最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US08309238B2 Magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording and reproducing device
The present invention has its object to offer magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording and reproducing device that can record and reproduce high density data by optimizing the soft magnetic layer material forming the soft magnetic underlayer and the under layer material. In the present invention, the perpendicular magnetic recording medium A has at least the soft magnetic underlayer a, the under layer 5, the intermediate layer 6 and the perpendicular magnetic recording layer on the non-magnetic substrate 1. The soft magnetic layers 2, 4 that form the soft magnetic underlayer a, has an amorphous structure and is made of CoAl alloy or CoFeAl alloy having saturation magnetic flux density Bs greater than 1.1 T.
US08309237B2 Corrosion resistant aluminum alloy substrates and methods of producing the same
Aluminum alloy products comprising an aluminum alloy base and a sulfate-phosphate oxide zone integral therewith are disclosed. Methods of making the same are also disclosed.
US08309235B2 Multilayer film-coated member and method for producing it
A multilayer film-coated member is fabricated by coating the surface of a substrate with at least two hard coating films having different compositions, wherein the first composition hard film of the outermost layer is represented by SiaBbNcCdOe with a+b+c+d+e=1, 0.1≦a≦0.5, 0.01≦b≦0.2, 0.05≦c≦0.6, 0.1≦d ≦0.7 and 0
US08309234B2 Multilayer film-coated member and method for producing it
The invention provides a multilayer film-coated member having sufficient heat resistance and abrasion resistance and capable of exhibiting an effect of preventing adhesion even in cutting work of steel materials that may readily cause adhesion to cutting tools, and therefore capable of prolonging tools, and provides a method for producing it. The multilayer film-coated member is fabricated by coating the surface of a substrate with at least two hard coating films having different compositions, in which the first composition hard coating film of the outermost layer of the hard coating films represented by SiaBbNcCdOe with a+b+c+d+e=1, 0.1≦a≦0.5, 0.01≦b≦0.2, 0.05≦c≦0.6, 0.1≦d≦0.7 and 0
US08309233B2 Electrodeposited metallic-materials comprising cobalt on ferrous-alloy substrates
Free standing articles or articles at least partially coated with substantially porosity free, fine-grained and/or amorphous Co-bearing metallic materials optionally containing solid particulates dispersed therein, are disclosed. The electrodeposited metallic layers and/or patches comprising Co provide, enhance or restore strength, wear and/or lubricity of substrates without reducing the fatigue performance. The fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings comprising Co are particularly suited for articles exposed to thermal cycling, fatigue and other stresses and/or in applications requiring anti-microbial properties.
US08309229B2 Polyester resin and thermosetting water-borne coating compositions
The invention discloses specific polyester resins which are obtained by the technique of reacting polyesterpolyol oligomer of specific monomeric composition further with polyvalent carboxylic acid (anhydride) and the like; thermosetting water-borne coating compositions using the polyester resins, and coating film-forming methods using the thermosetting water-borne coating compositions.
US08309224B2 Conductive particle, anisotropic conductive interconnection material that uses the conductive particle, and method for producing the conductive particle
There is disclosed a conductive particle used for an anisotropic conductive connection material for establishing conductive interconnection between e.g. a substrate and an electrical component. The conductive particle includes a base particle (2) exhibiting electrical conductivity at least on its surface and a continuous insulating resin film (3) formed by welding of fine particles (3a) of an insulating resin that composes the resin film. The surface of the base particle is coated with the continuous insulating resin film. There are formed voids at least between neighboring fine particles.
US08309222B2 Coated filaments
The present disclosure describes a coating for a surgical filament including a vinyl lactam polymer and a lactone polymer.
US08309215B2 Rubber-metal laminate
A hydrogenated nitrile rubber-metal laminate having distinguished heat and rubber bulging resistances at elevated temperatures and surface pressures, which comprises a metallic sheet subjected to a hexavalent Cr ions-free chemical conversion treatment, a defatting treatment, a surface-roughening treatment, a primer treatment, or a combination of the treatment, and an adhesive layer and a rubber layer successively laid on one or both surfaces of the metallic sheet, wherein the rubber layer is a vulcanizate of a hydrogenated nitrile rubber compound comprising 100 parts by weight of a hydrogenated nitrile rubber, 50-250 parts by weight of an inorganic filler containing not more than 20% by volume, on the basis of total compound, of a non-reinforcing inorganic filler having an average particle size of not more than 5 μm, 4-20 parts by weight of an organic peroxide, and preferably furthermore 2-10 parts by weight of N,N′-phenylene dimaleimide.
US08309214B2 Composite component for a vehicle body, in particular a vehicle roof, and production method for said component
A composite member for a vehicle body a method for manufacturing such a composite member, in particular, for a vehicle roof, with a fiber-free outer skin (12) and a fiber-reinforced support layer (16), which is deposited at the inner side of the outer skin in order to support the outer skin. The side of the support layer (16) that faces away from the outer skin (12) is provided with a fiber-reinforced reinforcing layer (18) for reinforcing the support layer. The reinforcing layer has a higher fiber concentration than the support layer.
US08309212B2 Ceramic fiber modules
An insulating block for lining an interior surface of a furnace wall. The block is comprised of at least two insulating module sections. Each module section is formed from two or more layers of a ceramic (material) blanket. The layers of the ceramic blanket are held together by one or more plastic fasteners, each plastic fastener comprised of an elongated fiber portion that is dimensioned to extend at least partially through at least two of the layers and enlarged end sections dimensioned to engage the layers. The layers of the blanket are held together side-by-side by the plastic fasteners. A support member has at least one anchor rod (tube) affixed thereto. The insulating module sections are mounted on the anchor rod.
US08309210B1 Printed wiring board pad cratering inhibitor
A laminate for a printed wiring board (PWB) in which the laminate has a resin system containing a binder. The binder is made of ultra-fine binding particles that reinforce the resin system thereby reducing adhesive and cohesive failure of the laminate. The particles in addition to reducing occurrences such as pad cratering, eyebrowing, and tail-cracking, have the benefits of increasing thermal heat transfer and reducing resin shrinkage. The particles are preferably the same material as a reinforcing material contained in the laminate which can be a woven glass.
US08309208B2 Optical sheet
Disclosed is an optical sheet for use in liquid crystal displays, which is not easily damaged by external impact, thus facilitating handling thereof and decreasing defective rates, resulting in reduced production costs and increased production efficiency. Decreases in the luminance of the optical sheet due to damage can be prevented.
US08309202B2 Hard-coated film, method for production thereof and antireflection film
There is provided a hard-coated film that includes a thermoplastic film and a hard coat layer placed thereon, has high surface hardness, is prevented from forming interference iris patterns, does not reduce image sharpness when used for antireflection films, and is prevented from causing screen glittering, external light reflection, or coloration irregularity of reflected light. The hard-coated film includes a polyester film and a hard coat layer placed on at least one side of the polyester film, wherein the hard coat layer has a surface with irregularities, an interface between the polyester film and the hard coat layer has irregularities, and the surface of the hard coat layer has 3D surface roughness parameters including an arithmetical mean deviation of surface Sa of from 15 nm to less than 150 nm and a kurtosis of surface height distribution Sku of from 1.5 to 5.
US08309200B2 Reflective insulation
A reflective insulation system. The reflective insulation system includes a reflective layer such as aluminum, a layer of fiberglass, and a layer of vapor retarding material. A first side of the layer of fiberglass is bonded to the reflective layer by a deposit of hot melt glue. The second side of the layer of fiberglass is bonded to the layer of vapor retarding material by a second deposit of hot melt glue. The vapor retarding layer may be a plastic material, such as polypropylene or a reflective material, such as aluminum. In an alternate construction, the reflective layer has a transverse dimension that is narrower than the vapor retarding material such that edge portions of the reflective layer are spaced inwardly with respect to edges of said vapor retarder material. A strip of adhesive tape, preferably foil tape, overlies and secures edge portions of the reflective and vapor retarder layers.
US08309194B2 Roll of sheets of absorbent product of the bathroom tissue type
A roll for use as bathroom tissue is formed of a rolled strip of a cellulose-fiber product, the strip including at least three superposed and associated plies and having a tensile strength RST across its width (1). The product P of the total thickness E of the strip times its strength RST is greater than 190 mm*N/m, E being expressed in mm and RST in N/m.
US08309191B2 Packaged product for protecting light-sensitive liquid composition
A packaged product. The package has a plastic container and a light-sensitive liquid composition contained in the plastic container. The container has a plastic container for protecting a light-sensitive liquid composition from light. The container has: i) a top; ii) a bottom opposing to the top; iii) a first layer extending from the top to the bottom, wherein the first layer is non-opaque; and iv) a second layer superposed with a part of the first layer, wherein the second layer has a blocking agent. The container has a non-superposed area covering the bottom. In the non-superposed area the first layer is not superposed with the second layer. The non-superposed area has a height h from about 2 mm to about 50 mm.
US08309187B2 Optical film, elliptically polarizing plate, circularly polarizing plate, liquid crystal display element, and method of producing optical film
An optical film 10 of the present invention includes a plurality of optically anisotropic layers 13 which are laminated, wherein the optically anisotropic layer including: a photoalignment layer (A) 11, in which a liquid crystal aligning capability has been generated by means of photoirradiation; and a polymer layer (B) 12, which contains a liquid crystal compound that has a polymerizable group, and which is obtained by polymerization in a state where it has been aligned by the photoalignment layer (A) 11, wherein the photoalignment layer (A) 11 and the polymer layer (B) 12 are bonded by covalent bonding. The plurality of optically anisotropic layers 13 may be an optically anisotropic layer 13 having a function of a one-half wavelength plate, and an optically anisotropic layer 13 having a function of a one-quarter wavelength plate.
US08309186B2 Optical film, image display device, diethynylfluorene, and polymer thereof
An object of the present invention is to provide an optical film exhibiting a preferable wavelength dispersion and capable of being formed comparatively thinly.The present invention is an optical film containing the repeating unit represented by the following general formula (II).In the formula (II), A, A′, B, and B′ each denote a substituent, a, a′, b, and b′ denote the number of substituents of the corresponding A, A′, B, and B′. A, A′, B and B′ each independently denote a halogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. R1 and R2 denote a halogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and the like. X denotes —CO—, —SO2—, and the like.
US08309185B2 Nanoparticle film and forming method and application thereof
One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for forming a nanoparticle film, which comprises the steps of: preparing a nanoparticle solution, which comprises a solvent and supersaturated nanoparticles with surface ligand molecules; and dip coating a substrate to the nanoparticle solutions to form a first monolayer of the nanoparticles on the substrate, the first monolayer and repeatedly formed monolayers on top of the first monolayer constructing the nanoparticle film. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a nanoparticle film, comprising a first monolayer consisted of a two-dimensional nanoparticles array that are near-field coupled with each other to have tunable plasmonic properties by changing the number of stacked monolayers.
US08309184B2 Priming and coating process
The invention relates to a method for priming a substrate by contacting the substrate with a primer fed from a primer source and depositing the primer on the substrate. Compared to other priming methods, the claimed priming gives better results because the deposition is carried out electrostatically.
US08309183B2 Method of making magnesium alloy housing
A method of making a magnesium alloy housing includes steps as follows: providing a magnesium alloy base; submerging the magnesium alloy base in a phosphate solution, thereby forming a chemical plating layer on the surface thereof; coating a prime coating on the chemical plating layer and drying the prime coating, thereby forming a prime layer; coating an enamel on the prime layer and drying the enamel, thereby forming a color coating layer; grinding the color coating layer with a grinding wheel, thereby forming a hair line layer; coating a metallic coating on the hair line layer and drying the metallic coating, thereby forming a decorative layer; and coating a transparent coat on the decorative layer and drying the transparent coat, thereby forming a transparent protecting layer.
US08309182B2 Multilayer structure and process for producing a multilayer structure
A method for producing a multilayer structure including a first layer and a second layer adjacent to the first layer, wherein the first layer comprises a first inorganic laminar compound and the second layer comprises a second inorganic laminar compound, comprising applying a first coating slip comprising a first liquid medium and a first material onto a substrate and removing the first liquid medium, and a step of applying a second coating slip comprising a second liquid medium and a second material onto the first layer and removing the second liquid medium, wherein the first coating slip and the second coating slip satisfy a requirement that the ratio of the dry volume of the second inorganic laminar compound to the dry volume of the second material is higher than the ratio of the dry volume of the first inorganic laminar compound to the dry volume of the first material.
US08309181B2 Method of manufacturing polymer film
A method of manufacturing a polymer film having a microphase-separated morphology includes a film-forming step in which a solution containing a block copolymer having two or more types of polymer chains which are mutually incompatible and are bonded to each other, a first solvent and a second solvent having a higher boiling point by at least 15° C. than the first solvent is applied onto a substrate and the first solvent is removed to form a film; a heating step in which the film is heated at a temperature which is higher than the boiling point of the first solvent but is lower than the boiling point of the second solvent to make the film formed have a microphase-separated morphology; and a solvent removal step in which the second solvent is removed from the film having the microphase-separated morphology to form the polymer film having the microphase-separated morphology.
US08309180B2 Method of forming luster coating film
The present invention provides: luster coating film forming method I comprising (1) applying an aqueous luster thermosetting base coating composition (A) to a substrate in two to five stages, in such a manner that the thickness of the base coating composition (A) applied in each of the second and subsequent stages becomes 0.3 to 5 μm when cured; (2) applying a thermosetting clear coating (B) over the uncured or heat-cured coating layer of the base coating composition (A); (3) applying an aqueous luster thermosetting base coating composition (C) over the uncured or heat-cured coating layer of the clear coating composition (B) in two to five stages; (4) applying a thermosetting clear coating composition (D) over the coating layer of uncured or heat-cured coating layer of the base coating composition (C); and (5) heating the four-layer coating comprising the base coating composition (A), clear coating composition (B), base coating composition (C) and clear coating composition (D) to obtain a cured four-layer coating film; and luster coating film forming method II comprising the above steps (1) to (5) and further including the step of applying and curing a thermosetting clear coating composition (E).
US08309179B2 Selenium/group 1b ink and methods of making and using same
A selenium/Group 1b ink comprising, as initial components: a selenium component comprising selenium, an organic chalcogenide component having a formula selected from RZ—Z′R′ and R2—SH, a Group 1b component and a liquid carrier; wherein Z and Z′ are each independently selected from sulfur, selenium and tellurium; wherein R is selected from H, C1-20 alkyl group, a C6-20 aryl group, a C1-20 alkylhydroxy group, an arylether group and an alkylether group; wherein R′ and R2 are selected from a C1-20 alkyl group, a C6-20 aryl group, a C1-20 alkylhydroxy group, an arylether group and an alkylether group; and wherein the selenium/Group 1b ink is a stable dispersion. Also provided are methods of preparing the selenium/Group 1b ink and of using the selenium/Group 1b ink to deposit selenium and a Group 1b material on a substrate (preferably to deposit a MaSeh material on a substrate for use in the manufacture of photovoltaic cells; wherein the mole ratio of M to selenium in the MaSeh material deposited is tailorable; wherein M is at least one of copper and silver).
US08309168B2 Method for treating a lens apt to trimming and lens apt to trimming
A method for treating an ophthalmic lens comprising two main sides, wherein at least one side comprises an organic or mineral external layer coated with a MgF2 temporary protective layer, said method comprising the specific treating step of depositing the MgF2 temporary protective layer on the external layer through vacuum evaporation at a speed lower than or equal to 0.5 nm/s. The lens obtained from the above method is capable of being submitted to a trimming operation within 48 hours after the ophthalmic lens has been treated, i.e. after the various layers have been deposited.
US08309167B2 Method for preparing an article with single-phase anatase titanium oxide
This invention relates to methods of making single phase nanocrystalline titanium dioxide. It is hereby provided a method for preparing single-phase anatase type titanium dioxide photocatalyst having a particle size of nano level at near room temperatures without the need for a sintering process at high temperatures.
US08309164B2 Metallized substrate and method for producing the same
A metallized substrate having, disposed in the order mentioned: a ceramics substrate; a high-melting point metal layer; a base nickel plating layer; a layered nickel-phosphorous plating layer; a diffusion-inhibiting plating layer; and a gold plating layer. The base nickel plating layer being any one of a nickel plating layer, a nickel-boron plating layer, or a nickel-cobalt plating layer. The diffusion-inhibiting plating layer being any one of a columnar nickel-phosphorous plating layer, a palladium-phosphorous plating layer, or a palladium plating layer. According to the above composition, even after heating the semiconductor chips in a mounted state, the metallized substrate can make the connection strength of wire bonding favorable.
US08309152B2 Processes for producing wheat protein isolates
Process equipment for the separation of gluten from wheat starch including gluten process equipment configured to process gluten after the gluten is initially separated from A starch, the gluten processing equipment having a dewatering press configured to dewater gluten and modified gluten process equipment including at least one component selected from the group having a high pressure water wash system located upstream of the dewatering press, a kneader located upstream of the dewatering press, a homogenizer located upstream of the dewatering press, a dispersion tank configured to precipitate fines downstream of the dewatering press, a solids-ejecting centrifuge downstream, and combinations thereof.
US08309149B2 Packing method and corresponding covers for hydrogen-reduced water or food production
A capping method and its cap for hydrogen-reduced water or hydrogen-reduced food production are characterized by fine carbon particles absorbing hydrogen being attached to the cap. After filling and capping the container, the hydrogen will be dissolved into the food. In addition, the fine carbon particles, flavorings, processed and unprocessed food are attached to the cap, and during the heating and sterilizing process, the extraction or cooking can be finished, omitting conventional extraction and heating steps when cooking. This result can be used in all food production fields.
US08309148B2 Method for producing sandwich cookie having dissimilarly-sized base cakes
A cookie cup sandwich cookie having dissimilarly-sized base cakes is continuously produced by applying a layer of filler cream to a lower base cake and applying an upper base cake to the lower base cake so that the outer periphery of the upper base cake surrounds the layer of filler cream. The apparatus for the production of the sandwich cookies includes at least one rotary molder for producing lower base cakes and upper base cakes having different sizes, a filler cream depositor that deposits a layer of filler cream on each of the lower base cakes, and a conveyer system for transporting and at least substantially concentrically aligning the dissimilarly sized lower and upper base cakes.
US08309140B2 Effect of porcine sheath proteins on the regeneration activity of periodontal ligament
The purpose of this study was to identify the periodontal regeneration factors in enamel protein shown to induce cementum- and osteo-promotive activities in vivo. The cementum regeneration (CR), a part of periodontal regeneration, was examined by using experimental cavities prepared in a buccal dehiscence dog model. The CR activity was found in the aggregate consisted of sheath proteins along with a small amount of amelogenins separated from newly formed secretory enamel. The sheath proteins were purified to be homogeneous, and examined for the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) inducing activity of human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells. Application of 17 kDa sheath protein induced ALP activity in HPDL cells. Peptides synthesized from the sheath protein sequence also showed ALP inducing activity. The 17 kDa sheath protein has cell differentiation activity.
US08309138B2 Pharmaceutical composition comprising microparticle oily suspension
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a suspension of medicinally-active ingredient microparticles having a mean particle diameter of 20 μm or smaller in a base oil which can achieve extremely high intestinal absorption and bioavailability especially when the medicinally-active ingredient is hardly water-soluble.
US08309137B2 DL-lactide-ε-caprolactone copolymers
The present invention relates to specific DL-lactide-ε-caprolactone copolymers and the application of these polymers in the production of biodegradable medical applications. According to the present invention a polymeric material comprising poly(DL-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) is provided, which is obtained by the copolymerization of DL-lactide and ε-caprolactone, having a lactide content of 51-75 mol %, most preferably of 62-69 mol %.
US08309133B2 Nanoparticulate quinazoline derivative formulations
The present invention is directed to nanoparticulate quinazoline derivative compositions having improved pharmacokinetic profiles and reduced fed/fasted variability. The nanoparticulate quinazoline derivative particles of the composition have an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm and are useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, such as cancer and other neoplastic diseases. The compositions may include quinazolinamine derivatives such as erlotinib or a salt thereof.
US08309129B2 Nanoparticles comprising a drug, ethylcellulose, and a bile salt
A pharmaceutical composition comprises nanoparticles comprising a poorly water-soluble drug, ethylcellulose, and a bile salt.
US08309127B2 Stable compositions of famotidine and ibuprofen
Stable pharmaceutical compositions of famotidine and ibuprofen in a single unit dosage form are disclosed herein. The compositions comprise a famotidine core having a reduced or minimal surface area surrounded by a layer of ibuprofen. In some embodiments, the ibuprofen is in direct physical contact with the famotidine.
US08309123B2 Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the oral delivery of insulin
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one protein active ingredient protected from digestive enzymes. The pharmaceutical compositions contain the at least one protein active ingredient, in free form, as well as, for liquids, a system that buffers them to a pH greater than 4 and less than or equal to 8 or, for solids, a system that exerts, when they are placed in a liquid medium, a buffer effect between a pH greater than 4 and a pH less than or equal to 8.
US08309122B2 Oxymorphone controlled release formulations
The invention pertains to a method of relieving pain by administering a controlled release pharmaceutical tablet containing oxymorphone which produces a mean minimum blood plasma level 12 to 24 hours after dosing, as well as the tablet producing the sustained pain relief.
US08309114B2 Method of making Polymer-bioceramic composite implantable medical devices
Methods and devices relating to polymer-bioceramic composite implantable medical devices are disclosed.
US08309112B2 Coatings for implantable medical devices comprising hydrophilic substances and methods for fabricating the same
A segmented polyurethane and an amphiphilic random or block copolymer are disclosed. The segmented polyurethane and the amphiphilic random or block copolymer can be used for fabricating a coating for an implantable medical device such as a stent.
US08309111B2 High alcohol content foaming compositions with silicone-based surfactants
This invention relates to a “high lower alcohol content” (>40% v/v of a C1-4 alcohol) liquid composition able to be dispensed as a stable foam with the use of non-propellant foam dispensing devices from non-pressurized containers. The liquid compositions comprise a C1-4 alcohol, (>40% v/v), a silicone-based surfactant of at least 0.001% by weight for foaming to prepare a foamable composition, 0-10% w/w of additional minor components added to obtain the desired performance (a foamable composition), and the balance being purified water. The compositions may include emulsifier-emollients and mosturizers, secondary surfactants, foam stabilizers, fragrances, antimicrobial agents, other type of medicinal ingredients, and the like ingredients or additives or combinations thereof commonly added to alcohol gels or foams, aerosol compositions or to toiletries, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and the like.
US08309108B2 Intranasal compositions
A liquid aqueous formulation for the intranasal administration of apomorphine includes: (a) at least about 15 mg/ml of apomorphine; and (b) a solubilising agent selected from (i) at least one polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymer (poloxamer); (ii) at least one cyclodextrin; and (iii) at least one cyclodextrin together with chitosan. The formulations of the invention can be used in the treatment or management of Parkinson's disease and erectile dysfunction.
US08309105B2 Triflusal-containing polymers for stent coating
New triflusal-containing polymeric compounds resulting from the polymerization of 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl 2-acetyloxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoate with butyl acrylate are described. These new polymers exhibit good adhesion and crack-bridging properties and are particularly suitable for the coating of stents.
US08309101B2 Pasteurella multocida vaccine
The present invention relates to live attenuated bacteria of the species Pasteurella multocida, to live attenuated vaccines comprising such live attenuated bacteria, to the use of such bacteria for the manufacture of such vaccines, to methods for the preparation of such vaccines and to diagnostic tests for the detection of such bacteria.
US08309093B2 Antibody drug conjugates (ADC) that bind to 24P4C12 proteins
Antibody drug conjugates (ADC's) that bind to 24P4C12 protein and variants thereof are described herein. 24P4C12 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, the ADC's of the invention provide a therapeutic composition for the treatment of cancer.
US08309090B2 Monoclonal antibodies for neutralizing anthrax toxin
Isolated monoclonal antibodies that bind and/or neutralize anthrax protective antigen (PA) are disclosed as well as hybridomas secreting such antibodies. The invention also provides anti-PA fragments of the antibodies of the invention and recombinantly produced antibodies. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the antibodies or antibody fragments and uses and methods involving same.
US08309087B2 Treatment with anti-ErbB2 antibodies
The present invention concerns the treatment of disorders characterized by the overexpression of ErbB2. More specifically, the invention concerns the treatment of human patients susceptible to or diagnosed with cancer overexpressing ErbB2 with a combination of an anti-ErbB2 antibody and a chemotherapeutic agent other than an anthracycline, e.g. doxorubicin or epirubicin. The invention further provides a method of treating cancer in a human patient comprising administering effective amounts of an anti-ErbB2 antibody and a cardioprotectant to the patient.
US08309084B2 Chimeric and humanized antibodies to α5β1 integrin that modulate angiogenesis
The present invention provides chimeric and humanized antibodies that specifically recognize α5β1 integrin, and methods for using the antibodies for reducing or inhibiting angiogenesis in a tissue. Also provided are methods of determining therapeutically acceptable doses of the antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions including the same.
US08309083B2 Polypeptides involved in immune response
Polypeptides which comprise a receptor-ligand pair involved in T-cell activation are disclosed. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the polypeptides, and vectors and host cells for expressing the polypeptides are also disclosed. The polypeptides, or agonists and antagonists thereof, are used to treat T-cell mediated disorders.
US08309081B2 Composition and method for treatment of bruising
There is provided a skin treatment composition for oral or topical administration and a method for skin treatment. The composition comprises a chelating agent and at least one protease. The composition helps to remove hemosiderin that causes staining of skin on a bruised area and reduces inflammation and pain.
US08309076B2 Lactic acid bacteria isolated from mother's milk with probiotic activity and inhibitory activity against body weight augmentation
The present invention relates to a lactic acid bacterium isolated from human mother's milk, more precisely a Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 strain that is isolated from Korean mother's milk and has excellent probiotic activity including acid resistance, bile acid resistance and antimicrobial activity and weight gaining inhibitory effect as well. Again, the Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 of the present invention has excellent acid resistance, bile acid resistance, enteric absorption activity and antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms, in addition to the weight gaining inhibitory effect by synthesizing indigestible polysaccharides from monosaccharides included in food taken and releasing the synthesized polysaccharides out of the body. Therefore, the strain of the invention, owing to such beneficiary effects, can be effectively used not only for the production of fermented milk, other fermented food products and animal feeds but also for the production of live cell products and food additives for preventing weight gaining.
US08309072B2 Irreversibly-inactivated pepsinogen fragments for modulating immune function
Isolated anti-cancer peptides are disclosed which are characterized by the amino acid sequences TLTSGGGAIALPPSMAAPPLGPVAPLTGAIHAPTXG (SEQ ID NO: 1); TLSTATGGAIPPVAAMPPGLVAPTHGPAIHP (SEQ ID NO: 2); CCATSGPCGAVMILTPHLTA (SEQ ID NO: 5); MTLTTGSGAIAPAMPPGLPPHTGAIHAPM (SEQ ID NO: 4); and NXVPVSVEGYXQITLDSITX (SEQ ID NO: 3) and a significant in vitro binding affinity for gp96. The peptides exhibit anti-tumor, anti-cancer activity in vivo. Also disclosed is an isolated antiviral peptide characterized by the amino acid sequence GDEPLENYLDTEYF (SEQ ID NO: 6) and a significant in vitro binding affinity for HIV-1 gp 120 and gp 41, and human CD4 cells. The peptide exhibits anti-retroviral activity in vivo, particularly anti-HIV-1 activity.
US08309071B2 Foamy viral envelope genes
The present invention concerns the technical field of nucleic acids and expression-optimized nucleic acids. The present invention concerns especially nucleic acids comprising a mutated foamy viral envelope gene encoding a foamy viral envelope polypeptide, which comprises a leader peptide (LP), a surface unit (SU) and a transmembrane domain (TM). The present invention also relates to modified polypeptides encoded by these nucleic acids. Furthermore, the present invention regards a method for preparing pseudotyped vector particles as well as a method for treating a genetic disorder comprising administering a nucleic acid or a polypeptide encoded by that nucleic acid.
US08309068B2 Isolated polypeptides and methods of improving muscle strength
An isolated recombinant polypeptide having myostatin antagonist activity, comprising a C-terminally truncated mature myostatin peptide, wherein the C-terminal truncation is at a position at or between amino acids 281 and 329, or a fragment, variant or derivative thereof.
US08309065B2 Hydrocarbon mixture and use thereof
The invention relates to hydrocarbon mixtures containing linear C11 and linear C13 hydrocarbons, wherein the sum of the linear C11 and linear C13 hydrocarbons is greater than or equal to 60 wt. % with relation to the sum of the hydrocarbons, and to the use of said mixtures in cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations.
US08309063B2 Stable sunscreen compositions containing zinc oxide
A stable, oil-in-water (O-W) emulsion-based sunscreen composition having at least one water-insoluble, organic UV-absorber having a water-solubility of much less than 0.1% by weight, contained in the oil phase of the sunscreen emulsion, comprising i) zinc oxide (ZnO) particles having a surface free of any prior coating of any inorganic oxide and hydrophobic material, remaining dispersed in the water phase of the sunscreen emulsion; ii) at least one non- or low-foaming, non-cationic, hydrophilic polymer, capable of dispersing or deflocculating the ZnO particles but incapable of thickening an aqueous composition to a viscosity of greater than 100 cps at 25° C., wherein the viscosity is measured using a Brookfield viscometer operated at 10 rpm for 15 seconds, when the polymer is added at an amount of 1%, based on the total weight of the polymer and water in the aqueous composition; iii) at least one phenolic polymer, capable of functioning as a dispersing or deflocculating agent for particulate material(s), and adsorbing at an oil-water interface; and v) a buffering agent for the water phase of the sunscreen emulsion.
US08309062B2 Process for producing (3S)-I-menthyl 3-hydroxybutyrate and sensate composition
The present invention provides a cooling component or sensate component which does not have undesirable stimulus feeling, bitterness and the like and is excellent in the persistence of refresh-feeling and cool-feeling, a sensate composition which comprises the same, and various products that comprise said sensate composition. The present invention relates to a cooling agent comprising (3S)-1-menthyl 3-hydroxybutyrate represented by the following formula (I)
US08309058B2 Method for obtaining highly luminescent lanthanide complexes
The invention concerns a transition metal coordination complex of general formula (I) {[M(X)]C(H2O)n}p wherein: M represents an element belonging to the lanthanide group; and L represents a decadentate chromophore ligand of general formula (II). R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently represent hydrogen or an alkyl or aryl radical. A1, A2, A3 and A4 independently represent a structure of general formula (III). U1, U2 and U3 independently represent C or N, and R5, R6 and R7 independently represent hydrogen, an alkyl or aryl radical. Y represents C, O, S, P or N, and m is an integer representing free valences of Y. R8 represents independently hydrogen, an alkyl or aryl radical. X represents a counter-ion, and n represents hydrating water molecules. p represents monomers. H2O represents the hydrating water molecules. The invention also concerns a method for preparing such a ligand by reaction between a 6-chloromethylpyridine-2-carboxylate ethyl ester and ethylenediamine in organic medium.
US08309054B2 Method for the purification of radiolabelled compounds
The invention relates to methods and apparatus for purifying a radiolabelled compound. The method comprises (i) passing a crude reaction mixture comprising the desired radiolabelled compound and one or more contaminants in a solvent through a narrow bore vessel at elevated temperature such that the organic solvent and either the radiolabelled compound or one or more contaminants is vaporised forming a vaporised component, and (ii) collecting the resulting vaporised component by condensing into a collection vessel.
US08309053B2 Method for monitoring blood flow and metabolic uptake in tissue with radiolabeled alkanoic acid
The present invention relates to novel modified fatty acid analogs, where a positron or gamma-emitting label is placed at a position on a fatty acid backbone and an organic substituent is substituted at the 2,3; 3,4; 4,5; 5,6 and other sequence positions of a fatty acid backbone. These novel fatty acid analogs are designed to enter the tissues of interest by the same long chain fatty acid carrier mechanism as natural fatty acids, however, functional substituents in the 2,3; 3,4; 4,5; 5,6 and other sequence positions, block the catabolic pathway, thus trapping these analogs in a virtually unmodified form in the tissues of interest.
US08309051B2 Method for making the carbon nanotube heat sink
The present disclosure provides an apparatus for manufacturing a carbon nanotube heat sink. The apparatus includes a board, and a plurality of first and second carbon nanotubes formed on the board. The first carbon nanotubes and the second nanotubes are grown along a substantially same direction from the board. A height difference exists between a common free end of the first carbon nanotubes and a common free end of the second carbon nanotubes. A method for manufacturing multiple carbon nanotube heat sinks is also provided.
US08309050B2 Polycrystalline diamond materials having improved abrasion resistance, thermal stability and impact resistance
PCD materials comprise a diamond body having bonded diamond crystals and interstitial regions disposed among the crystals. The diamond body is formed from diamond grains and a catalyst material at high pressure/high temperature conditions. The diamond grains have an average particle size of about 0.03 mm or greater. At least a portion of the diamond body has a high diamond volume content of greater than about 93 percent by volume. The entire diamond body can comprise high volume content diamond or a region of the diamond body can comprise the high volume content diamond. The diamond body includes a working surface, a first region substantially free of the catalyst material, and a second region that includes the catalyst material. At least a portion of the first region extends from the working surface to depth of from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mm.
US08309046B2 Methods for removal of mercury from flue gas
Methods and systems for reducing mercury emissions are provided herein. The methods, generally, include the steps of burning a heavy metal containing fuel source and introducing sorbent materials and introducing one or more halogen compounds into the combustion chamber and/or exhaust stream to remove the heavy metal.
US08309042B2 Process for reducing gangue build-up in the reactor during the chloride process that uses recycled ore
The disclosure provides a process for recycling ore in the chloride process, without the build-up of silica-containing gangue in the chlorination reactor.
US08309041B2 Systems for increasing catalyst concentration in heavy oil and/or coal resid hydrocracker
Systems for hydrocracking a heavy oil feedstock employ a colloidally or molecularly dispersed catalyst (e.g., molybdenum sulfide) which provide for concentration of the colloidally dispersed catalyst within the lower quality materials requiring additional hydrocracking. In addition to increased catalyst concentration, the inventive systems and methods provide increased reactor throughput, increased reaction rate, and of course higher conversion of asphaltenes and lower quality materials. Increased conversion levels of asphaltenes and lower quality materials also reduces equipment fouling, enables the reactor to process a wider range of lower quality feedstocks, and can lead to more efficient use of a supported catalyst if used in combination with the colloidal or molecular catalyst.
US08309040B2 Microfluidic control apparatus and method of assembling the same
Provided is a microfluidic control apparatus that includes at least one control means and a microfluidic control chip. When the microfluidic control chip is loaded to the control means, a needle provided to the control means is inserted into a reaction solution storage chamber of the microfluidic control chip, in which the reaction solution storage chamber is sealed with a sealing tape. Thus, fluid connection is easily formed between the microfluidic control chip and the control means without leakage.
US08309035B2 Multi-well system
A multi-well system is described which is comprised of a tray comprising a plurality of wells which may include thousands, tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of wells or more. Each of the wells has a unique address. The system includes a tray top comprised of a plurality of areas wherein each of the areas corresponds uniquely to each of the wells and includes a unique address. The system may include a second tray top also comprised of a plurality of areas with unique addresses which uniquely correspond to each of the wells. The areas on the tops have compounds bound to those areas which compounds bind to components present in the wells and are used to obtain specific material in each well for analysis.
US08309033B2 Plasma treatment apparatus and method
A plasma treated gas permeable material is produced by applying an alternating voltage between spaced electrodes, at least one of which is covered with a dielectric barrier and at least one of which comprises a plurality of discrete electrode segments, to generate plasma microdischarges between the spaced electrodes. A gas permeable material is passed between or adjacent to the spaced electrodes. A gas is moved between the electrode segments into and through the space between the electrodes and through the gas permeable material. The gas flows over plasma generation surfaces of the respective electrode segments and is moved at a rate whereby the gas flow between the spaced electrodes is turbulent and so randomises the plasma microdischarges and disperses plasma products that would otherwise give rise to burning instabilities in the gas permeable material, whereby the randomized plasma microdischarges provide a generally uniform plasma treatment of the gas permeable material. Also disclosed is an apparatus for laying out the process.
US08309027B1 Specimen preparation apparatus, specimen preparation/analysis system and specimen plate
Provided is a specimen preparation apparatus capable of supplying a specimen from the specimen preparation apparatus to a specimen analyzer without burdening an operator. This specimen preparation apparatus comprises a stained specimen preparation part for preparing a specimen on a slide glass and staining the specimen, a keeping part for storing the stained specimen slide glass prepared in the stained specimen preparation part and a control part for deciding whether to supply the stained specimen slide glass to the keeping part or to the external apparatus.
US08309026B2 Specimen preprocessing system
A specimen preprocessing system includes a determination section for determining with respect to a height of a specimen container; a specimen container lifting mechanism for lifting an opening portion of the specimen container held in a specimen rack to a same predetermined level based on determination information data of the determination section; and a plug opening mechanism for opening a plug of the specimen container lifted to the same predetermined level by the specimen container lifting mechanism.
US08309025B1 Methods and systems for determining composition and completion of an experiment
Methods and systems for determining composition and completion of an experiment are provided. One-computer-implemented method for determining composition and completion of an experiment includes determining one or more characteristics of data acquired during the experiment and determining if the experiment is completed based on the one or more characteristics. One system configured to determine composition and completion of an experiment includes a processor configured to determine one or more characteristics of data acquired during the experiment and to determine if the experiment is completed based on the one or more characteristics. Another system configured to perform an experiment includes a measurement subsystem configured to acquire data during the experiment and a processor configured to determine one or more characteristics of the data during the experiment and to determine the composition of the experiment and if the experiment is completed based on the one or more characteristics.
US08309024B2 Methods and systems for non-destructive determination of fluorination of carbon powders
A system for non-destructive determination of the degree of fluorination in carbon monofluoride (CFx) during the process of CFx synthesis is described. The system includes a measuring generator containing a capacitive sensor for measuring a respective capacitance, a base generator containing a capacitive sensor for measuring a base capacitance, and a processor for determining a difference between the respective capacitance and the base capacitance. The system is configured to determine the degree of fluorination based on the difference between the respective capacitance and the base capacitance.
US08309023B2 Sterilization methods and apparatus
Sterilization methods for implantable prostheses are described where a polymeric stent may be sterilized, e.g., via ETO sterilization, at a temperature below a glass transition temperature of the stent. A separate delivery catheter may be sterilized separately and the stent and delivery catheter may then be combined in an aseptic or semi-aseptic environment and sterilized as an assembled system such that the requirements for sterilizing the system are relatively lower. Additionally and/or alternatively, valve and filter assemblies may be used with an optional mandrel assembly for maintaining sterility of the internal components of a catheter system.
US08309015B2 Zirconia body and methods
A translucent zirconia sintered body, a dental article comprising a shaped, translucent zirconia body, a zirconia green body, and methods of making a translucent zirconia sintered body, methods of making a dental article comprising a shaped, translucent zirconia body, and methods of making a zirconia green body are described.
US08309013B2 Method for the production of components made of ceramic-matrix composite material
A method for the production of components made of ceramic-matrix composite material, in the fields of aerospace engines and turbines and turbine systems and plants; according to the method, a preform of ceramic fibers is shaped and set in a draining mold, for example made of plaster; the fibers of the preform are impregnated with a suspension of ceramic powders, the liquid of which is drained by capillarity from the draining mold; simultaneously to draining, a suspension of ceramic powders is infiltrated between the fibers of the preform so as to fill the empty space left by the drained liquid; at the end of the steps of draining/infiltration a body is obtained with a solidified or compacted porous matrix, which is removed from the draining mold and is sintered.
US08309012B2 Method for producing ceramic honeycomb structure
A method for producing a ceramic honeycomb structure comprising the steps of mixing and blending at least a ceramic material and a pore-forming material to form a moldable material, extrusion-molding the moldable material, and drying and sintering the resultant molded honeycomb article, the amount of the pore-forming material added being adjusted depending on the packed bulk density of the pore-forming material.
US08309011B2 Auxiliary device and method for finishing preforms
An auxiliary device and a method for finishing and calibrating preforms that are removed from a multiple tool in an unstable shape, the calibration process being performed with compressed air immediately after removing and withdrawing the preforms from the multiple tool. Nipples that can be inserted into the preforms are provided with expandable press rings or sealing rings in order to seal the interior of the blow-molded part of the preforms. The compressed air is introduced via the nipples, the sealing process being performed by radially expanding the press rings or sealing rings in analogy to the closing process of thermoses, thus protecting the preforms from adverse forces. The sealing point can be randomly selected in the transition zone from the threaded part to the blow-molded part of the preforms. The interior of the blow-molded part is optimally sealed without affecting the form stability and dimensional stability of the preforms.
US08309007B2 Folding apparatus and methods for bifurcation post-dilatation balloon
A post dilatation balloon catheter includes a balloon member having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a circumferential bulge portion. The circumferential bulge portion extends around a circumference of the balloon member and is positioned at a location between the proximal and distal portions of the balloon member. The circumferential bulge portion inflates to a maximum inflated dimension that is greater than a maximum dimension of the proximal and distal portions of the balloon member. The balloon member is arranged into a folded state by folding at least one of the distal and proximal portions of the balloon member in a separate step from folding the circumferential bulge portion.
US08309005B2 Method of making a customized packaging film for a pharmaceutical product
A method of making a customized packaging film for a pharmaceutical product is disclosed. The method is based on a packaging requirement needs for a particular product at various climatic conditions based on the various properties of a group of packaging materials. The method involves evaluating the sensitivity of a pharmaceutical product towards various environment factors and inherent factors, quantification of the sensitivity parameters, determining the threshold values of the sensitivity parameters for a pre defined shelf life; determining threshold values of barrier properties of various packaging materials, determining physical properties of packaging material and selecting a packaging material and its thickness which matches the product requirement.
US08309003B2 In-plane printing resin material and method of manufacturing liquid crystal display device using the same
An IPP resin material capable of improving the adhesive strength between a transparent electrode and an IPP resin layer is disclosed. The IPP resin material includes: a liquid pre-polymer including a mono-functional monomer, a di-functional monomer including a monomer containing an ether group, and a tri-functional monomer including pentaerythritol triacrylate; a photo initiator; and a adhesion promoter, wherein the monomer containing the ether group includes any one of poly(propylene glycol)diacrylate, poly(propylene glycol)dimethacrylate, propylene glycol diacrylate), and tri(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate.
US08308995B2 Chromene compound
A chromene compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, m, and n are defined in the specification. The chromene compound is rarely deteriorated by exposure.
US08308994B1 Nano-carbon hybrid structures
A stable colloidal suspension of carbon-based nanomaterials in a solvent has a stable colloidal suspension of nanodiamond particles having at least one additional carbon-based electromagnetic radiation attenuating nanomaterial nanomaterials disbursed and agitated into the solvent to produce said suspension. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US08308993B2 Conductive inks
A conductive ink substantially free of frit and photovoltaic cells having conductive gridlines formed from a conductive ink substantially free of glass frit are described. Conductive inks according embodiments of the present invention are adapted to adhere to the surface of a substrate and, upon firing, form a solid metal oxide phase and cause a conductive species to form an electrical conductor on the substrate. In further embodiments, the conductive ink is capable of penetrating anti-reflection coatings disposed on surfaces of substrates. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the conductive inks include a plurality of metallo-organic components which form a solid metal oxide phase upon firing and a conductive species. In other embodiments, the conductive inks include a plurality of precursors, including one or more precursors which form conductive elements upon firing or heating.
US08308992B2 Compositions of matter: system II
The present invention relates to new compositions of matter, particularly metals and alloys, and methods of making such compositions. The new compositions of matter exhibit long-range ordering and unique electronic character.
US08308990B2 Carbon nanofiber, production process and use
The invention relates to a carbon nanofiber containing at least iron (Fe) and vanadium (V), wherein the iron (Fe) is present in an amount of 6 mass % or less and the vanadium (V) is present in an amount of 3 mass % or less as a metal element other than carbon, wherein a graphite plane is inclined to the fiber axis.
US08308989B2 Electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction with reduced platinum oxidation and dissolution rates
The invention relates to platinum-metal oxide composite particles and their use as electrocatalysts in oxygen-reducing cathodes and fuel cells. The invention particularly relates to methods for preventing the oxidation of the platinum electrocatalyst in the cathodes of fuel cells by use of these platinum-metal oxide composite particles. The invention additionally relates to methods for producing electrical energy by supplying such a fuel cell with an oxidant, such as oxygen, and a fuel source, such as hydrogen.
US08308988B2 Electroactive materials
There is provided an electroactive material having Formula I wherein: Q is the same or different at each occurrence and can be O, S, Se, Te, NR, SO, SO2, P, PO, PO2, and SiR2; R is the same or different at each occurrence and can be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; R1 through R10 are the same or different and can be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, halogen, hydroxyl, aryloxy, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, amino, alkylthio, phosphino, silyl, —COR, —COOR, —PO3R2, —OPO3R2, or CN.
US08308987B2 Conductive polymer compositions in opto-electrical devices
A conductive composition for use in an organic light-emitting device comprising: a polycation having a conjugated backbone; a polyanion to balance the charge on the polycation; and a semiconductive hole transport polymer containing side groups pendant from the polymer backbone, each side group comprising one or more groups XY, where XY represents a group with a high dissociation constant such that it is ionized completely.
US08308986B1 Bismuth compounds composite
A heavily filled bismuth compound composite having a polymer matrix and a bismuth compound therein. The bismuth compound may be bismuth oxide, or other bismuth compounds. The polymer may be any of a very wide range of materials or combinations thereof. Binder, secondary fillers or other third components may be added. By means of use of various bismuth compounds, polymers, and third components, the physical, radiological and electrical properties of the finished products may be tailored to achieve desired properties. In addition, the invention teaches that radiation shielding, insulators, and combined radiation shield/insulators may be fashioned from the composite. A wide range of production methods may be employed, including but not limited to liquid resin casting.
US08308985B2 Process for the preparation of aqueous suspensions of anionic colloidal silica having a neutral PH and applications thereof
The instant invention relates to a process for the preparation of an aqueous suspension of anionic colloidal silica having a neutral pH which is stable over time and comprises individualized particles of colloidal silica which are not bound to one another by siloxane bonds. The instant suspensions show high storage stability and are particularly useful for the clarification of beer, for the preparation of cosmetic formulations, for the production of ink for printers, for paints and for anticorrosive treatments.
US08308982B2 Alkaline and alkaline earth metal phosphate halides and phosphors
Compounds, phosphor materials and apparatus related to nacaphite family of materials are presented. Potassium and rubidium based nacaphite family compounds and phosphors designed by doping divalent rare earth elements in the sites of alkaline earth metals in the nacaphite material families are descried. An apparatus comprising the phosphors based on the nacaphite family materials are presented herein. The compounds presented is of formula A2B1-yRyPO4X where the elements A, B, R, X and suffix y are defined such that A is potassium, rubidium, or a combination of potassium and rubidium and B is calcium, strontium, barium, or a combination of any of calcium, strontium and barium. X is fluorine, chlorine, or a combination of fluorine and chlorine, R is europium, samarium, ytterbium, or a combination of any of europium, samarium, and ytterbium, and y ranges from 0 to about 0.1.
US08308973B2 Dichalcogenide selenium ink and methods of making and using same
A selenium ink comprising a chemical compound having a formula RZ—Sex—Z′R′ stably dispersed in a liquid carrier is provided, wherein the selenium ink is hydrazine free and hydrazinium free. Also provided are methods of preparing the selenium ink and of using the selenium ink to deposit selenium on a substrate for use in the manufacture of a variety of chalcogenide containing semiconductor materials, such as, thin film transistors (TFTs), light emitting diodes (LEDs); and photoresponsive devices (e.g., electrophotography (e.g., laser printers and copiers), rectifiers, photographic exposure meters and photovoltaic cells) and chalcogenide containing phase change memory materials.
US08308966B2 Method for fabricating semiconductor device using a double patterning process
A method for performing a double pattering process of a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes forming a hard mask layer having a stack structure of a first layer, a second layer and a third layer in sequence, forming a first photoresist pattern over the hard mask layer, etching the third layer to form third layer patterns by using the first photoresist pattern as an etch barrier, forming a second photoresist pattern over the third layer patterns, etching the second layer to form second layer patterns by using the second photoresist pattern and the third layer patterns as an etch barrier, removing the second photoresist pattern, and etching the first layer to form first layer patterns by using the second layer patterns as an etch barrier.
US08308965B2 Stamper, method of manufacturing the stamper, and magnetic recording medium manufacturing method using the stamper
According to one embodiment, a stamper manufacturing method includes forming a conductive material concentration gradient layer including the projections pattern, and a composition ratio of a buffering agent to a conductive material in the conductive material concentration gradient layer reducing in a thickness direction from a master side.
US08308962B2 Etching processes used in MEMS production
The efficiency of an etching process may be increased in various ways, and the cost of an etching process may be decreased. Unused etchant may be isolated and recirculated during the etching process. Etching byproducts may be collected and removed from the etching system during the etching process. Components of the etchant may be isolated and used to general additional etchant. Either or both of the etchant or the layers being etched may also be optimized for a particular etching process.
US08308960B2 Methods for making micro needles and applications thereof
The invention relates in a general aspect to a method of making vertically protruding elements on a substrate, said elements having a tip comprising at least one inclined surface and an elongated body portion extending between said substrate and said tip. The method comprises an anisotropic, crystal plane dependent etch forming said inclined surface(s); and an anisotropic, non crystal plane dependent etch forming said elongated body portion; combined with suitable patterning processes defining said protruding elements to have a predetermined base geometry.
US08308957B2 Process for separating mercaptans from caustic
A separation process for separating two or more immiscible liquids using contactors utilizing high surface area vertical hanging fibers is disclosed. This separation process is especially useful in the separation of disulfide oil formed during the oxidation of spent caustic solution that was used to remove sulfur contaminates from light hydrocarbons.
US08308951B1 Extraction of proteins by a two solvent method
A method for separating proteins from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting proteins from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins from a wet algal biomass. These proteins are high value products which can be used as renewable sources of food and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.
US08308947B2 Methods of providing an aerobic medium in a wastewater treatment bioreactor compartment
The disclosure relates to methods and related systems for monitoring and controlling biological activity in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment systems. In particular, the disclosure relates to methods for controlling airflow in a bioreactor type, activated sludge wastewater treatment system by real-time monitoring of one or more parameters of the wastewater treatment system.
US08308946B2 Systems and methods for anaerobic digestion of biomaterials
Systems and methods for performing anaerobic digestion of biomaterials using a clarifier, a batch reactor, and/or a digester are disclosed. The clarifier performs pretreatment processing of biomaterial to improve anaerobic digestion. The batch reactor and/or the digester are coupled to the clarifier and are configured to digest the processed biomaterial. A control system for an anaerobic digestion process includes a flow control system, a temperature control system, and a totalization system. The flow control system controls the flow of biomaterial and the delivery of chemical agents to the biomaterial based on conductivity, temperature, pressure, and/or composition of the biomaterial. The temperature control system includes a heat source and heat exchangers that control the temperature of the biomaterial. The totalization system senses the volume of biomaterial in at least one stage of an anaerobic digestion process and a controller controls the flow control system based upon the sensed volume of biomaterial.
US08308935B2 Bio-sensing device capable of automatically detecting sensing code and sensing method thereof
The present invention relates to a bio-sensing device capable of automatically detecting a sensing code and a sensing method thereof. The bio-sensing device has a bio-sensing strip and a process-and-display unit. The bio-sensing strip has a passive component, wherein a physical value of the passive component is able to present a sensing code. When the bio-sensing strip is inserted into the process-and-display unit, the process-and-display unit reads the sensing code to produce an appropriate compensation value of a sample. Moreover, by the sensing method, the process-and-display unit is able to detect the sensing code of the bio-sensing strip, and automatically, to access, calculate, compensate, and display the sensing code of the sample.
US08308931B2 Method and apparatus for electroplating
An apparatus for electroplating a layer of metal on the surface of a wafer includes an ionically resistive ionically permeable element located in close proximity of the wafer (preferably within 5 mm of the wafer surface) which serves to modulate ionic current at the wafer surface, and a second cathode configured to divert a portion of current from the wafer surface. The ionically resistive ionically permeable element in a preferred embodiment is a disk made of a resistive material having a plurality of perforations formed therein, such that perforations do not form communicating channels within the body of the disk. The provided configuration effectively redistributes ionic current in the plating system allowing plating of uniform metal layers and mitigating the terminal effect.
US08308926B2 Microfluidic pumping based on dielectrophoresis
This paper presents a microfluidic pumping approach using traveling-wave dielectrophoresis (tw-DEP) of microparticles. Flow is generated directly in the microfluidic devices by inducing electromechanical effects in the fluid using microelectrodes. The fluidic driving mechanisms due to the particle-fluid and particle-particle interactions under twDEP are analyzed, and the induced flow field is obtained from numerical simulations. Experimental measurements of the flow velocity in a prototype DEP micropumping device show satisfactory agreement with the numerical predications.
US08308924B2 Enzyme electrode and method for producing the same
The present invention discloses an enzyme electrode and its producing method, which comprises: providing a substrate with a carbon surface; forming a gold surface on the carbon surface and thus forming an electrode; covalently bonding a mediator containing an aldehyde group to the electrode; and covalently bonding a glucose oxidase to the electrode.
US08308923B2 Biosensor strip
The present invention discloses a biosensor strip, which comprises: a base plate layer defining a first strip end and a second strip end; a conductive layer being disposed on the base plate layer and partitioned into at least two electrode paths; a reagent containing layer being disposed on the conductive layer and comprising a first through hole that is located at the first strip end and for accommodating a reagent solution, wherein the reagent solution comprises matrix, redox mediator, enzyme, surfactant, and a buffer solution; a channel forming layer being disposed on the reagent containing layer and comprising a gap portion that is located at the first strip end; and a cover layer being disposed on the channel forming layer and comprising a second through hole that exposes the partial area of the gap portion of the channel forming layer.
US08308919B2 Quadratic electrolysis
An electrolysis device to separate water into its more economically valuable constituent hydrogen and oxygen gases. A neutral plate is interleaved between every magnetically charged electrode in an electrode stack to provide a means of spark suppression, a physical barrier between the hydrogen gas created at the cathode and oxygen gas created at the cathode, and to reduce deterioration of electrode surfaces caused by alternating polarity from an anode state to a cathode state. Scale of electrolysis cell electrodes are partially cleaned through a cycling of system polarity through a neutral electrode period. A means is provided to isolate and segregate dissociated hydrogen and oxygen gas.
US08308918B2 Hydrogen generator
There is provided a hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generator including: an electrolytic bath having an inner space of a predetermined size; a cover hermetically covering an open top of the electrolytic bath and having at least one hydrogen outlet; a flexible pocket disposed in the electrolytic bath and filled with an electrolyte of a predetermined amount; an electrode part fixed to the cover, and immersed in the electrolyte filled in the flexible pocket to electrolyze the electrolyte upon application of power; and a power supply supplying current to the electrode part. In the hydrogen generator, the electrode part and the electrolyte maintains a substantially constant contact area there between, thereby allowing hydrogen to be generated constantly and stably.
US08308917B2 Electrolyser module
An electrolyser module comprising a plurality of structural plates each having a sidewall extending between opposite end faces with a half cell chamber opening and at least two degassing chamber openings extending through the structural plate between the opposite end faces.
US08308909B2 Sheet forming system for a machine for producing a multilayer fibrous web
A sheet-forming system includes a separating wedge with a separating wedge protrusion in a range of 0.05 to 3.0 of the largest single gap width of at least two nozzle chambers. The separating wedge includes two separating wedge areas, each having one separating wedge angle, an upstream separating wedge starting area and a downstream separating wedge ending area. The two separating wedge angles assume different angles. The separating wedge starting angle of the upstream separating wedge initial area assumes a greater angle than the separating wedge ending angle of the downstream separating wedge end area. At least one separating wedge surface is a nonplanar transitional area between the two separating wedge areas. The fibrous material suspension free jet formed from at least two fibrous material suspension streams has a free jet length of 100 to 500 mm. The forming roll has a diameter of 1,200 to 2,500 mm.
US08308905B2 Process for increasing bulk of a fiber product, fiber product and use thereof
The invention relates to a process for increasing bulk of a fiber product, in which process a fiber pulp, and further a fiber product, is formed. In accordance with the invention, in a first step a carbonate compound is added to the fiber pulp as a basic component, and in a second step acid is added as an acidic component, in order to form salt, to provide the formation of small-bubbled gas, and to increase the bulk, and the fiber pulp is dehydrated. The invention also relates to a corresponding fiber product and to the use thereof.
US08308898B2 Tuner and microwave plasma source
A tuner for matching impedance includes: a body having a tubular outer conductor and a tubular inner conductor coaxially provided in the outer conductor, the body forming a part of the microwave transmission path; an annular dielectric slug provided between the outer conductor and the inner conductor, the slug being movable along a longitudinal direction of the inner conductor; and a drive mechanism for moving the slug and including a drive part for applying a driving force; a drive transmission part for transmitting the driving force to the slug; a drive guide part for guiding movement of the slug; and a holding part for holding the slug at the drive transmission part, and wherein the drive transmission part, the drive guide part and the holding part are accommodated in the inner conductor.
US08308889B2 Out-of-autoclave and alternative oven curing using a self heating tool
Method and apparatus for curing composite material to form composite structures are provided. A curing tool in one embodiment includes cured nano tube impregnated resin, at least two conductors formed in the nano tube impregnated resin, at least one layer of cured composite material and at least one insulation layer separating the cured composite material from the nano tube impregnated resin.
US08308885B2 Method of making multi-layered product having spaced honeycomb core sections
A process of making a multi-layered product having an interior layer including spaced honeycomb core sections. The interior layer is treated or plastically deformed in selected areas and then folded to create spaced honeycomb sections at desired locations and of desired sizes. A generally flat web of material used to make the interior layer extends between the honeycomb sections. Outer protective skins are applied to exterior surfaces of the interior layer to create a multi-layered material which is then cut to size.
US08308884B2 Methods for manufacturing a paint roller and component parts thereof
Described are methods of making a paint roller using an adhesive made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight. Described are methods of making a paint roller using preformed strips or core material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight. Described are methods of making a paint roller using a composite cover material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 50% calcium carbonate by weight. One or various compounds may be used to form portions of one or multiple components that make up the paint roller, including, for example, the thermoplastic strips, adhesives and/or the backing of a composite cover material. The materials can be assembled in a continuous manufacturing process.
US08308883B2 Method of making chamber with tensile member
A fluid-filled may include including an outer barrier, a tensile member, and a fluid. The tensile member may be located within barrier and formed from a textile element that includes a pair of spaced layers joined by a plurality of connecting members. A method of manufacturing the chamber may include locating a textile tensile member between two polymer elements. Pressure and heat are applied to the tensile member and the polymer elements in a first area and in a second area. The pressure is greater in the first area than in the second area. In addition, the polymer elements are bonded together around a periphery of the tensile member.
US08308882B2 Hollow fiber composite component and intermediate products
A three-dimensional hollow fiber component includes a first sheet having first; second, third, fourth and fifth consecutive adjacent sheet sections, the first and fifth sections being end sections, the sheet shaped so as to surround a first chamber such that the first and fifth sections overlap to form a top wall of the first chamber and are stitched to each other by at least one seam and a second sheet having first, second, third, fourth and fifth adjacent consecutive sheet section, the first and fifth sections being end sections, the sheet sections shaped so as to surround a second chamber such that the first and fifth sections overlap to form a top wall of the second chamber and are stitched to each other by at least one seam.
US08308881B2 Ultrasonic hot sealing method with regulation of sealing pressure
The invention relates to a method for generating a welding force and/or a welding pressure for a welding jaw, in particular a welding jaw of a cross-sealing station of a vertical tubular bag machine, in which the sealing force or a sealing parameter, which correlates with the sealing force, in particular the sealing pressure or the drive power of the drive, is predetermined by a control unit during the sealing time, such that the sealing force runs along a sealing force curve within the sealing time, such that the sealing force curve has a first relative sealing force maximum with a sealing force and at least one second relative sealing force maximum with a sealing force, such that the sealing force at the first sealing force maximum is higher than the sealing force at the second sealing force maximum.
US08308879B2 Method and device for mixing and initiating a pyrotechnic charge
Method and device for mixing and initiating a pyrotechnic charge, comprising at least one coherent porous fuel structure (16) and at least one oxidizer (8). According to the invention, the coherent porous fuel structure (16) and the oxidizer (8) are placed apart in a mixing device (1, 20) to prevent unintentional ignition, and in which the oxidizer (8), in response to the action of a force upon the mixing device (1, 20), for example upon firing of an artillery shell, is transported into the coherent porous fuel structure (16), after which the obtained pyrotechnic charge is initiated after a set time delay.
US08308877B2 Amorphous alloys having zirconium and methods thereof
An amorphous alloy having the general formula of: (ZrxAlyCuzNi1-x-y-z)100-a-bScaYb, wherein x, y, and z are atomic percents, and a and b are atom molar ratios, in which: about 0.45≦x≦about 0.60; about 0.08≦y≦about 0.12; about 0.25≦z≦about 0.35; 0
US08308876B2 System and method to form and heat-treat a metal part
A system and method for direct manufacturing and stress relieving a metal part without removing the metal part from a vacuumed chamber. The system may comprise the chamber, a wire feeder for depositing a metal wire onto a metal plate, an electron beam (EB) source for providing an electron beam to melt the metal wire during deposition, and a current-providing apparatus for joule heating the metal plate to provide heat treatment to the metal part. The method may comprise depositing the metal wire onto the metal plate within the vacuumed chamber, then providing intermediate stress relief after a portion of the metal wire is deposited onto the metal plate by applying an electrical current to the metal part. The electron beam may also be set at a temperature below a melting point of a particular metal of the metal part for relieving stress in the metal part.
US08308874B1 Magnetostrictive materials, devices and methods using high magnetostriction, high strength FeGa and FeBe alloys
An alloy comprising: a magnetostrictive iron alloy having the formula: FexGayAlz, where x is of from about 65 at % to about 90 at %, y is of from about 5 at % to about 35 at %, and z is of from about 0 at % to about 30 at %; and wherein said alloy has a room temperature magnetostriction of at least approximately 150 ppm. An alloy having a saturated magnetostriction of from about at least 150 ppm comprising: a magnetostrictive iron alloy having the formula: FexGayBet, where x is of from about 65 at % to about 90 at %, y is of from about 1 at % to about 35 at %, and t is of from about 1 at % to about 30 at %; and wherein said alloy has a room temperature magnetostriction of at least approximately 150 ppm.
US08308863B2 Low embodied energy concrete mixture
A method for making a low embodied energy cementitious mixture by blending a variety of post-consumer wastes, post-industrial wastes, as well as renewable, organic and recyclable materials with Portland cement or a material having similar cementitious properties. The primary materials are recycled concrete, coal-fired fly ash waste, silica fume, post-industrial waste, organic or inorganic waste fibers. Glass, brick, ceramics, ground tires and other waste products, as well as virgin aggregate can also be included in the low embodied energy cementitious mixture.
US08308862B2 Optical cellulose acylate film, polarizing plate and liquid crystal display device
An optical cellulose acylate film comprising a polymer component which is a cellulose acylate obtained by substituting hydroxyl groups of a cellulose by an acetyl group and an acyl group having 3 or more carbon atoms, wherein a substitution degree A of the acetyl group and a substitution degree B of the acyl group having 3 or more carbon atoms satisfy the following formulae (I) and (II): 2.0≦A+B≦3.0 (I), 0
US08308859B1 Phase change ink components and methods of making the same
A solid ink composition comprising an amorphous component, a crystalline material, and optionally, a colorant, which are suitable for ink jet printing, including printing on coated paper substrates, and methods for making the same. In embodiments, the crystalline and amorphous components are synthesized from an esterification reaction of tartaric acid with an alcohol.
US08308854B2 Helium reclamation systems and methods for a gas chromatograph
A system for recycling helium carrier gas comprises: a bladder, the bladder interior fluidically configured so as to receive helium-bearing gas output from at least one of a split vent and a septum purge vent of a gas chromatograph; a compartment containing the bladder; a source of pressurized air or gas operable so as to supply pressurized air or gas into the compartment interior so as to compress the bladder containing the helium-bearing gas; a gas reservoir fluidically coupled to the bladder interior so as to receive the helium bearing gas from the compressed bladder interior; and at least one gas purification module configured so as to receive the helium-bearing gas from the gas reservoir and operable to remove contaminants from the helium-bearing gas, an output of the at least one gas purification module being fluidically coupled to a carrier gas inlet of the gas chromatograph.
US08308850B2 Method for separating gas
Gas mixtures containing HF, HCl or HBr and other constituents, in particular gas mixtures containing carboxylic acid fluorides, C(O)F2 or phosphorus pentafluoride and HCl and possibly HF, can be fractionated by means of ionic liquids.
US08308848B1 High temperature gas desulfurization sorbents
Gas desulfurization sorbents and methods using them for removal of sulfur from gas streams, particularly at high temperatures ranging from 500 to 1000° C. The sorbents and methods are of particular application to produce a sulfur-clean feed from reformate gas generated from readily available transportation fuels containing sulfur. Sorbents of the invention can reduce the sulfur concentration in reformate gas to parts per billion on volume basis (ppbv) levels over a large range of temperatures. Sorbent materials of this invention comprise a nickel phase dispersed on a particulate support or a monolith support. The support can be a high surface area support with surface area of 100 m2/g or higher. The invention also provides systems for desulfurizing reformate gas and systems for providing a desulfurized gas to a fuel cell, particularly a solid oxide fuel cell.
US08308844B2 Method of reduction treatment of metal oxides or steelmaking waste and method of concentrating and recovering zinc and/or lead
A method of reduction treatment of metal oxides characterized by using as a material a powder containing metal oxides and containing alkali metals and halogen elements and further, in accordance with need, carbon, mixing the material with water to produce a slurry, then dehydrating this and charging the dehydrated material, mixed with another material in accordance with need, into a rotary hearth type reduction furnace for reduction.
US08308842B2 Pyrophoric iron nanoparticles and continuous processes for production thereof
Pyrophoric nanoparticles and methods of producing the same are provided herein. An exemplary method of producing pyrophoric nanoparticles can include providing a first aqueous solution comprising at least one metal salt and an aliphatic polyether; providing a second solution comprising a metal hydride reducing agent; continuously combining the first and second solutions to produce nanoparticles in a liquid phase; separating the nanoparticles from the liquid phase; and drying the nanoparticles to form pyrophoric nanoparticles. The pyrophoric nanoparticles can have a diameter ranging from about 1 nm to about 50 nm.
US08308841B2 Clayish composition for forming sintered silver alloy body, powder for clayish composition for forming sintered silver alloy body, method for manufacturing clayish composition for forming sintered silver alloy body, sintered silver alloy body, and method for manufacturing sintered silver alloy body
A clayish composition for forming a sintered silver alloy body capable of forming a sintered silver alloy body, which is not easily discolored even in the atmosphere and has excellent tensile strength, flexural strength, surface hardness (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as ‘mechanical strength’), elongation or the like, powder for the clayish composition for forming a sintered silver alloy body, a method for manufacturing the clayish composition for forming a sintered silver alloy body, a sintered silver alloy body and a method for manufacturing the sintered silver alloy body.
US08308837B2 Method of forming sheet member, exhaust gas treatment apparatus including the sheet member, and muffling apparatus including the sheet member
A method of forming a sheet member includes feeding first raw slurry into a forming device, dehydrating the first raw slurry to form a first forming body, feeding second raw slurry including inorganic fibers having a minimum diameter substantially equal to or less than 3 micrometers on the dehydrated first slurry, dehydrating the second raw slurry to form a second forming body on the first forming body, feeding third raw slurry into the forming device, dehydrating the third raw slurry to form a third forming body on the first and the second forming bodies, and compressing and dehydrating a forming body having a three-layer structure where the third forming body is formed on the first and the second forming bodies to form a sheet member having a three-layer structure. The first and third raw slurries include inorganic fibers having a minimum diameter substantially greater than 3 micrometers.
US08308836B2 Continuous coarse ash depressurization system
A system for depressurizing and cooling a high pressure, high temperature dense phase solids stream having coarse solid particles with entrained gas therein. In one aspect, the system has an apparatus for at least partially depressurizing and cooling the high pressure, high temperature dense phase solids stream having gas entrained therein and a pressure letdown device for further depressurization and separating cooled coarse solid particles from a portion of the entrained gas, resulting in a lower temperature, lower pressure outlet of solid particles for downstream processing or discharge to a storage silo for future use and/or disposal. There are no moving parts in the flow path of the solids stream in the system.
US08308835B2 Cylindrical filter element
To be able to achieve better compensation for length changes in a cylindrical filter element (100) having a cylindrical filter bellows (11) which is closed off at each of its end faces (1, 2) with an end disk (20), the filter bellows (11) which encloses a central tube (12) and an end disk (20) which serves as fixed bearing and is fixed relative to the central tube (12) or is connected with this is provided, as is a second end disk (20) is configured as movable bearing, with at least the second end disk (20) having an annular shape and being connected via an internal radial ring seal (22) to the central tube (12).
US08308832B2 Dust separating and collecting apparatus of vacuum cleaner
A dust separating and collecting apparatus is provided. The dust separating and collecting apparatus includes a dust bin housing a centrifugal dust separating portion therein, and an inner cover comprising a passage shifting protrusion extended to an open surface of the centrifugal dust separating portion through which dusts may be discharged, the inner cover covering an open surface of the dust bin.
US08308829B1 Gasifier injector
A method for gasifying a carbonaceous material includes supplying a main slurry flow to a main cavity of a two-stage slurry splitter, dividing the main slurry flow into secondary slurry flows that flow into secondary cavities extending from the main cavity at distal ends of first stage flow dividers, dividing each secondary slurry flow into tertiary slurry flows that flow into slurry injection tubes extending from each secondary cavity at distal ends or second stage flow dividers, injecting the tertiary slurry flows into a gasification chamber coupled to the injector module, impinging annular shaped sprays of a reactant onto corresponding ones of the tertiary slurry flows within the gasification chamber using annular impinging orifices in a face plate of the injector module, and cooling the face plate to withstand high temperatures and abrasion.
US08308828B1 Multiple tube micro-channel steam reformer and method
A steam reformer is use in a fuel processor system to create a water gas shift reaction between a hydrocarbon fuel and water. A hydrocarbon fuel and water are provided. The water is heated to superheated steam. The hydrocarbon fuel is mixed with the superheated steam to produce a vaporized fuel/steam mixture. The vaporized fuel/steam mixture is directed into a gap space between concentric tubes. The gap space between the separate surfaces is very small. Within this confined gap space, the outer concentric tube is heated to maintain a reaction temperature range that induces the water gas shift reaction. The water gas shift reaction produces reactant gases that include hydrogen gas and contaminant gases. At least some of the contaminant gases are burned to heat the gap space.
US08308826B2 Battery and method for manufacturing battery
A battery includes a power generation element, a case member having an accommodation recess for accommodating the power generation element and including first and second sides, and an opening closure member for closing the accommodation recess. A case inside part of the opening closure member contacts a first center edge of a first edge of the first side to prevent warping deformation of the first edge toward the accommodation recess, and is spaced from a first-first end and a first-second end. In addition, the opening closure member contacts a second center edge of a second edge of the second side to prevent warping deformation of the second edge toward the accommodation recess, and is spaced from a second-first end and a second-second end. The case member and the opening closure member are secured to each other at a welded part around their entire periphery.
US08308825B2 High volumetric efficiency anodes for electrolytic capacitors
A method for treating anodes of refractory valve metals by deoxidizing the anodes using Mg in an oven, prior to sintering. The process limits free oxygen in the metal compact and improves performance of a capacitor, especially with regards to rated voltage.
US08308822B2 Oxidizing composition for the treatment of keratin fibers
The present invention relates to an oxidizing composition for treatment of keratin fibers comprising a combination of; (a) at least one anionic associative copolymer, (b) at least one anionic non associative copolymer; (c) at least one peroxide agent; (d) at least one persulfate agent; (e) at least on alkalizing agent; and (f) a carrier medium suitable for hair treatment.The oxidizing composition described is suitable for composition used in conventional hair treatments such as dyeing, bleaching, and permanent waving or relaxing/straightening of the keratinous fibers, particularly human hair, requiring an oxidizing composition.
US08308821B2 Process for treating animal skins
The present invention pertains to a process for decreasing and/or drying skins which comprises contacting the skins to be degreased and/or dried with one or more extractor solvents which are able to dissolve both fat and water. Preferably, the extractor solvent is selected from the group consisting of dimethyl ether (DME), methylal, dioxolane, diethyl ether, methyl ethyl ketone, ethanol, propanol, and isopropanol. Most preferably, the extractor solvent is DME.
US08308820B2 Container security
A container security device includes a housing, electronic circuitry, and cabling. The electronic circuitry is disposed within the housing, and includes first and second microprocessor functions and an interface for accepting and providing data. The cabling is removably coupled to the housing, provides the only communicative coupling between the first microprocessor function and the second microprocessor function, and is adapted to be attached to a container latch so as to break the communicative coupling if the latch is opened. The housing includes a port for the electronic circuitry interface. A method of providing container security includes closing a container using a latch device and removably coupling the cabling to the housing so that the communicative coupling is broken if the latch is opened., providing the only communicative coupling between the first microprocessor function and the second microprocessor function.
US08308818B2 Adaptive sports ankle joint prosthesis
An ankle joint prosthesis comprised of a central core element capable of attachment to an artificial leg, coupled to two side elements capable for attachment to an artificial foot. The medial and lateral side elements envelop the central core element lower region along a common central axis, and are coupled together by a mechanical fastening mechanism and can be rotated relative to the central core element and positively constrained to align in various orientations dependent of a specific grooved profile within each side element pair. The ankle joint orientation is affected by engaging an anterior and/or posterior located mechanical linkage enacting an upward linear movement on a guide pin plunger, thus allowing the side elements to rotate by a torque force from a torsion spring until reaching orientation held in place along a grooved profile. The load bearing elements shall be precision machined from Grade 5 Titanium.
US08308817B2 Liner for prosthetic and orthopedic systems
A liner is arranged for use in prosthetic and orthopedic devices. The liner defines first and second end portions, and inner and outer surfaces. The liner includes an inner layer having a frictional component and forms at least part of the periphery of the inner liner surface. The inner layer defines a plurality of apertures. A porous element is in communication with the inner liner surface and is connected to the inner layer such that the apertures permit a transfer of air from the inner surface to the porous element. A base layer adjoins the porous element and extends between the first and second end portions of the liner.
US08308815B2 Vacuum-assisted liner system
A vacuum-assisted liner system for the socket of a limb prosthesis secures the prosthesis to a residual body portion. A vacuum is created directly between the residual body portion and the socket (8) to hold them together and minimize relative movement between them. The system includes a flexible liner (4) made of an impermeable material, at least a distal part (4D) of the liner being porous to allow the transport of air and fluid directly away from the residual body portion to the outer surface of the liner. A fabric distribution layer (6) is located over the liner (4) and between the liner and the socket (8) to allow transmission of such extracted air and fluid laterally over the liner to an evacuation port (10) in the socket. Also disclosed is a limb apparatus suspension device incorporating the liner system, and a vacuum suspension device which secures a component such as a stamp socket to a residual body portion by creating an evacuated space sealed by intimate contact directly between the socket (8) and a boundary region of the liner (4).
US08308814B2 Methods and devices for preparing and implanting tissue scaffolds
Methods and devices are provided for preparing and implanting tissue scaffolds. Various embodiments of scribing tools are provided that are configured to mark one or more predetermined shapes around a defect site in tissue. The shape or shapes marked in tissue can be used to cut a tissue scaffold having a shape that matches the shape or shapes marked in tissue. In one embodiment, the scribing tool used to mark a shape in tissue can also be used to cut the tissue scaffold.
US08308813B2 Anti-obesity diverter structure
The anti-obesity diverter structure includes a laminate structure having papilla-supplied and pylorus-supplied surfaces. The laminate structure is sized to fit longitudinally within a duodenum such that a transverse clearance is provided between the papilla-supplied surface and papilla of Vater. The laminate structure is secured within the duodenum to define papilla-supplied and pylorus-supplied lumens therein. The papilla-supplied lumen receives the digestive fluid from the papilla of Vater, and provides a conduit for the digestive fluid therein. The pylorus-supplied lumen receives the chyme from the pylorus and provides a conduit for the chyme therein. The laminate structure is impervious or semi-permeable to the chyme and digestive fluid.
US08308811B2 Acetabular cup conversion ring
An acetabular implant for hip replacement surgery includes a shell component and first and second alternative bearing components interchangeably engageable with the shell component to provide a choice in bearing components. The shell component has a shell component engagement mechanism suitable for engaging the first alternative bearing component. A conversion ring is also engageable with the shell component, so that a shell component/conversion ring assembly provides a second shell component engagement mechanism suitable for engagement with the second alternative bearing component.
US08308808B2 Latent mobile bearing for prosthetic device
A prosthetic device for an anatomical feature includes a prosthetic member able to be fixed to the anatomical feature. The device also includes a bearing including a bearing surface able to support an articulating surface for articulation thereon. Additionally, the device includes a bearing restraining member that limits movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic member at a first time. The bearing restraining member also allows for increased movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic member at a second time without surgical intervention.
US08308804B2 Spinal fusion device
A spinal fusion device is disclosed. The spinal fusion device includes a first endplate configured for fitting within a disc space and engaging with a first vertebra and a second endplate configured for fitting within the disc space and engaging with a second vertebra. The two endplates are separated by a single spacer that is positioned between the first endplate and the second endplate and maintains a pre-determined distance between the first endplate and the second endplate. The spacer contains an anterior end, a posterior end, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side, a first surface that engages with the first endplate, a second surface that engages with the second endplate. Also disclosed are methods and instruments for implanting the spinal fusion device.
US08308801B2 Spinal implant
Provided is an intervertebral disc prostheses for installation in a spinal column between superior and inferior vertebral bodies. A first intervertebral plate engages one or both of the inferior vertebral endplate and the inferior ring apophysis of the superior vertebral body. A second intervertebral plate engages one or both of the superior vertebral endplate and the superior ring apophysis of the inferior vertebral body. A biaxial rolling-contact core is located between the intervertebral plates. The core includes a convex upper surface and a convex lower surface. The upper surface is curved around a first axis and the lower surface is curved around a second axis that is rotated relative to the first axis. The core is capable of rolling translation relative to the first intervertebral plate along the upper surface and in a first direction, and rolling translation relative to the second intervertebral plate along the lower surface and in a second direction. A flexure constrains the biaxial rolling-contact core to a rolling translation without sliding in at least one of said first direction and said second direction.
US08308800B2 Intraocular lenses with high contrast haptics, materials, and methods
Intraocular lenses with high contrast haptics, materials and methods for making optical blanks and lenses, and methods of use are disclosed and claimed. Such lenses may provide easily recognizable visual cues that may be used to detect and correct misorientation of lenses prior to and during use.
US08308798B2 Quick-connect prosthetic heart valve and methods
A heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The prosthetic valve has a base stent that is deployed at a treatment site, and a valve component configured to quickly connect to the base stent. The base stent may take the form of a self- or balloon-expandable stent that expands outward against the native valve with or without leaflet excision. The valve component has a non-expandable prosthetic valve and a self- or balloon-expandable coupling stent for attachment to the base stent, thereby fixing the position of the valve component relative to the base stent. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available to valve with a sewing ring and the coupling stent attaches to the sewing ring. The system is particularly suited for rapid deployment of heart valves in a conventional open-heart surgical environment. A catheter-based system and method for deployment is provided.
US08308796B2 Method of in situ formation of translumenally deployable heart valve support
A method of implanting a prosthetic valve within the heart comprises translumenally advancing a prosthetic valve comprising an inflatable structure to a position proximate a native valve of the heart. A first chamber of the inflatable structure is inflated and then, independently, a second chamber of the inflatable structure is inflated.
US08308793B2 Bifurcation catheter assembly with dynamic side branch lumen
A catheter assembly and related methods having a main balloon, a branch balloon arrangement and a stent. The catheter assembly includes a main catheter branch, a side catheter branch arrangement, and a stent. The main catheter branch includes at least a main balloon and a side balloon. The side catheter branch arrangement includes a branch guidewire housing and a sleeve member. At least a portion of the side catheter branch arrangement extends through a proximal open end of the stent and out through a side branch aperture of the stent. The branch guidewire housing defines a side branch lumen configured to advance over a branch vessel guidewire. The sleeve member is sized to receive the branch guidewire housing, wherein the branch guidewire housing is axially movable within the sleeve member. The sleeve member is typically fixed axially relative to the main catheter branch.
US08308790B2 Two-part expanding stent graft delivery system
A delivery system for endovascularly delivering a prosthesis along a guidewire to a curved implantation site includes a delivery device having control handle and an inner lumen slidably disposed in the handle between a retracted position and an extended position. The inner lumen has a distal end and a tip at the distal end of the inner lumen. An intermediate lumen is slidably disposed about the inner lumen and has a distal end. A relatively flexible prosthesis sheath is connected to the distal end of the intermediate lumen and a relatively stiff outer lumen is axially fixedly connected to the handle about the intermediate lumen. The outer lumen has a length only long enough to be inserted in a patient's aorta no further than the patient's celiac axis.
US08308789B2 Deployment system for intraluminal devices
A constraining sheath for use around an endoprosthesis (e.g., a stent device, with or without a graft covering), which may be a balloon expandable endoprosthesis but more preferably is a self-expanding prosthesis. The endoprosthesis is coaxially enclosed within and substantially covered by the constraining sheath, which is an outer, removable tubular sheath, preferably made of ePTFE. The sheath is preferably corrugated circumferentially along at least a portion of the length of the endoprosthesis. The constraining sheath and endoprosthesis are preferably mounted together as an assembly at the distal end of a delivery means such as a catheter shaft, for delivery of the endoprosthesis to a desired location within a body conduit such as an artery. The constraining sheath is removed by the application of tension to a tensile member such as a tether to cause sequential pulling out of the corrugations followed by release and deployment of the endoprosthesis. The use of a corrugated constraining sheath in comparison to a non-corrugated sheath results in a more smoothly applied tensile force to effect the endoprosthesis release as well as requiring less maximum force.
US08308785B2 Multi-access blanket
A convective warming blanket has a head portion and a plurality of peripheral sections extending orthogonally from each side of a central section that extends uninterrupted from a proximal end below the head portion to a distal foot end of the blanket. Each peripheral section is separable from its adjacent peripheral section by a frangible or tearable common seal. At least one through passage connects each peripheral section to the central section, so that the peripheral sections are inflated when heated air is input to the blanket. The multiple peripheral sections each are movable relative to the central section, so that different body parts of the patient may be selectively accessed. The head portion of the blanket is formed by two tubular sections that extend from the proximal portion of the blanket to encircle the head of the patient, when the blanket is placed over the patient.
US08308783B2 Collapsible bone screw apparatus
A collapsible bone screw for healing bone fragments across a bone fracture includes an externally threaded inner screw member and an externally threaded outer screw member. The inner screw member is initially screwed into an inner bone portion. An unthreaded portion of the outer screw member is movably joined to the inner screw member. The outer screw member is screwed until it gains purchase in an outer bone portion. As impaction occurs over time, the collapsible bone screw apparatus may shorten in length as the two screw members slide, telescope or otherwise axially move toward each other to shorten the overall length, thereby preventing any portion of the screw apparatus from protruding out of the bone. A bone screw kit of multiple inner and outer screw members are provided as well as a method of surgically fastening bone fragments.
US08308779B2 Systems and methods for the fixation or fusion of bone
A stem-like bone fixation device allows for bony in-growth on its surface and across fracture fragments or between bones that are to be fused.
US08308775B2 Method for rotating a vertebra or vertebrae
A method for rotating a vertebra or vertebrae in a spine that is curved using a vertebral osteosynthesis device that includes polyaxial screws, linking rods, clamping parts, tightening nuts, and set screws. The method includes the steps of: implanting two series of the screws, clamping parts, and linking rods; completely tightening the tightening nuts of a first series of screws on the convex side of the spine curvature; completely tightening the set screws of a second series of screws on the concave side of the spine curvature; tightening the tightening nuts of the second series; and tightening the set screws of the first series.
US08308773B2 Pedicle screw
Disclosed is a pedicle screw. By changing the structure of a threaded portion of a locking bolt engaged with a head of the pedicle screw and forming a groove on the locking bolt, the threaded portion is pressed in a fastening direction of the locking bolt, so that when a head of the pedicle screw is fastened to the locking bolt, a fixation cap is not released by the force applied from the head expanding towards an outside, and thus the locking bolt is easily fastened to the head of a screw body, thereby improving an inefficiency factor such as delay of surgical operation time due to release or interference of the fixation cap.
US08308768B2 System and method for facet joint replacement
A system for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet joint includes a fixation member implantable in a vertebra, an inferior facet articular surface and an inferior strut which may be formed separately from the inferior articular surface. The inferior strut has a first end securable to the fixation member and a second end which may comprise a sphere with a hemispherical surface. An attachment mechanism may include a capture feature shaped to receive the second end of the inferior strut, and the mechanism may provide an adjustable configuration, allowing polyaxial adjustment between the inferior articular surface and the second end. A locking member may be actuated to exert force on the second end to provide a locked configuration. The system may further include a superior facet joint implant with a superior articular surface shaped to articulate with the inferior articular surface.
US08308766B2 Endoscopic treatment instrument
An endoscopic treatment instrument is provided which includes: a flexible sheath; a wire disposed inside the sheath so as to advance and retreat; a restriction member which restricts a movement of the wire in the sheath to a proximal side; an operating portion connected to a proximal end of the sheath; a wire operating portion which is connected to a proximal end of the wire and disposed to advance and retreat relative to the operating portion; a resilient member which has a first end and a second end and of which the first end is connected to the wire operating portion to expand and contract between the second end; a movable member which is connected to the second end so as to be movable relative to the operating portion; and a control member which is disposed in the movable member and which switches the movable member between a movable state and a fixed state relative to the operating portion.
US08308763B2 Systems and methods for transeptal cardiac procedures, including separable guidewires
Systems and methods for transeptal cardiac procedures are disclosed. A patient treatment device in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an elongated first intravenous guidewire that includes a first branch and a second branch fixably secured relative to the first branch at a first location. The device can further include an elongated second intravenous guidewire that is movable relative to at least one of the first and second branches between a first position in which the first and second branches are releasably secured relative to each other by the second guidewire at a second location, and a second position in which the first and second branches are separated from each other at the second location.
US08308761B2 Binding component
A binding component for binding together a pair of biological tissues. The binding component includes an elongated body defining a body longitudinal axis, the body being made, at least in part, of a shape memory material. The body is configured and sized so as to be both substantially flexible and substantially compressible in a direction substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.
US08308760B2 Delivery systems and methods for PFO closure device with two anchors
A device closes septal openings, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The device includes two anchors and a flexible connector. Tension applied to one or more strings attached to the device causes the device to collapse into a reduced profile form for withdrawal into a delivery catheter, thereby facilitating retrieval of the device after insertion into a septal opening.
US08308756B1 Ring remover device and method
A procedure and a medical kit for removing a ring from a swollen finger are described. The kit includes a panel set, a compression tape, and a compression tape puller. The panel set encircles the swollen finger with a cylindrical assembly that decreases in diameter when wrapped by said compression tape, forcing excess fluid from said swollen finger back into the hand. Swelling is thereby reduced allowing for removal of the ring.
US08308753B2 Locking component for an embolic filter assembly
A locking component for locking a medical device onto a guide wire. Such medical devices include, for example, an embolic filter assembly used to capture embolic material that may be created and released into a patient's vasculature during a stenting or angioplasty procedure. The embolic filter assembly tracks along the guide wire, and is delivered to a treatment site where it is locked in place and deployed. The locking component enables the filter assembly to lock onto any standard guide wire, and does not require a modified guide wire that has a specially-designed fitting or stop to accomplish the locking function.
US08308747B2 Puncture device
The present invention relates to a puncture device 1 for moving a puncture element 21 in a piercing direction N1 and for piercing a target site with the puncture element 21. The puncture device 1 is for moving a second member 42 retaining the puncture element 21 in the direction N1 and in a direction N2 by the rotational motion of a third member 40 as a first member 41 moves in the directions N1 and N2. The puncture device 1 further comprises a piercing depth adjusting mechanism 6 of adjusting a piercing depth of the puncture element 21 to the target site by regulating a rotation angle of the third member 40.
US08308745B2 Fluid jet device
A fluid jet device being provided with a fluid jet aperture section and producing a jet of fluid from the fluid jet aperture section includes: a pulsation generation section including a fluid chamber whose capacity can be changed, an inlet fluid path linked through the fluid chamber with a volume smaller than that of the fluid chamber, and an outlet fluid path linked through the fluid chamber and the fluid jet aperture section with an inertance set smaller than that of the inlet fluid path; and a pressure generation section that supplies the fluid to the inlet fluid path.
US08308744B2 Endoscopic treatment instrument
An endoscopic treatment instrument having a treatment portion having: an input member; a first link disconnectably connected to the input member; a first control plate disposed in a first connecting portion, inserting the input member through the first control plate, and engaging the input member by inclination of the first control plate; a first forceps member opening and closing according to advancing and retracting motions of the first link; a second link disconnectably connected to the input member; a second control plate disposed in a second connecting portion, inserting the input member through the second control plate, and engaging the input member by inclination of the second control plate; and a second forceps member opening and closing according to advancing and retracting motions of the second link, the opening-and-closing angle of the second forceps member being less than that of the first forceps member.
US08308741B2 Systems and methods for automatically inserting a needle into a living subject
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods for automatically inserting a needle into an insertion-target region of a living subject in response to a machine-vision system locating the insertion-target region. In an embodiment, a needle insertion system includes a moveable needle configured to be inserted into a living subject, a machine-vision system configured to locate an insertion-target region of the living subject, control electrical circuitry, and an actuator coupled to the control electrical circuitry. The control electrical circuitry may be coupled to the machine-vision system to receive location information therefrom about the insertion-target region, and configured to output needle targeting instructions. The actuator may be coupled to the control electrical circuitry to receive the needle targeting instructions therefrom and coupled to the moveable needle. The actuator may be configured to move the moveable needle to the insertion-target region automatically in response to receiving the needle targeting instructions from the control electrical circuitry.
US08308740B2 Needle stabilizer
A stabilizing apparatus for stabilizing the position of a needle when penetrating the skin of a patient, the apparatus has a frame structure with a base for placement against the skin in the vicinity of an intended needle entry point. A flexible diaphragm is supported by the frame structure and is spaced apart from the base of the frame structure to be disposed at a position away from the skin. The flexible diaphragm is configured to releasably grip the shaft of the needle at a distance from the needle entry point.
US08308739B2 Medical retrieval devices
A medical retrieval device may include an elongated member having first and second end portions and a middle portion, The elongated member may be configured such that the first and second end portions are proximal one another and extend substantially parallel to one another along a longitudinal axis The middle portion may have an unconstrained basket configuration A first sheath may be configured to receive at least a portion of the first end portion, and a second sheath may be configured to receive at least a portion of the second end portion At least one of the first and second sheaths may be movable relative to the middle portion so as to constrain the middle portion in an elongated configuration.
US08308734B2 Implant insertion apparatus and method of use
An apparatus for use with a spinal implant includes a handle structure with a passage. A shaft with a screw thread is moveable within the passage in the handle structure. A pusher block is linked to the shaft, and has a forward surface configured to engage the spinal implant. A screw-threaded clutch member is supported on the handle structure for movement into and out of engagement with the screw thread on the shaft.
US08308731B2 Vertebroplasty all in one mixer
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a device for mixing and dispensing a bone cement mixture is provided. The device comprises an injector housing having a chamber for containing a first and a second bone cement component and a second housing having a chamber for containing a flexible wire mixing element. A plunger actuates within the chamber of the second housing to transfer the wire mixing element to the injector housing for mixing the first and second bone cement components to form the bone cement mixture. The plunger rotates the wire mixing element to mix the bone cement mixture. Thereafter, the wire mixing element is withdrawn from the injector housing and the injector housing is assembled with an injector handle. A plunger coupled to the injector handle advances through the injector chamber to dispense the bone cement mixture from the device.
US08308726B2 Electromagnetically controlled tissue cavity distending system
A system to minimize fluid turbulence inside a tissue cavity during endoscopic procedures. A body tissue cavity of a subject is distended by continuous flow irrigation using a solenoid operated pump on the inflow side and a positive displacement pump, such as a peristaltic pump, on the outflow side, such that the amplitude of the pressure pulsations created by the outflow positive displacement pump inside the said tissue cavity is substantially dampened to almost negligible levels. The present invention also provides a method for accurately determining the rate of fluid loss into the subject's body system during any endoscopic procedure without utilizing any deficit weight or fluid volume calculation, the same being accomplished by using two fluid flow rate sensors. The present invention also provides a system of creating and maintaining any desired pressure in a body tissue cavity for any desired cavity outflow rate.
US08308724B2 Bipolar electrosurgical device with floating-potential electrodes
An electrosurgical instrument, system, and methods are provided for the vaporization, cutting, coagulation, or treatment of tissue in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid medium. The electrosurgical probe comprises at least one active electrode, and at least one “floating” electrode having at least one end in close proximity to at least one active electrode. The floating electrode is not connected in any way to the electrosurgical power supply, but rather has a “floating” potential determined by the shape and position of the electrode. The floating electrode increases current density in the region of the probe distal end.
US08308723B2 Tissue-penetrating guidewires with shaped tips, and associated systems and methods
Tissue-penetrating guidewires with shaped tips, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A patient treatment system in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a tissue-penetrating guidewire that in turn includes a flexible segment having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The flexible segment is elongated along an elongation axis. A penetrating member is positioned at the distal portion and includes at least one blade segment having a tapered outer peripheral surface and an adjacent generally sharp edge. The blade segment extends to a distal end of the penetrating member to form a generally blunt tip. In operation, the guidewire can be connected to an electrical current source to deliver high frequency current to the penetrating member.
US08308718B2 Cryosurgical instrument for separating a tissue sample from surrounding tissue of a biological tissue that is to be treated
A cryosurgical instrument and a method for separating a tissue sample from surrounding tissue of a biological tissue that is to be treated. The cryosurgical instrument includes a probe for guiding a probe head on to a biological tissue to be treated, and gas conduits for delivering coolant gas. The probe head is designed so that, in order to collect a tissue sample, a limited region of the tissue is cooled by means of the gas delivered and is separated from the surrounding tissue in a state in which it is frozen on the probe head. The instrument includes a support tube or hose in which the probe is guided and which can be moved relative to the probe in such a way that the surrounding tissue can be counter-supported during separation of the tissue sample.
US08308717B2 Thermal energy applicator
An apparatus and method, for selective thermal treatment of tissue, below the surface, while avoiding injury to the superficial layers of the tissue. The apparatus comprises a reflective beam conversion system for providing a pre-selected therapeutic dose of light energy of optimal spectrum and optimal pulse duration to a confined target volumes at predetermined depth under the tissue surface, while reducing the thermal exposure of the surface of the tissue, and the overlying and surrounding tissues. The method is advantageous for treating a variety of medical and dermatological conditions in a safer and more effective manner.
US08308707B2 Method and system for drug delivery to the eye
Methods and systems are provided for delivering drug to the eye. The method and system may include implanting into the eye a device which comprises two or more discrete reservoirs, each reservoir containing a drug; and directing focused light to the implanted device to open a first one of the reservoirs and thereby permit the drug to diffuse from the first reservoir to the patient's eye.
US08308705B2 Apparatus for fluid collection
An apparatus for fluid collection is disclosed, which comprises: a frame, composed of a plurality of unit cells, each being made of an absorbent polymer composite; and a bag, for receiving the frame while being connected to a conduit provided for enabling a fluid to flow in and out the bag therethrough.
US08308697B2 Autoinjector
An autoinjector comprising an outer housing in which is mounted a syringe comprising a barrel for holding a volume of medicament, a needle at one end of the barrel and a plunger axially-moveable in the barrel, the autoinjector further comprising an inner housing intermediate the outer housing and the syringe and an energy source in communication with said inner housing, wherein the inner housing is moveable by the energy source between three positions, namely a first position in which the inner housing is in communication with the barrel such that, in use, the plunger and barrel are moveable axially so as to move at least part of said needle out of the outer housing; a second position in which the inner housing is in communication with the plunger but not the barrel such that, in use, said plunger is moveable axially into said barrel so as to expel medicament through the needle; and a third position in which the inner housing is in communication with neither the plunger nor the barrel such that, in use, the plunger and barrel are able to retract in order to retract the needle into the outer housing, characterized in that the plunger includes biasing means for axially biasing the barrel, before activation of the energy source, to a position forward of the part of the inner housing which acts on the barrel in said first position.
US08308694B1 Needle tip guard for percutaneous entry needles
A needle tip protective device for use with percutaneous entry needles. In one embodiment, the needle tip protective device includes a needle guard slidably mounted on a hypodermic needle, the latter having a needle tip located at the distal end thereof, and a change of profile formed medially there along. The needle guard is movable along the hypodermic needle and engageable with the change in profile formed thereon. The engagement with the change in profile is configured to correspond with the ability of the needle trap to entrap the needle tip once the needle trap has advanced the sufficient distance distally along the hypodermic needle. In further refinements, the needle trap may be biased toward the distal needle tip of the needle.
US08308691B2 Catheter assembly and components thereof
Catheter assemblies are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to catheter assemblies having a tip protector, a valve, a valve opener, and optionally a needle wiper. The valve opener is disposed inside a catheter hub and is configured to be pushed by an IV set luer connector to open a valve following successful catheterization to pass fluids or other solutions through the catheter. A tip protector is incorporated to block the needle tip and prevent the same from accidental needle stick. A wiper is optionally included to wipe blood deposits on the needle when the same is retracted from the catheter.
US08308682B2 Devices for maintaining patency of surgically created channels in tissue
Devices and methods for altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of an individual, particularly individuals having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The methods and devices create channels in lung tissue and maintain the patency of these surgically created channels in tissue. Maintaining the patency of the channels allows air to pass directly out of the lung tissue which facilitates the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and/or decompresses hyper-inflated lungs.
US08308679B2 Alignment systems and methods
A delivery system for delivering fluidic media may include a second housing configured to be selectively operatively engaged with and disengaged from a first housing portion adapted to be carried by a user. One of the housing portions may support a reservoir for containing fluidic media and a plunger head moveable within the reservoir. A drive device may be supported by the other of the housing portions for coupling with the reservoir upon the housing portions being operatively engaged. A first interactive element may be supported on the first housing portion for interacting with a second interactive element supported on the second housing portion. Circuitry may be configured to detect an interaction between the interactive elements and configured to provide a signal or a change in state in response to the housing portions being operatively engaged and an interaction between the interactive elements being detected.
US08308669B2 Knee orthosis with hinged shin and thigh cuff
A knee orthosis has two vertical struts positioned on opposed sides of a knee joint in a generally parallel relationship. Each vertical strut has a hinge member located at a general middle portion; each vertical strut has a top and bottom end portion. An upper thigh cuff attaches at opposed ends to the upper end portions of the two vertical struts whereas a lower shin cuff attaches at opposed ends to the lower end portions. The lower shin cuff has a pair of hinges located proximal to the shin cuff opposed ends for permitting the shin cuff to pivot downwardly away from a shin of a person wearing the knee orthosis. An alternate embodiment employs hinges located proximal to the thigh cuff opposed ends for permitting the thigh cuff to pivot upwardly away from a thigh of a person when the same motion is performed.
US08308667B2 Interactive massaging device
A vibratory massaging device having a spaced plurality of proximity sensors distributed on a massaging surface of the device, and a control circuit operative for controlling vibratory intensities in response to activation of particular ones of the sensors being close to a user's body parts being massaged. The device can be configured as a dildo, including both main and secondary vibrators, the secondary vibrator being within an arm portion that is configured for clitoral stimulation. At least one of the vibrators is automatically driven at increased intensity as penetration increases.
US08308664B2 Tremor stabilizing system for handheld devices
A handheld device for canceling unintentional muscle movement. The device includes a base comprising a handgrip for a user to hold, a gripping element linked to the base for releasably connecting the handheld device to an object, a sensor that detects movement of the base, a controller linked to the sensor, and at least one actuator that operates under control of the controller to cause movement of the gripping element in a direction that at least partially counteracts the detected movement of the base.
US08308662B2 Measuring device
A measuring device for measuring a depth of a tear of a tissue is disclosed. The measuring device comprises a member having a shaft and a distal tip, a plurality of indicia on the shaft of the member for measuring the depth of the tear, and a cannulated member into which the member is disposed. In an example, the measuring device is used to measure the depth of a tear of the rotator cuff tendon. A method of measuring a tear of a tissue using the measuring device is also disclosed.
US08308659B2 Bi-directional sheath deflection mechanism
A deflectable sheath for use in medical procedures in the vasculature is described. The sheath includes a handle supporting the sheath. Two pull wires run along opposite sides of the sheath to anchors at the deflectable distal end. The handle includes a rotatable member that moves a threaded member including wire guide in a back and forth translation. As the movement occurs, force is applied to either one or the other of the pull wires to cause deflection of distal end of the sheath in either and upwardly or a downwardly direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sheath.
US08308657B2 Apparatus for collecting the amniotic fluid from the uterus
An apparatus is provided for collecting amniotic fluid from the uterus. In order to collect the amniotic fluid from the uterus through the external orifice of the cervix of a pregnant woman, an amniotic fluid collecting unit is adapted to bring a mouth, which is foldably formed at the upper end of an amniotic fluid collecting bag, into close contact with an end of the external orifice of the cervix. Thereby, the apparatus not only significantly decreases the risk occurring when a needle is directly inserted into the uterus in order to carry out the amniocentesis (amniotic fluid testing), but also eliminates pain and anxiety caused by the direct insertion of the needle.
US08308651B1 Combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system
A combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system for increasing the compliance of peak flow measurements in children and adults with asthma. The combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system includes a peak flow meter and a toothbrush head connected to an end of the peak flow meter. The peak flow meter transmits the peak flow measurement data to the hospital computer to be evaluated by a physician.
US08308644B2 Instantaneous ultrasonic measurement of bladder volume
An apparatus and methods to quantify the volume of urine in a human bladder with a limited number of acoustic beams is disclosed. In a first version the apparatus is composed of a transducers assembly that transmits a plurality of narrow ultrasound beams in different directions towards the bladder and receives the returning ultrasound signals; a receiver detector for processing the returned signals; an analog-to-digital converter; a memory to store the digitized data and a volume display allowing to define the optimal position of the transducer assembly. The apparatus also includes a signal processing software that automatically determines the bladder Depth D and Height H and computes the volume of urine using an empirical formula corrected by specific, empirically measured, filling dependant correction factors. In a second version a single wide angle ultrasound beam transducer transmitting ultrasound signals at fundamental frequency is used to quantify the urine volume. Return signals originating from a depth beyond the usual position of the posterior wall depth of a filled bladder are analyzed for presence of higher harmonic signals which in turn are related to presence or absence of urine. Both methods or a combination thereof can be used us a simple warning device for presence of residual urine after voiding or indicate the presence of a critical bladder urine filling level.
US08308643B2 Three-dimensional tissue hardness imaging
A method for generating hardness information of tissue subject to a varying pressure. The method comprises receiving signals from the tissue from a sensor for measuring the deformation of the tissue in a measuring plane defined by the sensor, which sensor, during a varying pressure exerted on the tissue, is moved along the tissue in a direction transverse to the measuring plane; identifying strain of the tissue from the resulting signals; and relating the strain to elasticity and/or hardness parameters of the tissue. The method may comprise the step of displaying elasticity and/or hardness parameters of a tissue surface or tissue volume part extending practically parallel to the direction of motion of the sensor.
US08308640B2 System for automatic continuous and reliable patient identification for association of wireless medical devices to patients
The medical communication system comprises a plurality of medical identification devices (12). Each identification device (12) is attached to one particular patient (14). A registration processor generates a unique patient identification data that is stored in an electronic patient identification code memory (54). Each identification device (12) includes an intra-body wireless communication device (16) which transmits the patient's identification on the patient's body. A medical device (22), which is linked to the patient (14) to measure a vital function, periodically automatically receives the patient's identification code to continually ensure association to a correct patient.
US08308636B2 Device for a rectoscope
A device for a rectoscope including a main pipe which is provided, at a first end portion, with a connection sub arranged to receive an optics head, and an elongated insertion portion, a second end portion being provided with a rectoscope mouth, and the center bore of the main pipe being arranged to receive an insertion cone, at least one fluid line being arranged in the main pipe, the fluid line extending from the first end portion to a second end portion of the main pipe.
US08308635B2 Endoscope system
An endoscope system includes an endoscope with a bending portion installed on a distal side of an insertion portion; a bending drive unit which drives and bends the bending portion electrically; a map information storage unit which stores map information digitized by associating an amount of bending and a corresponding three-dimensional position and direction of a distal end of the insertion portion with each other, with a position near a rear end of the bending portion being designated as a reference position; a position and direction detecting unit which detects the position and direction of the distal end of the insertion portion; and a bending control unit which controls the bending drive unit to orient the distal end of the insertion portion into a target direction using the map information.
US08308632B2 Method and apparatus for displaying information in magnetically guided capsule endoscopy
A magnetically guided endoscope system has a display system wherein the position of the boundary of the examination region of the magnetic field that is used for capsule endoscope guidance is displayed and/or the position of the peak of the magnetic field used for capsule guidance is displayed. The displayed information can be presented in the form of computer-generated graphics superimposed on a camera image of the patient by a computer, or can be a fixed indicator on the display screen of a display at which a computer causes the camera image of the patient to be displayed at a position that is correctly oriented with respect to the fixed information.
US08308631B2 Electronic variable stroke devices and system for remote control and interactive play
An electronic variable stroke device comprise a base portion containing a motor-driven screw shaft, an upper portion extending from the base portion having the screw shaft extending longitudinally therein, a traveler engaged with the screw shaft to drive it in reciprocating longitudinal motion. The traveler has an annular shape with an aperture therethrough which is driven in reciprocating longitudinal motions for use as a male sex toy. The device configuration may include a pair of screw threads spaced apart in parallel with the traveler engaged in between them, and/or multiple travelers arranged at different longitudinal positions of the screw shaft(s). A remote controller unit may be provided for ergonomic operation by the user. A network connection unit may be provided to connect the user's device to an external service provider on a network for conducting interactive sessions remotely with another user or users. The device may be adapted as a male toy that can exchange control signals with another user operating a female toy.
US08308629B2 Surgical articles for placing an implant about a tubular tissue structure and methods
A minimally invasive surgical instrument for placing an implantable article about a tubular tissue structure is disclosed. The surgical instrument is particularly useful for treating urological disorders such as incontinence. Surgical methods using the novel instrument are also described.
US08308624B2 Process for making filter tow
A method of preparing a crimped tow of cellulose acetate filaments comprising the steps of: a) providing cellulose acetate dope b) forming filaments (23) from the dope c) applying at least one additive to the filaments d) crimping the filaments to form a crimped tow wherein the at least one additive is capable of removing a component from cigarette smoke. Preferably, the component is a Hoffmann analyte. The additive may comprise a solution, liquid, emulsion or particulate material or combinations thereof. Preferably, the additive comprises an acidic compound or an alkaline compound. The additive may comprise malic acid, potassium carbonate, citric acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, polyethyleneimine, cyclodextrin, sodium hydroxide, sulphamic acid, sodium sulphamate, polyvinyl acetate and carboxylated acrylate, carbon, silica, zeolite, clay, alumina, metal, molecular sieves or an ion exchange resin. The product tow can be processed on standard equipment to make efficient filter rods from which cigarette filter tips can be made which give significantly increased and selective retention of key smoke constituents.
US08308619B1 Leg-powered treadmill
A motor-less leg-powered curved treadmill produced that allows people to walk, jog, run, and sprint without making any adjustments to the treadmill other than shifting the user's center of gravity forward and backwards. A closed loop treadmill belt is formed with a low friction running surface of transverse wooden, plastic or rubber slats attached to each other in a resilient fashion. Since an essential feature of treadmill is the concave shape of the running surface of belt in its respective upper portion, methods are used to insure that this shape is maintained during actual use. These methods prevent the lower portion of the treadmill belt from drooping down (i.e.—it must be held taut), to prevent the top portion to be pulled taut into a flat shape between the front and rear pulley rollers.
US08308616B1 Halo posture headband neck training device
A Halo Posture head weight is comprised of two consecutive rings. A lower ring is hollow and conformal while also being shape-sustaining to fit comfortably around the skull at approximately the level of the forehead. An upper ring has metal shot in the forward half to apply weight load at the frontal section of the head. Both rings have adjustable closures at the back of the head for a comfortable, adjustable, and secure fit. Additional pads are provided for coupling extra weight, to permit correction of tilt or adjustment of weight loading. In a preferred embodiment, the rings are fabricated from a single strip of double-backed neoprene that is formed using two longitudinally extensive stitch lines, and an additional resilient fabric bag is provided for securing the metal shot in the upper ring.
US08308613B1 Combination brake and accelerator pedal assembly
A combination brake pedal and an accelerator pedal assembly allowing the vehicle to be driven with both feet comprising a brake and an accelerator, the accelerator being operatively connected to an engine control lever that moves between an engaged and a disengaged position, when the accelerator is pressed the engine control lever moves to the engaged position to accelerate the vehicle, when the accelerator is not pressed the engine control lever moves to the disengaged position so the vehicle does not accelerate; and an accelerator pedal disengagement device operatively connected to the brake and accelerator for moving the engine control lever to the disengaged position when the brake pedal is pushed, wherein the accelerator pedal disengagement device prevents the accelerator pedal from causing the engine control lever to move to the engaged position when both the accelerator pedal and brake pedal are pressed.
US08308611B2 Shift control systems and methods for an automatic transmission
A transmission shift control system includes a transmission shift control module that executes an upshift or a closed-throttle downshift, a shift stage determination module, and a clutch control module. The stage determination module determines a stage of the upshift or the closed throttle downshift when a downshift is requested. The clutch control module determines a downshift type based on the stage of the upshift or the closed throttle downshift and selectively executes a downshift before the upshift or the closed throttle downshift is completed.
US08308608B2 Hydraulic clutch fill control systems for a transmission of a vehicle
A method of filling a clutch chamber of an automatic transmission includes determining an engage pressure to engage a clutch of the automatic transmission. The method determines a reactive pressure of a return spring of the clutch. The method also estimates a fill pressure based on the engage pressure and the reactive pressure. The method estimates a flow rate based on the engage pressure, and generates a fill pressure command signal to fill the clutch chamber based on the fill pressure, the flow rate and a flow rate limit.
US08308607B2 Method for automatically restarting an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle
A method for automatic restarting a temporarily shut-down internal combustion engine with automatic stop-start in a motor vehicle with manual gear shift on the basis of conditions including the current actuation states of clutch and brake includes determining a current actuation state of a clutch and a wheel brake, and, if the brake has been actuated within a preset period before any actuation of the clutch, starting the engine when the clutch is fully actuated and the brake is released.
US08308600B2 Transmission device comprising at least two output shafts and at least two multi-shaft planetary gear sets
A transmission device with at least two output shafts and at least two multi-shaft planetary gearsets being actively connected. A shaft of each gearset can be actively connected with an output shaft. A shifting mechanism is provided, between the two output shafts, for shifting between a first power path and a second power path. In the area of a further shaft of one of the planetary gearsets, torque from an electric machine flows along the first or the second power path. When the first power path is engaged, the torque from the electric machine flows in equal parts and with the same sign to the two output shafts, and when the second power path is engaged, the torque flows to the two output shafts in equal parts but with opposite signs. A motor output shaft of the electric machine is arranged perpendicularly to one of the two output shafts.
US08308594B2 Drivetrain with engine, transmission, planetary gear set and electric machine
A drivetrain for a hybrid electric vehicle is provided. The drivetrain includes a motor-generator connected to an engine shaft and transmission via a planetary gear set.
US08308587B1 Multi-color golf ball
The present invention is directed to a golf ball possessing an overall unique and perceptively pleasing multi-color appearance and being constructed of at least two layers wherein each layer has at least two discrete color regions which contribute substantially to the golf ball's overall color appearance, the inner and outer layers being strategically positioned and aligned in relation to each other to create the overall golf ball color appearance. A resulting unique overall golf ball multiple color appearance is achieved by the positioning and aligning one layer about another.
US08308578B2 Electromagnetic swing
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a powered children's swing. In various embodiments, the swing includes a seat, swing frame, one or more swing arms, a first magnetic component, second magnetic component, swing motion sensor, and swing control circuit. The magnetic components are configured to generate a magnetic force that drives the seat along a swing path. The swing control circuit is configured to control the magnetic components based at least on input from the swing motion sensor and generate control signals causing the seat to swing with a substantially constant amplitude as specified by a user.
US08308576B2 Transmission mechanism of a carving grinder
A transmission mechanism of a carving grinder and particularly to a transmission mechanism of a carving grinder capable of maintaining concentricity during rotation and enhancing stability to reduce transmission wobbling is provided. The mechanism includes a motor and a transmission tube coupled through a motor transmission member. The motor transmission member has a shaft and a driving member with an axle held by two bearings to improve steadiness during rotation of the shaft and axle. The axle has an integrated embossed key at one end to achieve concentricity. The transmission tube and motor transmission member and driving member are coupled through a square pin and a square hole to further enhance rotation steadiness.
US08308572B2 Gaming system with end user feedback for a communication network having a multi-media management
The Gaming System With End User Feedback enables a reverse path feedback architecture wherein the forward path multicasted gaming content transmitted by a gaming site can be dynamically modified as a result of end user interaction or feedback, wherein each end user has a private bidirectional link to the gaming site to enter their moves, optionally receive private data from the gaming site to enable the end user's device to display private data that is hidden from the other players, and to communicate privately with another member or members of a sub-group.
US08308571B2 Game system based on selection of final two contestants
A system and method for conducting a game with two or more participants that provides selections of the final two contestants for a particular contest. In the game, at least one winning participant is determined by comparing each participant's selections of the final two contestants to the actual final two contestants in the contest. Participants may also provide an indication of the first place contestant from among the selected final two contestants. Ties may be broken by comparing each participant's selection of a first place contestant to the actual first place contestant in the contest. Also described is a system for implementation of the method including means for carrying out the steps of the method. The method and system provide a fun, straightforward game that can be adapted to a wide variety of contests, be played by a large number of participants and be implemented over the World Wide Web.
US08308570B2 Synchronizing mission progress in peer-to-peer cooperative games
Methods and systems are described for a multiplayer video game on a peer-to-peer network in which a player's or players' missions are tracked individually as mission lines, each mission line being composed of a series of ordered objectives. Each objective generally must be completed in order of the sequence with no forking of objective paths. Each objective can include one or more conditions that can be completed in any order within the objective. Players can go off on different missions and then come back to synchronize their mission progress so that they benefit from the other player's gameplay. Players can also synchronize the conditions achieved within the missions during long missions with many difficult conditions to achieve in order to advance their combined progress.
US08308566B2 Game apparatus and storage medium having game program stored thereon
A game apparatus capable of performing a game process in accordance with a motion applied to an input device. The game apparatus includes motion direction identifying means, moving direction setting means, correction means, and movement control means. The motion direction identifying means identifies a motion direction of the input device. The moving direction setting means sets a moving direction of a player object in a virtual game world in accordance with the motion direction of the input device. The correction means corrects the moving direction set by the moving direction setting means in accordance with a positional relation between the player object and a target object, which is other than the player object, in the virtual game world. The movement control means causes the player object to move in the virtual game world in accordance with the set moving direction.
US08308562B2 Biofeedback for a gaming device, such as an electronic gaming machine (EGM)
Environmental feedback and/or biofeedback is associated with one or more players' emotions in real time. The emotional feedback is provided to a game device being used by the player, such an electronic gaming machine (EGM). The game device uses the biofeedback and/or environmental feedback to appropriately adjust the game play to maximize the game's entertainment value to the player(s). The player(s) can be identified, and the game device matches the emotional response with certain game elements being presented at that time and associates this matching to the identified player. The matches can be used to make an adjustment to the game device, to the environments, and/or to take some other action. The game device can also store the matches, combined with any collected environmental and/or biometric stimuli, on a game server or player tracking database via the network.
US08308557B2 Tiered verification
Methods and devices for evaluating risk profiles for potential participants in e-commerce transactions, such as online wager gaming, are described. Player attributes such as identity, age, location, and/or residence may be profiled using data service providers (“DSPs”). The best available DSP(s) may be selected, e.g., according to the jurisdiction. Players may be evaluated according to DSP scores and assigned to levels or “tiers” with predefined attributes, e.g., predefined transaction limits. For example, relatively lower-risk players may be assigned to tiers with relatively higher deposit and withdrawal limits, and vice versa. Efficiencies may be created by differentiating verification steps that are performed during the registration process from those that are performed when a player attempts to make a transaction.
US08308554B2 Prize redemption kiosk
Some preferred implementations of the invention provide a kiosk that can read a cashless instrument, determine one or more corresponding items of merchandise for which the cashless instrument may be redeemed and provide the corresponding item(s) of merchandise. The cashless instrument may be, for example, an ordinary “cash out” ticket, a ticket formed according to the invention, a player loyalty instrument, etc. Some implementations of the invention provide EGMs configured to issue cashless instruments that may be exchanged for various types of merchandise. The cashless instruments may be, for example, encoded tickets. Some implementations provide EGMs configured for encoding a prize code that indicates a corresponding item of merchandise for which the cashless instrument may be redeemed. However, a cashless instrument may or may not indicate a prize code. If a cashless instrument includes a prize code, the prize code may or may not be indicated in human-readable form.
US08308553B2 Method and system for distributed syndicate gaming
A gaming system comprising gaming machine terminal means operable by at least one member of a syndicate of members, server means for monitoring interactions on the gaming machine terminal means, wherein the gaming machine terminal means and the server means are linked by a communications network and a syndicate member is able to communicate with another syndicate member using the gaming machine terminal means. A syndicate member is identified to the system through a member identification means and is able to operate the gaming machine terminal means using the member identification means.
US08308546B2 Apparatus for providing amusement
Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are taught which include a game comprising, a digital processor, digital storage coupled to the digital processor for storing instructions, a display coupled to the digital processor displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, a user interface coupled to the digital processor to select a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along at least one column and to initiate a display of a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia on the display, and an award dispenser providing an award which is at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines.
US08308544B2 Video games adapted for wagering
A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to allow players to wager on video games. The method disclosed herein can allow players to win or lose money while partaking in any video game previously played for entertainment purposes. A player can purchase play time on a game, play the game and earn monetary prizes during the game, and then redeem the monetary prizes for real cash.
US08308540B1 No dealer hand “21”
The applicants' provide a process for playing “No Dealer Hand” Blackjack/Twenty-One. As such, the uses of, or display of, at least one common deck of Fifty-Two cards is being applied in play action. This process is inclusive to either an encompassing video gaming apparatus or a live action table gaming environment, as accommodated for. In play action, the dealer's hand is replaced with the application of Trigger Numbers, ranging anywhere from Twelve (12) up to Twenty (20), and optional Push Numbers ranging anywhere from Twelve (12) up to Twenty (20). Through such an application, the applicants' present a more mathematically malleable “core margin percentage variance” being afforded for exploitation by Housemasters. Likewise, the mathematical mechanics supporting this broader core margin percentage variance is made possible while simultaneously applying a seamlessly familiar playing experience for patrons. In so doing, the applicants' Trigger & Push Number solutions replacing the Dealer's hand in play action, proffers a whole new frontier for their “Twenty-One” gaming procedure. Indeed, this procedure directly features significantly fatter core margin payoffs for winning hand tallies from the game's Primary & Secondary “Base” or Secondary “Propositions” play actions while still providing for all the necessary elements of a sustainable alternative to the classic Blackjack workhorse for which the public can enthusiastically embrace.
US08308539B1 Letter placement game
A letter placement game based on solving for missing characters in empty cells in a grid of characters. The grid includes horizontal rows, vertical rows, and subgrids. Each solution character must be singular in its horizontal row, vertical row, and subgrid. Simultaneously some solution characters must also belong to one or more sets of solution characters (for example, one or more words). Clues are provided for each set of solution characters. Typically, each letter placement game has multiple sets of solution characters. The letter placement game thus has dual sets of requirements, one for singularity rules for every solution character and another for the requirements of sets of solution characters (for example, words).
US08308537B2 Multi-layered electronic puzzle
A system for generating an electronic puzzle for a user. The system comprises a user interface; a processor in communication with the user interface; and a memory in communication with the processor. The processor is effective to receive a first image and a second set of images; break the first image into a plurality of first pieces; and create a plurality of partitions corresponding to the first image and the second set of images, each partition defining an area. The processor is further effective to display the first pieces to the user on a user interface; receive a first request from a user to release a particular one of the first pieces at a first location; when the first location is inside an area of a first particular partition corresponding to the particular first piece, display the first piece in the first particular partition on the user interface. The processor is further effective to display the second set of images to the user on the user interface; receive a second request from the user to release a particular one of the second images at a second location; and when the second location is inside an area of a second particular partition corresponding to the particular one of the second images, display the particular one of the second images in the second particular partition on the user interface.
US08308531B2 Polishing pad and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed are a polishing pad used in a CMP process of a planar material such as a silicon wafer, plate glass for a display, etc. and a method for manufacturing the same. The polishing pad comprises a non-woven fabric consisting of ultrafine fibers and elastomeric polymer impregnated into the fabric, on which the ultrafine fibers are raised and arranged to simultaneously satisfy the following conditions (I) to (III) such that the ultrafine fibers are oriented in a longitudinal direction to a central axis:The polishing pad of the present invention includes ultrafine fibers, which are arranged at a relatively wide orientation angle and have pores formed therebetween without requiring alternative processes for forming the pores, thus, exhibits excellent polishing performance and low occurrence of scratches during a polishing process.
US08308530B2 Abrasive cutting tool
A tool for removing material from a surface includes a body defining a longitudinal bore and an opening connecting an outer surface of the body to the longitudinal bore. A cutting element comprising a cutting surface is dimensioned to be at least partially received by the opening. The cutting surface is configured to translate from a first position to a second position in response to a centrifugal force. In the second position the cutting surface is extended outwardly through the opening, beyond the outer surface of the body. In one example, the tool may be used to remove material, such as oxidation, from the inner walls of a cylindrical article selected from a pipe and a tube.
US08308529B2 High throughput chemical mechanical polishing system
Embodiments of a system and method for polishing substrates are provided. In one embodiment, a polishing system is provided that includes a polishing module, a cleaner and a robot. The robot has a range of motion sufficient to transfer substrates between the polishing module and cleaner. The polishing module includes at least two polishing stations, at least one load cup and at least four polishing heads. The polishing heads are configured to move independently between the at least two polishing stations and the at least one load cup.
US08308527B2 Metal film polishing pad and method for polishing metal film using the same
The invention provides a polishing pad to polish a metal layer. The polishing pad has a storage elastic modulus at 80° C. of 200 to 900 MPa and a storage elastic modulus at 110° C. of 40 MPa or less. The invention also provides a method of polishing a metal layer using the pad.
US08308523B2 Swimming hoop with adjustable buoyancy member
A swimming hoop with a buoyancy member and flexible frame. By increasing or decreasing the buoyant force provided to the flexible frame by the buoyancy member, the user is able to position the swimming hoop at a desired vertical distance within a body of water. To increase or decrease the buoyant force, a pump is used to increase or decrease the level of air within an air chamber. The buoyancy member is adjustably secured to the flexible frame. The flexible frame may be generally circular, square, or any other shape, and is flexible such that other shapes can be further obtained by twisting or manipulating the flexible frame.
US08308522B2 Flying toy
A flying toy comprises a first wing and a second wing attached to and extending from opposite sides of a fuselage. There is a first propulsion unit, having a first motor and a first propeller system rotated by the first motor, mounted with the first wing; and a second propulsion unit, having a second motor and a second propeller system rotated by the second motor, mounted with the second wing. Each propulsion system has main blades and auxiliary blades which interact with each other. Each of two wings can be angled relative to horizontal independently. The toy can operate as a plane or helicopter.
US08308520B2 Cathodoluminescent phosphor lamp having extraction and diffusing grids and base for attachment to standard lighting fixtures
A light emitting device has a cathode-ray tube and power supply. The cathode-ray tube in an embodiment is optimized for emitting a broad electron beam, in one variation a dome-shaped diffusing grid is used to spread the beam. In another embodiment, the device has a base adapted for attachment to a standard lighting fixture.
US08308518B1 Method for processing and moving liquefied natural gas using a floating station and a soft yoke
A method for receiving dry natural gas, cryogenically cooling the gas, then forming liquefied natural gas is disclosed herein. The method can include flowing the liquefied natural gas to a moveable floating transport vessel. The method can include using mooring arms that maintain a nominal distance between the station and the vessel while simultaneously forming an enclosed gangway and monitoring offloading and return of hydrocarbon vapor. The method can include providing quick connect/disconnect engagements to the transport vessel and storing the liquefied natural gas on the transport vessel at a cryogenic temperature. The method can include recycling hydrocarbon vapor formed during offloading to the floating station and maintaining a cryogenic temperature using a flow rate substantially the same as the floating station uses fuel. The method can include releasing the transport vessel from the floating station to transport the liquefied natural gas to another location.
US08308517B1 Method for offshore natural gas processing using a floating station, a soft yoke, and a transport ship
A method for receiving dry gas and forming liquefied natural gas on a floating vessel, and offloading the liquefied natural gas using telescoping mooring arms to a floating transport vessel is disclosed herein. The method can include mooring the floating vessel to a seabed with a mooring spread, using a soft yoke to moor the transport vessel to the floating vessel, receiving a dry gas, cooling the dry gas forming a liquefied nature gas, transferring the liquefied natural gas to the transport vessel, transferring personnel and equipment over a gangway, returning hydrocarbon vapor to the floating vessel, cooling the hydrocarbon vapor, and using the hydrocarbon vapor as a fuel for the floating vessel.
US08308516B2 Spring terminal element and terminal block
A spring terminal element, with a tensioning bracket mounted on a busbar piece such that it can move relative to the busbar piece has at least one clamping edge which engages under the busbar piece for clamping an electrical conductor between the clamping edge and the busbar piece and a helical spring which is operatively connected to the busbar piece and to the tensioning bracket. An operating cylinder can rotate and be fixed in position in the direction of the operating cylinder on the tensioning bracket or on the busbar piece. The screw thread on the operating cylinder engages with a screw thread on an operating section which is coupled to the tensioning bracket or to the busbar piece in order to move the tensioning bracket relative to the busbar piece during rotation of the operating cylinder.
US08308508B2 Connector
A connector includes a first terminal housing for housing three first connecting terminals aligned, a second terminal housing for housing three second connecting terminals aligned, a plurality of insulating members that are aligned and housed in the second terminal housing, and a connecting member for collectively fixing and electrically connecting the three first connecting terminals and the three second connecting terminals at each contact point by pressing one of the plurality of insulating members adjacent to the connecting member. The three first connecting terminals and the three second connecting terminals are each arranged in a form of a triangle when viewed in the fitting direction.
US08308507B2 KVM cable with video connectors, PS/2 connectors and USB connector
The present invention relates to a KVM cable with video connectors, PS/2 connectors and USB connector capable of connecting to a computer and a KVM device, the KVM cable comprises: a first video connector, a second video connector, a main cable, a first branch cable, a first PS/2 connector, a second branch cable, a second PS/2 connector, and at least one USB connector. In the KVM cable, the un-used pins, the ground pins and the un-connected pins of the video connector are utilized, and a detecting resistor and a diode device are disposed in the USB connector; so that, when the KVM cable is used, a user can selectively connect the PS/2 connector or the USB connector of the KVM cable to the computer, so as to control two or more computers through the KVM device.
US08308506B2 Ultra-low capacitance high voltage cable assemblies for CT systems
The present embodiments relate to a cable assembly with ultra-low capacitance. In one embodiment, a cable assembly is provided. The cable assembly includes an insulation layer. The insulation layer includes a low-permittivity insulation material.
US08308494B1 Universal serial bus device
A USB device includes a hollow main body having an opening, a USB plug, a transition member fixedly connected to the USB plug, and a rotation member. The rotation member includes a rotation button arranged on the hollow main body and a gear wheel arranged in the hollow main body. The gear wheel is fixed to the rotation button. The transition member includes a gear rack engaged with the gear wheel. Under the rotation of the rotation button, the gear wheel is engaged with the gear rack to drive the USB plug to move out of the hollow main body through the opening, or retracted into the hollow main body.
US08308492B2 Board-to-board connector
The board-to-board connector has a configuration in which first stage fitting guides (18a) are arranged on an inner end of side wall portions (14) of a first housing (11) of a first connector (1), an island portion (13) is arranged in a concave portion (12a) surrounded by the side wall portions, second stage fitting guides (22a) are arranged on four corners of the first housing, fitting surfaces (18) of the side wall portions are at the same surface as a fitting surface of the island portion, and a gap between the fitting guides on both side wall portions is set to a predetermined value. Owing to this configuration, a fumbling tight-fitting operation is made easy, and it is thus possible to complete the tight-fitting operation in a short period of time and in an accurate manner. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a board to board connector which has good operability and high reliability.
US08308490B2 Contact configuration for electronics to base connection
An electronics circuit board includes a periphery defined by a plurality of edges. At least one power contact is located adjacent a first one of said edges and a plurality of data contacts are located adjacent a second one of said edges. The first and second edges are arranged transversely relative to each other. The circuit board is operatively installed on a base that includes a power connector and a data connector. At least one power contact of the circuit board is operably engaged with the power connector and the plurality of data contacts of the circuit board are operably engaged with said data connector. The power connector is located adjacent said first edge of the circuit board and the data connector is located adjacent a second edge of the circuit board.
US08308485B2 Childhood educational program rating system and method
The invention describes a method for evaluating educational programs which, firstly, develops criteria which will address the strengths and weaknesses of the educational program. The second step of the method is to observe the criteria, chosen in step one, in the educational program. The third step is to assign a numerical value to each of the criteria observed in step two. The next step is to assign an overall rating to the educational program based on the numerically valued criteria. The personnel involved in the educational program can then decide what steps in addition to the assessment can be done to improve or maintain the educational program.
US08308484B2 System and methods for detecting deception as to fluency or other ability in a given language
The invention relates to a system and methods for detecting when a user is representing he is not fluent in a language in which he is fluent. The present system and methods are adapted to be used in conjunction with conventional and novel computer systems and methods and provides detection of concealment of language skills by a user.
US08308481B2 Dental framework
A method of preparing a dental framework or mathematical model thereof includes creating a replica of a patient's mouth or a framework to be inserted into the patient's mouth, electronically scanning the replica or framework, electronically determining a surface model of a dental framework and manufacturing the framework.
US08308480B2 Method and kit for producing a dental product
The invention relates to a method and a kit for producing a dental product. The invention also relates to a device that allows the method according to the invention to be implemented. According to the invention, a thermoplastic material (4) of said kit is selectively heated through the supply of targeted (directed) energy more strongly than an impression tray (1) and/or an impression material (3).
US08308479B2 Method and apparatus for tooth whitening
Preconditioning mouth rinse, which pre-treats the teeth to better receive a whitening formula containing a photosensitive compound, and a hand-held consumer light source for tooth whitening, which provides rapid tooth whitening, are disclosed. The light source may use a specific range of visible light and also emit heat sufficient to raise the temperature of the teeth a desired amount at a depth up to about 2 mm in the range of about from 1-5° Celsius over a predetermined period of time. The specified wavelengths of the hand-held consumer operable light will activate the photosensitive substance in the whitening formula. The oxidizing compounds may be transparent to light enabling light energy to activate the oxidizing compounds directly on the tooth surface, or to activate a photosensitizing or photosensitive compound added to produce the desired temperature increase.
US08308478B2 Methods for indirect bonding of orthodontic appliances
Improved methods for indirect bonding of orthodontic appliances, such as brackets, to the tooth surfaces of dental patients are provided. The methods use a transfer tray to accurately position the brackets on the tooth surfaces. Preferably, the tray is made of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/siloxane material. The brackets are coated with a protective coating to prevent them from becoming embedded in the tray. Preferably, a translucent, blue-tinted coating is used to cover the brackets. Dental restorative materials are used to bond the brackets to the teeth. The transfer tray is then removed from the mouth, while the appliances remain firmly bonded to the tooth surfaces.
US08308477B2 Industrial burner
An apparatus and process is provided for combining fuel and combustion air to produce a mixture. The mixture is burned in a combustion chamber to produce a flame.
US08308475B2 Injection molding apparatus having a valve pin bushing
An injection molding apparatus, such as a hot runner or hot half, includes a manifold having a manifold channel and a nozzle having a nozzle channel. The nozzle is coupled to the manifold, and the manifold channel and the nozzle channel are in communication to define a flow channel. A valve pin bushing has a flow restrictor disposed in the flow channel on an upstream side of the valve pin bushing. A moveable valve pin extends through a bore of the valve pin bushing.
US08308473B2 Apparatuses and methods for manufacturing containers
Mold arrangement, comprising a blow-molding die arrangement arranged for receiving a preform and for expanding said preform to obtain a container, wherein a compression-molding die arrangement is associated with said blow-molding die arrangement, said compression-molding die arrangement being arranged for receiving plastics and for shaping said plastics to obtain a neck portion of said preform.
US08308467B2 Parallelism control apparatus for moving platen of electrically driven injection molding machine
Provided is a parallelism control apparatus of a movable platen of an electric injection molding machine, to which a new arrangement type using a wedge to control the parallelism of a movable platen is applied to reduce the size of the parallelism control apparatus, ensure an installation space, and solve a difficulty during installation, which ensures rigidity of the movable platen in directions of forward and rearward movements, and enables parallelism adjustment and firm position fixing by controlling a vertical amount, a horizontal amount, and a combination of vertical and horizontal amounts even in a narrow space, thereby further enhancing precision and quality reliability of molded products.
US08308463B2 Resin screw rotor molded to a metallic shaft
The present invention is to provide a screw rotor including a resin rotor formed around a metallic shaft without generation of cracks. Spiral chamfers are formed on surfaces of metallic shafts around which resin rotors are formed. Preferably the surfaces of the shafts may be sandblasted, and after the surfaces of the shafts are preliminarily coated with resin and then the rotors may be molded.
US08308458B2 Rotor assembly for multi-stage pump
A rotor assembly for a multi-stage pump is provided. The assembly includes a drive shaft, a rotor component and a drive component. The rotor component is located on the drive shaft and includes a rotor element for displacing fluid through the pump when the drive shaft is rotated. The drive component is anchored to the drive shaft and transmits torque from the drive shaft to the rotor component to effect rotation of the rotor component. A sleeve element is integrated with either the drive component or the rotor component and is used to space the rotor element from the drive component. An interface surface is located on the sleeve element for interacting with the other one of the drive component and the rotor component in order to maintain orthogonal alignment between the rotor element and the drive shaft. A driver is provided for transmitting torque between the drive component and the rotor component.
US08308455B2 Unloader system and method for a compressor
An apparatus is provided and may include a compression mechanism, a valve plate including a plurality of ports in fluid communication with the compression mechanism, and a header disposed adjacent to the valve plate. A plurality of cylinders may be disposed within the header and a plurality of pistons may be respectively disposed in the plurality of cylinders and may be movable between a first position separated from the valve plate and a second position engaging the valve plate. A chamber may be disposed within each of the cylinders and may receive a pressurized fluid in a first mode to move the piston into the second position and may vent the pressurized fluid in a second mode to move the piston into the first position. One of the chambers may include a smaller volume than the other of the chambers.
US08308449B2 Wave energy converter
A Self Priming Gravity Wave Water Pump, Double Acting, vertically Self Adjusting incorporating a Submerged Column Platform as shown in FIG. 4A, the submerged column platform (22) can be tethered (28) or secured by a pivot to a weight (29) or fixed into the water bed (31). The column (22) can be incorporated into an additional submerged water filled column chamber (23), to operate as a hydraulic tidal adjustable column platform. The Gravity Wave Pump (9) is a wave energy converter using wave energy in the form of wave motion to displace a float (2), to lift the pumps reciprocating piston (12) and uses gravity, causing a weight (3) to push a piston down as the wave passes. The pump could pressurize piped water to a head of up to 100 meters or more and could pump pressures in excess of 150 pounds per square inch when adjusted accordingly.
US08308448B2 Scroll compressor capacity modulation with hybrid solenoid and fluid control
A scroll compressor includes a compressor shell having first and second scroll members. The scroll members each have a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base. The generally spiral wraps of the first and second scroll members interfit to define compression chambers. A shaft causes the second scroll member to orbit relative to the first scroll member. At least one bypass port is formed in a base of one scroll member, and communicates with at least one of the compression chambers. The bypass port communicates with a passage leading to a suction pressure chamber within the compressor shell. A solenoid valve is movable between a reduced capacity position and a full capacity position, and selectively supplies a pressurized fluid to a fluid valve associated with the bypass port, such that movement of the solenoid can control whether the bypass port is open or closed.
US08308443B2 Apparatus and method for a submersible pump system and linear electrofusion
This invention relates generally to a high volume, buoyancy controlled submersible pump assembly designed to sit on the bottom of a body of water or other liquid substance and move a large volume of water or liquid substance. Alternatively, the submersible pump assembly is capable of achieving and maintaining neutral buoyancy or near neutral buoyancy in a particular body of water or liquid substance. The neutrally buoyant version includes the means to maintain the pump assembly at a given depth without requiring it to sit on the bottom of the body of water or other liquid substance. This invention also relates to linear electrofusion for thermoplastic components.
US08308439B2 Method and apparatus for resisting disabling fouling of compressors in multistage compression systems
A method of operating a multistage gas compressor system including providing a plurality of compressor stages connected in series, receiving a gas flow having contaminants within a gas passage, and supplying solvent to the gas passage at or upstream of a compressor in a compressor stage of the plurality of compressor stages to entrap or dissolve the contaminants in the gas flow. The method includes resisting disabling fouling of the compressor in the compressor stage from any contaminants entrapped or dissolved in the solvent, for example, by controlling a discharge temperature of the compressor, and/or using a type of compressor that is not susceptible to being disabled by fouling in at least the first stage. The discharge temperature can be controlled by providing the compressor with a pressure ratio selected to provide a desired discharge temperature.
US08308436B2 Apparatus for positioning a gearbox in a wind energy plant
An apparatus for positioning a gearbox in a wind energy plant, which gearbox is supported on a bearing structure of the wind energy plant by way of a torque support, wherein the torque support is mounted via at least one uncoupling element, which is arranged between torque support and bearing structure, wherein the torque support features at least one support body and an hydraulic apparatus with at least one hydraulic cylinder, by way of which the position of the support body is adjustable with respect to the bearing structure.
US08308428B2 Seal assembly retention feature and assembly method
A seal assembly includes a body having two circumferential sides, a leading end, and a trailing end. At least one of the circumferential sides includes a first channel sidewall, a second channel sidewall, and a channel bottom wall that together define a seal channel for receiving a seal. The seal channel includes a slot that cooperates with a tab on the seal to facilitate securing the seal within the seal channel.
US08308426B2 Shaft assembly for a gas turbine engine
A shaft assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a shaft, an annular fluid collection cavity, and a bearing. The shaft is rotatable around an axially extending shaft centerline. The annular fluid collection cavity is formed by an axial panel extending between a forward radial panel and an aft radial panel. The aft radial panel includes a plurality of fluid apertures, each fluid aperture having a center disposed at a first radius from the shaft centerline. The bearing includes an inner race having a shaft mounting surface and a plurality of axially extending race fluid passages. The shaft mounting surface is engaged with an exterior surface of the shaft, and is disposed at a second radius from the shaft centerline, wherein the second radius is less than the first radius. At least some of the axially extending race fluid passages are fluidly connected with at least some of the fluid apertures in the aft radial panel.
US08308424B2 Power generation system using helical turbine
A helical turbine power generation system is configured to generate electricity by using a helical turbine and an overload prevention generator. More specifically, the helical turbine is rotatably provided in a frame so as to continuously generate a rotation force under unidirectional or multidirectional fluid flow and a step-up gear is configured to increase the rotational velocity of the helical turbine up to a level required for generating electricity. Additionally, an overload prevention generator is incorporated to generate electricity by using the rotational velocity transferred from the step-up gear thereby preventing an overload caused by a sudden increase in the rotational velocity of the turbine.
US08308417B1 Method and system for transporting, loading, and unloading various types of goods
A method and system for transporting, loading, and unloading various types of goods can include a motor vehicle having a tractor portion and a rectilinear shaped cargo area portion. The cargo area portion can include three traditional sides and a curtain side. The various parts of the system can include, but are not limited to, the following: a front, first width, solid side of the rectilinear shaped cargo area that is adjacent to a tractor portion. The system can further include a solid side along a first length of the rectilinear shaped cargo area. A first door can be contained with the solid side along the first length. Adjacent to the first door, a side-mount liftgate can be positioned. A rear, second width, solid side of the rectilinear shaped cargo area can contain a second door. The second door can be a rolling type door.
US08308416B2 Transporter for ride-on power trowel
A vehicle for transporting a ride-on trowel includes a vehicle frame forming a bay sized to receive the ride-on trowel and a system for supporting the ride-on trowel from the vehicle frame. The vehicle frame includes a lower frame that surrounds the bay on three sides. The lower frame has an open rear end and a tapered front end and is configured to closely match the shape of the ride-on trowel outer frame.
US08308412B2 Adhesive applicator and bookmaking apparatus using the same
An adhesive applicator forms adhesive to a smooth surface at a predetermined thickness when applied to a sheet bundle edge. An adhesive storing container is disposed at an adhesive application position, and is equipped with an applicator roller device and a scraper blade that adjusts the thickness of the adhesive layer applied. A moving device drives the applicator roller device or the sheet bundle holding device so that the applicator roller device and scraper blade move relative to the sheet bundle. The scraper blade is configured to push or sweep away excess adhesive from one end of the sheet bundle to the other end thereof across the backside, removing excess adhesive while forming a smoothly finished surface of adequately softened and flow-able adhesive.
US08308406B2 Wheelchair stabilizing device
A wheelchair stabilizing device is presented. The device includes a latch spring-biased in the closed position, a mounting bracket, and a swing arm connecting the latch and the mounting bracket. Methods of use and manufacture are also provided.
US08308404B2 Tool holder provided with a damping means
The present invention relates to a tool holder, such as a reaming head (1), or a milling arbor, provided with a damping means (2) in the form of an elongated body, which is arranged in an end compartment (3) of the tool holder (1), which compartment is of appropriate shape and size, and closed at its end by a body (4) for receiving a reaming head or by a milling element.Tool holder characterized in that the damping means (2) is of the type presenting only radial absorption, and it is provided with at least one elastically deformable means (5), at least close to each end, where said elastically deformable means (5) extend between the envelope of the damping means (2) and the wall of the compartment (3) of the tool holder (1), and are clamped between the wall of the compartment (3) and the damping means (2), and where the ends of the damping means extend in the compartment (3) without stress.The invention is applicable more particularly in the field of accessories for machine tools, with digital control, machining centers, flexible cells and workshops.
US08308402B2 Drill body for chip removing machining
A drill body for chip removing machining, including an envelope surface which is concentric with a center axis around which the drill body is rotatable, and transforms into a front end surface, and a front cutting edge adjacent to a chip flute which is countersunk in the envelope surface in the area in front of the cutting edge as viewed in the direction of rotation of the drill body and runs out into the front end surface. In the front part of the chip flute, a depression is formed, which includes two part surfaces extending at an obtuse angle (α) to each other, one of which forms a bottom surface in the depression, and the other of which faces the cutting edge and is in front of the cutting edge as viewed in the direction of rotation to form a stop face for a chip removed by the cutting edge.
US08308399B2 Cutting insert and indexable tooth cutting tool using the same
A cutting insert is removably mountable on an insert seat formed in a peripheral of a tool body rotated around an axis O and of substantial disc shape. The cutting insert includes a substantially planar insert body of a substantially square shape in plan view, a flank at an upper face of the body, a rake face at a side of the body intersecting with the flank, and a cutting edge at an intersection ridge between the rake face and the flank. The cutting edge is a substantial involute in side view of the body, the rake face is inclined to an inside of the body from an upper toward a lower face, and at least a front end arranged in a peripheral of the tool body is concave constituting a part of a substantially conical side face.
US08308396B2 Flood vent
A flood vent is provided that allows the unimpeded flow of floodwater in a shuttered duct formed in a housing installed in a structure such as a building. A lower region of the duct is angled down between two and eight degrees from a horizontal plane to form a sill that sheds water to an exterior of the structure, and an upper region of the duct is pivotally fixed to a shutter positioned within the duct. The shutter is capable of swinging between a closed position and an open position in response to the presence of floodwater within at least a portion of the duct. Movement of the shutter to, from or through a closed position is hampered by a releasable coupling of the shutter to the sill by a fin.
US08308393B2 Detachable barrier having magnetic retainer
A device for securing a passageway comprising a barrier on a mounting member, the barrier being retained by magnetic attraction between the mounting member and the barrier, the mounting member being pivotably moveable between operative and inoperative positions.
US08308389B2 Apparatus and related methods for applying caulk, sealant, grout, or similar compounds
An apparatus for use when applying a compound from a dispensing tube comprises: a receptacle; a plurality of retaining rings mechanically coupled to the receptacle for attaching the apparatus to the dispensing tube; an application blade secured within the receptacle for contacting the compound being dispensed during application; optionally, a handle mechanically coupled on an opposite side of the receptacle from the plurality of retaining rings; and, optionally, at least one retaining clip for securing at least one of the plurality of retaining rings around a nozzle tip of the dispensing tube. Such apparatus and related methods facilitate initial application of the compound in an evenly distributed and desired topographical manner without requiring subsequent smoothing and/or shaping steps after contact of the compound with a surface to which it is applied.
US08308387B2 Force-sensing electronic pen with user-replaceable cartridge
A force-sensing electronic pen comprises a user-replaceable cartridge, a retaining boot for securely retaining the cartridge, a force sensor coupled to the retaining boot, a spring for biasing the retaining boot towards engagement with the force sensor; and an end-stop for limiting travel of the retaining boot against the bias of the spring. The cartridge is extractable from the pen by pulling the cartridge against the bias of the spring until the retaining boot engages with the end-stop. When the retaining boot engages with the end-stop, further pulling of the cartridge releases the cartridge from the retaining boot.
US08308379B2 Three-pole tilt control system for camera module
A novel camera module includes a housing having a lens unit receiving portion and an image capture device receiving portion, which includes a plurality of discrete support members. A lens unit is coupled to the lens unit receiving portion of the housing. An image capture device has a top surface, which includes an image sensor array. The top surface of the image capture device contacts the bottom of the discrete support members of the housing to align the tilt of the image capture device with respect to the housing. In a particular embodiment, the image capture device is mounted on a surface of a circuit substrate that is coupled to the housing. In an alternate embodiment, the housing is coupled directly to the image capture device.
US08308378B2 Barrier apparatus and image pickup apparatus
A barrier apparatus of the present invention includes: a support section having an opening portion; a pair of support shaft sections provided around the opening portion; a pair of shielding members having a proximal end portion supported rotatably by the support shaft section, and a distal end movable into and out of the opening portion by the rotation; a pair of engaging sections provided on the pair of shielding members, respectively, each extending from the proximal end portion of the shielding member to a side closer to the center of the opening portion than the support shaft section, and spaced a predetermined distance apart from the distal end of the other shielding member in an optical axis direction of the optical path; and a driving section that engages the pair of engaging sections, and rotates the pair of shielding members by the rotation.
US08308373B2 Pin type cage and method of assembling pin type cage
An outer tapered member (4) having a conical inner circumferential surface is placed and an inner tapered member (5) having a conical outer circumferential surface in contact with the conical inner circumferential surface is placed in a through hole (31) of a first ring (1). A screw member (6) is screwed a predetermined quantity into the through hole (31) to axially press an axial end face of the inner tapered member (5) toward a second ring (2) with a predetermined force and to press the outer surface of the outer tapered member (4) against the through hole (31) of the first ring (1) with a predetermined force. A weld part (7) in contact with a first ring (1) side end portion of a pin (3) and the first ring (1) is formed to prevent the pin (3) from coming out of the first ring (1) by the weld part (7).
US08308366B2 Self-aligning journal bearing
A rotary machine includes a housing, and a rotating component received therein for rotation relative to the housing. A shaft imparts rotational movement to the rotating component around a first axis from an associated motive input. A bearing assembly is interposed between the rotating shaft and the housing and the bearing assembly includes a bearing member that is self-aligning. The self-aligning bearing assembly includes a bearing member having a recess extending substantially parallel to the first axis, and a journal sleeve received in the recess and interposed between the shaft and the bearing member. The journal sleeve is fixed to the shaft for rotation therewith and includes a flexible joint connection with the shaft to permit self-alignment of the shaft and bearing.
US08308361B2 Cantilevered gantry apparatus for X-ray imaging
An x-ray scanning imaging apparatus with a rotatably fixed generally O-shaped gantry ring, which is connected on one end of the ring to support structure, such as a mobile cart, ceiling, floor, wall, or patient table, in a cantilevered fashion. The circular gantry housing remains rotatably fixed and carries an x-ray image-scanning device that can be rotated inside the gantry around the object being imaged either continuously or in a step-wise fashion. The ring can be connected rigidly to the support, or can be connected to the support via a ring positioning unit that is able to translate or tilt the gantry relative to the support on one or more axes. Multiple other embodiments exist in which the gantry housing is connected on one end only to the floor, wall, or ceiling. The x-ray device is particularly useful for two-dimensional multi-planar x-ray imaging and/or three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) imaging applications.
US08308360B1 Dry powder-coated dental X-ray film and associated method
A dental x-ray film preferably includes a dental x-ray casing adapted to be removably positioned within the patient mouth, an x-ray film contained within the dental x-ray casing, a protective cover removably positioned over the dental x-ray casing such that the dental x-ray casing and the x-ray film are completely contained within the protective cover. Such a protective cover is preferably formed from flexible fluid-impermeable material. A dry powder is preferably coated on a major surface area of an outer surface of at least one of the protective cover and the dental x-ray casing. Notably, the dry powder is fluid-soluble and includes an anesthetic agent and/or a flavoring agent capable of providing a numbing effect and a desirable taste when exposed to fluid, respectively, during the dental x-ray procedure.
US08308359B2 Semiconductor device having variable parameter selection based on temperature and test method
An apparatus including a temperature-sensing circuit. The temperature-sensing circuit can include an amplifier. The amplifier can include a positive input and a negative input. The negative input can be configured to be driven by a temperature-independent signal. A first transistor electrically can be connected to the positive input. The first transistor can be configured to be controlled by a temperature signal. A temperature threshold resistance and a hysteresis resistance can be electrically connected in series to the positive input. A second transistor can be electrically connected in parallel with the hysteresis resistance.
US08308357B2 Fluorescent temperature sensor
To provide a fluorescent temperature sensor wherein light is propagated reliably with an easy adjustment. A fluorescent temperature sensor for producing a temperature signal from fluorescent light of an optically excited fluorescent material includes: a light emitting device for projecting light to the fluorescent material; a photoreceiving element for receiving fluorescent light emitted from the fluorescent material 1; a case for housing both the light emitting device and the photoreceiving element; and an optical fiber, between the case and the fluorescent material, for propagating the light of both the light emitting device and the fluorescent material. The case and the optical fiber are positioned so that the light from the light emitting device is received within the optical fiber, and so that the light from the fluorescent material is incident on the photoreceiving element from within the optical fiber.
US08308356B2 Enclosure and method for temperature-sensitive components
Protective enclosure and method for protecting heat sensitive, data recording devices in high temperature environments. The protective enclosure has a housing having at least one compartment for containing a heat sensitive, data recording device, e.g., a temperature recording device, and a jacket configured to contain a phase change material. The jacket may be vented and configured to at least partially surround the compartment. The housing may be sealed with an endcap. The recording device and a heat absorbing element are disposed within the same or within adjoining or adjacent sub-compartments within the enclosure. In a method, the enclosure with heat absorbing element and temperature recording device is placed within a heated environment or environment to be heated, e.g., a furnace. The recording device is connected to a thermal couple.
US08308355B2 Cycle counting
The present invention provides a platform for a manufacturer of reusable medical apparatuses to provide timely post-sale service for replaceable parts. In one embodiment, the probe assembly of an electronic thermometer has a connector that is equipped with a memory device, e.g., EEPROM, that stores a variety of probe-specific service information including usage count of the probe, probe warranty information and error codes. The user can plug the connector, e.g., through an adapter module, to a local computer's USB port and submit the stored service information to a website maintained by the probe manufacturer to check up and get service for the specific probe in a timely fashion. Automatic alert for replacement probe orders depending on the amount of usage, automatic generation of RMA numbers when the probe warranty is determined to be in effect, and automatic service calls for malfunctioning thermometers can all be accomplished accordingly without the need for manual record-keeping. A healthcare provider can simply set aside a day at a scheduled interval to check all of its reusable medial apparatuses equipped with the invented system to keep them safe and effective.
US08308353B2 Ear thermometer and method of manufacturing ear thermometer
An ear thermometer which includes a temperature detection element and infrared detection element arranged near the opening portion of a probe achieves a reduction in manufacturing cost while reducing the influence of thermal shock. This invention provides an ear thermometer incorporating, in a probe, a temperature detection element to detect an environmental temperature and an infrared detection element to detect infrared radiation emitted from a temperature measurement region in an earhole. The probe includes an end face portion having an opening in its distal end, an inner surface portion of a hollow cylindrical member, and an inwardly protruding engaging portion. A detection element housing is fixed to close the opening of the probe and to form an air layer between the detection element housing and the probe.
US08308351B2 Apparatus for measuring the temperature coefficient of a concentrator photovoltaic module
Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring temperature coefficients of a concentrator photovoltaic module. The apparatus includes a solar simulator for providing a radiant source, a environment chamber, a concentrator photovoltaic module, a temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of environment chamber, a circuit-voltage curve measurement unit for measuring current-voltage characteristics of a photovoltaic device and a reference cell for measuring the irradiation of the solar simulator.
US08308349B1 Asymmetric heat flux sensor with in-situ drift compensation
A heat flux probe uses a thermoelectric module to heat a relatively large sensing surface while cooling a substantially smaller one that is connected to the thermoelectric module by an elongated thermal conductor. A temperature difference between either the two sensing surfaces or the heated sensing surface and the cooled end plate of the thermoelectric module is controlled to have a selected value. Then the temperature change along the elongated thermal conductor is used as a measure of heat flux. This approach reduces inaccuracies arising from the thermal characteristics of the thermoelectric module and allows for in situ compensation for drift errors.
US08308345B2 Device comprising a clock movement and a chronograph module
A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second. The organs of the base movement and of the chronograph module are arranged in such a way that in assembled state, the height and overall diameter do not exceed 7.75 mm and 30 mm respectively, the dimensions of the chronograph itself being not greater than 4 mm (height) and 30 mm (diameter) when its elements are mounted on a bottom plate, so that the device can advantageously be integrated in the case of a wrist-watch and affords an aesthetic exterior.
US08308341B2 Multipurpose lid, especially for liquids, including paint cans
The invention concerns a lid (2) comprising a skirt (3) for covering the opening of a can (1), in particular a paint can. The invention is characterized in that the skirt (3) comprises a peripheral edge (30), at least one stud (71) formed in the edge (30) and elastically coupled to said edge (30), at least one lock (72) mounted sliding on said edge such that said lock may take up a locking position wherein said lock is adapted to retain said stud in a position for engaging the lid on the can.
US08308335B2 Light emitting module
A light emitting module comprising a light-guide plate, a light source, and a light modulating film is provided. The light-guide plate has a light emitting surface and a light receiving surface. The light source is located at a side corresponding to the light receiving surface. The light modulating film is disposed on the light emitting surface. The light modulating film has a plurality of protruding bars located at a side away from the light emitting surface wherein each protruding bar has a vertex angle from 120° to 178°.
US08308331B2 LED backlighting for displays
A display system including a display panel having a first major surface and a second major surface and a lighting system adapted to provide uniform luminance proximal to the display panel is disclosed. The lighting system includes an illuminating substrate having a first major surface with reflective coating and a second major surface. The illuminating substrate defines an array of mounting holes, each hole occupied by an LED module. An array of light emitting diode (LED) modules are affixed to the illuminating substrate, each module including at least one light emitting diode adapted to emit light. The lighting system can also include a diffusant layer which can be optically coupled to the illuminating substrate by soft optical gel and is placed close to or made to contact the display panel. The optical gel may contain phosphors or other optical substance for added optical performance to the lighting system. The diffusant layer has beveled edges at critical angle of refraction or coated with reflective material to minimize light loss at its edges. Each of the LED modules includes at least one LED chip, conductive traces connected to the LED chip and a heat sink.
US08308327B2 Apparatus and method for providing a fail-safe in a head lamp apparatus
Provided is an apparatus and method for providing a fail-safe in a head lamp apparatus. In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for providing a fail-safe in a head lamp apparatus includes an apparatus for providing a fail-safe in a head lamp apparatus includes an optical module generating a plurality of beam patterns using a predetermined shield, a shield driving unit driving the shield in the optical module, a module driving unit controlling an irradiation angle of the optical module in leftward and rightward directions, a leveling driving unit controlling the irradiation angle of the optical module in upward and downward directions, and a controller controlling the shield driving unit, the module driving unit, and the leveling driving unit, wherein when a fail occurs to one of the shield driving unit, the module driving unit, and the leveling driving unit, the controller controls at least one driving unit which is normally operating to adjust the beam pattern or the beam irradiation angle of the optical module.
US08308324B2 High bay light
A high bay light including a mounting plate which may be secured to either a vertically disposed support or a horizontally disposed support. One to four LED light modules are secured to the mounting plate and are mounted thereon in such a way to achieve various lighting patterns.
US08308321B2 LED unit
An LED unit includes an LED having an optical axis and a lens mounted on the LED. The lens includes an incidence surface, an emission surface, and a light-reflecting face between the incidence surface and the emission surface. The light-reflecting face has a diameter gradually increasing from a bottom towards a top of the lens. The incidence surface includes a first incidence surface and a second incidence surface extending downwardly from a circumference of the first incidence surface and protruding inwardly towards the LED. Light emitted from the LED with a large angle is refracted by the second incidence surface into substantially parallel beams in one side of a cross-section of the lens through the optical axis of the LED, and the parallel beams are sequentially reflected by the light-reflecting face and refracted by the emission surface out of the lens in substantially parallel beams.
US08308320B2 Light emitting diode modules with male/female features for end-to-end coupling
A light fixture includes multiple LED modules, with each LED module including a substrate on which one or more LED's are disposed. The LED modules can interface with one another in a variety of different configurations such that when adjacent LED modules interface with one another, there is a substantially continuous array of LED's across the LED modules. Electrical connectors or other means for powering the LED modules are disposed such that they do not impact the continuity of light across adjacent LED modules.
US08308319B2 Lighting device
A lighting device includes a light source unit having a substrate and a light emitting diode disposed on the substrate, a heat sink having an inner surface on which the light source unit is disposed and at least one opening, and a top plate being disposed on the heat sink and having a reflective surface which reflects light from the light source unit in a particular direction.
US08308318B2 Sustainable outdoor lighting system
A method of generating light involves energizing one or more first light emitting elements thereby generating primary illumination of a first wavelength range over a target area, and energizing one or more second light emitting elements thereby generating secondary illumination of a second wavelength range toward the target area during a critical period. Both the primary illumination and the secondary illumination are combined within at least a portion of the target area thereby enhancing at least one visual property within the at least a portion of the target area.
US08308313B2 Jet driven rotating ultraviolet lamps for curing floor coatings
A machine for applying ultraviolet light to curable coatings on floors and other wide area surfaces. A housing encloses rotating arms carrying UV lamps spinning about a central axis. Rotation is caused by reactive momentum from heated air jets coming from fans in barrels blowing air over heated wires, resembling hand held hair dryers, with the barrels supported under rotating arms. The heated wires are ballast for the lamps, providing thermal and electrical stability. The rotating lamps cover an annular pattern which, when advanced forwardly, becomes a linear swath, almost as wide as the housing. A floor, or similar surface, can be cured in a few minutes.
US08308312B2 Vehicle meter
A vehicle meter is provided including a dial 10 and light sources provided on the rear face of the dial. A plurality of characters can be arranged on the dial and can be displayed by transmitting light from the light sources (a plurality of LEDs 25) and formed differently from each other in amount of transmitted light. The characters arranged on the dial may be provided with an increased and decreased amount of transmitted light to improve the visibility of the character intended to be emphasized. This makes it easy to visually recognize the entire string of characters in the vehicle meter.
US08308309B2 Lighting device and projector
A lighting device includes: a light source which emits light around a light source axis; a reflector which has a plurality of reflection surfaces for reflecting light emitted from the light source; a plurality of converging units each of which is provided for the corresponding reflection surface of the plural reflection surfaces to receive light released from the corresponding reflection surface; and a stacking system which stacks light having passed the plural converging units on a light receiving area wherein each of the plural reflection surfaces is formed by a part of a spheroid having focuses at the position of the corresponding converging unit and the position of the light source, and each focal distance of the plural converging units becomes longer as the distance between the position of the converging unit and the light source axis increases.
US08308308B2 Device and method for driving discharge lamp, light source device, and projector that records an operation history of applied start-up pulses
A lamp driving device that drives a discharge lamp, includes: a start-up circuit configured to apply a start-up pulse for starting an operation of the discharge lamp; a non-volatile memory configured to store data therein; and a history recording unit configured to record an operation history of the applying of the start-up pulse that is performed by the start-up circuit in the non-volatile memory.
US08308303B2 Projector having cooling duct including flow paths for directing cooling air over light modulation devices
A projector includes: spatial light modulation devices; and a cooling duct configured to flow a cooling air for sequentially cooling the spatial light modulation devices, the cooling duct has a first flow path formed by portions including the light entrance surface of at least one of the spatial light modulation devices for the respective color lights, a second flow path formed by portions including the light exit surface of the corresponding spatial light modulation device, and a junction area where the cooling air flowing through the first flow path and the cooling air flowing through the second flow path join each other, and the junction area is disposed at a downstream position of the cooling air with respect to the spatial light modulation device provided for a predetermined color light whose light amount is the maximum in the respective color lights that enter the light entrance surface.
US08308302B2 Laser scanning imaging system with reduced speckle
An imaging system (200) is configured to reduce perceived speckle (106) in images (201) by introducing angular diversity into consecutively projected images. The imaging system (200) includes one or more laser sources (203) that are configured to produce one or more light beams (215). A light modulator (204) scans these light beams (215) to produce images. A light translation element (206) introduces the angular diversity by physically altering a light reception location (208) on the light modulator (204) between refresh sweeps. To preserve image stability, image data (220) in a memory (218) can be correspondingly shifted.
US08308300B2 Color separation optical system and image projection apparatus
A color separation optical system is disclosed which is effective in improving black color and black unevenness. Linearly polarized light impinging on a dichroic surface at an incident angle smaller than 45 degrees and then impinging on a polarization beam splitting surface at an incident angle larger than 45 degrees is referred to as first incident-angle light. A wavelength which is longer than a wavelength at the maximum transmittance of the dichroic surface for the first incident-angle light and at which the transmittance of the dichroic surface for the first incident-angle light is 10% is referred to as Wa, and a wavelength range shorter than Wa is referred to as W. The polarization beam splitting surface has a characteristic in which its transmittance for the first incident-angle light in the wavelength range W is 5% or lower.
US08308296B2 Vision testing apparatus and method
A testing device and method are presented for detecting binocular vision problems in patients. The testing device includes a body with a flat portion disposed along one side. Extending outwardly from the top of the body is an actuating means. The device further includes a first set of lights disposed on the surface of the device a first distance away from a center point and a second set of lights disposed a second distance away from the center point. Each of the lights in the first set are smaller than each of the lights in the second set. Further, the second distance is shorter than the first distance.
US08308293B2 Polarizing lens
An aspect of the present invention relates to a polarizing lens comprising a polarizing layer on a substrate, wherein the polarizing layer comprises polarization axes that are at least partly curved.
US08308292B2 Soft contact lens
A soft contact lens for fitting to a cornea includes a lens main body made of a light permeable member. The lens main body has a diameter larger than that of a light-shielding portion which shields incident light incident to the cornea. The light-shielding portion includes a main body constituting a light-shielding member, an aperture that allows incident light to be transmitted, the aperture being positioned on a position of the main body of the light-shielding portion, and multiple holes that maintain a scotopic vision and a night vision, the holes being provided around the aperture in the main body of the light-shielding portion and each of the holes having a diameter smaller than that of the aperture.
US08308289B2 Leaf spring hinges for eyeglasses
A leaf spring hinge comprising a leaf spring member that is integrally formed with or fixedly connected to a lug or a temple is provided. The leaf spring member is provided at least with a leaf spring suspended and bent from a base. The leaf spring is bent in the form of an R-letter or U-letter. The leaf spring hinge has simple structure and reliable resilience, and is solid, durable and easy to manufacture.
US08308288B2 Medium holding apparatus and image forming apparatus
The medium holding apparatus includes: a medium holding device having a plurality of suction grooves through which a sheet-shaped medium is held by suction; and a suction pressure generating device which is connected to the suction grooves and generates a suction pressure in each of the suction grooves, wherein the suction pressure in one of the suction grooves that holds a first end portion of the sheet-shaped medium is made stronger than the suction pressure in one of the suction grooves that holds a central portion of the sheet-shaped medium.
US08308287B2 Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus comprises a transfer unit having a transfer surface for holding a recording medium and transferring the recording medium held on the transfer surface, a recording head opposed to the transfer unit and recording images on the recording medium transferred by the transfer unit, a suction-force changing unit drawing the recording medium, a support member providing at substantially the same height as the transfer surface of the transfer unit and supporting the suction-force changing unit, and a suction unit drawing the recording medium to a surface of the support member, via the suction-force changing unit.
US08308285B2 Inkjet printer
An inkjet printer includes a printing unit, a transfer route, a heating chamber, and a heater. The printing unit ejects ink onto a sheet through nozzles of the inkjet heads. The transfer route transfers the sheet as printed at the printing unit. The heating chamber accommodates at least part of the transfer route to heat the sheet as transferred in the transfer route. The heater heats inside the heating chamber. The heating chamber is sectioned into sub-chambers along the transfer route, including a first sub-chamber to be heated by the heater and a second sub-chamber to be lower in temperature than the first sub-chamber and located between the printing unit and the first sub-chamber.
US08308283B2 Filter and ink-jet recording apparatus having the same
A filter, the alignment of which does not need to be adjusted, and an ink-jet recording apparatus having such a filter are provided, the ink-jet recording apparatus capable of avoiding leakage of residual liquids in filter exchange operation. The filter of the present invention includes an upper capsule member, a lower capsule member, and a filter medium. The upper capsule member has a central connecting port and a peripheral connecting port, and also has a pipe section that extends, within the capsule, from the peripheral connecting port to the vicinity of the bottom surface (the deepest section) of the lower capsule member. A liquid supplied from the peripheral connecting port via the pipe section is filtered through the filter medium, and the filtered liquid is output from the central connecting port.
US08308282B2 Ink jet recording device
An ink jet recording device, comprises: a main body equipped with an ink container which accumulate ink, an ink supply pump which supplies the ink, an ink recovery pump which recovers the ink, and a control unit; a printing head equipped with a nozzle which jets the ink supplied from the main body as ink particles, an electrification electrode which electrifies the ink particles, a deflection electrode which deflects the electrified ink particles, and a gutter which collects ink particles which are not used for printing; and a cable in which an ink supply flow path for supplying the ink from the main body to the printing head, an ink recovery flow path for returning the ink particles collected by the gutter into the ink container, an exhaust circulation path which connects the ink container and the gutter, and various signal lines for connecting the control unit and the printing head, are arranged. The gutter comprises two members of an ink flow path block in which ink flows, and exhaust flow path block in which exhaust solvent vapor flows.
US08308280B2 Inkjet recording head and manufacturing method thereof
An inkjet recording head, wherein a support member being formed by at least two layers is provided between an ink supply member and a recording element substrate having a substrate, which includes discharge ports to discharge ink and an energy generating element to generate energy to discharge the ink from the discharge ports.
US08308279B2 Sealing device for fluid reservoir
A sealing device is disclosed that includes a latching feature configured to facilitate latching of the sealing device to a fluid reservoir; a first region configured to seal or substantially seal a fluid-discharge port on the fluid reservoir from fluid loss when the sealing device is latched to the fluid reservoir; and a second region configured to protect a circuit device on the fluid reservoir when the sealing device is latched to the fluid reservoir. Accordingly, the presently disclosed sealing device provides an effective solution to not only sealing the fluid-discharge ports on the fluid reservoir, but also protecting the circuit device.
US08308278B2 System and method for operating a conduit to transport fluid through the conduit
A fluid transport apparatus facilitates flow of fluid from a source to a receptacle. The fluid transport apparatus includes a fluid transport conduit for transporting fluid, the fluid transport conduit having an inlet end that is coupled to a fluid supply and an outlet end that is coupled to a receptacle, a deforming member positioned proximate the fluid transport conduit and configured to deform a portion of the fluid transport conduit selectively and propel fluid through the fluid transport conduit, and a restoring member positioned proximate the fluid transport conduit and configured to exert a force against the fluid transport conduit that opposes the deforming of the fluid transport conduit.
US08308276B2 Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes: first and second pressure generating chambers which are provided in parallel on a flow path forming substrate such that each of the first and second pressure generating chambers forms a row so as to communicate with nozzle openings for ejecting liquids; first and second piezoelectric devices which causes the volumes of the first and second pressure generating chambers to change, respectively, through a vibration plate formed on the flow path forming substrate; a common fixing member which is arranged between the first and second piezoelectric devices at a position opposite to the first and second pressure generating chambers, a part of each of the first and second piezoelectric devices being bonded to the common fixing member; and a signal line film which has input terminals through which a driving signal for driving the first and second piezoelectric devices is supplied from the outside and output terminals through which the driving signal is supplied to the first and second piezoelectric devices, the signal line film having flexibility. In this case, the signal line film includes a first wiring portion having the input terminals and the output terminals for supplying the driving signal to the first piezoelectric device at one side face of the fixing member, and a second wiring portion extending from the first wiring portion to the other side face of the fixing member and having the output terminals for supplying the driving signal to the second piezoelectric devices.
US08308275B2 Dispenser including array of liquid dispensing elements
A liquid dispenser includes an array of liquid dispensing elements positioned on a substrate. Each liquid dispensing element includes a liquid dispensing channel positioned on the substrate. The liquid dispensing channel includes an outlet opening positioned on a wall opposite the substrate. A diverter member is associated with the liquid dispensing channel. A liquid return channel is positioned on the substrate in fluid communication with the liquid dispensing channel. A liquid supply channel is positioned on the substrate in fluid communication with the liquid dispensing channel. A liquid supply passage extends through the substrate in fluid communication with the liquid supply channel. A liquid return passage extends through the substrate in fluid communication with the liquid return channel. A liquid supply provides liquid that flows from each liquid supply channel through each liquid dispensing element to each liquid return channel. Each diverter member is selectively activated to divert a portion of the liquid flowing through the associated liquid dispensing channel through the outlet opening of the associated liquid dispensing channel to dispense a drop of the liquid.
US08308273B2 Printhead assembly incorporating plural printhead integrated circuits sealed to support member with polymer sealing film
A pagewidth printhead assembly includes a plurality of printhead integrated circuits linked end to end across a width of the pagewidth printhead assembly; a support molding to which the plurality of printhead integrated circuits are sealed, the support molding defining a plurality of ink channels; a plurality of etched channels provided on an underside of each printhead integrated circuit, each etched channel defining along a length thereof a plurality of ink inlets for receiving ink from one of the plurality of ink channels; and a polymer sealing film for sealing the printhead integrated circuits to the support molding, the polymer sealing film defining therethrough a plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of etched channels is divided into two or more separate channel sections separated by respective channel wall structures. Each opening of the polymer film is in fluid communication with ink inlets of two separate channel sections.
US08308270B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head having a nozzle configured to jet a liquid drop of ink; a cap member configured to be moved between a sealing position where a nozzle surface of the recording head is sealed and an opening position where the nozzle surface is opened; a waste liquid tank movably provided and configured to receive a waste liquid of the ink, the waste liquid being generated by idle-ejecting the liquid drop not contributing to image forming from the recording head; and a moving part configured to move the waste liquid tank tied to movement of the cap member. A position of the waste liquid tank in a case of idle-ejection being performed from the recording head last time and another position of the waste liquid tank in a case of idle-ejection being performed from the recording head this time are different.
US08308268B2 Inkjet recording apparatus and inkjet recording method
When the width of a recording head is greater than the width of a recording medium having a maximum conveyable width, a recorded image corresponding to ejecting ports in the entire area of the recording head cannot be corrected. Multiple correction test patterns are recorded using ejecting ports in part of the recording head, and correction data for correcting an image corresponding to ejecting ports in the entire area of the recording head on the basis of the colorimetric result of the test patterns. In this way, image data to be recorded by the ejecting ports in the entire area of the recording head is corrected.
US08308267B2 Droplet discharge device, method for discharging droplet, method for forming pattern, pattern formed member, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
A droplet discharge device includes a head for discharging a functional liquid, a driving voltage generation unit for generating a driving voltage to drive the head, first and second temperature acquisition units, a temperature difference computing unit, and a driving voltage correction unit. The first and second temperature acquisition units are configured to acquire temperature of the functional liquid in the head as first and second temperatures, respectively, when the head is in a head waiting state and in a head driven state, respectively. The temperature difference computing unit is configured to compute a temperature difference between the first and second temperatures. The driving voltage correction unit is configured to correct the driving voltage based on the temperature difference. The driving voltage generation unit is configured to generate the corrected driving voltage to the head when the head is in the head driven state.
US08308260B2 Liquid discharging apparatus, liquid discharging method, and discharge pulse setting method
A liquid discharging apparatus includes: a pressure chamber communicated with a nozzle; an element which performs the operation of imparting a pressure change to liquid in the pressure chamber; and a pulse generation section which generates a preceding discharge pulse and a following discharge pulse that operate the element, and determines a period from the end of the generation of the preceding discharge pulse to the start of the generation of the following discharge pulse in accordance with the liquid droplet amount which is discharged from the nozzle.
US08308257B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus and method of manufacturing liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a driving element driven by a driving waveform and a nozzle that ejects liquid. Two first driving waveforms and a second driving waveform are generated in a period to create a driving signal in which the two first and the second driving waveforms are repeatedly generated. When the first driving waveform is applied to the driving element, a first amount of liquid is ejected from the nozzle. When the two first driving waveforms are applied, twice the first amount is ejected. When the second driving waveform is applied, a second amount of liquid larger than the first amount and smaller than twice the first amount is ejected. When the two first driving waveforms and the second driving waveform are applied to the driving element, an amount of liquid smaller than a sum of twice the first amount and the second amount is ejected.
US08308254B2 Liquid jet apparatus
A liquid jet apparatus according to the invention is a liquid jet apparatus adapted to emit a jet of a liquid by driving an actuator of a liquid jet head with a drive signal including a digital power amplifier and a low pass filter provided to the liquid jet head so as to correspond to the actuator, and adapted to power-amplify and smooth a modified signal from a control circuit to form the drive signal, wherein the low pass filter is coupled directly with the actuator, and the digital power amplifier is provided with a pair of switching elements and a gate drive circuit, and ON-OFF controls the gate drive circuit based on print data, thereby performing one of output and halt of the drive signal.
US08308253B2 Ink jet image forming apparatus and method of controlling the same
An ink jet image forming apparatus includes a reset correction unit to restrict a heater driving time so as to prevent a heater from being damaged due to overheating when an error occurs in a system clock. The reset correction unit may determine that an error occurs in the system clock if a discharging voltage of at least one charging circuit, which performs a charging operation using the system clock, is decreased to a reference voltage. In this case, the reset correction unit can generate a reset signal having an initial state such that the heater is no longer driven.
US08308250B2 Rack system for an appliance
A rack system for an appliance is provided. The rack system includes a door link, a first coupler link, a first rack, a bracket, a second coupler link, and a second rack. The door link is attached to an appliance door. The first coupler link is attached to the door link and connected to the first rack. The bracket is attached to either the first rack or the second rack. The second coupler link is attached to the bracket at one of the sites for attachment and connected to whichever one of either the first or second racks to which the bracket is not attached. The linear movement of the first and second racks can be non-staggered or staggered depending on the attachment site of the bracket to which the second coupler link is attached.
US08308249B2 Convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels
A convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels, as well as features and aspects thereof, provides for the alignment of the leading edge of a side panel with the leading edge of a main viewing panel regardless of whether the convertible food guard system is in a cafeteria mode or a buffet mode. Exemplary embodiments of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels comprise, generally, positionable or translatable side panel components. More particularly, exemplary embodiments employ sliding adjustable side panel systems that may be comprised of a single side panel component or a plurality of side panel components. Advantageously, the use of adjustable side panels with a convertible food guard system enables the side panels to align with the leading edge of the main viewing panel when the system is in a buffet mode and retract out of the consumer's way when the system is in a cafeteria mode.
US08308244B2 Apparatus for retaining seatbelt webbing away from a seatback split line
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seatback moveably connected to a seat base. The seatback has an upright position and a folded position. A stationary bolster is located on an outboard lateral side of the seatback. The seatback and the stationary bolster define a seat split line. A seatbelt assembly has a seatbelt webbing and a tongue joined to the seatbelt webbing. A portion of the seatbelt webbing extends along the split line when the seatbelt webbing is in a non-use condition and the seatback is in the upright position. An apparatus connected to at least one of the side bolster and seatbelt assembly retains the seatbelt webbing away from the split line as the seatback is moved between the upright position and the folded position.
US08308243B2 Accessory for aiding those working on their motor skills
An accessory for a chair having two or more front legs, for use in cooperation with at least one of the front legs of the chair and for providing a good platform for a person's foot or feet while sitting in the chair working on motor skills, the accessory comprising one or more board items comprising one or more board-like items, including planks, of various thicknesses having on or in each item at least one restraining device having one or more chair-leg contacting surfaces that will prevent a child, while sitting in the chair, from moving the board-like item out of its functional place with his feet. The chair accessory is used with a chair including a child's chair to provide a foot rest when the chair occupant's legs are too short to allow the occupant's feet to reach the floor to provide stability necessary to permit more advanced fine motor development.
US08308241B2 Mobile ergonomic rotating adjustable chair with lumbar support
An apparatus for sitting, including: a keystone assembly which connects various parts of the apparatus; a back that provides support for at least a person's back or shoulders; a floating lumbar support, which provides support for a person's lower back, attached to the keystone assembly; a seat that can adjust between a forward tilted and reclined position; a plurality of rollers, disposed on the keystone assembly, on which the seat rests; a central column, attached to the keystone assembly, on which the seat can spin; and a lower torsion spring connected to the seat and disposed on the keystone assembly allowing controlled movement of the seat.
US08308240B1 Adjustable lumbar support assembly for a chair
An adjustable lumbar support assembly for a chair includes a base, a lumbar support, and an angle adjustment assembly. The base is formed at a lower end of the backrest of the chair. Bar sections bilaterally formed at a lower end of the lumbar support are positioned across the base. The angle adjustment assembly is connected with one bar section of the lumbar support and the base. To tilt the lumbar support forward or backward, a pulling rod is pulled backward to bring the lumbar support into a free state where projections on corresponding surfaces of a positioning element and a moving element mounted around the pulling rod are pressed against each other to allow manual adjustment of the lumbar support for optimal support. When the pulling rod is pushed back, the lumbar support enters a locked state where the positioning element and the moving element are in projection-recess engagement.
US08308238B2 Seat device for vehicle
In a seatbelt device for a sub seat, a retractor to wind up a webbing is attached to a sub-seat back support member. A buckle to detachably hold a tongue provided at the webbing is provided on a side of the sub-seat cushion which is opposite to a disposition side of the main seat in a vehicle width direction. Accordingly, the seat device for a vehicle which can ensure the sufficient sitting rigidity of the sub seat and the proper support rigidity of the retractor can be provided.
US08308237B2 Image display
An image display device comprising a plurality of seats arranged at least in a front-to-back direction, each of the seats having a backrest of a variable angle, an image display panel installed on the back of each seat, an angle sensing unit for detecting an angle of the backrest of the seat, a tilt angle calculating unit for calculating a tilt angle of the image display panel based on an output data of the angle sensing unit related to each of two adjoining seats in the front-to-back direction, and a tilt controller unit for controlling the tilt angle of the image display panel according to an output data of the tilt angle calculating unit.
US08308235B2 Vehicle seat assembly
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back and a seat base extending forward from a lower end of the seat back. The seat base is formed of a first foam member extending laterally across the seat base to absorb loads and a second foam member formed over the first member to form a seating surface of the seat base. At least one wire frame section is secured to the first foam member and extends rearwardly therefrom toward a rear of the seat base for mounting the seat base to an associated vehicle body.
US08308232B2 Seat for amusement apparatus
A seat for amusement apparatus including a support and means for immobilizing the user on the support. The immobilizing means comprise at least one support in front of the user and opposing means suitable for acting on the user's back. The opposing means comprises an arm which can move between a lowered position in which the user can sit down on the support and a raised position in which one end of the arm abuts against the user's back. The seat may optionally have a motorcycle shape and include handlebars and retractable leg extensions projecting from each side of the seat for maintaining a user's legs in a crouched motorcycle riding position.
US08308230B2 Leg frame and child chair having the same
When a leg frame is assembled to a seat, the child chair is used as a high chair. When the leg frame is detached from the seat, the child chair may be served as a booster. Legs of the detached leg frame are further assembled with a footrest for storage purpose. The footrest has coupling slots that are formed by resilient arms to hold the detached legs. The footrest may also serve as a pedal for feet when the leg frame is assembled to the seat.
US08308226B2 Storage panel assembly for a vehicle
A storage panel assembly for a vehicle includes a panel having a louvered exterior and internal surfaces. A vent structure is formed on a portion of the panel. At least one jack wrench clip assembly is formed on the portion of the panel including the vent structure. The exterior louvered surface of the panel remains unblemished.
US08308219B2 Z-fold convertible top with pressurized rear bow
A convertible top and method of operating the convertible top is disclosed. The top has a power cylinder that is mounted to the top stack linkage that lifts the one bow from the windshield header on a four bar link and also simultaneously releases the pressure applied by a pressure link to the rear bow. The pressure link includes an upper link and a lower link that are locked together in an over-center relationship when the top is extended to eliminate vibration of the rear bow or lifting the rear bow off of the rear deck.
US08308218B2 Bi-fold popup soft tonneau cover
A tonneau cover system for use in conjunction with a storage bed having an upwardly directed opening. The tonneau cover system includes a frame portion and a cover portion. The frame portion includes a first mounting track, a second mounting track, a first frame member, a second frame member a first hinge mechanism and a second hinge mechanism. The first frame member has a first end and a second end. The second frame member has a first end and a second end. The first hinge mechanism operably attaches the first ends of the first frame member and the second frame member to the first mounting track. The second hinge mechanism operably attaches the second ends of the first frame member and the second frame member to the second mounting track. The cover portion extends over the frame portion.
US08308216B2 Adjustable cushioned intermediate system for seat, in particular for vehicle seat
An adjustable cushioned intermediate system for vehicle seats may have at least four shock absorbers, at least four actuators and at least one accelerometer and/or as many loading cells as shock absorbers and a control unit suitable for controlling the actuators. On the basis of the information obtained from the accelerometer and/or from the loading cells, as to oppose the stresses affecting the seat and improve the comfort of the passenger.
US08308213B1 Trailer with adjustable interior size and adjustable track
An enclosed trailer may comprise an enclosure having an interior defined by at least two lateral enclosure portions. The lateral enclosure portions are laterally movable between a contracted condition with a smaller interior volume and an expanded condition with a larger interior volume. The trailer may comprise a support frame including two lateral frame portions laterally movable between a contracted condition corresponding to the contracted condition of the lateral enclosure portions and an expanded condition corresponding to the expanded condition of the lateral enclosure portions. The trailer may further include a frame movement assembly configured to move the lateral frame portions between the expanded and contracted conditions, and a pair of wheels with each wheel being mounted on one lateral frame portion such that the wheels move laterally inward and outward with the frame portions as the frame portions move between the contracted and expanded conditions.
US08308212B2 Cot fastening system
A method and cot fastening system for a patient transport vehicle having a rearwardly located patient access which meet the pull requirements for vertical and lateral movement are disclosed. The system comprises a rear mounting part, which mounts on the floor of the transport vehicle adjacent the patient access; a forward mounting part which mounts on the floor forward of the access, rails connecting the rear mounting part to the forward mounting part, and a release mechanism. The rails of the cot fastening system help guide the cot into the vehicle and to the forward mounting part. When the cot has reached the forward mounting part, a cross-member which forms part of the cot undercarriage, is urged against a pair of automatically locking securing mechanisms of the forward mounting part which secures the cot thereto as well as to the rear mounting part via catches.
US08308204B2 Window securing means and methods
An assembly for securing an openable aperture closure member (11) in closed position relative to an aperture defines by a main frame (12), the aperture closure member (11) including a mechanically rotational element (24, 44, 54) for securing said closure member (11) to the frame (12), the assembly for securing comprising a push and/or pull actuation assembly (35) for easing the securing and/or releasing process for the aperture closure member, the actuation assembly including a handle bar (26) and at least one connecting member (37) which operably connects the handle bar (36) to the mechanical element (24, 44, 54); wherein the push and/or pull actuation assembly (35) is adapted to be translationally movable by an operator and the connecting member (37) is adapted to convert translational movement of the actuation assembly (35) into rotational forcing movement of the mechanically rotational element (24, 44, 54).
US08308201B2 Crimp fitting for corrugated stainless steel tubing
A fitting incorporating a crimp sealing device and a method of forming a seal between a length of corrugated tubing and the fitting are provided. A sealing crimp is formed over at least one corrugation of the tubing, where the sealing crimp can utilize a preformed bend or bulge to form a crimp and seal. Alternatively, the sealing crimp can apply pressure radially against an outer sleeve of the fitting, such that at least one corrugation of the tubing is compressed axially or radially to form a primary seal. The outer sleeve also can include one or more gaskets arranged between the outer sleeve and the tubing for forming a secondary seal. An inner sleeve can be received radially inside the outer sleeve, and one or more gaskets can be arranged between the inner sleeve and the tubing. Further, a jacket crimp can be applied against an end of the sleeve member to contact a jacket that at least partially covers the tubing.
US08308199B2 Electrical isolation connector for electromagnetic gap sub
A gap sub assembly can be used to form an electrical isolation in a drill string, across which a voltage is applied to generate a carrier signal for an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry system. The assembly comprises two conductive generally cylindrical components fashioned with a matching set of male and female rounded coarse threads, held such that a relatively uniform interstitial space is formed in the overlap space between them. The third component is a substantially dielectric electrical isolator component placed into the gap between the threads that effectively electrically isolates the two conductive components. Injecting the dielectric material under high pressure forms a tight bond resistant to the ingress of conductive drilling fluids (liquids, gases or foam), thus forming a high pressure insulating seal.
US08308197B2 Diffractive security element with individualized code
Described is a security element for increasing the forgery-proof nature of a security document, in particular an identity card or pass, a passport or an identification card. The security element (1) has a first diffractive region (15) having an open code which is visible with a naked eye. The first diffractive region further has a concealed code which is not visible with the naked eye and which can be reconstructed from the arrangement of diffractive microregions disposed in the first region (1) and/or from the structure of the first diffractive region (1). Further described is a method of increasing the forgery-proof nature of a security document.
US08308196B2 Label sheet
A label sheet, includes: a label base material; a release liner; an adhesive layer which is formed between the label base material and the release liner; and wires that are disposed between the label base material and the release liner so as to be respectively placed on lines coupling at least one of two pairs of opposed sides of the label base material in a manner that both ends of each of the wires respectively locate at positions away from the corresponding sides coupled by each of the lines by 0.2 mm or more.
US08308194B2 Folding booklet
A folding booklet is disclosed having a booklet cover and one or more of booklet pages in which are formed a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal fold lines defining a plurality of longitudinal panels and a plurality of transverse fold lines defining a plurality of transverse panels. The longitudinal panels can be folded along the longitudinal fold lines to overlay one another and the transverse panels can be folded along the transverse fold lines to overlay one another. The cover can then be folded along a booklet cover fold line to completely contain the folded booklet pages.
US08308193B2 Vehicle frame assembly and method
A frame assembly for a vehicle includes a subframe, a collar assembly with a collar member and a mounting pin, and a main frame with a saddle. The main frame has a contact side that faces toward the collar assembly and the saddle is located on the contact side. The subframe is connected to the main frame with a bolt that extends from the subframe and into a bore in the mounting pin. The mounting pin is in contact with the saddle.
US08308192B2 Airbag device
An airbag is quickly inflated and deployed along an inner side wall of a vehicle while suppressing variations of the deployment direction of the airbag inflated and deployed from an upper part of the vehicle. An upper edge side of an airbag (2), which deploys first, is bellows-folded to form a bellows portion (2J), and a lower edge side continuous with the bellows portion (2J) is roll-folded toward the vehicle's exterior side (G) to form a roll-folded portion (2R). The roll-folded portion (2R) is formed to have a larger width than the bellows portion (2J) in the vehicle's width direction and the both sides thereof are folded back upward. The bellows portion (2J) is folded in substantially half and is wrapped by the roll-folded portion (2R) from below and is accommodated therein. When the airbag (2) deploys, first, the bellows portion (2J), whose deployment is restricted by the roll-folded portion (2R) on both sides, deploys toward the lower side of the vehicle, and the roll-folded portion (2R) is pushed by the deployment force thereof toward the trim (50) and opens the trim (50), through which the roll-folded portion (2R) pops out and deploys in the vehicle.
US08308182B2 Trailer connection assist system
A trailer connection assist system includes a towing vehicle having a hitch receiver, a trailer having a trailer hitch, a system controller, a position sensor provided on the hitch receiver and the trailer hitch and communicating with the system controller, a vehicle motor of the towing vehicle interfacing with the system controller, vehicle wheels of the towing vehicle interfacing with the vehicle motor and a steering system connected to the system controller and the vehicle wheels and adapted to steer the vehicle wheels. The system controller is adapted to operate the vehicle motor and the steering system responsive to input from the position sensor. A method of aligning a hitch with a hitch receiver provided on a towing vehicle is also disclosed.
US08308181B2 Means for electrically connecting a vehicle electrical system to a trailer
A means for electrically connecting a vehicle electrical system to a trailer is disclosed which automatically connects the same when the hitch of the trailer is mounted on the vehicle hitch. Four different embodiments of the invention are disclosed.
US08308178B2 Collapsible bicycle
A collapsible bicycle (1) has a frame (2) collapsible in its plane. The frame (2) includes a head tube (3) having a collapsible bicycle front side end (10) in which a front wheel fork (12), which receives a front wheel (13), is mounted. A seat stay (5) has an end (38) receiving a seat tube (39). A lever (6) is articulated at a first articulation point (50) at a collapsible bicycle rear side end (37) of the head tube (3) and at a second articulation point (49) at the end (38) of the seat stay (5) receiving the seat tube (39). The lever (6) is arranged to the collapsible bicycle front side in a riding position of the collapsible bicycle (1). A down tube (4) is articulated at a third articulation point (18) at the collapsible bicycle front side end (10) of the head tube (3) and at a fourth articulation point (24) at an end (38a) of the seat stay (5), opposite the end (38) of the seat tube (39). The first, second, third and fourth articulation points (50; 49; 18; 24) are arranged in such a way, that, for moving the collapsible bicycle (1) from the riding position into a sliding position or from the sliding position into the riding position, respectively, the end (38) of the seat stay (5) receiving the seat tube (39) is shiftable in a direction (117) towards the head tube (3) or in a direction (119) away from the head tube, respectively.
US08308177B2 Vehicle access system with powered lift
A lift assembly installable on a vehicle. The lift assembly includes a support structure securable to the vehicle, a pair of parallel vertically extending geared tracks and a vertically moveable drive assembly. The drive assembly includes (a) a mounting structure; (b) a selectively reversible motor; (c) a pair of gears; and (d) a moveable first tread. The gears are engaged with the tracks and rotatably supported on the mounting structure. The gears are also drivingly coupled with the motor wherein operation of the motor selectively raises and lowers the mounting structure relative to the support structure. The moveable first tread is secured to the mounting structure and is adapted to support an operator whereby raising and lowering the mounting structure raises and lowers an operator positioned on the first tread. In some embodiments, the lift assembly includes water-resistant foot-operable switches to control the raising and lowering of the mounting structure.
US08308172B2 Seated skiing or snowboarding device
A seated skiing device having an adjustable heel protrusion and a fixed toe protrusion is provided. The distance between the toe and heel protrusions are adjustable such that the seated the skiing device may engage toe and heel bindings of a snow ski set to a riders ski boot. In this manner, the seated skiing device is engageable to the snow ski of the rider without any additional tools. Also, a seated snowboarding device is disclosed herein. The seated snowboarding device is removably attachable to standard front and rear bindings of a snowboard.
US08308163B2 Table game system
A table game system comprises cards and a card shooter apparatus. The cards include code elements that are arrayed as an ultraviolet-ray reaction code indicating at least the number of a card. The card shooter apparatus includes a card housing for containing cards, a card guide unit that guides cards pulled out one by one from the card housing, and one or more black light sensors that read the ultraviolet-ray reaction code from a card guided by the card guide unit.
US08308153B2 Transversal cutting equipment for sheets separable from overlapped continuous forms
A transversal cutting equipment for sheets separable from overlapped continuous forms, wherein the forms are longitudinally divided from a basic continuous form for producing documents with a single sheet or more sheets, and wherein the documents and the respective sheets are printed according to a predetermined order. The equipment comprises a cutting device for joined separation of the sheets; an accumulating and forwarding device; transport paths; and differentiating means for modifying the transport times of the sheets along one or more transport paths. The cutting device operates in a continuous way, while the accumulating and forwarding device collects the sheet or sheets of a partially formed document and sends the sheet or sheets upon the completion of the document. The differentiating means modifies the transport times without interrupting the cutting device so that a cut sheet of a following document, is transferred to the accumulating and forwarding device for the formation of the following document, substantially after the forwarding of the preceding document.
US08308145B2 Apparatus for delivering humidified air to a surrounding space
An apparatus for delivering humidified air to a surrounding space and having a housing defining a space within which incoming air is treated, a receptacle for a supply of fluid, and an outlet. A plurality of operating components are supported by the housing, including a nebulizer that causes fluid in the receptacle to become entrained in incoming air. The treated air flows through the housing outlet to the surrounding space. The nebulizer operable by at least one electronic component that generates heat as the nebulizer is operated. The apparatus further has a heat sink assembly on the housing in heat exchange relationship with the at least one electronic heat generating component. The heat sink assembly is: a) cooled by air moving through the housing space; and b) not directly exposed to fluid in the receptacle.
US08308141B1 Animal-resistant fence and method for assembling and using the same
An animal-resistant fence preventing entry of animals includes a first post, a second post, and a first panel member extending between the two posts. The fence further includes a second panel member extending from an upper portion of the first panel member above the ground level, and a third panel member extending from a lower portion of the first panel member beneath the ground level.
US08308136B2 Tool, system and method for railcar maintenance
Embodiments of a mechanical tool for railcar maintenance are disclosed, which are most suitable for handling heavy components during undercarriage operations. In one particular embodiment, the tool may include: a cantilever beam having a first end and a second end with a support element disposed between these two ends for pivotally attaching the cantilever beam to a supporting device; a first attachment element configured to grip a first railcar component; a safety latch mechanism, at the first end, for securing the first attachment element, including when the first railcar component is gripped by the first attachment element, and for preventing disengagement of the first attachment element unless the cantilever beam is in a substantially level position; and a weight element adjustably disposed between the support element and the second end as a counterbalance.
US08308135B2 Device for adjusting and maintaining the height of a seat
Device for adjusting a height of a seat, including at least one actuator connected to at least one source of power via at least one control valve having at least one control member for controlling the pressurizing of the actuator and at least one control member for controlling the exhausting of the actuator, the device including a cam associated, on the one hand, with at least one means of driving as a function of a variation in height of the seat, and, on the other hand, with the valve control members, the cam being configured to have at least one neutral position in which it actuates no control member, and at least two active positions about the neutral position, these respectively corresponding to a pressurizing of the actuator when the cam has pivoted about the neutral position in a direction corresponding to a reduction in the height of the seat and to an exhausting of the actuator when the cam is pivoted about the neutral position in a direction corresponding to a raising of the height of the seat, the means of driving also being mounted so that they can be disengaged in relation to the cam.
US08308134B2 Mobile jack with locking assembly
A mobile jack is provided for a vehicle the where the mobile jack includes a movable base with a plurality of rollers adapted for moving the jack upon a generally horizontal support surface and positioning the jack under a load. The mobile jack may lift loads using a scissor assembly lying in a vertical plane where the scissor assembly connected between the movable base and an upper platform. Additionally, the mobile jack may include at least one hydraulic cylinder for actuating the scissor assembly. The mobile jack may include a safety lock for locking the upper platform in a lifted position where the lock is movable between at least one locked and unlocked position. When the upper platform is in the lifted position, the lock automatically moves to the locked position so that it cooperates with the scissor assembly to prevent the scissor assembly from lowering independent of the cylinders.
US08308133B1 Freeze capable anode valve with a housed sliding plate orifice
A valve for a fuel cell system includes a main body having a passage through which a fluid is permitted to flow. A sliding member is disposed in the main body and configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The sliding member has an orifice formed therein. At least one biased plug is disposed within the main body adjacent the sliding member. The biased plug abuts an outer surface of the sliding member and permits fluid flow through the orifice of the sliding member when the sliding member is in the open position. The biased plug seals the orifice of the sliding member and militates against a formation of ice in the orifice when the sliding member is in the closed position.
US08308132B2 Hemi-wedge verifiable shutoff valve
An improved hemi-wedge type valve is disclosed that has upstream and downstream sealing surfaces that cooperate with opposed surfaces on the hemi-wedge valve member. This results in improved sealing and less leakage, at both high and low pressures.
US08308131B2 Ball valve stem retaining system
A system, in certain embodiments, includes a ball valve including a body and a ball disposed within the body. The ball valve also includes a stem disposed within an opening in the ball. The stem is removable by passage through the opening into a bore of the ball.
US08308130B2 Valve incorporating means for balancing pressures on either side of a valve member
The disclosure relates to a valve comprising a body defining at least an admission duct and an outlet duct for a fluid and receiving a valve member that is movable by means of an actuator member fastened to the body to move between a closed position closing the outlet duct and an open position leaving it open, the valve member having a central portion secured to a central portion of a substantially plane diaphragm that has a peripheral portion associated in leaktight manner with a support element secured to the body in such a manner as to co-operate with the support element to define a chamber, the valve member and the diaphragm being pierced by an opening providing permanent communication between the chamber and the outlet duct, the diaphragm being elastically deformable and being dimensioned to urge the valve member into its closed position.
US08308129B2 Coupling
A fail-safe electromagnetic linkage has a support device for a valve head, and an actuator component actuable by an actuator. The support device is coupled to the actuator component while power is supplied to the electromagnet and decoupled from the actuator component while power is not supplied to the electromagnet. The assembly further comprises a return mechanism configured to drive the support device relative to the actuator component if power is not supplied to the electromagnet.
US08308122B1 Picture hanging device
The present invention provides methods and systems for a picture hanging device for mounting a picture to a retention member engaged to a wall that includes a tube having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the tube is designed to receive a retention member mounted to a wall, the top portion of the tube extends into the air for correctly aligning the picture on the retention member, whereby a hanging mechanism engaged to the picture is positioned about the tube and is slide down the tube for engagement to the retention member and the tube is positioned within the center of the picture for correctly aligning the picture on the retention member.
US08308121B1 Portable multiple form organizer
A portable multiple form organizer comprises a writing panel capable of supporting and securing multiple sheets of paper in a side-by-side format. A plurality of clips is spaced across a long edge of a front surface of the writing panel with suitable space between to fit a standard full sheet of paper. A mounting mechanism comprising a plurality of hooks permanently affixed to a rear surface of the writing panel allows the organizer to suspend from a support surface. A pair of arms attached to a bottom rear surface of the writing panel provides a standoff for the writing panel away from the vertical support surface, such that the writing panel is not perpendicular to the ground allowing a user to comfortably use the device.
US08308118B2 Portable item holder having an appendage connector and method for using the holder
An item holder mountable by suction on a mounting surface including a deformable body having outer and inner surfaces and a periphery extending around the body. The holder further includes an appendage extending from the periphery and includes a connector attached to the appendage for connecting the appendage to the holder to form a loop for holding an item. The body is deformable from an undeformed shape to an actuated shape to mount the holder on the mounting surface by positioning the inner surface adjacent the mounting surface when the body is in its undeformed shape thereby forming a cavity between the body and the mounting surface and deforming the body to its actuated shape thereby sealing the body against the mounting surface and forcing fluid from the cavity to create a suction between the body and the mounting surface thereby securing them together.
US08308114B2 Electronic flight bag mounting bracket
A mounting bracket for an electronic flight bag (EFB) includes a frame having a track and a mounting assembly that is having a base and a support that is moveably connected to the base and can be selectively fixed in position on the track. The mounting bracket may allow for singlehanded adjustment of the position of the mounting assembly with respect to track at one of at least two discrete locations along the track, or at any desired position along the track. Further, the mounting bracket may provide a single mechanism for both securing the EFB to the mounting assembly and orienting the support with respect to the base.
US08308112B2 Plasma actuators for drag reduction on wings, nacelles and/or fuselage of vertical take-off and landing aircraft
An aircraft includes a surface over which an airflow passes. A plasma actuator is configured to generate a plasma above the surface, the plasma coupling a directed momentum into the air surrounding the surface to reduce separation of the airflow from the surface. A method of reducing separation of an airflow from a surface of an aircraft includes generating a plasma in air surrounding the surface at a position where the airflow would separate from the surface in the absence of the plasma.
US08308110B2 System for defrosting the leading edge sheath of an air inlet hood for a turboengine
The system for defrosting the leading edge sheath of an air intake hood for a turboengine comprises a hot pressure air supply duct (60) and a protective shell (90) which are longitudinally rigid and rigidly fixed to the partition (5) of a caisson (10), wherein said protective shell (90) is slidable with respect to a sliding bearing (15) embodied in the partition (11) and said air supply duct (60) is connected to the protective shell (90) by an elastic wall (16) closing an insulating space (12) and enabling relative longitudinal movements to be carried out between the air supply duct (60) and the protective shell (90).
US08308108B2 Fuselage arrangement for airplane
An aircraft fuselage with a shape elongated along a longitudinal axis X along a longitudinal axis of the aircraft that determines a direction toward the front along a direction of motion of the aircraft in flight. A front section with straight cross sections widening relative to the X axis, located at the front of the fuselage and ending in the front of the fuselage in a fuselage nose, and delimited at the rear by a cross section for joining to a rear part of the fuselage behind the front section. The front section includes a cockpit located above a floorboard between a cockpit bulkhead to the rear and a front base to the front.
US08308103B2 Insulation of an aircraft fuselage structure
An insulating mat for the sound insulation of an aircraft fuselage structure that is composed of frames and stringers extending transverse to the frames, to a fastener means for fastening an insulating mat on an aircraft fuselage structure such that acoustic bridges are prevented. An insulating kit is also provided that comprises at least one insulating mat as well as at least one fastener. The insulating mat features a plurality of fastening clips that are fixed on a first surface of the insulating mat and laterally protrude over the border of the insulating mat.
US08308098B2 Stepless fastening device
A stepless fastening device includes a cap having a driving gear and multiple one-direction teeth connected to an underside thereof. The driving gear is engaged with a spool located in the base so that the strip or shoelace is wrapped to the spool. An operation unit is located beneath the cap and rotatable in a first direction for fastening and a second direction for loosening the strip or shoelace. An operation ring of the operation unit is connected to the underside of the cap and pushes an activation ring away from the cap when the operation ring is rotated in the second direction. An engaging member includes inclined teeth and pushed by the activation ring so that the inclined teeth are disengaged from the one-direction teeth of the cap when the operation ring is rotated in the second direction.
US08308096B2 Reinforced roll and method of making same
An article in the form of one of a plate, a sheet, a cylinder, and a portion of a cylinder, which is adapted for use as at least a portion of a wear resistant working surface of a roll is disclosed. The article includes a metal matrix composite comprising a plurality of inorganic particles dispersed in a matrix material. The matrix material includes at least one of a metal and a metal alloy, wherein the melting temperature of the inorganic particles is greater than the melting temperature of the matrix material. A plurality of hard elements are embedded in the metal matrix composite. The wear resistance of the metal matrix composite is less than the wear resistance of the hard elements, and the metal matrix composite preferentially wears away when the article is in use, thereby providing or preserving gaps between each of the plurality of hard elements at a working surface of the article.
US08308095B2 Crusher clearing system
A system 100 and method for clearing a crushing device 1 of tramp material is disclosed. The system comprises at least one dual-acting cylinder 70 which serves to both maintain a constant crushing force between a head 500 and bowl 400, and also provide a clearing stroke to facilitate passage of said tramp material. The body of the at least one dual-acting cylinder 70 is mounted securely to a main frame 300 in a self-centering, self-seating arrangement by cylinder mount 40. The piston rod 30 of the at least one dual-acting cylinder 70 is directly or indirectly mounted securely to an adjustment ring 200 in a self-centering, self-seating arrangement. The piston rod 30 comprises a first securing member 10 and a second securing member 20. A mounting portion 202 associated with the adjustment ring 200 is captured between the first 10 and second 20 securing members of the piston rod 30.
US08308093B2 Coal pulverizer/classifier deflector
An improved deflector structure for an updraft classifier mill for coal and ore is described. The improved deflector structure has an impingement surface which is characterized by a pattern of surface irregularities, either raised geometric figures or recesses of varying sizes and shapes to create turbulence in the air emerging from a rotating vane structure and impinging the deflector as it travels upwardly through the mill housing.
US08308088B2 Pulveriser mill
A pulveriser mill having a rotatable grinding ring and a rotatable port ring around the circumference of the grinding ring co-rotatable therewith, the port ring defining around its 360 degree extent a plurality of openings separated by lands, the openings permitting air to flow from beneath the grinding ring to above the grinding ring, and the lands serving as obstructions to the flow of air from beneath the grinding ring to above the grinding ring, wherein the aspect ratio of the openings is in the range from 1:1 to 3:1.
US08308084B2 Water spray structure
A water spray structure includes an outer housing, an inner sleeve, a mesh member, a spray member and an end cap. The inner sleeve is located in the outer housing. A gap is defined between an outer wall of the inner sleeve and an inner wall of the outer housing. The inner sleeve has apertures thereon. The spray member is located in the inner sleeve and has a plurality of through holes around a circumferential portion thereof. Each of the through holes has a large upper part and a small lower part. The spray member has stop pieces under the through holes. The stop pieces are disposed in a tangent direction. A mixing chamber is defined between a lower end of the spray member and a lower portion of the inner sleeve. The spray member has the plurality of through holes disposed around the circumferential portion of the spray member, the inlets and the transversal inlets to separate water to flow in the through holes. The stop pieces are disposed under the through holes to disperse the water in a spiral form. The tapered through holes form a negative pressure in the spray member for mixing with the air so as to form oxygenated mist. The water stream becomes comfortable.
US08308078B2 Method and apparatus for reducing acoustic noise in a synthetic jet
A synthetic jet includes a first backer structure, a first actuator coupled to the first backer structure to form a first composite unit, a second backer structure, a second actuator coupled to the second backer structure to form a second composite unit, and a wall member coupled to and positioned between the first and second backer structures to form a cavity, wherein the first composite unit has an orifice formed through both the first backer structure and the first actuator, the orifice fluidically coupled to the cavity and fluidically coupled to an environment external to the cavity, and wherein the first and second composite units are operable independently from one another.
US08308076B2 Nozzle design to reduce fretting
A method of designing a fuel nozzle of a gas turbine engine to reduce fretting thereof during use, including establishing an initial nozzle design, determining a first natural frequency of that design and a running frequency range of the gas turbine engine, and increasing a first transverse dimension of the stem member of the nozzle across a length of a portion thereof adjacent the inlet end until the first natural frequency of the nozzle is outside the running range, while a second transverse dimension of the portion remains at least substantially unchanged across the length thereof.
US08308075B2 Systems for the control and use of fluids and particles
To mix immiscible materials at low pressure, the materials are applied from separate inputs of a fixture to separate channels where they are permitted to flow to and spread over surfaces or edges at selected thicknesses. On the surfaces or edges the materials are each subject to flowing air that forms small particles or drops even though the materials may be viscous. The particles or drops are mixed together and may be applied to a combustion device or spray device or any other device utilizing the mixture.
US08308071B2 RFID tag and manufacturing method thereof
An RFID tag includes an inlet on which an antenna pattern serving as an antenna for communication and an IC chip electrically connected to the antenna pattern are mounted. The RFID tag also includes an exterior body that encloses the inlet from outside and a hollow space that is formed by the inlet and the exterior body and that is filled with gas or a gel material.
US08308066B2 Method for forming optically encoded thin films and particles with grey scale spectra
The invention concerns a method of making a thin film and/or particle having a grey scale code embedded in its physical structure by refractive index changes between different regions of the thin film or particle, as well as thin films and particles made by the method. In a preferred method for encoding a thin film, a semiconductor or insulator substrate is etched to form a thin film including pores. The etching conditions are controlled to vary porosity in the thin film according to a pattern that will generate an optical signature in the reflectivity spectrum in response to illumination such that the optical signature will including a grey scale code. The etching waveform is formed by the addition of at least two separate sine components in accordance with the following equations (1)An=(Anmax−Anmin)/2; (2) kn=frequency=1/period; (3) yn=An[sin(knt−Φ)+1]+Anmin (4) ycomp=[y1+ . . . +yn]/n wherein equation (1) defines the amplitude of sine component n, which results in the spectral peak height, or grey scale of a bit; Equation (2) defines the frequency of the each sine component, which results in the spectral position of a peak, or identification of a bit (1st bit, 2nd bit, etc. . . );. Equation (3) defines sine component n and Equation (4) defines the composite waveform used to drive the electrochemical etch. The film can be removed and diced into particles.
US08308064B2 Barcode evaluation method and barcode evaluation apparatus
A barcode evaluation method for receiving an input image, performing an evaluation along a scanning direction upon the input image, and generating a barcode evaluation data includes: deriving at least one first luminance group in the input image according to a luminance threshold; documenting a plurality of characteristic values corresponding to the at least one luminance group, respectively; referring to a plurality of characteristic values of at least one specific first luminance group within the first luminance group to determine a distribution direction, and determining whether the specific first luminance group belongs to a barcode; and utilizing a processing element to generate the barcode evaluation data according to the input image, the distribution direction and the scanning direction.
US08308063B2 Securing payment data
The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture or arrangement that can limit access to sensitive information by means of encryption. In particular, data obtained from a payment instrument at, e.g., a Point-Of-Sale (POS) location can be encrypted at an early stage such that a POS (or another) application does not have access to the data in an unencrypted form and/or does not have access to a means for decrypting the data. For example, a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) arrangement can be employed such that a back-end payment processor can define encryption algorithms, associate itself with a public key, and maintain a private key for decryption. The public key can be delivered to the POS location and employed for data encryption, and, moreover, the PKI can be regulated by the more trusted parties.
US08308061B2 Card including account number with value amount
Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein provide a method of participating in prepaid programs through retail systems without the need to first upgrade their POS capabilities to participate, and allow for a merchant (retailer) to participate in proof of concept programs to determine if prepaid is a viable solution for their retail business model.
US08308052B2 Thermal gradient reflow for forming columnar grain structures for solder bumps
A method includes heating a package structure including a first work piece and a second work piece to melt a plurality of solder bumps between the first and the second work pieces; and after the step of heating, allowing the plurality of solder bumps to solidify. During the step of solidifying, a first side of the package structure is maintained at a first temperature higher than a melting temperature of the plurality of solder bumps by using a heating source. During the step of solidifying, a second side of the package structure is maintained at a second temperature lower than the melting temperature by using a cooling source, wherein the second side is opposite the first side.
US08308046B2 Interlocking buttress material retention system
A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple containing cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasable affixed to the staple containing cartridge and the anvil. One of the jaws includes a pair of longitudinal projections at a first end of the jaw and configured to frictionally engage corresponding slots in a first end the buttress material. One of the jaws includes a post at a second end of the jaw. The buttress material includes a hole in a second end of the buttress material for receipt of the post.
US08308045B2 Annular adhesive structure
An apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a circular surgical stapler having an anvil assembly with an anvil shaft and an anvil, the circular surgical stapler further having a tubular body portion with an annular knife and a body portion shaft selectively attachable to the anvil shaft; and a seal structure for deposition between the intestinal sections of tissue including a hub configured to engage attachment structure on at least one of the anvil shaft and the body portion shaft. The attachment structure is positioned so that the seal structure is located between the intestinal sections of tissue when the circular surgical stapler is disposed within the intestinal sections of tissue.
US08308043B2 Recognition of interchangeable component of a device
A device and a method are provided for determining a characteristic of an interchangeable component of a surgical instrument. An electrically conductive material having a measurable strength measurable by a hall effect sensor is coupled to the component. In another embodiment, a plurality of conductive materials are arranged to form a binary code representing a corresponding of the interchangeable component. The number and/or strength of the magnets measurable by the sensors may be dynamically altered such that the status of the surgical instrument is determinable.
US08308040B2 Surgical stapling instrument with an articulatable end effector
A surgical instrument can comprise a channel configured to support a staple cartridge and, in addition, an anvil pivotable between open and closed positions relative to the channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a cutting member configured to incise tissue positioned captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil and, in addition, means for stopping the cutting member prior to a distal end datum, wherein the distal end datum can be defined by the distal-most staple cavity in the staple cartridge. In such embodiments, the incision within the tissue may not extend beyond the portion of the tissue that has been stapled.
US08308039B2 Clamping mechanism for an auto hammer
An auto hammer having a housing, a grip portion and a striking device. The striking device includes a striking rod for striking a nail or other element using a straight reciprocating motion. The striking device has an associated clamping mechanism for clamping the nail or other element. The clamping mechanism has a driving portion, a first clamping portion, and a second clamping portion. The first and second clamping portions are moved between a closed position and an opened position. In the closed position, the element is held between the first and second clamping portions. A first slot and a second slot are arranged on the first and second clamping portions respectively. The driving portion is arranged in both the first and second slots and moves along the first and second slots.
US08308038B2 Part clamp and nailing machine
A part clamp is temporarily held in a short cylindrical portion provided on a contact arm of a nailing machine and is nailed to a building body or the like by the nailing machine. The part clamp is provided with a base portion having a through hole at its center for inserting a nail therethrough, and an engaging portions for engaging with the short cylindrical portion. When the part clamp is pushed in the axial direction of an injection port of the nailing machine, the part clamp is temporarily held in the short cylindrical portion. The load to push the part clamp to engage with the short cylindrical portion is lower than the load to push the contact arm to slide along the injection port.
US08308031B2 Container
A container having a receptacle and a cover is disclosed. The receptacle includes a generally rectangular base portion, a continuous sidewall portion, and a collar. The sidewall portion includes a lower end and an upper end. The lower end of the sidewall portion is coupled to the base portion and the upper end defines an opening. The collar extends around the sidewall portion proximate the upper end. The cover is coupled to the receptacle and includes a top portion, a skirt, a flap, and a tear strip. The skirt extends downwardly from the periphery of the top portion. The flap is hingeably coupled to the top portion proximate a corner of the closure and is moveable between an open position in which access is provided to the opening in the receptacle and a closed position in which the opening in the receptacle is closed. The flap includes a closing apparatus to releasably retain the flap in the closed position. The tear strip is removable and is coupled to the flap and the skirt. The tear strip substantially prevents the flap from being moved into the open position until the tear strip is removed.
US08308026B2 Method and apparatus for picking up, holding and dispensing objects
An apparatus for picking up, holding and dispensing objects is disclosed. The apparatus has a storing device, a holding device, a retaining device, and an ejection device that enables pick up, holding and dispensing of a plurality of objects. The apparatus provides an improved method of picking up, holding and storing objects that heretofore required extreme dexterity and substantial periods of time. The apparatus can be used to pick up, hold and dispense a variety of objects including, but not limited to, crystals, nuts, confectionary pieces, pills, jewelry, and electronic components. The apparatus may be sold as a kit or as replacement parts.
US08308023B2 Product dispensing system with directional flexing container
A product dispensing system including a container having multiple walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls including a pre-formed flex line, and a dispenser including a frame having a front end and a rear end, the frame including a stop positioned proximate the rear end and a support deck extending between the front end and the rear end, and an opening tool positioned to open the container as the container is moved along the support deck into engagement with the stop, wherein the engagement between the stop and the container effects a flexing of the container along the pre-formed flex line.
US08308018B2 Stackable and collapsible container
Structures, methods, and systems associated with a stackable and collapsible container are provided. One structure includes a stackable and collapsible container having at least four non-collapsible, load bearing vertical support members attached to vertical walls of the container and capable of supporting the weight of other containers. A top surface is included having a number of sections which include a pivotal connection to one another and which are collapsible about the pivotal connection to an interior of the container. A bottom surface is included having a number of sections which include a pivotal connection to one another and which are collapsible about the pivotal connection to an interior of the container. The top and the bottom surfaces of the container can be fixedly positioned in a number of collapsed states.
US08308017B2 Composite material with fibers with different stiffness for optimum stress usage
A pressure vessel is provided including a liner forming a cavity and having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a composite wrap including a plurality of composite layers disposed adjacent to the outer surface. The composite wrap has a desired strain modulus gradient across a thickness of the composite wrap. Also provided is a method for producing the pressure vessel.
US08308014B2 Fuel cap of internal combustion device
A fuel cap of an internal combustion device includes a fuel cap body, a restraining element, a resilient element, and a positioning element. The slide block of the restraining element is normally resiliently pressed by the resilient element and therefore protrudes from the outer periphery of the main body portion of the fuel cap body. The fuel cap body can be inserted into a fuel tank when the engaging blocks of the fuel cap body are aligned with the gaps of the fuel tank, and the fuel cap body is subsequently secured when the slide block is engaged in a positioning notch formed on the outer projecting wall of the fuel tank. By pushing the pushing plate of the restraining element inward, the slide block is retracted into the slide groove of the fuel cap body to allow removal of the fuel cap body from the fuel tank opening.
US08308012B2 Fastening clip and package using the same
A fastening clip includes a main body defining a through hole, a flange radially extending from the main body, a first clipping member hinged on the main body, a latching mechanism extending from the clipping member and including a first latching portion, and a second clipping member hinged on the main body and including a second latching portion. The clip has a first position, in which the first and second clipping members can extend out of the main body, and a second position, in which the first and second clipping members are received in the main body.
US08308010B2 Tamper evident, child resistant container
A molded plastic container/closure combination providing a tamper evident feature, a child resistant feature and a removal facilitation feature. The closure has radially extending bayonets extending from the outer skirt which fit into horizontal slots in a beam molded integrally with the sidewall of the container. Rotation of the closure in one direction brings the bayonets into the slots for locking purposes. Rotation in the opposite direction unlocks the closure and continued rotation lifts the closure relative to the container to facilitate removal. A resiliently mounted release tab must be depressed before unlocking rotation is permitted. A latch prevents depression of the release tab until anchors on the sides of the latch are fractured. Serrations acting between the tab and the bayonets provide an audible indication of rotation.
US08308003B2 Seal for a container
A seal for a container for comestibles, especially potable liquids, and in particular for use for sealing polyester containers such as bottles, which is suitable for passage through a PET recycling process, comprises a metal foil layer, a foam layer and a plastics film layer as well as a heat sealable layer below the foil. The foam is selected for its density and thickness so is to confer upon the seal a high buoyancy. The adhesion a between the foam and the foil is increased compared to currently available products, in order to prevent de-lamination between the foil and the foam during the recycling process.
US08307998B2 Method and apparatus for marketing greeting cards in display fixtures
A greeting card display includes an upper tier and a lower tier positioned below the upper tier. The upper and lower tiers include multiple rows of pockets for displaying greeting cards. Some of the pockets of the upper tier and the bottom tier, typically the pockets in each of the bottom rows, present greeting cards in a full-facing manner to display all or substantially all of the full face of each greeting card. The upper tier can include a card highlighter, positioned along one of the rows, configured with pockets to present and highlight cards placed therein. Shadowboxes capable of displaying a greeting card in a full-facing manner can be positioned above the upper tier on the display and are designed to attract the attention of the consumer. A display panel, designed to evoke emotions associated with greeting cards in the shadowboxes, can be positioned between one or more of the shadowboxes.
US08307996B2 Frame with cable management
A cable management frame assembly comprising a collapsible frame chassis and a plurality of positionally configurable cable management fixtures that can be affixed to the frame chassis without the use of tools or additional hardware such screws, nuts or bolts. A panel mount allows patch panels and equipment to be mounted to the frame chassis without the use of tools or additional hardware.
US08307994B2 Surface charge enabled nanoporous semi-permeable membrane for desalination
A filter includes a membrane having a plurality of nanochannels formed therein. A first surface charge material is deposited on an end portion of the nanochannels. The first surface charge material includes a surface charge to electrostatically influence ions in an electrolytic solution such that the nanochannels reflect ions back into the electrolytic solution while passing a fluid of the electrolytic solution. Methods for making and using the filter are also provided.
US08307991B2 Hollow fiber membrane module
This invention provides a hollow fiber membrane module which can reduce pressure loss in discharging water within a module and can reduce operating power. A hollow fiber membrane bundle is disposed within a cylindrical case having in its side face an opening part for the inflow/outflow of water, and the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is bonded at an axially outer position with respect to the opening for the inflow/outflow of water. A distribution holes is provided axially inward of the opening for the inflow/outflow of water and so as to surround the outer periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and grooves and/or corrugated protrusions are provided on the inner face of the distribution cylinder so as to be in communication with each other among the distribution holes.
US08307990B2 Filter module designed to limit zones of stagnation for a liquid
The invention provides a filter module comprising an outer casing provided at each end with a respective support plate for supporting at least one filter element for obtaining a filtrate that is recovered via an outlet passage provided in the vicinity of each support plate. According to the invention, each support plate is extended at right angles by an assembly skirt for assembling to the casing.
US08307984B1 Packaging insert for retaining an article within an exterior box
A packaging container including a packaging insert suspending an article within an exterior box. The packaging insert is formed as a top portion overlying a bottom portion, each including a pair of side panels and a pair of end panels, corresponding top and bottom side panels being affixed together face-to-face such as with adhesive at manufacturing time, and corresponding top and bottom end panels being affixed together face-to-face at packaging time. The bottom end panels include bottom end panel extensions which trap the top end panels against the bottom end panels, and which include lock tabs engaging the bottom panel. The mated side panels are angled e.g. downward and the mated end panels are angled e.g. upward, to provide stand-off within an exterior box, protecting the packaged article. The top and/or bottom panels include break control means such as slotted holes, which control where each panel breaks when stressed around the packaged article by closure of the packaging insert. The article is further protected by angled regions formed as the panels break around the thickness of the article while the side and end panels are affixed face-to-face.
US08307982B1 Cake container cover-base connection
A cake container having a base (14) and a transparent cover (16) lying over the base, both being constructed of heat-formed plastic sheets, with peripheries of the base and cover securely latched together in a way that avoids sudden movement during unlatching. The base has a largely vertical peripheral wall (24) forming a plurality of dimples (26), and the cover has a lower peripheral wall (30) with a plurality of dimple-receiving regions (32). Each dimple-receiving region includes a chimney (52) that receives a dimple until the dimple lies at the top portion (60) of the chimney. The cover then can be turned so the dimple enters a dimple-receiving cavity (54) that prevents the cover from moving up off the base until the cover is turned back. The cover has a plurality of vertical ribs (172, 173, 174) forming wide panels (182) and forming narrow panels (180) between the wide panels. Stickers (124) adhere to peripheries of the cover and base to show the customer that there has been no tampering.
US08307980B1 Bit socket bracket assembly
A bit socket bracket assembly has a main frame, a track frame, multiple bit socket brackets and a burglarproof unit. The main frame is made of plastic. The track frame is made of metal and is securely mounted on the main frame. The bit socket brackets are slidably connected with the track frame. The burglarproof unit is connected with each bit socket bracket. Because the main frame and the track frame are two separate members, the track frame can be made of metal. Accordingly, the structural strength of the bit socket bracket assembly is enhanced. Moreover, signs formed on the track frame do not easily wear off.
US08307978B2 Knotless endostitch package
A suture loading package including a body portion including a securement structure for one or more lengths of suture such that the one or more lengths of suture can be stored prior to use. The suture loading package is configured and adapted to facilitate transferring each of the lengths of suture to a suture loading mechanism.
US08307970B2 Dual housing clutch assembly for a hybrid vehicle
A clutch assembly for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch assembly including a first housing comprising a first clutch, a first clutch actuator and a second housing having the first clutch actuator at least partially disposed therein so that said first clutch actuator selectively engages the first clutch.
US08307966B2 Beverage container holders for wheeled luggage and carts
A beverage holder for use with luggage having a pair of upwardly extending spaced-apart rails with a handle extending therebetween includes a beverage support member, a pair of spaced-apart elongated arms, and a pair of clips. The beverage support member has an open top and a bottom with an outer wall extending therebetween. The beverage support member is configured to receive a beverage container through the open top and hold the received beverage container. The arms extend upwardly away from the open top. A proximal end of each arm attached to the beverage support member. Each clip is at a distal end of each respective arm. The clips are configured to removably attach to the luggage handle. When attached, the clips are pivotable about the handle to maintain the beverage container in a substantially level position regardless of whether the luggage is in a tilted or a non-tilted position.
US08307963B1 Air-bag suspension system
A suspension system for a motorcycle, comprising a motorcycle main frame, a swing arm pivotally mounted to the motorcycle main frame about a pivot axis, and an air-bag suspension system. The air-bag suspension system includes at least one air-bag constructed of an elastomeric material. The air-bag is housed within a housing assembly and is secured at one end to a piston located within the housing assembly and at its other end to an upper plate or end cap of the housing assembly. The housing assembly is attached to a shock absorber, and the shock absorber is attached at its forward end to the cross member plate of the motorcycle main frame and is pivotally attached at its rearward end to the lower transverse cross member of the swing arm.
US08307959B2 Electrically-operated shaft brake with manual positive lock and rotary release and automatic reset feature
A device (20) has an electrically-operated brake (37) and a manually-operated auxiliary brake (27). The electrically-operated brake includes a coil (70), a core (68), an armature (69), and an alternating series of friction pads (74) and brake disks (75), that are arranged to be compressed between the housing and the armature. The shaft brake (27) includes a collar (22) mounted on the housing for combined axial and rotative movement relative thereto, a first interlock portion (106, 110) mounted on the shaft (24), an annular member (84) surrounding the shaft and having a second interlock portion (85) and a spring (124) urging the member to move toward the shaft. The collar (22) is adapted to be selectively moved relative to the housing between a first portion at which the first (106, 110) and second (85) interlock portions are physically engaged with one another, and a second position at which the first (106, 110) and second (85) interlock portions are physically separated from one another. The shaft (24) may include a first and second shaft portions (25, 26), and a cam mechanism (125, 126) that automatically releases the braking mechanism when the shaft portions (25, 26) are rotated relative to one another, and that automatically re-engages the braking mechanism when the two shaft portions (25, 26) are moved back to their initial null position.
US08307957B2 Disk brake with guard screen
A disk brake for a vehicle having a bracket which is fixed with respect to the vehicle and on which brake linings and at least one brake caliper are mounted so as to be movable in an axial direction is disclosed. The bracket and the brake caliper engage around at least one brake disk, and the brake caliper includes a housing limb with at least one actuating device, a further housing limb with at least one housing finger, and a housing bridge. A spring arrangement which generates an elastic preload between the brake caliper and the bracket is provided in such a way that the preload is aligned substantially perpendicular to a movement direction of the brake caliper. The spring arrangement comprises a spring element and a protective panel.
US08307955B2 Mechanical release of release holding mechanism for hand brake
A hand brake mechanism having a mechanism to disengage a release lever disposed within a clutch and release assembly at the beginning of the brake application cycle. This mechanism includes a holding pawl having a force transmitting member which cooperates with a force receiving member disposed within the release lever to effect rotational motion onto the release lever at the beginning of the brake application cycle. At least one spring is provided to substantially complete rotational motion of the release lever.
US08307952B2 Elevator system with multiple cars in a hoistway
An elevator system (20) includes multiple elevator cars (22, 32) within a hoistway (26). Counterweights (24, 34) are associated with the respective elevator cars (22, 32) by load bearing members (40, 50). In some examples, different roping ratios are used for the load bearing members (40, 50). In some examples, the lengths of the load bearing members (40, 50) are selected to allow contact between the counterweights (24, 34) within the hoistway (26) and prevent contact between the elevator cars (22, 32). The difference in car and counterweight separation distances is greater than a stroke of a counterweight buffer plus an expected dynamic jump of the elevator cars. A disclosed example includes passages (80) through a portion of at least one of the elevator cars (22) for accommodating the load bearing member (50) of another elevator car (32) located beneath the elevator car (22) with the passages (80).
US08307950B1 Sound barrier wall
A monolithically fabricated sound absorbing structural precast concrete noise barrier panel comprising a sound absorbing layer of specialized raw materials. The raw materials include wood particles as well as granulated rubber.
US08307946B1 Firearm suppressor with multiple gas flow paths
A firearm suppressor for mounting on a firearm to suppress sound emanating from the firearm when fired may comprise a housing defining an interior and a baffle insert positioned in the interior of the housing. The baffle insert may have at least two baffle wall portions dividing the interior of the housing into at least three baffle chambers, with the baffle wall portions being spaced from each other in a longitudinal direction of the insert. The baffle insert may define a central longitudinal passage for a projectile fired from the firearm to pass through the insert. The baffle insert may define a convoluted passage for combustion gases to pass through the insert, with the convoluted passage being distinct from the longitudinal passage. The convoluted passage may be in communication with the central longitudinal passage and may be defined by at least one auxiliary hole extending through the baffle wall portions.
US08307940B2 Electric power steering assembly
An improved structure for a rack drive assembly adapted for use in a vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a ball nut assembly operatively connected to a screw portion of a rack portion of a steering member of the power steering assembly for effecting axial movement of the steering member upon rotation of a vehicle steering wheel. According to one embodiment, the ball nut assembly includes a ball nut having an outer surface; a bearing assembly fixedly disposed in the rack housing and carried by the ball nut for rotatably supporting the ball nut assembly relative to the steering member; and a damper disposed on an outer race of the bearing assembly. The damper includes a pair of dampers disposed on the outer race of the bearing assembly, each of the dampers including at least a first member formed from a first rigid material and a second member formed from a second damping material.
US08307933B2 Radiator mounting for a motorcycle
A motorcycle including at least two wheels. The at least two wheels include a front wheel and a rear wheel, the rear wheel defining a rotational axis. The motorcycle includes an engine for driving at least one of the wheels. A radiator assembly includes a radiator configured to receive coolant from the engine and dissipate heat from the coolant. The radiator assembly further includes an inlet guide configured to direct air toward the radiator. The inlet guide has an inlet opening positioned closer to the rear wheel than the front wheel. At least a portion of the inlet opening is positioned below the rotational axis of the rear wheel.
US08307925B2 Hybrid power driving system and the driving method
The present invention provides a hybrid power driving system comprising: a first subsystem designed to input/output power; a second subsystem designed to input/output power; a driving shaft designed to receive power from the first subsystem and/or the second subsystem or output power to the first subsystem and/or the second subsystem; and a tri-stated overrunning clutch designed to connect the first subsystem and the second subsystem, wherein the tri-stated overrunning clutch may be in an overrun state, an engaged state, or a disengaged state. The first subsystem and the second subsystem can comprise an engine, a motor, and a clutch, etc., respectively. In such a hybrid power driving system, when the tri-stated overrunning clutch is in the engaged state, the first subsystem and the second subsystem are coupled to each other and work together. When the tri-stated overrunning clutch is in the disengaged state, the first subsystem and the second subsystem can work separately without any interference to each other. Therefore, the structure is simple and the control is convenient.
US08307924B2 Hybrid power output system
The present invention discloses a hybrid power output system for outputting the power to the wheel driving shaft, comprising an engine, a first motor, a second motor, a battery, a first clutch, a second clutch and a third clutch, wherein: the first motor and the second motor are connected electrically with the battery; the engine is connected to the first motor via the first clutch; the first motor is connected to a wheel driving shaft via the second clutch; the second motor is connected to the wheel driving shaft via the third clutch; the second clutch and the third clutch are arranged between the first motor and second motor. This hybrid power output system is compact in structure, can increase the power efficiency and reduce the fuel consumption, and can realize multiple drive modes.
US08307923B2 Mobile platform
A mobile platform including a body, hybrid leg-wheels and driving mechanisms is provided. The hybrid leg-wheels are disposed around the body for carrying the body moving on a working surface. The driving mechanisms are disposed between the corresponding hybrid leg-wheels and the body. Each driving mechanism includes a driving axle connecting the corresponding hybrid leg-wheels and the body. Each driving mechanism provides the corresponding hybrid leg-wheel a rotational degree of freedom and a translational degree of freedom, wherein the rotational degree of freedom and the translational degree of freedom are driven independently. The rotational degree of freedom allows the hybrid leg-wheels rotating along an axis of the driving axle, and the translational degree of freedom allows the hybrid leg-wheels translating relative to the driving axle, wherein the rotational direction is substantially perpendicular to the translational direction.
US08307916B1 Controlling fluid loss in oil and gas wells
A product, system and method for controlling fluid loss in oil wells, including lost circulation while drilling wells. A load of fluid control pods is pumped down the drill string into the target formation using water, drilling mud or another suitable delivery fluid. Each pod comprises a discrete mass of swelling agent with a frictional surface. Preferably, the pod comprises superabsorbent granules inside a fabric sack that is deformable and elastic and provides the frictional surface. After the pods have time to swell and become compressed against each other in the voids, drilling or other procedures may be continued. The size and frictional surface of the pods facilitates stable positioning of the pods in the voids of the formation, minimizes the total amount of swelling agent required, and reduces the tendency of the pods to become dislodged.
US08307913B2 Drilling system with drill string valves
A method to control borehole fluid flow includes detecting a drilling condition and operating at least one valve in the drill string to place an exterior of the drill string in fluid communication with an interior of the drill string in response to detecting the drilling condition.
US08307912B2 Tool
Disclosed is a tool (5) comprising a cam track (A) and cam follower (B), wherein the cam track (A) comprises a first cam track wall (15) and the cam follower (B) comprises a first cam follower wall (15), and the first cam track wall (10) and first cam follower wall (15) face one another. The cam track (A) further comprises a second cam track wall (30) and the cam follower (B) comprise a second cam follower wall (35), and the second cam track wall (30) and second cam follower wall (35) face one another. The first and second cam track wall (10, 30) are disposed so as to face one another. The first and second cam follower wall are disposed so as to oppose one another, e.g. back to back. The first/second cam track wall (10, 30) comprise a first/second cam track wave (20, 40). The second cam follower wall (15, 35) comprise a first/second cam follower wave (25, 45).
US08307909B1 Conservation tillage implement, system and method
A conservation tillage implement having three or more rows of individual coulter wheel assemblies laterally spaced apart and removably mounted on a cultivator frame, a coulter wheel assembly in a given row being staggered with respect to the coulter wheel assemblies in a longitudinally adjacent row. The coulter wheel assemblies may be laterally adjustable and may be mounted to the cultivator frame using a mounting means that permits rotation about a vertical axis. The coulter wheel assemblies may have a coil spring with a horizontal spring axis to permit upward deflection in response to impact with an obstacle. Leveling attachments may optionally be mounted to the cultivator frame, along with additional field working tools. The implement is used in the management of crop residue as part of a minimum tillage strategy, is particularly resistant to plugging, and can be operated at high speeds and/or in standing water.
US08307906B2 Apparatus and method for automatic conversion of sprinkler system
Apparatus and method for converting a fire suppression system from a single interlock electric or double interlock electro-pneumatic system to a single interlock pneumatic system which draws no electrical power. A pneumatic actuator is in fluid communication with a pressurized piping network and a control valve controlling flow of fire suppressant to the network. The pneumatic actuator is isolated from the piping network by a check valve and a latching solenoid valve. In the event of a power failure the latching solenoid valve is opened, placing the pneumatic actuator in fluid communication with the piping network. Electrical power is drawn only to change the state of the latching solenoid valve, it otherwise draws no power. When the latching solenoid valve is open the pneumatic actuator controls actuation of the control valve, and triggers the control valve when there is a pressure change in the piping network indicative of a fire.
US08307904B2 System and method for maintaining position of a wellbore servicing device within a wellbore
A method of maintaining a location of a wellbore servicing device includes connecting a pressure activated hold-down tool (PAHT) to the wellbore servicing device, delivering the wellbore servicing device and the PAHT into a wellbore, selectively increasing a curvature of the PAHT in response to a change in a fluid pressure, and engaging the PAHT with a feature of a wellbore to prevent longitudinal movement of the wellbore servicing device. A PAHT has pressure actuated elements that selectively provide an unactuated state in which the PAHT lies substantially along a longitudinal axis and the pressure actuated elements selectively lie increasingly deviated from the longitudinal axis in response to a change in pressure applied to the PAHT. At least one of the pressure actuated elements has a tooth configured for selective resistive engagement with a feature of the wellbore.
US08307900B2 Method and apparatus for performing laser operations downhole
The disclosure, in on aspect, provides a method for performing a laser operation in a wellbore that includes displacing a wellbore fluid with a laser-compatible medium proximate a location in the wellbore where a work is desired to be performed; positioning a laser head proximate the laser-compatible medium; and passing a laser beam via the laser-compatible medium to the location for performing the laser operation. In another aspect, the disclosure provides a laser apparatus for performing a laser operation at a worksite having a fluid that includes a laser power unit that supplies laser energy to a laser head placed proximate the worksite; a fluid displacement unit that displaces at least a portion of the fluid adjacent the worksite with a laser-compatible medium; and a controller that operates the laser head to pass the laser beam to the worksite through the laser-compatible medium. In another aspect, the disclosure provides an imager associated with the laser apparatus that provides images of the worksite.
US08307899B2 Methods of plugging and abandoning a well using compositions comprising cement kiln dust and pumicite
The present invention is directed to plug-and-abandon operations that use plugging compositions comprising cement kiln dust, pumicite, and/or lime. An embodiment includes a method of plugging a well bore for abandonment comprising: placing a plugging composition in the well bore, the plugging composition comprising: cement kiln dust in an amount of about 5% to about 100% by weight of cementitious components, pumicite in an amount of about 5% to about 100% by weight of cementitious components, 0% to about 24% of Portland cement by weight of cementitious components, and water; and allowing the plugging composition to set and form a plug.
US08307895B2 Imaging apparatus and methods of making and using same
A method and apparatus for imaging objects present in a wellbore is provided. The method and apparatus use a plurality of actuatable members which can be axially displaced to form an image of the object and use an actuatable member displacement sensor to detect the displacement of the actuatable members.
US08307887B2 Pressurized vapor cycle liquid distillation
Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient.
US08307881B2 Casting molds for use in directional solidification processes and methods of making
Casting molds suitable for directional solidification processes using a liquid cooling bath include a graded facecoat structure on a mold body. The graded facecoat structure includes an innermost layer and a delamination layer, wherein the delamination layer fractures upon cooling of the molten metal so as to separate the mold body from the innermost layer, which remains in contact with or in close proximity to the metal being cast. Also disclosed are directional solidification processes.
US08307879B2 Window covering having a winding function
A window covering includes a mounting unit, a shading unit, and a winding unit. The mounting unit includes a first fixing member and a second fixing member. The shading unit includes a rotating axle, a curtain member fixed at one end to the rotating axle and which is wound on and unwound from the rotating axle, a first rotating member, and a second rotating member. The first rotating member and the second rotating member are fixed to the rotating axle and extend respectively through the first fixing member and the second fixing member to support rotation of the rotating axle therebetween. The winding unit is mounted to the first fixing member and includes a spring reel secured to the first rotating member to rotate therewith, an auxiliary wheel, and a spring wound around the auxiliary wheel and which is fixed at one end to the spring reel.
US08307878B2 Noise dampening motor drive system for retractable covering for architectural openings
A motor-drive system for retractable covering having a headrail with a horizontally disposed roller supporting a top edge of a flexible fabric material includes an electric motor mounted within a housing and interconnected to the roller to selectively rotate the roller in opposite directions while minimizing noise created from vibrations within the system. This system includes motor mounts within the housing which separate and absorb vibrations of the motor within the housing and a drive disk of a moderately soft material, which is firm enough to transfer torque from the motor to the roller while being soft enough to absorb vibrations which would otherwise be transmitted from the motor to the roller. An interconnect mounting the drive disk to the drive shaft of the motor is also made of a third relatively soft material, which is harder than the drive disk to more ably transmit torque but soft enough so as not to unduly transmit noise.
US08307874B1 Tire changing method and machine with angularly positionable drive axis
Methods and machines for changing tires on a wheel rim are disclosed. The machine includes a drive shaft having a drive axis that can positioned at different angles for convenience of the machine operator to mount a variety of differently-sized wheel rims to the drive shaft without undue lifting and handling of the wheel rims.
US08307867B2 Pneumatic tire with tread including sipe having wide portions located alternately on both side walls
An object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic tire capable of ensuring both of the ice braking performance and the ice turning performance while increasing the dry steering stability performance. To achieve the above object, a sipe extending in a width direction of the tire is formed a land portion, the sipe having: pluralities of wide portions each having an inclined plane that begins from the tread surface of a road surface, and terminates in the half way of a sipe wall while inclining so that a sipe width decreases toward the groove bottom of the sipe, and a pair of side faces connecting the inclined plane and the sipe wall therebetween, wherein the pluralities of wide portions are located alternately on both sipe walls along a longitudinal direction of the sipe.
US08307864B2 Systems and methods for vacuum sealing
A valve assembly for vacuum sealing a collapsible storage bag including a first valve part and a second valve part. The first valve part being inserted into the second valve part with a wall of the bag in between, causing the wall of the bag to break and/or puncture. A valve sealing mechanism to control the air flow from within the bag through the first and second valve part and out the bag.
US08307862B2 Bag loader
The bag opening assembly (8) of an automatic bag loader includes a pair of contra-rotating air-pervious endless belts (9, 10). Opposing pinch portions (24, 25) of the belts are provided for grasping opposing sides (5a, 5b) of the hag (1) therebetween and working flights of each belt are opposingly orientated and diverge from the pinch portions. A partial vacuum is drawn in a space (41, 42) adjacent each working flight (38, 39), formed in a shoe (36, 37) which supports the thereby separate the sides to open the bag while it is advanced between the diverging working flights. At least on of the rotary members (26, 27) is displaceable and an actuator (40) is connected thereto to press the pinch portions together to grasp the sides of the unopened bag and to separate the pinch portions to release the opened bag.
US08307861B2 Processes and systems for transferring particulate substances from containers
Preferred processes are provided for unloading a particulate substance from a container using a cover system comprising a cover and a wand extending through the cover. The processes can include installing the cover system on the container so that the cover mates with the container and the wand extends into the particulate substance, connecting a pipe or a hose to the wand, and drawing the particulate substance through the wand and the pipe or hose.
US08307855B2 Fluid pressure spike suppression device
Systems and apparatus for suppressing/controlling pressure spikes in a fluid pipe system are described. In one aspect, an apparatus for controlling pressure spikes in a fluid pipe system includes, for example, a fluid pressure spike suppression pipe (“damper pipe”) portion with multiple openings for connecting to at least two network pipes in a fluid system pipe network. The damper pipe has a diameter that is larger than respective diameters of the network pipes within which fluid pressure spikes are to be suppressed. First and second openings for connecting to the network pipes are respectively positioned at proximal and distal ends of the damper pipe. The first opening in the damper pipe is for fluid ingress into the damper pipe via a first pipe network pipe. The second opening in the damper pipe is for fluid egress out of the damper pipe and into a second network pipe.
US08307854B1 Fluid delivery substrates for building removable standard fluid delivery sticks
A fluid delivery system that includes flow substrates and manifolds that minimize the number of fluid conduit ports and seals needed to build standardized fluid delivery sticks. Each flow substrate has a component attachment surface with one or more component conduit ports and an associated plurality of fastener apertures. Some flow substrates incorporate a transverse manifold connection conduit port on a surface opposite the component attachment surface. Fastener apertures associated with the transverse manifold connection conduit port are accessible adjacent to installed fluid handling components. Transverse connection between fluid delivery sticks use a welded assembly of fluid conduits to provide a transverse connecting lower layer which is sealingly retained by fasteners inserted from above through apertures associated with the transverse manifold connection conduit port. Flow substrates for each fluid delivery stick are fastened to a standardized bracket and each fluid delivery stick arrangement can be assembled and tested as an integrated subassembly.
US08307850B2 Air intake device for engine
An air intake device for an engine is provided that includes a bypass (20) connected to an air intake path (2) while bypassing a throttle valve (5), and a bypass valve (V) for controlling the degree of opening of the bypass (20), the bypass valve (V) being formed from a tubular valve chamber (15) having its interior opening on the upstream side of the bypass (20) and having an inner face with a metering hole (16) opening toward the downstream side of the bypass (20), and a valve body (25) slidably but non-rotatably fitted into the valve chamber (15) and opening and closing the metering hole (16), wherein an inner face (A) of the valve chamber (15) on which the metering hole (16) opens and an outer face (B1) of the valve body (25) opposing the inner face (A) and covering the metering hole (16) are formed in the same shape so as to enable them to be in intimate contact with each other, and other inner (A) and outer faces (B2) of the valve chamber (15) and the valve body (25) are formed so that there is a gap (g) therebetween. This enables the valve body to be reliably in intimate contact with the inner side face of the valve chamber on which the metering hole opens while guaranteeing smooth sliding of the valve body in the valve chamber in the bypass, thus preventing leaked air from flowing into the metering hole.
US08307845B2 Flow rate controller
A flow rate controller detects a clogged state of an orifice to prevent errors during flow rate measurement. The flow rate controller includes a differential pressure flow meter, with an orifice disposed between a pair of pressure sensors, that converts a pressure difference detected by the two pressure sensors into a flow rate, a flow-rate adjusting valve whose degree of opening is controlled such that the difference between a measured flow rate value and a preset flow rate value falls within a predetermined range, and a control unit that controls the degree of opening of the flow-rate adjusting valve upon receiving the pressure values detected by the pressure sensors. The control unit compares the preset flow rate value and the measured flow rate value and determines that there is a clog fault when a flow rate difference, as compared with a predetermined value, continues for a predetermined time period.
US08307844B2 Baffled tank for a vehicle
A tank for transporting liquids is equipped with a variable volume system. The system provides for the ability to define a variable maximum fluid volume capacity of the tank. The tank is mounted to a vehicle for transport. In one embodiment, the tank is a water tank for use in dispensing water in a working area in order to control dust.
US08307843B2 Temperature-controlled pressure regulators
Temperature-controlled pressure regulators are described. An example temperature-controlled pressure regulator described herein includes a regulator body having an inlet fluidly coupled to an outlet via a first passageway. A heat block is disposed within the regulator body and receives at least a portion of the first passageway. The heat block is to provide heat to the process fluid as the process fluid flows through the heat block via the first passageway, which separates the process fluid from the heat block.
US08307841B2 Valve for inflatable objects
A self-sealing valve comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, a diaphragm and a support member. The valve housing is configured to pass fluid through the fluid conduit. The diaphragm provides a self-seal of the fluid conduit. The support member is configured to retain a portion of a diaphragm. The support member and diaphragm are configured to position the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat to seal the fluid conduit in a closed position of the self-sealing valve, and to facilitate movement of the diaphragm under a bias in a first direction away from the valve seat to an open position.
US08307839B2 Dishwasher with a latent heat accumulator
A cleaning appliance is provided for cleaning washware, which cleaning appliance is designed to subject the washware to the action of at least one cleaning fluid in at least one cleaning chamber. The cleaning appliance has a suction-removal apparatus for removing damp air from the cleaning chamber by suction, and at least one heat recovery device. The heat recovery device is designed to draw heat from the damp air and to feed it back to the cleaning appliance by means of a first cooling fluid. The cleaning appliance has a cooling-fluid line with at least one recirculation path and at least one heat accumulator path with at least one latent heat accumulator. The cleaning appliance is designed to conduct the first cooling fluid to the cleaning chamber and/or into a fluid tank via the recirculation path in at least one operating state after said cooling fluid has flowed through the heat recovery device. The cleaning appliance is also designed to feed the first cooling fluid to the latent heat accumulator by means of the heat accumulator path in at least one standby mode.
US08307836B2 Adjustable applicator
The present invention generally is an adjustable applicator employed for application of a cosmetic or a care product such as for application of mascara, coloring strands of hair, for dental flossing or for applying pharmaceuticals or cleaning agents. The invention discloses an adjustable applicator comprising an applicator element having a bore, a filament wherein the filament is housed inside the bore of the applicator element and a clasping means wherein the applicator element angularly deforms when a force is applied on the clasping means. Also disclosed is a device for packaging and dispensing a substance comprising said adjustable applicator.
US08307833B2 Ashtray assembly
An ashtray assembly for temporarily storing and containing rubbish, such as the ash and butts of cigarettes and cigars. In one aspect, the ashtray assembly can include a base assembly and an insert assembly. The base assembly can comprise a flexible body. The flexible body can include a storage container adapted to receive the rubbish. The flexible body can be made of a flexible material, such as a silicon-containing polymer, such that the flexible body can be manufactured by a molding process. Because the flexible body can be a silicon-container polymer, it may discolor when a lit end of a cigarette makes contact with the base assembly. The insert assembly can comprise an extinguishing member adapted to extinguish cigarettes, cigars, or both. The extinguishing member is preferably made of a generally non-marking and rigid material. The insert assembly can provide structural integrity and can be removably secured within the base assembly.
US08307830B2 Endotracheal cuff and technique for using the same
A multi-layer inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. The outer layer and the inner layer of the balloon cuff may have different material properties that may enhance a cuff's mechanical pressure seal by reducing wrinkles or folds that may form against a patient's tracheal walls.
US08307826B1 Method of providing breathable humidified oxygen gas to a patient
A method of providing a source of breathable humidified oxygen gas. A membrane oxygen humidifier is provided that includes at least one water permeable membrane and an enclosure. The at least one water permeable membrane has a first membrane side and a second membrane side that are in communication through the water permeable membrane. The enclosure extends over the second membrane side and wherein the enclosure has an air inlet port and an air outlet port. A first gas containing oxygen is directed past the first membrane side. The second gas is directed past the second membrane side with a fan. The first gas is humidified by transferring moisture through the at least one water permeable membrane from the second gas to the first gas.
US08307825B1 Membrane oxygen humidifier
A membrane oxygen humidifier including at least one water permeable membrane, an enclosure having an air inlet port and an air outlet port and a fan. The at least one water permeable membrane extends through the enclosure. The fan is positioned proximate at least one of the air inlet port and the air outlet port.
US08307823B2 Breathing aid
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, breathing aid is provided. The breathing aid includes a middle portion that defines a breathing aperture that provides air flow out of the mouth of the user. An incisor is defined on the top of the middle portion and sized to receive the upper incisors teeth of the user. The location of the incisor aperture along the middle portion providing proper placement of the breathing aid in the user's mouth. An inside end of the middle portion is provided at an angle. A pair of wing-like protrusions extend sideward from the middle portion, the protrusions sized to extend outwardly beyond the sides of a user's mouth in order to prevent the breathing aid from entering the mouth.
US08307820B2 Systems and methods of generating energy from solar radiation
A solar reflector assembly is provided for generating energy from solar radiation. The solar reflector assembly is configured to be deployed on a supporting body of liquid and to reflect solar radiation to a solar collector. A solar reflector assembly comprises an inflatable elongated tube having an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. A reflective sheet is coupled to a wall of the tube to reflect solar radiation. The elongated tube has an axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to a surface of a supporting body of liquid.
US08307815B2 Crankcase ventilation filter assembly
A filter assembly (100) comprises a housing (200) and a filter cartridge (300) that incorporates crankcase pressure-regulating components. The cartridge (300) includes an end cap (330), a plunger (340), and a spring (350). When the filter cartridge (300) is installed in the housing (200), the plunger (340) interacts with a podium (224), in response to crankcase pressure, to allow or block fluid communication with the inlet chamber (111).
US08307813B2 Heating device for liquid fuels and the like
A heating device, which is designed as a heater for liquid fuels, has a housing component and a heating element embedded in the housing component. The heating element is designed as a self-regulating heating element, so that protection against overheating is ensured.
US08307809B2 Engine assembly including cam cover mounted fuel rail
An engine assembly may include a cylinder head, a cam cover and a fuel rail assembly. The cylinder head may define intake and exhaust ports and the cam cover may be fixed to the cylinder head. The fuel rail assembly may include a fuel rail, a bracket assembly and a fuel injector. The bracket assembly may be fixed to the fuel rail and may include a fastener and an isolation member. The fastener may be engaged with the cam cover and may secure the fuel rail thereto. The isolation member may be located between the fuel rail and the cam cover to isolate vibration therebetween. The fuel injector may be in communication with the fuel rail and may extend into a combustion chamber defined by the cylinder head at a location between the intake and exhaust ports.
US08307803B2 Work machine
A work machine to which a cassette gas cylinder is detachably attached is disclosed. The cassette gas cylinder is accommodated inside a gas cylinder case. The gas cylinder case for accommodating the cassette gas cylinder is detachably attached to the work machine so that the gas cylinder case wherein the cassette gas cylinder is accommodated can be transported together with the cylinder.
US08307801B2 Combination to support and rotatably drive mass
A combination for use in supporting and rotatably driving a mass is disclosed. The combination may have a power source. The combination may also have a flywheel, which may be configured to connect with and rotatably drive the mass. The flywheel may have a flywheel end, which may have a plurality of flywheel protrusions. Additionally, the combination may have a bearing, which may be situated at least partially within the power source. The bearing may be configured to support and at least partially house the flywheel. In addition, the combination may have a crankshaft, which may be shaped to connect with and rotatably drive the flywheel. The crankshaft may have a crankshaft end, which may have a plurality of crankshaft protrusions. The plurality of crankshaft protrusions may be shaped to mesh with the plurality of flywheel protrusions.
US08307798B2 Internal combustion engine with a crankshaft and at least one cylinder head as well as a motor vehicle with such an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes a crankshaft as well as at least one cylinder head, which can be traversed by flow at least approximately in the crankshaft axial direction from an inlet duct to an outlet duct and which has valves for opening and closing the ducts. Two camshafts actuate the valves, and each of the camshafts is assigned an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The two camshafts are arranged at least approximately parallel to the crankshaft. A motor vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, can be provided with such an internal combustion engine.
US08307794B2 Internal combustion engine valve drive switching device
In an internal combustion engine valve drive switching device with a switching unit, the switching unit includes an implementation unit for implementing a first switching process based on at least one signal and thereafter, to implement a second switching process independently of an electronic evaluation.
US08307793B2 Internal combustion engine with two intake valves per cylinder which are actuated hydraulically and have differentiated return springs
An internal combustion engine comprises at least two intake valves per cylinder, each of them provided with respective spring return means which push the valve towards a closed position. The intake valves of each cylinder are controlled by a single cam of an engine camshaft, through a single tappet actuated by said cam and through a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system comprises a master cylinder having a piston positively connected to said tappet and two hydraulic actuators respectively associated to the two intake valves and which are both hydraulically connected to a common pressure chamber of said master cylinder. The return spring means associated to the intake valves of one and the same engine cylinder have predetermined loadS and/or rigidities which are different from each other, in such a way that said intake valves have different lift profiles, so as to cause a swirl motion of the air fed into the engine cylinder, which allows to improve the air-fuel mixing.
US08307789B2 Retractable leash support
The retractable leash support includes a bracket mounted on a rotatable platform the rotatable platform being mountable to any fixed structure. The bracket has two extension tubes spaced for receiving the grip portion of a typical retractable pet leash, the extension tubes also being adapted to accommodate a plate having complementary tubes that fit over the extension tubes to secure the pet leash between the bracket and plate. The extension tubes and complementary tubes of the plate have holes that can be aligned. Pins are inserted into the aligned holes to lock the pet leash grip securely in the leash support.
US08307787B2 Disposable pet cleaning bag
A single use and disposable pet cleaning bag that is coated on the inside with a dry shampoo or a water-activated shampoo or pre-moistened with a wet shampoo on the inside or throughout the bag. The caretaker places the bag around the pet and massages the shampoo into the coat of the animal, allowing for a much easier method of cleaning pets while providing a safer, more relaxing experience for the animal. When the cleaning is complete, the caretaker removes the bag which contains the dirt and hair that is shed by the animal and discards the bag, eliminating the required cleanup of the bathing area.
US08307785B2 Method and system for monitoring and reducing ruminant methane production
A method and system for reducing methane emissions by ruminants. The method includes providing a feed dispenser for feeding ruminants nutrient supplements, and the feed dispenser includes a gas analyzer where a ruminant places its head. The method includes determining a particular ruminant has accessed the feed dispenser such as by reading an identifier from an RFID ear tag and operating the feed dispenser to provide a ration of methane-controlling nutrient supplement. The method includes using the gas analyzer to determine levels of carbon dioxide and methane and operating a data analyzing station to determine a ratio of methane to carbon dioxide and modify the type or amount of nutrient supplement for the ruminant for a next feeding to control methane production or achieve an animal production goal, such as by operating a hopper with supplement compartments. The unit can be monitored remotely and controlled through an Internet connection.
US08307784B2 Method of injecting a treatment substance into eggs and the corresponding injection head
An injection method for injecting a substance into eggs, and an injection head for implementing said method. The method generally includes piercing the shell and at least the shell membrane of an egg by moving a needle, and then injecting the treatment substance via said needle, said piercing step comprising a first movement of the needle to pierce the shell with a first penetration force and then a second movement of the needle to pierce at least the shell membrane with a second penetration force lower than the first penetration force.
US08307777B2 Bookmarks including ribbon holding features and related methods
A bookmark can include a ribbon attached to a rigid body. The bookmark can include a resilient biasing member that assists in achieving a desired orientation of the rigid body relative to a book when the bookmark is coupled with the book.
US08307776B2 Smart bookmark
A position-identifying bookmark for identifying a reader's position on a page comprises at least one string, and first and second sheets. The first sheet has first and second planar sides, re-adherable adhesive on at least a portion of one of the first and second planar sides, and an aperture passing through the first sheet for connecting to the at least one string. The second sheet has first and second planar sides, re-adherable adhesive on at least a portion of one of the first and second planar sides, and an aperture passing through the second sheet for connecting to the at least one string.
US08307775B2 Impact detector and packaging container
An impact detector includes a circular weight, a case containing the weight, in which a transition path for the weight is formed, a planar elastic member extending in the case with a first end oriented in a direction in which the weight move upon an impact in a first direction, a fixing member fixing the planar member to the case. The planar elastic member includes a folded portion disposed on a second end of the planar elastic member, and a first arm and a second arm both extending from the folded portion. An end portion of the first arm holds the weight at an initial position, and the first arm deforms to release the weight upon the impact in the first direction. The fixing member includes a sandwiching portion sandwiching the folded portion and a contact portion in contact with both the first arm and the second arm.
US08307774B2 Rowing boat footrest assembly
A rowing boat footrest assembly is provided with a base, a foot-rudder control member, a footrest member and a positioning structure. The foot-rudder control member pivotally coupled to the base. The foot-rudder control member includes a rudder control attachment. The footrest member is supported on the foot-rudder control member. The footrest member includes a shoe attachment. The positioning structure is operatively coupled between the base and the foot-rudder control member. The positioning structure includes a contact member and a setting member. The contact member is movably provided to one of the base and the foot-rudder control member. The contact member is biased into contact with the other of the base and the foot-rudder control member. The setting member is adjustably arranged to change an urging force on the contact member.
US08307766B2 Drag effect trajectory enhanced projectile
A projectile includes a cartridge and a hollow bullet. A propellant fills the cartridge and the hollow bullet to increase the velocity of the bullet when fired. The hollow bullet has a flattened leading end and an annular ring is secured to the flattened leading end in the center of the flat region. The flattened leading end and the annular ring move a center of pressure forwardly so that a center of pressure is forward of a center of gravity of the bullet when the bullet is in flight. In a second embodiment, a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart slits is formed in a trailing end of the hollow bullet, creating a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart fins that flare radially outwardly upon impact with a soft target.
US08307764B2 Printing sleeve
A printing assembly includes a cylindrical sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a first channel and the outer surface defines a port fluidly connected to the first channel. The inner surface is configured for lateral movement along a nonporous surface in response to a first flow of pressurized air being directed into the first channel from the port. The inner surface is also configured to fixedly mate with the nonporous surface in response to removal of the flow.
US08307763B2 Can crusher
The can crusher is a device capable of crushing aluminum and steel cans. The device incorporates a wheeled base that supports thereon an assembly that includes a container for housing the cans and mechanisms for crushing the cans. The crushing mechanisms include a hydraulic jack, a sliding crank system, extension springs, a single-phase, geared motor, a movable plate and a pressure gauge.
US08307760B2 Device for roasting fowl
A device for roasting fowl includes a base pan shaped to have a first supporting surface and a second supporting surface; an insert extending vertically from the first support surface of the base pan for mounting the fowl; wherein the first supporting surface of the base pan rests in a cooking apparatus to allow for roasting of the fowl in a vertical manner, and the second supporting surface of the base pan rests in the cooking apparatus to allow for roasting of the fowl in a horizontal manner.
US08307759B2 Extending filter basket
The present invention is a fryer basket or roaster basket constructed with fine wire mesh to prevent food particles from remaining in the fryer oil once the fried food is removed. The fryer basket is preferably constructed of stainless steel, but other materials could be used including but not limited to copper, brass, glass, fiberglass or the like.
US08307756B1 Time-to-clean-filter indicator system for a popcorn popping machine and method
An indicator system for use with a popcorn popping machine providing a sensory perceptible signal to a user that ventilation filters should be cleaned. The indicator system may automatically track an interval based on a prior filter cleaning or usage of the popcorn popping machine.
US08307752B2 Piston hydraulic motor
A hydraulic motor having pistons, some of which are in a working phase and some are in a non-working phase, whereby the pistons are adapted to rotate the piston hydraulic motor's shaft or casing. To the piston hydraulic motor there are at least two working pressure medium channels, whereby the piston hydraulic motor can be connected for full volume or partial volume. In full volume, all the pistons in the working phase can be brought into the working phase in the motor by a pump's working pressure, whereas in the case of partial volume flow only some pistons can be brought into the working phase by the working pressure. The piston hydraulic motor comprises an actuator, which can close one of the piston hydraulic motor's pressurized inlet channels when the pressure in the other pressure medium channel falls below a certain critical value.
US08307750B2 Gas operated rifle with bolt carrier and receiver assembly
A gas operated autoloading firearm having an improved bolt carrier. The gas piston system may include a barrel defining a longitudinally-extending bullet pathway, a gas block defining a piston bore, a passageway fluidly connecting the bore with the bullet pathway for diverting combustion gas to the bore upon discharging the firearm, and a piston slidably disposed in the bore for reciprocating movement. The piston actuates a reciprocating bolt assembly including a bolt carrier slidably received in a receiver. The bolt carrier includes supporting and guiding surfaces configured to reduce receiver wear and bolt carrier drag.
US08307748B2 Multi-range camouflage design and method
Designs and methods are provided for a multi-range camouflage. In one exemplary embodiment, the camouflage comprises an array of tiles creating a micro camouflage pattern discernable at a first distance. The camouflage design further comprises a macro camouflage pattern discernable at a second distance that is substantially greater than the first distance. The macro camouflage pattern is inherent in the arrangement of tiles forming the micro camouflage pattern, and based on a predefined source image.
US08307747B2 Self-engaging non-reciprocating charging handle
A non-reciprocating, self-engaging charging handle is disclosed. It comprises a spring biased forward latch mounted upon a sliding body with a protruding handle. The spring bias causes the latch to positively engage the firearm's bolt carrier group when the handle is brought forward into contact therewith. A secondary latching system secures the charging handle to the upper receiver when not in use and disengages automatically when and only when a user desires to operate the handle.
US08307743B2 Adjustable structure for a hand tool
An adjustable structure for a hand tool includes a handle, a shank connected with the handle, and an adjusting device mounted on the handle. The handle has a chamber defined therein and two protrusions extending therefrom. The shank has at least two clamping grooves annularly defined therein. The adjusting device includes a rotary element, two slidable elements and two springs. The rotary element has a through hole defined therein, such that the shank passes through the through hole. Two sliding channels are defined in the rotary element. Each sliding channel receives one slidable element and one spring. Each slidable element has a clamping surface formed thereon for engaging with the clamping groove. Each slidable element has an abutting slot defined therein and receiving the protrusion. The shank is adjustable by moving the desired clamping groove to selectively engage with the two slidable elements.
US08307739B2 Methods for forming earth-boring tools having pockets for receiving cutting elements
Methods of forming cutting element pockets in earth-boring tools may include forming a first recess and a second recess. A filler material is disposed in the second recess to the form at least a portion of a back surface of the pocket. Methods of forming cutting element pockets in earth-boring tools may include orienting a rotating cutter generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of a cutting element pocket to be formed in a body of an earth-boring tool and machining the cutting element pocket in the earth-boring tool. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include forming a body comprising at least one blade and forming at least one cutting element pocket in the at least one blade.
US08307729B2 Dual clutch transmission with modifiable gear speeds and use of the transmission for at least two transmission variations
A modifiable dual clutch transmission is suggested allowing to be manufactured as two transmission variations having an interdependence of fixed wheels and loose wheels that remains at the same position for both variations while the loose wheels belonging to this interdependence are provided with different diameters for providing different transmission ratios. At least one of the loose wheels in that interdependence is correlated to a different forward gear in one transmission variation compared to the other transmission variation. In both transmission variations the loose wheels relating to the respective interdependences are correlated only to even numbered forward gears or to odd numbered forward gears, preserving the advantage of the dual clutch transmission to shift between two adjacent forward gears without interruption in the tractive power.
US08307728B1 Rear end gear box with offset input shaft for racing cars
A rear end gear box for a racing car has the swivel coupler and the bearing rotatably supporting the swivel coupler mounted within the rear end housing so that oil within the rear end housing will lubricate the swivel coupler and its bearing. The input shaft delivering rotational power from the engine is offset to the right of the driven shaft mounted within the rear end housing so that the center of gravity of the rear end is shifted to the left of the car centerline to increase stability of the car in turns. The recessed swivel coupler has an extended operating life due to increase stability and rigidity provided by the support from the housing structure. The cover for the back end of the rear end structure where the transfer gears are located is provided with an O-ring to facilitate a quick change of the transfer gears.
US08307727B2 Reciprocating and rotating type power transforming apparatus
Provided is a reciprocating rotary power transforming apparatus that can simplify its structure, reduce loss of friction energy occurring from motion transformation, and perform transformation between a reciprocating rotary motion and a uni-directional rotary motion. The reciprocating rotary power transforming apparatus includes a reciprocating rotary axis performing a reciprocating rotary motion, a uni-directional rotary axis performing a unidirectional rotary motion, a housing being disposed so that the reciprocating rotary axis and the uni-directional rotary axis may be orthogonal to each other on the same plane and being supported to un-restrict its rotation, and a motion transforming unit being connected to the reciprocating rotary axis and being constructed to perform transformation between the reciprocating rotary motion and the uni-directional rotary motion by a conical rotary motion and a twisting motion when power is transferred to the reciprocating rotary axis or to the uni-directional rotary axis.
US08307725B2 System for obtaining information relating to a pipe, and associated method
The invention proposes a system for obtaining information relating to a pipe (4) conveying a flow of fluid (28), and/or relating to the fluid. This system comprises a module (1;30) comprising means (10) of acquiring data, subsequent analysis of which makes it possible to obtain information relating to the pipe and/or the fluid, and means (11) of storing the data which said data acquisition means acquire, the self-contained module being arranged to be pushed by the fluid flow after being introduced into the pipe. It also comprises a mechanical link (2) which is connected to the self-contained module and accessible from outside the pipe.
US08307722B2 Method of detecting dispensed quantity, and liquid suction monitoring dispensing apparatus
There are provided a method of detecting dispensed quantity in which without the need of detecting a surface of liquid accommodated in a container, a liquid quantity can be detected only by measuring pressure change; and a relevant liquid suction monitoring dispensing apparatus. There is provided a method of detecting dispensed quantity for detection of the quantity of liquid suctioned and discharged by a dispensing apparatus including a pipette tip, a liquid suctioning/discharging mechanism for the pipette tip, a pressure sensor capable of detecting the pressure within the pipette tip, and a lifting and lowering mechanism for the pipette tip, which method comprises: an insertion step for inserting a distal end of the pipette tip down to the deepest zone of a container accommodating liquid to be measured; a suction pressure measuring step for without moving of the pipette tip, while suctioning the liquid into the pipette tip at a predetermined suctioning rate, measuring any pressure change during the suctioning; and a suction detecting step for on the basis of pressure change measured, determining the state of suction. Further, there is provided a liquid suction monitoring dispensing apparatus capable of practicing this method.
US08307721B2 Flexible pipette tips
Described herein are pipette tips that include rigid axial projections circumferentially disposed around the exterior surface of a relatively more compliant annular member. The rigid, axial projections may enable improved, and often optimal, sealing engagement with a dispensing device by (i) allowing deformation of the annular member between the projections, and (ii) restraining overall deformation of the annular member. Pipette tip embodiments described herein readily form a desired seal with a dispensing device, and permit ejection after use without modification to the dispensing device.
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