| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08313764B2 |
Wound healing device
The invention is directed to a wound healing device. Such wound healing device utilizes novel wound healing compositions embedded onto or into a natural plant-derived cloth-based matrix. |
| US08313763B2 |
Sustained delivery formulations of rapamycin compounds
The present invention relates to a rapamycin sustained release delivery system for treatment of diseases responsive to rapamycin. The sustained release delivery system of the invention includes a flowable composition containing rapamycin or a rapamycin derivative, which is capable of providing an implant containing the rapamycin or derivative thereof. The flowable composition may be injected into tissue whereupon it coagulates to become the solid or gel, monolithic implant. The flowable composition includes a biodegradable, thermoplastic polymer, an organic liquid and rapamycin or a rapamycin derivative. |
| US08313762B2 |
Flexible bioresorbable hemostatic packing and stent
The invention provides a flexible bioresorbable foam having hemostatic properties. The foam is formed from a carboxymethylcellulose suspension. |
| US08313761B2 |
Mesoporous implants for administering substances and methods of producing implants
A porous silicon implant impregnated with a beneficial substance, such as a micromineral required for healthy physiology, is implanted subcutaneously and is entirely corroded away over the following months/year to release the micromineral in a controlled manner. In a second embodiment the implant may have a large number of holes which contain beneficial substance and which are closed by bio-errordable doors of different thickness so as to stagger the release of the beneficial substance over time as the doors are breached. |
| US08313760B2 |
Compositions and methods for coating medical implants
Medical implants are provided which release a fluoropyrimidine or an analog thereof, thereby inhibiting or reducing the incidence of infection associated with the implant. |
| US08313759B2 |
Implantable or insertable medical devices containing miscible polymer blends for controlled delivery of a therapeutic agent
A therapeutic-agent release region is described, which comprises: (i) a first phase comprising a plurality of miscible polymers that are miscible with one another and (ii) a second phase comprising an additional polymer, which can be immiscible with any or all of the plurality of miscible polymers or a blend of the miscible polymers. Also described is a therapeutic-agent-releasing medical device, which comprises: (a) an implantable or insertable medical device substrate; (b) the above release region, disposed over at least a portion of the implantable or insertable medical device substrate, and (c) a therapeutic agent. The release region regulates the rate of release of the therapeutic agent from the medical device upon implantation or insertion of the device into a patient. Also described are methods for making an implantable or insertable medical device, for administering a therapeutic agent to a patient, and for modulating the release rate of a therapeutic agent. |
| US08313758B2 |
Method of producing high alcohol content foaming compositions with silicone-based surfactants
This invention relates to a method of producing and dispensing a foam using a “high lower alcohol content”(>40% v/v of a C1-4 alcohol) liquid composition. The liquid compositions comprise an alcohol, C1-4(>40% v/v), a silicone-based surfactant of at least 0.001% by weight 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. |
| US08313757B2 |
Encapsulation of sensitive liquid components into a matrix to obtain discrete shelf-stable particles
A liquid encapsulant component which contains an active, sensitive encapsulant, such as a live microorganism or an enzyme dissolved or dispersed in a liquid plasticizer is admixed with a plasticizable matrix material. The matrix material is plasticizable by the liquid plasticizer and the encapsulation of the active encapsulant is accomplished at a low temperature and under low shear conditions. The active component is encapsulated and/or embedded in the plasticizable matrix component or material in a continuous process to produce discrete, solid particles. The liquid content of the liquid encapsulant component provides substantially all or completely all of the liquid plasticizer needed to plasticize the matrix component to obtain a formable, extrudable, cuttable, mixture or dough. Removal of liquid plasticizer prior to extrusion is not needed to adjust the viscosity of the mixture for formability. Release of an active component from the matrix may be delayed or controlled over time so that the active component is delivered when and where it is needed to perform its intended function. Controlled release, discrete, solid particles which contain an encapsulated and/or embedded component such as a heat sensitive or readily oxidizable pharmaceutically, biologically, or nutritionally active component are continuously produced without substantial destruction of the matrix material or encapsulant. |
| US08313754B2 |
Ophthalmic compositions containing a synergistic combination of two polymers
Ophthalmic compositions suitable for use as artificial tears or as vehicles for ophthalmic drugs are disclosed. The compositions contain a combination of two polymers that have a synergistic effect on viscosity. |
| US08313751B2 |
Compositions and methods for the prophylaxis or treatment of viral diseases
The invention relates to the use preferably of at least one active ingredient for the prophylaxis or therapy of a viral disease, wherein this active ingredient inhibits at least one component of the cellular signal transduction pathway for the activation of the transcription factor NF-kB such that virus multiplication is inhibited. The present invention relates furthermore to the local, preferably aerogenic, administration of the active ingredient according to the invention for inhibiting virus multiplication. The active ingredient according to the invention may be combined with at least one further antivirally effective substance for the prophylaxis or therapy of a viral disease. |
| US08313750B2 |
Enterovirus type 71 protein and method for production
The invention provides a new type of a capsid protein VP1 of human enterovirus 71, named as MEL701-VP1 and functional/structural variants thereof, which is used for protection against enterovirus. The transgenic animal producing the protein, the composition comprising the protein and the method for production thereof are also provided. |
| US08313744B2 |
Composition for the prevention and treatment of absence seizures comprising PKC agonist as an effective ingredient
The present invention relates to a composition comprising PKC agonist as an active ingredient. More precisely, the present inventors confirmed that absence seizure specific SWD was reduced by administrating PKC agonist into an animal model. Therefore, the composition of the present invention comprising PKC agonist as an active ingredient can be effectively used for the prevention and treatment of absence seizure and for the production of health improving functional food. |
| US08313737B2 |
Hair treatment process for smoothing the hair
The present disclosure relates to a hair treatment process that comprises applying to the hair a composition comprising at least one ceramide compound in a cosmetically acceptable medium and applying an iron to the hair wherein the iron temperature is at least 60° C. and raises the temperature of the hair. The process may be used for smoothing the hair. |
| US08313735B2 |
Long-wearing cosmetic product system for providing extended shine and gloss
A method of making-up a keratinous substrate involving: (a) providing a keratinous substrate; (b) applying a basecoat composition onto the keratinous substrate, the basecoat composition comprising: (i) at least one silicone-polyamide copolymer; (ii) at least one silicone film former; (iii) at least one volatile oil; and (iv) at least one colorant; and (c) applying a topcoat composition over top of the basecoat composition, the topcoat composition comprising: (i) at least one tackifier component having a solubility parameter corresponding to δ; (ii) at least one block copolymer having at least one hard segment and at least one soft segment and wherein at least one of said hard and/or soft segments has a solubility parameter corresponding to δ±2; (iii) at least one solvent; and (iv) optionally, at least one colorant. |
| US08313730B2 |
Treatment of celiac disease with IgA
A process for inhibiting symptoms of a subject with celiac disease is provided that includes administration of monoclonal-, or polyclonal-, monomeric, dimeric, or polymeric IgA. Joining secretory component to the IgA limits oral administration degradation. Formulating agents are mixed with the monomeric, dimeric, or polymeric IgA to yield a dosing form of a capsule, tablet, and a suppository. The therapeutic is amenable to enrobement directly through microencapsulation or the dosing form is coated with an enteric coating. |
| US08313727B2 |
Synthesis of chabazite-containing molecular sieves and their use in the conversion of oxygenates to olefins
In a method of synthesizing a mostly CHA-type silicoaluminophosphate sieve, a reaction mixture comprises sources of water, silicon, aluminum, phosphorus, and a template. In one aspect, the inorganic phosphorus and silicon sources are first combined to form a primary mixture that is aged. Then, the aluminum source is added, followed optionally by any organic phosphorus source, and then the template, to form the synthesis mixture. After heating at <10° C./hr to induce crystallization, in this aspect, both the crystallized sieve has an average crystal size ≦1.5 μm and/or is recovered in a yield of ≧10.0 wt %. In another aspect, when the synthesis mixture Si/Al2 ratio is <0.33, crystallization is induced. Advantageously, the sieve so crystallized has a template efficiency of ≧0.5 and/or is recovered in a yield of ≧10.0 wt %. The molecular sieve from both aspects can be used in a hydrocarbon (oxygenates-to-olefins) conversion process. |
| US08313726B2 |
Gas generator and gas generation method
A gas generator includes a processing vessel defining a processing space and holding a support body therein, an evacuation system evacuating the processing space; a metal oxide film of a perovskite structure containing oxygen defects formed on the support body, a source gas supplying port supplying a source gas containing molecules of a source compound of carbon dioxide or water into the processing space, a gas outlet port for extracting a product gas containing molecules of a product compound in which oxygen atoms are removed from said source compound, and a heating part heating the support body. |
| US08313724B2 |
Short, functionalized, soluble carbon nanotubes, methods of making same, and polymer composites made therefrom
In some embodiments, the present invention relates to new processes to simultaneously shorten and functionalize raw or purified carbon nanotubes to improve their dispersity and processibility, and the short functionalized nanotubes that may be made by the processes. This present invention also relates to new compositions of matter using short functionalized carbon nanotubes with thermoset, thermoplastic polymers, high temperature polymers, and other materials; the processes for making such composite materials; and the products of said processes. |
| US08313723B2 |
Activated carbon fibers, methods of their preparation, and devices comprising activated carbon fibers
Catalytically activated carbon fibers and methods for their preparation are described. The activated carbon fibers are engineered to have a controlled porosity distribution that is readily optimized for specific applications using metal-containing nanoparticles as activation catalysts. The activated carbon fibers may be used in all manner of devices that contain carbon materials, including but not limited to various electrochemical devices (e.g., capacitors, batteries, fuel cells, and the like), hydrogen storage devices, filtration devices, catalytic substrates, and the like. |
| US08313722B2 |
Process to produce ammonia from urea
In a process for producing ammonia from urea which process comprises: (a) heating a liquid phase reaction medium comprising an aqueous solution of urea, or a mixture of urea, containing biuret or ammonium carbamate on site, in a hydrolysis reactor such that a pressurized gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide-containing product is obtained which is essentially free of urea, biuret, or ammonium carbamate; (b) separating the gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide-containing product from the liquid phase reaction medium at the prevailing pressure; (c) retaining the liquid phase reaction medium in the reactor for further conversion to gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide, and/or recycling at least a portion of the said reaction medium back into the reactor, a urea dissolver, or feed solution to the reactor for further conversion; and (d) withdrawing the gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide-containing product separated in step (b) at a controlled rate to meet varying ammonia demand requirements; the improvement wherein the operating pressure of said reactor is set or adjusted such that excess water for the reaction is maintained in the reactor and the dew-point of said gaseous ammonia and carbon-dioxide-containing product is below the operating temperature of said reactor. |
| US08313721B2 |
Lithium-oxygen (AIR) electrochemical cells and batteries
This invention provides a lithium-oxygen or lithium-air electrochemical cell comprising a negative electrode, an electrolyte, and a porous activated positive electrode comprising lithium-rich electrocatalytic materials suitable for use in lithium-oxygen (air) cells and batteries. The activated positive electrode is produced by activating a precursor electrode formed from a material comprising one or more metal oxide compounds of general formula xLi2O.yMOz, in which 0 |
| US08313719B2 |
Method of making active materials for use in secondary electrochemical cells
The present invention provides for the preparation of an “optimized” VPO4 phase or V—P—O/C precursor. The VPO4 precursor is an amorphous or nanocrystalline powder. The V—P—O/C precursor is amorphous in nature and contains finely divided and dispersed carbon. Throughout the specification it is understood that the VPO4 precursor and the V—P—O/C precursor materials can be used interchangeably to produce the final vanadium phosphates, with the V—P—O/C precursor material being the preferred precursor. The precursors can subsequently be used to make vanadium based electroactive materials and use of such precursor materials offers significant advantages over other processes known for preparing vanadium phosphate compounds. |
| US08313718B2 |
Method and composition for removal of mercaptans from gas streams
A composition for removing mercaptan from a gas stream containing at least one acid gas in addition to a mercaptan, the composition comprising a physical and/or chemical solvent for H2S and an inclusion compound for the mercaptan. A process of treating gas stream using the composition. The inclusion compound is selected from the group consisting of, cyclodextrin, cryptand, calixarene, cucurbituril. The chemical solvent may be monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA, diisopropylamine (DIPA), diglycolamine (DGA) and methyldiethanolamine (MDEA). Examples of useful physical solvents include cyclotetramethylene sulfone (sulfolane) and its derivatives, aliphatic acid amides, NMP (n-methylpyrrolidone), N-alkylated pyrrolidones and corresponding piperidone, methanol and mixtures of dialkethers of polyethylene glycols. The method comprises scrubbing preferably the natural gas with an aqueous solution comprising the above compounds followed by a stripping regeneration step. |
| US08313715B2 |
Process and plant for producing metal oxide from metal salts
A process for producing metal oxide from metal salts includes cleaning a metal salt in a filter. After cleaning, the metal salt is dried in a drying apparatus. Steam is formed in the drying apparatus. The metal salt is preheated in at least one preheating stage. The metal salt is calcined to metal oxide in a fluidized-bed reactor. The metal oxide is cooled. The steam formed in the drying apparatus is recirculated into the filter. |
| US08313713B2 |
Stabilizing a cuvette during measurement
A device and method solves the problems of improving precision, in particular in reducing movement of a cuvette, particularly lateral or side to side movement of a cuvette, during the measurement process. The device, which stabilizes a cuvette during a measurement read in an analyzer having a cuvette path of travel, includes: a fixed support located on a first side of the path of travel and abutting a side of the cuvette at a location that does not interfere with an optical window on the cuvette on which the measurement read takes place; and a movable support located on a second side of the path of travel and biased against a side of the cuvette at a location that does not interfere with the optical window on the cuvette on which the measurement read takes place, and which is opposite the side abutting the fixed support. |
| US08313708B2 |
Gas treatment apparatus
An apparatus for treating objects with a treatment gas comprises a treatment chamber, a chamber input through which objects enter the treatment chamber, and a chamber output (which may be the same as the chamber input) through which the objects leave the treatment chamber. The treatment chamber encloses the treatment gas, which can be steam. The chamber output and/or the chamber input include an intermediate medium, such as a liquid, through which the objects pass. The intermediate medium prevents escape of the treatment gas from the treatment chamber and the ingress of external gases into the treatment chamber, while facilitating input of the objects to the chamber, and output of the objects from the chamber. |
| US08313707B2 |
Solid product dispenser
A product housing for use with a vacuum breaker, a solid product dispenser, and a solid product having a bottom surface comprises a product holder, an overflow outlet, and a flood plane. The product holder has a bottom and is configured and arranged to receive the solid product with the bottom surface proximate the bottom. The bottom of the product holder is positioned proximate above the solid product dispenser and proximate below the vacuum breaker. The overflow outlet is proximate the bottom, and the flood plane is proximate the overflow outlet. |
| US08313706B2 |
Gasket, reactor using the same for spiral sealing and manufacturing method thereof
Provided are a gasket, a reactor using the same for sealing a spiral, and a manufacturing method thereof. Spirials are continuously installed in the longitudinal direction between an inner pipe and an outer pipe coaxially arranged to form a flow path for a heat medium, so the seal between the spiral and the outer pipe is stably maintained and fabrication of the reactor is facilitated. The gasket is inserted in and coupled with the spiral, and thus does not need additional processing for combining the gasket. The gasket and spiral are coupled by lodging the spiral into a channel of the gasket. Furthermore, since the gasket is evenly coupled in the outer circumference of the spiral, in which a cushion plate made of resilient material is installed, breakage of the gasket during assembly of the outer pipe is effectively prevented and the post-assembly seal between the spiral and the outer pipe is stabilized. |
| US08313705B2 |
System and process for reacting a petroleum fraction
In one exemplary embodiment, a system for reacting a first feed can include a petroleum fraction having at least about 90%, by volume, with a boiling point of at least about 300° C. The system can include a bubble column reactor. The bubble column reactor, in turn, can include a first inlet for the first feed and a second inlet for a second feed including a gas rich in hydrogen. In addition, the petroleum fraction may be in counter-current flow with respect to the gas rich in hydrogen inside the bubble column reactor. |
| US08313704B2 |
Spouted bed device, polyolefin production system with spouted bed device, and polyolefin production process
A spouted bed device according to the present invention includes a vertically extending cylinder; a decreasing diameter member which is formed on the cylinder, has an inside diameter that decreases progressively downward, and has a gas inlet orifice at a bottom end thereof; and a tubular portion which extends downward from an edge of the gas inlet orifice. A spouted bed is formed in a treatment zone enclosed by a top surface of the decreasing diameter member and an inner wall of the cylinder above the decreasing diameter member. |
| US08313698B2 |
Droplet-based nucleic acid amplification apparatus and system
The present invention relates to a droplet-based nucleic acid amplification apparatus and system. According to one embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided made using a first substrate including a fluorescing material and including a detection region for detecting a fluorescence signal from a droplet, which detection region is coated with a light absorbing, low fluorescence or non-fluorescing material. |
| US08313697B2 |
Cartridge and analyzing system
The present invention relates to a cartridge 1 including a plurality of analyzing tools 3 arranged lined in a plane direction and a case 2 for accommodating the plurality of analyzing tools 3, and being configured to take out the analyzing tool 3 one at a time from the case 2. The plurality of analyzing tools 3 further include engagement means 32, 33 for restricting the analyzing tools 3 adjacent to each other in the plane direction and allowing removable attachment in a thickness direction D1, D2 of the analyzing tool 3. The present invention further relates to an analyzer and an analyzing system for analyzing a sample using the cartridge 1. |
| US08313696B2 |
Test tape and analytical system
A test tape for analyzing body fluids is provided comprising a flexible carrier tape and a plurality of test fields arranged spaced apart thereon for the detection of an analyte in the body fluid. The carrier tape is provided with indicator areas to register the distance and/or determine the position of the test tape or its components during tape transport. |
| US08313695B2 |
Automatic analyzer
An automatic analyzer for performing analysis of a precision control sample in response to an external factor to alleviate the burden on the operator and perform precision control at appropriate timing, thereby allowing automatic maintenance of the measurement precision. Analysis of a precision control sample is performed by creating an analysis request for the internally held precision control sample and then transferring the precision control sample in response to an external factor occurring, when a calibrator is inputted in the analyzer, the number of remaining reagents under analysis satisfies a predetermined condition (becomes zero or falls below a specified value), the date changes, a specified time runs out, the operator is changed, the number of analyzed samples exceeds a specified value, a specified time period has elapsed, a new reagent is registered, and a measurement failure is detected. |
| US08313691B2 |
Lean austenitic stainless steel
An austenitic stainless steel having low nickel and molybdenum and exhibiting comparable corrosion resistance and formability properties to higher nickel and molybdenum alloys comprises, in weight %, up to 0.20 C, 2.0-9.0 Mn, up to 2.0 Si, 16.0-23.0 Cr, 1.0-5.0 Ni, up to 3.0 Mo, up to 3.0 Cu, 0.1-0.35 N, up to 4.0 W, up to 0.01 B, up to 1.0 Co, iron and impurities, the steel having a ferrite number of less than 10 and a MD30 value of less than 20° C. |
| US08313689B2 |
Filter for use in the casting of aluminium, magnesium, copper alloy and the like
The filter of the type made out of fiberglass fabric is remarkable in that it includes an impregnation in an iron oxide enriched resin which confers a magnetization-based function and property upon it and allows the feeder head/filter unit to be recycled so that the metal and the waste filters can be recovered. |
| US08313688B2 |
Method for in-line heat exchanger tube brazing
An installation for soldering or for heat-treating workpieces (1) under a protective gas atmosphere, includes a workpiece transportation apparatus (2), an entrance (3) into the installation and an exit (4) out of the installation, a combustion-gas or heating-gas stream (B) which is conducted separately from the protective-gas stream (S) and brings the protective-gas stream (S) to operating temperature, and comprising an insulating means (5) which surrounds the installation. A considerable amount of energy is saved in that the combustion-gas or heating-gas stream (B) and the protective-gas stream (S) have approximately corresponding heat capacities and can be conducted through the installation in counterflow. |
| US08313685B2 |
Device for producing pin-shaped end products by the injection-molding process
The invention relates to an injection-molding tool and to a process for producing pin-shaped blanks as end products, a two-dimensional skin cavity and blank cavities connected to said skin cavity being provided at a runner, in order to be able to form a molding, including a sprue, a skin and the blanks formed on said skin via defined predetermined breaking points. In this case, the injection-molding tool makes it possible before and at the beginning of the injecting operation to create a negative pressure in the cavities and makes it easier after the molding material has solidified to demold the molding obtained by introduced compressed air. In this case, the injection-molding tool is constructed in such a way that the demolding of the blanks is performed separately from the demolding of the skin and the sprue, the demolding also being accompanied by detachment of the blanks from the skin by the lifting movement during the opening of the injection-molding tool, and the blanks being discharged with preference without being acted upon by a manipulator, on account of the loss of form fit and under the action of gravitational force, and the injection-molding tool being made operationally ready again at the end of the cycle by a closing operation. |
| US08313677B2 |
Formable sealant barrier
In one embodiment of the present invention, an assembly for HPHT processing comprises a can with an opening. A powder mixture is disposed within the opening. A substrate is disposed within the opening adjacent the powder mixture. Paint is coated on a surface within the opening and opposite the powder mixture with respect to the substrate. A meltable sealant is disposed within the opening and opposite the substrate with respect to the surface and a cap is covering the opening.In another embodiment of the present invention, an assembly for HPHT processing comprises a can with an opening, a powder mixture is disposed within the opening, a substrate disposed within the opening adjacent and above the powder mixture, a formable sealant barrier is disposed within the opening above the substrate, a meltable sealant is disposed within the opening above the formable sealant barrier, and a cap covers the opening. |
| US08313673B2 |
Method of manufacture of semiconductor device and conductive compositions used therein
The present invention is directed to a thick film conductive composition comprising: (a) electrically conductive silver powder; (b) Mn-containing additive; (c) glass frit wherein said glass frit has a softening point in the range of 300 to 600° C.; dispersed in (d) organic medium.The present invention is further directed to a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device from a structural element composed of a semiconductor having a p-n junction and an insulating film formed on a main surface of the semiconductor comprising the steps of (a) applying onto said insulating film the thick film composition as describe above; and (b) firing said semiconductor, insulating film and thick film composition to form an electrode. |
| US08313672B2 |
Process for producing surge absorbing material with dual functions
A kind of manufacturing method for dual functions with varistor material and device has one of the characteristics among capacitance, inductance, voltage suppressor and thermistor in addition to surge absorbing characteristic, which microstructural compositions include a glass substrate with high resistance and three kinds of low-resistance conductive or semiconductive particles in micron, submicron and nanometer size uniformly distributed in the glass substrate to provide with good surge absorbing characteristic. |
| US08313671B2 |
Heterocyclic compound and use thereof
Disclosed are a heterocyclic compound characterized by being represented by formula (1), and a composition of the compound. Also disclosed is an organic electronic device using the compound. (In formula (1), X1, X2 and X3 each independently represents a sulfur atom or a selenium atom; and R1-R6 each independently represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group, an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxyl group, a mercapto group, an alkylthio group, a boronic acid group, a nitro group, a substituted amino group, an amide group, an acyl group, a carboxyl group, an acyloxy group, a cyano group, a sulfo group, a sulfamoyl group, an alkylsulfamoyl group, a carbamoyl group, an alkylcarbamoyl group or a hydrogen atom, provided that all the R1-R6 are not hydrogen atoms at the same time.) The compound represented by formula (1) is suitable for use in an organic electronic device such as an organic EL element, an organic transistor element and a liquid crystal element. |
| US08313670B2 |
Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
The subject is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a negatively large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance and a high stability to ultraviolet light or heat, or that is suitably balanced regarding at least two of the characteristics. The subject is to provide a AM device that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth. The invention provides a liquid crystal composition that has negative dielectric anisotropy, including a specific four-ring compound having a high maximum temperature and a negatively large dielectric anisotropy as a first component, a two-ring compound having a small viscosity as a second component, and optionally including a specific compound having a negatively large dielectric anisotropy as a third component, a specific compound having small viscosity as a fourth component and a specific compound having a negatively large dielectric anisotropy as a fifth component. The invention provides also a liquid crystal display device containing this composition. |
| US08313665B2 |
Showerhead electrode assemblies for plasma processing apparatuses
Showerhead electrode assemblies are disclosed, which include a showerhead electrode adapted to be mounted in an interior of a vacuum chamber; an optional backing plate attached to the showerhead electrode; a thermal control plate attached to the backing plate or to the showerhead electrode at multiple contact points across the backing plate; and at least one thermally and electrically conductive gasket separating the backing plate and the thermal control plate, or the backing plate and showerhead electrode, at the contact points. Methods of processing semiconductor substrates using the showerhead electrode assemblies are also disclosed. |
| US08313663B2 |
Surface profile adjustment using gas cluster ion beam processing
A method of treating a workpiece is described. The method comprises selectively forming a sacrificial material on one or more regions of a substrate or a layer on the substrate using a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB), and adjusting a surface profile of a surface on the substrate or the layer on the substrate by performing an etching process following the selective formation. |
| US08313662B2 |
Methods for globally treating silica optics to reduce optical damage
A method for preventing damage caused by high intensity light sources to optical components includes annealing the optical component for a predetermined period. Another method includes etching the optical component in an etchant including fluoride and bi-fluoride ions. The method also includes ultrasonically agitating the etching solution during the process followed by rinsing of the optical component in a rinse bath. |
| US08313661B2 |
Deep trench liner removal process
A liner removal process is described, wherein an excess portion of a conformal liner formed in a trench is substantially removed while reducing or minimizing damage to a bulk fill material in the trench. |
| US08313659B2 |
Fabrication of multi-dimensional microstructures
A method for forming a multi-dimensional microstructure, such as but not limited to a three dimensional (3-D) microstructure coil for use in a data transducer of a data storage device. In accordance with some embodiments, the method generally includes providing a base region comprising a first conductive pathway embedded in a first dielectric material; etching a plurality of via regions in the first dielectric material that are each partially filled with a first seed layer that contacts the embedded first conductive pathway; and using the first seed layer to form a conductive pillar in each of the plurality of via regions, wherein each conductive pillar comprises a substantially vertical sidewall that extends to a first distance above the base region. |
| US08313653B2 |
Method of removing iron and calcium from a geothermal brine
This invention relates generally to processes for extracting iron and/or calcium from geothermal brines. |
| US08313652B2 |
Method and device employing centrifugal force
The present invention includes a container and a method of separating one or more components of interest bound to magnetic particles using centrifugal forces. |
| US08313645B2 |
Filter device
The invention relates to a filter device comprising at least one filter chamber (7) configured between a chamber side (5) and a membrane side (6) of two parallel filter plates (1) and divided through two filter cloths (4), the membrane sides (6) of the two filter plates (1) each comprising a membrane (3), an outlet (8), and a deviation element (12) attached to the outlet (8) and penetrating the membrane (3). When the filter device is closed, a suspension containing a solid substance can be inducted between the filter cloths (4) in such a way that a filtrate penetrates the filter cloths (4) on the chamber side (5) and on the membrane side (6), while the solid substance is deposited in a filter cake on the filter cloths (4). The filtrate flows initially substantially parallel to the filter cloth (4) towards the outlet (8), is deviated through the deviation element (12) in an outlet direction (9) perpendicular to the filter cloth (4), and flows out through the outlet (8). When the filter device is open, the filter plates (1) are at a distance from each other, so that the filter cloths (4) with the filter cake can be removed from the filter chamber (7). In order to avoid loss of tightness of the filter device, a sealing edge (16) of the deviation element (12) is flush with the membrane in a sealing manner. |
| US08313644B2 |
Bottle with an integrated filtration assembly that is manually operated using a plunger
A portable vessel for fluids has an integrated filtration system. A pressing assembly fitted to the vessel includes a stopper, a rod having a top end and a filtration assembly. A vessel top receives the pressing assembly such that the rod of the pressing assembly is slidably attached to a bearing of the vessel top. A gasket attached to the filtration element maintains a seal between the inner surface of the vessel and an outer perimeter of the filtration assembly and the orientation of the rod is maintained by the gasket and the bearing. In use, pressure applied to the pressing assembly drives the filtration assembly through the vessel causing water to be filtered as it passes through the filter element. |
| US08313641B2 |
Adsorbent for feed and products purification in a reforming process
The service life and deactivation rate of a reforming catalyst is improved through use of a new sulfur guard bed containing a chloride additive. This sulfur guard bed, which contains supported CuO material having an increased resistance to reduction, shows such improvement. Thus, the danger of run-away reduction followed by a massive release of water causing process upsets in a catalytic reforming process is practically eliminated. The fact that the guard bed material preserves the active metal phase—copper in an active (oxide) form is an important advantage leading to very low sulfur content in the product stream. The sulfur capacity per unit weight of sorbent is also significantly increased, making this sorbent a superior cost effective sulfur guard product. |
| US08313639B2 |
Methods and apparatus for measuring analytes using large scale FET arrays
Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis. |
| US08313637B2 |
Electrolysis method
A wear of an electrode is prevented as much as possible, thereby efficiently electrolyzing a sulfuric acid solution and the like. An electrolysis method includes: passing an electrolytic solution through an electrolysis cell including at least a pair of an anode and a cathode; and supplying the electrodes with an electric power, so as to electrolyze the electrolytic solution, wherein a viscosity of the electrolytic solution is set in a range in response to a current density upon the electric power supply to carry out the electrolysis. The viscosity of a sulfuric acid solution as the electrolytic solution is equal to or less than 10 cP when the current density is equal to or less than 50 A/dm2, the viscosity of the sulfuric acid solution is equal to or less than 8 cP when the current density is from more than 50 to 75 A/dm2, and the viscosity of the sulfuric acid solution is equal to or less than 6 cP when the current density is from more than 75 to 100 A/dm2. Particularly when a highly-concentrated sulfuric acid solution is electrolyzed at a high current density using diamond electrodes, the electrolysis process can be carried out highly efficiently while a wear of the electrode is reduced. |
| US08313636B2 |
Machining method
A method of manufacturing a metal housing (14) includes providing a first passage (10) through the metal housing (14) and providing a second passage (12) through the metal housing (14), wherein the second passage (12) includes a region of intersection (20) which intersects the first passage (10) to define an opening (22, 122, 222) into the first passage (10). The method further includes subjecting the metal housing (14) to a heat treatment process to carburise an internal surface of the first and/or second passage (10, 12) and, subsequent to the carburization process, applying a hard stage electrochemical machining process to the carburised internal surface of the first and/or second passage (10, 12) to improve surface finish. Another aspect of the invention includes providing a second passage (12) through the metal housing (14) by means of a tool (46), such as an electrochemical machining electrode, having an active region without rotational symmetry about its axis (Y-Y). The active region is shaped to provide the region of intersection (20) with a generally conical taper (29, 31) to the opening (22; 122; 222). |
| US08313631B2 |
Apparatus and methods for electrochemical processing of microfeature wafers
Apparatus and methods for electrochemically processing microfeature wafers. The apparatus can have a vessel including a processing zone in which a microfeature wafer is positioned for electrochemical processing. The apparatus further includes at least one counter electrode in the vessel that can operate as an anode or a cathode depending upon the particular plating or electropolishing application. The apparatus further includes a supplementary electrode and a supplementary virtual electrode. The supplementary electrode is configured to operate independently from the counter electrode in the vessel, and it can be a thief electrode and/or a de-plating electrode depending upon the type of process. The supplementary electrode can further be used as another counter electrode during a portion of a plating cycle or polishing cycle. The supplementary virtual electrode is located in the processing zone, and it is configured to counteract an electric field offset relative to the wafer associated with an offset between the wafer and the counter electrode in the vessel when the wafer is in the processing zone. |
| US08313627B2 |
Drag through electro-deposition system
A drag through electro-deposition system and a method of performing a drag through electro-deposition process on a vehicle body is disclosed. The system may include pairs of anodes, with each pair having a corresponding anode pair power supply. As a vehicle body is carried through the electro-deposition tank, the electric power to each pair is individually adjusted relative to the vehicle body position in the tank. |
| US08313621B2 |
Valve metal anode pellets for capacitors formed using forced convection of liquid electrolyte during anodization
A method and apparatus for anodizing a porous valve metal pellet in a flowing liquid electrolyte is described. The apparatus comprises an insulative container comprised of a lower region, a central region including a cavity for holding the pellet, an upper region, and a continuous passageway extending through the lower, central, and upper regions. Lower and upper screens serving as lower and upper electrodes are disposed in the passageway in the lower and upper container regions, respectively. During anodizing, the electrolyte flows through the lower container region including the lower screen, the porous pellet and then the upper container region including the upper screen. The lower and upper screens are at an opposite electrical polarity as the pellet so that a dielectric oxide is formed on the exposed valve metal including interior portions of the pellet that are exposed to the flowing electrolyte. |
| US08313620B2 |
ITO-coated article for use with touch panel display assemblies, and/or method of making the same
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for making a coated article including a transparent conductive indium-tin-oxide (ITO) film supported by a heat treated glass substrate. A substantially sub-oxidized ITO or metallic indium-tin (InSn) film is sputter-deposited onto a glass substrate at room temperature. The glass substrate with the as-deposited film thereon is subjected to elevated temperatures. Thermal tempering or heat strengthening causes the as-deposited film to be transformed into a crystalline transparent conductive ITO film. Advantageously, this may reduce the cost of touch panel assemblies, e.g., because of the higher rates of the ITO deposition in the metallic mode. The cost of touch-panel assemblies may be further reduced through the use of float glass. |
| US08313610B2 |
Temperature control modules for showerhead electrode assemblies for plasma processing apparatuses
A temperature control module for a showerhead electrode assembly for a semiconductor material plasma processing chamber includes a heater plate adapted to be secured to a top surface of a top electrode of the showerhead electrode assembly, and which supplies heat to the top electrode to control the temperature of the top electrode; a cooling plate adapted to be secured to and thermally isolated from a surface of a top plate of the showerhead electrode assembly, and to cool the heater plate and control heat conduction between the top electrode and heater plate; and at least one thermal choke adapted to control heat conduction between the heater plate and cooling plate. |
| US08313608B2 |
Method of aligning an imaging device in an optical system
In an optical system including an optical bench and an imaging device that is configured to be mounted to the optical bench, a method of aligning the imaging device on the optical bench includes the steps of: (1) inserting an alignment pin extending from a mounting surface of either the optical bench or the imaging device into a hole defined in the other of the optical bench and the imaging device; (2) aligning the imaging device with respect to a target image by translating and/or rotating the imaging device on the mounting surface of the optical bench while the pin is inserted in the hole to meet pre-defined center pixel, scan line and/or resolution requirements of the optical system; and (3) applying epoxy to the pin and the hole to mount the optical bench to the imaging device. |
| US08313607B2 |
Expansion repair coupling
An expansion repair coupling for interconnecting two facing ends of a cut pipe comprises a tubular body, a spigot slidably and rotatably received therein and a locking mechanism to selectively lock or unlock the rotation of the tubular body relative to the spigot. An end of the spigot extends outward from the tubular body to receive a coupling that connects to one end of the cut pipe. A radially enlarged section on the spigot has a sealing mechanism that sealably engages an interior surface of the tubular body. The locking mechanism, engaged by collapsing the spigot into the tubular body or disengaged by extending the spigot therefrom, facilitates a push and twist connection at both ends of the pipe to wipe the adhesive disposed therebetween and obtain a better seal. Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a socket having spigot engaging members that cooperatively engage socket engaging members on the spigot. |
| US08313606B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing wound electrode assembly for battery
The present invention aims to provide a method for bonding protective tapes to the cut edges of an electrode plate within a short period to prevent short circuit in an electrode assembly. An electrode plate cutting & tape bonding process includes (1) cutting an electrode plate into pieces 100a and 100b, (2) forming a gap W between edges 106 and 107 of the pieces 100a and 100b, (3) bonding protective tapes 51 and 52 to both sides of the pieces 100a and 100b, covering the edges and the gap, and (4) conveying the pieces 100a and 100b connected together. Next, the tapes 51 and 52 are cut into pieces 51a & 52a and 51b & 52b. Then, the electrode plate piece 100a with the tape pieces 51a & 52a and 51b & 52b is wound together with a negative electrode plate, with a separator sandwiched therebetween. |
| US08313605B2 |
Method for manufacturing optical display unit, and sheet material and roll for use therein
A method for manufacturing an optical display unit including a substrate and an optical member having a polarizer, the optical member being bonded to the substrate with an adhesive interposed therebetween. The method includes a cutting step of feeding a continuous sheet material from a roll of the continuous sheet material, the continuous sheet material including the optical member and a release film provided on one side of the optical member with the adhesive interposed therebetween, and cutting the continuous sheet material by cutting means, while leaving the release film uncut, and a bonding step including bonding the sheet material to the substrate with the adhesive interposed therebetween, while removing the release film. When no external force is applied to the sheet material, the sheet material curls in the longitudinal direction so that the release film is facing inward. |
| US08313604B2 |
Curable composition and temporary fixation method of member using it
A method for temporarily fixing a member with a curable composition that includes (A) a polyfunctional (meth)acrylate, (B) phenol 2-mol ethylene oxide-modified acrylate, (C) a photopolymerization initiator, (D) a polar solvent, and (H) at least one granular material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene particles, crosslinked polymethyl methacrylate particles and crosslinked polystyrene particles. |
| US08313601B2 |
Non-compliant medical balloon
A non-compliant fiber-reinforced medical balloon comprises a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer embedded in a continuous matrix of thermally-weldable polymer material defining a barrel wall, cone walls and neck walls. The fibers of the first fiber layer run substantially parallel to one another and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The fibers of the first fiber layer have a pattern of different lengths and are divisible into a first group and a second group based on length. Each fiber of the first group begins in the neck wall at one end of the balloon, extends continuously in the longitudinal direction and terminates in the neck wall at the opposite end of the balloon. Substantially all of the fibers of the first group have a generally uniform length. Each fiber of the second group begins in the cone wall at one end of the balloon, extends continuously in the longitudinal direction and terminates in the cone wall at the opposite end of the balloon. The length of the fibers of the second group varies progressively in accordance to their proximity to the fibers of the first group; the fibers of the second group closest to the fibers of the first group being longer than the fibers of the second group further from the fibers of the first group. The fiber of the second fiber layer winds circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the balloon substantially over the entire length of the balloon including the neck walls, the cone walls and the barrel wall. |
| US08313597B2 |
Methods for attaching thermoplastic profile to roofing membrane and dual welding device
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a novel and cost effective application of a thermoplastic heat-welding rod for welding thermoplastic standing seam profiles and other similar materials to thermoplastic roofing membrane, and providing secure attachment without roof penetration and profile/membrane separation. In addition, embodiments disclosed herein provide a welding attachment or apparatus for performing such heat-welding of thermoplastic materials. In one embodiment, an apparatus for welding a thermoplastic profile strip to a thermoplastic membrane may comprise a first nozzle configured to direct hot air along a portion of a first longitudinal edge of a horizontal base of a thermoplastic profile strip placed on a thermoplastic membrane. Also, such an apparatus may comprise a second nozzle configured to direct hot air along a portion of a second, opposing longitudinal edge of the thermoplastic profile strip. Furthermore, the apparatus may also comprise a tubular splitter configured to simultaneously supply hot air to the first nozzle and the second nozzle. |
| US08313589B2 |
High-strength low-alloy steel excellent in high-pressure hydrogen environment embrittlement resistance characteristics and method for producing the same
An object of the present invention is to provide at a low cost a low-alloy steel having a high strength and excellent high-pressure hydrogen environment embrittlement resistance characteristics under a high-pressure hydrogen environment. The invention is a high-strength low-alloy steel excellent in high-pressure hydrogen environment embrittlement resistance characteristics, which is characterized in that the steel has a composition comprising C: 0.10 to 0.20%, Si: 0.10 to 0.40%, Mn: 0.50 to 1.20%, Cr: 0.20 to 0.80%, Cu: 0.10 to 0.50%, Mo: 0.10 to 1.00%, V: 0.01 to 0.10%, B: 0.0005 to 0.005% and N: 0.01% or less, by mass, with the balance consisting of Fe and unavoidable impurities. |
| US08313588B2 |
Amorphous magnetic alloys, associated articles and methods
An amorphous magnetic alloy is presented. The alloy has the general formula: (Fe1-xCox)nMoaPbBcCdSie, wherein n is the atomic percent of iron and cobalt; x is the fraction of n; a, b, c, d and e are the atomic percent of molybdenum, phosphorous, boron, carbon and silicon respectively and n, x, a, b, c, d and e are defined by following relationship: 76≦n≦85; 0.05 |
| US08313586B2 |
Method and device for thermal treatment of metallic materials
A method and a device for the heat treatment of metal materials in an industrial furnace involves a heating chamber having a treatment chamber and a quenching chamber utilizing protective gas and reaction gas. |
| US08313585B2 |
Sports equipment comprising diffused titanium nitride
A method for diffusing titanium and nitride into a sports equipment component. The method generally includes the steps of providing a sports equipment component providing a salt bath which includes sodium dioxide and a salt selected from the group consisting of sodium cyanate and potassium cyanate; dispersing metallic titanium formed by electrolysis of a titanium compound in the bath, heating the salt bath to a temperature ranging from about 430° C. to about 670° C.; and soaking the sports equipment component in the salt bath for a time of from about 10 minutes to about 24 hours. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the sports equipment component may further be treated with conventional surface treatments or coatings. |
| US08313582B2 |
System, method and apparatus for maintaining separation of liquids in a controlled meniscus
A system and method of forming and using a proximity head. The proximity head includes a head surface including a first zone, a second zone and an inner return zone. The first zone including a first flat surface region and multiple first discrete holes connected to a corresponding first conduit and arranged in a first row. The second zone including a second flat region and multiple second discrete holes connected to a corresponding second conduit. The inner return zone being disposed between and adjacent to the first zone and the second zone and including multiple inner return discrete holes connected to a corresponding inner return conduit and arranged in an inner return row. The first row and the inner return row are parallel. A portion of an edge of each of the inner return discrete holes is recessed into the head surface. |
| US08313581B2 |
Industrial cleaning system and methods related thereto
A method of cleaning industrial equipment includes propelling a sublimable media through a discharge wand. An inner surface and an outer surface of an object are contacted with the media. The media subsequently dissipates or is consumed. |
| US08313580B2 |
Method for processing a substrate using a single phase proximity head having a controlled meniscus
A method for processing a substrate is provided. The method includes generating a controlled meniscus using a proximity head. The proximity head has a face in close proximity to a surface of the substrate, and the face includes a substantially flat surface. The controlled meniscus is generated by delivering a chemical to the meniscus through discrete nozzles formed in the face of the proximity head. The method includes moving the proximity head over the substrate so that an area of contact between the meniscus and the surface of the substrate moves from a first location to a second location on the substrate. The moving of the proximity head causes a chemical remainder to be left behind on the surface of the substrate at the first location. The chemical remainder being a layer of the chemical from the meniscus that adheres to the surface of the substrate. The method also includes balancing an amount of chemical being delivered to the proximity head with an amount of chemical removed from the meniscus so that the meniscus maintains a substantially constant volume of the chemical. The amount of chemical removed from the meniscus includes at least the chemical remainder left behind on the surface of the substrate. |
| US08313579B2 |
Workpiece cleaning
An apparatus and associated method are provided for treating a workpiece with a cryogenic impingement fluid. A fixture supports the workpiece in an upright position and operably connects an electrical component of the workpiece to a power source in the supported position. A cryogenic impingement fluid applicator sprays a stream of the cryogenic impingement fluid against the supported workpiece and laterally moves the stream in accordance with a predetermined path. A shield deflects the stream of cryogenic impingement fluid to prevent the stream from contacting at least a part of the workpiece as the stream is moved along the predetermined path. |
| US08313573B2 |
Mold-releasing agent
Disclosed is a mold-releasing agent comprising, as active ingredients, a polyfluoroalkylphosphonic acid represented by the general formula: CnF2n+1(CH2CF2)a(CF2CF2)b(CH2CH2)cP(O)(OH)2 (n: an integer of 1 to 6, a: an integer of 1 to 4, b: an integer of 1 to 3, c: an integer of 1 to 3), or a salt thereof and a polyfluoroalkylphosphonic acid oxyalkylene ester represented by the general formula: CnF2n+1(CH2CF2)a(CF2CF2)b(CH2CH2)cP(O)[O(RO)mR′]d(OH)2−d (RO: a C2-C6 linear or branched oxyalkylene group, R′: a hydrogen atom, a C1-C20 alkyl group, or aralkyl group, n: an integer of 1 to 6, a: an integer of 1 to 4, b: an integer of 1 to 3, c: an integer of 1 to 3, d: an integer of 1 or 2, m: an integer of 1 to 100). This mold-releasing agent comprises, as an active ingredient, a polyfluoroalkylphosphonic acid oxyalkylene ester having a perfluoroalkyl group containing 6 or less carbon atoms, which is said to have low bioaccumulation potential, but exhibits mold release performance equivalent to that of a mold-releasing agent comprising a compound having a perfluoroalkyl group containing 8 or more carbon atoms as an active ingredient. |
| US08313570B2 |
Off-white and gray autodeposition coatings
A composition for coating a metal substrate with a white to off-white or gray colored autodeposited coating comprising water, polymeric resin, HF and pigment particles comprising a core of titanium dioxide, an intermediate zirconia and/or alumina layer, and an outer organic layer, optionally the particles are treated with an anionic surfactant. |
| US08313567B2 |
Direct replacement air handler filter with automatic filter media advance
The invention is directed to a direct replacement air handler filter placed within an air flow channel having a housing. The housing having a motor coupled to a power source. The motor being in communication with a controller having an at least one sensor input or a timer. With a filter media storage area located on one end of the housing, having a folded filter media compactly stored inside the filter media storage area, and an exposed filter media containment area located on an opposed end. The filter media extending there between. The filter media is paid out from the filter media storage area across the housing where it is exposed to air within an exposure area and removes contaminants from the air. It is further passed through a seal that seals the containment area where the filter media is re-folded, collected, and compactly stored with the filtered contaminants. |
| US08313564B2 |
Method for filtrating gases
A gas filtration system includes a liquid filtering system and a gas transferring system. The liquid filtering system has multiple tanks connected to each which contains a gas scrubbing liquid through which the gas is bubbled. The gas transferring system includes pipes coupled with the tanks for transferring gases. The tanks include a dry tank that is used for storing one or more of pumps, filters and a gas flow buffer. |
| US08313563B2 |
Apparatus and process for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream
One exemplary embodiment can be an apparatus for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream rich in a C4 hydrocarbon and/or at least one of a C5 and C6 hydrocarbon. The apparatus can include: a vessel containing a fluid including at least one reactant; a fluid transfer device receiving the fluid including at least one reactant from the vessel; at least one drier receiving the fluid including at least one reactant from the fluid transfer device; and a reactor communicating with the at least one drier to receive the fluid including at least one reactant. In addition, the at least one drier may communicate with the vessel at least by sending the fluid including at least one reactant or the regenerant through a fluid tapering device for at least one of regulating the flow and reducing the pressure of the regenerant to the vessel. |
| US08313561B2 |
Radial bed vessels having uniform flow distribution
The present invention relates generally to radial flow vessels and processes to achieve even fluid flow distribution through the bed during purification, separation or reaction processes. The radial bed vessel is designed such that the ratio of the cross-sectional flow areas of the flow channels is in proportion to the ratio of the mass flow rates of the process gas with the proportionality constant between 0.7 and 1.4. In addition, the channels each have a cross-sectional flow areas such that the pressure change within each channel is less than or equal to 10% of the pressure drop across the bed of active material under the process operating conditions for the particular gas employed. |
| US08313559B2 |
Aluminum aminocarboxylates as porous metal organic frameworks
A porous metal organic framework containing an at least bidentate organic compound coordinated to a metal ion, wherein the metal ion is AlIII and the at least bidentate organic compound is 2-aminoterephthalic acid, and wherein the framework is in powder form and has a specific surface area determined by the Langmuir method (N2, 77 K) of at least 2500 m2/g. In addition, a shaped body containing the metal organic framework, processes for preparing the metal organic framework and shaped body, and processes for storing and separating gases with the metal organic framework and shaped body. |
| US08313554B2 |
Method for the separation of molten aluminium and solid inclusions
A method for the separation of a dispersion of molten aluminium and solid inclusions formed from a melt of aluminium containing one or more foreign chemical elements. Molten aluminium surrounding the solid inclusions is at least essentially replaced by a molten salt. |
| US08313550B2 |
Method for treating spheroidal graphite iron and pouring device thereof
A method for treating spheroidal graphite iron includes the step: pouring molten spheroidal graphite iron into a pouring electrical furnace (1); covering the molten spheroidal graphite iron (5) with alkali slag (6) which is melted at high temperature and rich in alkali earth metal ion, rare earth metal ion, or mixture of them; connecting the molten spheroidal graphite iron (5) with the negative pole of the direct current source by one pole (7); connecting the alkali slag (6) with the positive pole of the direct current source by another pole (4), treating the molten spheroidal graphite iron (5) with the alkali slag (6) which is used as electrolyte. The method can prevent the spheroidized fading velocity of the spheroidal graphite iron. The pouring electrical furnace can be used for treating the molten spheroidal graphite iron. |
| US08313546B2 |
Fluid flow filter
A fluid filter for preventing the introduction of fluid contaminants into an associated device is disclosed. The filter has a housing having an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The inlet chamber forms an inlet port of the fluid filter and the outlet chamber forms an outlet port of the fluid filter. A number of serially connected intermediate chambers are coupled between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. Each of the chambers contains an absorbent material for capturing the fluid contaminants and generally preventing their introduction into the associated device. |
| US08313544B2 |
Process for the synthetic generation of methane
In a process for the synthetic generation of methane from a feed gas mixture, a feed gas mixture including carbon monoxide, hydrogen, water vapor, CO2, volatile hydrocarbons comprising C2 and higher, unsaturated C2 components and aromatic hydrocarbons in the range of 1 to 10 vol % is provided. The feed gas mixture is contacted with a fluidized bed catalyst having catalyst particles having a catalytic active component selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal compound and combinations thereof. The contacting occurs at an elevated temperature in the range of 250 to 450° C., a feed gas pressure in the range of 0.8 to 70 bar, a gas hourly space velocity of 1000 to 50000 h−1, and a concentration of H2/CO in the gas mixture in the range of 0.25 to 5. |
| US08313539B2 |
Method of fabricating an anode and a lithium battery
Disclosed is a method of preparing a negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery. The steps include vacuum-drying a negative electrode precursor, the negative electrode precursor comprising a negative active material and an aqueous binder. The steps may further include vacuum-drying a lithium cell battery that includes a vacuum-dried negative electrode. |
| US08313538B2 |
Process for the production of electrolyte capacitors of high nominal voltage
The invention relates to a process for the production of electrolyte capacitors having a low equivalent series resistance and low residual current for high nominal voltages, electrolyte capacitors produced by this process and the use of such electrolyte capacitors. |
| US08313535B2 |
Method for impregnating textiles
A method for creating a hydrophobic effect of textiles in a washing machine. Hydrophobic agents dissolved in the washing liquid are contacted with the textiles during a treatment process. The tub is filled with an amount of water which is proportioned and which is heated to a minimum temperature in the tub while the textiles are soaked. The hydrophobic agent is flushed from the detergent storage chamber into the lye container by means of water and forms a washing liquid along with the water. The textiles are contacted with the washing liquid and are treated for a maximum of 30 minutes. The washing liquid is removed from the textiles and the washing liquid container by spin-drying without rinsing. |
| US08313531B2 |
Interlocking reverse hip prosthesis and method
An interlocking reversed hip prosthesis including an acetabular cup being implanted in the acetabular cavity having an acetabular articular ball, firmly attached to the central portion of the cup via Morse taper. The femoral component having a hemispherical cup attached to the neck of the implant via Morse taper in a modular fashion thereby allowing use of several length necks. After implantation of the acetabular cup and the femoral cup, the two members are assembled together for relative movement. The acetabular cup secured by several screws or resorbable fixation studs. During range of motion, the edge of the femoral cup becomes inserted into space located between the acetabular cup and the acetabular ball and becomes restrained thus reducing the likelihood of dislocation during extreme range of motion. |
| US08313523B2 |
Metallic implantable grafts and method of making same
Implantable medical grafts fabricated of metallic or pseudometallic films of biocompatible materials having a plurality of microperforations passing through the film in a pattern that imparts fabric-like qualities to the graft or permits the geometric deformation of the graft. The implantable graft is preferably fabricated by vacuum deposition of metallic and/or pseudometallic materials into either single or multi-layered structures with the plurality of microperforations either being formed during deposition or after deposition by selective removal of sections of the deposited film. The implantable medical grafts are suitable for use as endoluminal or surgical grafts and may be used as vascular grafts, stent-grafts, skin grafts, shunts, bone grafts, surgical patches, non-vascular conduits, valvular leaflets, filters, occlusion membranes, artificial sphincters, tendons and ligaments. |
| US08313521B2 |
Method of delivering an implantable medical device with a bioabsorbable coating
Methods of delivering a bioactive material to a body vessel are disclosed. The method steps can include providing an expandable medical device with a coating having a bioactive layer, and providing a second layer of a biodegradable polymer positioned over the bioactive layer. The second layer provides for controlled release of the bioactive material from the bioactive layer. The medical device is inserted into a body vessel using a catheter such that the medical device contacts the body vessel. |
| US08313518B2 |
Skin therapy system
A light therapy appliance comprises an electronic circuit including Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) configured to emit light at one or more different wavelengths. A hand held enclosure containing the electronic circuit includes a front lens that directs the multiple different colored lights to a top surface of skin. The light therapy appliance can be programmed for different skin conditions and may be used in conjunction with different topical ointments. |
| US08313517B2 |
System for rib fixation
System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing ribs with bone plates. |
| US08313513B2 |
Implant and implant system
In order to improve an implant for the dorsal stabilization of a human or animal spinal column, comprising an attachment device for placing in position against and/or fixing to spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae of the spinal column, such that it can be used for the dynamic dorsal stabilization of the spinal column, it is suggested that the implant comprise at least one spacer element which is associated with the attachment device and designed in such a manner that it alters its external shape and/or its elastic properties as a result of a change in ambient conditions and/or forces acting on it.Furthermore, an improved implant system for the dorsal stabilization of a human or animal spinal column is suggested. |
| US08313512B2 |
S-shaped interspinous process spacer having tight access offset hooks
An S-shaped interspinous spacer having a pair of hooks that, upon lateral insertion between opposed spinous process, bear upon the opposed spinous processes. |
| US08313510B2 |
Device for securing spinal rods
A device is disclosed for securing a spinal rod to the spine which includes a head portion configured to receive a spinal rod, a locking cap configured to engage the head portion and the spinal rod upon rotation of the locking cap relative to the head portion to secure the position of the head portion relative to the spinal rod, and a fastener portion depending from the head portion and configured to engage the spine. The locking cap has discontinuous opposed engagement flanges that are received within opposed engagement slots of the head portion when the locking cap is rotated into a locked position. |
| US08313506B2 |
Reattachable introducer for a medical device deployment system
A reattachable introducer and method of using such introducer is disclosed for inserting an embolic coil deployment system into the tortuous vasculature of the human brain for placing an embolic coil within an aneurysm. The introducer includes a sheath having a lumen, a side opening and a longitudinal slit and includes a cylindrical sleeve slideably disposed about the sheath. A deployment catheter with a conical expander member is slideably disposed through the side opening of the sheath and through the lumen of the sheath. The conical expander member detaches the introducer from the deployment catheter through the longitudinal slit of the sheath, while the cylindrical sleeve reattaches the introducer to the deployment catheter through the longitudinal slit. |
| US08313505B2 |
Device for occluding vascular defects
Embodiments of the present invention provide devices and methods for treating abnormalities. For example, a device according to one embodiment includes a plurality of planes of occlusion, at least one plane of occlusion comprising a plurality of layers of occlusive material. The device is configured to at least partially occlude an abnormality. |
| US08313501B2 |
Surgical cutting instrument
A surgical cutting instrument for cutting tissue includes an outer cannula with a cutting opening and a cutting member within the cannula. The cutting member is connected to a source of reciprocation, and as the cutting member reciprocates the cutting member head is guided by a sloped member within the cannula to essentially a zero clearance position relative to a cutting edge of the cutting opening of the cannula. The instrument cleanly severs tissue extending through the cutting opening into the outer cannula. |
| US08313497B2 |
Clip applier and methods of use
An apparatus for placement into an opening formed in a wall of a body lumen to deploy a closure element. The apparatus comprising a housing having a handle portion formed at a distal end, the handle portion configured to be engaged by a user when advancing the housing to deploy the closure element. A locator assembly and a carrier assembly are at least partially received in the housing. The locator assembly can have one or more expansion members that can selectably contact the wall of the body lumen and a proximal end configured to cooperate with a portion of a locator control system operable to expand the one or more expansion members. A triggering system cooperates with the locator assembly and is moveable toward the one or more expansion members of the locator assembly upon the locator control system being operated to expand the one or more expansion members. |
| US08313496B2 |
System for endoscopic suturing
A system for endoscopic suturing is provided having an endoscope, such as a gastroscope, with a distal end locatable in the body of a patient and a flexible shaft extending to the distal end, a flexible accessory tube coupled to the endoscope to flex relative to the endoscope's shaft, and a tip coupled to the shaft of the endoscope having an opening through which one end of the accessory tube is received. Tissue suturing and suture securing instruments are provided each having a sufficiently flexible shaft locatable through the accessory tube. |
| US08313493B2 |
Hydraulic guidewire advancement system
A hydraulic guidewire advancement system for enhancing access through lesions or occlusions in distal regions of a patient's vasculature includes a catheter comprising a sheath, a guidewire lumen, and a proximal catheter port connected to a hydraulic driver. A hydraulic guidewire is coaxially disposed through the guidewire lumen, the hydraulic guidewire comprising a piston movably disposed in the guidewire lumen, the piston forming a seal with an interior surface of the sheath. The hydraulic driver is configured to generate hydraulic pressure against the piston sufficient to advance or retract the hydraulic guidewire relative to the catheter. The hydraulic driver can apply positive or negative pressure to the piston, so as to repeatedly contact and break through the lesion with the distal end of the hydraulic guidewire. |
| US08313479B2 |
Device and procedure for refractive laser surgery
The invention involves a device and a procedure for refractive laser surgery on a target object. With the aid of a laser beam source, an fs-impulse laser beam is generated. A second laser beam source generates a UV laser beam. A shared scanner device utilises the fs-impulse laser beam and the UV laser beam for the scanning of the target object. |
| US08313478B2 |
Method for manipulating an adjustable shape guide catheter
A catheter assembly for cannulating an ostium of a coronary sinus of a heart comprises an outer catheter member and an inner catheter member. The outer catheter member has a distal end portion including a deflectable distal end and a lumen extending through the deflectable distal end, wherein the distal end portion includes regions of varying stiffness and has a pre-formed curvature. The inner catheter member is slidably and rotatably disposed within the lumen of the outer catheter member, and has a distal end portion including a distal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end. The distal end portion of the inner catheter member has regions of varying stiffness and a pre-formed curvature. The outer and inner catheter members are configured such that relative translation and rotation of the outer and inner catheter members causes the distal end of the outer catheter member to assume a plurality of two and three dimensional shapes. |
| US08313477B2 |
Device and methods for monitoring the administration of a stem cell transplant
A device and methods for the real-time monitoring of stem cells in a stem cell transplant. The device comprises a linear member and particle detection device configured to occupy the lumen of a catheter while the catheter is in place to administer a stem cell transplant to a delivery site in the body of a patient. Monitoring of the stem cells permits the device to provide signals to a computer processor for the determination of one or more characteristics of stem cells in the stem cell transplant. |
| US08313476B2 |
Sampling needle and methods of forming and using same
A inert sampling needle is provided for piercing a septum of a vial containing a sample. The sampling needle includes a hollow rigid support member having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a septum-piercing end. The sampling needle also includes a sheath member affixed to the rigid support member. The sheath member covers the septum-piercing end of the support member, the inner wall, and at least a portion of the outer wall adjacent the septum-piercing end to isolate the support member from the sample. Preferably, the sheath member is formed of polyetheretherketone and is affixed to the rigid support member by heat fusing. A method of forming, and a method of using the inert sampling needle is also disclosed. |
| US08313475B2 |
Liquid dispenser
The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlled rate dispensing of a liquid contained in a flexible bag, said apparatus including a chamber adapted to contain the flexible bag containing the liquid, an outlet from the chamber adapted to receive an outlet conduit communicating with the interior of the flexible bag, a source of gas arranged to apply pressure to at least part of the exterior walls of the flexible bag, and a pressure regulator arranged to control the pressure applied to said exterior walls, whereby pressure applied to said exterior walls causes liquid to be dispensed from the flexible bad through the outlet conduit at a controlled rate. A method of delivering liquid at a controlled rate using the apparatus of the present invention is also described. |
| US08313471B2 |
Therapeutic arthritis glove with expandable gold rings
A therapeutic glove of elastic synthetic fabric to which gold-coated self-expanding ring devices are affixed at selective locations adjacent the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the fingers of the hand without restricting movement of those joints. The affixing of rings on the interior of the glove along the MCP joints induces optimal gold abrasion therapy of joints that are afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis. The high purity gold-coating on the rings, combined with the snugness of the glove, increases the natural abrasion and absorption of the gold into the joint, which has the therapeutic effect of delaying joint erosion with daily wear. |
| US08313463B2 |
Injection device
An injection device 110 is described having a housing 112 that receives a syringe 114. The syringe 114 is biased by a return spring 126 from an extended position in which the needle 118 extends from the housing 112 through an exit aperture 128 to a retracted position in which it does not. A drive spring 130 acts via a drive to advance the syringe 114 from its retracted position to its extended position and discharge its contents through the needle 118 and a return spring 126, brought into play when the drive has reached a nominal return position, restores the syringe 114 to its retracted position. A releasable locking mechanism retains the syringe 114 in its retracted position. A sleeve 119 projects from the exit aperture 128 and can be depressed to release the locking mechanism. A trigger 300 has a rest position, in which it engages the drive, retaining it in a position corresponding to the retracted position of the syringe 114, and a depressed position, in which it no longer causes the drive to be so retained. The sleeve 119 normally locks the trigger 300 in its rest position. However, depression of the sleeve 119 into the exit aperture 128, allows the trigger to be depressed. Thereafter, the trigger 300 is retained in its active position. |
| US08313457B2 |
Transconduit perfusion catheter
Methods and devices for perfusing a blood vessel during the entire course of an end-to-side or end-to-end anastomosis procedure. One method can be used to form an end-to-side anastomosis of a saphenous vein graft to a coronary artery during an off-pump, beating heart, coronary artery bypass graft. In this example, the distal end of an elongate tube carrying a saphenous vein graft is advanced into an arteriotomy distal to an occlusion in the coronary artery. Perfusing blood flow is provided through the tube to the coronary artery, the vein graft is advanced over the tube to the arteriotomy and sutured completely to the coronary artery. The elongate tube can be retracted through the now secured vein graft, and the coronary artery supplied again from the proximal end of the vein graft. Some tubular devices include a reversibly expandable distal region, to form a seal between the inserted tube and the coronary artery being perfused, to prevent blood flow into the surgical field. |
| US08313453B2 |
Burr hole sealing device for preventing brain shift
A burr hole sealing device for preventing brain shift during a stimulation lead implantation procedure is provided. The device includes a suction cup ring and a self-sealing membrane positioned within the aperture of the ring. The sealing device is attached adjacent to a burr hole and over a dura layer that is exposed in the bottom of the burr hole. The stimulation lead is disposed through the burr hole, through the membrane, through the dura layer and into brain tissue. The membrane is configured to allow the lead to pass therethrough while maintaining a tight seal around the diameter of the lead, thereby hindering leakage of cerebrospinal fluid out of the cranial cavity and maintaining a substantially fixed intracranial pressure. In one embodiment, the sealing device includes a syringe for adding fluid to, or removing fluid from, the cranial cavity in response to a detected change in intracranial pressure. |
| US08313452B2 |
Device and machine for regenerating a human liver
A method of assisting in regenerating a patient's liver includes fluidly coupling a first end of a conduit with a first blood vessel of the patient that carries oxygenated blood. A second end of the conduit is fluidly coupled with a second blood vessel of the patient that carries blood to the patient's liver. Oxygenated blood is allowed to flow from the first blood vessel, through the conduit and to the liver via the second blood vessel of the patient. |
| US08313438B2 |
Integrated bias circuitry for ultrasound imaging devices configured to image the interior of a living being
The systems and methods described herein allow for the application of a bias voltage to one or more transducers implemented within a medical ultrasound imaging system. Bias circuitry is placed within an imaging device and used to apply a DC bias to one or more transducers requiring a DC bias to operate. The one or more transducers can be fabricated in a semiconductor manufacturing process and integrated with the bias circuitry on a common semiconductor substrate. Also provided is a method for operating the one or more transducers and bias circuitry using a communication channel having two signal lines. |
| US08313437B1 |
Vascular ultrasound intima-media thickness (IMT) measurement system
A computer-implemented system and method for fast, reliable and automated processing for intima-media thickness (IMT) measurements. Various embodiments include receiving biomedical imaging data and patient demographic data corresponding to a current scan of a patient; checking the biomedical imaging data in real-time to determine if an artery of the patient has a calcium deposit in a proximal wall of the artery; acquiring arterial data of the patient as a combination of longitudinal B-mode and transverse B-mode data; using a data processor to automatically recognize the artery; using the data processor to calibrate a region of interest around the automatically recognized artery; and determining the intima-media thickness (IMT) of an arterial wall of the automatically recognized artery. |
| US08313423B2 |
Hydraulic anal incontinence treatment
An anal incontinence treatment apparatus and method includes and uses an adjustable restriction device implanted in a patient, who suffers from anal incontinence. The restriction device engages the rectum of the patient to restrict the fecal passageway. An adjustment device is adapted to adjust the restriction device such that the rectum is temporarily released, in order to open the fecal passageway when the patient wishes to achieve defaecation. |
| US08313420B2 |
System for passive stretching
A system for assisting in the performance of passive stretches includes a stretching device and a control mechanism. The stretching device includes an inflatable component. The control mechanism enables a user to control the degree of inflation of the inflatable component. The stretching device may optionally include one or more user contact surfaces attached to an outer layer or formed within an outer layer. The system may also include a support for supporting the stretching device at a particular height. The support may compressively hold the stretching device at the particular height when the inflatable component is inflated. |
| US08313419B2 |
Bicycle trainer with variable magnetic resistance to pedaling
A bicycle trainer provides variable resistance to pedaling and allows for a rider to simulate a real-world bicycle course. The trainer engages both the front tire and the back tire of the bicycle and adjusts each according to the rider's preferences during a training session. The front tire lifts up and down as the bicycle moves forward and backward on the trainer. The back tire is adjusted by incorporating magnets thereon in the form of magnetic elements on a sleeve or a clip that engages the back tire and/or the back tire rim. The magnets on the back tire may also be attached to the spokes. The trainer includes magnets as well, usually of opposite polarity, and adds resistance to pedaling when the magnetic fields of the magnets interact to resist back tire revolution. |
| US08313418B2 |
Playing device
The present invention relates to a playing device with which a player can perform more diversified plays. A playing device 1 comprises a beam 11 disposed such that its longitudinal direction is directed laterally and which is configured such that a player Y can move on the outer circumferential surface thereof under a standing state along the longitudinal direction; a first support mechanism and a second support mechanism which are disposed at a distance in the longitudinal direction of the beam 11 for supporting the both end portions of the beam 11, respectively, the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism for supporting the beam 11 such that one or both end portions of the beam 11 can displaces freely in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction; and a drive mechanism for driving the beam 11 to displace one or both end portions thereof in the intersecting direction. |
| US08313416B2 |
Reconfigurable personal display system and method
We have disclosed a modular personal network (MPN) that includes multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Functions of the MPN may be modified by adding or removing components. The MPN may communicate with a personal computer. General purpose devices may include a control unit, a display, a user input, and an audio output. The MPN may provide a variety of functions, including time, communication, entertainment, organization, guidance, athletic, medical, travel, outdoors, identity, security, and military. |
| US08313414B2 |
Shift control device and shift control method for automatic transmission
An electronic control unit is provided with two types of gear change maps: a first gear change map based on the vehicle speed and the accelerator pedal operation amount; and a second gear change map based on the vehicle speed and the required drive force of the vehicle. The electronic control unit determines whether the automatic transmission should downshift with reference to the first gear change map, and determines whether the automatic transmission should upshift with reference to the second gear change map. |
| US08313409B2 |
Gear train of automatic transmission for vehicles
A gear train of an automatic transmission for vehicles has advantages of improving power delivery performance and reducing fuel consumption as a consequence of realizing eight forward speeds and one reverse speed by combining two simple planetary gear sets and one compound planetary gear set with two clutches and four brakes. |
| US08313408B1 |
Drive assembly
A variable speed transaxle is disposed in a transaxle housing and drives a pair of axles extending horizontally from opposite sides of the housing. An external mounting surface is formed on the housing to mount a prime mover thereon. A power take-off assembly may be engaged to and driven by the prime mover output shaft and disposed at least partially in the transaxle housing. A power take-off shaft powered by the prime mover extends horizontally from the housing in a direction perpendicular to the axles. A pair of clutch assemblies using a plurality of gears may be engaged to the axle shafts to selectively engage and drive each axle shaft. |
| US08313404B2 |
Infinitely variable transmissions, continuously variable transmissions, methods, assemblies, subassemblies, and components therefor
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies. |
| US08313401B2 |
Transmission for hybrid vehicle
The transmissions for a hybrid vehicle according to the present invention provide multiple electric vehicle modes, multiple power split modes, and multiple fixed-gear ratio modes, thereby increasing driving performance and fuel efficiency. |
| US08313387B2 |
Cage for constant velocity universal joint
A cage for a constant velocity universal joint include, an outer diameter surface guided by an outer joint member; an inner diameter surface guided by an inner joint member; and pockets for accommodating multiple balls which are interposed between the outer joint member and the inner joint member. A spherical surface roughness in a range extending from an axial center of the inner diameter surface to an end side of the inner diameter surface which corresponds to an opening side of the outer joint member is different from a spherical surface roughness in a range extending from the axial center of the inner diameter surface to an end side of the inner diameter surface which corresponds to an inner side of the outer joint member. |
| US08313382B2 |
Gaming system having graphical user interface for configuration of wagering games
An operator control interface for configuration of wagering games comprises a control screen for displaying a plurality of available primary wagering games and a plurality of available supplemental features and at least one input device for receiving configuration inputs. At least one controller is operative to (i) in response to a first configuration input received via the at least one input device, add a selected primary wagering game to a first wagering game configuration, (ii) in response to a second configuration input received via the at least one input device, add a selected supplemental feature to the first wagering game configuration, and (iii) cause the control screen to display the first wagering game configuration and an overall payback percentage of the first wagering game configuration. |
| US08313381B2 |
System and method for personalized location-based game system including optical pattern recognition
There is provided a personalized game system comprising a user account database containing user accounts for a plurality of users, a pattern database containing recognition data for a plurality of patterns, a controller in communication with the user account database and the pattern database, and a game installation. The game installation comprises an audiovisual presentation system, an identification interface in communication with the controller to read a user identifier to identify a user account of a user from the user account database, and an optical interface in communication with the controller to optically read a card pattern on a game card to match the card pattern with a pattern in the pattern database, the game card having no physical contact with the game installation. The controller is configured to change a state of the game system based on the matched pattern. |
| US08313376B2 |
Computer-readable storage medium having game program stored therein and game apparatus
Reference point calculation means calculates a reference point with respect to a reference axis direction, the reference point being a center position based on positions of a plurality of objects and the reference axis direction being a predetermined axis direction of a display area. First determination means determines whether or not a position of the reference point is a position within a first distance from an end of the display area with respect to the reference axis direction. When the first determination means determines that the position of the reference point is within the first distance from the end of the display area, screen control means scrolls, along the reference axis direction, a display content of a virtual space displayed in the display area. |
| US08313374B2 |
Gaming machine having improved audio control architecture
The present invention includes a gaming machine with a first control module that includes a main processor for randomly selecting one of a plurality of outcomes of said gaming machine in response to a wager amount and for sending audio information that controls audio output from the gaming machine. An audio control module is separate and distinct from the first control module, and includes an audio processor that receives the audio information from the main processor. The audio control module is coupled to an audio speaker system for broadcasting the audio output corresponding to the audio information. Also, the first control module may include a memory device that stores operating instructions for the gaming machine, while the audio control module may include an audio memory device for storing audio data sets that the audio processor processes to produce the audio output. |
| US08313372B2 |
Electronic gaming environment with display of multiple instances of single-player games and multiplayer bonus game
A gaming server, game playing apparatus and a method for facilitating play of a multiplayer game by multiple players each playing an instance of single-player wager game at a workstation having a display. Multiple single-player wager game instances are aggregated into a multiplayer game environment. In the single-player wager game, one of the possible rewards for a turn of play is an award of a multiplier credit useable in a bonus game. The bonus game is played by those players having accumulated at least one multiplier credit at the time the bonus game is triggered. A result in the bonus game is generated randomly by a bonus machine from a finite set of possible results. The winnings in the bonus game is the product of the player's multiplier credit multiplied by the result. Winnings are obtained from the game proprietor, are independent of results for other players, and are not shared with such other players. The bonus machine can take several forms, including a wheel, a reel, or a machine randomly selecting a numbered ball. |
| US08313371B1 |
Method and apparatus for awarding component prizes in a gaming environment
A system and method for playing component games in a gaming environment, where a component game is a game in which a physical prize, the prize to be won, is rendered in a graphical format and further divided into components (clearly recognizable parts of the graphical image). Individual component prizes are designed to be won by a player during individual game plays, that is, upon the occurrence of specific winning events while playing a chance or fixed-pool game. To win the component game prize, each of the components must be won and the combination redeemed. The component prizes are not intended to be separately redeemable game credits. In particular, the player may play for regular game credits or may choose to play for component prizes or portions thereof, not both. Component games create a highly enticing situation where players can be rewarded for long term play over a variety of machines. |
| US08313368B2 |
Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods with non-competitive play and optional competitive play
In an embodiment, a gaming system includes a plurality of gaming devices and a controller configured to communicate with the gaming devices. The gaming system enables a plurality of players to play an interactive game in a non-competitive mode and in a competitive mode. If at least two players play the interactive game in the competitive mode, for a competitive wagering event, which includes a competition between two players, the gaming system determines a winning player and a losing player. The gaming system causes the winning player to contribute a winning player portion toward a wager associated with the competitive wagering event and causes the losing player to contribute a losing player portion toward the wager associated with the competitive wagering event. The losing player portion is less than the winning player portion. The gaming system randomly determines and provides any awards to the winning player based on the wager. |
| US08313367B2 |
Gaming system having cycling eligibility for supplemental features
A method of operating a wagering game comprises receiving a primary wager, receiving an activation input from a player, and in response thereto, activating an auto-cycle feature. The auto-cycle feature is associated with a plurality of supplemental features. The method further comprises activating a first period of eligibility for a first one of the plurality of supplemental features during a display of a first outcome of a primary wagering game, and activating a second period of eligibility for a second one of the plurality of supplemental features during a display of a second outcome of the primary wagering game. |
| US08313364B2 |
Asynchronous interactive game play
This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for executing asynchronous game play by a plurality of players in one or more game instances. |
| US08313359B2 |
Chemical mechanical polishing apparatus
A chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a container, a platen, first and second brushes, a polishing pad, a carrier, and a slurry supplier. The container has a bottom wall and a side wall. The side wall has an inwardly-extending upper portion. The platen is supported over the bottom wall. The platen is positioned lower than the inwardly-extending upper portion. The first brush brushes the side wall. The first brush is fixed to a side surface of the platen. The second brush brushes a side surface of the platen. The second brush is fixed to the bottom wall. The polishing pad is attached to the platen. The carrier presses a workpiece to be polished against the polishing pad. The slurry supplier supplies a slurry onto the polishing pad. |
| US08313351B2 |
High altitude, high voltage terminal block assembly
A method of installing the terminal block assembly onto a generator includes the step of providing a terminal block with multiple terminal studs. Protrusions that are integral with the terminal block are aligned with corresponding bores in a generator housing. The terminal block is mounted on the generator housing with the protrusions received in the bores. A terminal lead assembly is inserted through the protrusion, and a terminal pad of the terminal lead assembly is arranged over the terminal stud. A terminal lug is fastened to the terminal stud. A terminal cover is secured to the terminal block over the terminal with a boss of the terminal block received in a corresponding recess of the terminal cover. |
| US08313350B2 |
Multi-functional wiring plug converter
A multi-functional wiring plug converter is provided. The converter is mainly composed of a case, connection guiding assemblies and a panel cover. A plurality of setting areas defined by the case are respectively used for installing and fixing the connection guiding assemblies, and each connection guiding assembly is composed of a connection guiding seat, a connection guiding clamp sheet and a wire-locking fixed block. A blocking portion extending from the connection guiding seat forms a plurality of fixed portions, and each fixed portion is used for fixing the connection guiding clamp sheet and the wire-locking fixed block. Therefore, when a power wire needs to be connected, it can be directly locked onto the wire-locking fixed block so that the power wire is fixed in the converter, and the converter can be sold to any region and additionally provided with a connection guiding panel which conforms to specifications of the region. In this way, the commonality of the converter is improved greatly, and meanwhile manufacturers can apply the converter to a socket of any specification, thus causing no storage pressure. |
| US08313345B2 |
Coaxial cable continuity connector
A coaxial cable continuity connector comprising a connector body, a post engageable with connector body, wherein the post includes a flange having a tapered surface, a nut, wherein the nut includes an internal lip having a tapered surface, wherein the tapered surface of the nut oppositely corresponds to the tapered surface of the post when the nut and post are operably axially located with respect to each other when the coaxial cable continuity connector is assembled, and a continuity member disposed between and contacting the tapered surface of the post and the tapered surface of the nut, so that the continuity member endures a moment resulting from the contact forces of the opposite tapered surfaces, when the continuity connector is assembled, is provided. |
| US08313344B2 |
Eye-of-the-needle mounting terminal
An electrical contact is provided having an eye-of-the-needle (EON) mounting terminal that has a reduced stub capacitance with respect to conventional eye-of-the-needle mounting terminals. |
| US08313341B1 |
Guide element for a connector device
Guide element (3) for a connector device (1), which element has a first and a second end (3a, 3b). The element (3) is adapted to be attached to a PCB (printed circuit board) (2) of the connector device. Further, the guide element comprises a first bevel (33) at the first end (3a), the surface of which is provided with a plurality of recesses (36), which recesses are adapted to receive a plurality of conductive connector tongues (4) of the connector device (1). Further, a connector device (1) for establishing a connection between a test device and a test system, a connector arrangement (11) for test procedures comprising at least one connector device (1) and a method of manufacturing a connector device (1) is comprised as well. |
| US08313339B2 |
Connection device and medical system for acquiring electric signals provided with such a connection device
The invention relates to connection means including a female connector (2) and a male connector (1).The female connector (2) includes: a case (23) including walls (9b, 10b, 11b, 12b) delimiting a cavity for receiving (4) a male connector (1); and contact fingers (24) extending along at least one of said walls (10b, 11b) and intended to cooperate with the matching contacts (15) of the male connector (1); isolation partitions (27) made of a dielectric material protruding from the wall or walls (10b, 11b) towards the inside of the cavity (4) and positioned between the contact fingers (24). The invention also relates to a male connector (1) intended to be introduced into the cavity of said female connector (2).In addition, the invention also relates to a medical system of acquisition of electric signals provided with such a connection device. |
| US08313335B2 |
Power adapter assembly with a rotation locking collar
The invention provides a power adapter assembly including an adapter body, a replaceable plug and a rotation locking collar. The adapter body comprises a cylindrical casing and a circular plug receiving base fixed on top of the cylindrical casing. The plug receiving base has a recess on the top thereof and a circular peripheral surface. The circular peripheral surface has a flange with an indentation on the top edge thereof, and a guiding groove formed from the indentation and extending downward to the bottom edge thereof. The replaceable plug is detachably mounted onto the plug receiving base. The rotation locking collar is detachably sleeved onto the plug receiving base and the support base, wherein the locking collar has a tab member on the inner top edge thereof adapted to enter the guiding groove and said one end of the elongated engagement groove. |
| US08313333B2 |
Connector having a housing with a conductor with a ramp section and a curved surface section
An electrical connector. An electrical connector a pair of cylindrical housings, one having a plurality of torsion bar conductors and a second having a plurality of ramps. Rotating the pair of housings relative to one another causes an angled tip on the torsion bar to rotate as it moves up the ramp. A land is provided to discontinue further rotation of the torsion bar tip as the housings continue to rotate. |
| US08313332B2 |
Oblique parts or surfaces
Various structures, such as microstructures and wall-like structures, can include parts or surfaces that are oblique. In some implementations, a cantilevered element includes a spring-like portion with a uniformly oblique surface or with another artifact of an oblique radiation technique. In some implementations, when a deflecting force is applied, a spring-like portion can provide deflection and spring force within required ranges. Various oblique radiation techniques can be used, such as radiation of a layer through a prism, and structures having spring-like portions with oblique radiation artifacts can be used in various applications, such as with downward or upward deflecting forces. |
| US08313330B2 |
Systems and methods for medical tool auto-capture
Systems and methods for medical tool auto-capture are described. One described system for simulation of a medical procedure comprises a first grasper comprising a first grasper proximal end and a first grasper distal end. The system further comprises a first sensor coupled to the first grasper distal end and configured to identify a first medical tool approaching the first sensor, wherein the first grasper is configured to automatically grasp the first medical tool upon the first sensor identifying the first medical tool. The system also comprises an actuator to provide a haptic effect to a user. |
| US08313329B2 |
Sketching devices having improved geometry
An improved sketching device is disclosed having a substantially flat base and a regular grid of at least 20×20 bumps disposed on the base. A bottom of the each of the bumps can be spaced apart from a bottom of an adjacent bump by a first distance comprising between 0.005-5 mm. The raised bumps can be sized and positioned to form a plurality of intersecting grooves. |
| US08313327B1 |
Orthodontic devices
Devices for applying orthodontic forces. A device includes an adaptor having a housing section configured to fit directly onto a sheath of a molar band and a tube section having an elongated bore. The device also includes a pin having a head portion and a tail portion, where the tail portion is slidably mounted into the elongated bore of the tube section. The head portion of the pin is adapted to slide into the sheath to thereby detachably lock the adaptor to the molar band. |
| US08313322B2 |
Equipment and method for production of tubes of molecularly bidirected plastic
The apparatus is constituted from a mold (1, 17, 14) formed by a central body (14) and a first head (1) and a second head (17) connected on opposite sides of the central body (14), as well as it having a rigid and perforated guide (5), which is axially centered inside the mold (1, 17, 14) whereon the blank pipe (10) is coupled longitudinally. This guide is provided with orifices (9) for the passage therethrough of an expansion fluid (18) which causes the expansion of the blank pipe (10) against the inner walls of the mold (1, 17, 14) without any heat exchange between the blank pipe (10) and the mold (1, 17, 14). |
| US08313321B2 |
Mold assembly employing fluid heating
A mold assembly for manufacturing concrete blocks in an automated dry-cast block machine. The mold assembly includes a plurality of liner plates which together form a mold cavity, wherein at least one of the liner plates includes an internal network of shafts which is configured to receive and provide a flow path for heated fluid to pass through to heat the at least one liner plate. |
| US08313320B2 |
Micro-lens array fabrication apparatus
A micro-lens array fabrication apparatus includes a first roller, a second roller, a molding member, and a cooling member. The first roller and the second roller revolve cooperatively to position portions of a substrate on the molding member while maintaining a tension on the substrate. The molding member includes a shaft and two caps connected to opposites ends of the shaft. The shaft defines a through hole and rows of molding holes in a lateral surface thereof, and forms heaters in the though hole. The heaters heat up the substrate till molten, and the air is driven to blow the molten substrate into the molding holes and form a row of micro-lens structures on the currently positioned portion of the substrate. |
| US08313314B2 |
Fluid circulation device
A fluid circulation device includes a circuit of the fluid to be pumped, with a rigid cavity closed off by a soft membrane that cooperates with drive members driven by a motor in to-and-fro movements. The face of the drive members intended to cooperate with membrane is connected via a conduit to a vacuum pump able to apply by suction the membrane against the face of the drive members, so as to create a rigid connection between the drive members and the membrane that then exactly follows the to-and-fro movements imposed by the drive members. |
| US08313306B2 |
Method of operating a safety vacuum release system
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a safety vacuum release system (SVRS) with a controller for a pump including a motor. The method can include measuring an actual power consumption of the motor necessary to pump water and overcome losses. The method can include triggering the SVRS when a dynamic suction blockage is identified in order to shut down the pump substantially immediately. The SVRS can also be triggered when a dead head condition is identified based on the actual power consumption. |
| US08313302B2 |
Wind power unit with structured surfaces for improvement of flow
A wind power unit comprising a mast, a rotor with several blades, a nacelle and optionally further components around which there is a flow, is disclosed. The surfaces of the mast and/or the rotor blades and/or the nacelle and/or the further components at least partly comprise recesses for improvement of the flow. |
| US08313301B2 |
Cooled turbine blade shroud
A turbine blade for use in high temperature applications includes an as-cast airfoil portion and an as-cast outer tip shroud portion and the outer tip shroud portion has at least one as-cast internal cooling circuit for cooling the outer tip shroud, and the at least one as-cast internal cooling circuit having a plurality of exits for discharging cooling air over exterior surfaces of the shroud. A process for forming a turbine blade comprises the steps of forming an as-cast turbine blade having an airfoil portion and a tip shroud and the forming step comprising forming at least one as-cast cooling circuit within the tip shroud. |
| US08313299B2 |
Frustoconical centrifugal wheel
An inline centrifugal wheel has a back plate and a hub extending from the back plate. A front plate has a diameter greater than the back plate and is inclined to extend downwardly from a central aperture to its outer perimeter. Blades extend between the back and front plate and have an outer edge extending between the outer edges of the front and back plate. The blades extend tangentially to the central aperture of the front plate. |
| US08313291B2 |
Turbine inlet guide vane with scalloped platform and related method
A nozzle segment is disclosed that includes a first platform configured to be connected with a casing of a gas turbine engine, a second platform configured to be connected with the casing, the second platform being disposed apart from the first platform in a radial direction of the gas turbine engine, and a plurality of blades disposed between the first and second platforms and connected thereto, a portion of an inside surface of the first platform or the second platform being scalloped so as to increase a throat area of the nozzle segment in order to increase the nozzle segment's mass flow rate handling capability. |
| US08313290B2 |
Centrifugal compressor having vaneless diffuser and vaneless diffuser thereof
In a high pressure centrifugal compressor, the occurrence of rotating stall noticeable in a comparatively-low specific speed wheel stage is prevented, thereby high efficient fluid performance is obtained and reliability is improved. The centrifugal compressor has a first vaneless diffuser with a constant flow channel height on the downstream side of an impeller, and a second vaneless diffuser in which the flow channel height decreases in a flow direction from an inlet to an outlet on the downstream side of the first vaneless diffuser. These diffusers are combined with an impeller using thick blades. |
| US08313288B2 |
Mechanical attachment of ceramic or metallic foam materials
A thermal barrier includes a thermal barrier member having at least one material selected from a metal foam or a ceramic foam. The thermal barrier member includes an attachment section for securing the thermal barrier member with a corresponding attachment section of a support. |
| US08313287B2 |
Turbine blade squealer tip rail with fence members
A turbine blade includes an airfoil, a blade tip section, a squealer tip rail, and a plurality of chordally spaced fence members. The blade tip section includes a blade tip floor located at an end of the airfoil distal from the root. The blade tip floor includes a pressure side and a suction side joined together at chordally spaced apart leading and trailing edges of the airfoil. The squealer tip rail extends radially outwardly from the blade tip floor adjacent to the suction side and extends from a first location adjacent to the airfoil trailing edge to a second location adjacent to the airfoil leading edge. The fence members are located between the airfoil leading and trailing edges and extend radially outwardly from the blade tip floor and axially from the squealer tip rail toward the pressure side. |
| US08313284B2 |
Centrifugal fan device and eletronic device having the same
A centrifugal fan device includes a diverting member the height of which is lower than the height of an interior wall surface of a casing. The diverting member diverts the air flowing to an air outlet into a centrifugal fan side and a side wall side of the diverting member and also diverts the air flowing to the air outlet into a first cover side and a second cover side of the diverting member. As a result, the amount of air blown from the air outlet is dispersed uniformly over the entire area of the air outlet, and a deviation in the amount of air blown out of the air outlet is reduced. |
| US08313282B1 |
Compact air-plus-liquid thermal management module
Disclosed is a compact and integrated fan, pump, and heat exchanger system where air-cooling is performed via the fan, liquid cooling is performed via a pump, and heat exchange fins in thermal contact with a fluid channel act as a heat exchanger. Heated fluid is carried inside the fluid channel, where heat therein is conducted to the fins. The air flows around the outside surfaces of the fins so that the heat transfers from the heated fluid into the air stream. |
| US08313278B2 |
Modular interchangeable cargo deck
A removable, modular, cargo deck trailer system may include different types of modular, interchangeable, removable deck units which are configured to be removably and interchangeably attached to a trailer. The different types of modular, interchangeable, removable deck units may collectively include a plurality of moving apparatus for moving cargo in a lengthwise direction relative to the deck units, for moving cargo in a vertical direction relative to the deck units, and for moving cargo in at least one of a widthwise direction relative to the deck units, and in a rotating direction relative to the deck units. |
| US08313268B2 |
Method for filling and emptying transport containers with plastics granular material
A method for the filling and optionally emptying transport containers with plastics granular materials is disclosed. A flexible plastics inliner is inserted into a transport container. A front side of the inliner includes at least one receiving flexible hose connection for filling the inliner with plastics granular material, at least one discharge hose connection for discharging blown in conveying air from the inliner, and at least one emptying hose connection for emptying plastics granular material from the inliner. The front side of the inliner also includes a protective liner. The cabin and the transport container are positioned at a decanting station, the cabin being adapted to transfer plastics granular material from the decanting station and decant the transferred plastics granular material into the transport container through the receiving hose connection. The transport container is then filled with plastics granular material utilizing the cabin. |
| US08313266B2 |
Construction method and construction apparatus for offshore wind turbine generator
Provided is a construction apparatus for safe and smooth construction of a floating offshore wind turbine generator in deep sea. The construction apparatus for constructing the offshore wind turbine generator with a crane ship includes a guide member attached to the crane ship in a work position perpendicular thereto such that a bottom end of the guide member is disposed under the sea and at least one pair of arm units that include grippers capable of holding and releasing a tower member divided into a plurality of segments in an axial direction and that slide along the guide member. |
| US08313264B2 |
Flanged member and a flange joint comprising flange members
A flanged member (1), intended to be included as a component in a flanged joint, for installation in a pressure equipment device, and having a first flanged end (3) having a first end surface (10) intended to be assembled together with another end surface (4) of a flanged end (11) on another, second flanged member (2) constituting a second component in the flanged joint. The first end surface is slightly concave in the radial direction over at least a part of the extension thereof in the radial direction. |
| US08313257B2 |
Coating and developing apparatus, substrate processing method, and storage medium
A coating and developing apparatus is provided which requires a smaller occupation space even when it incorporates a substrate inspection unit, while eliminating a disadvantageous layout. A coating film forming part B3 including a plurality of process units and transfer mechanisms A3 and A4, and a developing part B1 including a plurality of process units 31 and a transfer mechanism A1 are vertically arranged in a process block S2. There are disposed in the process block S2 on a side of a carrier block S1, a plurality of vertically arranged transfer units TRS for transferring a substrate W between the same and transfer mechanisms for the respective parts, and a vertically movable transfer mechanism D1 for the transfer unit for transferring a substrate between these transfer units. At least one of the coating film forming part and the developing part includes a substrate inspection unit 43 for inspecting a substrate transferred by the transfer mechanism for the corresponding part. |
| US08313254B2 |
Image pickup apparatus
An image pickup apparatus includes a light-beam splitting mirror configured to transmit and reflect incident light that has entered the light-beam splitting mirror through a photographing optical system; an image sensor that receives light transmitted through the light-beam splitting mirror; an autofocus detecting unit that receives light reflected by the light-beam splitting mirror; a signal processing unit configured to process an image pickup signal of the image sensor; and a display unit configured to display an image being photographed, on the basis of an image signal obtained at the signal processing unit. In the image pickup apparatus, the light-beam splitting mirror has spectral characteristics including a reflectivity of 25% or more and 35% or less at a wavelength of 400 to 650 nm and a reflectivity of 60% or more at a wavelength of about 700 nm through optimization. |
| US08313253B2 |
Ball-and-socket type head for supporting optical or video-photographic equipment
A ball-and-socket type head (1) for optical and video-photographic equipment comprises: a sphere portion (6) on which is fixed an attachment plate (7) for the optical or video-photographic equipment, a main body (2) in which is defined a seat (5) in which the sphere portion is received in engagement for adjustably orienting the attachment plate with respect to the main body, a locking means (20) acting between the sphere portion and the main body in order to lock the sphere portion in a desired position relative to the main body, and arranged within the volume defined by the sphere portion (6) and by the seat (5), and an actuating means (30) for actuating the locking means arranged on said sphere portion. |
| US08313251B2 |
Optical transceiver and projection covering member
An optical transceiver has a projection covering member that can suppress EMI noise radiated from a pig-tail part. An elastic covering member covers a projection which includes an optical coupler of an optical sub assembly. The covering member is made of a conductive elastic material having a predetermined resistivity. At least a part of an outer circumference surface of the elastic covering member comes into intimate contact with an outer periphery of a conductive opening part of a case for the optical transceiver while an inner circumference surface of the elastic covering member comes into intimate contact with the projection. |
| US08313242B2 |
Sensor-equipped bearing for wheel
A sensor equipped wheel support bearing assembly for supporting a vehicle wheel rotatably relative to a vehicle body, including an outer member; an inner member; a plurality of rows of rolling elements interposed between the outer and inner member; a strain sensor unit, made up of a strain generating member and a sensor element fitted to the strain generating member for detecting strains induced in the strain generating member, is fitted to one of the outer and inner members, that serves as a stationary member; and a covering member that covers at least the sensor element sealingly, provided on a mounting surface of the strain generating member of the strain sensor unit, on which the sensor element is mounted, the covering member being made of a resin which is over-molded or an elastomer bonded by vulcanization. |
| US08313241B2 |
Magnetic encoder and rolling bearing
A magnetic encoder is provided which can prevent a magnetized member from being separated from a fixed member to which the magnetized member is fixed under a severe temperature environment. The encoder includes a fixed member which is fixed to a rotating member and a magnetized member which is attached to the fixed member. The magnetized member, which is molded by mixing a magnetic powder in a resin, is bonded to the fixed member with a silicone resin based adhesive, and a thickness of an adhesive layer of the silicone resin based adhesive is 50 μm or more and 100 μm or less. |
| US08313239B2 |
Adjustable preload type linear guide system
A linear guide system which is used for highly precise control of a linear position applicable in display devices, semiconductors, robots, machine tools, and the entire measurement and precision instruments industry, and more specifically, an adjustable preload type linear guide system, wherein a base member and a slide member are slidably connected with each other for linear motion, and a linear motion actuator, such as a ball screw, a hydraulic cylinder, and a linear motor, is disposed between the base member and the slide member, thereby enabling the slide member to move linearly relative to the base member. |
| US08313235B2 |
Methods for manufacturing a contact temperature sensor and method for calibrating said sensor
A method for manufacturing a contact temperature sensor to be used at a temperature of use, including a) supplying a carbon fiber; b) heat treating of the fiber at a temperature higher than 800° C. and higher than the temperature of use; c) full layer depositing on the fiber, at a deposition temperature, an electrically insulating ceramic coating layer stable at the temperature of use, the ceramic material chosen among silica (SiO2), zirconia (ZrO2), and alumina (Al2O3); d) heat treating of the fiber, coated with the coating layer, at a temperature higher than the deposition temperature of the coating layer and higher than the temperature of use, or (c′) full layer depositing on the fiber a first coating layer of silicon carbide; d′) full layer depositing the first coating layer a second coating layer of boron nitride; e′) heat treating the fiber thereby obtained at a temperature above the deposition temperatures and the temperature of use of the sensor. |
| US08313231B2 |
Droplet mixing apparatus and droplet mixing method
A droplet mixing apparatus can be applied for use with a variety of liquids, can provide a mixing speed of hundreds of nl/s by adjusting an opening/closing time of a solenoid valve, can effectively mix droplets, and can reduce a reaction time when applied to clinical appliances that utilize expensive liquids. The droplet mixing apparatus includes a plurality of pressure containers storing liquids that are to be dispensed, a plurality of solenoid valves that are respectively connected to the pressure containers to dispense the liquids fed from the pressure containers into a mixing container, and a control unit that controls the solenoid valves such that the solenoid valves are either simultaneously opened or alternately opened and closed. |
| US08313228B2 |
Agitation device
The present invention provides an agitation device (10) comprising a body portion (12) and at least one stirring element (14) extending from said body portion and for insertion into material in a receptacle which is to be agitated, wherein the body portion comprises a housing having located therein a motion element powered by way of a power source, and arranged to impart a vibrating action to the device and thus to the at least one stirring element, said vibrating action arranged to effect movement of the agitation device relative to the said material, and wherein said at least one stirring element extends from said body portion such that, in normal operation, the at least one stirring element extends downwardly from the body portion and serves to support the device on a surface of the said receptacle. |
| US08313222B2 |
LED light fixture
An LED floodlight fixture includes a housing, an LED heat sink secured to the housing and an LED arrangement mounted on the heat sink in non-water/air-tight condition with respect to the housing. The heat sink including (i) a base having an LED-adjacent surface and an opposite surface and (ii) a heat-dissipating section having heat-dissipating surfaces extending from the opposite surface. The LED arrangement is mounted to the LED-adjacent surface in non-water/air-tight condition with respect to the housing. The housing preferably forms at least one venting gap to provide cool-air ingress to and along the heat-dissipating surfaces by upward flow of heated air therefrom. The base of the heat sink has one or more venting apertures to provide cool-air ingress to and along the heat-dissipating surfaces by upward flow of heated air therefrom. |
| US08313219B2 |
Ballasted lamp socket for a compact fluorescent lamp
A ballasted lamp socket for a gas discharge lamp, such as a compact fluorescent lamp, is adapted to replace an Edison screw-in lamp socket in a ceiling mounted light fixture, or a table or floor lamp. The ballasted lamp socket comprises a lamp-receiving portion adapted to be coupled to the gas discharge lamp, an enclosure mechanically coupled to the lamp-receiving portion, a dimming ballast circuit electrically coupled to the lamp-receiving portion and housed within the enclosure, and first and second electrical connections. The ballast portion is adapted to receive an AC line voltage and to generate a high-frequency AC voltage for driving the gas discharge lamp and controlling the light intensity of the gas discharge lamp between a high-end intensity and a low-end intensity. The first and second electrical connections are operable to receive the AC line voltage and to provide the AC line voltage to the ballast circuit. |
| US08313217B2 |
Cable holding and positioning device with easily separated and reconnected interlocking components
A device for releasably positioning a cable on a support surface comprises a first housing component and a second housing component. The first housing component is releasably engaged with the second housing component. At least one channel is defined between the first and second housing components for releasably receiving and positioning a cable, wherein the at least one channel has an inlet and an outlet, and the outlet has a dimension that is smaller than a dimension of the inlet. |
| US08313215B1 |
Roof line light holder
A light holder including a suspension tie; a wire cradle attached to the suspension tie; a friction arm attached to the suspension tie; a matrix of knurls extending from the friction arm; and a matrix of concavities aligned with and underlying the matrix of knurls; each knurl among the matrix of knurls having a rhombus shaped periphery and each concavity among the matrix of concavities having a rhombus shaped periphery; each of the rhombus shaped peripheries of the matrices of knurls and concavities having a longitudinal vertex and an oppositely longitudinal vertex, each vertex being acutely angled; the matrices of knurls and concavities corrugating the friction arm and defining an overlying channel grid and an underlying ridge grid. |
| US08313213B2 |
Assembly structure for LED lamp
An assembly structure for a LED lamp includes a cover plate, a LED module, fasteners and a mask. An inner surface of the cover plate is provided with a fixing portion. Both sides of the cover plate are formed with a slot respectively. The LED module has a substrate and a plurality of LED mounted on the substrate. The substrate is provided with an insertion hole. One end of the fastener is detachably connected into the insertion hole of the substrate and the other end thereof is fixed to the fixing portion. The mask is made of transparent materials and has an accommodating space for allowing the LED module to be disposed therein. Both sides of the mask defining the accommodating space are formed with a locking flange for inserting into the slot of the cover plate. With the above arrangement, the operator can assemble or detach the LED lamp quickly. |
| US08313211B2 |
Portable lamp bank and lens assembly for use therewith
A portable lamp bank in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes an elongated housing, a power source mounted in the housing and electrically connected to the external high voltage input voltage to provide a substantially constant driving voltage and a first light engine mounted in the elongated housing and electrically connected to the power source. The light engine includes a plurality of high output light emitting diodes that are driven based on the driving voltage of the power source to provide output light. |
| US08313200B2 |
Light source apparatus and projection device
A light source apparatus adapted to a projection device having a casing and an optical engine base is provided. The light source apparatus includes a shell, a positioning element, a frame, and a light source. The shell is adapted to be disposed in the casing and lean against the optical engine base. The positioning element is assembled to the shell and has two positioning holes. The frame is disposed in the shell and has two positioning pins, wherein the two positioning pins are inserted into the two positioning holes respectively for positioning the frame with respect to the shell. The light source is fixed to the frame. A projection device is also provided. |
| US08313197B2 |
Pattern projecting apparatus, three dimensional imaging apparatus having the same, and varifocal liquid lens being used in the same
A pattern projecting apparatus usable with a three-dimensional imaging apparatus includes a light generator which emits a light beam, and a pattern adjusting unit disposed in front of the light generator. The pattern adjusting unit forms a projection pattern on an object, and adjusts a focus of the light beam emitted from the light generator. |
| US08313193B2 |
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 in the form of a closed curve. |
| US08313189B2 |
Mobile device with printer
A mobile device having printhead for printing onto a media substrate, a media feed path along which the media substrate is fed past the printhead, and a capper assembly. The capper assembly is movable between a capped position covering the array of nozzles and an uncapped position spaced from the array of nozzles. The capper assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media substrate such that the capper assembly moves to the capped position upon disengagement with the media substrate. |
| US08313188B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus and drying control method for the same
An ink jet printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a dryer configured to dry ink on a print medium. The dryer includes a heating unit configured to heat air in the dryer, and an outside air adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the amount of outside air introduced into the dryer. When the outside air adjustment mechanism is controlled so that the outside air introduction amount is increased, before the control of the outside air introduction amount, the heating unit is controlled so that heated air heated by the heating unit is preheated to a second target temperature higher than a predetermined first target temperature for a normal operation. Even if the outside air introduction amount is actually increased to temporarily reduce the temperature of heated air, the temperature of the heated air can be maintained at a value required for sufficient drying. |
| US08313185B2 |
Liquid container and liquid container package
When a package in which a tank 1 is wrapped is opened, caused is an action of reversing vertical positions of an end face of the tank 1 having an ink supply portion 10, and an end face opposite to the foregoing end face. Along with this action, air existing inside the tank 1 ascends, and then is separated by air separating portions. Thus, a coloring material component inside the tank is stirred. |
| US08313184B2 |
Waste liquid collector
A waste liquid collector is detachably mounted on a device including a discharge unit discharging a waste liquid and stores the waste liquid discharged from the discharge unit when the waste liquid collector is mounted on the device. The waste liquid collector includes: an opening through which the discharge unit is inserted or extracted at the time of mounting or detaching the waste liquid collector on or from the device; a collector-side connection terminal which comes in contact with a device-side connection terminal included in the device when the discharge unit of the device is inserted into the opening; and a positioning unit which positions the collector-side connection terminal to come in contact with the device-side connection terminal when the waste liquid collector is mounted on the device. |
| US08313181B2 |
Air extraction method for inkjet printer
A method of extracting air from an inkjet printhead includes using an air extraction chamber connected to the printhead. The air extraction chamber comprises an air chamber, a one-way relief valve having open and closed positions used in venting of the air chamber. A compressible member is provided to vent a quantity of air from the air chamber through the one-way relief valve when it's compressed. The compressible member also expands so that a reduced air pressure is applied to the printhead when the one-way relief valve is in its closed position. |
| US08313177B2 |
Actuator, liquid droplet ejecting head, and manufacturing method thereof, and liquid droplet ejecting apparatus
An actuator that includes a substrate; first conductive layers provided so as to extend in a first direction and to be disposed adjacent to each other on the substrate; a piezoelectric body layer having a first portion formed so as to cover the first conductive layers and openings between the first conductive layers, a second portion other than the first portions, and a contact to the first conductive layer; a second conductive layer having a third portion which overlap with the first conductive layers in the second direction, a fourth portion connected to the third portion being formed over the second portion of the piezoelectric body layer, and a fifth portion connected to the first conductive layer in the contact; and a wiring having a sixth portion which is formed over the fourth portion of the second conductive layer and a seventh portion connected to the fifth portion. |
| US08313173B2 |
Compositions and processes for manufacturing printed electronics
The present invention is directed to a printable composition, comprising: 0.5 to 60 wt % of a polymer selected from the group consisting of epoxy, Novolac and poly(dimethylglutarimide); and 40-99.5 wt % of a solvent composition comprising (1) a high boiling point solvent having a flash point greater than about 10° C. and a boiling point greater than about 130° C. and (2) a low boiling point solvent having a flash point less than 30° C. and a boiling point less than or equal to 130° C., all weight percents based on the total weight of the composition. The present invention is also directed to methods of forming patterned substrates using the above compositions. The compositions of the invention are useful for printing electronic materials onto a substrate using a piezo-electric printer. |
| US08313171B2 |
Liquid jetting head and ink-jet printer
There is provided a liquid jetting head which includes a cavity unit in which a plurality of nozzle rows is formed, a plurality of pressure chambers, and a plurality of common liquid chambers corresponding to the nozzle rows, and a pressure applying mechanism which applies a pressure to the liquid in the pressure chambers. The liquid is supplied to each common liquid chamber, from both end portions in a longitudinal direction of the common liquid chamber, toward a central portion of the common liquid chamber, and a position of an equilibrium point at which a channel resistance of both sides in the longitudinal direction is balanced, is shifted mutually in the longitudinal direction in one of the common liquid chambers and an adjacent common liquid chamber which is adjacent to the one of the common liquid chambers. |
| US08313169B2 |
Liquid-ejecting head
A liquid-ejecting head includes a recording element substrate that includes an energy generating element generating energy for ejecting a liquid from a discharge port, a supporting member that supports the recording element substrate and has a liquid chamber supplying the liquid to the recording element substrate, a first supply port formed in one surface thereof, communicating with the liquid chamber, and having fluid communication with the recording element substrate, a second supply port being smaller than the first supply port, formed in a surface opposite the one surface at a position corresponding to a longitudinal end side of the first supply port, and communicating with the liquid chamber, and a flow passage forming member that supplies the liquid to the second supply port. The cross-section of the liquid chamber in a direction extending from the opposite toward one surfaces gradually increases in part of the extending direction. |
| US08313163B2 |
Method and system to compensate for process direction misalignment of printheads in a continuous web inkjet printer
A method of operating a printer enables printheads mounted on print bars to be operated to compensate for misalignment of printheads in the process direction. The method includes identifying a position in the process direction for each printhead in a plurality of printheads, selecting one of the identified printhead positions as a reference printhead position, identifying a printhead timing parameter for each printhead mounted to at least one print bar, generating a firing signal for the printheads mounted to the at least one print bar, and adjusting delivery of the firing signal by the identified printhead timing parameter for each corresponding printhead mounted to the at least one print bar to coordinate actuation of inkjet ejectors in the printheads mounted to the at least one print bar and compensate for misalignment of the printheads in the process direction. |
| US08313162B2 |
Recording apparatus
There is provided a recording apparatus including a recording head which includes a nozzle plate having conductive property including an opening and for ejecting ink toward a medium to be recorded from the opening, an absorbing member disposed so as to oppose the nozzle plate in the ejecting direction of the ink from the recording head and for absorbing the ink not adhered to the medium to be recorded, an electrode disposed so as to make contact with the absorbing member, and an electric potential difference generator for generating an electric potential difference between the nozzle plate and the electrode and electrically attracting the ink not adhered to the medium to be recorded toward the electrode side. The electric potential difference generator generates an electric potential difference so that the magnitude of the electric potential difference is varied in accordance with a distance between a portion of the absorbing member to which the ink is absorbed and the nozzle plate. |
| US08313160B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
The driving signal generation unit generates a leading driving pulse that is ahead in a unit cycle and a following driving pulse that follows the leading driving pulse; the leading driving pulse is set so that, in the case where liquid droplets are ejected simultaneously from multiple adjacent nozzles, the flight speed of the ejected liquid droplets located toward the central area in a nozzle row direction is higher than the flight speed of the ejected liquid droplets located toward the end areas in the nozzle row direction; and the following driving pulse is set so that, of the liquid droplets simultaneously ejected from the multiple adjacent nozzles, the flight speed of the ejected liquid droplets located toward the end areas is higher than the flight speed of the liquid droplets located toward the central area. |
| US08313157B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording device includes a liquid-droplet ejection head having nozzles for ejecting droplets of a liquid, a flexible tube member connected to the head, a tube pump disposed on the tube member to supply the liquid to the head through the tube member, a rotational press member disposed in the pump and, while rotating in a first direction, sequentially compressing the tube member to supply the liquid to the head, and a controller communicatively connected to the pump and causes the press member to rotate in the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. At least one portion of the tube member is compressed with the press member while the pump is stopped. The controller, prior to rotation of the press member in the first or second direction, causes the press member to rotate in reverse with respect to the first or second direction. |
| US08313156B2 |
LCD monitor stand with note and storage areas
A stand for an LCD monitor includes a storage area and a front message center. The stand is box-shaped and has a flat top for the monitor. The sides are shaped like a trapezoid such that the hinged front door is slanted downwards and towards the user. The outer surface of the front door has a left dry erase side for writing notes and a right cork board side for posting messages. The inside of the stand has one or more sliding drawers with a variety of compartments for storing articles like pens and paper clips. The lower section of the inside of the stand also has convenient storage space. Lower adjustable feet allow the user to adjust the height of the monitor. A cup holder or phone holder can also be included on the top. |
| US08313155B2 |
Advanced composite rim having molded in spoke holes
Embodiments of the present invention comprise a composite rim used in spoked wheels, such as bicycle wheels, having molded-in spoke holes along with a method of fabricating the composite rim. Advantageously, the present invention dramatically improves the bearing and loading strength of prior art composite rims, which drill the spoke holes therein after fabrication of the rim hoop. |
| US08313152B2 |
Recovery of bitumen by hydraulic excavation
In one embodiment, a method of hydraulically mining of oil sands from a well pair drilled into an oil sands deposit is disclosed. The wells are preferably installed from a protected underground workspace in or near the producing zone. The method of hydraulic mining disclosed herein includes: means of drilling production and tailings injection wells; means of augmenting hydraulic excavation for example by inducing block caving and/or wormholing; means of isolating the underground personnel areas from formation gases and fluids; and means of backfilling the excavated volumes with tailings. In one configuration, production wells are formed and lined with a frangible material, for example, a weak concrete or an inflatable epoxy-impregnated felt tube. Hydraulic mining of the full deposit thickness using a directional water jet bit begins at the far end of the drill hole and continues back in stages toward the well-head. When each stage is complete, the water jet can be used to disintegrate sections of liner to allow mining to proceed back towards the well-head. An aspect of the present invention is that it provides for backfilling of the mined volume in stages so that subsidence of the ground is avoided. Possible advantages of the hydraulic excavation method disclosed herein are the low amount of energy and water required, the high production rates possible and the tolerance to difficult geologies, to recover bitumen from oil sands as compared to thermal recovery methods such as SAGD and HAGD. |
| US08313149B2 |
Foot cover and vehicle seat
A foot cover includes a pair of laterally spaced surface sections, first engagement portions on the insides of the lateral surface sections and configured to be engaged with a front side of a leg bracket, a second engagement portion at a rear side of the foot cover and configured to engage a rear side of the leg bracket, and an urging rib that urges the foot cover toward the rear side thereof. The first engagement portions have a fore-and-aft restricting surface that restricts the foot cover from being displaced rearwardly when mounted and a first inclination surface that abuts an associated front end portion of the leg bracket to restrict deformation of the associated lateral surface section into a separating direction of the lateral surface sections. |
| US08313148B2 |
Guide sleeve for a retaining rod of a neck rest
A guide sleeve for support bar of a motor vehicle seatback headrest, comprising a hollow, plastic tube fitted with an axial passage and comprising at its upper end an integral flange segment through which runs the tube's axial passage, further a slider guided in sliding manner in a flange segment aperture perpendicularly to the axis of said passage, and fitted with an external grip and an axial continuous passage which can be aligned with the stem's axial passage respectively the flange segment's aperture, the slider moreover comprising a locking segment which may be made to engage with or disengage from a snap-in notch of the support bar as a function of slider position, further with spring elements acting on the slider and biasing it toward the snap-in notches, said spring elements being constituted by a resilient, integral slider segment resting against a wall segment of the aperture. |
| US08313147B2 |
Seat latch assembly for a vehicle seat
A vehicle seat has a base and a seatback pivotably connected to the base. A latch mechanism holds the seatback in an upright position. A seat latch assembly includes a release mechanism operatively connected to the latch mechanism and including a latch handle. The latch handle is rotatable between a first extended position where the latch handle extends outwardly from an outboard lateral side of the seatback, and a second retracted position where the handle is generally flush with the outboard lateral side of the seatback. Movement of the latch handle from one of the first position and the second position to the other one of the first position and second position occurs upon movement of the seatback to one of the upright position and a stowed position to provide more clearance for interior trim of the vehicle. |
| US08313146B2 |
Stowable vehicle seat
A vehicle seat is provided, particularly for a center seat in a row of seats. The seat includes a back part swivel connected to a seat part so that the back part and seat part swivel away from each other in a seating position and swivel toward one another in a first stowage position. The seat back may be altered in its longitudinal extent between the first stowage position and a second stowage position such that the seat back has a seat length and a shorter stowage length. The seat further includes a traveling mechanism which automatically moves the back part longitudinally from the seat length to the shorter stowage length when the back part is folded into the first stowage position. |
| US08313144B2 |
Stand up and kneel seat
A seat assembly includes a seat back and seat cushion. A forward link pivotally extends between the seat cushion and base. A control bracket has a pair of pivotal links forming a four bar connection with the base. A control link pivotally extends between the seat cushion and control bracket. A seat back operatively coupled to the control bracket has a recliner mechanism for selectively pivoting the seat back between a forwardly folded position and a plurality of reclined seating positions. A guide link pivotally extends between the seat back and control link. Forward rotational movement of the seat cushion urges the seat back to rotate relative to the seat cushion moving the seat assembly to a stand-up position. Pivoting the seat back to the forwardly folded position urges the seat cushion to move forwardly and lower relative to the base moving the seat assembly to a kneeling position. |
| US08313133B2 |
Vehicular utility bed having locking assembly and vehicles including same
A utility bed includes a bed frame, a bed floor, a sidewall, and a locking mechanism. The bed floor is pivotally coupled with the bed frame and is pivotable between an upright position and a cargo support position. The sidewall comprises a door portion and a wall portion. The door portion is pivotally coupled with the bed floor and pivotable between a closed position and an opened position. The locking mechanism is associated with the sidewall. The locking mechanism is configured to retain the bed floor in the upright position with the door portion of the sidewall in the opened position. Vehicles including a utility bed are also provided. |
| US08313131B2 |
Fitting, crane hook, and crane hook assembly
A method of lifting an aircraft at a lifting location, the method comprising: securing a fitting (10) to the aircraft when the aircraft is at the lifting location; engaging the fitting with a crane hook (100); transmitting lifting load from the crane hook to the aircraft via the fitting; and removing the fitting from the aircraft. A fitting (10) for transmitting lifting loads from a crane hook (100) to an item, the fitting comprising: an attachment member (11) configured to be secured to the item; and a lifting member (12) which is pivotally coupled to the attachment member and configured to be engaged by the crane hook (100) so as to transmit lifting loads from the crane hook to the item. A crane hook (100) with a ball-and-socket connection is provided. The crane hook has an attachment link (106) having a first pivot point (107) attached to the hook forward of its center of gravity, and a second pivot point (109) configured to be lifted by a crane, —and a biasing system which applies a biasing force to the attachment link causing the attachment link to rotate about the first pivot-point whereby the second pivot point moves towards the rear of the hook when the hook is unloaded. |
| US08313127B2 |
Latch for a vehicle door
A latch for latching closed a door of a vehicle, especially designed to minimize the force required to latch closed the door by pushing the door to its closed position. A tongue, having a strike face and a catch face, is resiliently mounted in the latch so as to be urged to a latch-engaged position by a torsion spring pushing against a surface of the tongue and against a cover plate of the latch. A slider block is coupled to a door handle and to the tongue so that the tongue can be swiveled to a disengaged state by use of the door handle, in order to open the vehicle door. |
| US08313120B2 |
Multi-piece steering-column cover
The present invention generally relates to articles for masking internal components of a motor vehicle steering column from the view of an occupant when the steering wheel is titled, or extended. Some embodiments relate to methods for making or using masking articles, or to methods for masking the internal components of a motor vehicle steering column when the steering wheel is titled, or extended. |
| US08313113B2 |
Hand trucks and related shipping methods
A hand truck, according to various embodiments comprises: (1) a frame, (2) a nose plate that is attached adjacent a lower end of the frame; and (3) at least one wheel that is adapted to facilitate the rolling movement of the dolly relative to a support surface. In particular embodiments, the hand truck comprises: (1) a first axle support adjacent a first lateral side of the frame; and (2) a second axle support adjacent a second lateral side of the frame. The first and second axle supports are adapted to cooperate with the first and second axle supports of a like hand truck body to facilitate the positioning of the hand truck body into a nested relationship with the like hand truck body. |
| US08313108B2 |
Stiffness control using smart actuators
A stiffness control system and apparatus includes one or more stiffness elements which are each activated by a smart actuator including a smart material which may be one of a shape memory alloy (SMA), a magnetorheological (MR) fluid, an electrorheological (ER) fluid, and a piezo-stack. The stiffness control system includes a first and second interface adaptable to transmit input loads and a plurality of stiffness elements. A first stiffness element is operatively connected to the first and second interfaces and is continuously responsive to a change in system operating characteristics including input loads. A second stiffness element is selectively activated by the smart actuator so as to selectively respond to a change in system conditions. The continuous response of the first stiffness element can be selectively combined with the activated response of the second stiffness element to dynamically control system stiffness. |
| US08313105B2 |
Method and apparatus for piston-actuated elastomer probe seal in a hydraulic coupling member
A female hydraulic coupling member has an elastomer probe seal molded to or abutting a ring-shaped metal base which is adapted to exert a compressive force on the probe seal when exposed to hydraulic fluid pressure. The compressive force causes the seal to expand in a radial direction thereby increasing its sealing effectiveness. A retainer nut for holding the seal in the receiving chamber may have a angled surface which acts to urge the seal in an inward, radial direction when an axial, compressive force is applied to the seal. |
| US08313102B1 |
Current affair, political game apparatus and method engaging role play
A board game apparatus and method for entertaining people by supporting unlimited numbers of participation. Players chose a political party then proceed by rolling dice to navigate the quadruple arch-shaped, color-coded, time-stamped, spaces on the game board. The spaces direct players to a plurality of cards explaining presidential decisions to be made after which players refer to one or more of three devices. Device one is reference material provided to aid players in developing confidence, leadership and public speaking skills. Device two calculates the impact on the Federal Budget and determines how many of player's proposed bills are passed through congress. Device three assist in a majority-minority voting technique to achieve impact on Approval Rating scores which feeds into players goal of acquiring the highest score. Players showcase their personal knowledge of politics and people skills to sway voter opinions. |
| US08313099B2 |
Method and device for the alignment of a sheet
The invention relates to a method for the alignment of a sheet in a direction transverse (cross-track) to its transport direction in a sheet-printing machine, in particular in a digital printing machine, preferably in an electrographically operating printing machine. The object of the invention is to improve, in a simple manner, a method and a device of the aforementioned generic types in view of a first rough alignment of the individual sheet. Referring to the method, this object is achieved in accordance with the invention in that the individual sheet is flipped about a preferably non-physical, mathematical or imagined flipping axis extending in transport direction, and that this flipping produces a transverse offset of the sheet in transverse direction. |
| US08313094B2 |
Button actuated detent system
A detent system that includes a plurality of detent recesses formed in a first component, a detent pin that selectively engages at least one of the detent recesses, a linkage connected to the detent pin, and a detent button that is associated with a second component. There is preferably a slot formed in at least one of the detent button and the detent pin, where each slot slidably receives an end portion of the linkage. The detent system is preferably configured and arranged such that applying a force to the detent button to move the detent button in a first direction causes the linkage to move in a second direction, which is different than the first direction, thereby resulting in disengagement between an engaging portion of the detent pin and a relevant one, or more, of the detent recesses. Such disengagement allows for relative movement between the two components. |
| US08313093B2 |
Portable vise
A portable vise, particularly for use in supporting elongated member, provides a convenient design for safely cutting, drilling, welding, and painting. An elongated member is inserted through an aperture of a vise body. The vise rests upon the ground or other work surface such that one end of the elongated member is supported over the work surface while the other end of the elongated member rests upon the work surface. |
| US08313089B2 |
Portable apparatus and method for lifting a vehicle that compensates for lateral motion of the vehicle
A lift apparatus for lifting a structure includes a base, a bell crank pivotably coupled to the base, a coupling member for engaging a portion of the structure, pivotably coupled to the bell crank device via at least one lift member, and a longeron assembly having a pivoting apex and configured to pivot about the base. The apparatus also includes a biasing device having a first end pivotably coupled to the bell crank device for applying a force thereto, the bell crank device converting the first force to a second force and applying the second force to the coupling member via the lift member for lifting the structure. A movement of the structure is compensated by rotation of portions of the longeron assembly which repositions the apex, the bell crank, and lift arm to maintain the structure in the lifted position. |
| US08313087B2 |
Powder for rapid prototyping and associated production method
Described are powders for use in the production of three-dimensional structures or molded bodies by means of layered manufacturing methods, and methods for the economical production thereof. The powders have the particularity that they have a good flow behavior, on the one hand, and that they are simultaneously configured such that the molded body produced with the powder in rapid prototyping has substantially improved mechanical and/or thermal characteristics. In accordance with a particularly advantageous embodiment, the powder comprises a first fraction that is present in the form of substantially spherical powder particles and that is formed by a matrix material, and at least one further fraction in the form of strengthening and/or reinforcing fibers that are preferably embedded into the matrix material. |
| US08313085B2 |
Fluid flow control apparatus
An apparatus for controlling a fluid flow rate includes a main body having a fluid flow passage and a cavity adapted to receive a flow control body having two or more flow channels therethrough. The flow control body may be moved within the cavity to two or more positions, each position corresponding to fluid communication between the flow passage of the main body and a different one of the flow channels of the flow control body. The flow control body may be held in each position by a detent feature that resists movement of the flow control body until a movement force acting upon the flow control body exceeds a threshold. |
| US08313076B2 |
Collapsible rolling support stand
A collapsible folding stand for use with an object that is attached to the stand. In the closed position, the stand is generally vertically oriented with the object attached to a top frame. To open the stand a locking mechanism is released which enables a folding mechanism supporting the top frame to unfold in a manner whereby the rear legs having wheels that separate from forward side struts which contact the ground, with the center of gravity of the object being positioned between the wheels and the front ground contact points so that the weight of the object tends to separate the same and bring the top frame into a generally horizontal position. To move the stand to its closed position, the handle is lifted to move the top frame to its generally vertical closed position. |
| US08313075B2 |
Lifting column for treatment tables, hospital-and care beds
A lifting column for treatment tables, hospital- and care beds with a casing consisting of three telescopic members (11, 12, 13) with a drive unit located in the hollow of the intermediate member (12). The drive unit comprises a body element (22) with chain wheels (25, 33) and one chain (47) provided with driving rods (50, 51) secured to the two other telescopic members (11, 13). The drive unit further comprises a linear actuator (18) with an electric motor (19), which drives a spindle (21) located within the cross section of the body element (22) and a spindle nut (28) secured thereto for longitudinal displacement of the body element (22) with the chain wheels (25, 33), so that the telescopic members (11, 12, 13) are extended or retracted depending on the direction of rotation of the motor. Thus a compact structure is achieved as the guide is constructed as a casing and the actuator is integral with the body element which has one chain only. |
| US08313066B2 |
Intravenous fluid container stand and methods for making same
According to one embodiment, an intravenous stand for supporting an intravenous fluid container includes a hanger configured to support one or more intravenous fluid containers. A pole, having a first end and a second end, is coupled to the hanger at the first end and a base at the second. A plurality of casters are releasably coupled to the base via a plurality of quick-release members. |
| US08313063B2 |
Parachute release system and method
A parachute release system is configured to releasably couple a parachute to a payload. A parachute release mechanism is coupled to a suspension strap routed through a strap sleeve. The parachute release mechanism is configured to provide near-simultaneous separation of the suspension straps from the payload via operation of a rotatable hinge pin. The strap sleeve reduces the possibility of the suspension strap becoming entangled with the payload. With this system and method, larger payloads may be supported and/or the mass of the parachute release system may be reduced. |
| US08313059B2 |
Seating system and a passenger accommodation unit for a vehicle
A passenger seat assembly for a vehicle, particularly an aircraft, which is adapted to provide self-contained, individual seating and sleeping accommodation for a passenger, said seating assembly includes a supporting structure (42) for supporting said assembly off the floor of a vehicle; one or more movable, passenger-bearing, structural components (71,72); and means for connecting said movable, structural components to said structure such that said components can be selectively moved between a seat configuration, in which a plurality of passenger-bearing surfaces on said one or more structural, movable components (71,71) or said supporting structure form a seat for the passenger, and a bed configuration, in which a plurality of said bearing surfaces (47,48,67,74,76) are disposed substantially coplanarly and substantially contiguously to form a bed for the passenger; characterized in that at least one of said movable components (72) is double-sided, comprising first and second opposite sides, one of said sides having a first seat surface (73) that forms part of the seat in said seat configuration, and the other side having a second bed surface (74) that forms part of said bed in said bed configuration. |
| US08313058B2 |
Modular furniture for an aircraft
A storage unit for aircraft trolleys includes a housing accommodating at least one aircraft trolley and including a horizontal tray arranged on top of the housing. The storage unit includes a movable partition extending in a plane perpendicular to the tray and above the tray so that at least a part of the movable partition extends up to a ceiling of an aircraft. The partition is movable in translation from one edge of the tray to an opposite edge. |
| US08313057B2 |
Aircraft
The inventive aircraft with off-aerodrome landing consists of a body (1), a lifting wing (2) and the onboard part of a rope arresting and landing device comprising an arresting hook (5) which is provided with a grip (6). In the preferred embodiment, said aircraft is provided with a propeller (3) arranged in an annular empennage (4). Said arresting hook is arranged in such a way that it is rotatable around the transversal axis (8) of the aircraft situated in a longitudinal spacing of the aerodynamic mean chord of the wing. The aircraft leads for landing with the upwardly deployed arresting hook in such a way that the trajectory (12) of a top pickup point (6) is higher than the trajectory (13) of the highest top point of the aircraft and higher than a cable or rope (14) tensed on a landing area. The trajectory (13′) of the highest point of the aircraft located ahead of the arresting hook passes at a lower level than the cable (14). In said conditions, the grip of the arresting hook holds the cable which has a required effort for drawing it from a stationary arresting device. By overcoming said effort, the aircraft spends a flight kinetic energy and stops being suspended on the cable. |
| US08313053B2 |
High throughput, seed sampling and collection system and method
A system and method for preparing a sample of seeds or representative seed portions are provided. In various embodiments, the system and method include a force applying member and a seed container that includes at least one compartment containing a seed. The force applying member is configured to apply a force to the seed so as to break the seed into two or more seed particles, which in some embodiments may be collected in a seed particle collector. The present invention improves on the prior art by greatly reducing (and in some embodiments eliminating) the manual processes typically involved in generating tissue samples from seeds and preparing the tissue for genetic analysis. Additionally, the present invention is scaleable, and can be configured to generate samples from many seeds in a short period of time. The present invention also minimizes the risk of contamination and cross-contamination of the seed particles. |
| US08313051B2 |
Process and apparatus for mixing a polymer composition and composite polymers resulting therefrom
An apparatus for, and method of, mixing a molten composition are provided. The apparatus comprises a rotor with flow restrictors supported on its surface and supported within a bore of a casing. The mixer generates at least 100 modulating events as the molten composition flows over the flow restrictors to form a modulated composition. |
| US08313047B2 |
Spray gun having adjustable handle
A spray coating device having a an adjustable handle is provided. The adjustable handle can be extended or folded relative the body of the spray coating device. This provides the user with an ability to easily manipulate and move the spray coating device. The spray coating device also includes a plurality of molecular components adapted to ease replacement at ports within the spray coating device. |
| US08313044B2 |
Smooth bore nozzle with adjustable bore
A firefighting nozzle of the present invention includes a nozzle body with an inlet and an outlet, a passageway having a smooth bore extending between the inlet and the outlet of the nozzle body, and a compressible member defining at least a portion of the passageway. The compressible member has an inner dimension transverse to the longitudinal central axis. The nozzle also includes an adjuster mounted about the compressible member for selectively compressing the compressible member, wherein the pressure of the fluid flowing into the nozzle applies an outwardly directed pressure on the compressible member to thereby increase the inner dimension of the compressible member, and with at least a portion of the pressure being diverted from the passageway for applying an inwardly directed pressure on the compressible member to thereby at least reduce the force needed to be applied by the adjuster to counter-act the outwardly directed pressure when adjusting the flow rate of the nozzle. |
| US08313043B1 |
Friction clutch for rotor-type sprinkler
A sprinkler includes a riser, an impeller mounted in the riser, and a nozzle rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A drive assembly including a reduction gear train couples the impeller and the nozzle. A friction clutch is located in the drive assembly between an output gear of the reduction gear train and an input gear of the reversing mechanism and provides a positive drive connection under a normal load and slips under an excessive load. An alternate embodiment utilizes the friction clutch in a rotor-type sprinkler in which the nozzle rotates continuously through a continuous 360 degree arc. |
| US08313038B2 |
Telecom shelter cooling and control system
A system configured to provide cooling of electronic equipment in a shelter in combination with an air conditioning (A/C) system. The system includes one or more blowers for drawing air into the shelter, a damper arrangement for controlling air exhaust. The system further includes a DC powered controller coupled to the one or more blowers, the damper arrangement, and the A/C system. The controller is configured to receive at least a first analog input signal associated with a shelter-interior temperature, a second analog input signal associated with a shelter-exterior temperature, and a plurality of alarm input signals and to generate the one or more first control signals to control blower rotational speed, the second control signal to open/close the damper arrangement, and a third control signal to inhibit/activate the A/C system based on at least the first analog input signal, or the second analog input signal, or a plurality of alarm input signals, or a combination of these. |
| US08313037B1 |
Simulated magnetic stripe card system and method for use with magnetic stripe card reading terminals
A system to read magnetic stripe card(s) into a database, to select a specific card from the database, and to output the data related to that specific card to existing merchant card reader equipment with no modification. A simulated magnetic stripe card can be tethered to a cell phone via the headset jacks. A more complex design uses an un-tethered, simulated magnetic stripe card by including BLUETOOTH (or other wireless) communications on the card. This dual purpose invention is intended to eliminate the need to carry multiple magnetic stripe cards in a wallet or purse by consolidating all of the individual card information into a form to be reproduced onto the simulation card when needed by the user. It can also be used at a merchant POS card reader to allow an existing MSD reader to be converted to use in wireless cell phone transactions e.g. BLUETOOTH or NFC. |
| US08313036B1 |
Secure application directory
This disclosure relates to storing a secure application directory within a contactless smart card. The contactless smart card include secure memory area for storing software applications and may include a default application directory for listing the software applications stored within the contactless smart card to an external card reader. A second application directory is stored with an access key and a listing of a second set of software applications within the same contactless smart card. The second application directory includes improved application directory entries, where each application directory entry includes an application identifier, a starting memory block byte value, and a size byte value for each of the second set of software applications. |
| US08313030B2 |
System and method for barcode scanning with color image sensors
A system and method are provided for barcode scanning for a target barcode comprising: receiving color image values for a captured image of the target barcode from at least one color image sensor; and extracting luminosity values for each pixel of the captured image from the color image values to define greyscale image values corresponding to the color image values. Once the luminosity values are defined, they are provided as greyscale image values to a greyscale barcode decoder for subsequent processing thereof. |
| US08313028B2 |
Multiple antenna reading system suitable for use with contactless transaction devices
A multiple antenna reading system suitable for use with contactless transaction devices, the system including at least one reader, at least first and second antennas having at least some inductive coupling therebetween and being coupled to the at least one reader and antenna function disabling circuitry automatically operative upon activation of at least a first one of the at least first and second antennas to disable antenna function of at least a second one of the at least first and second antennas. |
| US08313026B2 |
Radio frequency identification chip and setting and operating methods of same
An RFID chip is modified with set data before being disposed in an electronic label so as to allow the electronic label to be selectively used with different types of RFID systems. The RFID chip includes a first data storage zone for storing first data set accessible by the first type of RFID system and the second type of RFID system; and a second data storage zone for storing second data set inaccessible by the first type of RFID system and the second type of RFID system. The second data set includes a modifiable code for indicating a type of the electronic label and with which of the first type of RFID system and the second type of RFID system the electronic label is to be used. |
| US08313019B2 |
Secure check capture device
A check capture device is disclosed. The check capture device includes a housing including a secure check storage area. The check capture device further includes a check scanner configured to electronically capture information from one or more checks. The check capture device also includes control logic configured to route checks successfully scanned by the check scanner into the secure check storage area. A method of capturing check information is also disclosed. |
| US08313017B2 |
Sealed enclosure for the decontamination of a medical apparatus
The invention relates to an enclosure of the type including a base (6), at least one side wall (7) and an upper lid (8) defining a decontamination volume (9), wherein one of said side walls (7) comprises an access opening (10) to the decontamination volume (9) extending up to the upper lid (8), the upper lid (8) including a cable passage (12) open towards said opening and a cable suspension member (14) through said cable passage. The enclosure includes a blocking flap (13) movable between a cable passage (12) closing position in which the flap (13) tightly closes the cable passage (12), and a cable passage (12) opening position. |
| US08313014B2 |
Support structures and methods of using the same
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes an anastomosis device having an anvil and a tubular body portion, wherein the anvil is selectively attachable to the tubular body portion by a shaft; and a support structure for deposition between the intestinal sections of tissue. The support structure includes a body defining an aperture therein for receiving the shaft. The body has an outer terminal edge. The support structure includes at least one layer of expandable material disposed at the outer terminal edge of the body. |
| US08313012B2 |
Electric driving machine
A controller 50 has a single-driving mode/continuous-driving mode changeover switch 233 for performing fastener driving operation in a single driving mode or a continuous driving mode. In a case where the single-driving mode/continuous-driving mode changeover switch 233 instructs a single driving mode, the controller 50 causes a driver blade 3a to perform fastener driving operation when both a trigger switch 5 and a push lever switch 22 are switched, by switching operation, from the one switch status to the other switch status (e.g., the ON status). Consequently, fastener driving operation is made possible regardless of sequence of actuation of the trigger switch 5 and the push lever switch 22. |
| US08313011B2 |
Systems and methods for applying texture material to ceiling surfaces
An aerosol system for dispensing sprayable material in a desired spray pattern. |
| US08313009B2 |
Pepper spray container assembly
A pepper spray container assembly includes a first housing, a second housing secured to the first housing, and a pepper spray bottle securely retained by the first and second housings. A portion of the first housing is configured to be pressed into the assembly and moved forward into an activation position, thereby sliding the first housing forward relative to the second housing. |
| US08313006B2 |
Foil container
A foil container for storing components of a multi-component mass and for being inserted in a receptacle of an ejection device, includes a first foil bag (12) that stores at least one component (16) of the multi-component mass, a second foil bag (22) arranged next to the first foil bag (12) and that stores at least two components (26, 27) of the multi-component mass separately from each other, and a head portion (31) having at least two receiving sections (32, 36) for receiving respective ends (13, 23) of the first and second foil bags (12, 22). |
| US08313002B2 |
Lid for beverage container
A lid for a beverage container includes a top wall. The top wall has a drink opening with a communicating hole and an aroma opening disposed near the drink opening. The aroma opening has a vertical aroma hole that is a through hole extending along a vertical plane essentially perpendicular to a horizontal plane of the top wall. The vertical aroma hole emits aroma of the beverage in the container to an outside, while preventing the beverage from splattering to the outside. |
| US08313001B1 |
Container closure with stored scoop
A container with a granulated or powdered product stores a scoop in or on a threaded closure for the container, in such a way that the scoop will not sink down into the product. Several embodiments are disclosed, including different ways for retaining the scoop on the closure. |
| US08312998B2 |
Displaying sheet merchandise
Particular embodiments of a display fixture for displaying sheet products to consumers can include first and second frame members that are toollessly and removably mounted to a rear support frame, wherein the first frame member includes horizontal trays and the second frame member includes vertical bays. The display fixture may also include a first set of vertical bays that are arranged lateral of the horizontal trays and angled away from the horizontal trays at a first angle. The display fixture may further include a second set of vertical bays that are arranged lateral of the horizontal trays and angled away from the horizontal trays at a second angle that is different from the first angle. |
| US08312991B2 |
Case for electronic tablet
A case incorporates a built-in stand for an electronic device, such as an electronic tablet computer, which the case houses. The case protects the electronic device and allows a user to view and access the device without removing it from the case. The built-in stand is adjustable and allows for multiple viewing angles. |
| US08312988B2 |
Sloped carousel baggage conveyor
A luggage conveyor system includes a frame, a plurality of pallets movably supported by the frame each having a load carrying surface configured to convey luggage thereon, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a chain formed by a plurality of chain links connected to each other. At least one chain link of the plurality of chain links is coupled to one of the plurality of pallets. The drive assembly further includes a motor-driven drive wheel, and a plurality of driven wheels coupled to and driven by the drive wheel. The plurality of driven wheels are arranged such that at least two of the driven wheels simultaneously contact the same one of the plurality of chain links to frictionally drive the chain. |
| US08312986B2 |
Removable cartridge cleaner
A removable cartridge cleaner assembly is provided that allows for faster and easier removal of the belt cleaner blades out from under a conveyor belt. In one aspect the assembly includes a biasing surface of one of an elongate support assembly and a channel member configured to be engaged by a securing member and urge distal ends of legs of the channel member into tight engagement with the elongate support assembly and minimize debris accumulation therebetween. In another aspect, the elongate base member and rail member each include lateral portions configured to slidably engage corresponding wedge portions to urge the rail member toward the base member. A method of installing a belt cleaner assembly is also provided which includes camming a rail member downwardly toward the support member upper surface. |
| US08312979B2 |
Workpiece conveying equipment
Workpiece conveying equipment provided with a workpiece conveying traveling body composed of a workpiece support carriage and an auxiliary carriage adjacent to at least one of the front and the rear in a traveling direction of the workpiece support carriage, a first conveying path where the workpiece support carriage and the auxiliary carriage travel integrally, a second conveying path where only the workpiece support carriage travels perpendicularly and horizontally with respect to the traveling direction of the first conveying path, and a carriage diverging means provided at a branching point from the first conveying path to the second conveying path so as to separate the workpiece support carriage from the auxiliary carriage and to diverge the workpiece support carriage into the second conveying path perpendicularly and horizontally. |
| US08312978B2 |
People mover, transmission chain and method in the use of a people mover
A people mover comprising a plurality of steps or palettes to carry and move people. A transmission chain formed into an endless loop is connected to the steps or palettes via which the steps or palettes are moved. The transmission chain comprises consecutive chain links connected in a hinged manner to each other such that the chain links are bendable in relation to each other in a first direction (I) and in a second direction (II). Two turning elements are provided around which the transmission chain is arranged to pass. The consecutive chain links of the transmission chain bend in relation to each other in the first direction (I) when passing around the respective turning elements. A bending limitation mechanism is arranged to limit bending of the transmission chain occurring in the second direction (II). |
| US08312975B2 |
Integrated hydraulic control system for AWD vehicle
A hydraulic control system for a vehicle includes a brake control unit having a mechanically actuated master cylinder and an electric motor driven pump. The master cylinder and the pump are each adapted to separately provide pressurized fluid to a brake cylinder. A hydraulically actuated drive coupling selectively transfers torque between rotatable input and output shafts. The rotatable output shaft is adapted to drive a vehicle wheel. The hydraulic control unit is in receipt of pressurized fluid from the pump. The hydraulic control unit includes a valve moveable between a first position where the drive coupling is in communication with the pressurized fluid and torque is transferred by the coupling and a second position where the pressure of the fluid in the cavity is reduced to reduce the torque transferred by the coupling. |
| US08312969B2 |
Lubrication system for aircraft engine
A lubrication system for an aircraft engine includes a lubrication fluid tank and a fluid passage communicating with the tank to define an entry of the passage inside the tank. The entry is positioned in a location submerged in the lubrication fluid for delivery of the lubrication fluid under a pressure differential, from the tank to the lubrication system regardless of the tank or aircraft attitude. |
| US08312967B2 |
Escape system with self-adjusting length
An escape system (1) for evacuation is disclosed including a chute (2) comprising a succession of linked and spaced apart shaping sections (7), the succession including a number of shaping sections being connected by elastic cords (9) and linking successive shaping sections in a direction corresponding to a longitudinal axis (18) of the succession of shaping sections, and at least one tunnel-like device (6) being adapted to enable a person (16) who is being evacuated to move from a first position (3) to a second position (4) through the tunnel-like device, and wherein the chute (2) is arranged to have a self adjusting length (20, 22) and hereby operable at least two relative different chute lengths (20, 22) when the chute (2) has been launched and the chute is hanging substantially vertically from the higher position to the lower position, and the escape system comprises length limiting means (32, 36, 38) for changing between operation modes (24, 26) between the at least two relative different chute lengths (20, 22). |
| US08312965B2 |
Belay and abseiling apparatus for single or double rope
A belaying device for a rope comprises a metal body having at least one slit for passage of a loop of a rope, and a retaining element in the form of a bow integral to the body without being articulated on the latter, and designed to control the relative separation movement of the body with respect to a carabiner passing through the loop. The device further comprises flexible means arranged to move the body towards the carabiner when blocking of the rope takes place, and to move the body away automatically when the rope is released. |
| US08312963B2 |
Sound absorbing skin material and sound absorbing material utilizing the same
A lightweight sound absorbing surface material, having an excellent sound absorbing property and moldability, and a sound absorbing material using the sound absorbing surface material, are provided in the present invention. The sound absorbing surface material 6 is manufactured by laminating stretchable paper(s) which is(are) creped and/or embossed (such as a creped paper 1b) onto one or both sides of a fiber sheet 3. The degree of creping of the paper is in the range of between 10 and 50%, and the height of projections of the embossed paper is in the range of between 0.02 and 2.00 mm, with the number of the projections being in the range of between 20 and 200 projections/cm2. Further, the sound absorbing surface material 6 is laminated onto a air permeable sheet of porous material 7, to manufacture a sound absorbing material 8. |
| US08312961B2 |
Soot preventing type tail trim
A soot preventing type tail trim may include a tail pipe discharging exhaust gas, and a body enclosing an outer circumference of the tail pipe with a predetermined space therebetween, such that wind may be allowed to flow into the predetermined space and to be discharged therefrom to generate a separation layer in the exhaust gas passing the tail pipe by the wind. |
| US08312958B1 |
Power steering systems and methods
Power steering systems and methods to improve efficiency and performance of vehicle power steering systems. In one embodiment, there is provided an engine driven positive displacement hydraulic pump, a rotary valve coupled to a steering shaft for receiving hydraulic fluid under pressure in a rotary valve inlet and providing a differential pressure to a steering rack piston for a steering boost responsive to a torque exerted on the steering shaft, valving coupled between an output of the hydraulic pump, the rotary valve inlet and the hydraulic pump input for controllably coupling the output of the hydraulic pump to the rotary valve inlet or an input of the hydraulic pump, and a controller coupled to valving to maintain a flow rate of hydraulic fluid coupled to the rotary valve responsive to a pressure sensor output. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08312953B1 |
System for storing and retrieving a personal-transportation vehicle
A preferred embodiment of a system for automatically transferring a personal-transportation vehicle, such as a power chair, between a first and a second position proximate a motor vehicle such as a minivan is provided. The system can be used to transfer the personal-transportation vehicle between a first position on a lift and carrier assembly mounted on the motor vehicle, and a second position proximate a door of the motor vehicle, so that the user can transfer to and from the personal-transportation vehicle with minimal physical effort and movement. The system can generate guidance information for the personal-transportation vehicle based on position information generated by sensors located on one or both of the personal-transportation vehicle and the motor vehicle. |
| US08312951B2 |
Arrangement for mounting a heat exchanger on a vertical structural element forming a motor vehicle front end panel
An arrangement for mounting a heat exchanger on a vertical structural element forming a motor vehicle front end panel. The heat exchanger includes a mechanism attaching it to the structural element that are formed by fingers, and the structural element includes housings respectively capable of engaging with the fingers. A locking mechanism is capable of at least longitudinally immobilizing the heat exchanger so as to lock it in a final vertical position corresponding to its use position. |
| US08312945B2 |
Displacement limiting assembly for a track system
An assembly is provided for limiting the displacement of a track system mounted to the axle of a vehicle. The assembly generally comprises an anchor bracket and a stabilizing rod. The anchor bracket is configured to be fixedly mounted to the chassis of the vehicle whereas the stabilizing rod is pivotally and slidingly mounted, at one end, to the anchor bracket, and generally only pivotally mounted, at the other end, to the track system. While allowing limited rotation, the limiting assembly generally prevents excessive rotation of the track system about the axle. |
| US08312937B2 |
Battery for a power tool with a battery pack ejector
A power tool has a mechanism for ejecting a battery pack which includes a receiving frame which defines a cavity to receive a battery pack. A receiving member is adjacent the cavity. The receiving member meshes with a member on the battery pack to hold the battery pack in the cavity. A biasing member is in the cavity adjacent the receiving member. The biasing member ejects the battery pack from the ejecting mechanism. A member retains the biasing member in the cavity. The member guides a portion of the battery pack meshing with the receiving member into contact with the biasing member such that when the battery pack is locked onto the frame, the biasing member is in a compressed condition and when the battery pack is an unlocked position, the biasing member ejects the battery pack from the frame. |
| US08312931B2 |
Flow restriction device
An inflow control device may include flow control elements along a flow path. The flow control elements may change the inertial direction of the fluid flowing in the flow path. The change in inertial direction occurs at junctures along the flow path. The flow control elements may also be configured to form segmented pressure drops across the flow path. The segmented pressure drops may include a first pressure drop segment and a second pressure drop segment that is different from the first pressure drop segment. The pressure drop segments may be generated by a passage, an orifice or a slot. In embodiments, the plurality of flow control elements may separate the fluid into at least two flow paths. The flow control elements may also be configured to cause an increase in a pressure drop in the flow path as a concentration of water increases in the fluid. |
| US08312930B1 |
Apparatus and method for water well cleaning
A method and apparatus for cleaning a water well is presented. The apparatus utilizes a tool body having a plurality of discharge nozzles for jetting streams of filtered water at high pressure on to the inside wall surface of a casing across a water zone having slots or perforations. The nozzle streams are offset from the tool body imparting a rotational force. A rotary coupling is also utilized to limit the maximum rotation. The apparatus is lowered by a pre-determined length of coiled tubing to cleaning depth after which it is raised at a slow rate across the water zone. |
| US08312924B2 |
Method and apparatus to treat a well with high energy density fluid
The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the subterranean injection of reactive substances like propellants into wellbores and subterranean reservoirs. These methods and apparatuses controls the temperature of a reactive substance for safe handling at surface and controls the decomposition rate of the substances in the subterranean environment. In addition, these methods and apparatuses provide a means for safe dilution of reactive fluids in the event of a leak or spillage of the reactive substance. |
| US08312922B2 |
Metal-to-metal seal with travel seal bands
A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. The exterior surfaces of the outer and inner walls contain a soft metal inlay. A wicker profile with a slick area is located on the outer surface of the inner wellhead member and on the inner surface of the outer wellhead member. An energizing ring is moved into the slot to force the outer and inner walls of the seal into sealing engagement with the inner and outer wellhead members. The soft metal inlays deform onto the slick area on the wellhead members. The wickers on the wellhead members embed into the walls of the seal ring. |
| US08312918B2 |
Low humidity detection system and method thereof
A system and method for detecting low levels of humidity (i.e. less than 10%) inside an automotive vehicle is provided whereby the total absolute humidity inside the vehicle is determined by multiplying the number of occupants in the vehicle by an absolute humidity factor to obtain a total absolute humidity expelled by the vehicle occupants. The absolute humidity outside the vehicle is added to the total absolute humidity expelled by the vehicle occupants to arrive at a total vehicle cabin absolute humidity. |
| US08312914B2 |
Method, mold, and mold system for forming rotors
A mold for forming a plurality of rotors includes a plurality of lamination stacks, wherein each lamination stack defines at least one void therethrough; a tube having a central longitudinal axis, wherein each lamination stack is concentrically spaced apart from the tube to define a channel therebetween; a plurality of washers each having a shape defined by a first diameter and a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter, wherein each washer is configured to concentrically abut the tube and define a feed conduit interconnecting with the channel; and a shell disposed in contact with each lamination stack and concentrically spaced apart from each washer to define a plurality of ducts, wherein each duct is interconnected with the at least one void of at least one lamination stack. A mold system and a method of forming a plurality of rotors are also described. |
| US08312909B2 |
Device for treating paper webs
Device for treating paper webs or plies, comprising a couple of overlapped rolls (2,3) for compressing a paper web or ply passing between them. Each of said rolls (2,3) features a fixed central shaft (20,300) supported by a corresponding holder (10,83) at its ends, on which shaft a tubular jacket is fitted, with the interposition of low-friction connecting members (21,310) which are positioned on opposite sides with respect to the center line of the fixed central shaft axis, so that said tubular jacket, which is destined to come into contact with the paper webs or plies to be treated, is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis. |
| US08312903B2 |
Truck tire
A pneumatic tire for use on trucks, the tire comprising: a tread, the tread having a non-skid depth (NSK), the tread including a first and second shoulder rib and two or more inner ribs, and circumferential grooves interposed between the ribs. The tread pattern is asymmetric, wherein the first shoulder rib has a rib width ratio in the range of about 1.2 to about 1.8, and the second shoulder rib has a rib width ratio in the range of about 1.0-1.6. |
| US08312902B2 |
Filling head with low Reynolds number
The invention relates to a filling head with low Reynolds number, consisting of an inner body (2) and an outer body (3), in which one moves axially with respect to the other, there being a space (4) delimited between them that configures the dynamic characteristics that the flow will have, comprising a damping zone A with inlet (5) located on a different axis from that of the outlet (6), a pressure-loss zone B with seated valve (7), a zone C, with low Reynolds number, composed of n channels (10), with n fins (9) greater than 3 and LRHC less than 4, an ogival acceleration zone D and a nozzle (8) or closure zone E with a seal (13). |
| US08312901B2 |
Open jet filling system
An open-jet filling system, a method of filling containers by means of such an open-jet filling system used for contactless filling a container, and a corresponding filling machine, with the open-jet filling system provided with a filling level probe. For always obtaining the same filling height in the containers and for simultaneously realizing hygienic filling, a centering unit is arranged below the open-jet filling element in a vertically movable manner such that it can be moved onto a container mouth, the filling level probe being arranged on the centering unit. |
| US08312897B2 |
Diverter valve
A diverter valve is disclosed for use in a shower mixer valve or the like. It is constructed to reduce the force needed to be applied by the bather to actuate the diversion. There is a diverter stem that is moveable between a non-diverted and diverted position. The diverter stem includes an upstream portion and a reduced cross sectional waist portion downstream of the upstream portion. The reduced portion interacts with the diverted fluid to reduce the force required to move the diverter stem from the non-diverted to the diverted position. |
| US08312894B2 |
Ambient air backflushed filter vacuum
A vacuum cleaning machine has a cannister with an inlet port and at least two outlet ports. At least two filters are disposed inside of the cannister, one in pneumatic communication through each of the outlet ports. At least two valves are disposed outside of the cannister. Each valve is in pneumatic communication between a vacuum source and an outlet port so as to permit air to be drawn by the vacuum source from the inlet port simultaneously through the filters. A controller operates the valves to switch the filters from the vacuum source to ambient air so as to permit ambient air to be sequentially intermittently drawn through corresponding valves and filters into the cannister. Preferably, the controller includes a timing mechanism for setting the delay time of the sequential valve operation and a timing mechanism for setting the intermittent time of connection of each filter to ambient air. |
| US08312893B2 |
Axial drag valve with internal hub actuator
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an axial drag control valve which includes an internal disk stack trim and an internal actuator. The fluid inlet and outlet of the valve are disclosed along a common axis, which is further shared with both the plug and the actuator. The plug and actuator move along this particular axis to control the fluid flow rate, pressure, or temperature of the system. The valve actuator may be powered by an operating fluid such as air supplied from an external source. A special, two-part packing with a lantern ring and leak-off port provides protection and safety for the actuator. |
| US08312892B2 |
Device and method for determining a failure mode of a pneumatic control valve assembly
A control valve assembly is capable of diagnosing malfunctions in the control valve assembly and discerning a location of a control fluid leak in the control valve assembly. The control valve assembly includes a control valve, an actuator and a positioner. The actuator includes an actuator vent in an actuator housing, the actuator vent being connected to a flow switch. By determining a flow condition through the actuator vent, the positioner determines whether a control fluid leak is located in a control line or in a diaphragm. |
| US08312891B2 |
Automatic switching valve with alarm
A gas pressure sensor assembly for a gas regulator includes a plurality of selectable inlets, an outlet and a gauge. Each inlet receives pressurized gas from a different one of a plurality of pressurized gas storage containers. The outlet supplies gas to an appliance. The gauge senses a selected gas pressure in an inlet corresponding to the selected gas storage container and visually indicates a pressure of that gas storage container. The gas pressure sensor assembly includes a cooperating member at least partially housed within the gauge, a disc member rotatably responsive to a gas pressure and an sensing device. The sensing device is releasably connected to the gauge, is selectively actuated by movement of the disc member and is configured to provide an audible signal indicative of a generally empty status of the gas storage container. |
| US08312889B2 |
Combination flow control valve and reverse flow check valve
A combination flow control and reverse flow check valve provides a compact valve unit for controlling the flow of fluid in a downstream direction and limiting undesired backflow of liquid into a source such as a reservoir. The flow control and reverse flow check valve may be provided as a unitary member having a housing with an upstream end configured for mounting to the liquid source, a fluid conveying channel within the housing, and a check element positioned in the channel between the flow control valve, such as a ball valve, and a seat which is complementally configured with the check element to normally seal against backflow. A blocking element may be provided to prevent interference of the check element with the operation of the flow control valve while permitting liquid to flow in an intended downstream direction. Because the occurrence of a backflow event is an undesired and infrequent event which may necessitate investigation, the check element may be sized and made of a material which will move past the seat during pressurized flow, thereby providing an indicator that a backflow event has occurred when the check element is found within the source. |
| US08312884B2 |
Intra-oral apnea and snoring prevention appliance
An intra-oral device used for people that snore or have sleep apnea is designed to move a user's lower jaw forward relative to the user's immovable upper jaw and to prevent the user's mouth from inadvertently opening while sleeping. The device includes upper and lower appliances fitted to the user's respective upper and lower dental arches. The lower appliance possesses a partially embedded bracket. An adjustment element is integrated into the upper portion of the bracket. With the user's mouth closed and the upper and lower appliances positioned over the user's respective dental arches, the adjustment element is moved rearward by worm action into load bearing contact against the forward facing immovable vertical contact wall of the upper appliance. This action moves the lower appliance forward, and thus, the user's lower jaw with its anatomically attached tongue are also moved forward relative to the mouth which in turn opens the user's airway. Also, a forward facing horizontal shoulder positioned at the lowest portion of the vertical contact wall acts against the adjustment element to prevent the user's mouth from opening while sleeping. |
| US08312883B2 |
Nasal assembly
A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face. |
| US08312882B2 |
Artificial respiration device for patients suffering from hypoxemia or anoxemia
Disclosed is an artificial respiration device that includes a tubular element, which forms a main channel having an upstream part at the proximal end of the tubular element and a downstream part at the distal end of the tubular element. Auxiliary channels open into the main channel and deflecting means are located internal to the main channel. The deflecting means are configured to deflect jets of respiratory gas injected into the main ckannel through the auxiliary channels so as to converge the gas at a point of convergence inside the main channel. The tubular element also includes at least one lateral safety orifice that extends through a lateral wall of the tubular element at a location sustantially opposite the point of convergence, and which is configured to communicate air from outside the tubular element to the downstream part of the main channel. |
| US08312879B2 |
Method and apparatus for airway compensation control
A method for controlling a mechanical ventilator that is supplying medical gas to a patient via an endotracheal tube. A pressure is measured from a patient end of an endotracheal tube. The pressure at the patient end of the endotracheal tube is used to create an improved endotracheal tube resistance model such that the medical gas supplied by the mechanical ventilator may be compensated for the resistance of the endotracheal tube thereby providing increased control over the medical gas that is delivered to the patient's lungs. Additionally, if an obstruction in the patient's airway is detected, the location of the obstruction may be targeted such that the proper remedial treatment or procedure is selected by a clinician. |
| US08312873B2 |
Low depth telescoping downdraft ventilator
A low depth telescoping downdraft ventilator controlled by an electronic controller providing a precisely controlled and efficient way of removing gases and fumes is disclosed. The low depth telescoping downdraft ventilator has the ability to fit behind a built-in oven placed below a cook top unit. The telescoping downdraft ventilator has an almost infinitely selectable range of heights above a cook top with a built in oven. The ventilator collects and draws in exhaust fumes and smoke, filters it and re-circulates or expels it either outdoors or indoors. The inner member of the telescoping ventilator may house the exhaust fans and may move up or down without the use of mechanical switches for elevation detection and stopping. The ventilator may have sensors to detect temperatures, filter change need, fan speeds, telescoping stop points, energy consumption, resistance and voltage, enabling programmable set point operation. |
| US08312869B2 |
Underwater hunting gun of the crossbow type with effortless string-drawing device and low recoil
An underwater hunting gun of the crossbow type uses push-rods for tensioning elastic links, the push-rods being placed laterally on a moving headpiece activated by a lever-operated arming system. The elastic links run freely around the push-rods such that front ends of the elastic links are permanently and preferably fixed to the base and rear ends are fixed under no tension in a slot of a bolt or arrow. The sliding of the moving headpiece in the forward bolt-support segment intensifies the drawing of the elastic links from the back forwards over and under the push-rods, thus optimizing, at the time of firing, the range of the bolt without recoil of the crossbow through the fact that the bolt is expelled in the manner of a whiplash. The crossbow incorporates a power regulator and an arrow rail offering stealthy firing suited to the range to the target. |
| US08312868B2 |
Method, device, and system for operating an internal combustion engine
A device and a method for operating an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder and a tank ventilation system with a line designed to provide pneumatic communication between the tank ventilation system and the at least one cylinder. The line has at least one sensor for determining a hydrocarbon content of a gas flow. A determination, as a function of a measurement signal from the sensor, of a hydrocarbon content of a gas flow flowing from the tank ventilation system to the at least one cylinder is performed. At least one characteristic variable for a fuel quantity to be metered is determined as a function of the determined hydrocarbon content. A metering of fuel into the cylinder is determined as a function of the at least one determined characteristic variable. |
| US08312866B2 |
Fuel system diagnosis via fuel pressure switch
An engine system for a vehicle and its method of operation are provided. In one embodiment, a control system is configured to indicate a clogging of a fuel filter based on a period of time that a fuel pressure switch remains in a low pressure state. In some embodiments, the control system may respond to an indicated clogging of the fuel system by limiting one or more of fuel pressure, fuel flow rate, and vehicle speed. By limiting the flow rate and/or the pressure at which fuel is delivered to the engine during conditions when the low pressure fuel sub-system is unable to provide sufficient fuel pressure and/or flow, degradation and/or damage to the fuel system, including the high pressure pump, may be reduced or eliminated. |
| US08312865B2 |
Emission reduction retrofit method and kit for EMD two-cycle diesel engines
A method for retrofitting an existing EMD 567/645 two-cycle diesel engine to reduce exhaust emissions includes the steps of removing mechanical fuel injectors and associated components and installing of electronic unit fuel injectors and associated components. Also disclosed is a kit for retrofitting an existing EMD 567/645 two-cycle diesel engine to reduce exhaust emissions. |
| US08312863B2 |
Fuel delivery system for selectively providing fuel to various engine components
A system for providing fuel to an engine fuel delivery system and to an exhaust aftertreatment system associated with an engine. The system includes a fuel source, a pump being operable in a first state to pump fuel from the fuel source to the engine fuel delivery system, and the pump being operable in a second state to pump fuel from the fuel source to the exhaust aftertreatment system, wherein the first state corresponds to a first rotational direction of the pump and the second state corresponds to a second rotational direction of the pump. |
| US08312856B2 |
Forged piston, internal combustion engine, transportation apparatus and method of making the forged piston
A method of making a forged piston includes the steps of providing a workpiece made of an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy or a titanium alloy; and forging the workpiece with stress applied thereto in a predetermined direction (forging direction). The method further includes, before the step of forging, the step of working the workpiece such that fiber flows of the workpiece are nonparallel to the predetermined direction. |
| US08312855B2 |
Mass balancing device for a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine
A mass balancing device (1a, 1b) for a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine is provided, having a first balancing shaft (2a, 2b) and a second balancing shaft (3a, 3b) disposed in the first balancing shaft coaxially thereto. The first balancing shaft (2a, 2b) has at least one bearing point (6a, 7a, 6b, 7b) for a first rolling bearing (16) and the second balancing shaft (3a, 3b) has at least one bearing point (8a, 9a, 8b, 9b) for a second rolling bearing (17). The rolling bearings radially support the balancing shafts in the reciprocating piston internal combustion engine. At least one of the bearing locations is designed as a hollow cylinder having an outer shell surface serving as the bearing seat for the first rolling bearing and an inner shell surface serving as the bearing seat for the second rolling bearing, such that the first rolling bearing and the second rolling bearing overlap one another axially. |
| US08312853B2 |
Valve spring device and valve train of engine using the same
A valve spring device is provided with a first coil spring and a second coil spring combined in series with each other. The inside diameter (coil inside diameter) of the second coil spring is greater than the outside diameter (coil outside diameter) of the first coil spring. A part of the first coil spring including an end portion along an axis is inserted into the second coil spring, thereby forming a combined spring. The end portion of the first coil spring and an end portion of the second coil spring are connected to each other by a connecting member. The first and second coil springs are compressed along the axis as they are located in series between a cylinder head and a retainer. A shaft of a valve is passed within the coil springs. |
| US08312847B2 |
Diluting fuel-in-oil treating apparatus of internal combustion engine
The present apparatus includes a cross-flow filtration fuel separator having a separation membrane separating by permeation, fuel from lubricating oil flowing in an oil circuit of an internal combustion engine; a vapor-liquid separator separating the fuel separated by the fuel separator, into a gas component and a liquid component; and a fuel collector (canister) collecting the gas component of the fuel separated by the vapor-liquid separator. |
| US08312846B1 |
Animal loading/unloading apparatus
An animal loading and unloading apparatus is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the animal loading/unloading apparatus includes a base having a ramp space, a fence carried by the base and a ramp extendable from the ramp space. |
| US08312845B2 |
Method for programming a wireless fencing system
A wireless fencing system comprises a tetherless leash, a programming fixture, and, optionally, a terminal. The tetherless leash, which is attached to an animal that is to be monitored, establishes a “virtual” (i.e., barrier-free) perimeter based on geo-coordinates. The tetherless leash also monitors the position and movement of an animal relative to the perimeter, and delivers warnings, corrections, and praise to the animal in accordance with its programming. The programming fixture serves as a user interface during programming operations, since there are no exposed buttons by which a user can directly program the tetherless leash. |
| US08312843B2 |
Artificial material conducive to attract and grow oysters, mollusks or other productive and/or stabilizing organisms
Structures constructed from an artificial material facilitate the setting and growing of oysters, other mollusks, and other organisms for the purposes of food production, artificial reefs/breakwaters, and the like. The artificial material is a composite that acts as both an attractant and nutrient environment for mollusks and other aquatic organisms. The binder for the composite material includes both cement and an organic material. The organic material is selected to attract and feed the aquatic organisms. |
| US08312839B2 |
Mixing frequency at multiple feeding points
Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to obtaining a substantially uniform plasma distribution within a large area processing chamber. For large area processing chambers that utilize RF voltages, standing waves can lead to deposition and/or etching non-uniformities. By applying RF voltage in at least two separate locations at two separate, but close frequencies with or without phase modulation, the wave interference pattern moves across the electrode. By moving the standing wave across the electrode, the plasma generated in the chamber can, over time, be substantially uniform. |
| US08312838B2 |
Coating abluminal surfaces of stents and other implantable medical devices
A sleeve is positioned over a radially-expandable rod assembly and a stent is positioned over the sleeve. A mandrel is inserted into the rod assembly to thereby press the sleeve against the inner surface of the stent and expand the stent. A coating (such as a solvent, a polymer and/or a therapeutic substance) is then applied to the outer (abluminal) surfaces of the stent, by spraying, for example. The sleeve advantageously prevents the coating material from being applied to inner (luminal) surfaces of the stent and also allows the coating material to be efficiently applied to the abluminal surfaces. |
| US08312836B2 |
Method and apparatus for application of a fresh coating on a medical device
A method, a kit, and an apparatus provide a coating on an implantable medical device. The apparatus includes housing, a sealed reservoir chamber disposed in the housing, a reducing template, and a reservoir access port. The sealed reservoir contains the coating material. The reducing template is sized to receive a medical device therethrough for application of the coating material. A seal breaching mechanism can be provided and adapted to breach the sealed reservoir upon activation of the apparatus. The reservoir access port, which is disposed in the housing, is adapted to fluidly couple the reducing template with the reservoir chamber upon activation of the apparatus for coating the medical device. |
| US08312832B1 |
Boat anchoring system
A cylindrical rod has an upper end with an upper aperture, a lower end with a lower aperture, and is of a common diameter along the majority of its length. A spiral attachment component has an upwardly facing upper end received in the lower aperture and a downwardly facing lower end terminating in a point. A crank has a vertical lower region removably received in the upper aperture, a horizontal middle region, and a vertical upper region. A cylindrical collar is secured to the lower region of the crank. The collar has a central recess of a diameter less than the diameter of the collar. A rope has a first end secured around the central recess of the collar and a second end adapted to be secured to a cleat of a boat. |
| US08312830B2 |
Threading device
The invention relates to a threading device (1) for the threading of a line through a ring member or the like that comprises a body (2), a rotatable arc-shaped element (14) suspended in the body and having an opening (26), and a line holding means (16) arranged to slide on the arc-shaped element, where the arc-shaped element is adapted to assume a first position with the opening in a first direction and a second position with the opening in a second position, and where the threading device further comprises transfer means (18) adapted to transfer a movement to the outer surface of the arc-shaped element in order to rotate the arc-shaped element between the first and the second position. The advantage of the invention is to provide a threading device that is easy to operate, that can be used by both pushing and pulling and that can be manufactured in a cost-effective way. |
| US08312827B1 |
Inter/pre-cured layer/pre-cured embroidered composite laminate and method of producing same
Methods of pre-cured (wet-out) composite lay up, are improved upon by embroidering, sewing, stitching, bundle-wrapping, tying, etc., substantially between layers and substantially normal, or in the “Z-direction” to the lay up with a wet or pre-cured fiber bundle or tow. The pre-cured tow is embroidered, etc. either in with a like, homogeneous wet to wet layering or a heterogeneous non-similar layering, between double or multiple layers. Heterogeneous examples include differing material types among layers, laying and embroidering in objects or voids, as well as wet-laminating/sewing in with an already-dry (set/cured) layer. |
| US08312823B2 |
Sewing machine
A guide member is moved in interlocked relation to a rotary member rotating about the axis of a needle bar, so that a string-shaped material paid out from a bobbin is guided to a needle drop position of a sewing needle. The bobbin having the string-shaped material wound thereon is supported by a support member that is rotatable generally about the axis of the needle bar and disposed over a machine table in such a manner as to not hamper movement of an embroidery frame. The bobbin can be positioned at a distance from a machine head; thus, bobbins of increased sizes can be used. The support member is controlled in orientation, by means of a drive source, in accordance with rotation of the rotary member. The bobbin itself revolves around the machine head, which allows the string-shaped material to be constantly appropriately guided to the needle drop position. |
| US08312816B2 |
Carrying case with selective object positioning
Handbag or carrying case includes a retaining compartment for retaining objects which is defined by structure having a plurality of apertures extending from the compartment to an exterior thereof, and at least one snap fastener which snaps into a respective aperture to thereby be secured to the compartment defining structure. An object may be coupled to the snap fastener such that the object is secured to the structure defining the compartment. The position of the object is variable depending on which aperture the snap fastener snaps into, with the user selecting where to locate the object by selecting the location at which the snap fastener connected thereto will engage with the compartment defining structure. |
| US08312815B1 |
Lead free frangible bullets
A lead-free, frangible bullet is provided. The lead-free, frangible bullet is manufactured without sintering or external heating of the bullet. The bullet is prepared by blending a lead-free copper powder mixture and cold compacting the powder in a die to form a bullet. The copper powder can be atomized copper powder, electrolytic copper powder, or a combination of atomized and electrolytic copper powder. The atomized copper powder can be water atomized, air atomized, and combination of water and air atomized. Preferably, the frangible bullet has a fragmentation less than 5 grains. |
| US08312814B2 |
Simulated hand grenade having a multiple integrated laser engagement system
A hand grenade simulator includes a hand grenade simulator housing configured to simulate the appearance of a hand grenade. The hand grenade simulator also includes a trigger mechanism coupled to the hand grenade simulator housing. The hand grenade simulator further includes a timer coupled to the trigger mechanism. The hand grenade simulator additionally includes at least one transmitter coupled to the timer. The transmitter is operable to transmit the first signal simulating a hand grenade blast pattern a first amount of time after activation of the trigger mechanism. |
| US08312811B2 |
Explosive device and method for manufacturing such a device
The present invention relates to an explosive device comprising an explosive material, and at least one igniting stimulus configured to ignite the explosive material when activated. The explosive device further comprises a sheet of material provided with at least one hole at least partially filled with the explosive material, each hole forms an opening in a first side of said sheet material and said at least one igniting stimuli is arranged on said first side. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an explosive device. |
| US08312798B2 |
Slitter with translating cutting devices
Apparatus for cutting a moving receiver includes a plurality of cutting devices and a transport mechanism for selectively moving the cutting devices perpendicular to the feed direction of the receiver. Each cutting device includes two parallel cutting wheels and a pressure wheel arranged so that the cutting wheels are pressed laterally against the pressure wheel to form two cutting areas and a chad area arranged laterally between the cutting areas. A drive mechanism rotates the cutting wheels or pressure wheel of two or more of the cutting devices so that the rotating cutting wheels engage the moving receiver to cut the moving receiver parallel to its feed direction. A controller receives a job specification including two or more specified cut locations and causes the transport mechanism to laterally position two or more of the cutting devices to cut the moving receiver in the specified cut locations. |
| US08312797B2 |
Opening cutter assembly for having opening perforation line on plastic packaging film
An opening cutter assembly for forming an opening perforation line in a plastic packaging film by rolling the plastic packaging film between the opening cutter assembly and an anvil roll of a rolling mechanism when the plastic packaging film is fed through the rolling mechanism. The opening cutter assembly includes an opening cutter shaft, at least one opening cutter seat, and at least one opening cutter blade. The opening cutter shaft has at least one containing compartment. The opening cutter seat is installed in and engaged to the containing compartment by a cutter seat mounting mechanism. The opening cutter blade is mounted to each opening cutter seat. When the opening cutter blade gets worn out due to long term operation and must be replaced, simply dismounting the cutter seat mounting mechanism allows the opening cutter seat and the opening cutter blade to be removed from the containing compartment. |
| US08312786B2 |
Shift-lock mechanism for automatic transmission shifter
A shift-lock mechanism includes a lock member to lock or unlock a transmission range-switching member, a solenoid to be operated in response to operation of a brake on a vehicle, and an engagement arm to be engaged releasably with the solenoid. A plunger of the solenoid is movable between a retracted position outside a movement path of the engagement arm, and an engagement position is stretched across the movement path of the engagement arm. When a selector lever is manually moved into a parking range zone, the plunger is moved forwardly from the retracted position to the engagement position to allow a peripheral wall of the plunger to stop movement of the engagement arm. In response to a braking operation, the plunger is moved backwardly from the engagement position to the retracted position to allow stopping of the movement of the engagement arm to be released. |
| US08312784B2 |
Rotary-linear actuator with optimised rollers
According to the invention, an actuator device comprises rollers positioned and guided by spacer rings, and an assembly consisting of said rollers and said rings is provided between a male part and a female part. The rollers include synchronization pinions arranged at the ends thereof and include, on the threaded portion located between said pinions, annular grooves used as a journal for interfacing with open bearings in the form of notches provided on each spacer ring. |
| US08312782B2 |
Control moment gyroscope based momentum control systems in small satellites
A self-contained momentum control system (MCS) for a spacecraft is provided for small satellites. The MCS features a miniaturized gyroscopic rotor with a rotational speed in excess of 20,000 RPM. The MCS includes at least three control moment gyroscopic mechanical assemblies (CMAs) rigidly mounted within a single enclosure, where each CMA mounted in an orientation whereby the longitudinal axis of each CMA is either orthogonal to every other CMA or is parallel to another CMA but in the opposite orientation. In order to further reduce the size of the MCS, an electronics package that is configured to interface command and control signals with and to provide power to the CMAs is included within the MCS enclosure. A plurality of shock isolation devices are used to secure each of the CMAs to the enclosure in order to reduce the launch load upon the CMAs thereby allowing the use of smaller rotor spin bearings. The MCS enclosure surrounding the CMAs and support structure is hermetically sealed. |
| US08312780B2 |
Sampling device and method
An in situ autosampling method and associated sampling device for capturing a material sample from a vessel. Methods of the present invention make use of a sampling device having an extendable sample capture element with a concave sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof. The sample capture pocket is adapted to capture a known volume of material when the sample capture element is extended into said material. The material sample remains trapped in the sample capture pocket upon sample capture element retraction. Ports in the sample capture pocket may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element to allow for the in situ processing of a material sample, and the subsequent discharge of the sample to an analyzer or another downstream location. |
| US08312779B2 |
Force sensor for the detection of a force vector
The invention makes it possible to determine a force vector that is applied to a tip of a minimally invasive surgical instrument. The force acts upon the housing, is directed to the base, and causes a deformation there in special beam structures. Said deformation is detected by tension-sensitive/extension-sensitive resistors whose changes are a measure for the applied force vector. The inventive measuring element comprises special mounting elements so as to be integrated into tube-type instruments such as guiding wires, fastening zones for additional components, an overload protection, and a head shape that is adapted to the treatment process. |
| US08312776B2 |
System and method for conditioning and detection of susceptibility to moisture damage in asphalt mixes
An apparatus and method for determination of susceptibility of asphalt concrete materials to moisture damage. An asphalt sample of known bulk specific gravity (density) is placed inside a chamber filled with water, which is capable of heating the sample to a predetermined temperature. The chamber is pressurized by introduction of air pressure to a flexible membrane that decreases the volume within a chamber containing the sample and water, increasing the pore pressure in the sample. The pressure is then released and allowed to come to ambient pressure. This process is repeated a predetermined number of times (cycles). When a selected number of cycles are complete, the asphalt sample is removed from the chamber and its bulk specific gravity (density) measured again. The difference between the density before and after conditioning is an excellent method of rating the degree at which moisture would deteriorate asphalt samples due to introduction of moisture. The cyclic nature of the increased/decreased pore pressure is observed to significantly decrease bulk specific gravity (density) for poor quality asphalt designs. Furthermore, the sample conditioned by this method can be used for other conventional mechanical test methods, such as tensile strength and modulus determination. Computerized controls are used to automate the procedure and to record and display data from sensors. |
| US08312768B2 |
Autonomous and remote-controlled multi-parametric buoy for multi-depth water sampling, monitoring, data collection, transmission, and analysis
Disclosed embodiments include an apparatus for water sampling and analysis, the apparatus comprising: (a) a device for water sampling at a plurality of depths comprising a hosepipe and a plurality of internal independent pipes with a plurality of sampling inlets at a plurality of water depths, and (b) a pumping system to pump a sample of water collected using the device for water sampling at a plurality of depths to an isolated module for analysis. According to one embodiment, the apparatus is an autonomous multi-parametric buoy with capabilities for multi-depth water sampling, self-maintenance, monitoring, data collection, transmission, and analysis. |
| US08312765B2 |
Fuel vapor purging diagnostics
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring reverse flow of fuel vapors and/or air through a vehicle fuel vapor recovery system, the fuel vapor recovery system coupled to an engine intake of a boosted internal combustion engine. One example method comprises, intermittently adjusting a restriction in the fuel vapor recovery system during boosted conditions, and indicating degradation based on one or more of a change in a pressure value, or based on a change in flow in the fuel vapor recovery system. |
| US08312759B2 |
Methods, devices, and systems for detecting properties of target samples
Systems and methods for collecting portions of a target sample are disclosed herein. A method for detecting the presence and/or properties of a target sample can include selectively collecting a portion of a target sample with a sample collector and detecting, with the sample collector, the presence of one or more properties of the microscopic portion of the target sample. The method also includes analyzing, with the sample collector, the one or more properties of the microscopic portion of the target sample. Based on the analysis, the method further includes reporting, from the sample collector, a real-time indication of the analysis of the one or more properties of the target sample. The method can also include at least partially removing the microscopic portion of the target sample from the sample collector. The methods and systems disclosed herein can be used, for example, in systems or environments directed to quality assurance, preventative maintenance, safety, hazard warnings, homeland security, chemical identification and surveillance, and/or other suitable environments. |
| US08312756B2 |
Hydropneumatic riveter
A hydropnuematic riveter system is described, having features that allow for a reduction in size and weight over traditional rivet squeezers and rivet pullers. The riveter system also provides for greater versatility by permitting the operator to connect different rivet forming heads to the pressure intensifier portion, via a single flexible conduit with fluid-tight quick disconnect fittings. |
| US08312755B1 |
Crimping tool with third handle and method of use
In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus, including: first and second handles; first and second crimping jaws operatively connected, respectively, to the first and second handles, such that moving the first and second handles toward each other causes the first and second crimping jaws to advance toward each other thereby to crimp a band around tubing or pipe; and a third handle rotatably attached to the first handle, such that a user of the apparatus manually moves the first handle toward the second handle by grasping the second handle and the third handle and moving them toward each other. A method of using the apparatus is also provided. |
| US08312754B2 |
Method for forming bends in composite panels and composite panels made thereby
A method of making a composite panel. A panel is formed by sandwiching a core between first and second facesheets. A longitudinal slot is formed in the panel passing through the first facesheet into the core, including forming a pair of curved flanges in the core. A bend is formed in the panel by bending the panel about the longitudinal axis of the slot, including bringing the curved flanges substantially into conformal engagement with the second facesheet. |
| US08312753B2 |
Method of forming curled portion
A method of forming a hollow curled portion on a hollow body, the curled portion being oriented from one end to the other end of the hollow body. The method includes a bending step of curving an end of the hollow body toward another end of the hollow body, thereby forming a curled portion, an ironing step of ironing the curled portion with a die, and a recurving step of stopping the die from ironing the curled portion and allowing the curled portion to recurve under its own resiliency in a direction opposite to the direction in which the end of the hollow body has been curved. The ironing step and the recurving step are repeated. |
| US08312752B2 |
Kinematic system for clamping semifinished products by means of pressing for sheet metal shaping panelling machines
A kinematic system of movement for the clamping/pressing unit of a semifinished piece, that is to say of sheet metal or the like, of panelling machines, the kinematic system comprising a frame on which a presser unit is hinged to a pin and which is free to make angular movements around the pin, the presser unit consisting of elements v fixed to a head supporting the upper presser tool, the presser unit being moved angularly by at least one connecting rod driven by a first lower crank, in which the presser unit is driven by a second upper crank, the first and second crank defining an articulated mechanism, for driving the punch-presser unit, with two degrees of freedom in sequence that can be activated independently or simultaneously. |
| US08312749B2 |
Lock and key mechanism and method of use
A lock and key mechanism reduces exposure to lock picking by including an extension into a key slot to receive and conceal tapered end portions of key pins. The only portions of key pins exposed in a key slot are cylindrical portions that are difficult to move from a resting position. A key includes a beveled leading edge and a spring-loaded pin activation element at the leading edge of the key. As the key is inserted into the key slot, the spring-loaded pin activation element is compressed to permit entry into the key slot. As the pin activation element reaches a pin, an aperture in the extension allows the spring-loaded pin activation element to move toward the key pin and move the key pin from its resting position. In this activated position, the tapered end portion of the key pin is exposed for further activation by the beveled leading edge of the key. The process is repeated until the pin activation element engages and activates each successive key pin and allows full insertion of the key. |
| US08312748B2 |
Deadbolt actuation lever blocker apparatus
A blocking apparatus is disclosed for selectively blocking movement of a deadbolt actuation lever on a door. The apparatus includes a base mounting plate for mounting on the door, the base mounting plate including an engaging portion for positioning against the inside surface of the door and a deadbolt receiving portion for positioning against the edge surface of the door. The apparatus also includes a mounting shaft mounted on and extending from the engaging portion and a blocking member mounted on the mounting shaft and movable between a block position and an unblocked position. The block position is characterized by the blocking member blocking movement of the deadbolt actuation lever from the locked orientation to the unlocked orientation. The unblocked position of the blocking member is characterized by the deadbolt actuation lever being free to move without interference by the blocking member. |
| US08312746B2 |
Stain-removing machine
The invention relates to a stain-removing machine consisting of two tubes (2 and 3) which are joined to one another by a conventional closure and adjustment mechanism (6) including at least one rubber sealing section (7), the fabric (4) to be cleaned being clamped taut between said tubes with a fluid (5) flowing therebetween. The invention can also include a fill/discharge valve (8) for supplying/releasing the fluid (5) and said valve is moved by propulsion mechanisms or systems, such as mechanically or manually operated pistons (9, 9′). When the machine includes only one piston (9) the other tube (3) is provided with an elastic membrane (10) or a moving part. Optionally, the ends at which the tubes (2, 3) are joined are provided with securing and friction membranes or screens (13) or moving plates. The machine can be coupled to a professional stain-removing table (14) or to a domestic propulsion and suction source. |
| US08312739B2 |
Dual stage ion exchange for chemical strengthening of glass
A method of chemically strengthening a glass. The method includes ion exchange of the glass in a first bath, followed by immersion in the second bath. The first bath is diluted with an effluent ion. The second bath has a smaller concentration of the effluent ion than the first bath. The method provides a compressive stress at the surface of the glass that is sufficient to arrest flaws introduced by contact forces at the surface of the glass while having sufficiently deep compressive depth-of-layer for high reliability. |
| US08312737B2 |
Economizer heat exchanger
A refrigeration system includes a compressor. A heat rejection heat exchanger is downstream of the compressor along a refrigerant primary flowpath. An expansion device is downstream of the heat rejection heat exchanger along the primary flowpath. A heat absorption heat exchanger is downstream of the expansion device along the primary flowpath. An economizer heat exchanger is between the heat rejection heat exchanger and the expansion device along the primary flowpath. The economizer heat exchanger includes a first portion configured to provide heat transfer from the primary flowpath to a first economizer flowpath. The economizer heat exchanger includes a second portion configured to provide heat transfer from the primary flowpath to a second economizer flowpath. |
| US08312736B2 |
Cold plate and refrigeration system
A cold plate including a cold wall, a first cavity, a first pipe, a second cavity, an expansion unit and a second pipe is provided. The first cavity covers on the cold wall to form a first fluid space, and the first pipe is connected with the first cavity. The second cavity is disposed inside the first cavity and covers on the cold wall to form a second fluid space. The expansion unit is disposed between the second cavity and the cold wall to interconnect the first fluid space and the second fluid space. The second pipe is disposed inside the first pipe and connected with the second cavity. Besides, a refrigeration system including the cold plate mentioned above is also provided. |
| US08312735B2 |
External tilt bucket for an appliance door
A door assembly for an appliance includes a door having an interior side and an exterior side. The door is operable between an open position and a closed position. An ice maker is adjacent to the interior side of the door when the door is in the closed position. A frame defines an aperture extending from the interior side to the exterior side. An ice bucket is disposed in the aperture and is operable between a lowered position, wherein a reservoir portion of the bucket is accessible when the door is closed, and a raised position, wherein the reservoir portion of the bucket is inaccessible when the door is closed. An ice dispenser is disposed below the ice bucket. |
| US08312734B2 |
Cascading air-source heat pump
An improved air-source heat pump for residential and commercial use, employing two closed refrigerant systems having different refrigerants in cascade relationship to each other to address efficiency and space concerns, with the first closed refrigerant system partitionable into a first sub-system and a second sub-system, with the first sub-system working in conjunction with the second closed refrigerant system in heating mode and the second sub-system working independently in cooling mode. |
| US08312727B2 |
Vibration damper
Fuel injector assemblies with frictionally damped fuel supply members, including fuel feed strips. More particularly, the invention provides friction dampers and/or assemblies that frictionally damp movement of fuel supply members in at least one direction as a function of frequency. Accordingly, low frequency vibration can be undamped, while vibration above a prescribed frequency can be damped. Some of the embodiments provide a friction damper that is easily serviceable, and can be installed after final assembly of a fuel injector. Aspects of the invention are applicable to other components of fuel injectors and gas turbine engines in addition to fuel supply members. |
| US08312723B2 |
System for injecting a mixture of air and fuel into a turbomachine combustion chamber
A system for injecting a mixture of air and fuel into a turbomachine combustion chamber is disclosed. The system includes a fuel injector and a Venturi with an interior surface delimiting a premixing chamber. The Venturi includes an internal annular airflow cavity which is connected by air outlet ducts to the premixing chamber. The air outlet ducts open onto the interior surface of the Venturi so as to prevent to deposition of soot and the formation of coke on this surface. |
| US08312721B2 |
Exhaust gas assembly
An exhaust gas assembly includes an exhaust gas manifold which is connected with an exhaust gas inlet of a manifold and an adjusting member arranged in the manifold. The adjusting member is configured to supply exhaust gas to a low pressure connection and/or a high-pressure connection of the manifold, wherein on the high-pressure side a high-pressure turbine housing is connected to the manifold and on the low pressure side a low pressure turbine housing is connected to the manifold. A connecting channel extends through the manifold and connects a high-pressure exhaust gas outlet) of the high-pressure turbine housing with a low pressure exhaust inlet) of the low pressure turbine housing. |
| US08312714B1 |
Heat recovery silencer
One or more embodiments of a heat recovery silencer are provided herein. The heat recovery silencer can include a heat recovery outer housing disposed about an inner housing. The inner housing can have a first silencing chamber having an inlet at one end. |
| US08312713B2 |
Internal combustion engine, vehicle, marine vessel, and exhausting method for internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes a structure that increases the velocity of exhaust gas. The internal combustion engine includes a branch section arranged to branch a shock wave propagating at a higher velocity than exhaust gas and to guide the branched shock wave, and a reflecting section provided in the branch section. The reflecting section is arranged to reflect and return the shock wave back to an exhaust path and cause the shock wave to collide against the exhaust gas, thereby increasing the pressure of the exhaust gas. In accompaniment with the exhaust gas passing a divergent section of a convergent-divergent nozzle, a new shock wave propagating in a downstream direction in the exhaust path is generated, and the temperature and pressure of the exhaust gas are decreased. |
| US08312706B2 |
Pulse combustor including acoustic elements
The present specification generally relates to improvements to combustors such as burners and engines. In one aspect, the specification presents an acoustically enhanced ejector system which can be used as part of an intake system for a combustor. In another aspect, the specification teaches the use of a combustor combustion chamber as an oscillator to magnify a harmonic frequency of a pulsating frequency of the combustor. In still other aspects, the specification presents a combustion chamber having an inlet with a plurality of tangentially spaced apertures, and an in-line intake system connected to the apertures. |
| US08312703B2 |
Solar-thermal gas turbine generator
A solar-thermal gas turbine generator is equipped with a compressor, a heat receiver, and a turbine. Additionally, there is a generator that is driven by the solar-thermal gas turbine to generate power; and a steam power generation cycle in which high-temperature air exhausted from the turbine is introduced into a steam generator and in which a steam turbine that is operated with steam generated at the steam generator drives a generator to generator power, wherein a solar-thermal steam generator that generates steam by being heated with heat collected by the light collector is provided upstream of the steam turbine of the steam power generation cycle, and a distribution ratio for distributing the sunlight collected by the light collector to the heat receiver and the solar-thermal steam generator is adjusted in accordance with the sunlight intensity. |
| US08312700B2 |
Tine assembly
A tine assembly is used with an agricultural machine such as a harvester or hay merger. The tine assemblies mount on a reel that rotates about an axis extending transverse to the direction of travel. The tine assembly includes a first tine and a second tine, each having a main extended portion and a lateral portion extending transverse to the main portion at a mounting end of the tines. The lateral portions mount into tabs or opposite ends of a sleeve. The sleeve or tabs and mounting end of the tines are enclosed by a molded mounting portion that also includes a reinforcing arcing element configured for mounting to the reel bar. The arcing element includes orifices that allow for easily bolting and unbolting the tine assemblies for easy attachment and removal. |
| US08312697B2 |
Convertible packaging
A shipping system comprises an article of furniture and a packaging assembly. The packaging assembly includes a container and a protective insert. The container houses the article of furniture. The protective insert is disposed within the container and is positioned to help protect the article of furniture from damage. The protective insert has at least one convertible portion that is adapted to be removed from a surrounding portion of the protective insert, transition between a first configuration and a second configuration, and form at least a portion of an accessory product for the article of furniture when the convertible portion is in the second configuration. |
| US08312694B2 |
Refrigerator and/or freezer door unit
A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit has a glass door which, in turn, has a door frame into which a glazing pane has been inserted. The door frame has a plastic jacket peripherally integrally shaped in one piece. |
| US08312689B2 |
Weather strip structure
A weather strip includes a bottom wall that faces or is in contact with an end face of a fixed window glass that closes a window opening of a side door. An outer wall extends from the bottom wall on an outer side of the vehicle body with respect to the fixed window glass, and an inner wall extends from the bottom wall on an inner side of the vehicle body with respect to the fixed window glass so that the inner wall and the outer wall sandwich a peripheral portion of the fixed window glass in a thickness direction. The inner wall is provided with a spacing groove for creating a space between the fixed window glass and the inner wall. |
| US08312684B2 |
Retrofit glass fragment catching system
A blast resistant window blind system includes a blind system comprising a plurality of parallel blind slats, a plurality of spaced pane engaging members, and first and second mounting bodies coupled to the pane engaging members and anchor members disposed at first and second opposite ends of said opening, wherein the pane engaging members are secured to the mounting bodies and coupled thereby to the structure. At least one energy dampening device is coupled to the pane engaging members, allowing the pane engaging members to extend a selected amount toward the inside of the structure upon impact of the window pane, wherein the blind system and pane engaging members cooperate to restrain the window pane from being blown into the inside of the structure and conform to the inside surface of the window pane during impact therewith to distribute the restraining force across the window pane. |
| US08312681B2 |
Leaktight frame for a window and a mechanical assembly provided with such a frame
A leaktight frame (10) for a window (3) suitable for securing the window (3) to a carrier structure (2), has first and second sealing gaskets (11, 12) respectively suitable for being arranged on a first periphery (3′) of the window (3) and on a second periphery (2′) of the carrier structure (2), the frame (10) being provided with releasable holder elements (20) for clamping the first and second gaskets (11, 12) onto the window (3) and the carrier structure (2). |
| US08312680B2 |
Ground anchor providing minimal ground disturbance
A ground anchor, including a body having an upper surface and a lower surface, ground piercing members depending from the lower surface of the body, the ground piercing members being adapted to engage an underlying ground surface and prevent movement of the body along such ground surface, ballast positioned on or in the body, the ballast being sufficient to maintain the ground piercing members engaged with the ground surface when under load, and means for securing an anchor line to the body. |
| US08312679B1 |
Symbol forms
A form or mold for letters and numbers is filled with different color stucco and mounted to the side of a building or used in landscaping and filled with different color mulch or rocks to display names and addresses. The letters and numbers can have an illuminating feature. |
| US08312678B1 |
Roof framing structure using triangular structural framing
A roof framing structure (20) is disclosed, and includes a plurality of primary supports (30) (e.g., rafters) that may be disposed in parallel relation and extend along the roof pitch (14). One or more secondary supports (40) extend between each adjacent pair of primary supports (30). Each secondary support (40) is of a triangular cross-sectional configuration, and may extend orthogonally to the various primary supports (30). |
| US08312677B2 |
Non clogging screen
A filter assembly includes a filtering screen having a top surface and a bottom surface. A skeletal structure is attached to the filtering screen and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the filtering screen contacts the top surface of the skeletal structure. The skeletal structure forms a plurality of downward extending channels. |
| US08312668B2 |
Firearm mounting mechanism
A combination and accessory for a firearm having a receiving mechanism such as a Picanny rail or similar mechanism. A bracket is used to secure an accessory to the firearm via the receiving mechanism. The bracket mechanism uses a holder configured to encircle a portion of the accessory and a securing bracket adapted to engage the receiving mechanism. A manually operated compression mechanism simultaneously engages the securing bracket with said receiving mechanism and the holder with said accessory for a firearm. |
| US08312666B2 |
Gun-mounted sighting device
A sighting device is mountable to a gun. The device includes a light source (preferably a laser), a power source connectable to the light source and a mount attachable to the gun so that the laser is juxtaposed either the top surface of the gun or a side surface of the gun. In one embodiment, the sighting device includes a bottom rail mountable in a slot on the gun, wherein the slot is preferably positioned on the top surface of the gun. The sighting device may also include a mechanical sight that functions as the rear mechanical sight on the gun and/or a secondary light source. |
| US08312664B2 |
Frame scratch prevention tool
A method of assembling a pistol includes coupling a tool to the pistol such that a portion of the pistol is interposed within a retaining aperture formed within the tool, interposing a first portion of a slide stop within an aperture formed within the frame of the pistol, interposing a second portion of the slide stop within a notch formed within the frame, and urging the second portion of the slide stop to contact the tool to prevent a scratch on a portion of the pistol that is prone to being scratched by the second portion of the slide stop. |
| US08312653B2 |
Collapsible tradeshow display with curved panel
A collapsible tradeshow display includes curved end panels that provide for easier attachment and eliminate the possibility of dramatic disengagement of the panel from the display. Each end panel has a generally planar body comprised of a resilient material having a tendency to return to a generally flat configuration when in a curved configuration. A pair of side margins extend along opposing vertical sides of the body, each having a bridge portion attached thereto. A connecting means can connect the bridge portions to retain the panel in the curved configuration. |
| US08312649B2 |
Rotary snow tiller for grooming ski slopes and relative operating method
A rotary snow tiller, for grooming the snow surface of ski slopes and designed to advance in a travelling direction, has a frame; a shaft rotating about an axis transverse to the travelling direction, and having teeth for breaking up the snow surface; a further shaft located behind the shaft, rotating about a further axis transverse to the travelling direction, and having further teeth for further breaking up the snow surface; and a finish mat located behind the further shaft. |
| US08312642B2 |
Controlling method of a steam generator and a laundry machine with the same
A laundry machine having a steam generator is disclosed. A heater is controlled, such that steam generation coincides with a predetermined time period, whereby the steam supply time is enabled to be controlled with relative accuracy. If an error occurs when water is being supplied to the steam generator, then an error message is displayed such that a user may be informed of the error. If a predetermined time period has elapsed, then a pump is stopped to prevent an excessive amount of water from being supplied to the steam generator. |
| US08312636B1 |
Diameter measuring device
A rotary disk is provided. The rotary disk defines a receiving groove and includes a curved ruler. The receiving groove is configured for receiving a circular workpiece of which a diameter is to be measured. The rotary disk is configured to be rotated so as to slide the workpiece in the receiving groove until the workpiece is held in place by tight contacts between the workpiece and the rotary disk. The curved ruler includes a number of graduations arranged along a periphery of the receiving groove and configured for indicating the diameter of the workpiece when the workpiece is held in place by a contact point between the workpiece and the rotary disk corresponding to a graduation. |
| US08312633B2 |
Electric can opener having removable opener tools
An electric can opener for opening a top of a metal can which includes a housing that has a top end and a front side. A can cutting mechanism is on the front side of the housing proximate the top end of the housing. A hand held jar grip is removably mounted on the top end of the housing. The housing includes an opening that at least partially receives an opener tool. |
| US08312631B2 |
Bearing assembly including at least one superhard bearing element having at least one registration feature, bearing apparatus including same, and methods for making same
Embodiments of the invention relate to a bearing assembly including at least one superhard bearing element having at least one bearing registration feature configured to facilitate orientating of a curved, pre-machined bearing surface thereof with respect to a bearing body, methods of fabricating such bearing assemblies, and bearing apparatuses incorporating such bearing assemblies. Subterranean drilling systems incorporating such bearing assemblies are also disclosed. |
| US08312629B2 |
Method of making a tubular support bar for a dashboard support
In a method of making a tubular support bar for a dashboard support, a sheet metal blank is placed in a first forming tool and pressed in a first shaping step by a ram into a U-shaped cavity of a first bottom die to form a U-shaped member. While remaining in the first bottom die, the U-shaped member is provided with connecting elements in the form of weld nuts by a automated placement device. Subsequently, the U-shaped member is transferred to a second forming tool and undergoes a second shaping step between a top die and a second bottom die to form a slotted tube. The longitudinal edges of the slotted tube are then joined together to form the support bar. |
| US08312626B2 |
Manufacturing method for probe contact
To make the fracturing position controlled conveniently with high precision when the substrate end of the probe contact is fractured and cut off.By compressing the front face of the substrate end portion with the pushing member, brittle fracture is generated on the substrate along the carved groove, and the substrate end portion is cut off from the substrate. The fracturing position in the above-mentioned fracturing is controlled so as to be along the fracturing position whose extension puts thereon the stress concentrating ends of two fracturing control structures. Here, the fracturing control structure is located with high positional precision on the front face of the substrate through the alignment technique of photolithography. In this way, resilient armatures constituted of the tips projected from the fracturing position coming to be the end of the substrate 11a can be stably formed with high precision. |
| US08312621B2 |
Stabilizer device for through-hole electrical jacks
A handheld tool device to facilitate maintenance and installation of hollow through-hole audio input jacks on electrical guitars and other electronic musical devices. The tool has an expandable tip that can be placed inside the hollow opening of the through-hole audio input jack, and then be expanded by the operator. The device enables the operator to hold the audio input jack in a fixed position while a nut or other jack fastening device is tightened. Other applications for the device include stabilizing a large variety of different through-hole connectors, embedded in a wide variety of different surfaces. |
| US08312620B2 |
Equipment for manufacturing stator
Equipment for manufacturing a stator comprises a coil conduction mechanism which can supply a current to input terminals of a stator, and a heater mechanism having first and second panel heaters which are provided to face the stator. Heat is generated from a coil by supplying a current to the coil from the coil conduction mechanism and sealants filling the stator are heated. On the other hand, the first and second panel heaters are heated by supplying a current and the sealants are heated from the outside. The operation is controlled such that the heating temperature for the sealants by heat generated from the coil and the heating temperature for the sealants by the heater mechanism are uniform. |
| US08312619B2 |
Micro-assembler
A xerographic micro-assembler system, method and apparatus that includes a sorting unit that is adapted to receive a plurality of micro-objects. The micro-objects can also be sorted and oriented on the sorting unit and then transferred to a substrate. The system, method and apparatus can also include a device for detecting errors in at least one of the micro-objects on the sorting unit and a protection means for preventing an improper micro-object from being transferred to the substrate. The system, method and apparatus can also include an organized micro-object feeder assembly that can transfer at least one of a plurality of micro-objects to the sorting unit or directly to the substrate. |
| US08312614B2 |
Tissue prosthesis processing technology
A heart valve prostheses crimping apparatus and method for deducing the diameter of stents containing heart valve prosthesis. A medical prosthesis catheter loading apparatus, including a crimping assembly for reducing the diameter of a prosthesis; and a catheter clamp for holding a catheter adjacent to the prosthesis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing the diameter of a medical prosthesis, including a base, a crimp head connectable to the base, and an actuation mechanism connected to the base and connectable to the crimp head to actuate the crimp head. Also disclosed is a method of loading a medical prosthesis into a catheter, including the steps of reducing the diameter of a prosthesis from its normal deployed state to a diameter less than that of the lumen of the catheter; holding a catheter adjacent to the reduced diameter prosthesis; and moving the prosthesis into the catheter lumen. |
| US08312612B2 |
Refurbished punch tip and method for manufacture and refurbishing
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the refurbishing of compaction tooling components, particularly the tips and heads of compaction punches. |
| US08312608B2 |
System and method for toilet unit installation and removal
An installation and removal system for a toilet unit is provided. The system includes a base having floor engaging wheels coupled thereto. At least one of the floor engaging wheels is adjustable to maintain the base substantially level relative to the floor. An actuator is disposed on the base. A pair of spaced apart support elements are coupled to the actuator and adapted to engage an underside of the toilet unit. An angle of the support elements relative the base is adjustable. The system includes a retaining system coupled to the spaced apart support elements and adapted to couple with the toilet unit. The retaining system militate against an undesired movement of the toilet unit relative the support elements. A kit and method for using the system are also provided. |
| US08312607B2 |
Impeller installation tool
A tool for installing a flexible impeller on a drive shaft in the impeller cavity in a water pump including a gripping surface extending about an upper portion of the tool and an open ended channel extending axially through the tool for receiving and releasably retaining a flexible impeller therein in a compressed state. The channel has an upper portion circumscribed by an annular outwardly inclined impeller abutment surface and a lower constant radius portion circumscribed by a depending cylindrical wall. The inclined impeller abutment surface terminates in the constant radius portion. |
| US08312606B2 |
Expandable fastener assembly with deformed collar
At least one embodiment generally relates to an installation assembly for an opening in a workpiece that includes a swaged collar, an inner member, and an outer member. The swaged collar has a first end, a second end, and a main body extending between the first end and the second end. The main body includes an inner surface defining a passageway through the collar. The inner member has a mandrel section for expanding the outer member. The inner member is used to expand the outer member and to keep the outer member in an expanded state. |
| US08312604B2 |
Lock deflection device
A lock deflection device for a motor vehicle for deflecting a seat belt comprises a lock tongue for insertion into a lock buckle and a first contact area connected to the lock tongue around which the seat belt can be laid to deflect the seat belt, so that the seat belt is divided into a shoulder segment and a pelvis segment, which go off in different directions from the first contact area, wherein the first contact area can be moved from an initial position, in which the seat belt can slide along on the deflection device, into a final position. According to the invention, a second contact area connected to the lock tongue is provided, which is arranged to contact the seat belt in case of a first contact area being moved out of the initial position, in order to restrain the seat belt from sliding along on the deflection device, wherein the first contact area is connected to the lock tongue through a movable area of the lock deflection device. |
| US08312602B2 |
Buckle equipped with a whistle
A buckle provided with a detachable whistle. The buckle includes: a buckle body coupled to an end of a belt; and a whistle that is detachably mounted on a sliding part provided at one side of the buckle body. |
| US08312598B2 |
Modular clamp assembly with multiple tool attachments
A clamp assembly including: a clamp frame including a first portion including a first opening which accepts a fastener, and a second portion interposed between the first portion and a third portion, wherein the third portion includes a second opening and a third opening, each of which accepts a fastener, a threaded rod disposed through the first portion of the clamp frame; and a clamp pad on an inner end of the clamp rod. |
| US08312596B2 |
Hinge assembly
A hinge assembly (4) for the connection of two panels (10, 12) at their adjacent edge regions (8d) to allow said panels to rotate up to 360 degrees relative to one another, the hinge assembly comprising an elongate member (20) providing two opposing curved surfaces adjacent the edge of each panel, said member co-operating with at least one pair of intermeshed gears (24), the assembly including connector means (34) for attaching each panel to said member and a bubble seal (22) disposed between the edge of each panel and each curved surface of the member. |
| US08312592B2 |
Cleaning apparatus for releasing and transporting particles away from an area to be cleaned
The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus (10) for releasing and transporting particles away from an area to be cleaned, comprising: a housing (6) having an opening (8) to be positioned on an area (1) to be cleaned;—a member that is movable within the apparatus for generating an airflow to release and transport particles away from the area; wherein the member comprises an airflow-generating surface (12) arranged within the housing (6), said airflow-generating surface in its operating condition lacing the area (1) to be cleaned and having a direction of movement that is substantially parallel to said area so as to cause an airflow parallel to said area. The apparatus according to the invention requires less energy for releasing and transporting particles away from an area to be cleaned. |
| US08312591B1 |
Wall-mountable vacuum cleaner and bracket combination
A new wall-mountable vacuum cleaner and bracket combination provides easy locking. Both the vacuum cleaner and the bracket have mounting rims. When the vacuum cleaner is on the bracket, a support surface on a proximal end of one of the two mounting rims engages a terminal edge of the other of the two mounting rims. The vacuum cleaner can be secured in place by moving a movable arm from an extended position to a retracted position in which the vacuum cleaner is locked in place. To accommodate the required movement of the movable arm, the bracket has a deflectable locking edge that moves between a rest position and a deflected position. In the rest position, the distance between the locking edge and the terminal edge of the bracket mounting rim exceeds the distance between the terminal edge of the vacuum mounting rim and the base surface, but is less than the distance from the terminal edge of the vacuum mounting rim to the part of the vacuum cleaner that lies directly beneath the locking edge when the vacuum cleaner is stored on the bracket. |
| US08312589B1 |
Push and pull shock absorbing scraper
A push and pull shock absorbing scraper for selective scraping by a push and pull action includes an upper and lower scraper members for scraping ice, snow and frost from windows of a vehicle. The upper scraper member includes a head portion and a shaft portion, where head portion has a scraper blade. The lower scraper member is attached to the shaft portion of the upper scraper member to provide a double push scraping action. The lower scraper member includes a flexible front push blade, a rear pull blade and an attachment portion, where the attachment portion is attached to the shaft portion of the upper scraper member. The handgrip has a bore, where the insert is press-fitted within the bore of the handgrip and a pair of opposite protruding tabs extending outward for preventing transverse movement of the shaft portion of the scraper within the bore of the handgrip. The coil spring is located between the head portion and the handgrip for absorbing the impact force of the reciprocation movement of the head portion of the scraper. The O-ring is located between the head portion and the coil spring to further absorbs the impact force of the head portion of the scraper. |
| US08312586B2 |
Device for holding cleaning implements
A device for holding and manipulating compressible cleaning implements is disclosed wherein the cleaning implements may be made from a compressible material and may have a compressible portion. The device may include a handle. A blade may be attached to the handle. An outer blade edge may surround the blade. An opening through the blade may be defined by an inner blade edge. A channel may pass through the blade and may extend from the inner blade edge to the outer blade edge, and may be defined by a first channel edge and a second channel edge. The compressible portion of the cleaning implement may be passed through the channel into the opening and may be held in the opening by engagement with the inner blade edge. Each of the first and second channel edges may respectively define first and second circumferentially directed points configured to poke into the compressible material. |
| US08312583B2 |
Swimming pool cleaner discs with pockets
Discs having recessed areas, or pockets, in their undersides are detailed. The pockets allow provision of increased suction in localized regions, especially useful when the body of an associated cleaner pivots from side to side. Downwardly-extending wear surfaces may be present as well within the pockets. |
| US08312582B2 |
Washing machine and control method thereof
The washing machine can wash laundry using bubbles. The control method includes generating detergent concentrate liquid required for generation of the bubbles, supplying the detergent concentrate liquid and water into a water tub, generating the bubbles from detergent water as a mixture of the detergent concentrate liquid and the water, followed by supplying the bubbles to laundry, and washing the laundry using the bubbles. The bubbles act as a cushion to reduce friction between the laundry, thereby preventing texture of the laundry from being damaged due to the friction between the laundry and strong water stream while allowing dirt on the laundry to be effectively removed due to a high concentration of detergent in the bubbles. |
| US08312581B2 |
Method for determining the load in a washing machine
With a method for determining the load of a washing machine, the load can be determined in a simple and exact manner in that the load is calculated by a comparison between suspension forces of the at least one suspension element and damper forces of the at least one damper with a non-linear characteristic in the unloaded and loaded state of the washing machine. |
| US08312580B2 |
Folding knife
An apparatus including a housing, and a knife connected to the housing, wherein the knife at least partially folds into the housing. The apparatus also may include a first device for cracking a vehicle windshield, wherein the first device is connected to the housing. The apparatus may also include a second device for cutting a vehicle seat belt, wherein the second device is connected to the housing and at least partially folds into the housing. The knife may be connected to the housing so that the knife rotates in order to at least partially fold into the housing. The first device may include a first spring so that the first device can be compressed into the housing or expanded away from the housing. The second device may be connected to the housing so that the second device rotates in order to at least partially fold into the housing. |
| US08312579B2 |
Pivoting device
A pivoting device for pivoting of segments (4) which are pivotable relative to one another of a bearing construction (2), providing a bearing surface (3) for a mattress, a cushioning element or the like, of an item of furniture for sitting and/or lying on, in particular a bed. In order to produce a pivoting device which requires a comparatively small installation space while also having safe operation, the invention proposes a pivoting device which includes an electromotive drive device (13) which is arranged on the end face between two neighboring segments (4). |
| US08312573B2 |
Inflatable chamber-pot
The invention provides an inflatable receptacle which may easily be brought along, and which in the inflated state may serve as a stable seat with comfortable seat height for a person. This is achieved by an inflatable receptacle which is peculiar in that the inner membrane side and the outer membrane side are interconnected by at least one membrane joint, preferably by welding the two membrane sides at the centre part of the receptacle, where the at least one membrane joint extends partially or entirely between the lower and upper ends of the receptacle.Great stability is achieved hereby, as optimal possibility for transferring an action of force applied to the upper end of the receptacle in parallel with the support face is created in order to absorb the action of force in a large part of the support face placed upon the base. This improved ability of transferring actions of force to the base arises because shear forces by disc action are transferred along a membrane joint according to the invention between the partial air chambers produced by establishing the membrane joint. |
| US08312572B2 |
Telescoping plumbing device and method
A telescoping plumbing device and method is provided. The telescoping plumbing device and method may employ a flexible cable at least partially disposed within a plurality of nested pipes or tubes capable of being extended and retracted telescopically, so that the cable may be pushed down a toilet or drain by collapsing the plurality of pipes abruptly and forcibly from the extended position to the retracted position. |
| US08312568B2 |
Three-in-two pocket system
A pocket system for an athletic garment according to embodiments of the present invention includes a center pocket and first and second pockets each having an outer, inner, top, and bottom edge. The top edges are open, while the inner, outer, and bottom edges are closed. A vertical centerline of the garment substantially aligns with a user's spine, and the first pocket is located on the athletic garment on one side of the vertical centerline, while the second pocket is located on the garment on the other side of the vertical centerline. The first and second pockets are in a substantially symmetrical configuration about the vertical centerline, and the center pocket is substantially centered on the vertical centerline. The first and second pockets at least partially overlap the center pocket, and the pocket system looks from the back view like two pockets, according to such embodiments of the present invention. |
| US08312566B2 |
Training garment
A training garment (10) for developing an athlete's inspiratory muscles, comprises a resistance band (12) and adjustment means (13). The resistance band (12) is configured such that when the training garment (10) is in use during the performance of aerobic exercise, the resistance band (12) embraces the athlete's thorax and imparts a resistive load thereto. The adjustment means (13) enable the athlete to vary the applied resistive load. The training garment (10) resists the expansion of the athlete's thorax during the performance of aerobic exercise, but without restricting the athlete's range of motion. |
| US08312564B2 |
Protective garment
A protective garment including one or more removable layers and/or removable panels attached to a foundation garment. The removable layers or removable panels may be removed by a user if the protective garment is soiled or exposed to a contaminant. In this way, a removable layer or a removable panel may be removed and discarded by the user without needing to remove the entire protective garment. |
| US08312563B1 |
Protective glove with thumb and wrist support
An apparel for protecting a hand and wrist of a user, which includes a hand cover and support element, is provided. The support element includes a first portion that receives a metacarpal area of the user's hand, a second portion that receives the thumb of the user, and a binding portion for reinforcing a thumb web connection between the first portion and the second portion. |