| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08206723B2 |
Leucine-based motif and clostridial neurotoxins
Modified neurotoxin comprising neurotoxin including structural modification, wherein the structural modification alters the biological persistence, such as the biological half-life and/or a biological activity of the modified neurotoxin relative to an identical neurotoxin without the structural modification. In one embodiment, methods of making the modified neurotoxin include using recombinant techniques. In another embodiment, methods of using the modified neurotoxin to treat conditions include treating various disorders, neuromuscular aliments and pain. |
| US08206716B2 |
Methods of treating with anti-C5/C5a specific antibodies
The invention relates to inhibitors that bind to C5 and C5a, but which do not prevent the activation of C5 and do not prevent formation of or inhibit the activity of C5b. One example of such an inhibitor molecule is the monoclonal antibody designated MAb137-26, which binds to a shared epitope of human C5 and C5a. These inhibitors may be used to inhibit the activity of C5a in treating diseases and conditions mediated by excessive or uncontrolled production of C5a. The inhibitor molecules are also useful for diagnostic detection of the presence/absence or amount of C5 or C5a. |
| US08206713B2 |
Method of treating cancer using antibodies to a non-ligand binding region of NOTCH2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. In particular the invention provides the means and methods for the diagnosis, characterization, prognosis and treatment of cancer and specifically targeting cancer stem cells. The present invention provides an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding region of the extracellular domain of a human NOTCH receptor and inhibits growth of tumor cells. The present invention further provides a method of treating cancer, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding region of the extracellular domain of a human NOTCH receptor protein and inhibits growth of tumor cells. |
| US08206709B2 |
Anti-NKG2A antibodies and uses thereof
Described herein are anti-NKG2A antibodies suitable for human therapy, including humanized versions of murine anti-NKG2A antibody Z270, as well as related methods and materials for producing and using such antibodies. Exemplary complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) sequences and sites for optional amino acid back-substitutions in framework region (FR) and/or CDRs of such antibodies are also described. |
| US08206705B2 |
KIM-1 antibodies for treatment of TH2-mediated conditions
Compositions and methods for treating Th2- and ThI-mediated disease are provided. |
| US08206699B2 |
Myelination of congenitally dysmyelinated forebrains using oligodendrocyte progenitor cells
One form of the present invention is directed to a method of remyelinating demyelinated axons by treating the demyelinated axons with oligodendrocyte progenitor cells under conditions which permit remyelination of the axons. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of treating a subject having a condition mediated by a loss of myelin or a loss of oligodendrocytes by administering to the subject oligodendrocyte progenitor cells under conditions effective to treat the condition mediated by a loss of myelin or a loss of oligodendrocytes. A further aspect of the present invention relates to an in vitro method of identifying and separating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells from a mixed population containing other mammalian brain or spinal cord cell types. This further aspect of the present invention involves removing neurons and neuronal progenitor cells from the mixed population to produce a treated mixed population. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells are then separated from the treated mixed population to form an enriched population of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. |
| US08206696B2 |
Antimicrobial skin preparation
An antimicrobial skin composition comprised of an antimicrobial agent, an alcohol, one or more pH sensitive viscosity builders and water. Preferably, the viscosity builders of the present invention are comprised of pH sensitive methacrylic polymers which are alcohol compatible and have pH controlled water solubility. The composition combines the advantages of an antimicrobial agent and an alcohol, and has a viscosity of from 100 cp to 1,000. This viscosity is sufficiently low for purposes of dispensing and applying the preparation, yet sufficiently high to cause the solution to remain in the area of the wound and not flow away or pool under the patient. The preparation further forms a water-resistant film that is difficult to remove during wound irrigation, but can be easily removed upon completion of the procedure. Finally, the preparation is fast drying so as to take advantage of the fast high initial kill properties of alcohol. |
| US08206694B2 |
Anti-dandruff hair conditioning compositions
A hair conditioning composition comprising a cationic surfactant, triglyceride oil, and an anti dandruff agent. |
| US08206688B2 |
Foam-forming composition
The present invention relates to a novel foam-forming composition suitable for rectal administration of locally-acting pharmaceutically active ingredients, and the product adapted to administer said foam-forming composition. Also, the present invention relates to a method for its preparation. According to the present invention a foam-forming composition is provided which exhibits a high expansion ratio and at the same time conferring optimal appearance of the formed foam to allow sufficient contact time of the active to the target site in the intestine in order to obtain optimal local effect. The composition according to the present inventions provides superior properties for the treatment of rectal diseases. |
| US08206684B2 |
Methods and devices for blocking flow through collateral pathways in the lung
Disclosed is a method of regulating fluid flow for a targeted lung region. The method comprises injecting a therapeutic agent into the targeted lung region. The therapeutic agent induces a reaction in lung tissue of the targeted lung region or in a collateral pathway to the lung region to reduce collateral fluid flow into the targeted lung region. In one aspect, the method additionally comprises deploying a bronchial isolation device in the direct pathway to regulate fluid flow to the targeted lung region through the direct pathway. The therapeutic agent can comprise, for example, a sclerosing agent that induces a reaction that causes sclerosis in the lung tissue. |
| US08206676B2 |
Method for making a chlorosilane
The method described herein provides a method for preparing a chlorinated silane at least one end product comprising SiH3Cl, SiH2Cl2, and combinations thereof in molar yields of 50% or greater with respect to silane in the feed stream. The method described herein therefore provides an end product comprising the one or more chlorinated silanes by contacting reaction mixture comprising silane and hydrogen chloride with a catalyst at a temperature and time sufficient to provide the end product. |
| US08206674B2 |
Boron nitride nanotubes
Boron nitride nanotubes are prepared by a process which includes: (a) creating a source of boron vapor; (b) mixing the boron vapor with nitrogen gas so that a mixture of boron vapor and nitrogen gas is present at a nucleation site, which is a surface, the nitrogen gas being provided at a pressure elevated above atmospheric, e.g., from greater than about 2 atmospheres up to about 250 atmospheres; and (c) harvesting boron nitride nanotubes, which are formed at the nucleation site. |
| US08206669B2 |
Method and apparatus for treating a sour gas
A feed gas comprising CO2, H2S and H2 is treated to produce an H2-enriched product and a CO2 product. The feed gas is separated by pressure swing adsorption to provide a stream of the H2-enriched product, and two streams of sour gas depleted in H2 and enriched in H2S and CO2 relative to the feed gas. One of the streams of sour gas is processed in an H2S to elemental sulfur conversion system, in which H2S in the sour gas is converted to elemental sulfur order to obtain a stream of sweetened gas, from which the CO2 product is formed. The other of said streams of sour gas is processed in an oxidation system, in which H2S in the sour gas is oxidized to SOx(SO2 and SO3) which is introduced into the H2S to elemental sulfur conversion system. |
| US08206664B2 |
Methods of producing multi-layered microfluidic devices
Microfluidic devices are prepared by providing a substrate material having a solid adhesive thin sheet, printing solid ink on the substrate using a conventional printer, selectively etching the substrate using a wax masking layer to obtain a desired pattern, removing the masking layer from the substrate, aligning and bonding together the pattern of the substrate to a pattern of a second substrate to form a layer of substrates, and curing the layer of substrates to result in a three-dimensional microfluidic device. |
| US08206658B2 |
Tube and use of said tube
A metallic tube for heating a medium or subject outside thereof or inside it by transfer of heat energy through walls of the tube, in which heat is absorbed or emitted at least to a substantial degree by radiation on one or both of the inner and outer surfaces of the tube, is of a material forming a layer of essentially Al2O3 on the surfaces thereof when heated to at least approximately 750° C. At least one of the external and the internal surface of the tube is coated by one of a metal, metal alloy and metal compound, which after oxidation forms a layer having an emissivity coefficient exceeding 0.7, or by a layer essentially consisting of a metal oxide which has an emissivity coefficient exceeding 0.7. |
| US08206655B2 |
Sulfur dioxide generator with aqueous gas mixer/aerator
An apparatus for burning sulfur to produce sulfur dioxide, which sulfur dioxide is associated with a multi-channel gas valve associated with other gas sources to selectively be blended each into water by a combination mixer/aerator to aerate water in one monde, admix sulfur dioxide with water to form sulfurous acid in another mode, and stir and mix water without gases in a third mode. |
| US08206653B2 |
Organic synthesizer
To provide an organic synthesizer that can conduct a pressure reaction and an atmospheric reaction in one organic synthesizer. An organic synthesizer comprising a reaction vessel support part (160), which can support two or more reaction vessels, and pressure regulation means (164) for regulating the pressure within the reaction vessel supported by the reaction vessel support part (160) by supplying/discharging gas. Two or more pressure regulation means (164) are provided for each reaction vessel supported by the reaction vessel support part (160). At least one pressure regulation means (164A) in the two or more pressure regulation means (164) is constructed so as to be detachable from and attachable to the other pressure regulation means (164B). The gas supply/discharge pipes (174a to 174d) are constructed so that a part near the front end can be flexed in a vertical direction and in a lateral direction. |
| US08206652B2 |
Jet reactor with flow ducts and process for preparing isocyanates using it
The present invention provides a flow duct type jet reactor and a process for preparing isocyanates using it. The flow duct type jet reactor situates flow ducts in inner feed pipe which form whirlpool and reinforce vortex, thereby amine steam rapidly admixes and reacts with phosgene, and the byproducts are reduced. In addition, the present process uses a jet-absorption apparatus which rapidly cools the high temperature gas discharged from the reactor to a temperature at which the product is thermally stable, and at the same time provides negative pressure for the reaction process of the system, and thus saving bulky vacuum system. |
| US08206651B2 |
System for detection of biological agents
The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a system and a method for the detection and limited identification of biological agents. The system is small, light weight, requires little power to operate and uses few consumables. The system can be configured for use in either stationary or mobile applications. The system incorporates elements that enable it to obtain an air sample, extract particulates from the air sample, exposes the particulates to electromagnetic radiation, and monitor for fluorescent emissions. To the extent that fluorescent emissions are detected and exceed a predetermined value, an alarm is triggered. |
| US08206642B2 |
Pivoting slag door
A pivoting, liquid cooled slag door for metallurgical furnaces is disclosed. The slag door can pivot from the top using one or more robust mechanisms that enable the door to be moved into and stopped in any position between a closed position and an open position. The slag door can also incorporate wing walls disposed in close proximity to the sides of the slag door. The wing walls can minimize air infiltration into the furnace when the slag door is in an open position. The slag door can be disposed in close proximity to the hearth of the furnace to eliminate problems associate with conventional slag door tunnels. The slag door can be fitted with a furnace apparatus such as a burner or a lance and can be used to provide access to the interior of the furnace and to control the flow of material out of the furnace. |
| US08206638B2 |
Collection tubes apparatus, systems, and methods
Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The barrier rapidly hardens forming a solid barrier when triggered by a suitable energy source. |
| US08206637B2 |
Geometry adaptive laser sintering system
An apparatus comprises a deformable platform and a laser delivery system. The deformable platform has a surface capable of changing to conform to a shape of an object as the object is being manufactured during a sintering process. The laser delivery system is capable of sintering powder on the deformable platform to manufacture the object. |
| US08206636B2 |
Stent fabrication via tubular casting processes
Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape. |
| US08206631B1 |
Methods of making dry adhesives
Dry adhesives and methods of making dry adhesives including a method of making a dry adhesive including applying a liquid polymer to the second end of the stem, molding the liquid polymer on the stem in a mold, wherein the mold includes a recess having a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the second end of the stem, curing the liquid polymer in the mold to form a tip at the second end of the stem, wherein the tip includes a second layer stem; corresponding to the recess in the mold, and removing the tip from the mold after the liquid polymer cures. |
| US08206626B2 |
Method for producing nanoporous molded parts
Process for the production of moldings from nanoporous polymer materials, comprising the stages of a) preparation of a multiphase polymer mixture with domains in the range from 5 to 200 nm, b) impregnation of the polymer mixture with a blowing agent, where the solubility of the blowing agent in the phase forming the domains is at least twice as high as in the adjacent phases, c) expansion of the multiphase polymer mixture comprising blowing agent, by introducing the polymer mixture into a cavity and expanding it therein, thus obtaining the molding. |
| US08206624B2 |
Method for producing carbon nanotube
A method for producing carbon nanotubes uses a polymer as a raw material to undergo in situ thermal decomposition. The method includes steps of mixing the polymer and metallic catalyst through a multiple heating stage process of in-situ thermal decomposition to carbonize the polymer and release carbon elements to produce carbon nanotubes. Advantages of the present invention include easy to prepare, low temperature in manipulation, low production cost, and high safety. |
| US08206620B1 |
Optically clear fire resistant windows
There is provided a composition and a method for forming fire resistant panes containing borate-phosphate anions and the window pane and window assemblies prepared therefrom. |
| US08206614B2 |
Voltage switchable dielectric material having bonded particle constituents
A voltage switchable dielectric material comprising a concentration of multi-component particles that are individually formed by a mechanical or mechanochemical bonding process that bonds a semiconductive or conductive-type host particle with multiple insulative, conductive, or semi-conductive guest particles. |
| US08206606B2 |
Oxide magnetic material
An oxide magnetic material includes a ferrite with a hexagonal structure as its main phase. Metallic elements included in the oxide magnetic material are represented by the formula: Ca1-x-x′LaxSrx′Fe2n-yCoy, where atomic ratios x, x′ and y and a molar ratio n satisfy 0.4≦x≦0.6, 0.01≦x′≦0.3, 0.2≦y≦0.45 and 5.2≦n≦5.8, respectively. |
| US08206597B2 |
Protected alloy surfaces in microchannel apparatus and catalysts, alumina supported catalysts, catalyst intermediates, and methods of forming catalysts and microchannel apparatus
The invention describes microchannel apparatus and catalysts that contain a layer of a metal aluminide or are made in a process in which a metal aluminide layer is formed as an intermediate. Certain processing conditions have surprisingly been found to result in superior coatings. The invention includes chemical processes conducted through apparatus described in the specification. Other catalysts and catalyst synthesis techniques are also described. |
| US08206590B1 |
Method to separate and process particles by compartmentalized field flow fractionation
A method is described for separating and processing liquid-borne particles within an aliquot thereof following injection into a field flow fractionator. Said fractionation method may be employed also to capture, for subsequent segregation, specific predefined classes of such particles. The unique fractionation method disclosed contains means to control the applied transverse flow at each designated location along the length of said channel. In one embodiment of the method a separate compartment lies below each distinct location and corresponding membrane supporting permeable frit segment of the fractionator, providing the individual means to control the localized flow through the membrane section thereabove. Employment of a corresponding concentric compartment implementation achieves the same type of compartmentalized cross flow when applied to a hollow fiber fractionation means. |
| US08206587B2 |
Filtration cell and filtration device using such a cell
The invention relates to a filtration cell that comprises a tank with a bottom wall (2) and four side walls extending upwards from the bottom wall as well as an upward opening, the four side walls including two opposite longitudinal walls (3, 5) as well as a front facing wall (4) and a rear facing wall connecting them, a filtration bed (7) supported in the tank, an outlet opening for discharging the filtrate, and a covering flap (24) protruding outwards from the top of one of said longitudinal walls, the longitudinal wall (5) opposed to that fitted with the flap including a lower portion (25) extending upwards from the bottom wall (2) and an upper portion (26) extending slantedly upwards and inside the tank from the top of said lower portion (25), and/or the front facing wall (4) comprises a bottom portion (27) extending upwards from the bottom wall (2) and a top portion (28) extending slantedly upwards and inside the tank from the top of said bottom portion (27). |
| US08206583B2 |
Electrically conductive fluid treatment elements
Fluid treatment elements substantially inhibit electrical charge imbalances and/or build-ups of electrical charges. A fluid treatment element may comprise a multilayer composite including an electrically conductive fibrous matrix, having an upstream side and a downstream side, disposed on a porous substrate, also having an upstream side and a downstream side, which supports the fibrous matrix. The fibrous matrix may include a combination of conductive and nonconductive fibers. The multilayer composite may also include a drainage layer positioned along one of the upstream side of the fibrous matrix and the downstream side of the porous substrate. |
| US08206578B2 |
Dialysis system including supplemental power source
A dialysis system includes: a water purification unit; a dialysate generation unit configured to use water purified by the water purification unit; a dialysate delivery unit configured to deliver dialysate prepared by the dialysate generation unit; a supplemental power source; and electronic circuitry including: (i) a first electrical connection configured to electrically connect a branch power source with at least one of the water purification unit, the dialysate generation unit and the dialysate delivery unit, and (ii) a second electrical connection configured to electrically connect a supplemental power source with at least one of the water purification unit, the dialysate generation unit and the dialysate delivery unit. |
| US08206572B2 |
Systems, method and apparatus for reducing impurities in electrolysis cells
Systems, methods and apparatus for reducing impurities in electrolysis cells are disclosed. In one approach, a method includes feeding a particulate fines feed stream to a tank, mixing particulate fines (PF) with liquid, the liquid having a first liquid and a second liquid, and separating at least some of the first liquid from at least some of the second liquid. The particulate fines (PF) may include inlet carbon fines (CFI) and inlet recyclable fines (RFI). The first liquid may include a recovered recyclable fines portion (RF1), and the second liquid may include a waste carbon fines portion (CF1). The mass ratio of the recovered recyclable fines portion (RF1) to the inlet recyclable fines (RFI) may be at least about 0.5. The mass ratio of the waste carbon fines portion (CF1) to the inlet carbon fines (CFI) may be at least about 0.1. |
| US08206571B2 |
Formation of [18F] fluoride complexes suitable for [18F] fluorinations
The present invention claims a method for forming [18F] fluoride complexes suitable for performing radio-labelling reactions to generate [18F] fluorinated species. The present invention also provides for an apparatus for forming [18F] fluoride complexes suitable for performing radio-labelling reactions to generate [18F] fluorinated species. Kit claims for formation of [18F] fluoride complexes suitable for performing radio-labelling reactions to generate [18F] fluorinated species are also provided. |
| US08206570B2 |
Process for forming organic films on electrically conductive or semi-conductive surfaces using aqueous solutions in two steps
The present invention concerns a method for preparing an organic copolymer film on electrically conductive or semi-conductive surfaces in two steps. The first step includes electrolysis of an electrolytic solution containing an adhesion primer, in contact with a surface. The second step corresponds to the reaction, at the surface obtained previously, of a solution containing the following species: a protic solvent, and a “radically polymerizable” monomer. The polymerizable monomer is solubilized in micellar form. The surfaces obtained with the use of this method, and their applications apply to preparation of microelectronic components, biomedical devices or screening kits, as well as kits for preparing an organic copolymer film on an electrically conductive or semi-conductive surface. |
| US08206569B2 |
Porous three dimensional copper, tin, copper-tin, copper-tin-cobalt, and copper-tin-cobalt-titanium electrodes for batteries and ultra capacitors
A method and apparatus for forming a reliable and cost efficient battery or electrochemical capacitor electrode structure that has an improved lifetime, lower production costs, and improved process performance are provided. In one embodiment a method for forming a three dimensional porous electrode for a battery or an electrochemical cell is provided. The method comprises depositing a columnar metal layer over a substrate at a first current density by a diffusion limited deposition process and depositing three dimensional metal porous dendritic structures over the columnar metal layer at a second current density greater than the first current density. |
| US08206567B2 |
Reference electrode with non-blocking liquid junction
A reference electrode traps silver ions and chloro complex ions leaching to an internal filling solution so that the blocking of the liquid junction can be prevented. A silver/silver chloride electrode can be provided as an internal electrode in an internal filling solution; and a tube which houses, in order from top to bottom, the internal electrode, an inorganic cation exchanger for trapping silver ions and/or chloro complex ions from leaching from the internal electrode, and a ceramic member for preventing the diffusion of the silver ions and/or the chloro complex ions to the internal filling solution. |
| US08206565B2 |
System and method for coding information on a biosensor test strip
The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted. |
| US08206564B2 |
Biosensor calibration system
A biosensor system determines an analyte concentration using one or more calibrated correlation equations for an optical and/or electrochemical analysis of a biological fluid. The biosensor system may be implemented using a measurement device and a sensor strip. The measurement device senses circuit patterns on an encoding pattern of the sensor strip. The measurement device determines calibration information in response to the circuit patterns, and uses the calibration information to calibrate one or more of the correlation equations. The measurement device uses the calibrated correlation equations to determine the analyte concentration. |
| US08206562B2 |
Apparatus and method for the application of a material layer to display devices
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the application of material to form a layer of an organic electroluminescent device. The material is sputter deposited typically from at least one target of material held in respect to a magnetron in a coating chamber. The magnetrons used can be unbalanced magnetrons and/or are provided with other magnetrons and/or magnet arrays in a closed field configuration. The material is found to be deposited in a manner which prevents or minimises damage to the device and hence reduces or removes the need for a barrier layer to be applied. |
| US08206560B2 |
Aluminum electrolytic cells having heterotypic structured cathode carbon blocks
Disclosed is an aluminum electrolytic cell having profiled cathode carbon blocks structures, comprising a cell case, a refractory material installed on the bottom, an anodes and a cathode. The cathode carbon blocks include a profiled structure having projections on the top surface of the carbon blocks, that is, a plurality of projections are formed on a surface of the cathode carbon blocks. The aluminum electrolytic cell having the cathode structure according to the present invention can reduce the velocity of the flow and the fluctuation of the level of the cathodal molten aluminum within the electrolytic cell, so as to increase the stability of the surface of molten aluminum, reduce the molten lose of the aluminum, increase the current efficiency, reduce the inter electrode distance, and reduce the energy consumption of the production of aluminum by electrolysis. With the above configuration, compounds or precipitates of viscous cryolite molten alumina can be formed on the lower portion between walls protruding on the upper surface of the cathode, which can prohibit the molten aluminum from flowing into the cell bottom through the cracks and apertures on cathodes, so that the life of the electrolytic cell can be extended. |
| US08206554B2 |
Method and a system for controlling the manufacturing or finishing process of a fiber web
A method and a system for controlling the manufacturing or finishing process of a fiber web at a transition stage of the process. In the method a corrected error profile (PD′k) is formed using an error profile (PD). Using the corrected error profile (PD′k) at least one control signal (CAk) is determined for the actuators (6) of the manufacturing or finishing process of a fiber web. |
| US08206547B2 |
Method of manufacturing a display
In a method of manufacturing a display having a display panel, a transparent protective plate, which is placed in front of the display panel, and a layer formed of a transparent organic medium, which is placed between the display panel and the protective plate, a liquid organic medium is applied to, or a sheet-like organic medium is formed on, a surface of one of the display panel and the protective plate, the display panel and the protective plate are bonded together in a reduced pressure atmosphere, and thereafter the liquid organic medium is cured. |
| US08206540B2 |
Backing film and method for ply materials
A layered material includes a ply material and a backing film to support the ply material. The backing film includes a polyester film. The layered material is generated by disposing the backing film upon the ply material. A composite layup is generated by tacking the layered material to a tool, disposing the layered material upon the tool along a path, and removing the backing film. |
| US08206533B2 |
Method and apparatus for making disposable absorbent article with absorbent particulate polymer material and article made therewith
A method for making a disposable absorbent core comprises depositing absorbent particulate polymer material from a plurality of reservoirs in a printing roll onto a substrate disposed on a grid of a support which includes a plurality of cross bars extending substantially parallel to and spaced from one another so as to form channels extending between the plurality of cross bars. The plurality of reservoirs in the first peripheral surface are arranged in an array comprising rows extending substantially parallel to and spaced from one another. The support and printing roll are arranged such that the plurality of cross bars are substantially parallel to the rows of the plurality of reservoirs and the absorbent particulate polymer material is deposited on the substrate in a pattern such that the absorbent particulate polymer material collects in rows on the first substrate formed between the first plurality of cross bars. A thermoplastic adhesive material is deposited on the absorbent particulate polymer material and the substrate to cover the absorbent particulate polymer material on the substrate and form an absorbent layer. A disposable absorbent article and apparatus for making an absorbent article are also disclosed. |
| US08206531B2 |
Method for producing a highly rigid composite material roller
The object of the invention is a process for the production of a tube of high stiffness, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: producing a first internal tube (10) of a first material, placing intermediate members (12) on this first tube, regularly spaced, these intermediate members being made of a composite material producing at least one second tube (14) of a second material, about these intermediate members, at least one of the first or second tubes being made by filamentary winding. The invention also covers the obtained tube. |
| US08206530B2 |
Manufacturing method of printed circuit board having electro component
A manufacturing method of a printed circuit board having an electro component is disclosed. The method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: seating an electro component, in which an electrode is formed on an upper side, on an upper side of a bonding sheet; seating an insulator, in which a cavity corresponding to the electro component has been formed, on the upper side of the bonding sheet; laminating a first insulating resin on an upper side of the insulator such that an upper side of the electro component is covered; polishing the first insulating resin such that the electrode is exposed; and forming a first circuit pattern, which is electrically connected to the exposed electrode, on the polished first insulating resin. |
| US08206528B2 |
Method of applying a film to an endless moving handrail having a layer with a barrier coating
A method of applying a film to an endless moving handrail comprises the steps of adhering a first film layer, having sufficient resilience to accommodate strains occurring on the surfaces of the endless moving handrail and including a barrier coating on at least one of top and bottom surfaces of the first layer, to a top surface of an endless moving handrail, and adhering a substantially transparent film layer over the first film layer. |
| US08206524B2 |
Method and device for producing film composites
The invention relates to a method and a device for producing film composites. In a first method step, a first individual film is picked up by at least one first gripping device and the gripping device is moved together with the film in a first movement direction. In a further method step, the position of the film in the first movement direction is determined, and the film is fixed at a predefined position in the first movement direction. In a further method step, the position of the first film in a second movement direction is determined, said second movement direction being substantially perpendicular to the first movement direction, and the first film is moved in a second movement direction. According to the invention, the film is gripped by a second gripping device for transport in the second movement direction. |
| US08206523B1 |
Method of applying design to a substrate
A process of manufacturing a multi-shade design on an at least semi-transparent substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The process comprising a template preparation step of preparing a template, the template being visible through the substrate, applying a first design film to a surface of the substrate, carving at least a portion of the first design film, applying a second design film over the first surface, and carving at least a portion of the second design film. An alternative process of manufacturing a multi-color design comprising the template preparation step, applying a first design film, of a first color, to the first surface, carving the first region, applying a second design film, of a second color, to the first surface, and carving the second region from the second design film. |
| US08206519B2 |
Aluminium foil alloy
The present invention relates to a method of making an aluminum alloy product having a gauge below 200 μm. It also relates to an aluminum alloy product having a gauge below the same value and to containers for food packaging application made from the aluminum alloy product. The invention is process of manufacturing an aluminum alloy comprising the following steps: continuous casting an aluminum alloy melt of the following composition, (in weight %): Fe 1.0-1.8, Si 0.3-0.8, Mn up to 0.25, other elements less than or equal to 0.05 each and less than or equal to 0.15 in total, balance aluminum, cold rolling the cast product without an interanneal step to a gauge below 200 μm and final annealing the cold rolled product. |
| US08206518B2 |
Die for press forming of glass and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention is directed to provide a method for manufacturing a die for press forming of glass in which cracks are not easily caused in a surface covering layer. A surface covering layer made of an amorphous Ni—P alloy is formed on the surface of a base material made of a steel having a martensitic structure or made of steel in which ε-carbide is dispersed in low carbon martensite matrix. Then, the base material and the surface covering layer are heated to change the base material into a troostitic structure or a sorbitic structure and change the surface covering layer into a eutectic structure of Ni and Ni3P. Preferably, the base material contains 0.3 wt % or more and 2.7 wt % or less of carbon and 13 wt % or less of chromium, and the heat treatment is carried out at 270° C. or more. |
| US08206517B1 |
Aluminum alloys having improved ballistics and armor protection performance
New 7XXX alloys having improved ballistics performance are disclosed. The new alloys generally are resistant to armor piercing rounds at 2850 fps, resistant to fragment simulated particles at 2950 fps, and are resistant to spalling. To achieve the improved ballistics properties, the alloys are generally overaged so as to obtain a tensile yield strength that is (i) at least about 10 ksi lower than peak strength and/or (ii) no greater than 70 ksi. |
| US08206516B2 |
R—Fe—B rare earth sintered magnet and method for producing same
In a method for producing an R—Fe—B based rare-earth sintered magnet according to the present invention, first, provided is an R—Fe—B based rare-earth sintered magnet body including, as a main phase, crystal grains of an R2Fe14B type compound that includes a light rare-earth element RL, which is at least one of Nd and Pr, as a major rare-earth element R. Thereafter, the sintered magnet body is heated while a heavy rare-earth element RH, which is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Dy, Ho and Tb, is supplied to the surface of the sintered magnet body, thereby diffusing the heavy rare-earth element RH into the rare-earth sintered magnet body. |
| US08206512B2 |
Automatic and manual detergent type identification to select a wash algorithm based on detergent type
A detergent module for dispensing detergent during a wash-cycle is presented in which a sensor senses and indicates or a user via control input indicates whether the detergent in the module is a solid-type detergent or a liquid-type detergent, and the detergent-type indication is used by a dishwashing machine or a laundry washing machine to select a washing algorithm tailored to exploit the cleaning efficiency of the detergent. |
| US08206511B2 |
Daily cleaner with slip-resistant and gloss-enhancing properties
A method of cleaning an uncoated surface includes providing a composition having a pH of between about 7 and about 11 and applying the composition to the uncoated surface. The composition includes a fatty acid salt constituting between about 5% and about 40% by weight of the composition, a gloss-enhancing agent constituting between about 0.1% and 20% by weight of the composition, an anti-slip agent constituting between about 0.5% and about 10% by weight of the composition, and water constituting between about 20% and about 94.6% by weight of the composition. The composition can be applied at least three times a week. |
| US08206509B2 |
Cleaning liquid for lithography and method for forming wiring
Provided are a cleaning liquid for lithography that exhibits excellent corrosion suppression performance in relation to tungsten, and excellent removal performance in relation to a resist film or the like, and a method for forming a wiring using the cleaning liquid for lithography. The cleaning liquid for lithography according to the present invention includes a quaternary ammonium hydroxide, a water-soluble organic solvent, water, an inorganic salt and an anti-corrosion agent represented by a general formula (1) below. In the general formula (1), R1 represents an alkyl group or an aryl group having 1-17 carbon atoms, and R2 represents an alkyl group having 1-13 carbon atoms. |
| US08206508B2 |
Wet surface treatment by usage of a liquid bath containing energy limited bubbles
A method controllably and sustainably creates an upwardly directed gradient of dropping temperatures in a wet treatment tank between a cooled and face down workpiece (e.g., an in-process semiconductor wafer) and a lower down heat source. A thermal fluid upwell containing thermally collapsible bubbles is then directed from the heat source to the face down workpiece. In one class of embodiments, bubble collapse energy release and/or bubble collapse locations are controlled so as to avoid exposing delicate features of the to-be-treated surface to damaging forces. In one class of embodiments the wet treatment includes ultra-cleaning of the work face. Cleaning fluids that are essentially free of predefined contaminates are upwelled to the to-be-cleaned surface and potentially contaminated after-flows are convectively directed away from the workpiece so as to prevent recontamination of the workpiece. |
| US08206500B1 |
Performance grade asphalt mix
A Performance Grade asphalt mix composition is provided which contains i) an asphalt extender containing the residue from the purification process of used/waste lubricating oil; ii) liquid asphalt cement; iii) asphalt bearing waste materials; and iv) aggregates. The invention further relates to a method of preparing the asphalt composition and a paving composition containing same. |
| US08206495B2 |
Gas filtration system
A gas filtration system includes a liquid filtering system and a gas transferring system. The liquid filtering system has multiple tanks connected to each which contains a gas scrubbing liquid through which the gas is bubbled. The gas transferring system includes pipes coupled with the tanks for transferring gases. The tanks include a dry tank that is used for storing one or more of pumps, filters and a gas flow buffer. |
| US08206489B2 |
Method of deacidizing a gas with a fractional regeneration absorbent solution with control of the water content of the solution
The present invention relates to a method of deacidizing a gaseous effluent, wherein the following stages are carried out: a) contacting the gaseous effluent with an absorbent solution so as to obtain a gaseous effluent depleted in acid compounds and an absorbent solution laden with acid compounds, the absorbent solution being selected for its property to form two separable phases when it absorbs an amount of acid compounds, b) separating the absorbent solution laden with acid compounds into two fractions: a first absorbent solution fraction depleted in acid compounds and a second absorbent solution fraction enriched in acid compounds, c) regenerating the second fraction so as to release part of the acid compounds, d) mixing a predetermined amount of water with the first absorbent solution fraction obtained in stage b) or with the regenerated absorbent solution fraction obtained in stage c), then e) recycling the first absorbent solution fraction and the regenerated absorbent solution as the absorbent solution. |
| US08206486B2 |
Dross cooling system and cooling method
Embodiments of an aluminum dross cooling head are disclosed. The cooling cooperates with a material container encapsulate dross and reduce thermiting of the dross. In one embodiment, the cooling head also serves as a compression head when forced into the dross by a cooperating dross press assembly. |
| US08206485B2 |
Metal powders and methods for producing the same
A method for producing a metal powder product involves: Providing a supply of a precursor metal powder; combining the precursor metal powder with a liquid to form a slurry; feeding the slurry into a pulsating stream of hot gas; and recovering the metal powder product. |
| US08206483B2 |
Compact air filter element with knock protection
A compact filter element (10, 10′, 10″) is provided with knock protection to protect the filter element against damage, such as may be incurred by tapping or hitting the filter against a hard surface. The filter element includes a filter body (1) having of a wound filter medium and configured for axial flow through its end faces (2). At least at one end face (2) of the filter body (1) a protective collar (3, 3′, 3″) is provided which surrounds an outer circumference and projects past the end face (2). |
| US08206478B2 |
Portable and modular separator/collector device
The disclosure relates to a modular waste liquid separator and collector device, comprising component modules. A first module comprises a support structure, a second module comprises a droplet separator connectable to said support structure, and a third module comprises a waste liquid collector. The component modules are individually portable, and are assembled at the point of use. |
| US08206473B2 |
Abrasive composition and article formed therefrom
An abrasive composition including vitreous binding material; abrasive material; and a dimensional stabilizing additive (DSA), present in an amount that is from about 1 to about 40 volume percent of the abrasive composition, wherein the dimensionally stabilizing additive is inert to the binding material, and has a Mohs hardness of between 4 and 9, and wherein the abrasive composition does not include hollow sphere fillers. Also included is a method of making an abrasive articles, articles formed thereby; and articles formed from the abrasive compositions. |
| US08206472B2 |
Fixed abrasive wire
There is provided a fixed abrasive wire having abrasives fixed thereon with a superior fixing strength. The abrasives are fixed on the wire by electroplating in which the wire is subjected to a degreasing step, an acid cleaning step, a rinsing step and an electroplating step sequentially. A plating liquid used in the electroplating step contains a nickel-containing organic acid or a nickel-containing inorganic acid, a leveling agent, and the abrasives. It is a feature that a plated coat being over the top of each of the abrasives has a smaller thickness than a theoretical value. |
| US08206467B2 |
Method for manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor
A method includes the following steps: forming a porous anode body using powder of valve metal or an alloy thereof; forming a dielectric layer on the surface of the anode body; soaking the anode body having the dielectric layer in a liquid containing a conductive-polymer monomer, thereby making the monomer adhere to the dielectric layer of the anode body; forming a first conductive polymer layer by soaking the anode body having the monomer adhered thereto in an oxidizing agent solution, thereby polymerizing the monomer by liquid-phase chemical polymerization; forming a second conductive polymer layer by bringing the conductive-polymer monomer into contact with the surface of the anode body having the first conductive polymer layer in a gas phase, thereby polymerizing the monomer by gas-phase chemical polymerization; and forming a third conductive polymer layer by soaking the anode body having the second conductive polymer layer in a liquid containing a monomer of a conductive polymer layer, thereby polymerizing the monomer by electrolytic polymerization. |
| US08206464B2 |
Blue polymeric hair dyes
Disclosed are cationic polymeric dye with a hue value of h=210° to 330° comprising: a) a polymer backbone, b) a residue of an organic dye, and c) optionally colorless organic groups, wherein (b) and (c) are covalently bound to the polymer backbone (a), and wherein the cationic charges can independently be part of the dye or the colorless organic groups. The dyes are distinguished by their depth of shade and their good fastness properties to washing, such as, for example, fastness to light, shampooing and rubbing. |
| US08206462B2 |
Use of polymers comprising carboxyl groups in combination with bivalent cations for creating a protective layer
The present invention relates to the use of polymers comprising carboxyl groups in combination with bivalent cations for producing a protective layer on a textile sheet material and to textile treatment agents, in particular washing and cleaning agents containing said polymers in a suitable form of administration, in order to enable the formation of a protective layer on textile sheet materials. |
| US08206456B2 |
Restrictive and/or obstructive implant system for inducing weight loss
The present application describes an implant system useable for positioning an implant device such as a device useful for restricting passage of ingested food into the stomach. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a plurality of anchors that may be coupled to tissue within the stomach, or to a tissue tunnel formed by plicating stomach wall tissue. The anchor includes a loop. During use, the implant device is inserted through the loop and expanded such that it retains its position within the loop until removed. Instruments for implanting and explanting the implant device are also described. |
| US08206453B2 |
Sigmoid notch implant
A sigmoid notch resurfacing prosthesis for application to the sigmoid notch of the distal radius. The sigmoid notch prosthesis generally includes a saddle and a radius portion for attachment to the distal radius. The saddle may be formed from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or another durable self-lubricating material. The saddle includes an at least partially concave contoured depression having rounded edges that is securable to the radius portion. The saddle may be secured by a sliding notch snap fit design. The prosthesis may be adapted for articulation with the natural head of the ulnar or with an ulnar head prosthesis that has replaced the ulnar head. |
| US08206452B2 |
Prosthetic device with damper
A prosthetic joint assembly supports articulation of a joint. The joint assembly includes a first component configured to be fixed to an anatomical feature. The first component includes a first impact surface and a second component that engages the first component. The second component includes a second impact surface that impacts the first impact surface as the first component moves relative to the second component. Furthermore, at least one of the first impact surface and the second impact surface includes a dampening member that dampens energy resulting from impact of the first and second impact surfaces. |
| US08206451B2 |
Posterior stabilized orthopaedic prosthesis
A posterior stabilized knee orthopaedic prosthesis includes a tibial bearing and a femoral component configured to articulate with the tibial bearing. The tibial bearing includes a spine having a concave cam surface and a convex cam surface. The femoral component includes a posterior cam having a concave cam surface and a convex cam surface. During flexion, the concave cam surface of the posterior cam contacts the convex cam surface of the spine and the convex cam surface of the posterior cam contacts the concave cam surface of the spine. |
| US08206447B2 |
Methods and apparatus for intervertebral disc prosthesis insertion
A method for inserting an intervertebral disc prosthesis into a space between two vertebrae involves inserting the prosthesis partway into the space under constraint to prevent endplates of the prosthesis from articulating, releasing the prosthesis from constraint, and inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space. In some embodiments, the method involves grasping the prosthesis with a grasping device to insert the prosthesis partway under constraint, loosing the grasping device to release the prosthesis from constraint, and pushing the prosthesis farther into the disc space using the grasping device and/or one or more separate pusher devices. A system includes a grasping device, at least one separate pushing device, and optionally a vertebral spreading device and/or a vertebral midline indicator device. |
| US08206446B1 |
Method for surgically repairing a damaged ligament
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgical repair technique involves the use of a single femoral and tibial tunnel and an implant that separates and positions two distinct bundles. This allows for the surgeon to create a more anatomic reconstruction with a procedure that is less technically demanding, can be performed using a transtibial or anteromedial approach, minimizes tunnel widening, and decreases operative time. The result is a strong fixation option for soft tissue grafts, with circumferential graft compression at the aperture, high pull-out strength, and ease of use. The graft bundles are positioned in a more anatomic orientation through the above noted single femoral and tibial tunnel. |
| US08206444B2 |
Middle ear prosthesis
A middle ear prosthesis comprises a body of deformable material capable of retaining different shapes. The body comprises a slotted wall defining a cavity for receiving a bone of the middle ear. The wall is deformable proximate slots in the wall between an open position for receiving the bone and a closed position wherein the body is reshaped to grasp the bone. |
| US08206443B2 |
Fail-safe silicone breast implant delivery device
A tapered sleeve is provided for implant delivery. An implant (e.g., a pre-filled silicone breast implant) is introduced into a large proximal end of the sleeve and extruded into a surgical pocket of minimal access incision size through a small-sized distal end of the device. Sized appropriately to the implant, the sleeve remains intact during implant run-through of the sleeve. |
| US08206442B2 |
Intraocular lens device for the improvement of vision in case of retinal diseases
The invention concerns an intraocular lens device which is used in particular for treatment of diseases of the central retina (macula) with retinal areas which are still healthy.The main principle of the invention at hand is that a lens device is provided for the redirection of the focal point from an area with impaired retinal function to a functioning area which comprises at least one convex lens element and several wedge-shaped recesses.Surprisingly it was found that a considerable reduction of the thickness of the lens device is thus achievable when several wedge-shaped recesses are provided. |
| US08206438B2 |
Prosthetic heart valve having flared outflow section
Expandable, percutaneously deployable, prosthetic heart valves and systems for minimally invasive replacement of damaged or diseased native aortic valves comprise an expandable, tubular stent body and a unidirectional valve assembly. Embodiments of the stent body comprise an annulus anchoring section, a sinus section, and an outflow section, with the outflow section flared outward from the sinus section in an expanded configuration. Embodiments of the stent body are self-expanding, comprising, for example nitinol. The valve assembly disposed within the sinus section of the stent body and sutured thereto. Embodiments of the valve assembly comprise three leaflets, each leaflet comprising a curved outer edge sutured to the sinus section of the stent body, and a coapting free edge. Embodiments of the valve leaflets comprise pericardium. Embodiments of the prosthetic heart valve have a contracted configuration dimensioned for percutaneous delivery thereof. |
| US08206437B2 |
Implant implantation unit and procedure for implanting the unit
The implant implantation unit (2), at a determined position in the tubular element (51) with a wall comprising a cavity (50), is pushed there by a catheter (60) and the unit comprises deformable feelers (31) to, under the control of remote activation elements (42), change from a stowed form to a deployed functional form, to detect the cavity (50) and position itself there with reference to the position of the cavity. |
| US08206436B2 |
Coated stent with geometry determinated functionality and method of making the same
The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent, which combines many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal stents while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, a principal objective in accordance with the present invention is to provide a family of stents where the relative hardness/softness of regions of the stent can differ from other regions of the stent to provide additional patient comfort and resistance to compression forces. Exemplary embodiments provide a stent that is coated in a manner that limits the amount of coating surface area that is in direct contact with the target lumen. In particular, a covered stent is provided that is coated internally such that the outer scaffolding surface of the stent is raised from the outer surface of the coating. To this end, cilia function is only partially limited and mucociliary clearance is not significantly affected. Moreover, the coating itself has anti-adherent properties such that bacteria, fungi or other microbials cannot colonize the cover in particular and the stent generally. |
| US08206435B2 |
Expandable medical device for delivery of beneficial agent
An expandable medical device has elongated struts joined together to form a substantially cylindrical device which is expandable from a cylinder having a first diameter to a cylinder having a second diameter. At least one of the struts includes at least one opening extending at least partially through a thickness of the strut. A beneficial agent is loaded into the opening within the strut in layers to achieve desired temporal release kinetics of the agent. Alternatively, the beneficial agent is loaded in a shape which is configured to achieve the desired agent delivery profile. A wide variety of delivery profiles can be achieved including zero order, pulsatile, increasing, decrease, sinusoidal, and other delivery profiles. |
| US08206433B2 |
Removable coiled stent
A stent is described that is capable of expanding and thereafter recoiling to its initial coiled state within a biliary duct. A delivery system is utilized to deploy the stent in its natural coiled state into a targeted site of an occluded biliary duct. A balloon from the delivery system is positioned within a lumen defined by the inner coiled arm of the stent. The inflation of a balloon from the delivery system causes the inner coiled arm to radially move outward and engage the outer coiled arm to form an expanded stent. The expanded stent can revert back to its recoiled state by deploying a balloon through a lumen of the expanded stent. Inflation of the balloon disengages the inner coiled arm from the outer coiled arm thereby collapsing the inner coiled arm radially outward and onto the outer coiled arm to form a recoiled stent. The recoiled stent can be removed from the biliary duct. |
| US08206432B2 |
Stent
A radially expandable stent comprising a plurality of spaced band-like elements and intersecting links is disclosed. The band-like elements have a generally serpentine configuration to provide continuous waves of generally sinusoidal character to each band-like element. The waves are characterized by a plurality of peaks and troughs taking a generally longitudinal direction along the cylinder such that the waves in the band-like elements open as the stent is expanded from a first diameter to a second diameter. The intersecting links are substantially U-shaped and terminate in first and second shanks. The first shank of a link emanates from a region between a peak and trough on a band-like element and the second shank of the link emanates from a region between a peak and trough on an adjacent band-like element. |
| US08206431B2 |
Stent body sock
A stent delivery system which includes a stent delivery catheter, the stent delivery catheter having a stent mounting region, the stent mounting region having an inflatable portion. A stent is disposed about the stent mounting region, the stent having an unexpanded position and an expanded position. At least one stent retaining sleeve is also included having first and second ends, the first end being attached to the stent delivery catheter, the at least one stent retaining sleeve disposed about at least a portion of the stent in the unexpanded position, the stent retaining sleeve being constructed and arranged to retract toward the attached first end when the stent is expanded. |
| US08206430B2 |
Endolumenal sealant delivery apparatus and methods
Endolumenally sealing a zone around the puncture and dilation area of a stent-graft fenestration or sealing the juncture between two lumens with an expandable sealant delivery device. In exemplary embodiments, an expandable sealant delivery device includes a catheter mounted balloon, which has a microporous membrane or a plurality of pores suitable for delivering a surgical sealant. |
| US08206423B2 |
Devices for introduction into a body via a substantially straight conduit to form a predefined curved configuration, and methods employing such devices
A device for introduction into a body in a straight configuration and assuming within the body a predefined curved configuration, includes an elongated element formed from a number of segments interconnected so as to form effective hinges therebetween. When the elongated element is confined to a straight state, the effective hinges transfer compressive forces from each segment to the next so that the elongated element can be pushed to advance it through a conduit. When the elongated element is not confined to a straight state, the effective hinges allow deflection of each segment relative to adjacent segments until abutment surfaces of the segments come into abutment, thereby defining a fully flexed state of the elongated element with a predefined curved configuration. The device can be produced with a wide range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional curved forms, and has both medical and non-medical applications. |
| US08206422B2 |
Spine stiffening device and associated method
In various embodiments, a spinal stabilization system has a first and a second vertebral anchor each adapted to be coupled to one of a first and a second vertebrae. The system also includes a flexible connecting element coupled to each of the first and second vertebral anchors and extending between the vertebral anchors. The connecting element has a central member and a brace positioned about the central member and the central member is stiffer than the brace to provide the needed combination of support and stiffness to the construct while offering flexibility. These and other various embodiments of this invention offer an improvement over known systems by providing stabilization of the vertebral column while allowing for flexibility and axial dampening. |
| US08206419B2 |
Systems and devices for dynamic stabilization of the spine
A dynamic stabilization device, system, and method for use with a spinal motion segment includes a first bone anchor assembly, a second bone anchor assembly, a first articulation element and a second articulation element. The first articulation element includes an end portion engageable with the first bone anchor assembly, a first articulation surface, and a resilient element therebetween. The first articulation surface is separably engageable with a second articulation surface associated with the second articulation element. The resilient element provides resilient resistance when the first and second bone anchor assemblies are moved toward one another and provides no resistance and is separable from the second bone anchor assembly when the first and second bone anchor assemblies are moved away from one another. |
| US08206418B2 |
System and method for facet joint replacement with detachable coupler
A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, and a superior implant with a superior articular surface. The implants may be coupled together by a detachable coupler which can align and rigidly hold the inferior and superior articular surfaces in a preferred alignment relative to one another. A portion of the coupler may be deformable to allow detachment of the coupler from at least one of the implants. In one method of implantation, the superior and inferior implants may be aligned and coupled together with the coupler, and then secured to fixation members anchored in adjacent vertebrae. Alternatively, a first implant may be secured to a fixation member anchored in a first vertebra, and a second implant coupled to the coupler, aligned with the first implant and then secured to a fixation member anchored in a second vertebra. A tool may grip, position and/or deliver the coupler and the implants. |
| US08206414B2 |
Sequential lymphedema pump (SLP)
A method of treating a body limb by applying pressure to the limb using a flexible sheet having a plurality of successively connected inflatable chambers. |
| US08206405B2 |
Acetabular cup positioning
A computer aided surgery system, method, surgical method and instrument for guiding the positioning of an acetabular cup in a pelvis are described. The position of the transverse acetabular ligament of the pelvis and the position of the acetabular labrum of the pelvis are determined. The orientation of an acetabular plane including the acetabular labrum and the transverse acetabular ligament is calculated. A planned position for the acetabular cup is determined, in which an inlet plane of the cup is substantially parallel to the acetabular plane. The instrument comprises a mounting for attaching the instrument to a patient, a support, a guide defining a longitudinal axis, and for receiving a further instrument bearing the acetabular cup implant, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism can allow the angular orientation of the guide to be adjusted about at least two different axes to allow the inclination and version or anteversion of the longitudinal axis to be altered. |
| US08206402B2 |
Incision tool
An incision tool includes a sheath; a plurality of wires that are inserted through an internal space of the sheath, and that, as a result of a portion thereof being inserted through both first wire insertion through holes that are provided in a distal end portion of the sheath and second wire insertion through holes that are provided on the sheath distal end side of the first wire insertion through holes, are exposed on the outside of the sheath between the first wire insertion through holes and the second wire insertion through holes, and that receive high-frequency current; and an operating unit that is connected to a base end side of the wires and that adjusts the length of the exposed portions of the wires which are exposed on the outside of the sheath by moving forwards or backwards relatively to the sheath in the longitudinal direction of the wires. |
| US08206398B2 |
Apparatus for spinal fusion
An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. An expandable implant includes a plurality of elements are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of elements. The column of elements is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the elements are consecutively added to the column. The expandable implant includes a constraint including a cooperative engagement structure between adjacent elements. |
| US08206397B2 |
Instruments and techniques for disc space preparation
A series of instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) are provided for direct-anterior and oblique-anterior disc space and end plate preparation. The instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) provide precise guidance for channel formation in the vertebral endplates by guiding rotating and bladed cutting instruments (122, 250, 580). Instrumentation (550) for oblique-anterior disc space preparation includes compound angulation to account for the angle of approach to the spine and the angulation between adjacent vertebrae. Methods and techniques for use of the instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) are also described. |
| US08206396B2 |
Femoral head surgical resurfacing aid
A femoral head surgical resurfacing aid that includes a C-shaped band with an interior surface conformed to fit a femoral neck of a patient is presented. An arch extends from one side of the C-shaped band to the other side of the C-shaped band and further extends over a femoral head of the patient. An alignment tube guide is positioned along the arch and extends outward from the arch. |
| US08206392B2 |
Surgical saw device and method of manufacture
A surgical saw includes a shaft, a first saw blade mounted on the shaft, a second saw blade mounted on the shaft parallel to the first saw blade, the first saw blade having a first tooth having two distal tips, and the second saw blade having a second tooth with a distal tip, the second tooth bent towards the first saw blade and the distal tip of the second tooth aligned with a centerline between the two distal tips of the first tooth. |
| US08206390B2 |
Uni-directional ratcheting bone plate assembly
A bone plate assembly and method of using the same in a patient is disclosed that includes a ratchet mechanism that allows unidirectional incremental adjustment of the overall length of the bone plate assembly. The bone plate assembly is capable of being created to have various stages. One illustrative bone plate assembly includes an intermediate plate component having a first tongue extending upwardly from a central portion of the intermediate plate component and a second tongue extending downwardly from the central portion of the intermediate plate component. First and second end plate components are included that have first and second tongue grooves that are adapted to slidably engage at least a portion of the first and second tongues. A first and second ratchet mechanism is included that allows the first and second end plate components to be incrementally ratcheted toward the central portion of the intermediate plate component. |
| US08206388B2 |
Insert for a clamping element, clamping element comprising said insert and universal joint produced therefrom
An insert for a clamping element having two jaws for clamping a rod-shaped element comprises at least one jacket element. The jacket element can be inserted into one jaw each of the clamping element, thereby allowing the varying, especially reducing, the free space available for a rod. The insert also comprises at least one retaining section which fastens at least one part of the insert in or on at least one of the jaws of the clamping element. A clamping element can be provided with two jacket elements, interlinked via an undulated web, or two or three juxtaposed longitudinal grooves for receiving rods having different diameters. |
| US08206387B2 |
Interbody spinal implant inductively coupled to an external power supply
An electrical bone growth promotion apparatus for the delivery of electrical current to an implant surgically implanted between adjacent bone masses to promote bone growth to areas adjacent to the implant is disclosed. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a self contained implant having a surgically implantable, renewable power supply and related control circuitry for delivering electrical current directly to the implant and thus directly to the area in which the promotion of bone growth is desired. The desired areas of bone growth promotion may be controlled by conducting negative charge only to the desired location of bone growth promotion. |
| US08206381B2 |
Electrosurgical methods and devices employing phase-controlled radiofrequency energy
This disclosure relates generally to electrosurgical methods and devices. In one embodiment, an electrosurgical device is provided suitable for applying phase controlled RF energy to a treatment site. The electrosurgical device comprises a multi-electrode electrosurgical probe electrically coupled to a plurality of RF generators. Also provided are methods of use of such an electrosurgical device, as well as other electrosurgical devices. The methods and devices disclosed herein find utility, for example, in the field of medicine. |
| US08206379B2 |
Techniques for alteration of iris pigment
Techniques for altering iris pigment in a human or animal, thereby altering iris color of an iris from a first iris color to a second iris color, are provided. An apparatus includes at least one laser device and a masking device. Another apparatus includes at least one laser device and a contact lens. The at least one laser device can generate at least one beam to selectively remove iris pigment of at least one preselected pigment color from the iris. The energy level of the at least one beam is within a predetermined range. The masking devices include a transparent portion and an opaque portion. The opaque portion of one such masking device occludes a portion of the at least one beam to protect a pupil area. The opaque portion of another such masking device creates an elliptical beam for application of the beam laterally from the side of the iris or some other different angle for lateral exposure of the iris. The contact lens includes a transparent portion and an opaque portion. The opaque portion of such contact lens occludes a portion of the at least one beam to protect a pupil area. In a specific embodiment, the apparatus further includes a second laser device capable of generating a second beam to selectively remove iris pigment of a second preselected pigment color from the iris. |
| US08206376B2 |
Connection system for multi-lumen catheter
A catheter connection system and a method of connecting the catheter connection system to a catheter. The catheter connection system includes a hub assembly and a collar. The hub assembly includes a cannula extending from a distal end thereof, and a collet defining an inner surface spaced apart from the cannula to permit passage of a catheter wall between the body and the cannula. The collet includes a proximal barb on an outer surface and the collar includes an attachment barb on an inner surface, engagement of the respective barbs acting to provide a permanent connection between the collar on the collet, while permitting free rotation of the collar about the collet. |
| US08206375B2 |
Valved connector
A valved connector configured to control the leakage of bodily fluid from within a patient. The valved connector including a seal positioned within a lumen of the body of the valved connector. The distal end of the valved connector is adapted to permit access to, or coupling of an apparatus. A proximal end is adapted to be threadably coupled to a secondary device. The needless connector valve being configured to be openable by a dilator or post of an apparatus which is connected to the proximal end of the needleless connector. In the event that a luer coupler or other secondary apparatus is not available, a needle, cannula, trocar, or other instrument can be threaded through the main lumen of the valved connector opening the valve and allowing the passage of fluid directly through the needle, trocar, cannula, or other instrument. |
| US08206362B1 |
Device for administering eye drops
The present invention provides a device to facilitate the self-administration of eye drops. The device includes a body portion adapted for placement on the user's face, generally over the eye in which the drops are to be applied. The body portion preferably includes an integral handle which may be held between the thumb and forefinger of the user. Many embodiments may also incorporate a nose bridge to assist in locating the device in the correct position. |
| US08206361B2 |
Injection device
An injection device for injection of set doses of medicine from a cartridge, in which syringe a dose is set by screwing a nut up along a threaded piston rod, whereby a dose setting drum, which carries on its cylindrical surface along a helix a scale of which a number corresponding to the set dose is shown in a window in the housing of the syringe, and an injection button, which is elevated over the end of the syringe, are moved axially a distance which is larger than the axial movement of the nut. A gear wheel transmission is established between the nut and the injection button. |
| US08206360B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for medicament delivery
An apparatus includes a label configured to be coupled to a medicament delivery device. The label includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is configured to be coupled to an outer surface of the medicament delivery device. The second surface includes a textual indicia. The label further includes an electronic circuit system configured to output an electronic signal. |
| US08206356B2 |
Reagent injection apparatus and method of producing the same
A structure includes a main tube 2 that contains a needlelike tubular body lumen 10 through which a needlelike tubular body 3 is inserted, with a distal section 4 of the main tube 2 having a first guide wire insertion section 33 and second guide wire insertion section 35, respectively containing a first guide wire lumen 38 and second guide wire lumen 52 through which a first guide wire 32 and second guide wire 34 are inserted. This structure further has a support tube 62 whose tip remains a free end, wherein this support tube 62 accepts a part of the second guide wire 34 extending out of the second guide wire lumen 52 and thereby supports the second guide wire insertion section 35. |
| US08206348B2 |
Drug delivery system
Apparatuses and methods for coating and/or loading a medical device with a therapeutic agent prior to or during the placement of the medical device within the patient's body. In one variation, the medical device is coated and/or loaded with a therapeutic agent while the device is positioned in a delivery apparatus. In another variation, the delivery apparatus comprises a reservoir for retaining a therapeutic agent. The user may release the therapeutic agent from the reservoir prior to or during the placement of the device to coat and/or load the device with the therapeutic agent. |
| US08206346B2 |
Targeted drug delivery device and method
A targeted drug delivery device is provided. The device comprises an elongated member with proximal and distal ends, a plurality of infusion ports associated with the distal end of the elongated member, and a selector mechanism for selectively placing an introducer port into fluid communication with at least one infusion port. A method for treating tissue is also provided. The method comprises introducing a medical device into the tissue, selecting a region of the tissue to treat, positioning the medical device in proximity to the region, and introducing a medicament through the device to treat only that region. |
| US08206344B2 |
Catheter assembly with side wall exit lumen and method therefor
A catheter assembly includes a catheter body that extends from a distal end to a proximal end. The catheter body includes a delivery lumen, and an actuator lumen, where the actuator lumen extends from a position near or at the distal end to an intermediate portion that does not extend through the proximal end of the catheter body. The catheter body optionally includes an accessory lumen that extends from at or near the distal end and terminates at an intermediate portion that does not extend through the proximal end surface of the catheter body, for example, on a side wall. |
| US08206341B2 |
Device and process for controlling the depth of sedation of a mechanically respirated patient
A device is provided for controlling the depth of sedation of a respirated patient. The device includes a respirator (2) and a sensor array (1) for detecting the tidal volume and/or the respiration rate of the patient being respirated. A computing unit (5) is provided for calculating the measured values determined with the sensor array (1). A drug regulating unit (3), a drug dispensing unit (4), and a central control device (6) are provided. The central control device (6) has stored desired values for the drug concentration to be dispensed as a function of a preselected depth of sedation corresponding to the corresponding variability over time of the tidal volume and/or respiration rate. The drug regulating unit (3) sets the drug dispensing unit (4) as a function of the tidal volume detected and/or the respiration rate for a preselected depth of sedation of the patient. |
| US08206339B2 |
System for monitoring and controlling peritoneal dialysis
A peritoneal dialysis system includes a cycler operable with a disposable cassette, the cassette connected to a patient line, the cassette capable of fluid communication with a catheter having access to a patient's peritoneal cavity, the cycler configured to: (i) convey dialysis fluid to the peritoneal cavity through the patient line and the catheter during a patient fill phase; (ii) allow the dialysis fluid to dwell within the peritoneal cavity during a patient dwell phase; (iii) convey dialysis fluid away from the peritoneal cavity through the patient line and the catheter during a patient drain phase; and (iv) sense, at first and second sensing locations of the disposable cassette via first and second pressure sensors, an intraperitoneal pressure through the catheter to optimize an amount of fluid conveyed during the patient fill phase, so that the peritoneal cavity is not overpressurized during the patient dwell phase. |
| US08206337B2 |
Apparatus used for the humidification of gases in medical procedures
This invention relates to apparatus used to heat, humidify and filter insufflated gases to alter the temperature and humidity of gases prior to delivering the gases into a patient The apparatus includes an insufflator, humidifier and gas transportation conduit connected to gas delivery tubing to deliver humidified and heated gases to a body cavity prior to and during a medical procedure. The insufflator an humidifier are contained in the one housing, enabling the housing to be located remote from an operating table. The gas transportation conduit delivers the humidified gases to the body cavity in a flexible tubing having located within, throughout or around it heating apparatus enabling the gas temperature and humidity levels to be maintained from the housing to the patient. |
| US08206334B2 |
Implantable micro-system for treatment of hydrocephalus
An implantable system for the treatment of hydrocephalus has a plurality of hollow microneedles in a fixed array. The microneedles have passages there through and are of a size to extend through dura mater with a proximal end on one side of the dura mater and a distal end communicating with the venous system in an area on a second side of the dura mater. An array of microvalves associated with a proximal end of the microneedles include segments movable by a pressure build up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the interior of the brain to provide open communication between the interior of the brain on one side of the dura mater and the venous system on the second side of the dura mater. A plurality of fluid transmitting members has distal ends communicating with the microvalves and a proximal end communicating with the ventricular space of the brain. The fluid transmitting members transmit CSF from the ventricular space through the microvalves and micro needles in fluid communication with the fluid transmitting members to prevent an excessive pressure build up of CSF within the interior of the brain. |
| US08206333B2 |
Ocular implant
The present invention relates to an ocular implant, particularly a glaucoma stent.It is the object of the present invention to devise an ocular implant which allows the ocular eye pressure to be regulated, i.e., to be maintained at a desired level, while preventing the flow resistance from increasing over time, for example due to fibrosis.In order to achieve this object, the ocular implant according to the invention comprises a small tube (5), the wall surface (3) of which encloses a hollow duct that is open on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the hollow duct, wherein a first opening (1) allowing ocular humor to flow in and a second opening (2) allowing the ocular humor to be discharged is provided, and wherein the wall surface (3) is formed by a liquid-tight material, and wherein at least one pressure-controlled valve (4) is disposed in the area of the wall surface (3). |
| US08206332B2 |
Indwelling heat exchange catheter and method of using same
A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system. |
| US08206331B2 |
Wearable ultrafiltration device
An ultrafiltration device adapted to be worn on a portion of the body of a patient includes a blood inlet tube leading from a first blood vessel, a blood pump, an anticoagulant reservoir for infusing anticoagulants into the blood, a blood filter including a substrate through which the blood is circulated and filtered, a fluid bag for storing the excess fluid and a blood outlet tube leading to a second blood vessel. |
| US08206329B2 |
Range of motion device
The present provides an orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions. The orthosis includes a first arm member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second arm member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom. The second extension member is operatively connected to the first extension member and travels through the first extension member along an arcuate path when the second arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first arm member. |
| US08206328B2 |
Liposculpting device
An apparatus and method for simultaneously applying a compressive and a reciprocating force to underlying adipose cells from a location external to a patient's skin to rupture or otherwise remove the adipose cells within a subcutaneous tissue region. The adipose cells are ruptured through the mechanical application of compression and shearing forces. The patient's body then re-absorbs and expels the ruptured cells. This eliminates the need for invasive liposuction and the trauma associated with invasive liposuction. Various mechanical devices may be employed to impart the compressive and shearing forces. |
| US08206326B2 |
Combination ultrasound-phototherapy transducer
A soundhead of a treatment device is provided that enables a volume of tissue located beneath the soundhead to simultaneously receive ultrasound and light stimulation. According to one embodiment, the soundhead includes an ultrasound transducer, a light source, and a faceplate extending across a face of the transducer for providing a tissue contacting and ultrasound energy coupling surface of the soundhead. The faceplate is transparent or translucent to the light generated by the light source. Alternate embodiments including externally mounted light sources are also disclosed. |
| US08206322B2 |
Catheter assembly
A catheter assembly provided with a wire arranged therein to form a loop extending from near the effective end of the catheter for bypassing an occlusion in a vein/artery. This loop consists of two wire ends, one of which wire ends extends through the catheter to the control end thereof, while the other wire end is attached thereto, in close proximity to the effective end of the catheter. By varying the relative position of the loop wire end extending from the control end and the control end, the size of the loop and the pushability thereof at the effective end of the catheter can be determined. In this manner, the occlusion can be removed with precise control by the physician using two hands. In addition, the catheter is formed not only for the loop wire end extending through the catheter, but also for incorporating a guide wire and/or for contrast fluids. |
| US08206320B2 |
System and method for introducing multiple medical devices
A method and apparatus for introducing a first elongate medical device and short wire guide that are coupled together into a work site and remotely disconnecting them within the work site such that a secondary device comprising a catheter member can be introduced over the wire guide to the work site, and/or a second wire guide can be introduced to the work site via a passageway of the primary access device. A system of indicia, such as radiopaque or viewable markers, permit the operator to monitor the relative alignment of the devices within the work site to determine when uncoupling has occurred. In one example of the method, a wire guide and primary access device (e.g., a sphincterotome) is coupled to the wire guide and introduced via a duodenoscope into the biliary system. After performing a first medical operation, the devices are uncoupled with the wire guide being left within the biliary system such that a secondary access device, such as a balloon, biopsy device, stent delivery catheter, dilator, etc., can be introduced to perform a second medical operation without a traditional over-the-wire exchange being required. In another example of the method, a prosthesis, such as a valve or stent, is placed within the work site coupled to a wire guide which is remotely disconnected within the work site and a secondary device, such as a dilation balloon or second prosthesis, is introduced into the work site after the first delivery system is removed. |
| US08206314B2 |
MRI biopsy targeting grid with round openings
A biopsy system comprises a biopsy device and a localization grid plate, which is configured to localize part of a patient and defines a plurality of round openings. A probe of the biopsy device and/or other associated other components may be inserted through a selected one of the openings. The grid plate may thus guide the probe and/or other components as such components are inserted into the localized part of the patient; and may further support the probe and/or other components after insertion. The grid plate may thus be used without a targeting cube or other inserted guide. Alternatively, the openings of the grid plate may be configured to receive a targeting guide having a cylindraceous body. The guide body may define passageways for inserting a probe or other components, and may be rotatable to position the passageways to selectively define an insertion axis for the probe. |
| US08206310B2 |
Blood pressure measuring apparatus enabling accurate blood pressure measurement
A blood pressure measuring apparatus controls a winding mechanism in parallel with increase or decrease of a pressure of a measuring fluid bladder after the measuring fluid bladder is wound around a measurement region. Therefore, a change in a winding state of the measuring fluid bladder is prevented. Additionally, measurement accuracy is improved by keeping compliance of the measuring fluid bladder constant. |
| US08206308B2 |
Shielding for intravascular ultrasound imaging systems and methods of making and using
A catheter assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes a catheter, an imaging core, and a shield-coupling capacitor. The catheter defines a lumen extending along a longitudinal length of the catheter. The imaging core is configured and arranged for inserting into the lumen. The imaging core includes a rotatable driveshaft, one or more transducers, one or more conductors, and a conductive shield. The one or more transducers are mounted to the rotatable driveshaft. The one or more conductors are coupled to the one or more transducers and extend along the driveshaft. The conductive shield is disposed around the one or more conductors. The shield-coupling capacitor is electrically coupled to the conductive shield and includes one or more rotating capacitors. The one or more rotating capacitors include one or more rotating plates and one or more stationary plates. The shield-coupling capacitor is configured and arranged for coupling to a system ground. |
| US08206306B2 |
Ultrasound systems and methods for orthopedic applications
Medical diagnostic instruments/systems are provided that include (i) a proximal handle configured and dimensioned to permit an operator to manually grasp the instrument; (ii) an ultrasound probe including a longitudinal shaft extending distally from the handle and terminating in a distal end, and an ultrasound transducer mounted with respect to the longitudinal shaft, the ultrasound transducer including an array of ultrasonic energy generation elements (iii) a tactile feeler probe mounted with respect to the ultrasound probe; and (iv) at least one hollow receiver member mounted with respect to the longitudinal shaft of the ultrasound probe, the at least one hollow receiver member configured to receive a K-wire to permit the instrument to be slidably mounted thereto for purposes of guiding the ultrasound and tactile feeler probes axially relative to a desired anatomical location. Advantageous methods for use of the disclosed instruments/systems are also provided. |
| US08206302B2 |
Method and apparatus for filling doppler signal gaps in ultrasound diagnostic imaging
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for filling Doppler signal gaps. The method comprises steps of: storing Doppler signals before and after a gap; analyzing spectral characteristics of the Doppler signals to be filled; judging whether the Doppler signals are to be frequency compensated according to the spectral parameters; compensating the Doppler signals; and filling the gap by means of weighting and superposing the frequency compensated Doppler signals to be filled and the original Doppler signals before and after the gap based on the judging result. According to the method of the present invention, the Doppler signals before and after the gap are first subjected to frequency compensation, and then weighted and superposed with the acquired Doppler signals, thus obtaining a continuous spectrogram and audio output and maintaining the original spectral characteristics of the Doppler signal. |
| US08206296B2 |
Method and system for providing integrated analyte monitoring and infusion system therapy management
Method and system for providing diabetes management and insulin therapy based on substantially real time glucose monitoring system is provided. |
| US08206289B2 |
Electric connection portion and adaptor endoscope
An electrical connection portion fixed to an apparatus main body includes a plurality of conductive members and an insulating portion for electrically insulating the conductive members from the apparatus main body in which the conductive members are arranged. The insulating portion covers the circumference of the plurality of conductive members. Further, the insulating portion makes the conductive members arranged side by side in a state where the conductive members are insulated from each other. |
| US08206287B2 |
Endoscope having flexible tube
A flexible tube for an endoscope and an endoscope device are provided. According to the present invention, a flexible tube for an endoscope is included in an insertion portion of the endoscope to be inserted into a body cavity and the flexible tube for the endoscope includes a bending portion provided at a distal end side and configured to perform a bending operation corresponding to an operation of an operator, and a flexible tube portion having a distal end and a proximal end and the distal end is connected to a proximal end side of the bending portion. The bending portion has a region that is bent at a first curvature radius when the bending portion is maximally bent, and at the distal end side of the flexible tube portion, a region that is set to be bent at a second curvature radius smaller than the first curvature radius when the bending portion is passively bent by a predetermined force quantity is provided. Accordingly, resistance which occurs when the bending portion is passing through the intestine bending portion is suppressed and an insertion performance of the insertion portion is increased. Thus, patients are less burdened and less painful. |
| US08206286B2 |
Tightening string for an endoscope, outer cover securing method, flexible tube for an endoscope, and an endoscope
A tightening string is used in an endoscope for firmly securing an outer cover of a flexible tube of the endoscope onto an internal member disposed inside the outer cover. The tightening string is comprised of a filament assembly formed by bundling a plurality of filaments made of a synthetic resin. The invention also provides an outer cover securing method, a flexible tube for an endoscope, and an endoscope equipped with the flexible tube. Alternatively, the filament assembly may include a first filament having an elongation ratio at room temperature of greater than 10% and a second filament having a elongation ratio at room temperature of equal to or lower than 10%, in which the filament assembly is formed by twisting the first and second filaments. An outer cover securing method using the tightening string, a flexible tube for an endoscope equipped with the thus secured outer cover, and an endoscope equipped with the flexible tube are also provided. |
| US08206282B2 |
Peyronie's treatment device
A Peyronie's treatment device is described that is configured to treat an erect penis having curvature characterized by a first penis side with an unaffected length and a second penis side with an affected length that is shorter than the unaffected length. The device includes a band connected between a proximal support that is attachable to a base of a penis and a distal support that is attachable adjacent a corona of the penis. The band has an elastic material and a second material that is attached to the elastic material. The second material is provided to stop elongation of the elastic material at a length approximately equal to the affected length of the erect penis. |
| US08206281B2 |
Method and apparatus for treating pelvic organ prolapse
An apparatus for treating pelvic organ prolapse in a patient is provided. The apparatus includes a support portion having first and second ends. A first elongated end portion is connected to said first end of said support portion. The first elongated end portion includes a first dilator configured to attach securely with a tip of a needle. A second elongated end portion is connected to said second end of said support portion. The second elongated end portion includes a second dilator configured to attach securely with a tip of a needle. The first and second needles include a straight portion, a tip, a first radius, and a second radius distinct from the first radius. The first radius and the second radius are disposed between the straight portion and the tip. A method and kit for said treatment is further provided. |
| US08206279B2 |
Surgical method
The present invention relates to a method at surgical operations applying negative pressure wound treatment as a post-surgical event, whereby the pressure around an organ or tissue is distributed by applying an open cell structure around the organ or tissue avoiding a move of the organ or tissue as such. |
| US08206275B2 |
Balance training device
A balance training device includes at least one supporting base and at least one plank member. The supporting base includes a plank connecting portion formed with a plank coupling groove that opens upwardly. The plank coupling groove includes a first groove section and a second groove section that intersects the first groove section. The plank member includes a plate portion and a rib structure disposed on a bottom face of the plate portion. The rib structure removably engages the plank coupling groove of the supporting base. The rib structure includes a first rib part to engage the first groove section and a second rib part to engage the second groove section. |
| US08206269B2 |
Monitoring apparatus for a gymnastic machine
Apparatus and method for monitoring a body portion of a user during the use of a gymnastic machine provided with a video monitoring apparatus; this method comprising a phase of defining the body portion to be monitored, followed by a phase of visually and continuously monitoring this body portion through the video monitoring apparatus; this last phase comprising a sub-phase of synchronizing the trend over time of the value of at least one operating parameter of the video monitoring apparatus with a motion of the body portion described on the basis of given kinematic information acquired by a control unit of the gymnastic machine. |
| US08206268B2 |
Display mode selection
An apparatus, a method, and a computer program are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a processor. The processor is configured to obtain exercise data of a user from a measurement sensor, to identify a present exercise phase of an exercise from among a plurality of exercise phases on the basis of the exercise data, and to select a relevant display mode from among a plurality of display modes on the basis of the present exercise phase and a mapping between the display modes and the exercise phases, wherein the relevant display mode defines a set of display elements associated with the present exercise phase to be displayed to the user. |
| US08206264B2 |
Speed control structure and method for work vehicle
A load control structure for a work vehicle comprises: set rotation speed detection device for detecting a set rotation of an engine of the work vehicle; actual rotation speed detection device that senses an actual rotational speed of the engine; continuously variable speed change device that receives power from an engine of the work vehicle; speed change position detecting device for detecting a speed change operation position of the continuously variable speed change device; operating device for speed-shifting the continuously variable speed change device; control device for controlling the operation of the operating device; wherein the control device calculates a drop amount of the actual engine rotation speed from the set rotation speed based on the detected information from the set rotation speed detection device and the actual rotation speed detection device, and sets a limit operation position for the continuously variable speed change device based on the calculated drop amount and a correlation data that correlates the actual engine rotation speeds with operating positions of the continuously variable speed change device, and controls the operating device such that the operating position of the continuously variable speed change device moves to the limit operating position based on the set limit operating position and detected information from the speed change position detecting device, and wherein the control device has command device for commanding a change of the correlation data. |
| US08206262B2 |
Differential gear on a wind power plant and method for changing or switching the power range of said differential gear
A differential gear for a wind power plant includes a gearbox with three inputs and outputs. One input is connected to the rotor of the wind power plant, the first output is connected to a generator and the second output is connected to the input shaft of a continuously variable gearbox, the output shaft of which is connected to the generator side output of the gearbox. The input shaft of the continuously variable gearbox is connected to the output shaft of the gearbox via a variable gearbox. |
| US08206258B2 |
Arrangement of a planetary gearset
An arrangement for planetary gearsets comprises at least simple radially inner and radially outer planetary gearsets each comprising a sun gear, a ring gear and a carrier that carries planetary gears. The two gearsets are coaxially aligned and one of the gearsets is radially nested inside the sun gear of the other gearset. The ring gear of the radially inner gearset and the sun gear of the radially outer planetary gearset are at least coupled to one another in a rotationally fixed and are connected to a common carrier by driving teeth. To achieve a simple and inexpensive production, the ring gear of the radially inner gearset and the sun gear of the radially outer gearset are first produced as separate components with different heat treatments and then the ring and the sun gear are connected together by one of a friction force locking, a form interlocking and/or positive bonding. |
| US08206254B2 |
Manual valve control for multi-speed planetary transmission
A manual valve control for a multi-speed vehicle transmission is provided. Electronic and hydraulic components are provided, including trim valve systems that are multiplexed by a shift valve and a manual valve. The trim valves and shift valve are self-diagnosing via a plurality of multiplexed pressure switches. The control enables single and double range shifts among the multiple forward speed ratios, including shifts to and from sixth and higher forward ratios, reverse and neutral. The control also includes a reduced engine load at stop feature. In addition, a power off/limp home feature provides a plurality of failure modes, including a failure mode for sixth and higher forward speed ratios. |
| US08206247B2 |
Basketball backboard and rim mounting system
Certain embodiments of the present system deal with a basketball goal assembly which adjustably supports a backboard assembly and a rim assembly to enable players to play the game of basketball. In certain preferred aspects, the rim assembly is connected directly to the support arrangement so that force applied to the rim assembly is transmitted directly to the support assembly and is not transferred to the backboard assembly. |
| US08206245B2 |
Golf ball
A golf ball 2 includes a core 4, an envelope layer 6, a mid layer 8 and a cover 10. A thickness Tm of the mid layer 8 is less than 1.2 mm. A thickness Tc of the cover 10 is less than 0.6 mm. The sum of the thicknesses Tm and Tc is equal to or less than mm. A hardness Hs of the envelope layer 6 is 50 or greater. A hardness Hm of the mid layer 8 is 30 or greater and 60 or less. A hardness Hc of the cover 10 is less than 40. The hardness Hs, the hardness Hm, and the hardness Hc satisfy the following formula (1). Hs≧Hm≧Hc (1) The base material of the envelope layer 6 is ionomer resin. The base material of the midlayer 8 is polyurethane. The base material of the cover 10 is polyurethane. |
| US08206243B2 |
Golf clubs and golf club heads having a movable weight
A golf club head includes a wood type golf club head body having a ball striking face portion, a rear end portion opposite the ball striking face portion, a crown or top portion, a sole or bottom portion, a toe end portion, and a heel end portion. Further, the golf club head includes a moveable weight member, which may be contained internally within the golf club head body so that the moveable weight member is not exposed. Also, the club head may include a track system contained internally within the golf club head body so that the track system is not exposed. The track system includes a track which extends around the interior of one or more walls that comprise the golf club head body and the moveable weight member moves around the interior of the golf club head by sliding in the track. |
| US08206240B2 |
Golf club head
A golf club head comprising a strike face having a heel portion, a toe portion, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion includes one or more score lines. At least a portion of one or more score lines include a different average surface roughness and associated surface reflectance than at least the intermediate portion. A method for producing such a club head is also provided. |
| US08206238B2 |
Shaft for golf club
A shaft for a golf club comprises a plurality of fiber-reinforced resin layers. A plurality of circumferentially oriented metal wires are provided at intervals of 1 mm to 4 mm in an axial direction of the shaft having a length in an axial direction of more than 100 mm and less than 300 mm and being centered at a position of 3.25×102 mm from a larger-diameter end of the shaft. |
| US08206237B2 |
Muscle-back iron golf clubs with higher moment of inertia and lower center of gravity
Disclosed herein are muscle-back iron golf clubs that have improved mass qualities to provide higher rotational moments of inertia and lower center of gravity while retaining the workability of muscle-back irons and the size, shape and dimensions preferred by tour players and low handicap players. |
| US08206235B1 |
Dual ring sighting system for providing visual feedback during complete golf swing
A sighting device, for use by a golfer while standing on a ground surface and gazing at a golf ball upon the ground surface at a natural viewing angle, and hitting the golf ball. The device has a stand which includes a base for resting on the ground surface in front of the golfer, and a vertical mast. A pair of rings are suspended by the vertical mast in the path of the natural viewing angle. The rings have alignment indicia. Accordingly, the golfer observes the golf ball through the rings with both rings are concentric with the golf ball, and the alignment indicia of both rings are arranged in a straight line. Any movement of the golfer's head during the golf swing is immediately revealed to the golfer by a change in relative position between the rings and ball, and the alignment indicia deviating from a straight line. |
| US08206231B2 |
Movable novelty teeth and method thereof
An improved novelty teeth device for use with a user's teeth movable between a first concealed position and a second visible position. The novelty teeth device has a pair of spaced apart tooth wells for receiving the user's teeth. Between the tooth wells is a central lever element that connects and interacts with two rods, each of which is inserted across each tooth well. The other end of each rod is connected to a curve arm. At the distal end of each curve arm is one or more teeth elements. When the central lever element is pivoted up or down, it rotates the rods, which causes the curve arms to move up or down, concealing or revealing the teeth elements, respectively. A moldable putty can be used in the tooth well to improve comfort to the user. |
| US08206230B2 |
Circular motion theater
An entertainment structure and apparatus principally comprising a 360-degree 2D and/or 3D cinematic theater. Seating for audience members is arrangeable on a circular motion base platform. A compound curved screen may lower from above to surround the theater upon a circular motion base platform, providing seamless media. A 2D/3D projection system is oriented within the structure to provide 2D/3D images on the screen through projection overlap for edge blending. A control system is used to rotate, pitch and roll the motion base platform. The control system can be synchronized with the media presentation. The structure includes a number of variations such as a variety of seating orientations, a stationary screen, a variety of screen configurations, and modular tracking seating. |
| US08206229B2 |
Illusion generating system
The system provides a tristable environment that effects reorientation of horizontal and vertical surfaces at a human scale. The system allows the engagement and disengagement of the effect via movement of the observer without loss of the intensity of the effect. The system also provides a combined vection/motion induced blindness environment at human scale with interactivity available to non-trained participants. |
| US08206228B2 |
Multi-part longitudinal shaft for motor vehicles
A multi-part longitudinal drive shaft of a motor vehicle consists of two shaft sections that are each formed by a shaft tube connected with each other by a homokinetic displacement joint. The outer diameter of the shaft tube in the second shaft section is smaller than the inner diameter of the shaft tube of the first section. The outer joint ring of the homokinetic displacement joint is firmly connected with the shaft tube of the first shaft section and a ball hub of the joint is connected with the second shaft section. When a specific axial position is exceeded, the homokinetic displacement joint can be broken down. The individual parts of the two shaft sections can be displaced into one another, after break-down of the homokinetic displacement joint, so that the second shaft section is displaced in the direction of the first shaft section. |
| US08206226B2 |
Torque limiting coupling
In order to increase an automatic connecting speed at a torque limiting coupling, a torque limiting coupling (1) has a coupling hub (5). Driving elements (8) are adjustably held in the apertures and extend parallel to the longitudinal axis. A coupling sleeve has first recesses (23) corresponding to the apertures. A switching disc (14) is rotatably arranged between a connected position and a freewheeling position, relative to the coupling hub. The switching disc (14) can be transferred by a rolling movement of the driving elements (8) from the connected position into the freewheeling position. The switching disc (14) has second recesses (34) that engage the driving elements (8) in the freewheeling position. A first and second spring mechanism load the switching disc (14) in the circumferential and axial direction. Circumferential play (28) is formed between the driving elements (8) and the first recesses (23) in the connected position. |
| US08206225B2 |
System and method for forming interdiction device
A reusable interdiction apparatus that makes use of a housing of dimensions making the housing suitable to be carried and thrown by an individual. A light source is disposed within the housing and adapted to project an optical signal through a portion of the housing. A controller is used for controlling operation of the light source. A power source is disposed within the housing and used for powering the controller and the light source. |
| US08206223B2 |
Computer fashion game with machine-readable trading cards
A game system including cards with computer-readable information is provided. The computer-readable information may be in the form of a code embodied on the cards. The cards may be selectively chosen and compiled in a card compiling device that is configured to remove singly a series of cards from one location and to deliver the removed cards to a new location. |
| US08206220B2 |
Video game controller
A game controller comprising: a hand-held base unit comprising one or more base unit actuators, each configured to generate a respective actuation signal in response to user input; and a module comprising two or more module actuators, each configured to generate a respective actuation signal in response to user input. The module is mounted to the base unit and can be rotated horizontally between two or more orientations to adjust the configuration of the module actuators relative to the base unit actuator(s). |
| US08206219B2 |
Interactive gaming apparel for interactive gaming
Apparel is disclosed that can be worn to assist an interactive game in tracking the movement of the wearer. More particularly, the apparel may include one or more tracking marks formed of designs, patterns, or reflective materials that can be easily tracked by an interactive game employing one or more cameras or other detectors for detecting a change in position of an object. The apparel may take the form of, for example, hats, shirts, jackets, pants, gloves, and shoes. The apparel may use reflective materials, and the interactive game can employ a camera and a light source configuration where the camera is located within the observation angle of a player employing retroreflective materials reflecting light from the light source. |
| US08206217B2 |
Apparatus and methods of physical game components
Systems, apparatus, and methods relating to a physical object that are associated with a virtual game world are described. Some embodiments of the physical object have an in-game value within the virtual game world. Software operating the virtual game world ascribes purchasing power or attributes having offensive, defensive, opportunity, or set values as their in-game values. Methods associated with the subject matter relate to relocating an asset of the game component from one asset storage area to another asset storage area. When relocated, an asset's authenticity is validated, retrieved from a first storage area, exchanged over a communications interface, or stored in a second asset storage area. |
| US08206213B2 |
Gaming machine and system for acquiring odds information from a plurality of bookmakers
In a gaming machine 10, after the coins to be credited reaches 100 pieces, a bookmaker button is pushed through a touch panel 69, from a bookmaker selection screen displayed in a lower image display panel 16, so that a desired bookmaker is selected among a plurality of bookmakers. Thereby, the odds information provided from the bookmakers is compared for each bookmaker. In addition, from the bookmaker selection screen displayed in the lower image display panel 16, a Best Odds button is pushed through the touch panel 69, so that the odds of a high payout advantageous to a player are collected from the odds provided from the bookmakers. |
| US08206211B2 |
Gaming system having a plurality of gaming machines linked by network and control method thereof
A gaming system of the present invention comprises a plurality of gaming machines and a control device including a processor, wherein the processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of a number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (C) executing a common game, when a number of the gaming machines joining the game is equal to or more than a specific number. |
| US08206209B1 |
Gaming machine bonus system
A method of conducting a wagering game includes indicating a random outcome by displaying selected game symbols, initiating a first bonus at a preselected number of plays, providing a first award of a first desired number of credits, initiating a second bonus at a first multiple of the preselected number of plays, wherein the first multiple is a number greater than 1, providing a second award of a second desired number of credits, wherein the second desired number of credits is the product of the first desired number of credits times the first multiple, initiating a third bonus at a second multiple of the preselected number of plays, wherein the second multiple is a number greater than 1, and providing a third award of a third desired number of credits, wherein the third desired number of credits is the product of the first desired number of credits times the second multiple. |
| US08206205B2 |
Method of unplugging control for a feeding system
A method of unplugging hay and forage equipment, including the steps of identifying a plug, substantially simultaneously activating unplugging devices, unplugging the equipment, and returning the unplugging devices to position of normal operation. The identifying step includes identifying a plug in the equipment caused by the material entering the equipment. The activating step includes activating substantially simultaneously a plurality of unplugging devices. The returning step includes returning the plurality of unplugging devices to their normal operating positions. |
| US08206197B2 |
Polishing apparatus and program thereof
A polishing apparatus includes a loading section (14) for placing therein a cassette (12) in which a plurality of polishing objects are housed; a first polishing line (20) and a second polishing line (30) for polishing a polishing object; a cleaning line (40) having cleaning machines (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d) for cleaning the polishing object after polishing and a transport unit (44) for transporting the polishing object; a transport mechanism (50) for transporting the polishing object between the loading section (14), the polishing lines (20, 30) and the cleaning line (40); and a control section for controlling the polishing lines (20, 30), the cleaning line (40) and the transport mechanism (50). The control section determines a polishing start time in each of the first and second polishing lines (20, 30) based on a predicted polishing time in each of the first and second polishing lines (20, 30), a predicted transport time in the transport mechanism (50), a predicted cleaning time in the cleaning line (40) and a predicted cleaning start time to start cleaning by driving the transport unit (44) of the cleaning line (40). |
| US08206194B2 |
Method for affixing the insulator and the metallic shell of a spark plug
A process of manufacturing the spark plug that includes a step in which a receiving die having an insertion hole and a taper portion is used, wherein a thread portion of the spark plug is inserted into the insertion hole and a seat portion of the spark plug is brought into contact with the taper portion, and a pressing force is applied to a rear end portion of a metallic shell of the spark plug so as to bend a rear end opening portion of the metallic shell, and to thereby form a crimped portion, whereby an insulator and the metallic shell are fixed together. |
| US08206185B2 |
Plug and plug connector for robots
A plug for a tool changing system for electrically connecting a tool to a robot hand, including a plug housing adapted to be fastened on a robot arm or on a tool, wherein the plug housing includes at least one contact chamber and at least one accommodating chamber, which is arranged substantially above the contact chamber; a connection module having electrically conductive elements adapted to be connected to at least one first peripheral device, wherein the connection module can be arranged in the at least one contact chamber, and a wear module having electrically conductive elements adapted to be connected to a second peripheral device; wherein the connection module and the wear module are arranged in the at least one accommodating chamber; and wherein the electrically conductive elements of the connection module can be connected to the electrically conductive elements of the wear module. |
| US08206181B2 |
Connector arrangement
A connector arrangement is provided comprising an elongate member with a tip end and a base end. The elongate member has at least one ring area electrically insulated from the remaining surface of the elongate member. In the ring area, at least a first contact element and a second contact element electrically insulated from each other are provided. At least a portion of a boundary between the first contact element and the second contact element runs in a direction forming a non-zero angle with a boundary of the ring area. |
| US08206179B2 |
Modular connector system
The present invention provides a modular connector system for, in some embodiments, interconnecting circuit boards. In some embodiments, the modular connector system includes a header assembly for blind mating with an adapter assembly. |
| US08206178B2 |
Electrical appliance
An electrical appliance includes a housing having a holding chamber and an insert slot, an insulation displacement connector (IDC), and an electrical component such as a battery inserted into the holding chamber. The component has an electric connector extending through the holding chamber into the insert slot. Upon insertion of the IDC into the insert slot, the IDC contacts the electric connector of the component and contacts a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted to the housing whereby the electrical component and the PCB are electrically connected via the electric connector of the component and the IDC. The holding chamber completely surrounds, at least in sections, the component within the holding chamber. The holding chamber includes a radially-pivotable latching clip which axially fixes in place the component within the holding chamber. |
| US08206176B2 |
Connector for coaxial cable having rotational joint between insulator member and connector housing and associated methods
A connector is to be attached to a coaxial cable. The connector includes a connector housing having a cylindrical shape to be coupled to the outer conductor. An insulator member has a central opening therein and is rotatably received within the connector housing to define a rotational joint therewith. A center contact has a shaft portion securely received within the central opening of the insulator member and an open end portion extending rearwardly from the shaft portion to securely receive the inner conductor therein. |
| US08206174B2 |
High frequency receptacle connector with plug connector detecting function
A high frequency receptacle connector has an insulating housing, multiple first terminals, multiple second terminals, a shell and a plug detecting assembly. The first and second terminals are mounted on the insulating housing and capable of implementing USB3.0 protocol. The shell covers the insulating housing and terminals. The plug detecting assembly has a first detecting terminal and a second detecting terminal. The first detecting terminal is mounted on the insulating housing. The second detecting terminal is mounted on the insulating housing and selectively bends to contact or isolate from the first detecting terminal. The high frequency receptacle connector is capable of providing electric power under a power-saving mode of a PCB on which the high frequency receptacle connector is mounted. |
| US08206170B2 |
Male and female connectors and electrical connector including the same
A female housing of the female connector has a slider slidably installed in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal joining direction. The slider includes a first cam provided with a first ridge portion, and a pair of opposing first and second slanting portions extending from the first ridge portion. The male housing of the male connector is formed with a second cam on an outer wall surface thereof. The second cam provided with a second ridge portion, a third slanting portion coming into abutment and slidably contacting with the first slanting portion of the slider, and a fourth slanting portion being slidably in contact with the second slanting portion and pressed and retained by the second slanting portion. Thus a half-fitted state can be detected and the connectors are prevented from loosening. |
| US08206168B2 |
Terminal assemblies, connectors and manufacturing thereof
Terminal assemblies, connectors and methods of manufacturing the terminal assemblies are provided such that a plurality of elongated terminals are arranged in parallel at a pre-defined pitch and are partially enclosed by a terminal holding member, and in which the terminals are separated from one another during a material removal process. |
| US08206166B2 |
Card connector
A card connector includes an insulating housing, a shell covering on the insulating housing to define a card receiving space between the cover and the insulating housing for being inserted into a card along an insertion direction, a plurality of contacts received in the insulating housing and extended into the card receiving space, a first switch terminal and a second switch respectively positioned at a right side of the insulating housing. The first switch terminal includes a main section extended along the insertion direction, a first straight section and a second straight section successively and slantwise extended into the card receiving space form a free end of the first main section to respectively define a first slope and a second slope relative to the main section. The second switch terminal includes a contacting section extending beside the first straight section. The second slope is larger than the first slope. |
| US08206162B1 |
Connector module and retractable connector device
A connector module is disclosed in the present invention. The connector module includes a housing, a substrate whereon a first set and a second set of metal contacts are formed, and at least one conductive resilient piece piercing through the housing. The substrate is disposed inside the housing with the first set of metal contacts exposed outwardly. A first end of the conductive resilient piece is fixed on an outer surface of the housing, and the conductive resilient piece is resiliently deformed and electrically contacts the second set of metal contacts when the conductive resilient piece is pressed by a conductive component of an connector receptacle. |
| US08206160B2 |
Compliant off-chip interconnects for use in electronic packages
Disclosed are apparatus comprising single-path and multiple-path compliant interconnects that are coupled between electrical contacts and that allow for increased electrical performance without compromising mechanical reliability. Exemplary apparatus comprises a conductive vertical anchor coupled at a first end to an electrical contact; and one or more conductive arcuate beams coupled at a first end to a second end of the vertical anchor, and coupled at a second end to a second electrical contact. One electrical contact comprises a die contact pad and the other electrical contact comprises a substrate contact pad. Alternatively, one electrical contact comprises a substrate contact pad and the other electrical contact comprises a printed circuit board contact pad. Also, one electrical contact comprises a die contact pad and the other electrical contact comprises a printed circuit board contact pad. Methods of fabricating the apparatus are also disclosed. |
| US08206157B2 |
Instrument for use in a medical simulator
A secondary instrument (11) insertable into a channel (12) in a main instrument (1) in a medical simulator. The secondary instrument comprises an outer sleeve (15) and a handle (17) movable within the outer sleeve. The instrument has a first configuration representing a first real instrument in which the handle is movable with respect to the outer sleeve for a first length of travel and a second configuration representing a second instrument in which the handle is movable with respect to the outer sleeve for a second length of travel which is less than the first length of travel. The instrument is therefore able to physically represent more than one real instrument. |
| US08206147B2 |
Multistage gas furnace having split manifold
A heating apparatus for a heat exchanger system includes a manifold having a plurality of burners, a shutoff valve, a first controller and a second controller. The shutoff valve divides the manifold into a first manifold portion and a second manifold portion. The first controller selectively controls the communication of a fluid within the manifold. The second controller selectively actuates the shutoff valve between a first position and a second position to control a firing rate of the plurality of burners. |
| US08206141B2 |
Apparatus for forming a heavy duty tire with a polyurethane tread
An apparatus for retreading a heavy duty tire with a polyurethane tread where a tire carcass that is suitable for retreading receives a tube fitted therein and is installed on its side in a mold cavity, between top and bottom rings, that each include spaced segments extending from opposing top and bottom ring surface that inter-digitate to form the equal spaced tread voids in a finished recapped tire, with bottom ring inner edge including a continuous sealing lug, and the top ring is open to pass a flow of polyurethane materials from a lower edge of a cone shaped spreader that is positioned onto the tire carcass top side wall and directs a flow of polyurethane materials from the cone surface into the mold, filling the mold cavity from bottom to top to form a recapped tire tread. |
| US08206137B2 |
Cylinder apparatus, compressor and manufacturing method of cylinder apparatus
There is provided a cylinder apparatus consisting of a cylinder, a piston performing reciprocating motion between a top dead point and a bottom dead point with oscillatory movement in the cylinder, wherein the cylinder has an oscillatory distance between the top dead point and the bottom dead point, which is shorter than the oscillatory distance at the top and bottom dead points. |
| US08206130B2 |
Hydraulic motor having radial cylinders capable of high speed rotation
A radial cylinder hydraulic motor comprises: oscillating hydraulic cylinders (1) driven to oscillate by means of an eccentric crankpin (2) formed on the motor shaft (3), the oscillating cylinder liners (4) being provided with trunnions (5) for oscillation about a parallel axis (C) to the axis (A) of rotation of the motor shaft which are coupled oscillably to the motor crankcase (6); reciprocating pistons (7) within said liners which are provided with a runner (8) for sliding over the outer surface (9) of said eccentric crankpin; and a rotary disk distributor (10, 23) coupled to the motor shaft for synchronized rotation therewith, adapted to place the conduits (12, 13) of the hydraulic circuit in fluid communication with the conduits (14) of the respective cylinders during the delivery and discharge strokes via ports of slanted or through-going configuration; and advantageously includes the rotating disk of the distributor formed with a connection/supply means (38, 40) to the passageway between one face (27) and the inner wall of the distributor cover (41) incorporating a seal (28), with pressurized fluid in the area outside the seal. In another embodiment, it has the trunnions (5) formed with trough-like channels (30) in their outer surface (31), at the area of rubbing contact with the trunnion journals, into a branched layout (30) having a roughly trapezoidal projected shape, the channels in the branched layout being supplied pressurized fluid through one or more supply channels (32) from within the cylinder. |
| US08206125B2 |
Operating method for fluid working machine
A fluid working machine (1) has several working chambers (5) of cyclically changing volume. For pumping hydraulic fluid, the inlet and outlet valves (8, 9) are electrically actuated. The timing of the actuation of said electrically actuated valves (8, 9) is varied depending on the fluid flow demand. |
| US08206122B2 |
Rotor for a compressor
A rotor for mounting blades thereon to form an impeller rotatable about a main axis thereof. Each of the blades has a mounting portion. The rotor includes primary slots and auxiliary slots, each of the primary slots is adapted for receiving the mounting portion of the blade. The primary and auxiliary slots are adapted to change their dimensions during rotation of the impeller due to centrifugal forces and thermal effects caused by the rotation thereof. The change in dimensions is adapted to exert pressure on the mounting portion of the blade to retain it within the primary slot. |
| US08206121B2 |
Method of restoring an airfoil blade
A method of repairing an airfoil blade involves the steps of providing an airfoil blade have a leading edge, a trailing edge, a tip and a base. A length of the airfoil blade is defined by the tip and the base and a width of the airfoil blade is defined by the leading edge and the trailing edge. A weld is made along a first direction of the length of the airfoil blade and then made in a second direction along the width of the airfoil blade to form a first weld layer. The first weld layer has a first portion extending across the length of the airfoil blade and a second portion extending across its width. A second weld layer is welded onto the first layer such that an end wall of the second weld layer abuts the second portion of the first weld layer. |
| US08206118B2 |
Airfoil attachment
A rotor blade for a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil that extends in span between a tip and a root opposite from the tip. The root includes a plug, a looped portion that surrounds the plug and a clamp. The clamp contacts only a portion of the looped portion on an opposite side of the looped portion from the plug. |
| US08206107B2 |
Variable length wind turbine blade having transition area elements
A wind turbine blade having a longitudinal axis is provided. The wind turbine blade includes a root portion and a tip portion. The root portion has a supported end and an unsupported end. The tip portion is configured to be slidably received within the unsupported end of the root portion. A transverse gap is defined between the root portion and the tip portion. A transition element is affixed to the unsupported end of the root portion such that the transition element at least partially bridges the transverse gap. The wind turbine blade may further include blade cleaning elements and/or sensing elements, particularly in the vicinity of the transition element. |
| US08206105B2 |
Method and device for controlling load reduction for a wind turbine rotor
A method for controlling load reduction for a wind turbine rotor with rotor blades comprising an aerodynamic active element responsive to a control signal for modifying its setting is provided. The loads acting on the rotor blades in relation to the rotor's azimuth are detected and individual control signals based on a PI control system are established. Each individual control signal is a complex number containing an amplitude defining the degree of modification of the respective setting and an angle defining the phase of the modification of the respective setting with respect to the rotor's azimuth. The angle of the complex number is corrected by a phase correction factor. The elements are provided with the individual control signals. The input to the PI-control system is a complex load vector. |
| US08206104B2 |
Frame structure for fan
A fan frame structure includes a plastic frame and a metal fixing frame, in which at least two support arms are disposed on the rim of the fixing frame and extended outwardly therefrom, the outwardly extended distance of each support arm shall be beyond the range of an accommodation space of the frame, the portion of the support arm beyond the accommodation space in integrally enclosed by the plastic material of the frame. |
| US08206102B2 |
Attachment interface for a gas turbine engine composite duct structure
A composite gas turbine engine duct receives a support ring that operates as an interface arrangement for attachment of engine system components. The support ring interfaces with the composite duct through a fastener shear load arrangement to provide a structurally sound interface which minimizes the risk of ply delamination. |
| US08206098B2 |
Ceramic matrix composite turbine engine vane
A vane has an airfoil shell and a spar within the shell. The vane has an outboard shroud at an outboard end of the shell and an inboard platform at an inboard end of the shell. The shell includes a region having a depth-wise coefficient of thermal expansion and a second coefficient of thermal expansion transverse thereto, the depth-wise coefficient of thermal expansion being greater than the second coefficient of thermal expansion. |
| US08206090B2 |
Variable-pitch vane of a turbomachine
A stator stage of a compressor of a turbomachine including an annular row of variable-pitch vanes is disclosed. Each vane includes an external cylindrical pivot defining the axis of rotation of the vane, and an internal cylindrical pivot mounted in a housing of an internal ring. The internal pivot of each vane extends along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the vane and at a distance from this axis, and is mounted in the housing of the ring by a swiveling or a tilting system. |
| US08206089B2 |
Flow control device
A flow control device for controlling fluid flow into a turbine comprising a stator and a rotor located in a fluid flow direction downstream of the stator is provided. The stator has a plurality of vanes extending radially inwards from a casing. Nozzles are defined, with each being defined between each adjacent pair of vanes. A flow controller is arranged to control a nozzle area open for fluid flow from a stator to rotor by altering the radial length of at least one of the nozzles and comprises an actuator and baffle plates connected at first ends thereof to a periphery of the turbine and at second ends thereof to arcuate plates of the actuator. Each baffle plate extends through a corresponding nozzle from an upstream to a downstream side of the stator. The actuator may selectively move the baffle plates to adjust flow through the nozzles. |
| US08206080B2 |
Gas turbine engine with improved thermal isolation
A gas turbine engine includes a housing with a duct wall that defines a generally annular and axially elongated hot gas flow path for passage of combustion gas. The engine further includes a contoured shroud mounted within the internal engine cavity and defining a hot gas recirculation pocket for receiving hot gas ingested from the hot gas flow path through the annular space and for recirculating the ingested hot gas back through the annular space to the hot gas flow path. The contoured shroud includes a base wall extending radially inwardly from the duct wall, an inboard wall extending from the base wall in an axial direction toward the rotor, and an end wall extending from the inboard wall in a radially outward direction. The end wall terminates in a circumferentially extending free edge disposed in proximity to the annular space. The end wall defines an opening. |
| US08206076B2 |
Substrate processing system
A cassette waiting block is connected to a transfer in/out block of a coating and developing treatment system, and in the cassette waiting block, a cassette transfer in/out unit, a cassette waiting unit, a cassette delivery unit, and a substrate processing unit are provided. In the cassette waiting block, a cassette transfer unit for transferring the cassette between the cassette transfer in/out unit, the cassette waiting unit, and the cassette deliver unit, and a transfer unit for transferring the substrate between the cassette in the cassette waiting unit and the substrate processing unit are provided. Each cassette waiting unit has an opening mechanism for opening a port of the cassette. |
| US08206075B2 |
Methods and apparatus for sealing a chamber
In certain aspects, a load lock chamber is provided that includes a body having at least one sealing surface wall including a sealing surface. The sealing surface wall has an opening adjacent the sealing surface adapted to input or output a substrate. The body further includes a plurality of side walls. The load lock chamber also includes a top coupled to the body. The top includes one or more openings that divide the top into a first portion and a second portion. The load lock chamber further includes one or more top sealing members adapted to cover each opening of the top. Each top sealing member absorbs a movement of the first portion of the top relative to the second portion of the top. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US08206074B2 |
Port storage and distribution system for international shipping containers
A port storage and distribution system for facilitating the transfer and/or storage of international shipping containers between container ships and ground transport carriers wherein an overhead grid guide track structure is provide that permits overhead transfer units to selectively engage and convey containers as required between the various ships, carriers and storage area without requiring multiple transfers of containers between different handling equipment. The system provides for container scanning and is either fully automated or partially manually controlled. |
| US08206072B2 |
Quick release nut
A fastener is provided that may be readily threadingly engaged with and/or disengaged from a threaded shaft without the need to threadingly advance the fastener along substantially the entire length of the threaded shaft. In one exemplary embodiment, a quick release nut is provided that includes an upper body portion and a lower body portion that are rotatably connected to one another. Each of the upper body portion and the lower body portion include central apertures extending therethrough with the walls defining the central apertures of the upper and lower body portions being at least partially threaded. |
| US08206070B2 |
Weld adapter
The present invention is a weld adapter including a body portion having a first aperture and at least two flanges connected to the body portion. The present invention also includes a second aperture formed in one of the at least two flanges, with the second aperture substantially aligned with the first aperture. Additionally, one of the flanges is adaptable for being connected to a structure. |
| US08206067B2 |
Ceramic drill bit for high-speed drilling of composites
The ceramic drill bit has a particular geometry and is very advantageously applicable to the very high-speed drilling of parts made of a composite, especially a carbon-fiber composite having an epoxy resin matrix. The invention also relates to a method for the high-speed drilling of composites. |
| US08206054B1 |
Furniture coupling assembly
A furniture coupling assembly that includes a coupling having a center portion, a first portion having a first locking member, a second portion having a second locking member, a first end and a second end. The assembly further includes a first furniture member having a first member groove having a shape corresponding to the center, first and second portions of the coupling. The first furniture member has a first locking member opening positioned adjacent to the first member groove. A second furniture member of the assembly has a second member groove having a shape corresponding to the center, first and second portions of the coupling. The second furniture member has a second locking member opening positioned adjacent to the second member groove. The coupling is insertable in the first and second furniture member grooves and the first and second locking members are insertable in the first and second locking member openings, respectively, to join together the first and second furniture members. |
| US08206051B2 |
Cosmetic-containing applicator and replacement brush
A cosmetic-containing applicator. The applicator is mounted, at its tip end, with an applicator body in which a flange-shaped engagement part is formed at an outer periphery at a rear end of a fiber bundle, comprising an accommodating part accommodating liquid cosmetics, a tip casing mounted on a tip end side of the accommodating part and formed with an insertion hole in which the applicator body (30) is mountable, a guiding part for guiding the cosmetics from the accommodating part to the applicator body, and a reduced-diameter part formed as an inwardly facing flange and reducing in diameter between the insertion hole and the guiding part. The reduced-diameter part is divided into claw-shaped holding pieces by slits, and its smallest-diameter part has a diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the engagement part. |
| US08206048B2 |
Substrate media registration and de-skew apparatus, method and system
According to aspects described herein, there is disclosed an apparatus for de-skewing substrate media in a printing system. The apparatus includes at least one sensor for measuring skew of the substrate media being transferred relative to a process direction. The apparatus also includes a nip assembly for moving the substrate media in the process direction. The nip assembly includes a drive roller and an idler roller for engaging the substrate media. The drive roller is rotatably supported on a shaft axis, with the shaft axis being pivotally supported substantially at one end thereof for aligning the shaft axis with the measured substrate media skew. The shaft axis pivots about a pivot axis perpendicular to the shaft axis. |
| US08206045B2 |
Hands-free camera holder
Embodiments of hands-free camera holders according to the present disclosure can enable a user to obtain the exact picture they want by giving them complete control of the camera position. A hands-free camera holder can include a camera support member, e.g., a platform, that is connected by way of an adjustable frame. In optional embodiments, the user can connect to the frame by way or a collar/harness. By using a switch, or trigger means, that is connected to the camera, to take the picture, the framing of the picture is not disturbed, whether activated by the user or an assistant. The separate switch concept/means can also enable individuals with disabilities to use other parts of their body to operate the camera. Using adaptive technology, any reliable movement can be used as a trigger for the camera. |
| US08206043B2 |
Fiber optic transceiver module release mechanism
A fiber optic connector release mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism may be used to release a transceiver module housed in a cage that is permanently mounted on a printed circuit board. The release mechanism may include a cam mounted bail that rotates a U-shaped flange through a two stage travel path to urge the bail forward in a slide path on the transceiver module. As the bail begins to move forward, wedge elements at the end of a pair of slide arms extending rearward from the bail may contact locking tabs on the cage, forcing the locking tabs outward. As the locking tabs are forced outward, the shoulders of the transceiver module are released, and the transceiver module is free to slide out of the cage as the operator pulls on the bail. |
| US08206040B1 |
Laser connector accessory with defined electrical characteristics
An accessory is adapted to removably couple to a laser source connector separate from a fiber connector. The accessory includes a first contact element configured to form an electrical connection to a first portion of the laser source connector. The accessory further includes a second contact element configured to form an electrical connection to a second portion of the laser source connector. The second portion of the laser source connector is electrically insulated from the first portion of the laser source connector. The accessory also includes a network connected to the first contact element and the second contact element. The network establishes a defined electrical characteristic between the first and second contact element when a fiber connector is connected to laser source connector. |
| US08206031B2 |
PDM output temperature sensor
To provide a PDM output temperature sensor, which is reduced in area and consumption power, provided is a PDM output temperature sensor which includes no reference voltage circuit, thereby having a smaller area and consuming less power correspondingly. |
| US08206030B1 |
Multiple sensing tip optical fiber thermometer
A linear array fiber-optic temperature sensor based upon fluorescence-decay technology allows for optical cabling to employ multiple, individually optically addressed optical fibers with sensing tips located in a single sensing tube. The sensing tips are arranged with a pre-determined, fixed relative spacing to form a linear array of temperature measurement points. Multiple such linear array sensors may be further arranged. |
| US08206027B2 |
Use of an apparatus for adding at least one additive to a reactor interior
The invention relates to the use of an apparatus for adding at least one solid or viscous liquid additive, or an additive dispersed in solvent, to a reactor interior of a reactor for preparing crosslinked, finely divided polymers by copolymerizing (a) water-soluble, monoethylenically unsaturated monomers and (b) from 0.001 to 5 mol %, based on the monomers (a), of monomers comprising at least two polymerizable groups, (c) from 0 to 20 mol %, based on the monomers (a), of water-insoluble monoethylenically unsaturated monomers, where the apparatus comprises at least one screw for conveying the at least one additive and the at least one screw ends in an addition orifice substantially flush with the inner wall of the reactor interior. |
| US08206021B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display panel, a backlight chassis arranged on one surface side of the liquid crystal display panel, and a control circuit board mounted on a surface of the backlight chassis on a side opposite to a surface facing the liquid crystal display panel includes a plurality of fluorescent tubes arranged on a surface side of the backlight chassis facing the liquid crystal display panel, a light source arranged on the control circuit board, and a light guide guiding the light from the light source to the surface side of the backlight chassis facing the liquid crystal display panel. |
| US08206020B2 |
Planar illuminating device and liquid crystal display device using the same
Provided is a planar illuminating device having light source section (1) emitting linearly polarized laser light and having a light guide (12) with a rectangular parallelepiped shape having one main surface with a mirror array (12c) thereon. The mirror array (12c) has a plurality of reflecting surfaces totally reflecting laser light incident on an incident surface (12a), of the light guide, perpendicular to the one main surface and emits the laser light from an emitting surface (12b), of the light guide, perpendicular to the one main surface, wherein the reflecting surfaces are formed in a stepped manner. Further, the planar illuminating device includes a light-guiding plate (3) making the laser light, emitted from the light guide (12), incident on an incident surface (3a) of the light-guiding plate and emitting the laser light from an emitting surface (3b) of the light-guiding plate. |
| US08206019B2 |
Advanced connector assembly
A connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a housing having at least a socket, an electronic device disposed in the housing, a protection member disposed on a side of the housing, a light emitting element disposed on the protection member, a light pipe disposed on the housing for guiding light from the light emitting element, a shield surrounding the protection member and the light emitting element, and a cover encompassing the light pipe, the shield, and the light emitting element. |
| US08206017B2 |
Illumination device for a motor vehicle
An illumination device (11) for a motor vehicle includes a transparent light guide (13). At least a first decoupling element (33) is formed into the light guide (13). At least one reflector (35) is assigned to the first decoupling element (33) for reflection of light coupled-out by the first decoupling element (33) and aligned and formed in such a way that at least a portion of the light reflected by the reflector (35) irradiates the light guide (13). At least one second decoupling element (37) is formed in the light guide (13) for coupling-out of light from the light guide (13) and aligned and formed in such a way that light coupled-out by the second decoupling element (37) ultimately exits the light guide (13). |
| US08206016B2 |
Headlight optical axis adjustment device
The present invention aims to perform optical axis adjustment while a vehicle is stopped only in necessary situations and to avoid unnecessary adjustment, and to further enhance durability. A headlight optical axis adjustment device for adjusting an optical axis of a headlight based on a pitch angle of the vehicle includes an opened/closed state detection section for detecting an open/closed state of an open/close unit where the opened state is when a passenger gets on/out or when a baggage is being loaded/unloaded to and from the vehicle; and an optical axis adjustment permitting section for permitting optical axis adjustment of the headlight based on the pitch angle of the vehicle when the opened state of the open/close unit is detected by the opened/closed state detection section. |
| US08206015B2 |
Light emitting diode based lamp
A light emitting diode (LED) based lamp may include a LED module having at least one LED to provide light, a housing to house the LED module, and a lens to receive the light from the LED and to direct the light in a specific direction. A microlens array may have a plurality of microlenses with a polygonal shape, and a distance between two opposing sides of one of the microlens is 0.7 mm to 1.2 mm. |
| US08206012B2 |
Layered dimmer system
A layered dimmer formed of different layers. The front layer may be a scattering layer, and the back layer may be a reflective layer. The light beam is scattered prior to reflecting, to avoid reflection back to form hotspots. |
| US08206011B2 |
Sports lighting fixture having die-cast frame in high-reflectance material
An apparatus and method for a high intensity lighting fixture. In one aspect, instead of a spun aluminum bowl-shaped reflector, a die cast metal reflector frame, somewhat simulating a bowl shape, includes an inner surface with mounting structure. A high reflectance sheet or plurality of high reflectance inserts are placed onto the mounting structure to create a reflecting surface. This allows high customability of the reflecting surface and minimizes light loss. |
| US08206010B2 |
Light-emitting diode illuminating equipment with high power and high heat dissipation efficiency
The invention provides a LED illuminating equipment with high power and high heat-dissipating efficiency. The LED illuminating equipment of the invention includes a plurality of diode light-emitting apparatuses. Particularly, the heat generated by the diode light-emitting apparatuses in operation is conducted to a heat-dissipating plate device and the heat-dissipating fins. Besides, the heat is uniformly distributed over the heat-dissipating plate device and further dissipated by the heat-dissipating plate device and the heat-dissipating fins extending thereon. |
| US08206004B2 |
Distributed lighting apparatus
A user-configurable lighting apparatus is provided. One example incudes a hub, a supply power cord, a light fixture, a linking power cord, and a cord cover. The hub includes a housing comprising a plurality of cover receiving extensions, and each cover receiving extension has an electrical socket. The hub also includes an electrical plug electrically coupled to each electrical socket. The supply power cord has a plug end and a receptacle end. The plug end is adapted to connect to a conventional electrical outlet, and the receptacle end is adapted to fit into the electrical plug. The light fixture may include the components of a conventional fluorescent light fixture, and may further include a housing including a first and a second cover receiving extension. The first cover receiving extension has an electrical plug, and the second cover receiving extension has an electrical socket electrically connected to the electrical plug. |
| US08205996B2 |
System for light switch identification
A light switch cover having a light switch identifier to identify light coupled to a particular light switch. To this end, the light switch identifier may be positioned adjacent the light switch and/or a designation (number, letter or both) may be established for the light switch identifier and the light switch. The light switch cover may include a small clear cover behind which a label is positioned which identifies the particular light (or other device) that the corresponding light switch is operable to control. |
| US08205992B2 |
Polarization element and projection display device
A polarization element includes: a substrate; a plurality of convex line sections on one surface of the substrate and forming stripes in a plan view; and a multilayer thin line provided to each convex line section and extending along the convex line sections, wherein the multilayer thin line has a lower layer on the convex line section, and an upper layer stacked on the lower layer, the lower layer and the upper layer each have a first thin line on one side surface in a direction along a shorter dimension of the convex line section, and a second thin line on the other side surface, the materials of the lower layer first thin line and the upper layer first thin line are different from each other, and the materials of the lower layer second thin line and the upper layer second thin line are different from each other. |
| US08205990B2 |
Fundus camera
A fundus camera that obtains focus evaluation values by scanning, in which a focusing lens moves a predetermined distance according to a photographing mode before the focusing lens starts scanning for obtaining focus evaluation values. |
| US08205980B2 |
Liquid composition, ink-jet recording process, ink-jet recording ink set, recording unit, ink cartridge, ink-jet recording apparatus, and ink-jet recording ink
An ink-jet recording liquid composition which is used together with a colored ink to form images and is capable of causing reaction upon contact with the colored ink; the composition being characterized by containing at least (a) a polyvalent metal salt, (b) a substance selected from cryptands and (c) a liquid medium; or an ink-jet recording ink characterized by containing at least (a) a polyvalent metal salt, (b) a substance selected from cryptands, (c) a liquid medium and (d) a coloring material. |
| US08205973B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus, ink supplying mechanism and ink jet recording method
An ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes an ink jet head having a pressure chamber facing a nozzle, and an upstream port and a downstream port connected to the pressure chamber, a main tank connected to the ink jet head via the upstream port and capable of storing ink therein, and a sub-tank connected to the ink jet head via the downstream port and capable of storing ink, wherein at least when printing by ejecting ink from the nozzle, the relation between ph, r, R and Q is held to satisfy ph−{QR×(1/(1+r))}=Pn (Pn being a constant representing a proper pressure in the nozzle), where ph represents a potential pressure in the main tank as viewed from a surface of an orifice plate where the nozzle of the ink jet head is formed, R represents a total flow path resistance from the main tank to the sub-tank via the ink jet head, a ratio of a flow path resistance from the main tank to the nozzle and a flow path resistance from the nozzle to the sub-tank is expressed by 1:r, and Q represents a flow rate of ink that circulates in a circulation path formed by connecting the ink jet head, the main tank and the sub-tank. |
| US08205972B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head having a nozzle surface in which a plurality of nozzles is formed; and a vibration generating mechanism which is arranged at a position away from a recording medium in a moving direction of a recording head, and which intermittently sucks or blows air from and to the nozzle surface of the recording head moved to the position. The vibration generating mechanism vibrates a meniscus of a liquid inside each of the nozzles. Accordingly, there is provided an image forming apparatus in which the liquid is not consumed unnecessarily and thus is economical, and which effectively facilitates maintenance and recovery of the jetting function of the nozzles. |
| US08205970B2 |
Print head having a polymer aperture plate and method for assembling a print head
A method for bonding a polymer layer to an outlet plate for an inkjet print head has been developed that enables the polymer layer to be attached to the outlet plate with little or no bowing of the polymer layer. The method includes aligning recesses in a bonding plate with channels in an outlet plate, interposing a polymer layer between the bonding plate and the outlet plate, and pressing the bonding plate against the polymer layer to bond the polymer layer to the outlet plate. |
| US08205968B2 |
Liquid discharge head and liquid discharge method
A liquid discharge head includes: a discharge port from which a liquid is discharged; a channel that communicates with the discharge port; and an energy generating element that is provided in the channel and generates energy used to discharge the liquid from the discharge port, wherein the channel includes a first inlet path supplying the liquid to the energy generating element; a second inlet path supplying the liquid to the energy generating element from a direction opposite to a direction in which the first inlet path supplies the liquid; and a outlet path allowing the liquid supplied to the energy generating element to run out. |
| US08205965B2 |
Print bar structure
In one embodiment, a print bar structure includes a single part having: a datum; an exterior printhead attach surface a predetermined distance from the datum for attaching multiple printheads to the print bar structure; an interior bay for holding a liquid distribution part; and multiple openings from the interior bay to the exterior printhead attach surface. |
| US08205964B2 |
Head array unit, image forming apparatus including same, and method for manufacturing the head array unit
The present invention provides a head array unit in which a plurality of head members is easily aligned on an alignment member with a simple structure and a method for manufacturing the head array unit, and an image forming apparatus including the head array unit. The head array unit includes a head unit. The head unit includes a head member, a head member retainer, and an alignment member. The head member includes a plurality of nozzles and is configured to eject liquid droplets. The head member retainer, on which the head member is disposed and fixed thereto, includes a reference hole for aligning the head unit relative to the alignment member. The alignment member includes an opening formed at a location associated with the reference hole and relatively larger than the reference hole. The head member may be directly aligned and fixed on the alignment member. |
| US08205962B2 |
Inkjet printhead for use in image forming apparatus
An inkjet printhead includes multiple head modules and a mount base. The multiple head modules each includes a laminate unit containing a nozzle to eject ink in droplets and an ink chamber in fluid communication with the nozzle. The multiple head modules are mounted on the mount base. The mount base defines a first contact surface facing a first direction in which the ink is ejected. Each laminate unit defines a second contact surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first and second contact surfaces are held in contact with each other to position each head module in the mount base. |
| US08205961B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus that records an image by discharging ink from an inkjet recording head is disclosed. The inkjet recording apparatus includes a disposal liquid tank that accommodates disposal ink that is discharged from the inkjet recording head for purposes other than recording, a mixing member that mixes the disposal ink accumulated in the disposal liquid tank, and a cleaning unit that cleans the mixing member. |
| US08205960B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus for forming an image includes a recording head, a nozzle, an ink repellent layer, and an elastic wiper blade. The nozzle is provided in the recording head and includes an ink discharge surface including a substantially elongated discharge opening from which ink is ejected. The ink repellent layer is formed on the ink discharge surface of the nozzle. The elastic wiper blade moves over the ink discharge surface to wipe away ink adhering to the ink discharge surface while slidably contacting the ink discharge surface. The wiper blade moves in a long axis direction of the ink discharge opening as the wiper blade wipes away ink adhering to the ink discharge surface of the nozzle. |
| US08205958B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing system with a plurality of movable sensors for a plurality of features detection
A printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a movable head that performs recording on a medium using ink; a first sensor that can move together with said head and that detects regular reflection light from said medium; and a second sensor that is provided separately from said first sensor, that can move together with said head and that detects diffuse reflection light from said medium. |
| US08205955B2 |
Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus includes a conveyance roller which conveys the recording medium, a drive source for rotating the conveyance roller, a print head and a carriage mounted with the print head. The carriage includes an abutment portion. The image recording apparatus further includes a carriage position detector which detects a position of the carriage in a movement direction of the carriage and still further includes a rotating body which rotates in synchronization with the conveyance roller. The rotating body includes a reference portion which protrudes or depresses in the movement direction at a predetermined rotation phase of the rotating body and abut with the reference portion. Moreover, the image recording apparatus includes an origin determination section which, based on a result of the detection by the carriage position detector, determines an origin position of a rotation phase of the conveyance roller. |
| US08205951B2 |
Closing device for drawers
A closing device that includes a latching member that when moved a given distance utilizes a gear to effect a mechanical advantage that results in an end of a biasing member being moved less than the given distance. The biasing member is used in moving a first drawer slide member to a closed position relative to a second drawer slide member, and use of the gear and the resulting mechanical advantage provide a smoother transition when the first drawer slide member is engaged or disengaged from the closing device. |
| US08205950B1 |
Workstation unit with vertically movable panel
A work station unit includes a storage area for storing project files at or near a work surface, and a movable cover panel that is vertically movable between an opened position, where at least a portion of the storage area is exposed and accessible for accessing the stored project files, and a closed position, where the storage area is at least substantially concealed by the movable cover panel. The work station unit may include a fixed cover panel over a lower portion of the storage area to at least partially conceal hanging folders and the like at the workstation unit. The movable cover panel may conceal the open area of the storage area when in its closed position and the movable cover panel may at least partially overlap the fixed cover panel when the movable cover panel is in its opened position. |
| US08205948B2 |
Method of determining an initial pressure in a motor vehicle brake system
A method of determining an initial pressure prevailing between a master brake cylinder and an inlet valve of a wheel brake cylinder of a motor vehicle determines the initial pressure taking into consideration the variation of a voltage of a PWMoperated motor of a pump, which is used for the return delivery of brake fluid from a low-pressure accumulator into the master brake cylinder. Several characteristic quantities of the voltage variation are measured and converted to respective initial pressure values. The characteristic quantities or the initial pressure values determined therefrom are filtered or conditioned in the event of lack in quality or reliability of the measured characteristic quantities. The respective initial pressure values of similar size are averaged, and the averaged initial pressure values are temporally averaged in order to dampen fluctuations. |
| US08205944B2 |
Arrangement lever device for automobile seat
An arrangement lever device for an automobile seat including a reclining operation lever (1) mounted on a support shaft that is concentrically joined with an actuating shaft (5) interconnecting reclining lock mechanisms which are arranged between brackets (3) of a seat cushion and brackets (4) of a seat back, a walk-in operation lever (2) arranged to be adjacent to the reclining operation lever (1) and supported on one of the brackets (3) of the seat cushion, and a linkage mechanism for preventing the motion of one of the levers (1, 2) from being transmitted to the other of the levers (1, 2), the linkage mechanism coupled between the levers (1, 2). |
| US08205940B2 |
Juvenile seating with resilient side impact protection
A child safety seat including a seat bottom and seat back first and second resilient side elements carried on laterally-opposed sides of the seat back, and including walls defining an enclosed chamber. The walls have sufficient rigidity to maintain a nominal shape and are deformable in response to a predetermined minimum impact. |
| US08205934B2 |
Portable chair
The portable chair frame that supports a sling of the preferred embodiments includes a brace, a first pair of collapsible bars, a second pair of collapsible bars, and two joints that each provide a point of contact with a ground surface. Each collapsible bar has a first end coupled to the brace and a second end that provides a sling interface for the sling. The joints are included in each of the collapsible bars of the first pair of collapsible bars. |
| US08205931B2 |
Joint for a composite vehicle body
A vehicle primarily a mass transit vehicle is formed primarily of composite materials which define a roof section and a floor section of two fiber reinforced sheets connected by an integral core and two rigid side wall sections each formed from welded steel or optionally bolted aluminum defining a series of window openings in a row along the side wall section in a ladder shape. Releasable joints of adhesive are provided between the metal rails and the edges of the composite panels where a web of the panel and the web of the rail extend across the panel at an angle to the first and second surfaces different from 90 degrees so that the web of the panel meets the flange of the panel at an angle greater than 90 degrees. |
| US08205929B2 |
Car with a sun roof
A car including a frame, a passenger compartment, a sun roof supported by the frame that can be set to an open position or a closed position with respect to the passenger compartment, a housing for housing the sun roof when the sun roof is in the open position, and a movable cover for closing the housing. The sun roof includes two rigid roof members which, when the sun roof is in the closed position, are substantially horizontal, substantially coplanar, and positioned seamlessly one behind the other, and, when the sun roof is in the open position, are packed one on top of the other inside the housing. |
| US08205925B2 |
Vehicle body reinforcing structure
There is provided a vehicle body reinforcing structure capable of improving the structural durability of a side body against a load applied from the front and capable of connecting a front body and the side body more firmly to each other. In the vehicle body reinforcing structure including a side wall member 116 which is curved so as to be convex toward the vehicle body outside, and to which a front door is attached via a door hinge; a connecting member 112 for connecting the side wall member to the front portion of a vehicle body; and a reinforcing member 136 that is attached to the vehicle body inside of the side wall member along the up-and-down direction, is curved along the curved side wall member, and reinforces the side wall member, there are provided brace members (an upper brace member 142 and a lower brace member 144) each of which has a plane surface part, fits to the curved inner surface of the reinforcing member, and is configured so that the plane surface part extends in the vehicle body longitudinal direction; and bolts 122 and 124 for fastening the connecting member, the side wall member, the reinforcing member, and the brace member together. |
| US08205922B1 |
Grommet shackle
A grommet shackle having a pair of opposed parallel legs. Each of the legs includes an opening therethrough to receive a pin or bolt. A central bow extends between the pair of legs to form a jaw to receive a rope or cable. The central bow has a cylindrical cross-section including an inner cylindrical load surface toward the eye to receive the rope or cable thereon. An outer cylindrical surface of the central bow forms a hollow recess. A central brace or rib extends across the hollow recess. |
| US08205916B2 |
High-pressure threaded union with metal-to-metal seal, and metal ring gasket for same
A metal ring gasket provides a high-pressure temperature tolerant metal-to-metal seal between subcomponents of a threaded union. The metal ring gasket is received in an annular cavity formed between mating surfaces of the subcomponents of the threaded union. The metal ring gasket is capable of maintaining a fluid seal even at very high temperatures resulting from direct exposure to fire. At high fluid pressures the metal ring gasket is energized because hoop stress induced by the fluid pressure forces the metal ring gasket into tighter contact with the subcomponents of the threaded union. |
| US08205912B2 |
Fluid line coupling
A fluid line coupling includes a receiving part and a locking part connectable to the receiving part. The locking part includes a plurality of elastically resilient spring tongues engageable behind an annular collar formed on a plug-in part that is insertable into the receiving part. A securing part includes a plurality of elongate securing arms. Guide elements are formed on the securing part and the receiving part that are engagable with one another to displace the securing part in relation to the receiving part. In a securing position of the securing part, each securing arm bears against a respective associated spring tongue and prevents the spring tongue from deflecting outwardly. In this manner, the plug-in part is secured by a very high pull-out force against being pulled out of the receiving part. |
| US08205907B2 |
Compact foldable stroller
A juvenile stroller includes a mobile base and a juvenile seat mounted on the mobile base. The mobile base includes wheels and a foldable frame carrying the juvenile seat. |
| US08205904B1 |
Vehicle mounting
One embodiment of the vehicle mounting includes a frame assembly. The frame assembly may include a panel member, a set of elongated members, and a bracket member. The panel member may be configured to be supported on a front part of the vehicle. The set of elongated members may extend from a surface of the panel member. The bracket member may be associated at the free end portions of the set of elongated members. The vehicle mounting may further include an arm assembly carried by the bracket member of the frame assembly. The arm assembly may include a first arm member and a second arm member adapted to be telescopically received within the first arm member. The arm assembly may also include a hitch member operatively coupled with the second arm member. The hitch member may be adapted to receive a towing rod of the wheeled article. |
| US08205901B2 |
Extending and retracting device for vehicle step
An extending and retracting device for a vehicle step includes a mounting bracket adapted to be fixed to a body of a vehicle and a step bracket. An arc sliding member is fixed to the step bracket. A driving arm defines a pair of ends thereof pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and step bracket, respectively. A supporting arm defines an upper end portion thereof pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a lower end portion of the supporting arm defining at least one arc slot of the lower end portion. The arc sliding member is adapted to fit into the arc slot so as to be slidable in the arc slot such that the lower end portion of the supporting arm is slidably connected to the step bracket. |
| US08205898B2 |
Twist beam with interlock
In a front wheel drive vehicle a traditional twist beam axle suffers from a short service life due to premature failures in intermediate areas between the end sections and the transitional section. A twist beam suspension is provided comprising a transverse strut (16) interconnecting longitudinal control arms (12). The transverse strut (16) may be formed from a tubular pipe. The tubular member may define a pair of tubular end sections (18), a deformed, U-shaped transitional section (20), and a pair of intermediate sections (22) between the end sections (18) and the transitional section (20). The intermediate section (22) may define a contour (28), known as a tongue. The tongue (28) enhances the flexibility in torsion and improves the stiffness in bending of the transverse strut (16). The tongue (28) may also include a concavity, to further aid in improving stiffness. |
| US08205897B2 |
Steering systems for use with motor vehicles
The disclosed steering systems allow Ackermann geometry (i.e., the angle of a vehicle's wheels in relation to each other) to vary at any given angle set by the steering wheel. |
| US08205896B2 |
Independent wheel suspension
An independent wheel suspension with a rotating steering knuckle which supports itself on a spring carrier is connected with the vehicle frame via a damper. The steering knuckle is connected with the spring carrier via a kingpin, and the wheel suspension has upper and lower transverse links which are positioned at the upper or lower ends of the kingpin. The steering knuckle and the transverse links are pivotally positioned relative to the kingpin and the spring carrier is connected with the kingpin in a rotationally fixed manner. The kingpin connects the spring carrier, the steering knuckle, and the upper end lower transverse links and is a two-piece part which comprises upper and lower parts. Axially, radially and rotationally fixing the upper and the lower parts and the spring carrier is achieved by a combination of the upper and the lower parts with the spring carrier. |
| US08205887B2 |
Game table including cups
In certain embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a game table that has a plurality of cups that may be automatically moved from a storage position to a playing position. In certain other embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a game table that has a plurality of cups that may be manually moved from a storage position to a playing position. In certain other embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to devices and methods that allow a user to provide a payment mechanism, and upon the acceptance of the payment mechanism, a game table will move a plurality of cups from a storage position to a playing position. In some embodiments, provision is made for the dispensing of a liquid drink or other reward when predetermined actions occur during play of the game. Although the presently disclosed embodiments will work with any game requiring cups for play, the disclosure makes reference to the game of Beer Pong for convenience of description. No limitation of the disclosure is thereby intended or to be inferred. |
| US08205884B2 |
Intelligent baccarat shoe
A method of controlling a game of Baccarat, the method including the steps of providing a card delivery shoe equipped with a sensor capable of reading at least a rank of each card; a first processor capable of controlling operation of the card delivery shoe; and a second processor capable of receiving signals from the sensor and programmed to display information related to the game of Baccarat. |
| US08205876B2 |
Sheet ejector and sheet feeder having the same for inserting later-ejected sheets under earlier-ejected sheets
A sheet ejector, configured to eject sheets so as to insert a later-ejected sheet under an earlier-ejected sheet on a catch tray, includes a feed roller provided to the catch tray, wherein the feed roller is configured to feed, in a predetermined ejecting direction, the later-ejected sheet that is inserted under the earlier-ejected sheet, and a switching mechanism configured to switch a state of the feed roller relative to a sheet on the catch tray between a contact state where the feed roller contacts the sheet on the catch tray and a non-contact state where the feed roller is kept from contacting the sheet on the catch tray. |
| US08205875B2 |
Functional unit positioning device and image forming apparatus
A functional unit positioning device for positioning a functional unit detachably attachable to an apparatus body, includes a biasing device that biases the functional unit in a unit-out direction; and a stopper mechanism having a first stopper and a second stopper, the stopper mechanism exerting and releasing control over release of the functional unit. The biasing device biases the functional unit by the biasing device so that the second stopper comes in contact with the first stopper to set the functional unit in a locked position in a unit in-out direction. The biasing device is also configured to change the magnitude of a bias force on the functional unit from low to high when the functional unit is inserted and advanced up to a predetermined position into the apparatus body. |
| US08205874B2 |
Device and method for isolating securities of a stack of securities
The invention relates to a device and a method for separating notes of value of a value note stack. The device comprises at least one input tray having an opening for the insertion of the value note stack and at least one closing element for closing and opening the opening of the input tray. Further, the device has at least one pressure element for pressing the notes of value inserted into the input tray against a pull-off element. The closing element and the pressure element are connected to each other. |
| US08205873B2 |
Media pick system and media pick method thereof
A media pick system includes a pick-up rack, a pick-up roller, a separate roller, a swing gear arm, a swing gear lever, and a part of action. While the separate roller and the swing gear arm are driven to rotate, the swing gear lever would be driven to rotate. Therefore, while the torque generated on the pick-up rack by the part of action so that the pick-up rack could be lifted up or pushed down to pick up the media. |
| US08205872B2 |
Sheet supply device and image forming apparatus
A sheet supply device including an elevation section for up and down movement of the sheet bundle accommodated on the sheet placement table, blow sections for blowing air to the upper side surface of the sheet bundle to float up the sheet from the aforementioned sheet bundle, and a non-contact sheet detection sensor for detecting the existence or nonexistence of a sheet at the predetermined position of the aforementioned sheet placement table. The elevation drive motor is controlled in such a way as to move the sheet bundle up and down, based on the frequency or ratio of the sheet existence in the detection result of the sheet detection sensor in the operation mode of the blow section. |
| US08205869B2 |
Apparatus for conveying sheet
A sheet conveying apparatus includes a conveying mechanism and a control unit. The conveying mechanism is configured to pick up and convey a sheet every first time interval T and includes a sound source which produces a plurality of element sounds attendant on conveying the sheet. The control unit is configured to control the conveying mechanism so that the element sounds are caused at times determined based on a second time interval. The second time interval is acquired by dividing the first time interval T by a division number n which is an integer of two or more. |
| US08205868B2 |
Inspection apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium
Tab positions of tab sheets that are inserted between printed pages while a print job is performed are determined to be correct or incorrect using a control method for controlling an inspection apparatus which is connectable to a printing apparatus. The method includes reading tab sheets conveyed from the printing apparatus, detecting positions of tabs of the tab sheets conveyed from the printing apparatus according to the reading result, and determining whether each of the detected positions is correct or incorrect. |
| US08205861B2 |
Carrying rack of an engine
A carrying rack of an engine includes a main hydraulic cylinder to move a swing arm upward and downward, and the swing arm including a seat disposed on a front end thereof, the seat including a support post axially mounted therein, wherein the support post includes a fixed peg axially inserted to a U-shaped receiving member to form a L shape, and the receiving member includes a pillar axially fixed on a bottom end thereof by using a retaining bolt, the support post also includes a rotating holder axially connected to the seat; an auxiliary hydraulic cylinder is axially disposed in an inner side of the swing arm by using its distal end so that a hydraulic lifter axially couples with the rotating holder via a connecting rod, and the swing arm includes a shaft mounted thereon to contact with the connecting rod. |
| US08205860B2 |
Valve with a structure for mitigating abrasive wear or galling of sealing surfaces between a seat ring and a closure member during their relative sliding contact with each other
A ball valve or any other type of valve in which sealing surface of the seat ring and surface of closure member keep relative sliding contact during opening and closing movement of the valves. One or more annular grooves cut into sealing surface of the seat ring around it's bore are filled with lubricant or grease used for lubricating the surfaces so as to avoid or mitigate their abrasive wear or galling caused by frictional heat. |
| US08205858B2 |
Electromagnetic pressure valve
An electromagnetic pressure regulating valve has a valve portion for conducting and regulating the pressure of an operating medium, such as oil, a magnet portion for actuating the valve portion for regulating the pressure of the operating medium and having a magnet housing, in which a magnet core is located that as needed exerts magnetic force on an armature, located in the magnet housing, a spring with a spring force generating a pressure activation threshold to be overcome upon regulation and located between the armature and an adjusting ball that is located in a pole piece of the magnet housing, and the spring has regions of different diameter. |
| US08205856B2 |
Metering assembly and method of dispensing fluid
A metering assembly includes a fluidic chip and metering chambers. Selectable outlet valves communicate with each metering chamber to provide a discrete dispensed volume. The valves may be commonly controlled and may be formed as multi-level valves. The valves may be grouped into common substrate valve clusters. Purge channels communicate with the metering chambers and controlled purge valves allow reverse flow wash fluid to wash the metering chamber. Pressure ports are employed to actuate the valves. A method of dispensing a fluid from the fluidic chip includes a) to selectively filling (or filling) the metering chambers with a selected fluid; and b) outputting (or selectively outputting) the fluid to output locations. The total output volume of fluid dispensed from each metering chamber may be accumulated. The process may be repeated until the accumulated volume equals the desired volume and may be repeated for another fluid from a plurality of different fluids. |
| US08205848B2 |
Test fixture
A test fixture is mounted to a supporting base and adapted for holding an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, a mobile phone and so on, on the purpose of testing an antenna characteristic of the electronic device. The test fixture includes a first fixing component and a second fixing component. The first fixing component is adapted for being mounted to the supporting base and has a first basic plate adapted for carrying the laptop computer. The second fixing component is removably mounted to the first fixing component, and has a plurality of supporting rods suspending above the first basic plate adapted for clamping the mobile phone therebetween. |
| US08205847B2 |
Connection system for mounting a device onto a support arm
The present invention provides a connection system for attaching and detaching a device to and from a support arm. The connection system is comprised of a key member having a keyed portion. A first section is attachable to a support arm. The first section is dimensioned to receive the keyed portion of the key member. A second section is attachable to a device. The second section is dimensioned to attach to the first section. An actuator is operable to move between a first position and a second position. The second section is locked to the first section when the actuator is in the first position. The second section is detachable from the first section when the key member is locked to the first section and the actuator is in the second position. |
| US08205844B1 |
Connector assembly
The present invention relates to an improved connector assembly for attaching objects to supports. The connector assembly has both a male connector and a female connector capable of being removably attached to each other. The male connector includes an engagement portion that extends from a contact surface and a support structure for attaching to an accessory. The female connector includes a hooked portion that extends from a female contact surface and receives the engagement portion of the male connector. Once connected, the male contact surface and the female contact surface may contact each other. The female connector may be attached to a structure, such as a wall, a free standing structure, or other attachment structure. Further, the male connector may be connected at various locations along the female connector, providing flexibility to attach the male connector at more than one location. |
| US08205842B2 |
Support structure
A support structure includes a base, a support member, and a connecting member. The base includes an inserting portion. The support member defines a receiving cavity to receive the inserting portion of the base. The connecting member includes a connection portion. The inserting portion of the base is movably connected to the connecting portion of the connecting member. When the inserting portion of the base and the connecting portion of the connecting member are out of the receiving cavity, the inserting portion of the base is movable to the connecting member such that the support member and the base are collapsible. |
| US08205840B2 |
Elongated, torsion-deformable aerodynamic element
The invention relates to an elongated, torsion-deformable aerodynamic element, in which the upper surface (2) is continuous while the lower surface (3) comprises a longitudinal slot (6) in the direction of the span and in the vicinity of the leading edge (4). Furthermore, an actuator device (14) inside said aerodynamic element is capable of sliding the edges (6A and 6R) of the slot (6) relative to each other. |
| US08205839B2 |
Methods and apparatus for node-synchronous eccentricity control
A method for performing east-west station keeping for a satellite in an inclined synchronous orbit is described. The method includes averaging a value of a right ascension of the ascending node for an inclination vector associated with the satellite over a period of the control cycle, and managing corrections for the satellite such that an eccentricity vector, directed at perigee, is substantially collinear with the inclination vector. |
| US08205837B2 |
Drogue assembly for in-flight refuelling
A drogue assembly includes a probe guide such as a standard small high speed drogue with a first canopy (14), and a foldable second canopy (20) mounted around the first canopy which is biased outwardly, and is foldable inwardly under air pressure loading to overlie the small drogue at low speeds. Thus the drag produced by the drogue varies automatically with airspeed allowing the assembly to be used over a wide range of airspeeds. |
| US08205836B2 |
Fire protection device for an aircraft or spacecraft
A fire protection device for an aircraft or spacecraft is disclosed. The fire protection device can include a fireproof bulkhead and an adjusting device, the fireproof bulkhead can be adjusted from a ventilating position I into a screening position II. This may prevent a stream of smoke and heat from penetrating into the cabin when there is a fire underneath the fuselage. |
| US08205834B2 |
Support structure for a wing
A support structure for an aircraft, includes one or several bar elements and one or several junction elements. At least one bar element includes a transition region which can be made to engage at least one junction element. When the transition region of the bar element engages at least one junction element, centric force transmission takes place between the bar element and the junction element. |
| US08205832B2 |
Floor structure for a fuselage
The present invention provides a floor structure for a fuselage comprising a plurality of cross beams to which respectively at least one first strut and at least one second strut are associated for connecting the respective cross beam to the fuselage. The at least one first strut is aligned in a corresponding first direction vector and the at least second strut is aligned corresponding to a second direction vector. The projections of the first direction vector and of the second direction vector onto the longitudinal direction of the fuselage are different for absorbing a force acting in the longitudinal direction of the fuselage on the floor structure, through the first and second struts. |
| US08205830B2 |
Hydraulic fluid control apparatus
In the field of avionics, it is difficult to justify initiation of new aircraft programmes for replacement of small numbers of niche aircraft. Instead, in many cases, retrofitting existing aircraft is preferred for economic reasons. In this respect, upgrading existing braking systems to accommodate replacement of existing brake units employing sintered friction materials with brake units employing carbon-carbon composite friction materials is desirable. However, when upgrading the braking systems it is necessary to ensure that the integrity of the existing airframe is not compromised by the use of the new brake assemblies employing the carbon-carbon composite friction materials. Consequently, the present invention replaces existing pressure control valves of existing braking systems with an electronic control unit (126) coupled to a pressure control servovalve (128) thereby ensuring proper application of hydraulic pressure to brake assemblies (122). An advantage of this invention is that the pressure profile of the hydraulic fluid is controllable and hence the integrity of the airframe is maintained. |
| US08205829B2 |
Submersible transport and launch canister and methods for the use thereof
Embodiments of a method for deploying an airborne object are provided utilizing a submersible transport and launch canister of the type that includes a pressure vessel in which the airborne object is stored and a cap which sealingly engages the pressure vessel. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of positioning an end portion of the pressure vessel above the surface level of a body of water, opening the cap, and launching the airborne object from the pressure vessel while in the body of water. |
| US08205825B2 |
Engine pylon made from composite material
A load-bearing structure, such as a pylon or strut, having a monolithic tubular-shaped first central structure composed of composite material and a plurality of metal fittings for supporting an engine on an airframe structure of an aircraft, such as a wing. Most of the fittings are integrated into the load-bearing structure through bonding. The metal fittings carry the high bearing loads that are transmitted into the pylon at the engine-pylon and wing-pylon interfaces. The load-bearing structure may also include a second central structure of a tubular shape composed of composite material and integrated with one end portion of the first central structure by bonding and/or mechanical fasteners. |
| US08205823B2 |
Air vehicle flight mechanism and control method
Heavier-than-air, aircraft having flapping wings, e.g., ornithopters, where angular orientation control is effected by variable differential sweep angles of deflection of the flappable wings in the course of sweep angles of travel and/or the control of variable wing membrane tension. |
| US08205822B1 |
Active maple seed flyer
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has a payload or body affixed at one end of an elongated airfoil. The entire airfoil/payload combination rotates about a center of mass to define a rotor disk. Thrust is provided by air-augmented rocket engine thrusting tangentially at a location remote from the payload. A control system maintains knowledge of its environment, as by a camera, to produce directional control signals which actuate lift control means in synchronism with the rotational position of the vehicle. A deployable object may be carried. Protection of the stowed vehicle is provided by blister packaging. |
| US08205820B2 |
Transforming unmanned aerial-to-ground vehicle
A transforming unmanned aerial-to-ground vehicle assembly comprising: an aerodynamic flying assembly comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle integrated with an unmanned ground vehicle, a power unit shared by the unmanned aerial vehicle and the unmanned ground vehicle, vehicle controls shared by the unmanned aerial vehicle and the unmanned ground vehicle, a disengagement mechanism to separate the unmanned ground vehicle from the unmanned aerial vehicle, one or more manipulator arms located on either the unmanned aerial vehicle or the unmanned ground vehicle, and landing gear. |
| US08205819B2 |
Automated dereeler
An automatic dereeler includes a rocker arm that is movable between various positions to indicate the relative tension on a continuously supplied material. A sensor detects the rocker arm position which is transmitted to a controller. The controller actively controls a motor to either increase or decrease the resistive torque on a rotating axle that carries the continuous material. |
| US08205816B2 |
Single-handed vertical solid material grinder
This utility patent is a single-handed vertical solid material grinder. It includes a shell, a handle set with a motion handle and a mounted handle, and a grinding set. The grinding set has a sector unit that is a sector cylinder with parallel teeth and a grinding unit with fixed teeth. The mounted handle is placed inside the shell. Between the motion handle and the shell is an elastic repositioning unit. There is a driving set between the motion handle and the sector unit. When using one hand to pull and then release the handle set, through the handle set inside the shell and the grinding set of sector unit and grinding unit, the motion handle will drive the sector unit move back and forth around the spinning axis, thus pushing the parallel teeth on the sector surface to smash back and forth through the fixed teeth on the grinding unit's surface. Thus the solid raw material is caught between the surfaces of the parallel teeth and the fixed teeth and is grinded down. So by using one hand to operate the handle set the user can continuously grind the material particles. It can reduce a lot of effort. And by setting a collection box on the outlet of the shell, the grinded particles can be collected without wasted. |
| US08205814B2 |
Filler recovery processes
Various embodiments of the present invention generally provide processes for recovering and/or using one or more constituent components of carpeting. More specifically, various embodiments provide processes for reclaiming a filler material from carpet as well as processes for using the recovered filler material in subsequent carpet manufacturing processes. The present filler recovery processes can provide recycled filler material, which can be extracted at various stages of processing, and in different purities, depending on the subsequent need or use for the recovered filler material. In some instances, the filler recovery processes described herein can be implemented as sub-processes for recycling other carpet components. |
| US08205813B2 |
Method for recycling materials coming from used objects
The recycling method according to the invention involves, when manufacturing the objects (12), a preliminary phase of selectively labelling the objects (12), the parts of the objects and/or the components of the objects that include the materials to be recycled, and a phase of concentrating the recyclable materials involving grinding the objects (12) down into particles (15), remotely detecting the labels that may be borne by each of the particles, extracting those parts (26) in which a label has been detected and directing them to a storage area (27) specific to said label. |
| US08205811B2 |
Rotating sprinkler head valve
The rotating sprinkler head valve includes an upper assembly with a stationary rigid cone received in a conical interior chamber of a rotor, and a cylindrical shaft extending through the stationary rigid cone and rotor. A lower assembly includes a bottom helix member, a strainer adapter having an internal transverse slotted plate and a rotatable slotted flow plate to permit flow when the flow plate slots are aligned with slots in the internal transverse slotted plate. A base top member includes a downwardly extending inner tubular portion and a lower interior edge surface with a helical lower surface forming an adjustable helical aperture in cooperation with the bottom helix member, and a recessed inner helical lip is configured to receive the upper helical surface of the bottom helix member for adjusting a helical aperture. |
| US08205808B2 |
Pressurized tank sprayer having lid seal
A pressurized tank sprayer includes a base tank including a neck and a mouth. A lid having a top portion and a depending skirt is positioned upon the tank. Threads are provided on the neck of the tank and engage threads on the depending skirt of the lid in order to secure the lid to the tank. The threads include locking features that prevent the lid from becoming forcibly detached from the tank during removal of the lid if excess pressure remains in the tank. An annular seal is seated in the lid and provides a seal between the tank and the lid. The annular seal includes an annular sealing surface and a concave interior surface. The annular sealing surface contacts the interior surface of the tank while the concave interior surface is exposed to the interior of the tank. |
| US08205804B2 |
Flexible fluid delivery line with adjustable end fitting retention bracket
A flexible fluid delivery line with an end fitting retention bracket is disclosed for use during installation of an irrigation or sprinkler system. The retention bracket is malleable along its length and facilitates the positioning and orientation of a sprinkler head or other fluid delivery device with respect to the surrounding ground level. The retention bracket has two annular sleeves connected by a malleable elongate member. Through the pair of annular sleeves passes a semi-flexible riser. The annular sleeves are configured to substantially match the external circumference of the end fittings and retain the fitting therein. The retention bracket may be bent to suit various installation angles. The retention bracket prevents undesired turning or displacement of the end fittings during installation/use/removal of a sprinkler head. |
| US08205801B2 |
Semiconductor device having wireless communication function
A semiconductor device includes a memory portion, a logic portion, and a plurality of signal lines for electrically connecting the memory portion and the logic portion. In the case where a transfer rate between the semiconductor device and a communication device is α [bps], a first clock frequency generated in the logic portion is Kα [Hz] (K is an integer of 1 or more), the number of reading signal lines of the plurality of signal lines is n (n is an integer of 2 or more), and a second clock frequency generated in the logic portion is Lα/n [Hz] (L is any integer satisfying L/n |
| US08205800B2 |
Long range selective RFID using laser photodetection wakeup
A data transfer system includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader having a radio frequency transmitter and receiver and a laser. The data transfer system also includes a RFID tag on a container which has a first photosensitive device coupled to an electronic circuit in the tag which is in a first state when light from the laser is not striking the photosensitive device and in a second state when light from the laser is striking the photosensitive device such that the RFID tag transmits a signal only when a light beam from the laser is striking the photosensitive device. The tag may be passive, semi-passive (battery assisted passive-BAP), or active. If the tag is BAP then the laser light causes the tag to wake up so that it can respond to the RF signal from a RFID reader. The radio frequency transmitter provides power to the RFID tag sufficient to transmit a signal to the receiver which can be decoded by the RFID reader when the RFID reader is 40 feet or more away from the RFID tag. |
| US08205793B2 |
Banking transaction processing system
Banking transaction processing apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one general aspect, a banking transaction processing method includes accessing a first authorization code from a first device, such as a credit card, and a second authorization code from a second device, such as a portable phone, at a merchant location, These codes are provided to an authorization module at the merchant location, and a relationship between the first and second authorization codes is evaluated. A transaction authorization indication can then be provided from the authorization module for an in-person transaction with the merchant. |
| US08205791B2 |
Payment system and methods
Disclosed are payment system and methods. |
| US08205788B1 |
Chattel management apparatus and method
Apparatus and methods for tracking or otherwise accounting for chattel (e.g., personal property such as keys, pocket knives, and the like) at a point of departure such as an airport, bus station, train station, etc., or areas where people congregate (e.g., sporting events, concerts, etc.). In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a kiosk adapted for use near a security checkpoint, wherein passengers or patrons can efficiently deposit their items for shipment to their home, travel destination, or third party. |
| US08205786B1 |
Electromagnetic coil assemblies including aluminum wire splice connectors, aluminum wire splice connectors, and associated methods
Embodiments of a method are provided for joining an aluminum wire to a secondary wire, as are embodiments of an aluminum wire splice connector and embodiments of an electromagnetic coil assembly including an aluminum wire splice connector. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps providing a splice connector having a first blind bore and a second blind bore, inserting a segment of a coiled aluminum magnet wire into the first blind bore, and inserting a segment of the secondary wire into the second blind bore. The splice connector is soldered to the segments of the aluminum wire and the secondary wire inserted into the first and second blind bores, respectively, to electrically couple the coiled aluminum magnet wire and the secondary wire through the splice connector. |
| US08205782B2 |
Compression assemblies and applicators for use therewith
A compression assembly for use in compressing tissue comprising a first portion which includes a first compression element and a second portion which comprises a second compression element, at least one support element, and at least one spring element. Typically the spring element is formed of a shape-memory material. The at least one spring element is in compressive force contact with the second compression element and the tissue to be joined is positioned between the first and second compression elements. A plurality of needles on one of the support elements is operative to pierce the tissue and the first portion of the assembly, holding the first compression element to the second portion of the assembly. The invention is appropriate for joining severed tissue in anastomosis procedures or closing natural or surgically produced tissue perforations. |
| US08205780B2 |
Apparatus for forming variable height surgical fasteners
A surgical device for applying a plurality of surgical staples is provided. The device includes a staple fastening assembly attached to a surgical instrument. The staple fastening assembly includes a pair of cooperating jaws, a jaw operating mechanism, and a gap sensor. A staple magazine having a plurality of staples and an anvil member having a plurality of staple pockets are attached to the jaws. The staple magazine includes a staple crimping cam and a staple dimpling cam that are operatively coupled to the surgical instrument. The jaw operating mechanism is operatively connected to a drive assembly in the surgical instrument for moving the jaws for automatically setting a tissue gap between the cooperating jaws. The gap sensor cooperates with the jaw operating mechanism for controlling staple formation. |
| US08205779B2 |
Surgical stapler with tactile feedback system
A surgical instrument comprising a handle portion, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle portion, and a tool adjacent the distal portion of the elongated body portion and having at least one jaw movable to a clamping position to clamp tissue. A tactile feedback system includes an expandable member extending from the handle portion, the expandable member providing a tactile indicator of a tissue parameter of tissue clamped by the least one jaw. |
| US08205775B2 |
Adjustable harness
An adjustable harness 10 for a self contained breathing apparatus, a back plate 12, a sliding plate 16, a pair of shoulder straps 20, 22 and a belt 18. The sliding plate 16 can move longitudinally with respect to the back plate between the extended position and the un-extended position. Shoulder straps 20, 22 are fixed to an upper portion of the sliding plate and a belt 18 is fixed to a lower portion of the back plate. A valve 28 is provided at the bottom of the back plate 12 so that a cylinder of breathable gas connected to the valve may be retained by a retaining strap 13. Hoses 24, 26 are attached to the sliding plate 16, cross over in the region of the opening 14 and as such the side of the sliding plate 16 to which they are attached is different to the side of the valve 28 from which they leave. Guide channels 34 are shaped to retain the hoses 24, 26. The hoses 24, 26 fold and unfold within the confines of the plates 12, 16 to prevent snagging. |
| US08205773B2 |
Logistic container
A logistic container intended to be made integral with a structure, such as a vehicle, and incorporating a clasping device intended to cooperate with a matching device carried by the structure, the container being of a geometry with several faces wherein the container incorporates at least two opening flaps each arranged on a separate face. |
| US08205766B2 |
Method for packaging thermal interface materials
A package for delivery of a tacky product includes a carrier tape with a plurality of cavities separately disposed along a length thereof. Each of the cavities in the carrier tape includes a base that is sized to operably receive and support the product. The base of each cavity includes a surface profile which defines a contact surface area that is sufficiently low so as to facilitate removal of the product from the cavity without damage to the product. In some cases, the contact surface area is less than about 50% of a base surface area of the base. The carrier tape may be configured for use in tape and reel packaging systems. |
| US08205764B2 |
Cap for vessel for performing multi-stage process
Embodiments of the invention provide a cap for a vessel for performing a multi-stage process for analyzing a sample, such as nested PCR or RT-PCR. In one embodiment, the cap comprises a body configured to be mated to the vessel to enclose a vessel interior, a cap cavity for holding reagents, and a cap cavity control portion that is adjustable with respect to the body between a first-stage position in which the cap cavity is enclosed and fluidicly isolated from the vessel interior and a second-stage position in which the cap cavity is fluidicly coupled with the vessel interior. |
| US08205763B2 |
Reusable container
A reusable container has four vertical side walls affixed to a rectangular base that can be moved between an extended position and a folded position. When the vertical side walls are in the extended position, the vertical side walls form a rectangular enclosure about a rectangular base. The rectangular enclosure can be divided into two sections by one or more movable members positioned within the rectangular enclosure for transporting different-sized documents, papers, or files. The vertical side walls may be moved into a folded position when the reusable container is empty to reduce the space required for transporting the empty containers. The reusable container interlocks with other reusable containers stacked on a dolly in either the extended position or the folded position such that stacks of reusable containers can be pushed on a dolly up inclines and over bumps without any restraints. |
| US08205762B2 |
Safety cap assembly and container system
Disclosed is a safety cap assembly and corresponding container. The container may feature recessed projections which have notches and the cap may feature a flexor and lugs wherein the lugs interact with the notches under a force from the flexor to prevent removal of the cap by pulling or twisting. |
| US08205758B2 |
Socket holder
A holder is provided for holding sockets. The holder includes a body, a lateral cover and a locking device. The body includes a lateral plate and a plurality of inserts extended from the lateral plate. The lateral cover is pivotally connected to the body and formed with a plurality of bosses. Each insert is adapted to be inserted into a first recess defined in one end of a corresponding socket and a corresponding boss is adapted to be inserted into a second recess defined in another end of the same socket. The locking device is used to lock the lateral cover to the body, thus locking the sockets in the holder. |
| US08205753B2 |
Flotation reagent for silicates
This invention relates to the use of a compound of the formula (I) where R1 is a hydrocarbon group having 1-40 carbon atoms, R2 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 2-4 carbon atoms, and also R3 is an alkoxy group, n is in the range from 1 to 50, and m is 1 or 2, as flotation reagent in silicate flotation R1—O—R2—NH(2-m)—[(R3)n—H]m (I). |
| US08205750B2 |
Buffer packing material having air injection path formed with bypass and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a buffer packing material having an air injection path formed with a bypass, and more particularly, to a buffer packing material, in which a bypass is formed at one side of a passage between an air injection path for injecting air from the outside and an air guiding path for guiding the injected air into an air cell and in communication with the outside so as to prevent a specific air cell from being deformed or broken by an excessive air injected into the specific air cell due to an increased pressure in the air injection path when air is injected into the cell, and a method for manufacturing the same. |
| US08205749B2 |
Stackable flexible container assembly
A stackable container assembly that is particularly suited for packaging heavy bulk products such as paint includes a container having a main body and a removable lid having an upstanding rim portion that has an upper surface. The container has a flexible bottom portion that has a lower surface that includes at least one support surface for supporting the container assembly on an underlying horizontal surface. The lower surface further includes at least one projection that is disposed radially inwardly from the support surface. The flexible bottom portion is advantageously configured so that the projection will flex radially downwardly and outwardly into a position that is adjacent to an upstanding rim portion of an underlying container assembly when the container assembly is stacked on top of another container assembly. This ensures accurate registration and positioning of the container assemblies during stacking. |
| US08205746B2 |
Display pack and packaging method and apparatus
A display pack for a consumer product is made of two sheets of corrugated cardboard and a clear plastic container with a flat insertion portion sandwiched between the cardboard sheets. The two cardboard sheets are adhered together in a peripheral area of the package by a heat-sensitive adhesive, and the corrugations of the cardboard sheets are crushed and flattened in the peripheral area. To seal the package, the peripheral area of the two cardboard sheets is subject to sufficient pressure to crush the corrugations inside the cardboard sheets and flatten them in that area. Heat is applied to the outer side of the cardboard sheets in the peripheral area and conducted to the adhesive material between the two sheets to activate the adhesive material. A sealer machine with a heated sealing press or parallel sets of heated rollers may be used to carry out the sealing process. |
| US08205745B2 |
Vapor hydration of a hydrophilic catheter in a package
A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element. The activation of at least some of the hydrophilic coating occurs solely by reason of exposure of the outer surface of the catheter to a vapor produced by the vapor donating liquid. The distribution of the catheter following manufacture is delayed for a time sufficient to permit the vapor to complete hydration of the entire hydrophilic coating on the surface. |
| US08205744B1 |
Laptop shield carrying case and cellular shield holster
A unique laptop computer or similar device carrying case, which can also shield an individual from electromagnetic radiation (EMF) including RF microwave radiation and also heat transfer from the laptop computers when opened or in the closed positions. A conductive fabric is positioned against non-conductive plastic sheeting and is rolled up on itself, on four sides, to provide a larger effective virtual shield in the two side insulating sections, each of which includes an inner luan material with optional magnetic shielding or a perforated metal shield and a solid metal shield in the base to protect against electromagnetic radiation. The shield can be incorporated in existing cell phone/PC cases or flip top cell phone cases. Further, a pocket shield can be used to store cell phones in apparel pockets. |
| US08205741B2 |
Method of adjusting conveyor belt scrapers and open loop control system for conveyor belt scrapers
A bulk material handling system comprises a bulk material handling apparatus to convey bulk material, and a bulk material handling accessory that aids in the operation of the bulk material handling apparatus. The bulk material handling accessory comprises a controller having one or more sensors. The controller comprises a processor and a computer readable memory capable of: (i) generating a control signal indicative of an operating condition of the bulk material handling accessory during a cycle of operation of the accessory; (ii) storing in the memory of the controller a limit associated with an operating condition of the accessory; (iii) comparing the control signal to the limit; (iv) generating a signal indicative of an abnormal event associated with the operating condition when the control signal is beyond the limit; and (v) generating a response signal when a number of abnormal event signals generated exceeds a predetermined level of abnormal events. |
| US08205739B2 |
Conveyor system
A continuous sharp chain conveyor system is disclosed wherein a workpiece may be elevated from the sharp chain conveyor while the workpiece is transported down the sharp chain conveyor such that the workpiece may be rotated to maintain the workpiece in an optimized position. The system includes a sharp chain which engages the workpiece, a first and a second skid positionable in parallel alignment with the sharp chain to elevate and lower the workpiece relative to the sharp chain, and pairs of rotatable positioning drive rolls positionable along the sharp chain to rotate the workpiece when the workpiece is elevated. The system may also include a plurality of hold-down rolls to maintain the workpiece on the sharp chain by exerting downward pressure on the workpiece. The pairs of rotatable positioning drive rolls may cooperatively displace the workpiece laterally and/or independently angularly displace the workpiece relative to the longitudinal centreline of the sharp chain. |
| US08205736B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus including a pallet configured to receive a print substrate, a conveyer mechanism configured to convey the pallet, and a working device configured to conduct a processing operation for printing on the print substrate on the pallet. The printing apparatus further includes a locating mechanism configured to stop the pallet at a first holding position and a first holding mechanism configured to hold the pallet, stopped at the first holding position by the first locating mechanism, to be spaced apart from the conveying mechanism. After the pallet being conveyed by the conveying mechanism is stopped by the first locating mechanism, the pallet is held to be spaced apart from the conveying mechanism by the first holding mechanism and the processing operation is conducted by the working device relative to the print substrate on the pallet thus held. |
| US08205733B2 |
Clutch ring travel limiter
An integrated wheel end which includes a movable clutch ring for selective engagement between an engaged and disengaged position for transferring driving torque from a drive shaft to the wheel end. The integrated wheel end incorporates a clutch ring abutment feature or travel limiter configured to position the movable clutch ring relative to a coupler on the wheel end during assembly with the drive shaft. |
| US08205730B2 |
Shock absorber with pressure-controlled damping
A damper (400) including a pressure-sensitive damping control circuit that selectively permits fluid flow from a first chamber (406a) to a second chamber (448). A piston (410) is supported for reciprocation to vary a volume of the first chamber. A blow-off piston (429) is movable between a closed position, wherein fluid flow through the control circuit is substantially prevented, and an open position, wherein fluid flow through the control circuit is permitted. The damper also includes a first source of pressure. A fluid pressure created by compression of the damper applies an opening force to the blow-off piston tending to move the blow-off piston in a direction toward the open position against a resistance force provided by the first source of pressure. The resistance force is greater than the opening force until the pressure created by forces tending to insert the piston rod into the first fluid chamber exceeds the pressure in the first source of pressure by a predetermined amount. |
| US08205727B2 |
Electromagnetic permanent magnet brake
An electromagnetic brake (20), in particular for an electric drive is provided, having a brake body (3), which is provided with a sleeve-shaped permanent magnet (4), an electromagnet (5) with an exciting coil (6), an external ring in the form of an external pole and an internal ring (8) in the form of an internal pole, wherein an armature disc (12) rotatably connected to a shaft is attractable against the brake body (3) or the external or internal ring surfaces by the permanent magnet (4) force acting against a return spring force. When the exciting coil is powered, the permanent magnet (4) magnetic field is compensated in such a way that the armature disc (12) is lifted up from the brake body (3) by the spring force, thereby allowing the brake to be released. A radial cross-sectional dimension or cross-sectional thickness d of the permanent magnet (4) is smaller than the axial dimension thereof and a spatial arrangement, viewed in the axial direction, is provided between the armature disc (12) and the exciting coil (6) in the area radially external with respect to the exciting coil (6) or the housing thereof. |
| US08205724B2 |
Disc brake device
A disk brake apparatus that can suppress vibration and a brake noise phenomenon in a low deceleration range and increase braking force in a high deceleration range. In the low deceleration range a push surface at a tip of a small-diameter push portion of an inner piston pushes a back plate of a brake pad at a center of the push surface corresponding to a radial inside where deflection and inclination of a disk rotor is insignificant, thereby suppressing the vibration and brake noise phenomenon in the low deceleration range. In the high deceleration range the back plate of the brake pad is pushed at a radially outside push location of the disk rotor in an aperture-side end face of an outer piston, thereby making the braking force in the high deceleration range larger than the braking force in the low deceleration range. |
| US08205723B2 |
Brake apparatus for carts with three or more wheels such as golf bag carts, baby strollers and the like
A brake apparatus for carts with three or more wheels such as golf bag carts, baby strollers and the like includes a hand brake control assembly fixed on the cart frame and having a body and a lug in pinned connection with the body. Brake activation can be done through a pull on the lug. On the other hand, brake release is achieved by pressing springy pushbuttons on both sides of the lug to escape the clipping pin from the indent. A brake pole set, fixed on a rear wheel axle tube, is capable of offering a buffer mechanism, which avoids potential destruction to the wheel. A brake wire enables easy operation and achieves an automatic lock during braking, which substantially prevents the lapse of releasing the brake by the user. |
| US08205719B2 |
Hybrid working machine
As lubricating construction for a spline coupling portion for connecting a rotating shaft of a generator-motor and a rotating shaft of a hydraulic pump both actuated by an engine, a lubricating oil chamber communicating with the spline coupling portion is formed within a motor casing of the generator-motor, while in a pump casing of the hydraulic pump there is formed an oil passing hole providing communication between the lubricating oil chamber and an oil chamber in the hydraulic pump on an outer periphery side of the rotating shaft of the hydraulic pump, thereby forming an oil passage for allowing working oil present within the hydraulic pump to circulate through a route including the spline coupling portion. |
| US08205713B2 |
Vehicle silencer
A silencer for an exhaust system, more preferably of a motor vehicle, is provided with a silencer insert arranged in a silencer housing. The silencer includes a jacket, with at least one pipe section penetrating a through-opening of the jacket. Through welding of the pipe section to the silencer insert a weld seam formed pressure-tight between pipe section and jacket is relieved of mechanical load. |
| US08205712B2 |
Ported loudspeaker enclosure with tapered waveguide absorber
A loudspeaker enclosure has a first aperture in which a driver can be mounted, the driver having a first resonant frequency. A second aperture defines a port extending between the interior and the exterior of the enclosure. The port is tuned to a second resonant frequency. A sound absorbing element comprises at least one exponentially tapered horn having a mouth in communication with the interior of the enclosure. The horn has a cut-off frequency equal to or greater than the resonant frequency of the port, and preferably two to four times greater. The horn can be defined by tapering external walls of the enclosure, or by structures located within the enclosure which define a plurality of individual horns. The described enclosure combines the benefits of ported enclosures with those of enclosures employing tapered sound absorbing elements. |
| US08205710B2 |
Belt-type continuously variable transmission having resin block belt and motorcycle including belt-type continuously variable transmission
A belt-type continuously variable transmission that prevents escape of noise generated by a resin block belt to the outside. The resin block belt is wound around a primary sheave and a secondary sheave. A transmission case defines a belt chamber accommodating the primary sheave, secondary sheave, and resin block belt. The transmission case includes an exhaust passage, intake passages, and a sound absorbing member. The sound absorbing member is attached to an inner wall of the exhaust passage in a position to collide with sound waves traveling through the exhaust passage. The sound absorbing member has a sound absorbing surface crossing an extending direction of the exhaust passage. |
| US08205704B2 |
Parking assist apparatus
A parking assist apparatus includes a guidance mode setting portion specifying a forward turning guidance controlling portion to perform a control when determining that a direct guidance control for driving a vehicle rearward to a target parking position without once driving the vehicle forward is unachievable. The forward turning guidance controlling portion includes an auxiliary guidance controlling device generating an auxiliary guidance path and driving the vehicle rearward by an automatic steering along the auxiliary guidance path and a guidance possibility determining device determining whether or not the vehicle is directly guided rearward to the target parking position based on a position and a steering angle of the vehicle while the vehicle is moving forward by a manual steering. The forward turning guidance controlling portion includes a final guidance controlling device guiding the vehicle to the target parking position. |
| US08205702B2 |
Battery arrangement
A battery arrangement (1) has at least two battery cell packs (2, 3) arranged in a common battery housing (4). The battery housing (4) has at least one first opening (5) for supplying cooling air and at least one second opening (6) for discharging heated air. The battery cell packs (2, 3) are arranged one above the other and delimit a tunnel (7) therebetween in a height direction. At least one of the first and second openings (5, 6) is arranged substantially at the same level as the tunnel (7). The tunnel (7) is closed at a side facing one of the first and second openings (5, 6) so that air flowing between the first and second openings (5, 6) is channeled through or around the battery cell packs (2, 3). |
| US08205701B2 |
Operating system for tractor
An operating system for a tractor to which an implement is attachable, the operating system comprises: a steering wheel provided rearwardly of a hood that houses an engine located in a forward region of the tractor; a control panel provided rearwardly of the hood and adjacent the steering wheel; a center cover extending generally vertically below the steering wheel; an operation lever provided at a position laterally of the control panel; a valve unit with a pair of spools, the valve unit being located at a lower position with respect to the steering wheel and being covered by the center cover; a link mechanism that links the operation lever and the pair of spools, the link mechanism being covered by the center cover. |
| US08205700B2 |
Power storage device
A power storage device is mounted on a rear portion of a vehicle. The power storage device includes a high-voltage terminal and a low-voltage connector having a lower voltage than the high-voltage terminal. The high-voltage terminal is arranged on a front side in the vehicle. The low-voltage connector is arranged on a rear side in the vehicle. |
| US08205699B2 |
Automotive vehicle having engine air guide passage
In an automotive vehicle in which an air duct which forms an air guide passage for guiding air that has flowed into an engine compartment to an induction system of an internal combustion engine is provided integrally on an inner surface of a bonnet, a reduction in size and weight of the air duct and a compact disposition of the air duct within the engine compartment are attempted to be realized.An automotive vehicle includes an internal combustion engine 20 which is disposed within an engine compartment and an air duct 40 which is provided integrally on an inner surface of a bonnet 10. The air duct 40 forms an air guide passage 60 for guiding air that has flowed into the engine compartment to an induction system 20i of the internal combustion engine 20 between itself and a bonnet portion 30 which constitutes part of the bonnet 10 in cooperation with the bonnet portion 30. Because of this, the air duct 40 is a duct having an open section in which an edge portion 44 which is brought into abutment with the bonnet portion 30 in such a state that the air duct 40 is attached in place forms an opening along the air guide passage 60. |
| US08205697B2 |
Method for controlling a hybrid vehicle for recharging the electric energy storage means and hybrid vehicle
The invention relates to a method comprising: a thermal traction chain (50) including a front axle (12), a thermal engine (18) coupled by a coupling member (20) to a gearbox (22) for transmitting to the front axle (12) and via a front transmission (24) a vehicle traction power for different gear reduction ratios of the gearbox, at least one front electric machine (42, 46) coupled to the thermal engine (18) and ensuring at least the starting thereof, an electric traction chain (60) including a rear axle (62), at least one rear electric machine (68) mechanically coupled via a rear transmission (70) to the rear axle (62), at least one power electric network (74) connecting the rear electric machine (68) to electric energy storage means (40), and control means (44) for driving the thermal traction chain (50), the electric traction chain (60), and the electric energy storage means (40) in order to take into account all the life situations of the vehicle. The method comprises driving the thermal traction chain (50), the electric traction chain (60), and the electric energy storage means (40) via the control means (44) in order to transmit the power provided by the thermal traction chain (50) through the road (RT) on which the vehicle is rolling to the electric traction chain (60) for recharging the electric energy storage means (40). |
| US08205696B2 |
Motorized snowboard
A gasoline engine powered snowboard having an endless track trained about a support frame containing driven and idler wheels. Engine operation is directed from an upright operator support column. A molded chassis is hinge coupled to pivot about alternative contoured track support pan assemblies. The pan support assemblies cooperate with flexible track surfaces (e.g. fringe or pleat members) and foot supports to enable steering with foot and body movements. A lower support pan exhibits convex edge surfaces that contact track pleats or fringe pieces and includes an elliptic longitudinal channel. Alternative upper support pans provide a reciprocating wheeled steering plate, longitudinal drive lug channels and contoured snow diversion surfaces and/or an agitator. Internal track surfaces include UHMW pieces at or aligned to the drive lugs. Ground contact lugs exhibit traction promoting and snow clearing contoured profiles, shapes and recesses. |
| US08205688B2 |
Lead the bit rotary steerable system
In one aspect of the invention a tool string steerable system has a drill bit body with a working face. An indenter protrudes from the working face and the indenter is rotational fixed to a tool string component above the drill bit body. The indenter is rotationally isolated from the drill bit body. |
| US08205687B2 |
Compound engagement profile on a blade of a down-hole stabilizer and methods therefor
A blade for a stabilizer configured with a compound engagement profile for reducing a tendency toward whirl and other vibrational effects when rotated within a borehole of a subterranean formation is provided. A method for stabilizing down-hole components is also provided. |
| US08205685B2 |
Housing and gearbox for drill or driver
A power tool with a handle housing, a motor, an output member and a cassette. The handle housing that defines a handle. The motor is received in the handle housing. The cassette is received in the handle housing and includes a transmission housing, a multi-stage transmission received in the transmission housing, and a rear thrust washer. The transmission housing has a first end with first and second circumferentially extending channels formed therein. The rear thrust washer has a body and first and second lock members that extend radially from the body. Each of the first and second lock members is received in an associated one of the first and second circumferentially extending channels. |
| US08205681B1 |
Aeration core processor
A core processor comprises a frame that supports a housing. The housing carries a rotary pulverizer inside a semi-cylindrical drum and a rotary pick up brush in a pick up head below the drum. The drum is open at the rear to form a rear discharge opening. The pick up head includes a full width rear roller behind the brush to support the housing for rolling movement over the ground in a work mode of the processor. In the work mode, the brush picks up aeration cores from the ground, delivers them to the rotary pulverizer which comminutes or pulverizes the aeration cores, and the particle debris so created exits through the rear discharge opening beneath a hood or shroud. A powered roller is located at a junction between the orbits of the brush and the pulverizer to help keep the junction free of a build up of core material. In a transport mode of the core processor, a pair of transport wheels are lowered into engagement with the ground until the pick up head is lifted out of engagement with the ground. |
| US08205680B2 |
Expandable connection
An expandable tubular liner includes a first tube, a second tube, a mechanical coupling for coupling the first and second tubes, and an insert coupled to the mechanical coupling. The insert is capable of forming a metallurgical bond with at least one of the tubes when energy is injected into the insert. |
| US08205677B1 |
System and method for controlling underwater oil-well leak
A first method of controlling underwater oil well leaks is to place heavy metal javelins into the ruptured pipe. A second method is to fabricate or drop a series of self-stacking exterior collars around or over the ruptured pipe. |
| US08205675B2 |
Method of enhancing fracture conductivity
The method disclosed herein includes the introduction of proppant-free stage and a proppant laden stage into the wellbore and/or subterranean formation. The method increases the effective fracture width and enhances fracture conductivity within the formation. Either the proppant-free stage or the proppant laden stage contains a breaker. The other stage contains a viscosifying polymer or viscoelastic surfactant to which the breaker has affinity. The proppant-free stage may be introduced prior to introduction of the proppant laden stage into the wellbore and/or formation. Alternatively, the proppant laden stage may be introduced into the wellbore and/or formation prior to introduction of the proppant-free stage. |
| US08205673B2 |
Differential filters for removing water during oil production
A method of removing a partial amount of water in a well, comprises deploying a differential filter downhole; and performing a downhole operation, wherein the differential filter comprises a swellable polymer that swells after contacting water such that permeability of the differential filter is reduced by removing said partial amount of water, the swellable polymer being non-soluble in the water and/or hydrocarbon and wherein the swellable polymer comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylate, polymethacrylic acid, poly maleic anhydride, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, latex, polyamide, polyester, and a co-polymer thereof. |
| US08205672B2 |
Acid tunneling bottom hole assembly and method utilizing reversible knuckle joints
A bottom hole assembly connected to coiled tubing to create an acid tunnel in a wellbore formation. High pressure acid is pumped down the coiled tubing and out a nozzle located at the end of the bottom hole assembly. The bottom hole assembly includes a first reversible knuckle joint and a second reversible knuckle joint to properly position the nozzle against the wellbore and to allow the assembly to adjust its angle as it initiates and moves through the lateral tunnel. The two reversible knuckle joints increases the radius of curvature of the bottom hole assembly while providing a sufficient attack angle for the nozzle against the wellbore. The two knuckle joints may be adjusted in response to loads applied on the assembly as the assembly moves through the lateral tunnel. |
| US08205662B2 |
Method for the continuous casting of a metal strand
The invention relates to a method for the continuous casting of a metal strand (1), in which the cast strand (1) leaves a die (2) vertically or arcuately downwards and is subsequently guided in a strand guide (3), wherein the strand guide (3) has a number of pairs of rollers (4), which define between them an adjustable roller nip (5), and wherein, at the start of casting, to close the die (2) in the downward direction, a piece of strand (6) is introduced into the die (2) and is followed by the cast strand (1). In order to improve the adjustment of the roller nip, the invention provides that the piece of strand (6), which is produced with a defined or calibrated thickness (d), is inserted between the respective pairs of rollers to calibrate and/or measure the roller nip (5). |
| US08205659B2 |
Mold-release layer for use in the casting of nonferrous metals
The invention concerns a metal, iron-containing permanent mold, in particular a permanent mold made of steel, which can be subjected to a liquid or flowable aluminum material, and in which a coating for protecting the permanent mold and for achieving an optimal casting result can be produced using a mold release agent. The invention additionally concerns a mold release agent for producing such a coating, and a method for producing such a coating. |
| US08205652B2 |
Self-supporting pneumatic tire with optimized ply line
The present invention is directed to a self-supporting tire. More specifically, the tire has a carcass, a tread, and a belt reinforcing structure located radially outward of the carcass and radially inward of the tread. The carcass is comprised of a reinforcing ply structure extending between a pair of bead portions, a pair of sidewalls, each sidewall located radially outward of one of the pair of bead portions, and a pair of inserts located in each sidewall. A first insert and second insert are located between the innerliner and the ply. |
| US08205645B2 |
Sealing apparatus
An apparatus is provided for sealing of a damaged inflatable article, the apparatus including a container (1) for a sealant compound or composition, the container including at least one inlet means (4) which is releasably attachable to a source of pressurized air/gas, an extraction assembly (10 associated with the container (1), the extraction assembly (10 including an extraction unit having at least one outlet means (18) to be releasably coupled with or connected to the article and means (30) to be disposed within the container (1) and actuatable, upon supply of pressurized air/fluid/gas to the container (1) to allow for controlled dispensing of the sealant compound or composition from the container (1) via the extraction unit (10) to the article to be sealed. |
| US08205642B2 |
Flow-through sandwich core structure and method and system for same
Methods and apparatus for transmitting a fluid through the core of a metal sandwich structure. Improved metal sandwich sheet structures include a formed metal core that is brazed, welded, or bonded to two outer flat metal sheets at a series of interleaving surface regions. The inventor has recognized that fluids (e.g., liquid and/or gaseous substances) can be transmitted through the cavities of these structures in order to accomplish thermal conduction or as a means of servicing particular regions of a building, vehicle, device, or other work of construction. |
| US08205641B2 |
Hydraulic apparatus having an axially actuatable bypass valve
A hydraulic apparatus includes a housing portion having two main conduits and a central conduit. Valves are supported in the housing portion. At least one valve is interposed between each main conduit and the central conduit. Each of the valves has a closed position for preventing a free flow of fluid between the central conduit and its associated main conduit and have an open position for enabling the free flow of fluid between the central conduit and its associated main conduit. The hydraulic apparatus also includes a bypass valve assembly having a plunger portion that extends into the central conduit. The plunger portion is movable in an axial direction for moving the valves from the closed position to the open position. |
| US08205639B2 |
Valve sealant fitting
Disclosed is a valve sealant fitting of high quality, which not only ensures rapid and easy injection of a sealant but also maximizes an effect of preventing a leakage. That is, the present invention provides a valve sealant fitting, which comprises, sequentially assembles and couples: a sealant body 10 having an insert coupling groove 12 with a sealing O-ring 12a mounted on an inner wall of the body, a sealant exit port 13 with a small diameter and a sloped injection port at a lower end of the body, and an exit port side ball 14 mounted at a bottom of the exit port 13; an insert 20 having an intermediate sealant movement path 21 for guiding the sealant to be injected toward an inner center of the insert and having a sealed port 22 and a coil spring 23 interposed at a lower end of the insert; and an upper end cap 30 having a sealant injection port 31 with a small diameter mounted on an upper end of the insert 20 and having an injection port side ball 32 mounted below the injection port 31. |
| US08205638B2 |
Fluid pressure regulator with no-drain valve
A fluid pressure regulator with a no-drain valve where the no drain valve also serves as a pressure reactive member to operate the pressure regulator valve. At low pressure settings, the no-drain valve is biased closed, and the regulator is biased open. As pressure progressively rises, the no-drain valve opens, then abuts a piston component of the regulator valve, and as pressure continues to rise, moves together with the regulator piston to move the regulator valve toward a closed position, thus regulating pressure. |
| US08205634B2 |
Hydraulic block
A hydraulic block (24), in particular for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, includes at least one valve socket (44) for accommodating a pressure control valve or switching valve (10) and a hydraulic medium at an inlet pressure on an inlet side (30). The hydraulic block (24) includes at least one annular seal (52, 54) encompassing a valve body (20, 66) in the region of the at least one valve socket (44). |
| US08205630B2 |
Low pressure relief valve and method of manufacturing same
A method for assembling and adjusting a pressure setting of a valve includes positioning a threaded spider and a poppet spring on a poppet, mounting a valve body into an assembly fixture, inserting the poppet including the threaded spider and the poppet spring positioned thereon into the mounted valve body, pushing an adjusting fork through the assembly fixture and through the valve body, engaging the threaded spider with the adjusting fork, and flowing pressurized fluid into the assembly fixture while simultaneously rotating the adjusting fork in a direction to draw the threaded spider into the valve body and to compress the poppet spring. |
| US08205624B2 |
Applicator for applying a composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows
An applicator for applying a composition to eyelashes or eyebrows, includes a support structure that is elongate along a longitudinal axis. The support structure may include i) at least one branch member that is within the support structure at least in part, the support structure being an open-work structure; and/or ii) at least one branch member having a free end. The branch member may extend, at least in part, obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the support structure and may include teeth. |
| US08205619B2 |
Method of preventing articulation in a surgical instrument
An articulating elongate surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated body portion, a tool assembly pivotally supported on the distal end of the elongated body portion. The elongate surgical instrument includes as well an articulation mechanism to effect the movement of the tool assembly, the articulation mechanism including a pivot member operatively coupled to the tool assembly. The elongated body includes at least one articulation drive member having at least one retaining surface therein; a firing rod disposed adjacent the articulation drive, with an articulation locking actuating surface disposed upon the firing rod; and an articulation locking means configured to selectively engage and disengage from the actuating surface and to selectively engage and disengage from the retaining surface of the articulation drive member. |
| US08205617B2 |
Oral appliance for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea
An oral appliance is provided for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The oral appliance includes an upper tray adaptable to conform to a user's maxillary dentition and a plurality of lower trays, each of the lower trays adaptable to conform to the user's mandibular dentition. At least some of the lower trays are structured to engage the upper tray, each of the lower trays are structured to impart a different fixed amount of mandibular advancement. |
| US08205616B2 |
Antenna holder for navigation surgery
An antenna holder for navigation surgery is provided to be used for a navigation surgery to a subject portion including a temporal bone region and a lateral skull base region of a patient. The antenna holder for navigation surgery comprises a mouth gag (an antenna holder) which is attached to a mouth of the patient and maintains the mouth of the patient opened, and an attachment arm which holds an antenna used for measuring a specific position of the subject portion. |
| US08205615B1 |
Self directing exhaust port assembly
An exhaust port assembly adapted for delivering a breathing gas to a patient. The exhaust port assembly includes a body and a mechanism associated with the body. The mechanism, in response to a motive force, is structured to control the direction of a flow of exhaust gas discharged through at least some of a number of exhaust ports. A system and method are also provided. |
| US08205612B2 |
Dry powder aerosol generator
Dry powder aerosol generators and related methods are provided. The dry powder aerosol generator includes a dispersion chamber having an internal cavity therein capable of receiving a dry powdered drug. The dispersion chamber includes a dosing port defined therein that is in fluid communication with the internal cavity. A dosing chamber for receiving a test subject is attachable to the dosing port, such that, when an airflow is created within the internal cavity, any dry powdered drug contained therein may fluidize and travel into the dosing chamber to provide opportunity for inhalation of the dry powdered drug by a test subject contained within the dosing chamber. |
| US08205611B2 |
Dry powder inhaler
A processing method and apparatus are disclosed for processing an inhaler component of a dry powder inhaler so as to remove any electrostatic charge and improve inhaler performance in drug delivery to the respiratory tract. The method includes exposing the inhaler component, while it contains an amount of medicament, to a gas in a chamber at a first predetermined pressure; exposing the inhaler component, in the chamber, to gas at a second pressure greater than the first pressure; and repeating the exposure of the inhaler component to gas at a pressure no greater than the first predetermined pressure. |
| US08205610B2 |
Diffusion barrier in a delivery apparatus for pressurized medical liquids
A delivery apparatus for pressurized medical liquids has a reservoir for medical liquid and a pressurizing means configured for pressurizing medical liquid to a driving pressure; with a diffusion barrier arranged to float on medical liquid in the reservoir and disposed to cover substantially the entire surface of the medical liquid in the reservoir for the purpose of preventing diffusion of gas present in the reservoir into the medical liquid. |
| US08205607B1 |
Compound archery bow
A compound archery bow includes a handle having projecting limbs, and first and second pulleys mounted on the limbs for rotation around respective axes. First and second cable anchors are disposed on the base adjacent to respective ends of a cable groove. A bow cable arrangement includes a bowstring cable extending from a bowstring anchor on the first pulley around a bowstring let-out groove and then toward the second pulley. A first cable extends from the first anchor on the first pulley through a portion of the cable groove on the first pulley and then toward the second pulley. A second cable extends from the second anchor toward the second pulley. Draw of the bowstring cable way from the bow handle lets out bowstring cable from the bowstring let-out groove on the first pulley and rotates the first pulley around its axis, lets out the first cable from the cable groove on the first pulley and takes up the second cable into the cable groove on the first pulley including a portion of such groove previously occupied by the first cable. The first pulley includes a hub surrounding the first axis and a removable draw module having an edge extending from the hub toward said second anchor. The cable groove extends along the edge of the draw module and the hub between the first and second anchors. |
| US08205605B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine
In a method for operating an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, the internal combustion engine is controlled by at least one drive variable, and an instantaneous torque output by the internal combustion engine is determined from a performance variable of the internal combustion engine that differs from the drive variable. To determine the instantaneous torque, an exhaust-gas temperature of the internal combustion engine is used as performance quantity that differs from the drive variable. |
| US08205604B2 |
Crankcase vent nozzle for internal combustion engine
A crankcase ventilation system is provided. The crankcase ventilation system is fluidly coupled between an engine block assembly and an axially extending air inlet adapter. A crankcase vent nozzle is provided as one aspect of the system and extends into the air inlet adapter. The crankcase vent nozzle has a leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion extending radially into an axially extending flow path in the air inlet adapter. The trailing edge portion extending further into the flow path than the leading edge portion. |
| US08205603B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing blow-by coking
A method of coking entrained oil from blow-by gas (F) of an engine (14) in a closed breather assembly (16) includes the steps of transporting the blow-by gas from the engine to a mist separator (18), transporting the blow-by gas from the mist separator to a breather coking device (12), heating the breather coking device at least one of conductively and convectively with an exhaust manifold (32) of the engine, coking out at least a portion of entrained oil from the blow-by gas and depositing the coked oil at the breather coking device, and transporting the blow-by gas from the breather coking device to one of a turbocharger compressor (24) and the engine. |
| US08205602B2 |
System and method of controlling an amount of condensation in an engine air intake system
A condensation collection system for an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas recirculation system comprises a condensation collection line, a condensation accumulator, and a condensation expulsion line. The condensation collection line is disposed in fluid communication with an air intake system of an internal combustion engine. The condensation accumulator is in fluid communication with the condensation collection line. The condensation collection line being disposed between the air intake system and the condensation accumulator. The condensation expulsion line is in fluid communication with the condensation accumulator. A portion of the condensation expulsion line is disposed in contact with an engine exhaust pipe. The condensation expulsion line has an opening to vent condensation to the atmosphere. |
| US08205601B2 |
Systems and methods for measuring engine boost pressure
An engine system includes a correction factor generation module and a boost pressure correction module. The correction factor generation module generates a correction factor based on a first pressure difference, wherein the first pressure difference corresponds to a difference between an intake manifold absolute pressure (MAP) when an engine is on and a barometric pressure. The boost pressure correction module generates a corrected boost pressure based on the MAP when the engine is on, a second pressure difference, and the correction factor, wherein the second pressure difference corresponds to a difference between the MAP when the engine is off and the barometric pressure. |
| US08205597B2 |
Aircraft engine fuel supply
A centrifugal pump driven by mechanical coupling with an engine has a low pressure inlet receiving fuel from a fuel circuit of an aircraft, a high pressure outlet connected to a regulator circuit for regulating the flow rate of fuel supplied to the engine, and an assistance pump unit that is electrically controlled, having an inlet connected to the aircraft fuel circuit and an outlet connected to the flow rate regulator circuit so as to deliver, via its outlet, fuel that is at a predetermined minimum pressure, the pressure of the fuel supplied to the regulator circuit being the higher of the pressures delivered by the centrifugal pump and the assistance pump unit. |
| US08205589B2 |
Engine starting control apparatus
An engine starting control apparatus is basically provided with a motor control section, a valve timing control section and a start control section. The motor control section is configured to operate an electric motor to crank an engine with an output of the electric motor being adjustable. The valve timing control section is configured to operate a variable valve operating mechanism when the engine is started to change at least a close timing of an intake valve of the engine from an initial timing corresponding to a state in which the engine is stopped to a start timing for starting the engine. The start control section is configured to adjust the output of the electric motor as the close timing of the intake valve changes from the initial timing to the start timing. |
| US08205586B2 |
Apparatus for the variable setting of the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine
An apparatus for variable setting of control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine which has an outer and inner rotor rotatable relative to the former, with one component drive-connected to a crankshaft and the other drive-connected to a camshaft. The apparatus has at least one pressure space, which are each divided into two pressure chambers acting counter to one another. The apparatus has a plurality of pressure medium channels, via which pressure medium is fed to or led away from the pressure chambers. Additionally, the apparatus has a plurality of rotational-angle limitation devices assuming an unlocked and locked state. The locking states are set by the supply of pressure medium to or discharge of pressure medium from the respective rotational-angle limitation apparatus. Furthermore, a method for controlling an apparatus for variable setting of control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. |
| US08205581B2 |
Engine driven power generator
In an engine-driven power generator, a fan-equipped flywheel and a drive shaft of a power generation section are connected to a crankshaft of an engine, and the power generation section is driven by the drive shaft being driven via the crankshaft. The fan-equipped flywheel is disposed between a crankcase of the engine and the power generation section, and small- and large-diameter cooling fans for cooling the engine and power generation section are provided on the fan-equipped flywheel. |
| US08205577B2 |
Swiftlets farming for production of edible bird's nests
A swiftlet breeding facility, for use in creating and harvesting edible bird's nests. The facility includes sub-systems for injecting live insect and worm prey, and water, into an aerial enclosure to provide a feeding system imitative of a natural swiftlet feeding environment. |
| US08205574B2 |
Teat cup handling device and a storing device for teat cups
A teat cup handling device (1) for a robot arm is adapted to attach teat cups to a milking animal. Each teat cup (2) has a centrally located longitudinal axis (2c) extending through a first end surface (2a) of the teat cups provided with a recess for receiving a teat of a milking animal and a oppositely located second end surface (2b) of the teat cups and wherein the teat cup handling device (1) includes at least two holding parts (4) arranged to releasably hold the teat cups (2). Each holding part (4) includes holding elements (9a) adapted to hold the teat cups (2) in positions such that the longitudinal axes (2c) of the teat cups are inclined in relation to each other. |
| US08205570B1 |
Autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle with buoyancy engine
An autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle (“AUV”) includes a body, a controller, a buoyancy engine, a rotary propulsion system and pitch control surface(s). The buoyancy engine is for alternately ingesting and expelling ambient water to change the mass of the AUV and thereby cause the AUV to alternately descend and ascend in the water. The pitch control surface(s) are for causing the AUV to move forward while alternately descending and ascending in the water. The rotary propulsion system includes a motor for rotating a propeller in the water to provide thrust. The controller is operative for responsively, automatically switching between at least the glider and rotary propulsion modes. In the glider mode, the buoyancy engine and the pitch control surface(s) are cooperative for causing the AUV to move forward while alternately descending and ascending. In the rotary propulsion mode, the rotary propulsion system is operative for causing the AUV to move forward. |
| US08205567B2 |
Method of making composite material stiffeners
A method of making at least one stiffener element includes cutting out two substantially identical elongate flanks from fiber plates, each flank presenting two lateral projections on either side of a central portion. The flanks are superimposed with one another and stitched together along two parallel lines that mark the boundaries between the lateral projections and the central portions. The lateral projections are folded along the lines of stitching to either side of the assembly in order to form flanges. |
| US08205564B2 |
Aircraft table system with spring elements
An aircraft table system includes a table member, a sled member, and a spine member. The sled member moves reversibly on the spine member between a lower sled position and an upper sled position. The system further includes one or more spring elements coupled to the sled member. One or more cables may be coupled between the spine member and the spring elements such that the spring elements impart and/or maintain tension on the cables. The tension may be at least partially converted into an upward force imparted on the sled member. |
| US08205562B2 |
Aircraft table system with retractable support bolts
An aircraft table system includes a table member coupled to a sled member. When the table member is adjusted to a partially deployed position, movable bolts on the sled member are received by holes in a spine member such that the sled member and the coupled table member are supported by the spine member on the received bolts. Cables may be coupled between the bolts and the table member such that when the table member is adjusted from a deployed position to an undeployed position, the bolts are pulled from the corresponding holes in the spine member, freeing the sled member to move relative to the spine member. |
| US08205557B2 |
Motorcycle turntable
An apparatus is provided to enable a personal transportation vehicle, such a motorcycle, to turn up to 180 degrees around while remaining in a confined, compact space. The apparatus comprises a lightweight inner platform rotating inside a lightweight, fixed, outer platform and uses translated power from the personal transportation vehicle as a motive force to turn the vehicle. |
| US08205553B2 |
Printing press and method of operating a printing press, and printing press system and method of operating the printing press system
A printing press is comprised of at least one dry offset printing unit. At least two different webs can be fed through the dry offset printing unit. In a first production mode “C” of the printing press, a first web is fed through the dry offset printing unit without a subsequent drying process. In a second production mode “H” of the printing press, a second web is fed through the dry offset printing unit and through an active dryer. In both the first and second production modes “C”, “H”, an inking unit of the printing unit is filled with the same ink. |
| US08205545B2 |
Melon cutting apparatus
The present invention relates to a melon cutting apparatus that cuts a melon portion or melon half. The apparatus cuts the melon pulp into sections, and removes the rind from the pulp. The apparatus includes a base having an opening; a cutting matrix that has a plurality of blades, wherein the cutting matrix communicates with the opening. The apparatus also includes a sweeping blade that is curved and positioned at or near the cutting matrix and is used to cut the rind from the melon pulp. The apparatus further includes an actuator that engages the sweeping blade. The apparatus embodies an arm attached to the apparatus, and a pressure cap that is mounted to the arm, opposite the cutting matrix. Additionally, the present invention pertains to systems and methods of using the apparatus. |
| US08205544B2 |
Automatic juicer
An automatic juicer turns and pushes an upward facing juicing cone into a fruit for releasing juice. The juicer includes a base containing a motor, gear and shaft assembly. A fixed guide extends upward from the base and inner and outer shafts reside inside the fixed guide and are driven by the motor and gear assembly to rotate and advance the juicing cone into the fruit. The inner shaft includes threads to vertically advance and retreat a shaft nut and the outer shaft rotates with the inner shaft, but is lifted by the shaft nut when the inner shaft turns. The juicing cone releases the juice and a stationary bowl catches the juice. |
| US08205541B2 |
Wine pouring regulator and aerator therein
A bottle top regulator/aerator for controlling the flow from a bottle having a narrow cylindrical opening through which wine or similar liquid may be poured. The dispensing apparatus includes, in combination, an air inductor, a regulating cartridge having a percolation labyrinth, and an anti-drip trough integrated within a housing. The application of this apparatus provides for both the rapid aeration of the wine, as well as a uniform flow rate absent the hazard of post-pouring droplets. |
| US08205539B2 |
Two bolt adjustable centering system
A centering mechanism for a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic pump assembly and a method of assembling a hydraulic pump assembly. The pump assembly generally includes a hydraulic pump, a control arm, and a centering mechanism. The pump generally includes a pump housing, a pump mechanism operable to control a flow of hydraulic fluid through the housing, the pump mechanism having a neutral condition in which fluid does not flow through the housing, a trunnion cap connectable to the housing, the trunnion cap and the housing cooperating to house the pump mechanism, and an input shaft extending along an axis and through the trunnion cap, the shaft being rotatable to operate the pump mechanism. The control arm is connected to the shaft, and movement of the control arm causes rotation of the shaft. The centering mechanism may generally include a first bracket fixable to the housing, a second bracket adjustably fixable to the first bracket, and biasing structure operable to return the control arm to a centered position when an operating force is not applied to the control arm. The second bracket is adjustable relative to the first bracket to an adjusted position such that the centered position corresponds to the neutral condition of the pump mechanism, the second bracket being fixable in the adjusted position. Fasteners fix the first bracket and the trunnion cap to the pump housing. |
| US08205538B2 |
Muzzle brake systems and methods
A muzzle brake for a firearm, in accordance with one or more embodiments, may provide structural features that affect the flow characteristics of the combustion gases for reducing concussion to the shooter and/or to personnel to the sides of the shooter, as well as for directionally countering upward and sideward movement of the firearm's muzzle upon the firing of the firearm. |
| US08205531B2 |
Chuck device and machine tool having the same
A chuck device for a machine tool includes: a center unit disposed in an axial hole in a tubular housing, extending along a hole axis of, and having a tip extending outwardly of the housing and abutting against a workpiece; a chuck unit disposed movably in the axial hole, sleeved on the center unit and including a chuck member disposed adjacent to the tip of the center unit; and a sleeve unit disposed movably in the axial hole, concentric with the housing and sleeved on the chuck unit. The sleeve unit has a pushing end portion sleeved on and abutting against the chuck member, and is operable to move relative to the housing along the hole axis such that the chuck member is driven by the pushing end portion of the sleeve unit with movement of the sleeve unit to move away from the housing and to clamp the workpiece. |
| US08205530B2 |
Processes for improving tool life and surface finish in high speed machining
Processes for high speed machining of workpiece materials using high performance tools with prolonged tool life and improved surface finish are provided by vibrating the tool and/or the workpiece at a frequency greater than the frequency of shear localization in the primary shear zone or chip segmentation occurring in the absence of tool vibration, with an amplitude sufficient to break up the tool-chip atomic contact, thereby decreasing the tool-chip contact length through decreasing the tool-chip contact time, thereby suppressing accelerated chemical tool wear caused by dissolution of the tool into the workpiece by nanocrystalline grain boundary diffusion and grain boundary sliding mechanisms by preventing shear localization associated with nanocrystalline grain formation in the primary shear zone of the chip, and suppressing oxidation wear of the tool by preventing segmentation of the chip. |
| US08205523B2 |
Pedal assembly for vehicles
A pedal assembly is for a vehicle including a motor and a braking mechanism. An actuator pedal is coupled with the vehicle so as to be displaceable between initial and maximum displaced positions and operatively connected with the motor. A brake pedal is coupled with the vehicle so as to be displaceable between initial and park positions and operatively coupled with the braking mechanism to actuate the mechanism in the park position. A brake retainer mechanism includes a coupler connected with the brake pedal and a retainer coupled with the vehicle so as to be angularly displaceable about an axis. The retainer is releasably engageable with the coupler and the actuator pedal to prevent angular displacement of the retainer in a first direction about the retainer axis. As such, the brake pedal is retained at the park position when the coupler and the actuator pedal are engaged with the retainer. |
| US08205508B2 |
Motorless mass flowmeter
A motorless mass flowmeter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a turbine subassembly, a drum, and an impeller. The drum is rigidly connected to the turbine subassembly such that the drum rotates in accompaniment to rotation of the turbine subassembly. The impeller is rotationally coupled to the drum by way of a spring that allows relative rotation against the bias of the spring. The turbine subassembly has jets and bypass valves. The turbine subassembly may be implemented in the form of a laminated bypass valve structure. The laminated bypass valve structure may include an entrance layer having entrance port(s), a closure layer having closure member(s), an exit layer defining exit passage(s), and an intermediary layer forming conduit(s) for guiding fluid from entrance port(s) to exit passage(s). |
| US08205498B2 |
Multi-axis capacitive accelerometer
A multi-axis accelerometer is consisted of a substrate with sensing electrodes and a structure layer. The structure layer includes anchor bases fixed on the substrate. A first proof mass is disposed over the substrate and has a first opening and a second opening symmetric to each other. The first proof mass is suspended to the anchor bases. Fixed sensing blocks are disposed on the substrate, and capacitors are formed between each fixed sensing block and the first proof mass for sensing acceleration along two in-plane directions. A second proof mass and a third proof mass are disposed in the first opening and the second opening and are asymmetrically suspended. Separate electrodes are disposed on the substrate and form two differential capacitors with the second proof mass and the third proof mass for sensing the out-of-plane acceleration. |
| US08205495B2 |
Systematic disc resonator gyroscope tuning
Tuning an axisymmetric resonator such as in a disc resonator gyroscope (DRG) is disclosed. Frequency tuning a DRG in a single step informed by a systematic physical model of the resonator structure, sensing and actuation elements, such as a finite element model, is provided. The sensitivity of selected trimming positions on the resonator to reducing asymmetry terms is determined via perturbations of the systematic model. As well, the dependence of the parameters of model transfer functions between actuation and sensing elements on resonator asymmetry are systematically determined. One or two measured transfer functions may then be analyzed according to the systematic model to fully determine the needed asymmetry correction components of the DRG. One or two of four groups of four electrostatic bias electrodes or four groups of four laser trimming locations for the DRG are utilized to correct the asymmetry components which can give rise to mistuning. |
| US08205485B2 |
Way of method transfer of liquid chromatograph and liquid chromatograph system
Provided is a liquid chromatograph system and method configured to accurately obtain measurements by minimizing deviations in measurements due to a transfer from one measurement method to another measurement method. An aspect of the system and method includes minimizing deviations in measurements when a measurement method from a measurement system of a liquid chromatograph is transferred to measurement system under high pressure and high velocity. Such a transfer includes deviations due to differences in analysis conditions. The present subject matter uses a dwell volume value so as to minimize a deviation of measurement result due to methods before and after transfer. Another aspect includes calculating a correction value when there is a deviation in the measurement result, and automatically reflecting the correction value for the method transfer. |
| US08205483B1 |
Residual life indicator
A residual life indicator for determining the residual life of a filter has a first sample filter with an inlet coupleable to an inlet of the filter whose residual life is to be determined, a second sample filter having an inlet coupleable to an outlet of the filter whose residual life is to be determined, a chemical tracer source selectively coupled to the inlets of the first and second sample filters, and a detector selectively coupled to outlets of the first and second filters. |
| US08205481B2 |
Method and device for measuring the pollutants in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines
A method of measuring oxygen-containing nitrogen components including nitrogen dioxide in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, wherein an exhaust gas sample is taken from a removal point 10 at the exhaust gas pipe 1 and is guided to at least one measuring instrument by means of a removal line, wherein, for the purpose of measuring the oxygen-containing nitrogen components, there are provided a separate removal point 10 and a removal line 11 and that the exhaust gas sample for measuring the oxygen-containing nitrogen components is set to a temperature at which a reaction between the nitrogen dioxide and soot is low. |
| US08205479B2 |
Method for mounting a prover
A method for mounting a prover and its attached motive means either horizontally or vertically as a function of the footprint available on the surface on which the prover is to be mounted. The method includes attaching the prover and its motive means to a lower framework. Attaching a plurality of stanchions to the lower framework. Mounting an upper framework on the stanchions. Adding a plurality of I-beams to the upper framework and to the stanchions to render the mounting for the prover rigid, whether the prover is mounted horizontally or vertically. |
| US08205475B2 |
Warm-forming A1 lubricant
Aluminum, magnesium, and steel can be warm formed through use of a solid, warm forming lubricant which is a metal or metal alloy, or high melting temperature polar polymer. The parts can be painted directly after warm forming. |
| US08205472B2 |
Methods for manufacturing low water peak optical waveguide incorporating a porous core mandrel
A method of manufacturing a cylindrical glass optical waveguide preform having a low water content centerline region, for use in the manufacture of optical waveguide fiber, is disclosed. The centerline region of the glass optical waveguide preform has a water content sufficiently low such that an optical waveguide fiber producible from the glass optical waveguide preform of the present invention exhibits an optical attenuation of less than about 0.35 dB/km, and preferably less than about 0.31 dB/km, at a measured wavelength of 1380 nm. Method of manufacture of a porous core mandrel used in the manufacture of such a glass optical waveguide preform is also disclosed. |
| US08205470B2 |
Indoor unit for air conditioner
An indoor unit for a multi-directional air supply air conditioner capable of performing at least a heating operation includes: an indoor fan (39) for sucking air in an axial direction thereof and radially blowing out the air; and a heat exchange part (38), connected in a refrigerant circuit (80) and disposed to surround the indoor fan (39), for exchanging heat between the air blown out of the indoor fan (39) and refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (80). The heat exchange part (38) includes a plurality of heat exchangers (48) separated from each other along the direction of the perimeter thereof and connected in parallel with each other in the refrigerant circuit (80). |
| US08205468B2 |
Thermodynamic container
A thermodynamic container for regulating the temperature of a liquid. An exemplary embodiment may include an inner layer of a thermal buffering material and an outer layer of insulation. The thermal buffering layer may include a phase change material and/or a non-phase change material. Some exemplary embodiments may include lid, which may include insulation, a thermal buffering layer, and/or a drinking port. |
| US08205467B2 |
Air conditioning apparatus
An air conditioning apparatus includes a heat source unit, a first utilization unit, a second utilization unit, a refrigerant communication pipe and a control section. The heat source unit includes a heat source side compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger and a heat source side expansion mechanism. The first utilization unit includes a first utilization side compressor, a first utilization side heat exchanger and a first utilization side expansion mechanism. The second utilization unit includes a second utilization side compressor, a second utilization side heat exchanger and a second utilization side expansion mechanism. The control section is configured to control the first utilization side compressor and the first utilization side expansion mechanism in accordance with operation load of the first utilization unit, and to control the second utilization side compressor and the second utilization side expansion mechanism in accordance with operation load of the second utilization unit. |
| US08205466B2 |
Indoor and outdoor units of an air conditioning system connected via two wiring configurations
An air conditioning system including a first communication line, a second communication line, and at least one common power supply line coupling an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit including at least one of a first communication circuit and a second communication circuit, the first communication circuit configured to communicate through the first and second communication lines independent of the at least one power supply line, and the second communication circuit configured to communicate through the at least one power supply line and one of the first and the second communication lines. The outdoor unit including a third communication circuit with a plurality of communication terminals coupled to the indoor unit and configured to communicate with at least one of the first and second communication circuits, and a switch configured to connect one of the plurality of communication terminals of the third communication circuit to the at least one power supply line in a state where the third communication circuit is connected to the second communication circuit and configured to open a connection between the communication terminal of the third communication circuit and the at least one power supply line in a state where the third communication circuit is connected to the first communication circuit. |
| US08205465B2 |
Control system for an expansion valve regulating refrigerant to an evaporator of a climate control system
A control system for an expansion valve and evaporator of an air conditioner system is provided that comprises an expansion valve having a valve element that is movable relative to a valve port for varying an opening area to regulate the flow of refrigerant to an evaporator coil. The evaporator coil has an inlet and an outlet, and is configured to conduct heat to a refrigerant flowing through the evaporator coil, where the exiting refrigerant temperature is dependent on the refrigerant flow rate. The control system for controlling the expansion valve includes an evaporator coil outlet temperature sensor, which is configured to sense the temperature of refrigerant within the evaporator coil near the outlet of the evaporator coil. A controller is in communication with the evaporator coil outlet temperature sensor for sensing temperature of refrigerant near the evaporator outlet, and is configured to determine a control set point based on the refrigerant temperature near the evaporator outlet. The control set point is used to determine a valve opening area to regulate refrigerant flow into the evaporator such that temperature of refrigerant at the evaporator outlet is within a temperature band having a lower bound within 12 degrees Fahrenheit above the liquid-to-vapor transition temperature. |
| US08205463B2 |
Air conditioner and method of controlling the same
An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a first temperature sensor configured to measure an indoor temperature during a heating operation, a second temperature sensor configured to measure a discharge temperature of a compressor, a valve provided at an outlet side of an indoor heat exchanger during the heating operation, and a controller configured to control an opening of the valve by comparing a temperature detected by the first temperature sensor with a temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. |
| US08205461B2 |
Method and system for detecting low refrigerant charge and air conditioner protection system
A method and system for detecting a low charge condition in an air conditioner for a vehicle. The system first determines whether noise factors are present that would interfere with reliably measuring a pressure delta. If noise factors are not present, the system determines a pressure delta value for the compressor by comparing the high side pressure when the clutch is engaged to a high side pressure when the clutch is disengaged. If the pressure delta value is less than a threshold value, a low charge condition may be recorded. When the number of low charge conditions detected exceeds a predetermined number of events, the system may set a temperature diagnostic trouble code, disable the air conditioning system and alert the driver of a potential problem. |
| US08205457B2 |
Gas turbine engine combustor and method for delivering purge gas into a combustion chamber of the combustor
In a gas turbine engine combustor and method for delivering purge gas thereto, a ferrule is generally coupled to the housing and moveable relative thereto. The ferrule has a primary opening through which a combustor component extends into a combustion chamber of the combustor. The ferrule further has a plurality of purge gas openings separate from and in transversely spaced relationship with the primary opening to allow purge gas to flow through the ferrule. In a first position of the ferrule at least one purge gas opening is blocked against the flow of purge gas therethrough and at least one other purge gas opening is unblocked against purge gas flow. In a second position of the ferrule at least one of the blocked purge gas openings of the first ferrule position is unblocked to permit the flow of purge gas therethrough. |
| US08205451B2 |
System and assemblies for pre-heating fuel in a combined cycle power plant
A system and assemblies for pre-heating fuel in a combined cycle power plant are provided. A fuel supply system includes a water heater assembly configured to heat a flow of water using progressively higher grade heat from a multi-stage heat exchanger arrangement. The fuel supply system also includes a fuel heater that includes a first flow path coupled in flow communication with a fuel flow path wherein the fuel heater includes a second flow path coupled in flow communication with a flow path for the flow of water. The fuel heater is configured to transfer heat from the flow of water to the flow of fuel. |
| US08205446B2 |
Driving unit for brake
Disclosed is driving unit (1) for a brake (100) comprising: a driving device (2); a hydraulic pump (3) driven by said driving device (2); a hydraulic cylinder (5) in fluid communicating with the hydraulic pump (3) and driven by said hydraulic pump (3). The hydraulic pump (5) is operably connected with one piston rod (7) to drive the piston rod (5) to reciprocate, said piston rod (5) is drivingly connected with a braking portion (8) of the brake (100). The driving unit (1) is further provided with a holding device (10) for keeping the braking portion (8) under an operation state. The present invention further discloses a brake (100) having such driving unit (1). |
| US08205444B2 |
Hydrostatic pump and motor with improved torque reversal characteristics
A system and method for variator control employs positively directed electronic make-up and flushing relief valves for more precise torque control of a hydraulic variator, especially during torque reversal, as well as improved cold weather operation. This can improve machine response during periods of severe torque change. The ability to more tightly control variator torque allows more precise torque management algorithms for power control and engine matching purposes. Moreover, the ability to positively control venting of the hydraulic circuit for purposes of fluid cooling allows for more consistent machine response regardless of ambient temperature. |
| US08205443B2 |
Heat exchanging systems for motor vehicles
A heat exchanging system suitable for use in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) circuit comprises a split EGR heat exchanger arrangement. Exhaust gas is used to warm engine oil via a first heat exchanger during initial stages of an engine operating cycle. In the later stages of the operating cycle, recirculated exhaust gases are diverted to flow through the second heat exchanger where they are cooled by the engine coolant. |
| US08205438B2 |
Catalyst warming-up control device
A catalyst is provided in an exhaust passage of an engine and an evaporating section of a heat recovery device is provided upstream of the catalyst in the exhaust passage. An ECU performs an operation for compulsorily oscillating an air-fuel ratio between a lean state and a rich state as compared to a theoretical air-fuel ratio when temperature of the catalyst reaches temperature at which the catalyst has a predetermined purification capacity after the engine is started. The ECU restricts a flow of a working fluid in the heat recovery device until the temperature of the catalyst reaches the temperature at which the catalyst has the predetermined purification capacity after the engine is started. |
| US08205430B2 |
Variable geometry nacelle assembly for a gas turbine engine
A nacelle assembly includes an inlet lip section and a cowl section positioned downstream of the inlet lip section. At least a portion of the cowl section is moveable to influence an effective boundary layer thickness of the nacelle assembly. |
| US08205421B2 |
Belt guard crop dam for flexible draper header
Belt guards that overlie the interface between a flexible cutterbar assembly and a flexible draper assembly of a harvesting header define an underlying void region that is sealed against the entry of crop residue by an upright dam wall that bears against the underside of the overhanging belt guards forward of the front edge of the upper run of the belt of the draper assembly. The upright dam wall is on the front extremity of flexible support panels that underlie the upper belt run and may be essentially rigid or provided with a resilient trim seal strip. |
| US08205419B2 |
Self-propelled bagging machine for storing grain in a sleeve
A self-propelled bagging machine for storing grain in a sleeve (unfolding plastic film pipe or silo bag) made up of an upper receiving hopper which outlet leads to a grain discharge tunnel over which such folded sleeve fits, all of this mounted on a chassis equipped with running gear and dragging pole, where such hopper outlet comprises a wall that is transversally connected to the hopper according to a downward slant plane leading to the discharge tunnel arranged under the vertical projection of the mouth of said hopper, and where such running gear comprises a back single-shaft running gear that is connected to the wheels, and a smaller front steering running gear; such grain bagging machine further includes: a dual compensated braking device made up of an adjustable primary hydraulic braking mechanism and an adjustable secondary hydraulic braking mechanism which act simultaneously on the back shaft of the bagging machine, and where a mechanic articulation mounted on the chassis in such a way that it is sensitive to pulling variations during the machine operation activates an inverted operation hydraulic pump for reception/release of braking fluid from/to the secondary braking mechanism circuit for braking compensation. Dual compensated braking device to be applied to the self-propelled grain bagging machine described above. |
| US08205418B2 |
Device and method for thermally treating packaged goods
A device (10) for thermally treating packaged goods by means of a hot air or gas stream (28), particularly for the shrink treatment of film-wrapped goods, such as packs or the like, is disclosed. The device includes a hot gas generator (12) having a gas burner (14) whose combustion products (16) pass into a mixing device (18) via at least one supply opening (38). The mixing device (18) is formed by a channel portion (20) arranged between a conduit portion (22) formed as an inflow area (23) and an outflow area (25), wherein the mixing device (18) comprises at least one opening (32) for supplying the combustion products (16) and for mixing them with the gas stream (26) of the channel portion (20). |
| US08205417B2 |
Heat-resistant foamed polyester articles and process for their manufacture
The present invention relates to a process for thermoforming a foamed polyester sheet of low crystallinity to produce a heat-resistant molded foam article (13). The process comprises the steps of heating a foamed polyester sheet (10) to a preforming temperature by contact with at least one heating plate and molding the heated foamed polyester sheet onto a non-heated mold (30). The present invention further relates to a process for manufacturing a package by thermoforming a foamed polyester sheet of low crystallinity to produce a heat-resistant molded foam container, loading a product (51) into said container and sealing or welding a film of thermoplastic material (61) onto said container to close it.The heat-resistant molded foam articles and the packages thus obtained are excellent in heat resistance and are not thermally distorted even when heated in a microwave or conventional oven. They are particularly useful for the packaging of food products for dual ovenable applications. |
| US08205416B2 |
Method and device for producing and filling containers
A method ignites the combustion of fuel in a combustion chamber (5) of engine (2), by introducing microwave radiation into the combustion chamber (5). The microwave radiation is produced in a microwave source (7) on the outside of the combustion chamber (5). The introduced microwave radiation is absorbed by the fuel distributed in the combustion chamber (5). The supply of energy, in the fuel, arising from absorption, distributes combustion in a large-volume in the combustion chamber (5), preferably in the entire combustion chamber (5) and in a homogenous manner, and is essentially simultaneously ignited. An associated ignition device (1) and an associated engine (2) are also provided. |
| US08205415B2 |
Method of packaging and shipping roast and ground coffee
There is provided a packaged roast and ground coffee product comprising a lightweight, thin-walled reclosable container made of laminated plastic material comprising a moisture barrier and an oxygen barrier, and a quantity of roast and ground coffee disposed within the container. The container comprises a finish that includes a top surface and one or more snap beads positioned below the top surface. A plurality of snap bead segments may be circumferentially spaced from one another. A sealing member may be sealed to the top surface. The sealing member may include a one-way valve permitting venting of CO2 resulting from off-gassing of the roast and ground coffee while preventing ingress of air. A removable overcap comprising a top wall and a depending skirt may be affixed to the finish. The skirt may include an inner surface with at least one locking member dimensioned to engage the snap beads in an interference fit so that the locking member and the snap beads are interengageable between locked and unlocked positions. The packaged roast and ground coffee is preferably capable of withstanding stacking loads typically encountered in distribution for retail sale, as well as loads associated with decreased interior pressure without permitting ingress of air. |
| US08205408B2 |
Building metal frame, and method of making, and components therefor including column assemblies and full-length beam assemblies
A building framework includes plural column assemblies interconnected by plural full-length beam assemblies, with the union of the column assemblies and beam assemblies forming beam-to-column joint assemblies according to this invention. The column assemblies include pairs of side plates spanning the column members of the column assemblies and projecting toward another column assembly of the plurality of such column assemblies. The full-length beam assemblies include beam members for being received between column assemblies to be interconnected and defining an end gap with respect to each column member. Additionally, the full-length beam assemblies include at each opposite end portion thereof a pair of cover plates, including an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate, which cover plates are sized and configured to be united with the side plates of a column assembly, as by welding applied at a construction site. The full-length beam assemblies may also include provisions for drawing together the side plates of a column assembly preparatory to welding, which side plates are sufficiently spaced apart to provide a “rattle” space allowing entry of an end portion of a full-length beam assembly between the side plates as a step in the erection process for the framework. |
| US08205403B2 |
System, methods, and compositions for attaching paneling to a building surface
The present disclosure concerns a system, methods and compositions for attaching architectural panels to a building surface, such as a wall. In certain embodiments, the system comprises panels, each with upper, lower and side interlocking members. In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower interlocking members form a modified tongue and groove joint, with a 45 degree angle interface, while the side interlocking members form a ship lap joint. The upper and lower interlocking members may be designed to press the panels against the building surface and to hide the locations of screws or other attachment devices when the interlocking members are engaged. The system provides a stronger and more secure attachment of panels to a building surface, while eliminating the problem of having to disguise the location of the attachment devices where such devices are inserted directly through the surface of the panel. |
| US08205400B2 |
Solar panel roof kit
A solar roofing system is described that is adapted for managing the flow of water down a roof. The system includes at least one roofing panel adapted for supporting photovoltaic material and at least one splice plate for interconnecting adjacent roofing panels. The roofing panels have a trough adapted for receiving water flowing down the roof and redistributing the water away from the splice plate. Anchoring clips secure roofing panels to the roof and space roofing panels from the roof for improved air circulation beneath the panels. Closure assemblies are used at edges of roofing panels to conceal electrical wiring from photovoltaic material sheets and to close off edge gaps formed by a terraced roofing system. |
| US08205395B2 |
Wall system and method of installation of a wall system
A wall panel system, which may be either a slat wall system or a smooth wall system, is provided. The system employs tongue and groove attachment means to conveniently attach the parts of the wall panel system to one another. A method of installing such a wall panel system is also provided. |
| US08205390B2 |
Mechanically stiffened weatherseal carrier
A flange mounted weatherseal includes a carrier and a flexible cover covering the carrier. The carrier includes a base portion, a first side portion and a second side portion generally parallel to the first side portion and cooperating together with the first side portion and the base portion to define a generally U-shaped channel. The first side portion defines a plurality of first fingers, the second side portion defines a plurality of second fingers opposite the first fingers along a longitudinal axis, and the base portion defines a plurality of webs offset along the longitudinal axis relative to the first fingers and the second fingers. The first fingers, the second fingers and the webs each include deformations defining a non-planar cross sectional shape along the longitudinal axis to increase the rigidity of the carrier. |
| US08205388B2 |
Gate assembly and method of use thereof
A gate assembly is provided including barrier means locatable in an opening defined by one or more wall and/or frame surfaces in use and movable between open and closed positions with respect to the opening. Handle means are provided to allow movement of the barrier means between the open and closed positions. At least part of the handle means is slidably mounted on the barrier means to allow sliding movement of the handle means from a raised position to a lowered position in use to allow said barrier means to be moved from the closed position to the open position. |
| US08205386B2 |
Dual panel system for controlling the passage of light through architectural structures
The invention comprises a transparent/translucent panel system including two spaced flat panels and a series of elongated, abutting, rotatably mounted transparent/translucent light-controlling members disposed between the panels in which the light-controlling members are at least partially tubular or have annular members along their length to facilitate rotation of the light-controlling members and include a light-blocking surface whereby differently sized light-controlling members may be used and the light-controlling members, when rotated by a simple drive mechanism, can vary the light passing through the panel system from clear to opaque and can effectively block light between adjacent light-controlling members. |
| US08205385B2 |
Dual panel system for controlling the passage of light through architectural structures
The invention comprises improvements to transparent/translucent panel systems including two spaced flat panels and a series of elongated, abutting, rotatably mounted transparent/translucent light-controlling members disposed between the panels in which the light-controlling members are at least partially tubular or have annular members along their length to facilitate rotation of the light-controlling members and include a light-blocking surface including improvements to ensure continued efficient operation when the panel systems are subjected to flexure or deflection and possible permanent deformation. |
| US08205382B2 |
Wrapper with decorative extension and method
A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping is disclosed. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may have one or more additional overlapping extensions. |
| US08205378B2 |
Trap for flying insects
In the preferred embodiment, the invention is a trap for luring, trapping, and killing insects. The trap preferably includes: a single structure container defining a cavity that holds liquid, an opening that allows access to the cavity, a side wall, and a lid that seals the opening of the container. The side wall includes an orifice in the form of a frusto-conical shape that allows ingress of insects into the container and prevents egress of insects from the container. The side wall also includes a landing surface that directs insect towards the orifice. |
| US08205374B2 |
Pistol carrier
A shoulder weapon carrier system comprising a shoulder stock (10) attached to a pistol (3), said stock (10) being releasably supported by means of a slide assembly (119) to a supporting box (167) on a user's belt. In a preferred embodiment, the shoulder weapon carrier system comprises: a pistol (3) comprising ≧frame and having a transverse slot at the bottom of the frame and transverse holes in the upper rear of the frame; a shoulder stock (10) comprising a stock body comprising a butt (31), a cross pin that is adapted for engagement with the transverse slot and studs that are adapted for engagement with the two transverse holes; a slide assembly (119) that is slidably mounted on said stock body, said slide assembly (119) comprising a slide tongue (131) having a slide hook; a supporting box (167) having an opening that is adapted for receiving said slide tongue (131). |
| US08205373B1 |
Rimfire action platform conversion
A rifle conversion platform assembly comprised of components to fit around an existing action such that attachment locations such as a hand guard, pistol grip, and butt stock attachment locations are provided to have conventional rifle components, which in one form may be components of a high caliber semiautomatic rifle such as an AR-15, attached thereto. |
| US08205370B2 |
Two-piece wristband with interchangeable lasso band element for user selectable sizing
A wearable band with an adjustable size or length. The band includes a first band element with a raised center or identification member. The band includes a second band element with a body having a loop or lasso at one end defined by an inner surface of a sidewall. The outer sidewall of the raised center member is detachably coupled to the inner surface of the loop-defining sidewall when the center member is received within and captured by the loop such as by a snap detent arrangement. To allow sizing, the second band element includes both an inner band sizing element including the loop-defining sidewall at one of its ends and an outer band sizing element that is detachably coupled to the inner band sizing element. The length of the second band element is defined by the combined length of the inner and outer band sizing elements. |
| US08205369B2 |
Signage apparatus having simple magnet-based structure for ease of modification
A modifiable modular sign apparatus is especially useful for fast food restaurants as backlighted menu boards. The apparatus comprises a translucent substrate board which is planar and has a front surface and a back surface. Precisely positioned holes are prepared at selected locations. These holes are aligned with thin metal shims which are affixed on the back surface of the mounting board and receive cylindrical magnets. In one embodiment the magnets are attached directly to the rear of printed sheet. In a second embodiment, magnets are positioned in the mounting board holes adhesively secured to the shims. Each printed sheet has a plurality of snap-caps extending through respective holes. The board side end of each snap-cap has a metal member for being magnetically affixed to a magnet in the mounting board hole. The printed sheet may be provided with price carriers to permit personnel to change prices. |
| US08205361B2 |
Walk-behind trenching machine
A walk-behind trenching vehicle incorporating a trenching boom with an endless trenching chain. The trenching boom may be connected to a forward end of the vehicle via a dual pivot mechanism. The boom may be movable between an operating position and a transport position via a single actuator, e.g., hydraulic cylinder. |
| US08205359B2 |
Sidewalk grader apparatus and method
A sidewalk grader provided for grading a sidewalk base disposed along a curb of an existing road structure. The sidewalk grader comprises a tracking assembly fixable to a vertically adjustable backfill blade of a compact excavator positioned to move forward over an existing road structure to advance the sidewalk grader. The tracking assembly comprises a vertically adjustable tracking means disposed for engagement with the top surface of the curb, to provide a reference point. A grading assembly is mounted to the tracking assembly. The grading assembly comprises a frame, and a grading blade rotatingly mounted to the frame to permit adjustment of slope of the blade. An adjustable link connects the grading blade to the frame to adjustable fix their relative position. The tracking means is vertically adjustable to enable the same to engage with the surface of a curb for reference to enable precise adjustment, control, and positioning of the grading assembly, and for maintaining the desired position of the sidewalk grader in relation to the curb as the sidewalk grader advances along the existing road structure. |
| US08205358B2 |
Footwear and method of making thereof
Breathable and flexible footwear for infants and young children include an upper, a sole, and a thread. The upper having upper-holes around the upper peripheral. The sole having a lip portion on the sole peripheral, wherein the lip portion having sole-holes around the sole peripheral. The thread attaching the upper and the sole through the upper-holes and the sole-holes, and forming a set of stitches, wherein at least one ripple is formed between two sets of stitches, and wherein the thread is embedded in the lip portion and between the ripples. The set of stitches comprising the thread coming though a first upper-hole and entering the sole-hole of the lip portion, such that the thread forms an angled stitch on the lip portion, and wherein the thread then goes through a second upper-hole and exits from a third upper-hole, such that the thread forms a horizontal stitch on the inside of the footwear. |
| US08205353B2 |
Vacuum concentrator and method for vacuum concentration
Vacuum concentrator, comprising a vacuum chamber with a closure which may be sealed in an airtight manner, a centrifuge rotor arranged in the vacuum chamber with at least one receiver for at least one vessel for samples to be dried, a drive motor arranged outside the vacuum chamber for driving the centrifuge rotor, a vacuum pump connected to the vacuum chamber, a tempering device associated with the vacuum chamber for tempering the at least one sample in the vacuum chamber, a pressure sensor associated with the vacuum chamber for detecting the pressure inside the vacuum chamber and an electrical control and evaluating device which is connected to the drive motor, the vacuum pump, the tempering device and the pressure sensor, for detecting the end point of the vacuum concentration by means of the pressures detected by the pressure sensor in the vacuum chamber and terminating the vacuum concentration when the end point is determined. |
| US08205350B2 |
Dryer system with improved throughput
A centrifugal dryer that has improved throughput capacity resulting from the combination of a high angle agglomerate catcher with optional overflow, increased dewatering capacity, a cylindrical dewatering feed chute, a modified rotor design with positionally and structurally modified lifters in the feed and dewatering section, the drying and propagating section, as well as the pellet discharge section, and an efficient circumferential foraminous membrane. |
| US08205349B2 |
Alignment apparatus and alignment method
Provided is an alignment apparatus including holding and rotating means for holding an alignment object and rotating the alignment object, the alignment apparatus including supporting means for supporting that part of the alignment object being rotated which is different from that part of the alignment object which is held by the holding and rotating means. This makes it possible to align the alignment object highly accurately by preventing the alignment object from being deformed, e.g. bent, due to its own weight. |
| US08205346B1 |
Quasi-uniaxial solar trajectory tracking transit system
The present invention relates to a quasi-uniaxial solar trajectory tracking transit system including a canopy, a case, a first positioning ring, a second positioning ring and a pole. The canopy is a transparent hemisphere marked with a graduation line indicating elevation angles. The first positioning ring is a hollow body for receiving the second positioning ring. The two sides of the positioning ring have an axle respectively to connect with the case. The second positioning ring is a hollow fan-shape body for receiving the positioning pole. The second positioning ring has an axle perpendicular to the two sides of the axles of the first positioning ring for connecting to the first positioning ring thereby. The flange of the second positioning ring has a groove, and the central of the second positioning ring has an axle. A partial of positioning pole is hollow as a hollow pole and the other partial of the positioning pole is solid as a solid pole. A through hole is formed at the upper flange of the hollow pole and a sight is set at the lower flange thereof. The solid pole is axially connected to the axle of the second positioning ring. |
| US08205344B2 |
Safety razor having pivotable blade unit
A safety razor having a blade unit has at least one blade and a handle casing. A pivotal connection structure is disposed between the blade unit and the handle casing. A first member is connected to the blade unit and a second member is connected to the handle casing. A joint member connects the first member and the second member and facilitates movement of the first member relative to the second member about a hinge axis that is substantially perpendicular to the at least one blade. |
| US08205342B2 |
Rotating spindle for a reciprocating saw
A reciprocating saw including a first end, a working end opposite the first end, and a housing extending between the first end and the working end. A reciprocating shaft is supported within the housing and has a longitudinal axis. A locking mechanism is supported at the housing and is selectively moveable between a first position and a second position. When the locking mechanism is in the first position the reciprocating shaft is configured to substantially reciprocate relative to the housing but remain substantially rotationally fixed relative to the longitudinal axis of the reciprocating shaft. When the locking mechanism is in the second position, the reciprocating shaft is configured to substantially reciprocate relative to the housing and at the same time substantially rotate about the longitudinal axis of the reciprocating shaft independent of the housing. |
| US08205341B2 |
Tool with replaceable blade
A tool is provided, having a handle with a blade chamber defining a blade chamber cavity, a first locking element, and a second locking element that is user actuated, and a removable blade with a tang engageable in the blade chamber cavity and a working portion. A blade sleeve, is also provided, at least a portion of which is located on the tang. |
| US08205337B2 |
Fabrication process for a flexible, thin thermal spreader
The present invention is a method for fabricating a thermal spreader. The method may include laminating a plurality of layer portions together to fabricate a mechanically flexible substrate. The method may further include providing an internal channel within the mechanically flexible substrate, the internal channel configured for containing an electrically-conductive liquid, the internal channel being further configured to allow for closed-loop flow of the electrically-conductive liquid within the internal channel. The method may further include integrating a pump with the mechanically flexible substrate. The method may further include fabricating a plurality of rigid metal inserts. The method may further include forming a plurality of extension portions on a surface of each rigid metal insert included in the plurality of rigid metal inserts. The method may further include connecting the plurality of rigid metal inserts to the mechanically flexible substrate. |
| US08205333B2 |
Method and system for fabricating a seal ring
A method is provided for fabricating a seal ring. The method includes positioning a mount assembly adjacent to at least one of an inner diameter and an outer diameter of an annular seal ring, and securing the annular seal ring to the mounting assembly. The method also includes forming at least one of an admission side hook and a steam joint side hook in the annular seal ring. |
| US08205332B2 |
Method of forming a connecting rod from two dissimiliar materials by providing material blanks of dissimiliar material, joining the material blanks and subsequently forming the connecting rod
A connecting rod and methods for making the same are disclosed. A method of making a connecting rod may include joining a first connecting rod blank and a second connecting rod blank together. The first connecting rod blank includes a first material, while the second connecting rod blank includes a second material different from the first material. The first and second connecting rod blanks have an interface between the piston pin and crankshaft ends. The method further includes narrowing a cross-section of the blanks at the interface, forming a piston pin aperture in the first connecting rod blank, and forming a crankshaft pin aperture in the second connecting rod blank. At least one of the narrowing and forming steps works a perimeter of the interface, thereby forming a generally smooth connecting rod surface about the perimeter of the interface. |
| US08205330B2 |
Method for manufacturing a printed circuit board
An exemplary method for manufacturing printed circuit boards is provided. In the method, a substrate having a first surface and a second surface on an opposite side of the substrate to the first surface is provided. A number of through holes in the substrate between the first surface and the second surface are formed. An electrically conductive paste is applied to the substrate to fill the through holes defined in the substrate to form a plurality of filling members and be printed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the substrate to form a number of electrical traces. The filling members located in the through hole in the substrate and the electrical traces printed on the substrate are cured. |
| US08205328B2 |
Components packaging method
A tools holding member 63 which holds replacement tools 23a, 34a, 44a for a pick-up head 22, a mounting head 33 and a stamping head 44 which are provided so as to move freely in a Y-axis direction in which a components supply stage 3 and a substrate holding stage 4 are aligned is provided on an overlapping area R of a moving area R1 over which the pick-up head 22 can move, a moving area R2 over which the mounting head 33 can move and a moving area R3 over which the stamping head 43 can move which lies on a moving table 15 which is provided in an area R0 lying between the components supply stage 3 and the substrate holding stage 4 so as to move freely in an X-axis direction which is at right angles to a Y-axis. |
| US08205326B2 |
Method for treating electrical cable at sustained elevated pressure
A method for enhancing the dielectric properties of an electrical cable segment having a central stranded conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket and an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor, including filling the interstitial void volume with a dielectric property-enhancing fluid at a pressure below the elastic limit of the polymeric insulation jacket, and confining the fluid within the interstitial void volume at a residual pressure greater than about 50 psig, with the pressure being imposed along the entire length of the segment but below the elastic limit of the polymeric insulation jacket. Preferably, the residual pressure is sufficient to expand the interstitial void volume along the entire length of the cable segment by at least 5%. |
| US08205324B2 |
Method of fabricating an inductor structure
A damascene process is utilized to fabricate the segmented magnetic core elements of an integrated circuit inductor structure. The magnetic core is electroplated from a seed layer that is conformal with a permanent dielectric mold that results in sidewall plating defining an easy magnetic axis. The hard axis runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core and the inductor coils are orthogonal to the core's longitudinal axis. The magnetic field generated by the inductor coils is, therefore, parallel and self-aligned to the hard magnetic axis. The easy axis is enhanced by electroplating in an applied magnetic field parallel to the easy axis. |
| US08205319B1 |
Two piece corner framing element for swimming pool extrusions with pool-liner anchor channels
An two-piece, corner framing element is described for connecting two longitudinal swimming pool extrusions having longitudinal pool-liner channels that utilizes the conventional upward projecting liner-anchoring land along a bottom front edge of the pool-liner channels for angularly orienting and securing the longitudinal extrusions together in the field for framing a corner structure for pool walls as a pool is being constructed. |
| US08205312B2 |
Rotational apparatus for welding beam-mount structure to the side(s) of a column
Apparatus for precision deploy-attaching beam-mount structure to the outside of an elongate column at plural, defined attachment sites that are distributed and spaced along the length of the column. During use, a column support jig with plural openable/closeable yokes in the apparatus supports a column horizontally for selective rotation about its long axis. A carriage in the apparatus, which holds beam-mount structures to be attached to a supported column, is selectively moveable and position-lockable in defined locations distributed along the supported column between yokes in a pair of spaced yokes to enable precision weld-attaching of the mounts to sides of the column. |
| US08205310B2 |
Battery cover latch assembly
A battery cover latch assembly (10) used in a portable electronic device is described. The battery cover latch assembly (10) includes a cover member (12), a body member (11) including at least one first latch (117), a button (13) including at least one second latch (1312), a button housing (14) mounted to the cover member (12). The button (13) is slidably received in the button housing (14). The second latch (1312) detachably engages with the first latch (117) when the button (13) slides in the button housing (14). |
| US08205305B2 |
Hinge mechanism
A hinge mechanism includes two pivoting shafts substantially parallel to each other, two main gears non-rotatably sleeved on the pivoting shafts, respectively. The hinge mechanism further includes two transmission gears positioned between the main gears, and two brackets sleeved on the pivoting shafts, respectively. Each transmission gear meshes with the other transmission gear and one main gear. Each pivoting shaft includes a flange which defines two locking portions, and each bracket forms two latching portions engaging with the locking portions of each pivoting shaft. The locking portions and the latching portions are selected from the structures of groove and hook. |
| US08205293B2 |
Steam mop
A steam mop having a main body having a boiler with a water inlet and a steam outlet positioned therein, a pump having an inlet and an outlet with the pump outlet connected to the boiler inlet, a water container for storing water connected to the pump inlet, and a steam pocket frame connected to the steam outlet, where the activation of the pump pumps water from the water container to the boiler for generation of steam. In an embodiment of the invention, a steam mop having a main body with a boiler, a water container, a mechanical water pump between the boiler and container and at least one side arm connecting the boiler steam outlet to a fabric steam pocket frame. The water pump is actuated by movement of the mop when cleaning to send water to the boiler. The steam pad frame is substantially rectangular with a plurality of baffles in a square grid formation extending outwardly to distribute steam to distribute steam between the baffles. A replaceable fabric pad fits snugly on the frame to distribute cleaning steam to the surface to be cleaned. |
| US08205290B2 |
Wiper blade to clean windshields, in particular of automobiles
A wiper blade to clean windshields, in particular of automobiles. The wiper blade (10) has an elongated belt-shaped, flexible spring support element (12), with a separate first component designed as an elastic rubber wiper strip (14) that can be pressed against the windshield (20) located at the bottom belt surface (13) of the support element and with a separate second component located at the other upper belt surface (11) of the support element (12) that is designed as a wind deflection strip (24) that extends at least along a longitudinal section of the wiper blade (10). A particularly low-disruption wiper blade results if the two components (14, 24) are connected together at their sides facing one another. |
| US08205285B1 |
Sleeping devices for infants having trachea malacia and/or gastro-intestinal reflux
A foam wedge has a cutout formed therein. A plastic casing is dimensioned for securement over the foam wedge. A fabric cover is dimensioned for removable coupling over the plastic casing and the foam wedge. The fabric cover includes a pad for positioning within the cutout of the foam wedge. |
| US08205280B2 |
Overlapping barriers for a bed
A bed comprises a head end, a foot end, first and second sides and a deck which includes, a head section and a foot section. The head section is pivotable. Head end and foot end barriers (5′, 5) are positioned along one of the sides, and both barriers are adapted to move between raised and lowered positions. The head end barrier is moveable with the head section as the head section pivots. When both barriers are raised 1) the foot end barrier (5) extends footwardly beyond the head end barrier (5′), 2) a portion of the head end barrier and a portion of the foot end barrier overlap each other over a portion of their longitudinal extents at all pivoted positions of the head end barrier, and 3) the overlapped portion of the head end barrier is laterally between the deck and the overlapped portion of the foot end barrier. |
| US08205279B2 |
Pump assembly for an emergency eyewash station
A pump assembly for an emergency eyewash station and method of retrofitting a plumbed emergency eyewash station is disclosed. The pump is configured into two parts, an impeller assembly and a drive assembly, that are configured to couple together. The impeller assembly is isolated from the drive assembly and can be easily replaced to ensure a sterile fluid path is maintained for the eyewash fluid. The drive assembly can be fluid powered or an electric motor as desired. The present invention allows a plumbed eyewash station to be retrofitted to use a sterile eyewash fluid. The present invention can also be used in portable eyewash station units too. |
| US08205278B2 |
Washing apparatus
Apparatus for washing a body comprising a. a body membrane adapted to receive a body therein, the body membrane having a plurality of body portions, each body portion having: i. an exterior surface and an interior surface; ii. a water conduit for passage of water through the body membrane to the interior surface thereof; iii. an air conduit separate to the water conduit for passage of air through the body membrane to the interior surface thereof; and b. control means operable to control the passage of water and air independently through the water and air conduits respectively, the control means further operable to control the passage of water and air in each body portion independently. Also provided is a method of washing a body using said apparatus. |
| US08205276B2 |
Pressurized dual flush system
A dual flush volume pressurized flush device. A pressurized tank includes a tray for controllably retaining water during a flush event. The tray retains a certain volume of water when a reduced flush is activated, such that the entire volume of the tank is not flushed. In a full flush event, the activation causes substantially the entire volume of the tank to be flushed, including the volume of water inside the tray. A controllable water retention tray valve is positioned in the tray and provides a controllable release for the water in the tray. |
| US08205275B2 |
External automatic flush helper
An external automatic flush helper comprises a housing and fixing means for fixing the housing onto a toilet tank. Within the housing there are provided with a DC power supply, a controller powered by the DC power supply, an infrared sensor and a motor connected with the controller, and an actuating mechanism connected with the motor. An end actuator of the actuating mechanism is arranged in alignment with the button of the toilet tank. The end actuator can be actuated and move out of an opening in the housing when a user status is detected by the infrared sensor, and thus press the button of the toilet tank. Therefore, automatic flushing can be achieved contactlessly. |
| US08205274B2 |
Lift and clean toilet seat hinge
A toilet featuring a lift and clean toilet seat hinge includes a toilet bowl, toilet seat, and the hinge includes a hinge base, a post, and a flap for closing the hinge base. The mounting post is provided with an expandable head and the flap includes a ring for expanding the head in order to releasably lock the mounting post to the toilet seat hinge base. |
| US08205273B2 |
Chest protector
To enable a front portion of a chest protector to be easily undone to allow cooling down while maintaining the protection performance for the chest protector fitted to a garment. A chest protector detachably fitted to an interior surface of a body garment includes left and right protective shell members, with the left and right protective shell members engaging in a separable manner. |
| US08205272B2 |
Protective head guard
A protective insert adapted to convert a standard baseball cap into a protective head guard, while maintaining the cap's desired attributes, such as comfort and stability. The protective insert of the present invention in combination with a baseball cap, not only protects a wearer from head injuries caused by impact force, but also has the attributes of stability, light weight and comfort so that it may be worn for extended periods during more intense activity than conventional baseball helmets. |
| US08205270B2 |
Garment having a waist size adjusting mechanism
Ladies' pants has an inside belt portion that is provided with an eyelet buttonhole as a second buttonhole. A moving cloth is provided inside the inside belt portion. A button is sewn on the moving cloth and is taken out from the eyelet buttonhole so as to be movable inside the eyelet buttonhole. If the button is engaged with the second buttonhole, the eyelet buttonhole is hidden under an outside belt portion. Then, the ladies' pants allows a waist size to continuously change, thereby giving a wearer a relaxed and comfortable wearing feeling. A round part of the eyelet buttonhole is located at a position corresponding to nearly a center of the moving cloth when the moving cloth returns to its original position. Then, even if the button is detached, the button can be stitched by scoop sewing through the round part of the eyelet buttonhole. Thus, the button can be surely reattached to the moving cloth. |
| US08209767B1 |
Near field detection for optical metrology
An optical metrology tool may include a source of electromagnetic radiation having a characteristic wavelength, an objective having a central obscuration, a near field element located within the central obscuration of the objective, and an electromagnetic radiation detector coupled to the near field element. A mechanism is configured to bring the near field element into proximity to the target. A characteristic dimension of the near field element is sufficient smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation that when the electromagnetic radiation passes through the cavity and the cavity is in sufficient proximity to the target that evanescent waves can couple energy from propagating radiation in the near-field element to the target. The detector detects an optical signal due to the evanescent waves coupling to the target. |
| US08209765B2 |
Electronic circuit device for cryptographic applications
The electronic circuit executes operations dependent on secret information. Power supply current dependency on the secret information is cloaked by drawing additional power supply current. A plurality of processing circuits (102, 106) executes respective parts of the operations dependent on the secret information. An activity monitor circuit (12a, b, 14), coupled to receive pairs of processing signals coming into and out of respective ones of the processing circuits, derive activity information from each pair of processing signals. The activity monitoring circuit (12a, b, 14) generates a combined activity signal indicative of a sum of power supply currents that will be consumed by the processing circuits (102, 106) dependent on the processing signals. A current drawing circuit connected to the power supply connections is controlled by the activity monitor circuit (12a, b, 14) to draw a cloaking current controlled by the combined activity signal, so that power supply current variations dependent on the secret information are cloaked in a sum of the cloaking current and current drawn by the processing circuits (102, 106). |
| US08209755B2 |
Signaling a security breach of a protected set of files
Apparatus are provided that include a communication circuit, monitoring circuit, and an alert circuit and a method is provided that includes receiving at least a portion of a protected set of files including a tripwire file and at least one normal file, the at least one normal file including a number of attributes, and the tripwire file lacking an attribute of the at least one normal file; and detecting a sign of an activity related to the tripwire file of the protected set of files, wherein the protected set of files includes a protected database, the protected database including the at least one normal file and the tripwire file; and generating a signal indicating an unauthorized activity related to the protected set of files in response to the detected sign of an activity related to the tripwire file. |
| US08209753B2 |
Universal secure messaging for remote security tokens
An anonymous secure messaging method, system and computer program product for implementation over a wireless connection. The invention allows the securely exchange of information between a security token enabled computer system and an intelligent remote device having an operatively coupled security token thereto over the wireless connection. The invention establishes an anonymous secure messaging channel between the security token and the security token enabled computer system, which allows the intelligent remote device to emulate a locally connected security token peripheral device without requiring a physical connection. A dedicated wireless communications channel is incorporated to prevent several concurrent wireless connections from being established with the security token and potentially compromising the security of the information being sent on concurrent wireless connections. |
| US08209752B2 |
Imaging system and authentication method
An imaging system is disclosed that performs authentication of a user. The system includes one or more manipulation detecting parts that detect one or more manipulations by the user related to an imaging process, one or more biometric information acquiring parts that acquire biometric information of the user when the manipulation detecting parts detect the manipulations by the user, and an authentication determining part that determines an authentication result of the authentication based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquiring parts. |
| US08209751B2 |
Receiving an access key
In an embodiment a secure module is provided that provides access keys to an unsecured system. In an embodiment the secure module may generate passcodes and supply the passcodes to the unsecured system. In an embodiment the access keys are sent to the unsecured system after receiving the passcode from the unsecured system. In an embodiment, after authenticating the passcode, the secure module does not store the passcode in its memory. In an embodiment, the unsecured module requires the access key to execute a set of instructions or another entity. In an embodiment, the unsecured system does not store access keys. In an embodiment, the unsecured system erases the access key once the unsecured system no longer requires the access key. In an embodiment, the unsecured system receives a new passcode to replace the stored passcode after using the stored passcode. Each of these embodiments may be used separately. |
| US08209750B2 |
Encryption of voice and data in a single data stream in a deployable, secure communication system
Separate IP data streams, including both voice (VoIP) and data sources, are routed over a single network data stream, encrypted by a single KIV encryption unit, and transmitted as a single packet data stream including both computer and voice data. Integration of the use of a VoIP data stream, together with data sources, and encrypted through a single serial encryption unit such as a KIV-7 enables the encryption of both voice and data using a single KIV encryption unit. After encryption by the Type 1 encryption unit (e.g., KIV-7) in a remotely deployed, secure communication system, the single encrypted data stream is encapsulated into IP packets. The IP packets are addressed to a distant IP device that removes the encapsulated, encrypted data and passes it to a similar Type 1 KIV device for decryption, and distributed to voice devices and computer devices via another voice-enabled router. |
| US08209748B1 |
Protecting network sites during adverse network conditions
A network protection service for providing protective assistance to a subscribing host on a network is disclosed. The network protection service is configured to establish a relationship with a subscribing host also connected to the network. Moreover, based on the established relationship with the subscribing host, the network protection service is configured to detect a condition for providing protective assistance to the subscribing host. Upon detecting the condition, the network protection service provides protective assistance to the subscribing host. Providing protective assistance to the subscribing host comprises rerouting network traffic directed to the subscribing host to the network protection service, filtering the network traffic rerouted to the network protection service, and forwarding the filtered network traffic to the subscribing host. |
| US08209744B2 |
Mobile device assisted secure computer network communication
Mobile device assisted secure computer network communications embodiments are presented that employ a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), and the like) to assist in user authentication. In general, this is accomplished by having a user enter a password into a client computer which is in contact with a server associated with a secure Web site. This password is integrated with a secret value, which is generated in real time by the mobile device. The secret value is bound to both the mobile device's hardware and the secure Web site being accessed, such that it is unique to both. In this way, a different secret value is generated for each secure Web site accessed, and another user cannot impersonate the user and log into a secure Web site unless he or she knows the password and possesses the user's mobile device simultaneously. |
| US08209740B1 |
System and method for controlling access to network resources
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for controlling access to a computer network. An example network access controller is configured to intercept data transmission to or from a computer and identify a network access policy associated with said computer. If there is no network access policy associated with said computer, the controller deploys on said computer an administration agent configured to collect configuration information from said computer and information about topology of said network. The controller determines a network access policy for said computer based on the collected information. The controller also activates antivirus software on said computer, to detect any malicious activity on said computer. If malicious activity is detected, the controller limits data transmissions to or from said computer until the malicious activity is eliminated by the antivirus software to prevent spread of the malicious activity to other computers in the network. |
| US08209737B2 |
Apparatus and method of controlling a consumer product
The apparatus and method of controlling a consumer product includes the step of connecting an input device to the consumer product. Also, an input event of the input device is translated into at least one key code, where the key code is recognized by a middleware of the consumer product. Furthermore, the at least one key code is transmitted to the consumer product. In addition, the at least one key code is executed by an application program of the middleware so as to control the consumer product. |
| US08209734B2 |
Data transmission control method, data transmitting method, data transmitting apparatus, and receiving apparatus
A receiving apparatus comprising means for receiving an event notice that includes time information. Upon receipt of the event notice, an event corresponding to the time information is generated. The event is immediately generated if the event notice includes a code that indicates immediate generation. |
| US08209733B2 |
Edge device that enables efficient delivery of video to handheld device
A video processing system includes a communications interface and video processing circuitry. The communications interface receives video data from a video source, receives at least one operating parameter regarding a remote wireless device, and transmits an output video stream to the remote wireless device. The video processing circuitry couples to the communications interface, receives the video data and the at least one operating parameter, determines video processing parameters based upon the video data and the at least one operating parameter, processes the video data based upon the video processing parameters to produce the output video stream, and provides the output video stream to the communications interface for transmission to the remote wireless device. The video data (incoming video stream) may be processed by altering a frame rate, PCRs, pixel resolution, color resolution, color content, and/or region of interest content of the incoming video data to produce the output video stream. |
| US08209728B2 |
System and method of delivering video content
A method to deliver video content is disclosed and includes sending a bandwidth change request from a set-top box device associated with a home network to a server via an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) access network. The bandwidth change request includes a requested bandwidth change event and an upper limit overhead bandwidth factor. The method also includes receiving video packets related to the bandwidth change event from the server at an increased rate corresponding to the upper limit overhead bandwidth factor. |
| US08209722B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method and program
An information processing apparatus includes a program information display controller configured to display recommendation information which relates to a recorded program, which is obtained in advance, and which is introduced in the program, and configured to display, when the recommendation information is searchable by web searching, a notification describing that the recommendation information is searchable by the web searching along with the recommendation information, and a search display controller configured to determine at least one search site in accordance with a type of the recommendation information when a user selects the searchable recommendation information and display a search dialog including the determined at least one search site as at least one candidate. |
| US08209720B2 |
TV program database
Before a programming guide is created, a unique code is assigned to each TV program that can be identified in the programming guide. Prior to the creation of the programming guide, a viewer selects the unique code corresponding to the TV show that the viewer would like to record whenever that TV show is broadcast. When the programming guide is created, the corresponding unique codes are associated with each TV program in the programming guide. The TV program corresponding to the viewer-selected unique code is then scheduled to be recorded in accordance with the announced broadcast schedule in the programming guide. A recording is made of the TV program corresponding to the viewer-selected unique code as the TV program is broadcast in accordance with the announced broadcast schedule in the programming guide. |
| US08209717B2 |
Receiver with concurrent multi-user electronic program guide
The invention relates to a receiver comprising electronic program guide means for browsing through an electronic program guide containing information on a plurality of program channels. The electronic program guide means comprise a server module and a number of client modules assigned to a number of remote devices, in order that upon request of any of the remote devices, the server module manages the navigation of the assigned client module within the electronic program guide information. |
| US08209715B2 |
Video play through rates
A request for video advertisements is received and video advertisements that can be provided in response to the request are identified. Performance features associated with the video advertisements are identified and are provided as input to a video advertisement performance model trained to estimate a play through rate for each of the video advertisements. The video advertisements are ranked based on the estimated play through rates for the video advertisements provided by the video advertisement performance model, and one or more video advertisements are provided in response to the request according to the ranking of the video advertisements. |
| US08209712B2 |
Disk cartridge with rotatably supported disk storage portions
A disk cartridge according to the present invention includes first and second disk storage portions, each of which has a space to partially store a disk with at least one data storage side. When closed up, the first and second disk storage portions enclose the disk entirely. The disk cartridge further includes a supporting base member with a disk storage portion rotation supporting portion that supports rotatably the first and second disk storage portions so as to make or cover an opening with respect to the disk. The opening is used to get the disk chucked externally and to allow a head to access the data storage side of the disk and read and/or write data from/on that side. At least a portion of the supporting base member overlaps with the first and second disk storage portions so as to prevent the first and second disk storage portions from moving perpendicularly to the disk. |
| US08209711B2 |
Managing cache reader and writer threads in a proxy server
A system and method are provided for managing reader and writer threads in a caching proxy server. In general, a caching proxy server operates as an intermediary between a web server and a number of client devices. The clients send requests for digital assets hosted by the web server to the caching proxy server. For each request, or more particularly for each group of concurrent requests, for a particular digital asset, the caching proxy server operates in either a decoupled writer mode of operation or a reader/writer mode operation. In addition, while serving the requests, the proxy server may switch between the decoupled writer and the reader/writer modes of operation depending on one or more criteria. |
| US08209710B2 |
Implementation system for business applications
The system comprises a man-machine interface for controlling the application, a server running the application, a server hosting the service and a server for automatically calling the service, including memory resources containing the data describing the service, receive the data related to the service and transform that data so that it can be processed in the application server, all of which under the control of the man-machine interface and the application server. |
| US08209707B2 |
Gathering state information for an application and kernel components called by the application
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for gathering state information for an application and kernel components called by the application. An implementation of a component to execute in a kernel space is instantiated in a user space. An application invokes a call to the component in the kernel space. The call to the component in the kernel space is invoked and an implementation of the component in the user space is invoked to execute the call in the user space. State information related to the execution of the call to the component in the user space to include in checkpoint information for the application is gathered. |
| US08209706B2 |
Inter-frame messaging between different domains
Cross-domain communication between a parent web page hosted in a parent domain and a child web page hosted in a different child domain is provided. Upon downloading the parent page and child page into a client's web browser, an IFM-channel connection can be established within the browser between the parent page and child page, which can be used to bidirectionally communicate text-based messages containing commands and HTML content directly between the parent page and child page. Additionally, an XML-channel connection can be established within the browser between the parent page and child page, which can be used to bidirectionally communicate text-based messages containing HTTP commands and XML content directly between the parent page and child page. This cross-domain communication of messages takes place completely within the browser. |
| US08209705B2 |
System, method and computer program product for sharing information in a distributed framework
A system, method and computer program product are provided for sharing information in a distributed system. After information is received, it is stored on a bulletin board. In use, the information is shared, in real-time, among a plurality of heterogeneous processes. |
| US08209702B1 |
Task execution using multiple pools of processing threads, each pool dedicated to execute different types of sub-tasks
A task analyzer analyzes received tasks to identify and classify corresponding sub-tasks. For example, for each given received task, the task analyzer analyzes a given task to identify a first type of sub-tasks (e.g., sub-tasks that can be executed in any order). The task analyzer also analyzes the given task to identify a second type of sub-tasks (e.g., sub-tasks that are to be executed in parallel) associated with the given task. A task execution manager submits the first type of sub-tasks for execution by a first pool of processing threads, which is dedicated for executing the first type of sub-tasks. The task execution manager submits the second type of sub-tasks for execution by the second pool of processing threads. The second pool of processing threads is dedicated to execute the second type of sub-tasks. |
| US08209701B1 |
Task management using multiple processing threads
A task manager (or related operation) keeps track of free processing threads amongst multiple processing threads. The task manager receives a request to execute a task. Prior to execution, the task manager processes the task to identify portions of the task that must be executed in parallel. In response to detecting that there is a first processing thread in the pool free to execute a main portion of the task as well as sufficient free additional processing threads in the pool to execute each of the identified sub-tasks in parallel, the task manager submits the task for execution by the pool of multiple processing threads. For accounting purposes, the task manager modifies tracking information to indicate that the first processing thread and additional processing threads are now unavailable for use for execution of other tasks. |
| US08209700B2 |
System, method, and program product for providing local load balancing for high-availability servers
The present invention is directed to a method, system, and computer program product for providing local load balancing for high-availability servers. In particular, the present invention is based on the use of an HACMP cluster of servers (for high availability) each running an instance of a TCP splitter (for load balancing). A cluster of servers is provided, wherein a Transport Control Protocol (TCP) splitter runs on each of the servers. Each TCP splitter is configured to split an incoming data stream to a respective server among a plurality of the servers for processing. Each server in the cluster has a different routable Internet Protocol (IP) address. Upon a failure of a server, the IP address of the failed server is reassigned to another server in the cluster. |
| US08209699B2 |
System and method for subunit operations in a database
A method for processing a transaction request at a database load balancer is disclosed. The method comprises receiving the transaction request, where the transaction request is comprised of one or more operations to be performed upon a database; analyzing the transaction request to determine the one or more operations; analyzing the transaction to determine one or more database units associated with the operations; analyzing the transaction requests and the one or more database units to determine one or more database subunits associated with the database units that the transaction request will perform one or more operations upon; associating one or more database locks with each of the one or more operations; analyzing one or more of the database locks to determine one or more sequence numbers associated with each of the one or more operations; and transmitting one or more unique identifiers for each of the database subunits, the one or more operations with the associated database locks and the sequence numbers to one or more database servers accessible to the database load balancer. Systems, apparatus and computer programming associated with or implementing the method are also disclosed. |
| US08209698B2 |
Processor core with per-thread resource usage accounting logic
Processor time accounting is enhanced by per-thread internal resource usage counter circuits that account for usage of processor core resources to the threads that use them. Relative resource use can be determined by detecting events such as instruction dispatches for multiple threads active within the processor, which may include idle threads that are still occupying processor resources. The values of the resource usage counters are used periodically to determine relative usage of the processor core by the multiple threads. If all of the events are for a single thread during a given period, the processor time is allocated to the single thread. If no events occur in the given period, then the processor time can be equally allocated among threads. If multiple threads are generating events, a fractional resource usage can be determined for each thread and the counters may be updated in accordance with their fractional usage. |
| US08209697B2 |
Resource allocation method for a physical computer used by a back end server including calculating database resource cost based on SQL process type
A resource allocation method, a resource allocation program, and a resource allocation apparatus in which a request reception server subjects an inputted SQL to a syntax analysis. At least one SQL process is extracted from the input SQL, and a resource cost of a database required by a BES (Back End Server) to perform the SQL process for each of one or more process types contained in the SQL process is calculated. Further, an allocation ratio is determined for allocating the resource of a request executing server to a virtualized server in accordance with a resource cost ratio required by each of the BES to execute the SQL process. Additionally, requests are made for execution of the respective BES on the virtualized server to which the resource has been allocated so as to execute the SQL process. |
| US08209693B2 |
System and method for processing series of processes in given order having processing status generation with tables storing status including beginning, end and existence segment
Provided is a technology capable of managing the processing status of hardware blocks by a less number of registers. A processing system includes a buffer composed of a plurality of segments which store data, which is to be input to the processing system, in transactions in the order of inputting, respectively; a plurality of processing units which perform a series of processes in a given order for the data; a plurality of first tables corresponding to the plurality of processing units, respectively, the first tables each storing beginning information which indicates a beginning segment among a plurality of segments at continuous addresses completed in the process by the corresponding processing unit, end information which indicates an end segment among them, and existence information which indicates the presence or absence of segments completed in the process by the corresponding processing unit; and a management unit which manages a data transfer between the buffer and the plurality of processing units so that the series of processes are performed in a given order on the basis of the processing status of the series of processes retained in the plurality of first tables. |
| US08209690B2 |
System and method for thread handling in multithreaded parallel computing of nested threads
An Explicit Multi-Threading (XMT) system and method is provided for processing multiple spawned threads associated with SPAWN-type commands of an XMT program. The method includes executing a plurality of child threads by a plurality of TCUs including a first TCU executing a child thread which is allocated to it; completing execution of the child thread by the first TCU; announcing that the first TCU is available to execute another child thread; executing by a second TCU a parent child thread that includes a nested spawn-type command for spawning additional child threads of the plurality of child threads, wherein the parent child thread is related in a parent-child relationship to the child threads that are spawned in conjunction with the nested spawn-type command; assigning a thread ID (TID) to each child thread, wherein the TID is unique with respect to the other TIDs; and allocating a new child thread to the first TCU. |
| US08209686B2 |
Saving unsaved user process data in one or more logical partitions of a computing system
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for saving unsaved user process data in one or more logical partitions (‘LPARs’) of a computing system, the computing system having installed upon it a hypervisor for administering the LPARs, each LPAR supporting an operating system, each operating system supporting one or more user processes, that include: detecting, by the hypervisor, a predefined event that the hypervisor interprets as an indication that unsaved data of user processes for at least one LPAR should be saved; transmitting, by the hypervisor in response to detecting the predefined event, a save instruction to the operating system supported by the LPAR; and instructing, by the operating system in response to receiving the save instruction, each user process supported by the operating system to save any unsaved data. |
| US08209685B1 |
Virtual machine device access
The present disclosure includes, among other things, systems, methods and program products for virtual machine device access. A first asynchronous request from a virtual machine executing on a device is identified, where the first asynchronous request is for accessing one or more of the device's information or services. The first asynchronous request is retrieved from the virtual machine. The first asynchronous request is scheduled to be provided as a second request to a service provider on the device, where the service provider is operable to handle the second request. The second request is provided to the service provider and a first response is received from the service provider to be provided to the virtual machine as a second response. First code is selected in the virtual machine from a plurality of code to receive the second response and providing the second response to the selected code. |
| US08209682B2 |
System and method for controlling aggregate CPU usage by virtual machines and driver domains over a plurality of scheduling intervals
A method comprises determining an amount of central processing unit (CPU) usage by a driver domain on behalf of a given virtual machine (VM) over a measurement period. The method further comprises determining a share of CPU to schedule for the given VM for a plurality of future scheduling intervals based at least in part on the determined amount of CPU usage by the driver domain on behalf of the given VM over the measurement period. The method further comprises scheduling the determined share of CPU access to the given VM for the plurality of future scheduling intervals. |
| US08209677B2 |
Broadcast download system via broadband power line communication
A method of providing a software patch to an electronic device. A device containing a software patch for an electronic device may be plugged to an electrical outlet. A plurality of electronic devices may be queried, over a power line through the electrical outlet, for identifying the electronic device requiring the software patch. As a result, the electronic device requiring the software patch may also identify the version of the firmware installed on the electronic device. Test signals may be sent over the power line to determine the signal quality of various multiple carriers for using OFDM scheme. Suitability of various sub-carriers for sending the software patch over the power line may be determined. Higher density modulation may be used for higher quality sub-carriers to send the software patch to the electronic device. An acknowledgment signal for receipt of the properly received authenticated software patch may be received. |
| US08209676B2 |
Device management in a network
Methods and devices supporting the management of a plurality of electronic devices and processing of update information for updating software and/or firmware in the electronic devices. Prompting of users may be made using a language associated with the electronic device, and authorization to update an electronic device may be secured using a subscriber identity module. |
| US08209675B2 |
Method and system for customizing a software application
The technique introduced here includes a uniform customization system, which can support the customization of multiple software applications simultaneously. Customization data of a software application can be developed separately from the development of the application. The customization data is then stored, via the uniform customization system, into a customization storage. When the software application is executed, the software application retrieves, from the storage, the values of the customization data via the uniform customization system. The uniform customization system outputs the retrieved customization data indicating the current working context of a user, which may be used by the user to locate customization options in a customization user interface of the software application, for customizing functions performed in the current working context. |
| US08209674B2 |
Tier splitting support for distributed execution environments
A spectrum of tier-splitting mechanisms facilitates distributed programming. A rich application model and associated tools enable programmers to write rich distributed applications that can run anywhere. A program can be developed simply as a single tier or tier agnostic application. Subsequently or concurrently, the program can be sliced into multiple tiers in different ways to reflect, for instance, capabilities and/or constraints of a server, client and/or network. |
| US08209669B2 |
System and method for supporting software
This disclosure provides various embodiments of software for supporting a business application. In one aspect, the software receives error information and dynamic context information from a remote business application, where the dynamic context information may partially identify the particular execution point of the business application and a portion of the business data associated with that execution point, present a search interface to a support user utilizing search criteria that is automatically populated using the received information, and, upon request of the support user, generates an execution environment that simulates the remote business application execution using the received information. In some implementations, the software is farther operable to retrieve static context information related to the remote business application from a static context information repository. In those instances, the execution environment for the support user may be generated using at least a portion of the retrieved static context information. |