11) for measuring the patient's inspired and expired gas flow is provided. By comparing the measured values of the two flow sensors against the characteristic curve of the inhalation valve (2), the microprocessor can judge the operation states and accuracy of the respective flow sensors and the inhalation valve (2). |
| US08196574B2 |
Nose mask
A nose mask for applying an anesthesia gas to a laboratory animal in a casing means includes an anesthesia tube, an outer wall which is disposed outside the anesthesia tube to form a space therebetween and an anesthesia recovery system having an anesthesia recovery port open to the space. The anesthesia tube includes an anesthesia supply section which opens to an wall of the anesthesia tube so that the anesthesia is applied to the laboratory animal by inserting the nose of the laboratory animal, an anesthesia introducing section for introducing the anesthesia gas to the anesthesia tube, and an anesthesia discharging section for discharging the anesthesia gas from the anesthesia tube. |
| US08196572B1 |
Solar panel cone with rotating mirror
The solar panel cone with rotating mirror includes a cone-shaped solar panel array that rests upon a base, and a rotating mirror. The rotating mirror rotates about the base via a series of gears and motor. The device includes an electrical converter that is wired to the motor and an electrical wire that supplies electricity. |
| US08196566B2 |
Voltage generator
A voltage generator used to generate a voltage for driving a vehicle fuel injector includes a microcomputer, a coil, and a capacitor. The microcomputer calculates an interval at which the fuel injector is driven. When the interval is less than or equal to a predetermined time period, the microcomputer causes a first current to flow through the coil so that the capacitor is charged to a first level by counterelectromotive force produced in the coil. When the interval is greater than the time period, the microcomputer causes a second current less than the first current to flow through the coil so that the capacitor is charged to a second level less than the first level. The fuel injector is driven by the capacitor voltage. |
| US08196564B2 |
Method for determining a controlled variable for pressure control of a high-pressure accumulator in an injection system
In a method for determining a controlled variable of pressure control of a high-pressure accumulator of an injection system, a setpoint pressure gradient value is determined in the high-pressure accumulator as a function of the maximum possible actual pressure gradient value. |
| US08196557B2 |
Plasma-jet spark plug and ignition system
A plasma jet ignition plug including an insulator having an axial hole extending therethrough in the direction of an axis CL1, a center electrode inserted into the axial hole, and a ground electrode disposed frontward of the front end of the insulator. The insulator has a cavity defined by the wall surface of the axial hole and the front end surface of the center electrode and opens frontward. The ground electrode has a through hole for establishing communication between the cavity and an ambient atmosphere. A front end portion of the center electrode is formed into a taper portion whose diameter reduces frontward in the direction of the axis CL1. The outside diameter of a front end of the taper portion is smaller than the diameter of the through hole. The cavity has a substantially constant diameter with respect to the direction of the axis CL1. |
| US08196551B1 |
Multi sensory stimulation simulated prey pet toy
A simulated mouse toy having a prerecorded sound chip therein is provided which emits a prerecorded sound upon physical movement, such as when swatted, rolled or carried, to encourage pets to continue to play. A motion imparting device formed of a solenoid is operatively connected in conjunction the prerecorded sound chip to simultaneously provide a jittery or twitching visual stimulation. |
| US08196549B2 |
Adjustable animal watering system
The assemblies of the invention are suitable for mounting to, or being an integral part of, an animal enclosure such that the height of a valve-controlled liquid outlet may be adjusted according to the changing needs of growing animals. The adjustable liquid delivery assemblies comprise an elongated rail, a liquid delivery unit having at least one liquid delivery head slideably engaged with the elongated rail, a flexible liquid delivery tube for connecting a liquid delivery head to a liquid source, and a means for securing the liquid delivery unit at a selected position on the elongated rail. |
| US08196545B2 |
Device and method for manufacturing a semiconductor wafer
In order to manufacture an epitaxial wafer having satisfactory flatness over its entire surface, epitaxial layers are experimentally grown upon actual wafer samples under various different layer formation conditions, the thickness profiles are measured over the entire surfaces of these wafers before and after growth of the layers, and, from the differences thereof, layer thickness profiles over the entire areas of the epitaxial layers under the various different layer formation conditions are ascertained and stored. Thereafter, the thickness profile of a substrate wafer is measured over its entire area, this is added to each of the layer thickness profiles under the various different layer formation conditions which have been stored, and the planarities of the manufactured wafers which would be manufactured under these various different layer formation conditions are predicted. And one set of processing conditions is selected which is predicted to satisfy a required flatness specification, and an epitaxial layer is actually grown upon the substrate wafer under these processing conditions. |
| US08196543B2 |
Defect repairing apparatus, defect repairing method, program, and computer-readable recording medium
A defect repairing apparatus (1) capable of efficiently repairing defects includes: a substrate-mounting plate (3) for securing a substrate conveyed; a plurality of droplet discharge units (11) disposed along a direction different from the direction of conveyance of the substrate as seen from a direction perpendicular to the substrate secured by the substrate-mounting plate (3), which discharge droplets onto defects scattered about on the substrate; a head gantry unit (7) on which the plurality of droplet discharge units (11) have been mounted; and a gantry sliding mechanism (4) for moving the head gantry unit (7) relatively at a constant velocity along the direction of conveyance of the substrate, the droplet discharge units (11) moving each independently along a direction different from the direction of conveyance in accordance with data indicative of the positions of the defects scattered about on the substrate, while the head gantry unit (7) is moving along the direction of conveyance of the substrate. |
| US08196541B2 |
Personal support system for nautical vessels
A personal support system for persons in the cockpit of a nautical vessel is disclosed. The system includes a personal support device that releasably engages a nautical winch located near the cockpit to provide support or securing for the back or other parts of the body of a person seated, standing, or otherwise located in the cockpit. The system also includes a winch-substitute device that attaches to the vessel and releasably engages the personal support device, allowing use of the personal support device in locations in the cockpit that are not near a winch. |
| US08196525B2 |
Leg assembly for a table or desk with hooking means and desk provided with these leg assemblies
A leg assembly for a table and notably for a desk includes a base resting on the ground, shaft with a vertical appearance, attached to the base, and an upper sole surmounting the shaft and provided for supporting a platform. The sole has a hook positioned at a free end of the sole localized in the vicinity of a border of the platform. |
| US08196524B2 |
Closed-loop control of a pneumatic spring
A device has a pneumatic spring for supporting a load on a bogie of a rail vehicle and a compressed air supply which is pneumatically connected to the air spring via an air spring valve in order to vent and to fill the air spring with compressed air. A closed-loop control unit adjusts the air volume and/or the air pressure in the air spring. A compressed air line provides for the pneumatic connection between the compressed air supply, air spring, air spring valve and control unit. Unnecessary filling and venting of the air spring is prevented by way of a device for limiting the volume flow into the compressed air line in dependence on the speed of the rail vehicle. |
| US08196523B2 |
Railroad tanker car manway cover seal
A railroad tanker car 10 with a fluid cargo tank 11 and a manway assembly 12 is disclosed. The manway assembly 12 includes a nozzle 17 having a nozzle sealing surface 24 and a cover 18 having a cover sealing surface 33. An attachment device 19 supplies a closing force to bias the cover 18 toward the nozzle 17. A fluid seal 51 prevents egress of fluids from and ingress of contaminants into the tank 11. The seal 51 includes a cover seal member 54, a nozzle seal member 55, and an expander 56 that forces the members 54 and 55 against their respective cover and nozzle sealing surfaces. The fluid seal 51 also includes a compression limiting carrier 52 with integral locating tabs 53 that locates the seal 51 and controls the compression of the elastomeric components of the seal 51. |
| US08196521B2 |
Locomotive power module installation and removal
A power module for a locomotive is disclosed. The power module may have a frame including a plurality of lifting elements. The plurality of lifting elements may include at least one fork lifting element and at least one frame lifting eye. The power module may further have a generator set supported by the frame. |
| US08196512B1 |
Plastic encapsulated energetic material initiation device
An initiator with a housing formed of plastic and a chip assembly for initiating at least one of a combustion event, a deflagration event and a detonation event. The chip assembly includes an electrically-actuated chip and a pair of electric leads that extend through the housing and are configured to couple the electrically-actuated chip to a fireset circuit. The electrically-actuated chip is partially encapsulated in the housing. A method for forming an initiator is also provided. |
| US08196511B2 |
Method for overprinting already printed packages
Method for overprinting already printed packages includes preparing a raster or steel magnetic block which is provided with a clamping plate, wherein the block is engraved with the aid of a jet etching device and represents new texts or patterns which are applicable by tampon printing using specific inks on a located existing and already printed part of a box, drying, verifying and packing the box. The method is used for overprinting and includes masking an undesired area by printing a blanking pavement and afterwards by overprinting a desired text, instruction or a pattern thereon and uses an automatic line including a de-stacker (3) for automatically feeding boxes, at least one printing head (1), at least one drying tunnel (4) and at least one restacker (5). |
| US08196509B2 |
Apparatus for shelling boiled eggs
An apparatus for shelling boiled eggs is described. The apparatus includes a plurality of spaced-apart shelling rollers which are axially parallel to one another, are arranged in a circulating belt guided over end deflecting rollers in a conveying direction, and are driven in the same rotational direction. A plurality of longitudinal guides are arranged above a top strand of the circulating belt. Pairs of the longitudinal guides form a roof-like channel extending in the conveying direction and are moveable transversely to the conveying direction. A region of the top strand a first operating region breaking open eggshells, and a second operating region for shelling the boiled eggs. |
| US08196506B2 |
Variable stroke compressor design
A pump includes a piston block defining piston bores, and pistons disposed in the piston bores. A swash device defines a swash bore about a swash central axis (CSW) and a swash rotation axis (CR). A pivotal connection pivotally connects each of the pistons to the swash device for rotation about a connection pivot point during relative movement between the swash device and the piston. The connection pivot points are aligned in a plane (P). A shaft supported by the housing passes through the swash bore and defines a shaft central axis (CSH). A hinge assembly pivotally supports the swash device about a hinge axis (CHI) disposed on the opposite side of the plane (P) from the piston block. The swash rotation axis (CR) of the swash device is offset from the plane (P) away from the hinge axis (CHI) and is radially offset from the swash center axis in a direction toward the hinge axis (CHI). |
| US08196499B2 |
Power equipment with detection and reaction systems
Woodworking machines and safety methods for use with those machines are disclosed. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system can include an explosive to trigger the system, and also can be configured to retract a cutting tool at least partially away from a cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system. |
| US08196496B2 |
Screwdriver
A screwdriver includes a locking member, a positioning member, a retaining member, and a rotatable member. The locking member defines a locking member hole therein. The positioning member is received in the locking member hole, and defines first and second positioning member holes. An angled surface is located between the first and second positioning member holes. The retaining member secures the positioning member to the locking member, and defines a retaining member hole to receive the positioning member. The rotatable member is received in the first positioning member hole, and slidable to abut the angled surface to slide the positioning member from a first position where the rotatable member is positioned in the first positioning member hole, to a second position where the rotatable member is positioned in the second positioning member hole so as to splay the second positioning member hole. |
| US08196495B2 |
Versatile tool
A versatile tool is driven by a drive tool and comprises a body defined with a through channel, two steel balls, two slide sleeves, and a rod member. The two slide sleeves are provided at both ends of the body, and the two steel balls are movably assembled in the through holes in two drive portions at both ends of the body, respectively and are capable of protruding into the channel. The rod member includes a magnetic end. When the rod member enters into the channel from either end of the body to be positioned by the corresponding steel ball, the drive space in the opposite end of the body can be used to assemble or disassemble multi-sized screws, simplifying the preparation procedure. In addition, the versatile tool can cooperate with different forms of tool heads or drills to increase its function. |
| US08196494B2 |
Attachment system for ratchet type wrenches
A drive system cooperating with the drive mechanism of a ratchet wrench enables a user to use the wrench for its intended purpose and also spin the drive at high speed by pulling an endless belt. The belt is contained in a manner which causes structures on the belt to engage with exposed gear teeth of the ratchet wrench or an attachment. The containment structure provides for proper alignment and positioning of the belt to allow for the desired engagement with the drive teeth even after the user releases grip from the belt. The containment structure further allows an opposite end of the belt to hang loose and thus be easily accessible by a user. The drive system can be used on a socket ratchet without exposed teeth by adding gear teeth to a ratchet drive member or socket either permanently, as an added part or as an extension to the socket ratchet or socket. |
| US08196492B1 |
Versatile robotic module and robots comprising same
A robotic module comprising a housing having opposed first and second sides, and comprising a base, a first end comprising a first drive feature on one of the first and second sides, and a second end comprising a second drive feature on one of the first and second sides. A first rotatable hub is mounted on the first end of the housing and comprises a third drive feature on the side of the housing opposite the side of the first drive feature. A second rotatable hub is mounted on the second end of the housing and comprises a fourth drive feature on the side of the housing opposite the side of the second drive feature. The robotic module is further comprised of a coupling for synchronously rotating the first and second rotatable hubs. A first robotic module may be engaged with a second robotic module to form a robot. |
| US08196490B2 |
Shift operating device for automatic transmission
The present invention provides a dial knob pivotably mounted and a hydraulic device for operating an inhibitor switch of an automatic transmission by creating hydraulic pressure using rotational motion of the dial knob, in order to provide a shift operating device for an automatic transmission that makes it possible to reduce manufacturing cost by having a simple structure and facilitate setting a layout by reducing a space for motion of shift knob, and makes it easy for a driver to shift by turning the shift knob with a hand to reduce the driver's tiredness and improve commercial value. |
| US08196488B2 |
Gear
A helical gear having helical tooth portions of the helical gear being worked by a punch and a die having a land of a smaller distance between opposed working surfaces formed to be inclined than that of other portion, formed on predetermined portions in tooth directions of respective opposed working surfaces thereon, in which worked surfaces on both side of the helical tooth portions on the helical gear as a work are ironed by the land in response to the helical tooth portions passing through the land when the work is forged by the punch. |
| US08196486B2 |
Ball screw mechanism and assembling method of the same
Since it is configured that an female screw groove 2a of a nut 2 extends round an axis of the nut 2 through 360 degrees or less and a sectional shape thereof taken at right angles to the groove contains a circular arc portion 2c of 90 degrees or less and a rectilinear portion 2d which connects to the circular arc portion at a bottom of the groove and extends in parallel with the axis, after molding, a lower mold LM and an upper mold UM can simply be removed from a barrel mold BM in the axial direction, and consequently, the necessity of provision of a parting plane which passes through the thread groove 2a can be obviated, thereby making it possible to easily form the thread groove 2a which is free from a difference in level or a stepped portion. |
| US08196485B2 |
Twin clutch device
In twin clutch device used in an engine transmission, there are coaxially and adjacently arranged a first disk clutch and a second disk clutch of a hydraulic pressure type that displace a pressing member in an axial direction with externally supplied hydraulic pressure to exert a predetermined engagement force, and the first disk clutch and the second disk clutch respectively have: an engagement side hydraulic chamber that gives the pressing member a pressing force towards a clutch engagement side; and a pressure compensation hydraulic chamber that gives the pressing member a pressing force toward a clutch disengagement side to compensate a pressure of a returning action thereof. Furthermore in this twin clutch device there are provided: a first actuator that controls hydraulic pressure supply to the engagement side hydraulic pressure chamber of the first disk clutch, and a second actuator that controls hydraulic pressure supply to the engagement side hydraulic chamber of the second disk clutch; and a hydraulic pressure cut-off device that brings the first disk clutch and the second disk clutch into a disengagement state. |
| US08196484B2 |
Electric actuator
An electrically powered linear actuator having a thrust assembly, a motor with a hollow rotor surrounding at least a portion of the thrust assembly, and a lubricant passage for replenishing lubricant to the force transmitting components of the actuator. |
| US08196482B2 |
Apparatus for efficient resource sharing
A method and an apparatus for efficient resource sharing are presented. The apparatus includes a central unit having a plurality of surfaces on the outside, the central unit holding a resource. Compartments are coupled to the central unit, each of the compartments being placed adjacent to one of the surfaces of the central unit. Each compartment has a platform to support an object, and has a sensor that reads an output signal indicating that the object in the compartment has finished accessing the resource from the central unit. A computation unit receives and processes the output signal from each of the compartments. The sensor in the apparatus may be located in the central unit instead of in the compartments. |
| US08196480B1 |
Modular sample conditioning system
An on-stream sample collection and conditioning system, which is easier to construct, implement, maintain, and is more cost efficient then existing systems. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a modular system adaptable to a variety of diverse sample conditioning requirements. The system provides a docking surface specifically designed to receive modular conditioning or sampling components or the like in order to readily engage a system of passages to provide fluid flow between the mounted components. |
| US08196475B2 |
Cointegrated MEMS sensor and method
Described herein is a method for integrating MEMS with submicron semiconductor electrical circuits such as CMOS to provide more complex signal processing, on-chip calibration and integration with RF technologies. A MEMS sensor is provided having an upper layer, an insulating layer into which a cavity has been formed and a handle layer. The upper layer acts as both the substrate of the semiconductor electrical circuit and as the active MEMS element. The remainder of the circuitry is fabricated either in or on the upper layer. In a preferred method of the present invention a first wafer assembly and a second wafer assembly are fabricated such that a MEMS sensor and the substrate of at least one semiconductive electrical circuit is formed. |
| US08196472B2 |
Ultrasonic probe apparatus, system, and method for detecting flaws in a tubular
An ultrasonic probe apparatus for detecting flaws in a tubular includes a probe house. The probe house has an axial axis, a central cavity lying along the axial axis, and a bottom face adapted for placement on the tubular. The bottom face of the probe house has an opening in the middle. A probe support is disposed within the central cavity and rotatable about the axial axis of the probe house. An ultrasonic probe is mounted on the probe support and has a scanning face exposed to the opening of the bottom face of the probe house. The scanning face is tiltable relative to a selected plane of the tubular by rotation of the probe support about the axial axis of the probe house. |
| US08196470B2 |
Wireless interface for audiometers
An interface adapted for use with an audiometer, including a digital wireless interface supported by a base unit and a remote unit wherein the base unit receives signals from the audiometer and provides the signals to the remote unit via the digital wireless interface. |
| US08196469B2 |
Multi-probe rail scanning/encoder system and certified method of use thereof
A rail scanning system and certified method of use thereof are described. The rail scanning system comprises a control unit, a probe carriage, and an encoder. The probe carriage comprises two or more phased array probes. The control unit is communicatively coupled with the encoder and phased array probes of the probe carriage. |
| US08196464B2 |
Apparatus and method for monitoring a hydraulic pump on a material handling vehicle
Wear of a pump is estimated using a process that involves operating the pump to drive a hydraulic actuator that moves a member. The actual speed of the member is determined and the speed of the pump is sensed. Pressure of fluid conveyed from the pump to the hydraulic actuator also is sensed. A predicted speed of the member is calculated based on the speed of the pump and the pressure of the fluid. The predicted speed is compared to the actual speed and the result is employed to provide an indication of a degree of wear of the pump. The difference between the predicted speed and the actual speed increases as the pump wear increases. |
| US08196462B2 |
Lateral position control for tire tread wear test machine
A method of tire testing comprising applying a drive torque to a tire and a wheel assembly about an axis of rotation to drive the tire and wheel assembly and a rotatable drum with the tire in rolling contact with the rotatable drum; controlling a load pressure of the tire against the rotatable drum; and adjusting a lateral position of the tire across a surface of the rotatable drum. |
| US08196460B2 |
Method and device for monitoring an exhaust gas probe
In relation to a jump (SP_J_LR) from a lean air-to-fuel ratio to a richer air-to-fuel ratio, a measurement signal of the exhaust gas probe is detected after a predetermined lean-to-rich delay (t_R) as a lean-to-rich signal value (SV_LR) and is placed in relation to a lean-to-reference signal value (L_REF). In relation to a jump (SP_J_RL) from a richer air-to-fuel ratio to a leaner air-to-fuel ratio, the procedure is performed equivalently. Depending on the lean-to-rich and lean-to-rich signal value put in relation, either an asymmetrically aged or non-asymmetrically aged exhaust gas probe is detected. |
| US08196459B2 |
Spark plug incorporating a pressure sensor
The spark plug comprises: —a central electrode (2), —an insulating core (6) bearing the central electrode (2), —an external body (8) in which the insulating core (6) is mounted and which has a region (18) where the external body (8) is crimped onto the insulating core (6), and—a force sensor (30). The force sensor (30) is mounted at the periphery of the external body (8) between, on the one hand, a bearing element (38) secured to a first peripheral region of the external body (8) and, on the other hand, a second peripheral region (24) of the external body (8). The second peripheral region (24) of the external body (8) is further away from the crimping region (18) than the first peripheral region. The bearing element (38) is prestressed against the force sensor (30). |
| US08196457B2 |
Surface texture measuring device, surface texture measuring method and surface texture measuring program
A surface texture measuring device comprises a display control unit operative to display a drawing symbol entry screen having entry areas of drawing symbols. An entry acceptance unit is provided to accept the input of the drawing symbol into the entry area provided in the drawing symbol entry screen. An arithmetic unit is provided to calculate surface texture information that indicates a surface texture of an object to be measured, from the measurement result of surface displacements of the object, based on the drawing symbol accepted at the entry acceptance unit. |
| US08196454B2 |
Portable multi-function system for testing protective devices
An apparatus for testing a protective mask. The apparatus includes a testing unit for testing a protective mask. The testing unit includes a headform upon which a protective mask to be tested is mounted. The testing unit is configured to take a sample of the challenge from two different locations about the protective mask. The testing unit may also be configured to inflate and deflate a neck seal protective mask when mounted on the headform prior to performing a mask leakage test to eliminate or significantly reduce pockets or folds that may hide a leak. |
| US08196451B2 |
Detection sensor
There is provided a technique that can increase sensitivity of a resonator. A ratio Rb/Ra between an inner diameter Rb and an outer diameter Ra of the resonator 20 is appropriately selected, and thus there may be a fixed point where an r component (U(Ra) or U(Rb)) of displacement in a radial direction and an r component (V(Ra) or V(Rb)) of displacement in a tangential direction are 0 on an outer diameter portion or an inner diameter portion of the resonator 20. In this case, the resonator 20 is supported by a holding member 22 constituted by a single-span beam set so that a boundary condition on a side of the resonator 20 is pinned and a boundary condition on a side of an anchor that supports the resonator 20 is clamped at the fixed point, and this prevents vibration energy of the resonator 20 from being lost through the holding member 22, avoids a state to disturb a vibration mode, and achieves a sensor having high sensitivity. |
| US08196450B2 |
Gas chromatograph
A sample vaporization unit that attains enhancing of reproducibility through fixing of the sample vaporization unit. Sample vaporization unit (4) at its one end is connected to the distal end of glass insert (2) and at its other end is connected via glass tube (5) to one end of capillary column (6). The other end of the capillary column (6) is led to detector (8). The sample vaporization unit (4) is comprised of base frame (22), flow channel (24) provided in the base frame (22), and rugged portion (26) for sample vaporization provided by microfabrication within the flow channel (24). Any liquid sample flowing through the flow channel (24) is vaporized by feeding of energy to the rugged portion (26), and the vapor is subjected to separation by means of the column (6) and detection by means of the detector (8). |
| US08196449B2 |
Micro discharge device capable of low voltage discharges in a variety of carrier gases for detection and/or ionization
A micro discharge device (MDD) capable of low voltage discharges in a variety of carrier gases for detection and/or ionization includes a sample introduction capillary having a first open end connected to a gas system and a second open end connected to a cylinder comprising a high dielectric constant material. A high voltage electrode can be placed in close proximity to the outer diameter of the cylinder and at a close linear distance to the second open end of the sample introduction capillary. A region can be formed inside the cylinder between the second end of the sample introduction capillary and the high voltage electrode wherein discharge can be located. An optical emission collector can be located through the flow manifold to a receiving location near the high voltage electrode within a region from inside the cylinder between the high voltage electrode and the manifold. |
| US08196446B2 |
Framework for a prover
A prover mounted upon a supporting lower framework includes a piston supporting rod extending longitudinally through a cylinder, which cylinder receives and discharges a fluid to measure the flow rate of the fluid by translation of the piston from the fluid receiving end to the fluid discharging end. Motive means supported on a frame mounted on the lower framework draws the rod toward the fluid receiving end of the cylinder. Upon such movement of the rod, a poppet valve formed as part of the piston opens to permit fluid flow through the piston. A clutch serving as part of the motive means permits travel of the piston from the fluid receiving end to the fluid discharging end of the cylinder and serve the flow rate measuring function of the prover. An upper framework is attached to the lower framework through a plurality of stanchions. Various I-beams formed as part of the upper framework enhance rigidity to the combination of lower framework and upper framework. The combination of lower framework and upper framework provides support for the prover in a horizontal or a vertical orientation without affecting the operation, repair or maintenance of the prover. |
| US08196435B2 |
Holey fiber and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a holey fiber includes forming a preform and drawing the preform. The forming includes arranging a core rod at a center of a jacket tube and arranging capillary tubes having hollows around the core rod inside the jacket tube. The drawing includes heat melting the preform in a heating furnace while controlling at least one of a gas pressure to be applied to insides of the hollows of the capillary tubes, a temperature of the heating furnace, and a drawing speed, based on a structure of air holes to be formed in a first layer from the core region. |
| US08196431B2 |
Methods for controlling glass sheet thickness
Methods for controlling thickness variations across the width of a glass ribbon (104) are provided. The methods employ a set of thermal elements (106) for locally controlling the temperature of the ribbon (104). The operating values for the thermal elements (106) are selected using an iterative procedure in which thickness variations measured during a given iteration are employed in a mathematical procedure which selects the operating values for the next iteration. In practice, the method can bring thickness variations of glass sheets within commercial specifications in just a few iterations, e.g., 2-4 iterations. |
| US08196427B2 |
Apparatus for storing food and method for manufacturing the same
An apparatus for storing food therein and method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. Space utilization efficiency can be enhanced by configuring a single-body duct diverging to different storage rooms. The present invention includes a first storage room and a second storage room to store food, and a duct unit includes a first duct to guide cold air into the first storage room, and a second duct to guide cold air into the second storage room. A scroll from which the first duct and the second duct diverge is located between the first and second ducts. |
| US08196425B2 |
Auxiliary sub-cooler for refrigerated dispenser
A freeze type dispenser having a refrigeration system including a compressor, condenser, expansion means and evaporator in the form of one or more freeze chambers in an enclosure is provided with a sub-cooler or auxiliary coil. The sub-cooler is located downstream of the condenser but upstream of the expansion means and is supplied with condensed refrigerant liquid. The sub-cooler is located adjacent the freeze chamber enclosure to prevent or reduce condensation of the same, without adversely affecting, and in fact increasing cooling performance or capacity. |
| US08196423B2 |
Automatic recovery system for frozen product machines
A recovery system for a frozen product dispenser accommodates automatic recovery and continued operation of the dispenser in response to the output torque of a beater bar and scraper assembly drive motor exceeding a selected upper limit due to transient conditions. A controller monitors the output torque of the drive motor and, upon sensing an output torque in excess of the selected upper limit, shuts off the drive motor and operates a refrigeration system to defrost a freeze barrel within which the beater bar and scraper assembly is rotated, for a time sufficient to defrost product in the barrel. The controller then turns on the drive motor, operates the refrigeration system to refreeze product in the barrel and continues to monitor the output torque of the drive motor. The foregoing operation is repeated several times, if and as necessary, before a system error is generated. |
| US08196413B2 |
Configurations and methods for thermal integration of LNG regasification and power plants
Contemplated plants integrate regeneration of a freeze point depressant with LNG regasification and a power cycle. Most preferably, the plant is a combined cycle plant in which heat for reboiling the regenerator is provided by the steam cycle, and in which LNG refrigeration content is used to condense steam from the regenerator and to further subcool intake air for a combustion turbine. |
| US08196410B2 |
Stress reduction feature to improve fuel nozzle sheath durability
A fuel nozzle sheath has a lateral opening for admitting air about a nozzle stern. The stress distribution along the perimeter of the window is smoothed out by increasing the corner radius of the window corner presenting the highest stress concentration. The different corner radii of the window opening in the sheath allows to reduce stresses resulting from the load transferred from the combustor liner to the sheath. |
| US08196408B2 |
System and method for distributing fuel in a turbomachine
A turbomachine includes a compressor, a turbine operatively connected to the compressor, and a combustion assembly fluidly connected between the compressor and the turbine. The combustion assembly includes an end cover including a plurality of fuel circuits, a fuel distributing flange fluidly connected to at least one of the plurality of fuel circuits, a nozzle assembly fluidly linked to the at least one of the plurality of fuel circuits, and a fuel distribution system configured and disposed to deliver fuel to the fuel distributing flange. The fuel distribution system is selectively activated to stage fuel delivery to the at least one of the plurality of fuel circuits at a pressure sufficient to achieve atomization at the nozzle assembly without requiring a supplemental atomization air flow prior to delivering fuel to others of the plurality of fuel circuits at a pressure to achieve atomization without requiring a supplemental atomization air flow. |
| US08196407B2 |
Small gas turbine engine with multiple burn zones
A small gas turbine engine for use in an UAV such as a cruise missile, the gas turbine having a combustor forming a primary burn zone and a secondary burn zone, and in which fuel is injected into both the primary and the secondary burn zones by either a rotary cup injector or a plurality of fuel injector nozzles. The secondary burn zone with separate fuel injection allows for the diameter of the engine to be reduced in size but still allow for adequate power and efficiency to be reached for powering the vehicle. Air flow from the compressor is used to cool the combustor walls before being injected into the combustor, and to pass through and cool the guide nozzles and a main bearing located near the hot section of the combustor prior to being introduced into the combustor. |
| US08196402B2 |
System and method for electrically-coupled thermal cycle
In one embodiment according to the invention, there is provided a method for generating electrical energy using a thermal cycle of a working gas. The method comprises using the motion of a piston in a cylinder, containing the working gas performing the thermal cycle, to electromagnetically induce current in an electrical circuit coupled to the cylinder; using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy, produced by the current induced in the electrical circuit, in an electrical storage device; and using the electrical energy stored in the electrical storage device to electromagnetically provide a motive force to the piston. Cyclically using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy and using the stored energy to provide a motive force to the piston effect a net positive average power transfer into the electrical storage device over the course of the thermal cycle. |
| US08196400B2 |
Method and an arrangement for controlling pump displacement in a work vehicle
A method of controlling a work vehicle includes detecting an operational condition of a powertrain which is adapted to propel the vehicle, wherein a power source in the powertrain is adapted to operatively drive at least one variable displacement pump, wherein the pump is adapted to operatively drive at least one hydraulic actuator via hydraulic fluid for moving a work implement and/or steering the vehicle. The method further includes comparing the detected operational condition with a predetermined critical condition, limiting a maximum available displacement of the pump and thereby establishing an available pump displacement range if the magnitude of the detected operational condition is within the predetermined critical condition, detecting a hydraulic load associated to the actuator, and adjusting the pump displacement of the pump in response to the detected hydraulic load within the available pump displacement range. |
| US08196398B2 |
Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control. |
| US08196396B1 |
Compact design of using instream river flow and/or pump discharge flow technology added to differentials between head water and turbine location
Systems and methods for using instream water flow velocity to increase hydro turbine output is provided. In one implementation, the system and method are adapted to harness the kinetic energy in flowing water, preferably in waste water spilling over low-head dams or flowing from pump discharge at reservoir pumping stations, and using such energy in conjunction with differentials between head water and turbine location to improve turbine output. In certain implementations, the novel technology can be used to establish dispersed small-scale hydroelectric generation units at existing low-head dams. Preferably, the dispersed small-scale hydroelectric generation units can be connected to the existing power grid, thus providing a new source of sustainable alternative energy. |
| US08196392B2 |
Exhaust system having regeneration temperature control strategy
An exhaust system for use with a combustion engine is disclosed. The exhaust system may have an exhaust passage configured to receive a flow of exhaust from the combustion engine, a particulate filter located within the exhaust passage, and a heating device located to selectively warm the flow of exhaust passing through the particulate filter. The exhaust system may also have a controller in communication with the combustion engine and the heating device. The controller may be configured to continuously determine an amount of particulate matter within the particulate filter, continuously determine a desired regeneration temperature based on the amount of particulate matter, and continuously determine an error value as a function of the desired regeneration temperature and an actual regeneration temperature. The controller may be further configured to determine an amount of particulate matter within the particulate filter, and adjust an amount of warming provided by the heating device based on the error value. |
| US08196390B2 |
Procedure and device to monitor an exhaust gas after-treatment system
Methods and devices to monitor an exhaust gas after-treatment system of an internal combustion engine with a motor block and an exhaust gas duct. The engine has at least one catalytic converter, upstream from which a reagent substance necessary for the NOx reduction in the catalytic converter is introduced by means of an introduction device. The reduction agent rate is increased to such an extent at defined reference operating points until an ammonia breach is detected in direction of flow behind the catalytic converter by means of an ammonia sensitive sensor in the exhaust gas duct. |
| US08196380B2 |
Machine for decreasing force exerted on maize during harvesting
A machine for harvesting maize includes a supporting structure carrying a plurality of harvesting units set alongside one another in a transverse direction. Each harvesting unit includes a framework fixed with respect to the supporting structure and includes two box sections set at a distance from one another in a transverse direction by an empty space elongated in a longitudinal direction and two stripper plates carried by respective box sections. The stripper plate has respective edges facing one another that extend on opposite sides in the empty space, and the facing edges of the stripper plates form a squeezing channel. A pair of counter-rotating traction rollers are arranged underneath the squeezing channel. The stripper plates are mobile in a vertical direction with respect to the respective box sections and are associated to respective spring devices that push the stripper plates elastically towards a raised position. |
| US08196379B2 |
Chopper assembly for a harvesting implement
A chopping assembly for a harvesting implement having a blade assembly, a housing, and a guide. The blade assembly is disposed within the housing and the guide directs cornstalks toward an input port on the housing. The blade assembly not only cuts the cornstalk from its root but also chops the stalk into stover. A fluid dynamic force is created by the blade assembly to direct the stover with the aid of the housing to an output port. |
| US08196378B2 |
Buckle-free slip-on horse boot with gaiter
A horse boot (10) includes a shell (12) and a gaiter (22). The shell has a sole (14) and an upper (16) with a vertical slit (18). The gaiter (22) is releasably attached to the heel of the upper and is wrapped around the pastern (P) above the hoofs hairline (C) and below the fetlock to anchor the shell to the pastern and function as a barrier against debris. The gaiter includes a portion of two-way stretch material (60) that makes it possible to fold it out of the way for ease of installation. The process is further facilitated by the slit (18) that allows spreading of the shell. By shaping the upper (16) so that it presses against the hoof (H) the boot is advantageously held in place using only the gaiter anchored to the heel of the boot and strapped to the pastern of the horse. |
| US08196371B2 |
Cap supply device
The present invention is directed to a cap supply device having a simple and inexpensive structure and which is capable of supplying caps all directed in the same direction. The cap supply device includes: a receiving section 104 for receiving the caps 3; and a discharge unit 106 having an endless member 108 placed in the receiving section 104 and support members 109 provided at the endless member. The discharge unit 106 is configured to lift the caps upward and discharge the caps 3 from the receiving section 104 while the caps 3 are supported at the support members 109 with their openings directed to an opposite side of the endless member 108. |
| US08196369B2 |
Building integrated thermal electric hybrid roofing system
A building integrated thermal electric hybrid roofing system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of metal battens having a longitudinal channel mounted horizontally onto a plurality of wooden battens, a thermal tubing containing liquid mounted on the longitudinal channels, a plurality of solar electric roof tiles mounted on the plurality of metal battens and connected in series to form a string, an inverter connected to each of the strings, a heat exchanger connected to the thermal tubing, and a pump connected between the thermal tubing and the heat exchanger. The plurality of solar electric roof tiles generates DC electricity from solar energy and the inverter converts the DC electricity to AC electricity to feed to a utility grid. The plurality of metal battens collects the solar energy and converts into thermal energy through running the liquid which is extracted to the heat exchanger resulting in producing domestic hot water. |
| US08196367B2 |
Support bracket for anchoring overlapping cladding tiles to a wall structure
A support bracket (10) for anchoring cladding tiles (40) to a support wall structure (54), the support bracket (10) comprising: a substantially elongated base plate portion (12) attachable to the support wall structure (54), the base plate portion (12) defining a base first end edge (20) and a substantially opposed base second end edge (18), the base plate portion (12) also defining a base first side (22) and a substantially opposed base second side (24); and a substantially elongated flange portion (30) extending from the base first side (14), the flange portion (30) having a substantially T-shaped lateral cross-section, the flange portion (30) defining a flange first end edge (64) and a substantially opposed flange second end edge (56), the flange portion (30) being substantially longitudinally offset relatively to the base plate portion (12) such that the flange portion (30) is protruding from the base first end edge (20) substantially adjacent the flange first end edge (64); the base plate portion (12) and the flange portion (30) together defining a pair of substantially oppositely disposed channel recesses (65) facing substantially laterally outwardly relatively to the flange portion (12) for each receiving a portion of a respective one of the cladding tiles (40), the channel recesses (65) being each closed with a respective stop flange (66) extending substantially adjacent the flange first end edge (64), the stop flanges (66) being each substantially perpendicular to the base plate portion (30). |
| US08196364B2 |
Drywall apparatus and method
Described herein is a drywall apparatus for constructing planar partitions and corners. The drywall apparatus includes a first drywall panel, a second drywall panel and a pliable hinge connecting the first drywall panel to the second drywall panel. The hinge allows the first drywall panel and the second drywall panel to assume a range of angles therebetween to thereby enable the apparatus to be used for constructing planar partitions and corners. A flap extending from an edge of the drywall panel can also be included. The flap is designed to overlap a surface of an adjacent drywall panel abutted against the edge of the drywall panel and designed to affix the panel to a stud or other supporting member. |
| US08196358B2 |
Wind turbine generator tower
A wind turbine generator tower is configured by arranging and connecting a plurality of approximately cylindrical tower sections in their axial direction. Each of the tower sections includes an approximately cylindrical tower section main body, and a plurality of approximately flat-plate protruding parts that are formed so as to protrude along the axial direction at at least an axis-wise end portion of the tower section main body on an outer circumferential surface and/or an inner circumferential surface of the tower section main body. The plurality of tower sections are connected when the protruding parts of one of the tower sections and the protruding parts of another one of the tower sections are friction-jointed with fastening means. |
| US08196353B2 |
Guiding mechanism for sliding leaves or sliding doors
The invention relates to a guiding mechanism for sliding devices, especially leaves or doors. Said guiding mechanism comprises a profiled guide rail which is mounted on rolls or sliding elements and is optionally fitted with a superstructure. A stationary roll support and at least one movable roll support are provided. The movable roll support is moved into the operating position thereof substantially without producing a load moment. |
| US08196350B2 |
Bottom drive rail-less window regulator
A window regulator assembly is described that comprises a window bracket that is in contact with the bottom edge of the window; a cable; a carrier plate that is in contact with the window bracket and both ends of the cable; a tension spring located on each end of the cable; an upper bracket assembly; a drum housing having a cable drum; a hollow conduit located between the upper bracket assembly and the drum housing; and a drive unit. The upper bracket assembly, cable drum, and conduit are capable of slideably receiving the cable, while the tension springs provide a predetermined amount of tension to the cable in order for the window regulator assembly to move the window between open and closed positions. Many of the components of the window regulator assembly may be formed from a thermoplastic material. |
| US08196349B2 |
Lifting window
The lifting window (15) has a windowpane (17) which can be raised and lowered by means of a lifting device and which is guided here by two guide rails (24; 25). In the region of at least one side edge (19), the windowpane (17) is guided, at a point remote from the lifting device, only indirectly by the associated guide rail (24) by means of an adjusting device (38). The adjusting device (38) has a guide strip (39) which interacts with the associated guide rail (24). The guide strip (39) is guided by means of a guide device (41) so as to be moveable at least approximately perpendicularly to the windowpane (17). Said guide strip (39) can be adjusted relative to the windowpane (17) by means of an adjustment device (42) and can be fixed in the desired relative position by means of a fixing device. |
| US08196344B1 |
Modular plant tower assembly
A modular plant tower assembly includes a self-supporting vertical framework of rigid vertical supports defining a relatively large base, and extending inwardly and upwardly from the base to a smaller top of the vertical framework. At least one horizontal closed-end framework includes rigid horizontal supports. The horizontal supports are interconnected at their respective ends, and surround the vertical framework at a location intermediate the base and the top. At least one of the horizontal supports forms a lateral bridge connector. The bridge connector is adapted for connecting one end of a bridge frame to the plant tower assembly, and an opposite end of the bridge frame being connected to an adjacent like tower assembly. |
| US08196340B2 |
Electric deterrent device having knitted conductors
Electric pest deterrents device having knitted conductors are presented. An elongated conductor comprising at least a single conducting strand knitted with itself or with other conducting strands can be attached to a based of the device. The conducting strands can be knitted according to one or more patterns to form textured surfaces having raise protrusions. |
| US08196339B1 |
Rodent trap
A rodent trap comprises a stiff U-shaped spring with long outstretched arms and wire half-noose that are normally closed tightly together. A folding spreader mechanism at the base of the U-shaped spring holds the long outstretched arms apart until a trigger allows the spreader to fold up. The folding spreader mechanism is prevented from extending over-center and locking like a knee joint as near the point of going over-center, a tiny force like a trigger keeps the folding spreader mechanism extended even against strong spring pressures. |
| US08196335B2 |
Spring-loaded fishing lure
The present invention provides a simple, yet improved, spring-loaded fishing hook and bobber. The bobber includes a spring-loaded triggering apparatus attached to a light weight rod and floating device. The triggering apparatus is inertia-driven and activated when a fish swimming by attempts to bite on the lure. The fish activates the device by its movement away from the lure and pulls the spring free from its latch allowing the spring to activate and forces the hook into the fish's mouth. The quickness of the trigger does not allow the fish to avoid the hook and the forcefulness of the trigger means less fish can free themselves of the hook before being caught. |
| US08196327B2 |
Modular magazine assembly
A modular magazine for a firearm is disclosed. The magazine has a tower and a magazine body. The tower and magazine body are modular and can be disconnected from each other. When disconnected, the tower can be paired with other magazine bodies. Also, the magazine body may be connected to other suitable towers. Different towers may allow a magazine to connect with a plurality of styles of firearm. Also, a plurality of styles of magazine may be used with a single firearm when connected to a suitable modular tower. |
| US08196322B2 |
Article of footwear with ball control portion
A ball control portion for an article of footwear is disclosed. The ball control portion includes a plurality of protrusions that are configured to bend to provide increased surface contact between an upper and a ball, such as a soccer ball. The plurality of protrusions are arranged in an arc-like configuration on the upper that generally corresponds to the curvature of a ball. |
| US08196320B2 |
Article of footwear with interchangeable bootie
An article of footwear can receive a bootie. The article can include an upper to receive the bootie. Ball control elements may be provided on the bootie and the ball control elements can extend through the upper. The ball control elements can be configured to aid kicking or to interact with various surfaces. The upper can receive different booties having different ball control elements. |
| US08196317B2 |
Article of footwear having a flat knit upper construction or other upper construction
Flat knitting allows production of textile structures (e.g., for use in footwear uppers) of a final desired shape such that textile cutting steps can be avoided. Flat knitted elements also can be formed directly in desired three dimensional shapes, which can help avoid the need to use additional support structures (e.g., in footwear construction). By selectively placing multiple different yarns and/or stitch patterns at multiple different locations in the overall structure during the knitting process, flat knitted products may have multiple different physical properties (e.g., different stretchability, different moisture management capabilities, etc.) at multiple different locations or zones within a single, unitary construction (e.g., different properties at different zones or locations within a single footwear structure). Additionally, flat knitting can be used to produce pockets, tunnels, or other layered structures in the final product. |
| US08196316B2 |
Article of footwear with two part midsole assembly
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has a shell having a first hardness and a recess. A lateral side of the recess has a first depth and a medial side of the recess has a second depth that is different than the first depth. A first aperture extends through a forefoot portion of the shell, with the first aperture defining a first tongue fixed on a medial side thereof with a remainder of the first tongue free to flex with respect to the shell. An insert has a second hardness and is seated in the recess. A lateral side of the insert has a first height and a medial side of the insert has a second height that is different than the first height, with the second hardness being different than the first hardness. |
| US08196313B2 |
Dryer and control method thereof
A method for controlling a dryer includes the steps of sensing an amount of laundry in the dryer, setting a primary drying time period T1 of the dryer with reference to the amount of laundry sensed thus, setting a secondary drying time period T2 in the middle of drying according to the primary drying time period set thus, and drying the laundry according to the secondary drying time period T2 set thus, whereby permitting setting of a more accurate drying time period because the drying time period of the dryer is set two times. |
| US08196312B2 |
Drying method and apparatus for drying object
A technology can efficiently dry the high-boiling point solvent contained in the object and achieve the space-saving and energy-saving of a drying apparatus. A drying method for drying an object containing a first solvent while conveying the object into a chamber (38), comprises: a first drying step of drying the object up to a drying point in the prestage of the chamber (38); and a second drying step of forming a vapor atmosphere of a second solvent having a lower boiling point than the first solvent in the chamber (38) and drying the object such that the temperature of the object in an inlet port of the chamber (38) is made to be lower by a predetermined temperature difference than the temperature of the vapor atmosphere. |
| US08196306B2 |
Post-weld offset gage
A method and device for analyzing a formed weld of a wind turbine system is disclosed. The device includes a gage for measuring a distance, a first member configured for receiving the gage, a second member attached to the first member, the second member being configured to releasably attach to a first surface on a first side of the formed weld, a third member attached to the first member, the third member being configured to releasably attach to a second surface on a second side of the formed weld, and the gage being positionable at a plurality of locations on the first member, the plurality of locations including a first location being proximal to the second member and distal from the third member and a second location being proximal to the third member and distal from the second member. |