| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08357258B2 |
Thermal insulation assemblies and methods for fabricating the same
Thermal insulation assemblies, methods for fabricating thermal insulation assemblies, and thermally insulated structures are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a thermally insulated structure is disclosed that includes a thermal insulation assembly comprises a ceramic tile having a surface coated with an alumina-mullite slurry. A ceramic matrix composite is disposed on the coated surface. The ceramic matrix composite comprises a first ply of a ceramic fiber impregnated with a ceramic matrix. |
| US08357252B2 |
High tensile strength steel having favorable delayed fracture resistance and method for manufacturing the same
High tensile strength steels that have both favorable delayed fracture resistance and a tensile strength of 600 MPa or higher and are suitably used in construction machinery, tanks, penstocks, and pipelines, as well as methods for manufacturing such steels are provided. The safety index of delayed fracture resistance (%) is 100×(X1/X0), where X0: reduction of area of a specimen substantially free from diffusible hydrogen, and X1: reduction of area of a specimen containing diffusible hydrogen. |
| US08357250B2 |
Recovery heat treatment to improve formability of magnesium alloys
The formability of coiled and annealed (O-temper) magnesium alloy sheet material in high temperature forming operations is sometimes adversely affected by small amounts of cold work introduced into the fine grained material during handling of the coil and unwinding it to obtain blank workpieces for hot stamping, hot blow forming, or the like. When necessary, the formability of the sheet material with regions of hard worked microstructure may be improved by predetermining a recovery heat treatment using small portions of the material in formability tests. The recovery heat treatment, determined for the specific coiled stock, may then be applied to the material of the coil as it is used in making vehicle body panels or the like. |
| US08357248B2 |
Copper alloy having high strength, high electric conductivity and excellent bending workability
A copper alloy having high strength, high electrical conductivity, and excellent bendability, the copper alloy containing, in terms of mass %, 0.4 to 4.0% of Ni; 0.05 to 1.0% of Si; and, as an element M, one member selected from 0.005 to 0.5% of P, 0.005 to 1.0% of Cr, and 0.005 to 1.0% of Ti, with the remainder being copper and inevitable impurities, in which an atom number ratio M/Si of elements M and Si contained in a precipitate having a size of 50 to 200 nm in a microstructure of the copper alloy is from 0.01 to 10 on average, the atom number ratio being measured by a field emission transmission electron microscope with a magnification of 30,000 and an energy dispersive analyzer. According to the invention, it is possible to provide a copper alloy having high strength, high electrical conductivity, and excellent bendability. |
| US08357245B2 |
Stripe removal system
A system for removing paint and other coatings from hard surfaces is mounted on a truck for over-the-road travel. The truck bed carries a high power vacuum pump, a self propelled tractor with an attached blast head, a liquid reservoir, a sump or vacuum tank, and a ramp for loading the tractor. The reservoir is connected to a low pressure pump that transfers water to the high pressure pump. The high pressure pump is connected to the blast head by a high pressure hose. A vacuum hose is connected to the sump which has an internal enclosure for separating the waste materials from the liquid for easy dumping of semi dried materials. |
| US08357239B2 |
Treatment of fly ash for use in concrete
A process for treating fly ash to render it highly usable as a concrete additive. A quantity of fly ash is obtained that contains carbon and which is considered unusable fly ash for concrete based upon foam index testing. The fly ash is mixed with a quantity of spray dryer ash (SDA) and water to initiate a geopolymerization reaction and form a geopolymerized fly ash. The geopolymerized fly ash is granulated. The geopolymerized fly ash is considered usable fly ash for concrete according to foam index testing. The geopolymerized fly ash may have a foam index less than 40%, and in some cases less than 20%, of the foam index of the untreated fly ash. An optional alkaline activator may be mixed with the fly ash and SDA to facilitate the geopolymerization reaction. The alkaline activator may contain an alkali metal hydroxide, carbonate, silicate, aluminate, or mixtures thereof. |
| US08357233B2 |
Collector modules for devices for removing particles from a gas
Devices for removing particles for a gas utilizing electrostatic precipitation having collector modules with fewer electrical connections, which facilitate cleaning, and/or eliminate the need for high voltage connections between a removable collector module and a collector module support. Driver electrode modules provide electrical connection between an insulated driver electrode and a source of electrical potential or between insulated driver electrodes and at least one other conductor through a hole in or on some edge on the driver electrodes. A biasing force is provided and a conductive element serves as a conductor between the driver electrode(s) and the other conductors. A plurality of insulated driver electrodes, e.g. plates, are formed with a single, conductive plate or from a plurality of electrically joined conductive plates which are coated with insulation and then bent. An electrically-shielded, high voltage generating circuit is integrated with a readily removable collector module to eliminate the need for high voltage connections between the removable collector module and the collector module support, while enhancing the device's durability and allowing cleaning with cleaning fluid and/or dishwasher detergent. |
| US08357220B2 |
Multi-phase filter medium
Multi-phase filter media, as well as related articles, components, filter elements, and methods, are disclosed. |
| US08357215B2 |
Method and apparatus of particulate removal from gasifier components
Disclosed is a method of removing a particulate layer from a gasification system component including locating a shedding apparatus in operable communication with the gasification system component. A force is transmitted from the shedding apparatus into the gasification system component and the particulate layer is shed from the gasification system component as a result of the force. Further disclosed is a syngas cooler for a gasification system including a vessel and a plurality of thermal energy transfer platens located in the vessel. A shedding apparatus is in operable communication with the plurality of platens and is capable of shedding a particulate layer from the plurality of platens by transmitting a force to the plurality of platens. The apparatus includes a manifold disposed between the shedding apparatus and the plurality of platens and connected to the plurality of platens via one or more struts capable of distributing the force to the plurality of platens. |
| US08357213B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for promoting a substantially complete reaction of an anhydrous hydride reactant
The apparatus includes a liquid permeable pouch that defines a cavity for maintaining an anhydrous hydride reactant, wherein the cavity comprises a cross-section such that a point within the cross-section is separated from a perimeter of the liquid permeable pouch by no more than double the permeation distance, and a cartridge configured to receive the liquid permeable pouch and a liquid reactant such that at least a portion of the liquid permeable pouch is submerged in the liquid reactant. The system includes a plurality of pouches formed from two rectangular sheets of liquid permeable material, and each pouch has a width selected such that each point within a cross-section is separated from the sheets by no more than double the permeation distance. The method includes joining the sheets, forming one or more seals to define a cavity, disposing anhydrous hydride within the cavity, and sealing the opening. |
| US08357212B2 |
Botanical fuel oxygenate compositions
Botanically derived compositions of fuel oxygenates are provided, as well as methods of making the same. The compositions are produced from extracts of plant tissues, and unexpectedly contain aliphatic ethers and alcohols in useful concentrations. These compositions represent sources of oxygenates such as MTBE, ETBE, DIPE, TAME, ETBE and TBA from non-mineral sources, allowing them to be produced domestically in countries without mineral hydrocarbon resources and allowing them to be combusted without any net addition of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. |
| US08357207B2 |
Leather treatment and agent
D-Isoascorbic acid or one of its salts, as such or as a constituent of a liquid or solid formulation, is an effective agent for reducing the amount of Cr(VI) compounds in leathers tanned with Cr(III) salts by treatment of the leather in an aqueous liquor after tanning or finishing or of a commodity article with an aqueous solution. |
| US08357204B2 |
Set of mobile necks for inserting into the stem of a hip prosthesis
A set of mobile necks for inserting into the stem (2) of a hip prosthesis, in which the mobile necks are produced with different inclinations and lengths in such a way that their free ends (3i), when inserted in the stem, terminate at nine mutually equidistant points (Pi) arranged in three parallel horizontal rows (R0) in such a way that the lines joining the outermost points delineate a square (Q), the length of whose sides is approximately 15 mm, the diagonal (D) of this square coinciding with the axis (H-H) of a mobile neck (1) set at a neutral inclination, that is neither varus nor valgus, with respect to a plane (ss) essentially perpendicular to the axis of the abovementioned stem (2). |
| US08357202B2 |
J-curve for a femoral prosthesis component
One or both of the condyles in a femoral component for a partial or total knee prosthesis includes a J-curve with a plurality of distinct radii, such as 5 or more radii. The centers of the radii are arranged along an arcuate path extending anteroposteriorly so that successively larger radii are serially arranged along the arcuate path from the posterior side of the femoral component to the anterior side. The femoral component provides a high degree of stability throughout the range of motion of the knee prosthesis, and facilitates a close approximation to the motion of a natural knee. |
| US08357195B2 |
Catheter based annuloplasty system and method
A catheter-based annuloplasty system for use in repairing a heart valve having leaflets and a valve annulus, includes a delivery catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, and an expandable stent disposed on the distal end of the catheter. An adjustable annuloplasty ring is disposed on the expandable stent and is configured to expand and contract in response to expansion and contraction of the stent. |
| US08357190B2 |
Laparoscopic vascular access
A laparoscopic vascular conduit arrangement has an elongate graft tube (1, 10) which is placed through a body cavity into a body vessel using a laparoscopic port sheath (70) with a distal valve (73) and a second sheath (80) with distal valve (86, 87). The graft tube (1, 10) extends through the laparoscopic port sheath so that the distal end (108) of the graft tube extends out of its valve and the proximal end of the graft tube extends out of the proximal end of the laparoscopic port sheath. The second sheath (80) is deployed into the distal end (108) of the graft tube (1, 10) such that the first valve (73) seals around the graft tube and the second sheath (84). The proximal end of the graft tube can be deployed into the vessel of the body to allow access into the vessel through the graft tube via the second valve. The conduit can be removed after use or used to provide vascular bypass. |
| US08357189B2 |
Physiology enhancing device
A physiology enhancing device for improving physiological functions of a human body, etc., which comprises a heat generating element making use of chemical energy and a sheet interposed between the heat generating element and a body surface of a wearer, and which is designed to supply steam generated from the heat generating element while the device is applied to the body surface. The device exhibits steam generating capability for 2 hours or longer and, while applied to the body surface, raises the body surface temperature to a temperature from 38° C. to lower than 42° C. within one hour from the application. The sheet interposed between the heat generating element and the body surface preferably has a function of regulating air feed to the heat generating element and a function of transferring the heat of the physiology enhancing device to the body surface and preferably has a total thickness of 0.05 to 1.5 mm. |
| US08357188B2 |
Localized liquid therapy and thermotherapy device
A device for directly applying thermotherapeutic liquid to an area upon the surface of an afflicted patient, and methods of use thereof, are described. In particular, a device for apply water-based liquid at a therapeutic temperature directly to an afflicted area in order to create a localized hyperthermia, is presented. The afflicted area may be either on the skin of the patient, or subcutaneous. The device is also effective for disinfection, irrigation, lavage, and the like, when employing a suitable solution. The liquid may also have a mild oxidizing effect, which, if greater upon afflicted than upon non-afflicted cells, would enhance the therapeutic effect in conjunction with the therapy herein described. |
| US08357181B2 |
Intervertebral prosthetic device for spinal stabilization and method of implanting same
A prosthetic device and a method of implanting same between two vertebrae of a vertebral column to stabilize the column, according to which each vertebrae is engaged by a spacer, and the spacers are connected to permit relative movement between the spacers so that the distance between the spacers can vary to conform with the distance between the vertebrae and accommodate bending movements of the vertebral column. |
| US08357180B2 |
Thin film metallic device for plugging aneurysms or vessels
Thin film metallic devices implantable within a human subject for occlusion of an aneurysm or blood vessel are provided. The devices are movable from a porous, elongated, collapsed configuration for delivery to a deployed configuration within the body. The pores telescope as the device moves to its deployed configuration, which causes the device to longitudinally foreshorten and radially expand, while also decreasing in porosity for preventing blood flow. The occlusion devices may be either self-supporting or supported by a strut structure. Additionally, the occlusion devices may comprise a plurality of layers having unaligned pore systems which further reduce porosity in the deployed configuration. |
| US08357178B2 |
Vascular and bodily duct treatment devices and methods
A clot retrieval device including a self-expandable member having a proximal end portion and a main body portion. The self-expandable member is expandable from a first delivery position to a second placement position. In the first delivery position the expandable member has a first overall diameter In one implementation the cell structures that form the self-expandable member have dimensional and material characteristics that result in about a −1.0N to about a −1.7N overall reduction in radial force along the length of the expandable member per millimeter of expansion during about an initial 0.50 mm diametric range of expansion from the first overall diameter and that results in about a −0.10N to about a −0.35N overall reduction in radial force along the length of the expandable member per millimeter of expansion during subsequent diametric ranges of expansion. |
| US08357174B2 |
Single fold device for tissue fixation
A system for tissue approximation and fixation is described herein. A device is advanced in a minimally invasive manner within a patient's body to create one or several divisions or plications within a hollow body organ. The system comprises a stapler assembly having a tissue acquisition member and a tissue fixation member. The stapler assembly approximates tissue from within the hollow body organ with the acquisition member and then affixes the approximated tissue with the fixation member. In one method, the system can be used as a secondary procedure to reduce the size of a stoma within the hollow body organ. |
| US08357168B2 |
Modular injection needle and seal assembly
A kit for injecting a biomaterial into an intradiscal space accessed through an opening in the disc annulus comprises a plurality of needles, each sized for introduction through the annulus opening with a passageway for injecting the biomaterial therethrough, and each including a distal end to be disposed within the intradiscal space when the needle extends through the annulus opening. Each needle includes a stop affixed thereto at different pre-determined distances from the distal end to define the location of the distal end within the intradiscal space when the needle extends through the opening in the annulus. The kit further includes a plurality of seals defining a bore for sliding engagement with a needle, each of the plurality of seals including a sealing face for engaging the annulus around the needle. Each sealing face defines a differently configured area of contact, such as circular, elliptical, tapered and threaded. |
| US08357167B2 |
Artificial intervertebral disc trials with baseplates having inward tool engagement holes
Instrumentation for implanting an artificial intervertebral disc includes static trials, the static trials including first and second trial baseplates immovably coupled to one another via a trunk extending therebetween, each trial baseplate having an outwardly facing surface approximating a contour of a corresponding outwardly facing surface of an artificial intervertebral disc baseplate, at least one of the trial baseplates having a plurality of engagement holes extending into the at least one of the trial baseplates in a direction substantially perpendicular to each of a plurality of a surgical approach directions used to insert the trial into the intervertebral space, each of the plurality of engagement holes being disposed on the at least one of the trial baseplates to correspond to a respective one of the surgical approach directions such that selection for use of one of the plurality of engagement holes corresponds to, selection of the respective surgical approach. |
| US08357166B2 |
Customized patient-specific instrumentation and method for performing a bone re-cut
A number of orthopedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed. |
| US08357164B2 |
Surgical punch
A surgical punch has a cartridge for collecting the resected chips cut off in successive punch cuts. The cartridge is a replaceable disposable commodity. The cartridge consists of a casing and a tooth rail which is guided longitudinally displaceable relative to the casing. Once the cartridge is inserted, the casing is fixed on the upper part of the punch, while the tooth rail is fixed on the lower part of the punch. A transport serration is formed in the casing. The tooth rail has a retaining serration. During the opening and closing movement of the punch, the transport serration and the retaining serration interact as transport mechanism which displaces the cut off resected chips in the cartridge in the proximal direction. |
| US08357163B2 |
Low cost modular tapered and spherical hollow reamers for medical applications
An easy-to-assemble modular tapered or spherical reamer for medical applications includes a shaft portion, a disposable tapered or spherical hollow reamer and a guide pin. The shaft proximal end attaches to a drill and the distal end has a tapered body element with a tapered external surface and a central aperture. The disposable tapered or spherical hollow reamer has a central aperture that accepts the guide pin and an interior taper that matches the taper of the tapered body element. The guide pin has attachment means to attach its distal end to the central aperture in the reamer, and the proximal end to the central aperture of the tapered body element of the shaft, assuring reamer/shaft concentricity. Contact between the reamer taper and the taper of the tapered body element aids this concentricity. Torque transmission between the shaft and the reamer is accomplished by torque transmitting tabs or a threaded connection. |
| US08357158B2 |
Jaw closure detection system
A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members. |
| US08357148B2 |
Multi-functional endoscopic system for use in electrosurgical applications
A multi-functional endoscopic system, for use in electrosurgical applications, that includes an imaging endoscope that may be used in combination with various electrosurgical devices, all of which are sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture, such that the endoscope and electrosurgical devices are considered single use, disposable items. The multi-functional endoscopic system of the present invention is suitable for use with a variety of common electrosurgical devices that require electrical/electronic support in order to function. The electrical/electronic support for these electrosurgical devices (e.g., an electrosurgical generator and associated controls) is integrated with the operator console of the imaging endoscope of the multi-functional endoscopic system of the present invention, rather than provided as a separate device. In another embodiment of the invention, an imaging endoscope is provided that integrates or combines the functions of both an imaging endoscope and an electrosurgical device, which can be controlled by a single handheld controller. |
| US08357144B2 |
Electro-mechanical surgical device
An electromechanical surgical device includes: a housing; an elongated shaft extending from the housing, a distal end of the elongated shaft being detachably coupleable to a surgical instrument; at least two axially rotatable drive shafts disposed within the elongated shaft, a distal end of each of the drive shafts being configured to couple with the surgical instrument; a steering cable arrangement, the steering cable arrangement being configured to steer the distal end of the elongated shaft; and a motor system disposed within the housing, the motor system being configured to drive the drive shafts and the steering cable arrangement. A control system may be provided for controlling the motor system. A remote control unit may also be provided for controlling the motor system via the control system. Sensors, such as optical or Hall-effect devices, may be provided for determining the position of the elements of the surgical instrument based on the detected rotation of the drive shafts. A memory unit stores a plurality of operating programs or algorithms, each corresponding to a type of surgical instrument attachable to the electro-mechanical surgical device. The control system reads or selects from the plurality of operating programs or algorithms, the operating program or algorithm corresponding to the type of surgical instrument attached to the electromechanical surgical device. |
| US08357142B2 |
Connector hub assembly
The present disclosure relates to a connector hub assembly. The connector hub assembly includes a housing and a retention device. The housing has a connector bank having one or more input ports and one or more output ports, that are defined therein. The input ports are configured to operably connect to one or more first conduits and the output ports are configured to operably connect to one or more second conduits. The retention device is operably coupled to the housing. The retention device includes a flexible membrane that has one or more slits defined therethrough that form flexible segments in the membrane. The flexible segments are configured to selectively secure the connector hub assembly to a sheet-like material when the sheet-like material is fed through the slits. |
| US08357140B2 |
Highly flexible tubular device with high initial torque response for medical use
The invention relates to an elongated torque tube for use in medical applications. The torque tube comprises an elongated tubular structure having a cylindrical cross section and defining a longitudinal axis and a circumferential axis, the elongated tubular structure including a helical cut having a finite thickness and extending along the length of the elongated tubular structure, the helical cut being aligned with the circumferential axis and including a plurality of protrusions extending along the longitudinal axis, the protrusions defined by discontinuous cuts aligned with the longitudinal axis. |
| US08357136B2 |
Enteral feeding set
The present invention provides an enteral feeding set comprising tubing adapted for fluid flow therethrough and further adapted to be engaged by a pump unit, a valve mechanism in direct communication with said tubing, said valve mechanism being adapted to be engaged by said pump unit, and a feeding set indicator for permitting identification of the functional configuration of said administration feeding set by said pump unit, characterized in that said tubing comprises at least two inlet tubes on an upstream side of said valve mechanism and a single outlet tube on a downstream side thereof and wherein said inlet tubes each include a connector for connecting said tube to a supply of fluid at a connection end thereof, each of said connectors being of like form but visually distinguishable for indicating to a user which supply of fluid each connector should be attached thereto. |
| US08357135B2 |
Method of making diaper side panels
A method of making a plurality of diaper side panels (10, 12) from a continuous strip (40). The strip (40) comprises a central region (42), a first lateral region (44), a second lateral region (46), a first set of fasteners (36) anchored to the first lateral region (44), and a second set of fasteners (38) anchored to the second lateral region (46). The strip (40) is separated in the machine direction (M) to form a first set of the side panels (10) and a second set of the side panels (12), so that the side panels (10) each include a fastener (36) from the first set and the side panels (12) each include a fastener (38) from the second set. |
| US08357126B2 |
Anti-extravasation catheter
The disclosed devices and methods provide for the minimization of fluid extravasation during use of infusion catheters such as peripherally inserted central catheters and central venous catheters. The anti-extravasation catheter allows a surgeon to drain fluids from soft tissue surrounding an infusion site while also providing fluid inflow to a patient. |
| US08357125B2 |
Autoinjector with deactivating means moveable by a safety shield
The invention relates to an injection device (1) being in one of a passive and active state, triggering of injection being prevented when said device (1) is in its passive state and permitted when said device (1) is in its active state, having: a housing (30, 30a, 30b) receiving a container, the container being in one of a passive state and an active state, movement of the container out of its initial position being prevented when the container is in its passive state, and being permitted when the container is in its active state, and a safety shield (40) coupled with the housing (30) and being movable with respect to the housing along a movement path having a predetermined length, first retaining means (60, 61, 54a) for maintaining the container (20) in its passive state, second retaining means (34a, 81b) for maintaining said device (1) in its passive state, said device (1) being characterized in that it comprises: first deactivating means (50, 53) and second deactivating means (50, 50a) movable coincident with movement of the safety shield (40) so as to place the container (20) in the active state, and the device (1) in its active state. |
| US08357122B2 |
Valved introducer assembly and method therefor
An introducer assembly includes a sheath having a sheath proximal end and distal end, and a passage therethrough. The introducer assembly further includes a valve assembly that is sealingly associated with the passage of the sheath. The valve assembly includes a valve having a first seal and a second seal, where the first and second seal optionally have different sealing properties. For example, the first seal and the second seal have different thicknesses, different sealing durometers, or otherwise different sealing features. In another option, the sheath is removable from the instrument disposed therethrough. In yet another option, the valve of the valve assembly further includes a chamber disposed between the first and second seals. The seals are spaced to accommodate devices with multiple flow holes therein. |
| US08357120B2 |
Injection device with torsion spring and rotatable display
The present invention relates to an injection device comprising a torsion spring operatively connected to a dose setting member being adapted to set a dose to be ejected from the injection device. A rotatably mounted display member adapted to display the dose to be ejected in accordance with a setting of the dose setting member is also provided. The rotatably mounted display member is adapted to be rotated over an angle corresponding to at least one revolution of the display member. The display member may be implemented as a dose indicator barrel having numerals arranged along a helical path on an outer surface thereof, or alternatively, as a counting device having two or more display wheels having numerals arranged on an outer surface thereof. |
| US08357114B2 |
Drug dispensing device with flexible push rod
Drug storage and dispensing devices for dispensing a drug dosage form are disclosed. Devices having a housing defining a nonlinear passageway and a flexible push rod to move within the nonlinear passageway are disclosed. Devices having a flexible push rod coupled to a rotation actuating member at at an end portion thereof are also disclosed. |
| US08357111B2 |
Method and system for designing patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instruments
A method and system for designing a patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instrument includes coupling a knee sleeve to a leg of the patient. The knee sleeve includes sensors configured to generate sensor data indicate of the position of the respective sensor. The method also include determining angulation data indicative of the angulation of the knee based on the sensor data. The angulation data may be indicative of, for example, the ligament laxity of the knee. The method may also include generating a medical image(s) of the knee. The design of the patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instrument is determined based on the angulation data and the medical image(s). |
| US08357110B1 |
Toe curl prevention device and methods
An apparatus and associated methods for preventing and treating toe curl, a condition where the toes of a patient curl toward the bottom of the foot, are provided. The apparatus provides a pad operable for engaging the bottom of the foot, a foot sleeve for surrounding the foot and pad, and a strap that surrounds the foot sleeve and pad for applying a flexion force against the foot. The pad engages and supports at least one toe and prevents the toe or toes from curling toward the bottom of the foot. The device can be worn by a patient at night or during the day to treat or prevent toe curl. The apparatus is especially useful for treating toe curl in spinal cord injury patients. Additionally, the strap can include an elastic material for providing a tension force required for flexion stretching, and the strap can be attached at one end to a removable leg band that can be securely and releasably positioned about the leg. In some embodiments, the pad includes multiple layers having similar or different material properties. A method of preventing toe curl is also provided. |
| US08357109B2 |
Muscle treatment device
Muscle treatment devices and methods are described for applying pressure to and facilitating the stretch of muscles in a body. The muscle treatment device preferably includes an elongate shaft, an intermediate member engaged to the shaft, and at least one muscle treatment member engaged to both the shaft and intermediate member such that in use, the at least one muscle treatment member is prevented from rotating around the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In a method if using the device to facilitating the stretch of muscles in a body, a patient preferably shortens the muscle being treated, applies angular pressure to the muscle by contacting skin tissue such that it directly affects and/or pins the underlying targeted muscular structure of the muscle with the outer surface of the at least one muscle treatment member, and then lengthens the muscle. |
| US08357108B2 |
Physical therapy tool
The physical therapy tools, systems, kits and methods described herein may be used to apply gentle, passive and progressive amounts of pressure (including numerous repetitions of small movements) to achieve therapeutic mobilization of a spinal joint. The tools described herein may include a plurality of pads and actuators, where the pressure within each actuator is controlled so that a continuously varying pressure may be applied to mimic the pressure applied by human hands. These tools may also include a controller and one or more user inputs. The physical therapy tools may be operated at different operating modes (e.g., continuously varying pressure modes, step-pulse high frequency modes, step-pulse low frequency modes) for treating a subject's spine, and may be part of a system or kit. Methods of treating a subject using these physical therapy tools are also described herein. |
| US08357105B2 |
Anti-reflux mechanism for urine collection systems
A urine collection system includes an anti-flux mechanism to reduce the amount of urine that may flow from within the collection bag back into the urine meter. The urine collection system includes a urine meter, a collection member defining at least a first opening for receiving urine from the urine meter and a shield positioned adjacent the opening of the collection member. The shield is affixed to the collection member at predetermined connection points along a periphery of the shield whereby urine flows between the connection points from the urine meter to the collection member. The shield may be affixed to an internal surface of the bag. The shield may be spot welded to the collection member at the connection points. The shield may include at least a first slot configured to permit the passage of fluid therethrough. |
| US08357102B2 |
Devices and methods for suppression of tinnitus
Methods and devices for treating tinnitus in human or animal subjects wherein the subject is caused to perceive a tinnitus suppressing sound which fully or partially suppresses the subject's tinnitus. In some embodiments of this method, the subject selects a sound that he or she perceives to be the same as the tinnitus and that sound (or a similar sound that is complementary to the subject's perceived tinnitus) is then used as the tinnitus suppressing sound. In other embodiments, the tinnitus suppressing may be a sound that has previously been determined to suppress tinnitus in a substantial number of subjects. |
| US08357101B2 |
Electro-oculography apparatus, imaging apparatus, electro-oculography method, program, and integrated circuit
An electro-oculography apparatus 100 includes an eye potential measuring unit measuring an eye potential generated by an eye movement and outputting an eye potential original signal, and includes a minimum filtering unit 121 or a maximum filtering unit 123 each outputting a first eye potential signal by applying one of a maximum value filtering and a minimum value filtering to the eye potential original signal. The electro-oculography apparatus 100 also includes a maximum filtering unit 122 or a minimum filtering unit 124 each outputting a second eye potential signal by applying the other of the maximum value filtering and the minimum value filtering to the first eye potential signal. |
| US08357097B2 |
Small-scale diagnostic system and display control method
A small-scale diagnostic system and a display control method are provided. In the diagnostic system, while image data on a patient is displayed on a screen of a medical image control device, when image data on another patient is received from an image generating device, and the medical doctor wants to display the received image data on the another patient on the screen for examining the image and diagnosing the another patient, the displayed image on the screen can be switched to that of the image data on the another patient by a simple operation of depressing a patient selection button. This enables the medical doctor to perform image diagnosis efficiently in a small-scale facility such as a clinic. |
| US08357095B2 |
Non-invasive treatment of fascia
Various methods and devices for minimally invasive treatment and prevention of conditions of the fascia are provided. In one aspect, a method includes providing an acoustic wave source effective to deliver a focused acoustic wave to a target site within a patient's body focusing an acoustic wave through a patient's skin such that at least one location in the patient's fascia is fenestrated in a desired pattern. |
| US08357092B2 |
Integrated USB control panel for a medical diagnosis system and a medical diagnosis system using the same
This invention discloses a medical diagnosis system a control panel thereof. According to this invention, a USB technology is utilized to perform input via the human-computer interface of the medical diagnosis system. Except for completely compatible with the standard alphanumeric keys portion, the control panel further comprises specific function modules for the medical diagnosis system and the trackball module. The connection of all function modules of the control panel are implemented by one physical interface. Universal alphanumeric keys and the trackball, as well as the specific function modules for the medical diagnostic equipment, are integrated into a whole body, and communicate with the upper computer (PC) via one physical interface, thereby complexity in connecting the peripheral devices of the human-computer interface is reduced, Plug-and-Play can be supported, and the use of it is easier and more convenient. |
| US08357087B2 |
Push-button activated grasper for surgical retractor
A grasper for a surgical retractor is provided. The grasper has a grasper body, a push-button activator and a holder to releasably retain a connector head of, for example, a retractor blade. The holder is configured to move from a first position, located at least partially in the opening to provide for selectively retaining the connector head in the opening, to a second position wherein the connector head may be removed. The push-button activator is operably connected to the holder to move the holder from the first position to the second position. In one embodiment the holder is gear driven by the activator. |
| US08357086B2 |
Surgical instrument access device
A surgical access device includes a valve that forms a seal with a body wall and provides an access channel into a body cavity. The valve has properties for creating a zero seal in the absence of an instrument as well as an instrument seal for an instrument. The valve can include a gel material and the access channel can include a protective shield to provide for wound protection during insertion and withdrawal of a sharp surgical instrument. The valve further comprises a cap ring which may be inserted or molded with the gel material. |
| US08357080B2 |
Tissue contrasting gastric band
A balloon-type gastric band that includes a balloon and a belt secured to the balloon. The balloon includes a mechanism for contrasting the balloon from surrounding tissue when placed within a patient. |
| US08357079B2 |
Devices for initiating positive thinking
A device for initiating positive thoughts in an individual wherein the positive thought is not an implanted post-hypnotic suggestion. The device comprises housing for an energy source and an electronic circuit connected to an energy source affixed within the housing. The electronic circuit has an alerting means and a means for controlling the alerting means. The alerting means notifies the individual a determined number of times over a given period in an apparent random manner at a frequency of 10-12 Hz. |
| US08357076B2 |
Therapeutic device and method of using
A therapeutic device includes a weight distributing portion and a weight attaching portion. The weight distributing portion includes a relief area. The weight attaching portion is adapted to attach weights to the weight distributing portion. |
| US08357075B2 |
Interactive athletic equipment system
Systems and techniques for the collection and display of athletic information. Athletic data relating to a single person or group of people is collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed at a desired remote location so that the person or people can review and critique their performance. In addition, athletic data for multiple persons can be collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed to a user at a desired remote location, so that the user can compare his or her athletic activities to others. |
| US08357069B2 |
Multi-speed transmission having automatic and manual modes
A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, and first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members. A plurality of interconnecting members continuously interconnect one of the first, second and third members of one of the planetary gear sets with one of the first, second and third members of another of the planetary gear sets. Five torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The first of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms is a selectable one-way clutch engageable to interconnect the third member of the first planetary gear set with the stationary member. |
| US08357068B2 |
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission includes first to third single-pinion planetary gearsets. The second ring gear and third sun gear are coupled to the first carrier and first ring gear respectively to constitute first and second rotor units. Input and output shafts are coupled to the second sun gear and third ring gear respectively. A first clutch selectively holds the first sun gear to the third carrier. A first brake selectively holds the first sun gear stationary. A second clutch selectively holds the second sun gear to the third carrier. A third clutch selectively holds the second carrier to the second rotor unit. A fourth clutch selectively holds the second carrier to the third carrier. A second brake selectively holds the first rotor unit stationary. At least eight gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio are obtained by simultaneous application of three of the clutches and brakes. |
| US08357067B2 |
Multi-speed transmission with external drive gearsets
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, three external gear sets or sprockets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. Each of the external gear sets includes first and second gears. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake. |
| US08357062B2 |
Game ball
Hollow balls with a hard shell, for example the game ball used in the pickle ball game, are used in various racquet games. One example of such hollow balls is the game ball used in the pickle ball game. These hollow balls break after a period of use or when excessive force is applied to the hollow ball. A game ball is described herein with a first plurality of apertures and a second plurality of apertures. Each of the first plurality of apertures is dimensionally different from each of the second plurality of apertures and inter-configured to reduce damage to the game ball during use thereof. |
| US08357061B2 |
Training apparatus
A training apparatus for use on a training surface is disclosed. The training apparatus includes a sport-projectile stopping member and an elongated body substantially transverse to the sport-projectile stopping member. The elongated body has a first section, a second section, and a transition section between the first and second sections. A portion of the first section is positioned on the sport-projectile stopping member, and the first section is sized such that the sport-projection stopping member, the first section, the training surface and the transition section define an orifice through which a sport-projectile can pass through. |
| US08357060B2 |
Golf ball with soft feel
A golf ball comprising: (a) a core; (b) an inner mantle layer; (c) an intermediate mantle layer; (d) an outer mantle layer; and (e) at least one cover layer; wherein the core has a PGA compression of less than 70, and the core/inner mantle layer/intermediate mantle layer combined construct has a PGA compression of at least 30. |
| US08357057B2 |
Weight element for a golf club
Wood-type golf club heads (e.g., drivers, fairway woods, wood-type hybrid clubs, or the like) include: (a) a ball striking face; (b) a club head body engaged or integrally formed with the ball striking face, wherein the club head body includes a crown portion, the crown portion including a fixed portion proximal to the ball striking face, and a removable weight portion, which is configured to be coupled with the fixed portion on a side of the crown portion away from the ball striking face. The club head body may further include an interior portion with a frame member defined therein. The crown weight may further include a weight member attached to the frame member, the weight member including at least one receptacle defined therein. The removable weight portion may further include at least one weight insert supported within the weight member in the at least one receptacle. |
| US08357056B2 |
Structural response modifying features for a golf club head
A golf club head having a crown, a sole having a length, ls, a strike face, a structural response modifying element having a constraining portion and a cantilever portion, the constraining portion extending from the sole to the crown and having a length lsc that is between about 10% to about 40% of length ls, wherein the cantilever portion extends form the constraining member toward the strike face. In another embodiment the constraining portion extends from the crown to a skirt portion of the club head, but is not connected to the strike face. |
| US08357055B2 |
Golf club shaft, production method therefor, and golf club therewith
A golf club shaft includes a base made of a metal material, a nickel plated layer formed on the base, a chrome plated layer formed on the nickel layer, and a coating layer formed on the chrome plated layer. The chrome plated layer has a surface roughness Ra of 0.1 to 0.3 μm and a thickness of 0.2 to 1 μm. |
| US08357048B2 |
Interactive gaming utilizing a dispersed storage network
Game data is received at a dispersed storage processing unit, the game data associated with at least one of a plurality of user devices. The game data is stored in a cache memory associated with the dispersed storage processing unit. Dispersed storage metadata associated with the cached game data is generated. A data block is generated based on the cached game data and further based on the dispersed storage metadata. The data block is stored in a dispersed storage network. |
| US08357043B2 |
Motion determination apparatus, game apparatus therefor, and computer program therefor
The game apparatus (1) has a fixed main unit (100) and a movable operating device (8) that is held by a player and is capable of detecting the body motion of the player and of transmitting a signal to, receiving from, the main unit (100). The operating device (8) has an acceleration sensor (86) for detecting acceleration, a light source (85), and a transmitter (87) for transmitting a value detected by the acceleration sensor (86) to the main unit (100). The main unit (100) has light receiving units (9L,9R) that receive the light emitted from the light source (85) to detect the intensity of the received light, a RAM (14), and a processor (16). Processor (16) repeats a process of detecting the position of the operating device (8) based on the intensity of light detected by each of the light receiving units (9L,9R), causes a RAM (14) to store the detected position history, determines whether a player has performed a predetermined motion based on the position history and the detected value of the acceleration sensor (86). |
| US08357042B2 |
Gaming system, a sound controller, and a method of gaming
A method of gaming comprising: outputting a plurality of different game accompanying sounds individually during at least part of play of one or more games; and outputting two or more sounds together in response to at least one game event occurring. |
| US08357040B2 |
Templated three-dimensional wagering game features
Systems and methods render three-dimensional objects for a wagering game component in accordance with graphical assets that may be downloaded. The graphical assets may include meshes, skins, physics characteristics, shader programs or other graphical assets. |
| US08357034B2 |
Gaming system and method providing third party promotions
A gaming system and method disclosed herein enable players to earn promotional awards at gaming machines without sacrificing or surrendering player tracking points. The gaming system and method also provide value to players without the casino absorbing the cost of such value. The gaming system and method disclosed herein creates a new type of currency redeemable for a good or service (or a discount on a good or service) associated with a point-of-sale independent of the casino. In one form, the player tracking currency does not cost the casino or the player anything. |
| US08357031B2 |
Outdoor air conditioner cover assembly
This invention is a modular all-season air conditioner cover (for ground supported or window supported A/C units). The cover includes fixed side wall intake air louvers interleaved around the main cover assembly side walls to shield the air condition unit from the outdoor elements without restricting intake air flow toward the A/C coils. In each embodiment of the invention, a plurality of interleaved exhaust face louvers having overlapping depending edges are included, that are both used to channel rain water away from the air condition unit and are free to articulate to and away from the A/C fan air exit face grate and the adjacent surfaces of the main cover assembly to which they are attached. The articulated louvers are moved from a resting to an open position by air pressure from the fan driven cooling air being drawn through the A/C unit coils. In an alternate version, an additional top face grate is attached above the top face of the exhaust air actuated louvers to keep debris from obstructing their articulation. In order to speed the installation and removal of the present invention, magnets for holding the cover in position are affixed to slots in the main cover assembly. |
| US08357028B2 |
Self-bonded foamed abrasive articles and machining with such articles
A self-bonded foamed abrasive article and a method of machining using such an article. The machining method includes providing a workpiece having a worksurface and removing material from the worksurface by moving an abrasive relative to the worksurface, wherein the abrasive comprises a foamed abrasive body consisting of abrasive grains and a porosity of at least about 66 vol %. |
| US08357027B2 |
Polishing pad and method of manufacture
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a polishing pad with embedded polymeric capsules useful for planarizing a substrate in a CMP process using a polishing composition. The method reduces non-uniformity of the polishing pad due to capsule floating, differential heating and capsule expansion by the use of novel capsule materials. The method also increases the efficiency of the manufacturing process by reducing the number of defective products and reducing waste. |
| US08357024B2 |
Stretchable band and adjustable strap attachment for breastfeeding
A size-adjustable, breastfeeding band that helps to lessen the likelihood of infant suffocation during breastfeeding, comprising a primary band, comprised of elastic (or stretchable material) that securely and comfortably extends around the entire middle portion of the breast and fastens via button, snap, drawstring, Velcro, or any other related material or adhesive that can securely hold band in place; and an adjustable strap attachment co-operable with the primary band by attaching into it and preventing slippage. |
| US08357022B2 |
Manufacturing apparatus for liquid crystal panel
A manufacturing apparatus for liquid crystal (LC) panels, including a temperature control device, an LC status monitor, a backlight source and an ultraviolet set. The temperature control device, on which an LC panel is placed, provides temperature control and is perforated to pass light therethrough. The LC status monitor is operative to observe the LC panel while the light is emitted from the backlight source and transmitted through the LC panel and the temperature control device as back-lights of the LC panel. The ultraviolet set is operative to expose the LC panel to ultraviolet light. The relative position between the temperature control device and the backlight source is adjustable, to switch the operating state of the apparatus. In the first operating state, the LC panel can be observed by the LC status monitor. In the second operating state, the LC panel can be exposed to ultraviolet light. |
| US08357020B2 |
Life jacket
A life jacket includes a hood and a hydration pack. The hood may be neoprene protecting the head from the water. The hydration pack may be insulated. The hydration pack may include a flow tube with a filter providing clean water to the user. The life jacket may include waterproof insulated pockets protecting contents therein. |
| US08357013B2 |
Reducing far-end crosstalk in electrical connectors
The present invention involves connectors for reducing Far-End Crosstalk (FEXT) through the use of novel polarity swapping to negate the cumulative effect of FEXT. Skew adjustment is used to improve the FEXT cancellation from polarity swapping. The polarity reversal location or locations among FEXT sources are optimized to achieve maximum FEXT cancellation. The novelty polarity swapping technique can be applied to a wide variety of connectors, such as mezzanine connectors, backplane connectors, and any other connectors that can benefit from FEXT reduction. |
| US08357012B2 |
Assembly for permitting Power over Ethernet connection
An assembly for permitting “Power-over-Ethernet” (PoE) connection between a PoE control device and the components of a cabling network includes a patch panel or conventional design. The patch panel includes on a front face thereof a plurality of first sockets that are each open on the front face such that a plug inserted into the first socket is connectable to a data cable via a data transmission path forming part of the patch panel. The assembly includes a distribution matrix that is securable onto the front side of the patch panel, the distribution matrix including a plurality of through-going apertures corresponding in number and location to the first sockets of the patch panel such that when the matrix member is secured on the patch panel a said aperture is functionally in register with each of the first sockets. The distribution matrix includes a power bus supported thereby. The assembly includes one or more connector devices, and the power bus is connectable to a PoE controller. |
| US08357011B2 |
Plug assembly for telecommunications cable
A plug assembly includes a sleeve and a connector assembly. The sleeve includes a first axial end portion and a second axial end portion. The second axial end portion defines a plurality of channels. The connector assembly is engaged to the second axial end portion of the sleeve. The connector assembly includes a connector body, a plurality of contacts and a plug. The plurality of contacts is disposed in the connector body. Each of the plurality of contacts includes a first end and a second end. The first ends of the plurality of channels are disposed in the plurality of channels of the sleeve. The plug is engaged to the connector body. The plug includes a plurality of grooves through which the second ends of the plurality of contacts are accessible. |
| US08357010B2 |
High frequency local and wide area networking connector with insertable and removable tranformer component and heat sink
A network connector includes a housing, an integral printed circuit board in the housing, and a locking mechanism in the housing. The locking mechanism is operative for removably securing an assembled transformer component in operative relation to the integral printed circuit board. Contacts are provided on the integral printed circuit board for contacting contacts of the assembled transformer component when the assembled transformer component is secured in operative relation to the integral printed circuit board. Connector pins extend between a connector in the housing and the integral printed circuit board. Mounting pins extend through the housing from the integral printed circuit board to a position outside the housing for connection to an external printed circuit board. A number of the connectors can be arranged vertically, side-by-side, or both vertically and side-by-side. |
| US08357008B2 |
Security system for a network device
A mounting system for a circuit receptacle is provided. The mounting system includes a socket and a circuit receptacle. The socket includes a locking recess that is disposable in an opening of an installation surface. The circuit receptacle includes a locking tab that engages the locking recess and secures the circuit receptacle to the socket. The locking tab may be configured to engage the locking recess in the opening of the installation surface, such that the locking tab is hidden. |
| US08357006B2 |
Systems and methods of coupling electrical conductors
Systems and methods are provided for coupling a plurality of electrical conductors, such as wires. A connector is provided including a plurality of bores or channels formed into a preferably unitary connector body, wherein at least a portion of one or more of the bores or channels intersects at least a portion of another of the bores or channels. The bores or channels are preferably formed along bore axes, which may be coplanar. A method according to the present invention includes inserting an insulated electrical conductor into a connector body and rotating a conductive rotational member threaded into a bore or channel formed in a connector body so as to electrically contact the conductive portion of the insulated conductor and at least one other electrically conductive surface. |
| US08357004B2 |
Connector assembly
A connector assembly includes a first connector with a positioning portion and a second connector with a latch. A blocking portion is located on a second side of the first connector. The latch defines an oblique latching plane, the positioning portion defines an oblique sliding plane, and the blocking portion defines an oblique blocking plane. If the latch is aligned with the positioning portion and is slid towards the first connector, the oblique direction of the second latching plane is substantially the same as the oblique positioning plane. If the latch is aligned with the blocking portion and is slid towards the first connector, an acute angle is defined between the oblique direction of the second latching plane and the oblique direction of the blocking plane. |
| US08356997B1 |
Intelligent tutoring system
An intelligent tutoring system can be implemented using filters, predictive modeling, and a knowledge warehouse, which allows content to be dynamically selected for individualized presentation to a learner. Such an intelligent tutoring system can be implemented using a variety of techniques, including polynomial vector equations in modeling, extensible markup language storage formats for presentation data, and a knowledge warehouse with information stored in data cubes. |
| US08356991B2 |
Rotary blow molding machine with movable clamp assemblies and method
A continuous blow molding machine includes a mechanism for shifting molds upstream after closing to reduce between-mold flash. |
| US08356986B2 |
Compressor
A compressor includes a compression mechanism having two opposed end plates, a fixed member disposed between the two end plates, a movable member disposed between the two end plates, a bypass passage, and an opener/closer. The movable member is arranged to eccentrically move about a predetermined rotational axis to compress refrigerant in a compression chamber formed between the fixed member and the movable member. The bypass passageway has an upstream end opened to the compression chamber through which refrigerant is partially ejected from the compression chamber so as to be returned to a suction side of the compression mechanism. The cross section of the upstream end of the bypass passage is preferably elongated circumferentially about the rotational axis. The compression mechanism may include a plurality of bypass passages and a plurality of openers/closers. |
| US08356984B2 |
Hand air pump having gauge device
A hand air pump includes a connecting member having a barrel and an outlet port and a mouth, a receptacle having a cylinder engaged onto the barrel and having a slidable piston, the receptacle includes a channel for engaging with a cover plate which includes a longitudinal hole communicative with the mouth of the connecting member, and a gauge device includes a notch for receiving the receptacle and includes one or more latching members for retaining the gauge device to the receptacle and includes a connector engaged with the hole of the cover plate for receiving the pressurized air from the cylinder and for measuring an air pressure within the cylinder. |
| US08356981B2 |
Gas turbine engine vane arrangement
Within gas turbine engines is necessary to provide nozzle guide vanes between stages of the engine. These vanes are presented in vane segments and it is desirable to prevent leakage to retain engine operation efficiency as well as to avoid hot gas impingement on inappropriate parts of the engine. By use of anti-rotation blocks twisting between the segments can be prevented and therefore the segments retained in alignment. However, thermal distortion may open a chordal seal provided to inhibit gas flow leakage. By provision of chordal bumps it is possible to prevent forward rocking which will inhibit gaps between the chordal seal and an engaging support ring surface. Furthermore the anti-rotation blocks will generally incorporate appropriate mating surfaces to engage the chordal bumps across two or more vane segments to facilitate retention of vane segment alignment while achieving adjustment for thermal distortion. |
| US08356980B2 |
Method of manufacturing a turbine rotor
A method for joining a cast metal material blade ring and a metal material hub structure into a turbine rotor. One of the blade ring and the hub structure is mounted in a holder and the other is mounted in a rotation holder for being rotated. At least one of these mountings is heated, and then they are pressed together with a selected force while rotating to weld the ring interior wall and the disk side to form the assembled structure. |
| US08356977B2 |
Rotary wing aircraft rotary lead lag damper
The rotary damper for controlling helicopter motions includes an outer canister with an inner paddle wheel receiving cavity which receives an inner paddle wheel with upper and lower elastomeric tubular intermediate members between the inner paddle wheel and the outer canister. The canister and inner paddle wheel form neighboring variable volume chambers in liquid communication through liquid damping conduits. A clockwise rotation of the inner paddle wheel about the center of rotation axis relative to the outer canister pumps damper liquid from a second variable volume chamber through a first liquid conduit towards a first variable volume chamber, and a counterclockwise rotation of the paddle wheel relative to the outer canister pumps the damper liquid from the first variable volume chamber through the first liquid conduit towards the second variable volume chamber with the elastomeric tubular intermediate members providing for the relative rotation and containing the damper liquid in the damper. |
| US08356971B2 |
Disc turbine with streamlined hub vanes and co-axial exhaust tube
In a disc turbine for operation from steam, including superheated steam, a stack of horizontally oriented discs is fitted centrally with a hub having a closed upper end from which a driveshaft extends upwardly, supported by a bearing system. The hub is configured with identical vanes arrayed uniformly about the central axis and specially shaped to accomplish a set of desired flow path objectives. The vanes are generally tapered such that their cross-sectional shape evolves from predominantly solid material in area at the top of the hub to predominantly open area at the bottom of the hub, where the flow paths proceed downwardly into a tubular exhaust passageway. The entry to the exhaust passageway may take the form of effectively a hollow portion of the shaft in the exhaust region, which may be supported from the enclosure by a bearing set. The central opening in each disk, and thus in the stack, and in the periphery of the hub are both configured with a complementary mating interface pattern: e.g. three ⅓ revolution spiral paths in a radial array with a semicircular-shaped key step extending radially across each the spiral end offset, the set of key steps serving to transmit drive torque from the discs to the hub while avoiding direct solid connection therebetween, for purposes of accommodating operational thermal expansion. A downward-facing tubular exhaust passageway allows an unimpeded vortex exhaust gas flow path that evolves smoothly from the spiral flow path of gas from disc stack, as guided by the specially-shaped vanes in the hub. |
| US08356970B2 |
Exhaust pump, communicating pipe, and exhaust system
An exhaust pump that prevents particles from entering a processing chamber of a substrate processing apparatus. The exhaust pump connected to the processing chamber has rotary blades and an air intake portion disposed on the processing chamber side of the rotary blades. A shielding unit is disposed inside the air intake portion and shields the rotary blades when the air intake portion is viewed from the processing chamber side. |
| US08356963B2 |
Channel and anchor assembly for securing cargo
A channel and anchor assembly includes a channel and an anchor. The channel has a generally c-shaped cross-section that includes first and second upper extensions that define a plurality of openings, first and second side edges connected at first ends to the first and second upper extensions, respectively, and a lower cross member that extends between second ends of the first and the second side edges. The first and the second upper extensions lie in substantially a first plane, and the lower cross member lies in substantially a second plane that is separated from the first plane by a distance sized to allow an anchor member to be inserted into the channel. The openings are sized and positioned to receive complementary protrusions extending from the anchor member. The anchor includes a substantially rectangular lower planar member configured to enter the channel. A plurality of protrusions extend from a top surface of the lower planar member. The protrusions are positioned adjacent to first and second edges of the lower planar member and are configured to enter the plurality of openings defined by the channel. |
| US08356962B2 |
Logistics panel and containers
A logistics panel forms a side wall of a container (12) and has elongate metal recesses (16) formed in the surface and a logistics track (17) including a face portion (22), an elongate slot (23) in said face portion and a pair of elongate webs (24) each extending parallel to and between a respective said edge and the slot, the webs having a plurality of locating apertures, and a load carrier (18) located in said channel and extending out through the slot and having engagement pawls (26) selectively and positively locatable in said apertures. |
| US08356961B2 |
Machining apparatus and machining method
The invention provides a machining apparatus, and its machining method, having machining tables whose weight do not increase so much even if a number of machining sections such as spindles is increased. One of the machining tables is a rectangular stationary table having a groove in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction on its surface and the other is a rectangular movable table engaged with the groove. The machining apparatus machines a printed circuit board, whose area is larger than that of the movable table, on a mounting surface of the stationary table by changing position of the printed circuit board by moving the movable table and by determining machining position by moving a spindle at position facing the mounting surface of the stationary table. |
| US08356957B2 |
System and method of applying a road surface
A system for applying a road surface includes a plurality of operational components each with one or a plurality of adjustment parameters and an open loop control unit from which the adjustment parameters are communicated to the operational components. The system has a closed-loop control unit for determining the optimum adjustment parameters for obtaining at least one specified target value taking into account measurement quantities, for producing a command data set representing a plurality of optimum adjustment parameters and for communicating this command data set to the open loop control unit. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a system for the application of a road surface, in particular a road finisher. |
| US08356956B2 |
Non-bolted bridge parapet barrier
Increased resistance to displacement of a barrier or barrier sections thereof in response to a lateral force without anchoring or bolting barrier sections together is achieved by providing an attachment arrangement near the top of an end of barrier sections which is capable of carrying a tensile force and developing that tensile force using a tightening bolt/nut arrangement located at deflection stops at lower corners of the barrier sections to develop a compressive force. The barrier sections are thus rigidly attached together such that a lateral force applied to one or more barrier sections is partially transferred to additional attached barrier sections effectively increasing the mass against which the lateral force is applied. The tightening bolt/nut arrangements are retained by and are captive to the respective barrier sections when barrier sections are disassembled from each other. |
| US08356954B2 |
Assembly apparatus for modular components especially for upholstered furniture
A connector assembly is used to connect subassemblies such as parts of a knockdown or modular sofa or similar item of furniture. The furniture item can be an upholstered item in which the multiple components are stackable into a volume that is smaller than the assembled item of furniture for shipping. The connector assembly includes a keyhole slot on a frame member in one component and a male connector assembly on a frame member in the other assembly. The male connector includes a sleeve with a cylindrical shank and an adjacent enlarged or conical portion, and the sleeve, which may be plastic, is mounted the bolt. The narrow section of the keyhole slot has a beveled surface and as the sleeve progresses into the narrow section, engagement of the conical sleeve section with the beveled slot surface tightens the two members being attached. |
| US08356950B2 |
Camera module and method for manufacturing camera module
A camera module includes a camera unit, a board, and a driving unit mounted on the board and configured to drive the camera unit. The camera module also includes an elastic camera-side connecting part configured to connect a terminal of the camera unit with wiring on a first surface of the board. |
| US08356947B2 |
Optical connector
An optical connector which enables an operator to easily remove a ferrule from a housing without using a special jig by himself alone. A supporting member that is mounted in a housing in a manner capable of being inserted and removed in a state in which the ferrule is held therein, includes a supporting member main body which is accommodated in the housing, and an operating portion which temporarily releases an engagement between protrusions formed on the supporting member main body and through holes formed in the housing. The operating portion is arranged in a manner protruding outside the housing when the supporting member is mounted in the housing. |
| US08356939B2 |
Protective cover and wheel rolling bearing device incorporating the protective cover
An annular recess is formed in a vehicle inner side of a wheel rolling bearing device. A protective cover is attached to an inner ring disposed in a bottom side of the recess to protect an annular magnetic encoder. A cover body of the protective cover is formed with an annular first disk portion covering the magnetic encoder, a cylindrical portion extending from a radial outer end of the first disk portion and fitted into an inner circumferential wall of the recess, and a second disk portion extending radially outward from an upper end of the cylindrical portion and covering the end portion of the outer ring located around the recess. The cover body is formed with a to-be-separated portion constituted by at least one of half-cut grooves and perforations extending in a radial direction of the cover body. The cover body is formed with lugs which are projected from the second disk portion. |
| US08356937B2 |
Rotatable boom cargo scanning system
The present application is a self-contained mobile inspection system and method and, more specifically, improved methods and systems for detecting materials concealed within a wide variety of receptacles and/or cargo containers. In particular, the present application is an improved method and system for inspecting receptacles and/or cargo containers using a single boom placed on a turntable with pivot points to allow for folding and unfolding of the boom, such that the inspection system is relatively compact in a stowed configuration and has a low center of gravity lending to greater stability. |
| US08356935B2 |
Methods for assessing a temperature in a subsurface formation
Methods for assessing a temperature in an opening in a subsurface formation are described herein. A method may include assessing one or more dielectric properties along a length of an insulated conductor located in the opening and assessing one or more temperatures along the length of the insulated conductor based on the one or more assessed dielectric properties. |
| US08356932B2 |
Manufacturing method for a sensor of a thermal flow measuring device
A method for the manufacture of a sensor for a thermal flow measuring device, wherein the sensor has at least one housing with a first open end and a second open end. The first open end is securable in a sensor holder; and at least one resistance thermometer is inserted into the housing through the second open end of the housing and the second open end of the housing is closed. Cables for electrical contacting of the resistance thermometer lead out of the housing through the first open end of the housing. |
| US08356931B2 |
Angled crown setting device
A crown setting device for a timepiece comprising: a case; a bezel attached to the case; a setting stem in axially slideable communication with the case; a crown shaft, the crown shaft comprising: a first end; a second end; a first portion of the crown shaft abutting the first end; a second portion of the crown shaft abutting the second end; and wherein the first end is in fixed communication with the setting stem; a crown in fixed communication with the second end; and wherein the second portion is at an angle α with respect to the first portion, and wherein the angle α is between about 90° and about 175°. |
| US08356930B2 |
Dynamometric device for indicating the remaining barrel torque in a timepiece
The invention concerns a dynamometric device (100) indicating the remaining barrel torque in a timepiece including a barrel ratchet (2) cooperating with a ratchet click (3) to keep accumulated, in a mainspring, the energy transmitted by a winding crown, said click (3) which pivots about a pin (10) between a meshed position where a tooth (31) of the ratchet click (3) cooperates with said ratchet (2), and a disengaged position where each tooth (31) of said click (3) withdraws when the ratchet (2) rotates as said barrel is being wound, said click (3) being returned to said ratchet (2) under the action of a spring (4).The invention is characterized in that it includes a strip spring (1) with a resilient arm (8) fixed to the plate, and in that said pin (10) is mounted on a support (12) of said arm (8), at one end of which it has a hand (6) displaying the barrel torque reserve, in cooperation with a torque reserve indicator (5). |
| US08356928B2 |
Supply assembly for a beverage machine and machine comprising such an assembly
The present invention relates to a supply assembly for use in the manufacture of a machine for preparing a beverage obtained by dissolving a soluble preparation in water. The invention also relates to a beverage machine that comprises said supply assembly. The supply assembly (1) according to the invention comprises a mixing chamber (10) containing a mixer (11) comprising at least one impeller (HA) for mixing a single dose of soluble preparation in a quantity of water in order to obtain said beverage. At least one nozzle (20) is provided for the insertion of said water inside said mixing chamber (10) which comprises an upper opening (15) directly accessible to a user for the manual insertion of a single dose of soluble preparation. The mixing chamber (10) also comprises a lower opening (16) suitable for enabling the supply of the beverage in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (99) of the impeller (HA) that is positioned so as to be faced and adjacent to the lower opening (16) so that, during and as a result of its rotation, it prevents the beverage from escaping. |
| US08356922B2 |
Reflector lamp used as daytime running lamp
An automotive daytime running lamp assembly includes an incandescent light source received within a reflector member. The reflector member is formed as a surface of revolution about a longitudinal axis and has an enlarged, first end, and a narrowed, second end with an opening that receives at least a portion of a light source therethrough along the longitudinal axis. A sleeve is received over a portion of the light source and at least partially extends through the reflector member opening. A cap received over the second end of the reflector member about the opening is fixedly secured to a disk, preferably by fusing or welding the components together. Likewise, the disk and metal sleeve are fixedly secured or fused/welded together so that the light source is fixed relative to the reflector member. A mounting member is provided for secure optical positioning of the assembly in a fixture of the associated automotive vehicle. |
| US08356921B2 |
Lighting device and door lining using same
A lighting device for use in a vehicle, is equipped with one light source and a linear light-guiding body which guides light from the light source. The light-guiding body has a linear, primary spotlight part which emits light in a linear shape and a secondary spotlight part which emits a spot of light from the tip of the light-guiding body, thus providing different lighting with one light source. |
| US08356919B2 |
Lens and LED module using the same
An LED module includes a printed circuit board, an LED mounted on the printed circuit board, and a lens fixed on the printed circuit board and covering the LED for refracting light emitted by the LED. The lens has a concaved inner face for incidence of the light and an opposite convex outer face for the light refracting out thereof. The inner face is aspherical. The outer face is spherical. The inner and outer faces are centrosymmetrical relative to axes, respectively, which are coincident with each other. A curvature of the inner face is gradually reduced from a center to an edge thereof. |
| US08356913B2 |
Light-emitting apparatus
The light-emitting apparatus (1) of the present invention includes: a storage case (12) that includes a base board (10) having a concave portion (10a) and a lid portion (11) covering the concave portion (10a); and a plurality of light-emitting elements (13) that are disposed on an inner surface (12a) of the storage case (12), an opening (11a) is formed in the lid portion (11), at least a part of the inner surface (12a) is a light-reflecting surface that wave-guides light emitted by the light-emitting elements (13) as light sources to a position directly underneath the opening (11), and a reflecting portion (15) that reflects the light emitted by the light-emitting elements (13) as the light sources toward the opening (11a) is formed directly underneath the opening (11a). Thereby, the light-emitting apparatus having a point light source with high brightness can be provided. |
| US08356904B2 |
System and method for creating artificial atomosphere
A lighting system (100) includes at least one controllable light source (125) configured to provide a light having at least one attribute; an image renderer (135) configured to render at least one image; and a system controller (110) configured to select the image in corresponding to the selected attribute. The system controller (110) may be configured to receive at least one script associated with different light attributes such as different light intensity or brightness levels, and to change the image in response to changes of the light attribute in accordance with the script. |
| US08356896B2 |
Method for determining far and near reference points
The invention relates to a method for specifying or determining the spatial position of a distance reference point and/or a near reference point of a progressive spectacle lens for correcting defective vision of a spectacle wearer. Said method consists of the following steps: individual data of the spectacle wearer is obtained; the individual vertical and/or the horizontal position of the distance reference point and/or the near reference point is determined or calculated in accordance with the determined individual data of the spectacle wearer. |
| US08356893B2 |
Ink composition containing non-VOC liquid carrier
Ink composition including non-VOC liquid carrier and method of making the same are disclosed. A disclosed example ink composition has a viscosity that is below about 70.0 cps and includes non-VOC liquid carrier, dispersing agents and pigment particles having an average size of less than about 10 μm. Also disclosed are method of use and method of making such ink composition containing non-VOC liquid carrier. |
| US08356890B2 |
Pressure regulating valve for inkjet printer
A pressure regulating valve for an inkjet printer includes a negative pressure generator including a negative pressure chamber, a pressure receiving member, and a pressure device. A sealing valve includes a pressure chamber, a valve element, and a valve element pressing device. A linkage mechanism includes a communication flow chamber and an operating lever swingably provided in the communication flow chamber and including an arm section, a first engagement section, and a second engagement section. A first length of the arm section is greater than a second length of the arm section. The first engagement section is pressed against the pressure receiving member to swing the operating lever and the second engagement section moves the valve element to open the sealing valve when the pressure receiving member is moved inwardly with respect to the negative pressure chamber against a force applied by the pressure device. |
| US08356875B2 |
Ink-jet recording device and ink-jet recording control method
An ink-jet recording device is capable of correcting a recording position due to a leaning of a printing head and correcting of driving timing between multiple printing heads. Each nozzle row of a printing head is classified into multiple nozzle groups, and the driving timing of the nozzle groups other than the nozzle group serving as a reference of correction of the multiple nozzle groups is adjustable to correct for any leaning of the printing head. Moreover, in the event of performing the driving timing between printing heads, the driving timing of a non-reference printing head is adjustable relative to a reference printing head employed for leaning correction of multiple printing heads. |
| US08356868B2 |
Image forming apparatus for establishing print gap by restricting rotation of eccentric bearing
An image forming apparatus includes a printhead, a carriage, one or more guide members, and a positioning mechanism. The printhead is mounted on the carriage. The one or more guide members support the carriage. The positioning mechanism includes an eccentric bearing and a rotation restrictor. The eccentric bearing is connected to each guide member and rotatable around a rotational axis offset from a guide member longitudinal axis to move the guide member relative to a substantially horizontal plane. The rotation restrictor defines a first point of contact with the eccentric bearing when the carriage is in a first operational position, and a second point of contact with the eccentric bearing when the carriage is in a second operational position. At least one of the first and second points of contact is displaceable with respect to the bearing rotational axis to modify the corresponding operational position of the carriage. |
| US08356866B2 |
Refrigerator with door opening device
A refrigerator with a door opening device. The door opening device includes a first rotating frame and a second rotating frame rotatably hinged to an upper end and a lower end of the door, a handle extended in the longitudinal direction of the door, and provided with one end connected to one end of the first rotating frame and the other end connected to one end of the second rotating frame, and a stopper unit to selectively restrict rotation of at least one of the first rotating frame and the second rotating frame relative to the door. |
| US08356865B2 |
Refrigerating device with pull-out carrier for refrigerated goods
The invention relates to a refrigerator having two telescopic extensions. A carrier for refrigerated goods is held on each telescopic extension by an adapter that bridges the space between the carrier for refrigerated goods and the telescopic extension, the width of the space being at least equal to the width of the telescopic extension. |
| US08356864B2 |
Immobilization device for locking a furniture part movably supported in or on a furniture part
The invention relates to an immobilization device for locking a furniture part that is movably supported in or on a piece of furniture, particularly a drawer, in a closed end position. The device includes at least one locking unit, which has a receiving element for an engagement element and a blocking mechanism for the releasable fixation of the receiving element in a position that locks the engagement element when the movable furniture part is in the closed end position. The receiving element or the engagement element is disposed on the furniture, and the other element is disposed on the moved furniture part. The locking unit has an overload safety mechanism, which includes at least two parts connected movably to each other. |
| US08356862B2 |
Adjustment mechanism and inclination-adjustable seat
An adjustment mechanism and an inclination-adjustable seat are provided. The inclination-adjustable seat comprises a connecting base, a seat frame, at least one adjustment mechanism and a supporting base, wherein the seat frame is connected to the connecting base, the adjustment mechanism is adapted to adjust the inclination of the inclination-adjustable seat and is connected to the seat frame and the connecting base, and the supporting base is connected to the connecting base for supporting the connecting base. |
| US08356861B2 |
Active suspension seat skirt
An skirt having an upper portion and a lower portion covers at least components of a suspension of an active suspension seat, wherein the upper portion is coupled to an upper frame of the suspension and includes at least an upper front portion having a curved cross-section, and wherein the lower portion is coupled to a lower frame of the suspension and includes a lower front portion that has an upper edge and that has either a curved or L-shape cross-section. The suspension causes the upper frame to move in a curvilinear manner relative to the lower frame as a result of providing active suspension, and a concave face of the upper front portion is positioned inwardly towards the suspension relative to the upper edge of the lower front portion and is positioned such that the predetermined size of a gap between the upper edge of the lower front portion and the concave face of the upper front is maintained as the upper front portion is caused to move with the upper frame in a curvilinear motion relative to the lower front portion. |
| US08356858B2 |
Cabin mounting structure for construction machinery
A cabin mounting structure is applied to construction machinery in which a cabin for riding a driver is mounted on a vehicle body, the cabin mounting structure including: an up and down directional vibration damping unit for damping up and down directional vibration of the cabin, the up and down directional vibration damping unit being mounted between the cabin and the vehicle body; and a front and rear directional vibration damping unit for damping front and rear directional vibration of the cabin, the front and rear directional vibration damping unit 3 being mounted between the cabin and the vehicle body, wherein the cabin is connected to the vehicle body to be relatively movable in a front and rear direction. |
| US08356857B2 |
Hood pedestrian energy absorber
An energy absorbing system includes a hood with inner and outer panels defining a rear edge cavity, and a pair of polymeric energy absorbers in the cavity. The hood and energy absorber are tuned to minimize an HIC value when a pedestrian's head contacts the hood during an impact to absorb energy prior to the hood bottoming out on the plenum of the vehicle. The energy absorber is preferably made of a polymeric material capable of withstanding high temperatures associated with going through a paint over or e-coat process, such as high temperature nylon. The illustrated energy absorber has a hat-shaped cross section and includes criss-crossing flanges tuned to provide an optimal force-deflection curve during impact. |
| US08356853B2 |
Method and coupling device for stowing a motor vehicle seat
A storage compartment is provided for a motor vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a motor vehicle seat. The storage compartment further includes, but is not limited to a movable element, a cargo space in the motor vehicle defined with the movable element that is at least partially bordered by the motor vehicle seat and situated with respect to the motor vehicle seat, and a wall bordering the cargo space in at least one direction and detachably coupled with the movable element with a coupling element so that the wall moves with the movable element. |
| US08356852B2 |
Automotive vehicle body closure with storage compartment
A storage compartment within an automotive vehicle rear body closure, such as a hatch or trunk, is accessed through a door that serves as a license plate attachment panel. The door may be part of a tub hinged along its lower edge and that occupies the storage compartment when the door is closed. |
| US08356846B1 |
Golf ball retriever
The instant invention is a golf ball retriever that is comprised of a molded unitary structure. The retriever is unique because the ball passes through the bottom edge by simply placing the retriever over the ball and pressing down on the ball making the movable bales move in an upward direction. After the ball passes through the bottom edge the movable bales return to their original position and are stopped by the bale stops. This traps the ball within the confines of the ball retriever. The handle and ball receiver are locked into position by fasteners. |
| US08356845B2 |
Scoop device with articulated-arm sifting action
A scoop device having a scoop and a handle with an articulated connection that allows for a sift plate to be operated by manual manipulation of an actuator bar. The actuator bar is operatively connected to the sift plate by means of a reciprocating bar in an articulating manner. The sift plate is positioned to slide along the bottom of the scoop. The actuator bar, which is contained within and a part of the handle, may be spring biased. The scoop bottom and sift plate may include slotted openings. Manipulation of the actuator bar causes the reciprocating bar to rotate, in turn causing the sift plate to move back and forth, thereby sifting, straining or otherwise separating fresh particulate from scoop. |
| US08356842B2 |
Fittings with redundant seals for aircraft fuel lines, fuel tanks, and other systems
Fittings with redundant seals for aircraft fuel lines, fuel tanks, and other systems. A representative fitting includes a first member having a flange and a barrel. The barrel further includes a passageway. A first flange seal is positioned at a face of the flange and can be sealably coupled to a surface, for example, a tank wall. A second flange seal is disposed outwardly from the first flange seal to seal against the surface. The fitting further includes a second member positioned within the passageway of the barrel. The fitting further includes first and second barrel seals positioned between the barrel and the second member. |
| US08356841B2 |
Customised multi-layer card comprising fracture initiation scores and method of producing one such card
The invention relates to a customized multi-layer support which takes the general form of a card, such as an identification card. The support includes a card body, the upper face of which is provided with externally-visible personal information; and a film which is at least partially transparent and which is fixed to the upper face of the card body. The support has boundary lines which define the areas of the aforementioned film with reduced or increased mechanical strength. The invention also relates to a method of producing one such customized support. |
| US08356839B1 |
Trailer frame
A trailer having a forward frame section, a rearward frame section, and two trailing arm suspension links forming an independent suspension system without a unitary cross axle. The trailing arm suspension links further include (i) a pivot joint connected to the forward frame section, (ii) a wheel hub assembly including a spindle; and (iii) a shock mount including a bracket position rearward of the spindle. The shock absorbing mechanism has a first end pivotally connected to the shock mount and a second end pivotally connected to the rear frame section rearward of the shock mount. |
| US08356837B2 |
Roll bar configuration for a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle with a roll bar configuration of this type
A roll bar configuration for a motor vehicle has a cross-member and two roll bars which are mounted on the cross-member in respective pivot axes. The roll bars are each formed as a single part and so as to be stiff per se and can be shifted from a retracted inoperative position into an erected protective position about the pivot axes. The pivot axes are disposed—as seen in the direction of the width of the motor vehicle—at a distance from each other on the cross-member. The roll bar configuration, which takes up a small installation space in the direction of the vehicle height is distinguished in that the roll bars are arranged in the inoperative position—as seen in the vertical direction of the vehicle—level with the pivot axes or on the cross-member there above. |
| US08356835B2 |
Side air bag apparatus and manufacturing method of a side air bag
A protruding portion that is exposed from the outer peripheries of upper base cloths and a lower base cloth and provided with an insertion hole for inserting an inflator is provided on a portion of a tube base cloth. The inflator is inserted into the side air bag through the insertion hole. The peripheral edge portion of the insertion hole is fixed to the inflator by a clamp. The upper base cloths are not sewn to together in an area where the outer peripheries of the upper base cloths overlap with the tube base cloth, and the lower base cloth is not sewn to itself in an area where the outer periphery of the lower base cloth overlaps with the tube base cloth. |
| US08356833B2 |
Airbag device and production method thereof
An airbag is formed of two base fabrics. An adhesive agent is pasted with some width on one of the base fabrics and then another of the base fabrics is put on the one of the base fabrics. The two fabrics are adhered together to form the airbag. Pasting start/end portions of the adhesive agent is set at a gas introducing portion of the airbag. Pasting start/end points (terminal ends of the start/end portions) is located outside a path in the gas introducing portion through which a gas is introduced into an inside of the airbag. According to an airbag with the airbag, assembling workability of the airbag can be improved. |
| US08356829B2 |
Bicycle suspension-setting adjustor assembly
A bicycle suspension-setting adjustor assembly is provided with a suspension tube attachment structure, a first actuator, a second actuator and a suspension-setting adjustment unit. The first actuator is rotatably mounted to the suspension tube attachment structure. The second actuator is rotatably mounted to the suspension tube attachment structure to rotate independent of rotation of the first actuator. The suspension-setting adjustment unit is operatively coupled to the first and second actuators. The suspension-setting adjustment unit adjusts a first suspension setting in response to rotation of the first actuator by using rotational movement of the suspension-setting adjustment unit. The suspension-setting adjustment unit adjusts a second suspension setting in response to rotation of the second actuator by using axial movement of the suspension-setting adjustment unit. |
| US08356824B1 |
Stroller illumination system
A stroller illumination system includes a stroller frame and a child receiving member that is mounted on the stroller frame. The stroller frame includes a plurality of legs and a handle grip. Each of the legs has at least one of a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled thereto. A light emitting assembly is mounted on the frame. The light emitting assembly emits light when turned on to increase a visibility of the stroller frame. |
| US08356823B1 |
Adjustable wheelbarrow chair
A wheelbarrow convertible to an adjustable-tilt chair includes a pair of spaced-apart elongated rails, a wheel and axle assembly operably attached adjacent the distal ends of the elongated rails, two support legs, a hopper having two side walls, a bottom member, a front panel, and a seat panel. A pivot rod is rotatably attached to the pair of rails and to a first underside portion of the hopper bottom. Additionally, a brace is hingedly attached at one end to a second underside portion of the hopper bottom, the brace including an elongated rod at an opposite end which adjustably engages with at least one adjustment bracket having a plurality of notches communicating with apertures for engagement with the elongated rod. |
| US08356819B2 |
Low and reverse pressure application hydrodynamic pressurizing seals
The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. Each additional groove is an axial bore groove extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the seal ring segment in fluid communication with the dead end circumferential groove so as to direct fluid flow generated from a rotating shaft into the dead end circumferential groove. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment. |
| US08356816B2 |
Multi-hand poker with card transformations
A method of implementing a wagering game. A first hand of cards is dealt on a first row. Cards can be held or discarded by a player. Cards that are held are transformed into a card with a same face value but a different suit and copied into an additional row. Cards not held are replaced in the first row and the additional row. |
| US08356815B2 |
Recording device
A recording device includes a plurality of holes formed in the medium support part, a suction unit configured to suck out air via the holes, closing members configured and arranged to move in a direction away from the holes, an urging unit configured to urge the closing members toward the holes, and a sliding member configured and arranged to slide in a direction intersecting a moving direction in which the closing members move. The holes to be put into an opened state are selected by changing a position of the sliding member in the sliding direction. |
| US08356814B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus, image forming apparatus, and image reading apparatus
An aspect of the invention provides a sheet conveying apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image reading apparatus, in which generation of skew feeding caused by the shock in pressure contact of a rotation body can be reduced. An interlocking mechanism brings a driven roller 222 biased by a biasing member into pressure contact with a feeding portion 221c of a driving roller 221 in conjunction with rotation of the driving roller 221. The driving roller 221 includes a non-feeding portion 221d in a circumferential surface thereof. The driven roller 222 is caused to abut on a pressure holder 225 before the driven roller 222 moved in a direction in which the interlocking mechanism brings the driven roller 222 into the pressure contact with the driving roller 221 is brought into the pressure contact with the driving roller 221. |
| US08356811B2 |
Storage film feed
A storage film feed feeds a storage film from a flexible sleeve open on one side at a rear side in a storage film detection device. The storage film feed has a feed opening with a penetration gap for the storage film and a slide located in the feed opening for fixing the sleeve. The slide is disposed perpendicular to a flat side of the sleeve. The storage film feed further has a stopping member for the slide, the flat side of the sleeve rests against the stopping member when the slide is actuated. |
| US08356809B2 |
Adjustable delivery web conversion apparatus and method
An adjustable delivery web conversion apparatus is provided. The adjustable delivery web conversion apparatus includes a variable cutting apparatus cutting a printed web into a first signature and a second signature, a first assembly receiving the first signature and a second assembly downstream of the first assembly receiving the second signature. Also included are a first delivery section for receiving the first signature from the first assembly, a second delivery section for receiving the second signature from the second assembly and a stack receiving conveyor for receiving the first signature and the second signature. The first delivery section is movable between a first delivery and a first non-delivery position. The second delivery section is movable between a second delivery position and a second non-delivery position. The stacking receiving conveyor is movable between a conveying position and a non-conveying position. A method of producing and delivering signatures is also provided. |
| US08356808B2 |
Apparatus for turning over an article in a vacuum coating system and method for turning over said article in a vacuum coating system
An apparatus for turning over an article (12) in a vacuum coating system includes a holder (10) for the article (12), which is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (23) on a carrier. The apparatus further includes a turnover device (2, 4, 28) turning over the holder (10) by rotation about the axis of rotation (23) by utilizing a force generator. The turnover device (2, 4, 28) generates a force which turns over the holder (10) without mechanical coupling and without movable mechanical components between the turnover device (2, 4, 28) and the holder (10). A method of turning over an article (12) and for using the device or the method for turning over, in particular a plastic ophthalmic lens (12), is also disclosed. |
| US08356806B2 |
Main rubber element for hydraulic engine mounts
An improved hydraulic engine mount includes a main rubber element of one piece construction. The main rubber element includes an upper portion, an intermediate portion, and a lower portion. The lower portion includes an interlocking seal portion. The hydraulic engine mount includes an upper housing and a lower housing. The interlocking seal portion includes an upper protrusion operable to fit within an upper groove of the upper housing to fit together to form a tight locking seal. The upper housing further includes an upper protrusion operable to connect to an upper groove of the main rubber element. The upper groove of the main rubber element is annular and extends around the lower portion of the main rubber element. The lower portion of the main rubber element further includes a generally axially extending second protrusion abutting both the upper housing and the lower housing. The lower housing includes a protrusion abutting a second protrusion of the main rubber element and fitting within a second groove of the main rubber element. A third protrusion of the main rubber element abuts the protrusion of the lower housing, a top plate of an inertia track assembly, and defines the lower section of an upper chamber. Additionally, a sealing bead is molded to the bottom of the main rubber element to seal against the top of the inertia track. |
| US08356805B2 |
Carburetor for an internal combustion engine
A carburetor for an internal combustion engine has a carburetor housing and a mixture forming passage provided in the carburetor housing. A throttle and a choke valve are rotatably arranged in the mixture forming passage on a throttle shaft and a choke shaft, respectively. A lever arrangement has a throttle adjusting lever mounted on the throttle shaft and a choke adjusting lever mounted on the choke shaft. The throttle valve and the choke valve are adjustable in several operating positions and the lever arrangement assumes appropriate positions corresponding to the operational positions, respectively. A release device for releasing a locking action between the throttle adjusting lever and the choke adjusting lever when an emergency stop is actuated is provided. A spring forcing the choke adjusting lever in a direction toward an engagement plane with the throttle adjusting lever. |
| US08356804B2 |
Humidifying apparatus
Humidifying apparatus includes a humidifier for emitting moist air into an external environment, and a fan assembly for generating an air current within the external environment for conveying the emitted moist air away from the humidifier. The fan assembly includes a device for creating an air flow and a nozzle comprising an interior passage for receiving the air flow and a mouth for emitting the air flow. The humidifier is located behind nozzle, the nozzle extending about and defining an opening through which both air from outside the nozzle and the moist air emitted from the humidifier are drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth. |
| US08356802B2 |
Handrail assembly and method
A handrail assembly that can be installed on any wall. The assembly has a handrail and a bracket. The bracket can be twist-locked inside the handrail at any point in the handrail because the handrail has a continuous T-shaped channel at the bottom. The T-shaped channel's bottom portion is narrower than the upper portion. The bracket has a head that is as wide as the T-shaped channel's bottom portion and as long as the T-shaped channel's upper portion. The head has one curved corner to facilitate turning and teeth to bite into the upper portion of the channel's wall. The head is lifted through the bottom portion into the upper portion of the channel, the bracket is rotated a quarter turn, and the bracket becomes immobilized. The head of the bracket acts as a cam. Union joints can join multiple lengths of handrails. |
| US08356800B2 |
Protective padding
A protective padding assembly for covering a section of chain link fence of the character found in sports venues, such as baseball fields, soccer fields, football fields and the like, wherein the section of chain link fence includes a hingeably connected swinging gate. The protective padding assembly uniquely includes a fence covering section, a gate covering section and an intermediate, wedge shaped portion for covering the gate hinges in a manner that will not interfere with opening and closing the gate. |
| US08356799B2 |
Stake removal device
A stake removal device is provided. The device includes a proximal end for engaging a stake and distal end for engaging the user's hand. The device further includes an elongated intermediate portion in connection with the proximal and distal ends. |
| US08356797B1 |
Adjustable slideout support apparatus and method
An adjustable support apparatus for a recreational vehicle permits rapid height adjustment with a spring mechanism of a handle-nut assembly on a threaded rod. A portion of the threaded rod is inserted into the hollow portion of a jackscrew assembly. A tab on the handle-nut assembly includes an over-sized hole intersecting a threaded hole for engaging the threaded rod. An approximate desired height of the support apparatus is accomplished by pushing a tab inward and sliding the handle-nut assembly to a desired position on the threaded rod. A fine adjustment to the desired height, if required, is made by turning the handle nut assembly so that it travels with respect to the threaded rod. |
| US08356796B2 |
Unitary shaft extender apparatus
A unitary damper shaft extender for HVAC air ducts, the extender comprising a unitary apparatus comprised of two interlocked, but relatively movable members. One of the members being capable of interlocking with a damper shaft, and the second member being slidably movable to cover, and thereby lock the first member to the damper shaft, so as to extend its length beyond the usual insulation used for air ducts. |
| US08356795B2 |
Shaft retaining assemblies for use with fluid valves
Shaft retaining assemblies for use with fluid valves are described. In a described example, a bonnet assembly for use with a fluid valve includes a bonnet defining a passage to receive at least a portion of a shaft of the fluid valve. The bonnet is to be removably coupled to the fluid valve. Additionally, the example bonnet assembly includes a retaining assembly mounted in the bonnet to be substantially not exposed to a flow of fluid through the fluid valve. The retaining assembly is to control an amount of movement of the shaft along a longitudinal axis of the shaft to enable an alignment of a sealing element coupled to an end of the shaft relative to a seating surface of the fluid valve. |
| US08356794B1 |
Quick release connector
A quick release connector has a body, a positioning mount, a sealing valve and an outer sleeve. The body is hollow and has a threaded end, a connecting end, an air inlet chamber, a mounting recess, a threaded segment, a sealing ring and a pressing ring. The positioning mount is detachably connected to the body and has a fixing end, an inserting end, an air outlet chamber, a returning spring, multiple ball holes and multiple balls. The sealing valve is movably mounted between the body and the positioning mount, selectively abuts the sealing ring of the body and has a closed end, an open end and at lease one air inlet. The outer sleeve is slidably mounted between the body and the positioning mount and has a mounting end, a pushing end, an internal surface, a spring recess, a holding recess and a pressing spring. |
| US08356791B1 |
Tubing squeeze-off apparatus
A squeeze-off apparatus and method for at least partially locally interrupting the flow of a fluid in a resilient tube or pipe are described. Tubes may be accessed from a single direction, thereby eliminating the need for significant excavation around a buried tube. Squeeze-off is performed using two pairs of jaws which close in a parallel manner, the closed distance between the jaws being adjustable depending on the wall thickness of the tubing, thereby permitting the tube to remain integral for at least one such crimping and release cycle. Embodiments of the squeeze-off apparatus may be locked in place once the tube is crimped, thereby permitting the flow to be reduced or shut off without continued application of force to the squeeze-off jaws of the apparatus. |
| US08356786B2 |
Flexible laminated suspension bracket for composite type 4 tanks
A method and apparatus for connecting a vessel to a carrier system includes a vessel having at least one domed end and an annular bracket having an outer peripheral portion including multiple cutouts and swages extending radially outwardly from the outer peripheral portion for fixedly securing the bracket to the domed end of the vessel, and an inner peripheral portion having a pre-tensioned flange for removably securing the bracket to the vessel. |
| US08356783B1 |
Retractable stop assembly for a cart
A retractable stop assembly rigidly attached to an underside of a cart for sheet material. The retractable stop assembly includes a base plate member adapted for rigid attachment to an underside of a cart adjacent an edge thereof. A mounting bracket unit is rotatably attached to the base plate member opposite the underside of the cart by a threaded fastener. The mounting bracket unit includes a cylindrical sleeve member rigidly secured thereto with the cylindrical sleeve member's central axis parallel with the base plate member. An L-shaped stop member has first and second leg sections. The first leg section is movably positioned within the cylindrical sleeve member, and the second leg section is movable to extend above the edge of the cart. Rotation of the threaded fastener member in a selected direction rigidly clamps the L-shaped stop member in a selected orientation within the cylindrical sleeve member. |
| US08356780B2 |
Foot base and foot for an appliance
The invention relates to a foot base (1) for an appliance, in particular for a washing machine, said foot base comprising: at least one supporting element (3), in particular a supporting plate; a sleeve element (13) protruding from said at least one supporting element (3); wherein said at least one supporting element (3) and/or said sleeve element (13) comprises a recess adapted to receive a shaft element, in particular a supporting stud or height-adjusting foot; and at least one locking element (15) connected to said at least one supporting element (3) and/or sleeve element (13) and adapted to lock said foot base (1) on a bottom element (40) of an appliance. A combination of a foot base and a shaft element as well as a home appliance having at least one foot base are also proposed. |
| US08356777B2 |
Adjustable hanger
An adjustable hanger has a receiver having a hole arranged to allow mounting of the receiver on a fixed element, and a body opening in the receiver arranged to accept a connector. An adjustable hanger has a mounting having a hole arranged to allow the mounting to be mounted to a fixed element, and a shaft opening, a receiver having a shaft opening, a shaft having a portion insertable into the shaft opening on the mounting such that shaft can move relative to the mounting, and a portion insertable into the shaft opening on the receiver, and a connector arranged to be insertable into a connector opening on the receiver. |
| US08356775B2 |
Space object deployment system and method
Provided is a space object deployment system. Specifically, the system in at least one embodiment, includes at least one deployable object. A deployment chamber is paired with each deployable object, each chamber including: a base opposite from the deployable object; and a spring loaded countermass coupled to the base and slidably disposed within the chamber, the deployment chamber at least partially disposed within a rotatable body transverse to the axis of rotation. At least one coupler is paired to each deployable object and adapted to detachably couple the deployable object to the body and constrain the countermass within the chamber. An associated method of use is provided as well. |
| US08356772B2 |
Lightweight structure
A lightweight structure is disclosed, in particular a lightweight structure for an aircraft which is formed from a large number of components which can be joined together by weld joining processes. According to the invention, the lightweight structure has a component thickness which is increased corresponding to the loads in the joint region of the at least one welded joint compared to a thickness of the component outside the joint region. |
| US08356770B2 |
Tail-mounted pointable solar panels for solar-powered aircraft
An aircraft tail section has a first tail component and a second tail component, the first tail component being positioned further forward than the second tail component with respect to a nose of the aircraft. Each tail component has two surfaces, each of the two surfaces of at least one of the first and second tail components comprises a solar panel configured to collect solar energy. Each tail component is rotatable with respect to a centerline of the aircraft such that an offset angle of between zero degrees and 180 degrees is formed between corresponding surfaces of the first and second tail components. Preferably, the tail components are rotated into (i) a takeoff and landing configuration that is substantially horizontal, and (ii) a crosswise configuration during flight such that collection of solar energy is maximized. |
| US08356767B2 |
Dispenser for multiple rolls of web material with automatic roll transfer, and method of loading same
A dispenser for sequentially dispensing web material from a plurality of rolls includes a carousel rotatably mounted in a dispenser body. The carousel includes a plurality of roll holders that extend parallel to an axis of rotation of the carousel. The carousel includes a sensor that senses whether a roll of web material on one of roll holders is depleted or substantially depleted. A movable trigger latch blocks rotation of the carousel until the roll of web material on the current roll holder is depleted or substantially depleted; at that point, the carousel rotates by gravity in a first direction. |
| US08356764B2 |
Continuous flow micro-crusher
The present invention provides an apparatus comprising a substrate and first and second disks. The disks are rotatably located over the substrate, each disk having an outer circumference with teeth thereon. The first disk is positioned to interleave one or more of its teeth with the teeth of the second disk. The substrate includes a channel with an exit port located near the teeth of one of the disks. Another apparatus comprises at least one disk rotatably located over a substrate and in a well of the substrate, the disk having an outer circumference with teeth thereon. The disk is positioned to provide a maximum distance of less than about 10 microns between each one the teeth and a nearest wall defining the well. The substrate includes a channel with an exit port located near the teeth of the disk. |
| US08356761B2 |
Communication powered building automation system actuator
An actuator includes at least one drive arrangement configured to generate output mechanical power from input electrical power. The actuator also includes a communication line input port and a control unit. The communication line input port is configured to connect to a communication line, and is configured to obtain electrical power from the communication line. The control unit is configured to obtain first information from the communication line via the communication line input port, and is further configured to adjust the operation of the at least one drive arrangement based on the first information and based upon information identifying electrical power available for use as input electrical power. |
| US08356760B2 |
Apparent temperature controller
A HVAC control system is described that utilizes either a look-up table or an equation to calculate an apparent temperature based on the temperature and the moisture in the air at the control point. As the control system operates, the target temperature is constantly modified based on the current temperature and humidity or equivalently the calculated moisture in the air to maintain a constant apparent temperature. This has the effect of reducing the variance in the perceived comfort in the controlled area. An important additional feature is the cost savings due to reduced energy usage that is possible when external relative humidity conditions change so that less cooling or heating is required to maintain a comfortable environment. |
| US08356756B2 |
Smart card module and substrate for a smart card module
A chip card module including a substrate with a first side and an opposite second side. Contact areas are arranged on the first side, and a first conductor structure is arranged on the second side, the first conductor structure runs from one contact region to one of a another contact region and a second conductor structure, which is connected to the contact areas by means of a through connection in the substrate, so that the first conductor structure runs at least partly in a central region. The chip card module also includes a chip with connections which are arranged over the central region on the second side of the substrate, one of the connections being connected to the one contact region. |
| US08356754B2 |
Portable handheld device for wireless order entry and real time payment authorization and related methods
A portable handheld device for wireless order entry and real time payment authorization may include a portable housing, a display carried by the housing, an order entry input device carried by the housing, a transaction card input device carried by the housing for reading user sensitive information from a transaction card, a wireless transceiver carried by the housing, and a processor carried by the housing and connected to the display, order entry input device, transaction card input device and wireless transceiver. The processor may be for wirelessly sending input order information, and encrypting and wirelessly sending the user sensitive information from the transaction card without storing and without displaying. The processor may also be for wirelessly receiving and displaying payment authorization information based upon real time authorization from a transaction card issuing entity. |
| US08356750B2 |
Systems and methods for data collection at a point of return
Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information. |
| US08356747B2 |
Banknote deposit transaction apparatus and banknote deposit transaction method
A banknote deposit transaction apparatus (1) confirms number of deposited banknotes on a per transaction basis. The apparatus includes a bundling-object-banknote stacking unit (21) that sorts and stacks bundling-object-banknotes among transported banknotes; a bundling-object-banknote counting unit (41A) that counts number of bundling-object-banknotes stacked in the bundling-object-banknote stacking unit (21) as number of unconfirmed deposited banknotes; a banknote bundling unit (22) that, when the number of stacked bundling-object-banknotes reaches a predetermined number, bundles the bundling-object-banknotes; a tentative confirming unit (101) that performs a tentative confirmation of the number of unconfirmed deposited banknotes in a current transaction among bundled banknotes at a timing of bundling; and a confirming unit that, upon detecting an operation for ending a transaction, confirms the number of tentatively confirmed and unconfirmed banknotes as a total number of banknotes deposited in the current transaction, and performs recording and management of number of banknotes stacked in the bundling-object-banknote stacking unit (21) as number of loose banknotes of a previous transaction. This reduces the opportunities of unbundling the bundled banknotes in an operation for fault recovery thereby greatly reducing a work burden of an operator. |
| US08356744B2 |
Carton with reinforcing insert
A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The panels comprise a top panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a bottom panel. The carton includes a reinforcing insert comprising at least a first insert panel foldably connected to a second insert panel. The first insert panel is at least partially in face-to-face contact with at least the top panel and the second insert panel is at least partially in face-to-face contact with the first insert panel. |
| US08356743B2 |
Carton with insert
A carton can comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton and comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. A plurality of end flaps are respectively foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The plurality of end flaps can comprise a top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. A reinforcing insert can comprise a central panel, a reinforcing end flap, and a reinforcing side flap. The central panel at least partially overlaps the top panel, the reinforcing side flap is foldably connected to the central panel, and the reinforcing end flap comprises a proximal portion foldably, an intermediate portion, and a distal portion. The distal at least partially overlaps the top end flap. |
| US08356740B1 |
Controlling compression applied to tissue by surgical tool
An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a staple holder and an anvil connected to the staple holder, where the anvil includes an anvil body and an anvil plate that floats relative to the anvil body. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include a staple holder, an anvil connected to the staple holder, and at least one sensor fixed to at least one of the staple holder and the anvil, where at least one sensor is configured to measure stress and/or strain. An exemplary surgical method for treating tissue may include providing an end effector that includes a staple holder and an anvil connected to the staple holder, closing the end effector onto tissue, exerting force on that tissue during closing, and adjusting the gap between the anvil and staple holder during closing along at least a portion of the anvil. |
| US08356728B2 |
Rotatable top shell
In one example, a rotatable top shell is provided for an example optoelectronic device. The rotatable top shell includes a body defining a curved tongue on one end. The tongue is configured to rotate about a complimenting curved mating surface of a bottom shell of the optoelectronic device to allow the body to rotate between an open position and a closed position. The rotatable top shell further includes means for securing the rotatable top shell relative to the bottom shell. The means for securing the rotatable top shell may include one or more of: a plurality of nubs defined along at least one edge of the body, a hole defined in the body for receiving a retention pin of the bottom shell, two sides for being received within a main cavity of the bottom shell, or the like. |
| US08356726B2 |
Lid holder for cooking vessel
A cooking vessel for cooking foodstuff includes a base having an outer sidewall, a generally hollow interior and a generally open top. A lid is removably mounted to the base and complimentarily covers the open top of the base in a first position. A mounting support is attached to the outer sidewall of the base. A lid holder is removably mounted to the mounting support. The lid holder supports the lid in a second position. The open top of the base at least partially exposing the hollow interior when the lid is in the second position. |
| US08356723B2 |
Portable ice chest
The present invention provides a portable ice chest having an improved foot operated lid or lid arrangement. The foot operated linkages are spaced away from the food holding compartment of the ice chest, being provided at end portions or in side panels of a container body. In one embodiment, a single lid or cover is provided. In another embodiment, a pair of lids or covers are provided. |
| US08356720B2 |
Container storage system
A container shelving system including two shelf support members and a plurality of shelves, the shelf support members including a chain, a turnbuckle, an adjustable upper bracket and an adjustable lower bracket, each bracket including a first box beam, a second box beam, and a box beam adjustment fastener, the box beams including recesses at each end, the recesses configured to receive the chain; the upper bracket further including a stabilizer perpendicularly connected to an end of the upper bracket; the plurality of shelves each including a plurality of lumber whereby the lumber is configured to sit upon a bracket; whereby the chain is threaded through the first and second cargo rings and the upper and lower brackets and connected and tightened using the turnbuckle such that the shelves may be supported upon the brackets within the shipping container. |
| US08356718B2 |
Server rack assembly
A server rack assembly includes a base with a pair of opposite stands, a rack spanning between the stands, and a pair of mounting apparatuses respectively mounted on two ends of the rack. Each stand defines one first positioning hole therein. Each mounting apparatus includes a fixing member comprising a hook thereon for engaging with the corresponding first positioning hole of one of the stands, and a locking member comprising of a restriction portion slidably positioned on the fixing member and moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the restriction portion is received in the corresponding first positioning hole. In the second position, the restriction portion is out of the corresponding first positioning hole. |
| US08356716B1 |
Filter unit
A filter unit includes a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end and a shoulder disposed therebetween. An engagement protrusion extends from the proximal end. The engagement protrusion includes a sidewall with a water inlet and an engagement wall with a water outlet. A cross-section of the engagement protrusion taken orthogonal to the longitudinal extent of the filter unit has only one axis of symmetry. A first engagement surface traverses approximately one-quarter of an outside circumference of the body portion. A second engagement surface traverses approximately one-quarter of an outside circumference of the body portion opposite the first engagement surface. A laterally extending key member is disposed on the body portion proximate the shoulder. An electronic device is positioned on the body portion adapted to store usage information relating to the capacity and usage of the filter unit. |
| US08356714B2 |
Microfluidic device for separation of particles
An apparatus for separating particles includes a first planar wall and a spaced apart second planar wall parallel to the first planar wall. The first planar wall and the second planar wall define a passage therebetween, which is disposed along a fluid flow axis. A first plurality of spaced apart elongated ridges extends into the passage from the first planar wall. The first plurality of spaced apart elongated ridges is disposed along a diagonal direction relative to the fluid flow axis. When a fluid is moved through the passage in a direction corresponding to the fluid flow axis, particles of a first type will tend to move in a first direction that is diagonally away from the fluid flow axis and particles of a second type, different from the first type, will tend to move in a second direction that is different from the first direction. |
| US08356713B2 |
Retainer and substrate storage container
A retainer includes a frame, a pair of first elastic parts projected from a pair of opposing parts of the frame so as to approach to each other, and a second elastic part that is supported at the bent free ends of the paired first elastic parts to hold a substrate. The outside end of the second elastic part is positioned outside the free end of the first elastic part and closer to the opposing part of the frame. Also, first and second holds for holding the rim of the substrate are formed apart from each other. The second hold is positioned on the outer end side of the second elastic part from the first hold. |
| US08356707B2 |
Power transmission method and apparatus, medium discharging apparatus using the same, and image forming device having the medium discharging apparatus
A power transmission, which transmits a driving force from a driving roller to a driven roller by using a friction roller. The power transmission includes a driving roller, a driven roller spaced apart from the driving roller, and a friction roller to transmit a driving force from the driving roller to the driven roller. The friction roller is disposed above a line connecting between centers of the driving roller and the driven roller. With this construction, the friction roller transmits the driving force in a state of being interposed between the driving rollers and the driven rollers by rotation thereof, thereby allowing the power transmission to have a simplified structure, which does not require a separate pressing spring, and at the same time, to generate a minimum amount of power loss. |
| US08356705B2 |
Handling device for driving, immersing, removing, or rotating motor vehicle bodyworks into or from a processing basin or basins
An improved handling device for driving, immersing/removing and rotating motor vehicle, truck cabin, van and metal article vessel bodyworks into/from processing basins is characterized in that said device comprises a sliding frame designed for sliding on sliding rails, driven by one or two driving chains, and supporting a pair of arms bearing, at their free end portion, a swinging platform, in turn adapted to bear a skid for supporting a bodywork, the sliding frame comprising one or two winch assemblies driving respective pulleys thereon are entrained ropes, belts, chains or the like, and being associated with a respective arm at a swinging shaft, said sliding frame comprising moreover two rack assemblies, therealong slide respective end portions of the arms coupled to the frame, said swinging platform being driven by a chain driving system. |
| US08356703B2 |
Drop safe with access to interior components
A drop safe comprising a housing, a safe door in the housing, the safe door having a slot for accepting deposits, a bill acceptor for accepting deposits through the slot, a cash cassette for storing cash received by the bill acceptor, wherein the cash cassette moves toward the safe door upon the opening of the safe door, as the safe door moves from the closed position to the open position. |
| US08356699B2 |
Elevator toe guard
A toe guard (1) for an elevator car (2), said toe guard comprising a movable panel (3). The panel (3) comprises a first panel part (10) which, being guided and supported by guide tracks (5), is movable substantially between a drawn-out position on a landing floor and a stowed-away position under the car. In addition, the panel comprises a second panel part (11) which, guided by the first panel part (10), is telescopically movable between a retracted extreme position where the first and second panel parts are disposed in a mutually nested and/or superposed relationship, and an extended extreme position where the first and second panel parts are disposed substantially in a mutually adjacent relationship. When the toe guard is moved from the stowaway position into the operative position, it assumes steplessly a suitable length between the aforesaid retracted extreme position and the aforesaid extended extreme position, depending in each case on the height position (h) of the elevator car (2) having stopped between floors relative to the landing floor (6). |
| US08356696B1 |
Air-operated device and method for lubricating components with elimination of lubricant waste
A system and method for lubricating components where the lubricant is applied in mist form within a substantially enclosed cavity. The cavity contains a draining aperture which collects excess lubricant for subsequent re-use by the system. The cavity is defined by a spray head that includes a base having attached thereto a cover plate with an opening adapted to receive therethrough a component to be lubricated. The cavity and lubrication chamber prevents the escape of excess lubricant. The collection and reuse of excess lubricant provides a closed loop system that reduces lubricant waste. |
| US08356691B2 |
Energy absorber for personal fall arrestor
An energy absorber for use in a personal fall arresting system wherein a pair of webbing are held together by tear away binder elements which are arranged to rupture under controlled conditions to prevent failure of the absorber when experiencing high load conditions. |
| US08356688B2 |
Multiple-position steering control device
An industrial vehicle includes an operator compartment, a steering control device mounted for access from a first selectable operator position located outside of the operator compartment, and a steering column supporting the steering control device. The steering control device configured to rotate about the steering column and provide steering control from the operator compartment in a second selectable operator position opposite the first selectable operator position. |
| US08356687B2 |
Vehicle occupant protection method and apparatus
A vehicle has a crash detection device for detecting a crash that introduces a force acting in an effective direction into the vehicle. An acceleration device directly or indirectly cooperates with the crash detection device to absolutely accelerate at least one partial mass of the vehicle against the effective direction in which the force is introduced in case of a crash. |
| US08356683B2 |
Motor vehicle front end subassembly
A motor vehicle front end subassembly includes a support surround (6), an air-ducting panel (8) and a radiator (12) which are arranged one behind the other across the support surround (6), and a motor fan unit (4) arranged facing an opening (24) of the panel (8), the panel (8), the motor fan unit (4) and the radiator (12) being supported by the support surround (6). At least one of the radiator (12) and the motor fan unit (4) are supported by the support surround (6) separately from the panel (8). |
| US08356680B2 |
Final drive assembly with seal guard features and machine using same
A final drive assembly is used to support a track chain on a track type machine. The final drive assembly includes a sprocket hub mounted for rotation on a fixed hub. A seal is positioned between the fixed hub and the sprocket hub. The fixed hub and the sprocket hub define a seal protection passageway that extends between an outer surface and the seal. The seal protection passageway includes a labyrinth located between an annular attachment flange and the seal along a rotation axis of the sprocket hub. The outer surface includes a valley between a sprocket mount of the sprocket hub and a machine mount of the fixed hub. The seal protection passageway opens at a greater radius than a minimum radius of the valley. |
| US08356677B2 |
Methods of preloading a sonic drill head and methods of drilling using the same
A drill head assembly includes a shaft having a shaft axis, an oscillator assembly operatively associated with the shaft, the oscillator assembly having at least one eccentrically weighted rotor configured to rotate about a pivot point to generate an oscillating vibratory force, wherein an oscillation centerline is defined transverse to the shaft axis and including the pivot point. The drill head assembly also includes a lower bearing coupled to the shaft on a first side of the oscillation centerline and an upper bearing coupled to the shaft on a second side of the oscillation centerline, the second side being opposite the first side. |
| US08356674B2 |
Tubular running tool and methods of use
Generally, the present disclosure is directed to wellbore tubular running systems and methods of their use. In one illustrative embodiment, a tubular running system is disclosed that includes, among other things, a torque frame, a main shaft extending through a top opening of the torque frame and rotatable by rotation apparatus, slip setting apparatus connected to the torque frame and including a levelling beam and a plurality of slip assemblies, each of the slip assemblies connected independently and pivotably to the levelling beam, and movement apparatus connected to the levelling beam for moving the slip assemblies in unison with respect to a tubular projecting into the torque frame. |
| US08356670B2 |
Ball seat assembly and method of controlling fluid flow through a hollow body
A method of controlling fluid flow through a hollow body, uses a ball seat assembly (12) comprising a hollow body (14) defining a bore (16) and a ball seat (18) mounted said bore, the ball seat being moveable relative to the bore between an extended position in which the seat defines a restriction to passage of a ball (20) along the bore, and a retracted position spaced axially along the bore from the extended position and in which position passage of the ball along the bore is permitted. A subsequent reduction in the fluid pressure force acting on the ball seat facilitates movement of the seat from the extended position shown in the upper half of FIG. 1, to the retracted position shown in the lower half of the Figure, to permit passage of the ball through the bore to thereby re-open fluid flow through the bore. |
| US08356669B2 |
Downhole adjustable inflow control device for use in a subterranean well
A well system can include an inflow control device which resists flow into a tubular string. A selection from among multiple different flow resistances through the inflow control device can be performed in response to pressure manipulation. An inflow control device can include a piston which is displaceable to at least two positions. Flow through the inflow control device is permitted at a certain flow resistance when the piston is at one position, and flow through the inflow control device is permitted at a greater flow resistance when the piston is at another position. Fluid which flows through the inflow control device can be constrained to flow through an increased number of flow restrictors in response to displacement of the piston from the first to the second position. |
| US08356664B2 |
Wellbore method and apparatus for completion, production and injection
Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection. |
| US08356648B2 |
Calendar binding apparatus and related methods
An apparatus is provided for binding a single printed sheet with top and bottom binders to form a single sheet calendar. The apparatus includes a binder feeding mechanism for positioning the top and bottom binders relative to the single printed sheet. The apparatus includes first and second spaced, parallel binding units for respectively securing the top and bottom binders to the single sheet, with the first binding unit having an upper member and a lower member to define a sheet-receiving channel there between. At least one of the upper member or the lower member is heated, and at least one of the upper member or the lower member is controllably movable relative to the other of the upper member or the lower member, to secure one of the binders to the single sheet. |
| US08356647B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire in which the average peel strength between the surface of (A) a layer of a single-layered or multi-layered film of a thermoplastic resin and (B) a rubbery elastic layer, which are used as the inner liner layer, is 6 kN/m or greater at −20° C., i.e., a pneumatic tire exhibiting excellent average peel strength between the surface of layer (A) and layer (B), which are used in combination as the inner liner layer exhibiting excellent gas barrier property and flexibility, at a low temperature and at the room temperature, is provided. |
| US08356643B2 |
Hot filling system with heat recovery
A hot filling system for a liquid, with heat recovery, and a corresponding method, wherein prior to heating and filling the liquid is first preheated in a heat exchanger. A portion of the heated liquid to be filled is again cooled in a recooler and recirculated. The return line of the recooler is here connected to the supply line of the heat exchanger so as to transfer heat energy from the recooler to the heat exchanger. This reduces energy losses in comparison with known systems. |
| US08356640B1 |
Apparatuses and methods for fabricating wire current collectors and interconnects for solar cells
Provided herein are apparatuses for fabricating wire current collector and/or interconnect assemblies for solar cells. In certain embodiments, the wire assemblies include uniformly pitched serpentine wires. According to various embodiments, the apparatuses include opposing re-circulating chain link assemblies having uniformly pitched posts and a wire weaving assembly configured to weave wire around the re-circulating posts. Also provided are methods of fabricating solar cells including the wire assemblies. |
| US08356633B2 |
Stacked conduit assembly and screw fastening method for conduit part
A stacked conduit assembly includes: a conduit part in which a plurality of plate-like parts are stacked and integrated, and a hollow conduit is formed in an inner layer; and a control board to be fastened to the conduit part by a screw. The plate-like parts include a plurality of plate-like parts that respectively form a side wall, an upper face, and a bottom face of the conduit, a pilot hole is formed in a plate-like part that forms the side wall of the conduit, and the screw is a tapping screw that taps by itself in the pilot hole and is fastened. Thus, a stacked conduit assembly that can stabilize a screw engagement state and realize downsizing or thinning of devices and cost reduction can be obtained. |
| US08356632B2 |
Manifold for distributing or for collecting fluid, and a molding installation including such a manifold
This manifold comprises a stack formed by at least a plurality of tubular modules and a first support, and at least one tie for compressing the stack in a configuration in which central internal volumes of the various modules are in mutual communication, with adjacent parts of the stack overlapping in leaktight manner, and in which the relative position of two adjacent modules is stationary. The tie may be fastened in rotation about its longitudinal axis and in translation parallel to said axis, relative to the first support. The tie is equipped with a clamping nut that, in the tightened position, exerts a compression force on the stack of modules and on the first support. An abutment, suitable for being fastened axially relative to the first support and for bearingly receiving a surface of the clamping nut when said clamping nut is actuated in the loosening direction, is disposed, relative to the surface of the clamping nut in the tightened position, at an axial distance less than the smallest of the leaktight overlap lengths of two adjacent parts of the stack. |
| US08356630B2 |
Valve damping system
A valve is provided including a first valve member and a second valve member. The first valve member includes a first step and a first orifice adjacent the first step. The second valve member includes a second step and a second orifice adjacent the second step. The second valve member is movable relative to the first valve member between an open position, in which the first orifice is fluidly connected the second orifice, and a closed position, in which the first orifice is substantially fluidly disconnected from the second orifice. The first and second steps are fluidly connected to the second orifice and substantially fluidly disconnected from the first orifice when the second valve member is in the closed position, and the first and second steps are fluidly connected to the first and second orifices when the second valve member is in the open position. |
| US08356629B2 |
Multiway cock and liquid dispensing circuit
A multiway cock has a cock body, a cock member, and a cover. The cock body has a circular tube part that has a first portion and a second portion arranged parallel to each other along the axis of the circular tube part. A first port and a second port are formed in the outer periphery of the first portion, and a third port, a fourth port, a fifth port, and a sixth port are formed in the outer periphery of the second portion. The cock member has a barrel part in which a first flow passage and a second flow passage are formed, a lever installation part, and a lever. Opening or closing of the first to sixth ports formed in the first portion and the second portion can be selected by rotating the cock member. |
| US08356625B2 |
Device for the controlled guidance of a polymer melt
A valve has a housing formed with a central chamber centered on and extending along a main axis, an inlet passage and an outlet passage having mouths in the chamber spaced angularly from and confronting each other, and a secondary passage offset from the inlet and outlet passages and centered on an axis offset from a center of one of the mouths by more than 90°. A valve pin fitted in the chamber is formed with a secantally throughgoing flow passage centered on a flow-passage axis generally parallel to but offset from a diameter of the pin. A filter is provided in the flow passage, the secondary passage being sufficiently large that, when the pin is pivoted to align the flow passage with the secondary passage, the filter can be removed from the flow passage through the secondary passage. |
| US08356621B2 |
Device and method for extending the service life of firing installations
A device for increasing service life of a combustion installation is disclosed. The combustion installation has a gas-conducting component and a conducted gas has dirt particles. The gas-conducting component has a layer which is partially detached together with the dirt particles of the gas when the layer is impinged with the gas and when a dirt particle is deposited on the layer. |
| US08356616B2 |
Fuel tank valve
Some water drain valves tend to fill with water which may freeze, thereby jamming the valve. This invention provides an aircraft water drain valve comprising a passageway, a shaft, a first sealing member and a second sealing member. The shaft is moveable between an open position in which the first and second sealing members are arranged to allow free passage of fluid through the passageway, and a closed position in which both the first and second sealing members are arranged to prevent free passage of fluid through the passageway thereby preventing ingress of fluid into the region between the first and second sealing members. Thus water may be hindered from collecting and freezing in the part of the valve close to the cold wall of the fuel tank. |
| US08356615B2 |
Rail skirt system
The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets. |
| US08356613B2 |
Umbrella hub with cord lock feature
An umbrella hub is provided that is operative to engage an umbrella cord for maintaining an umbrella in an open position. The hub can comprise a cord retention means. The cord retention means can be located within a portion of and/or behind, abutting, and/or at the base of at least a portion of one connection cavity of the hub. The cord retention means can comprise a passage that is configured to receive a cord therethrough and extend along at least a portion of the hub. The cord retention means can be configured to allow the cord to pass freely in a first direction while preventing movement of the cord therethrough in a second direction that is opposite the first direction or to pass freely in both the first and second directions. |
| US08356608B2 |
Device and method for styling hair
Provided are a device and a method for styling hair capable of reducing damage to hair, maintaining the elasticity and texture of the hair, and keeping the hair style for a long period of time. The hair styling device is equipped with an arm body 2 having an arm 2A and an arm 2B connected to each other, an oscillation means 3, and an oscillator 9. The arm body 2 is constituted such that it can retain or release the hair. The oscillation generated from the oscillation means 3 has a predetermined frequency from 1 to 20000 Hz. The oscillator 9 is constituted such that it can slide along the length direction of the arms 2A and 2B and at the same time can transmit the oscillation from the oscillation means to the hair retained by the arm 2 while sliding. |
| US08356602B2 |
Devices for treating obstructive sleep apnea and/or snoring
A garment for the treatment of sleep apnea and/or snoring includes a member for attachment to an individual afflicted with sleep apnea and an elongate, position control member at the rear of the garment and extending outwardly therefrom. The elongate member is a continuous member having transversely spaced-apart side surfaces, and the side surfaces are joined to an outer wall of the position control member at elongate side edges. The side surfaces and/or side edges are located to engage a mattress or other sleeping surface when an individual wearing the garment is sleeping in a lateral position to aid in supporting the individual in a lateral position. |
| US08356599B2 |
Occlusion devices and methods
The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilizations effected by passing a current through there resilisent structure to the tubal walls. |
| US08356593B2 |
Delivery tube for breathing gas heating and humidification system
A delivery tube assembly for delivering a breathing gas to a patient, the delivery tube includes a first lumen having an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The lumen is configured to deliver the breathing gas from the upstream portion to the downstream portion. A second lumen is configured to flow an insulating gas around the first lumen. A method of insulating a breathing gas with an insulating gas and discharging the insulating gas to atmosphere is also disclosed. |
| US08356589B2 |
Paintball loader
A paintball loader for supplying a plurality of substantially similar paintballs a paintball marker. The loader comprises a housing adapted to receive the plurality of paintballs, the housing defining a feeder tube in a base thereof, the feeder tube dimensioned to allow single passage of the paintballs, a paintball receiving member comprising an elongate receiving channel spiraling radially outward in a direction of rotation from the feeder hole and having an outlet adjacent the feeder tube, the channel comprising a pair of opposing side walls spaced to allow single passage of the paintballs, and a feeder arm positioned across at least a portion of the channel walls such that the feeder arm comes into contact with one of the plurality of the paintballs when in the channel. The channel is rotatable relative to the feeder arm about the feeder hole in the direction of rotation. |
| US08356588B2 |
System and method for controlling combustion
A system, in one embodiment, includes a combustion-based system having a combustion chamber. The system also includes an ignition control system. The ignition control system includes an ignition device coupled to the combustion chamber, control circuitry having an energy storage device configured to supply energy to the ignition device to produce an ignition event having a desired energy level, and a controller configured to obtain a target voltage across the energy storage device and to discharge an ignition energy from the energy storage device after obtaining the target voltage, wherein the ignition control system is configured to supply the ignition energy to the ignition device to produce the ignition event. |
| US08356586B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a compound bearing assembly of a centrifugal compressor
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for rotationally controlling a bearing assembly using a geared coupling system in combination with a supercharger including an input shaft. Generally, the geared coupling system includes a bearing assembly rotatably supporting a high speed shaft associated with an impeller, the bearing assembly including at least one inner bearing and at least one outer bearing; a drive gear associated with the input shaft and including a plurality of engaging members; and a geared coupler extending from a towards a plurality of engaging members adapted for engagement with the low speed gear, the geared coupler presenting an inner surface for receiving said inner bearing and an outer surface for receiving said outer bearing. |
| US08356583B2 |
Variable camshaft timing device with hydraulic lock in an intermediate position
A variable cam timing phaser for an internal combustion engine including a piloted valve in the rotor assembly, movable from a first position to a second position, and detent lines communicating with the advance chamber or the retard chamber are restricted and or blocked when the rotor assembly is in or near an intermediate phase angle position. When the piloted valve is in the first position, fluid is blocked from flowing through the piloted valve. When the piloted valve is in a second position, fluid is allowed to flow between the detent line from the advance chamber and the detent line from the retard chamber through the piloted valve and a common line, such that the rotor assembly is moved to and held in the intermediate phase angle position relative to the housing assembly. |
| US08356582B2 |
Spark ignition type internal combustion engine
A spark ignition internal combustion engine includes a variable expansion ratio mechanism which can alter the mechanical expansion ratio, and an exhaust variable valve mechanism which can alter the timing for opening an exhaust valve. The mechanical expansion ratio and the timing for opening the exhaust valve are set depending on the engine load such that the mechanical expansion ratio increases and the timing for opening the exhaust valve is retarded to the exhaust bottom dead center side as the engine load decreases. By setting the mechanical expansion ratio in such a manner depending on the engine load, thermal efficiency can be enhanced as compared with a case where the mechanical expansion ratio is set to make the actual compression rate constant for example. Consequently, a spark ignition internal combustion engine exhibiting high thermal efficiency is provided. |
| US08356581B2 |
Flame proof power pack
A power pack has an electrically controlled internal combustion engine which is provided with a turbo charger which is immersed in liquid coolant to reduce the risk of a spark therefrom igniting combustible gas in the ambient atmosphere. |
| US08356579B2 |
Dog training collar with interconnecting links
A dog training collar includes a plurality of releasable interconnecting links connected together to form a string of links having opposite ends with a tensioning member connected between the opposite ends of the link string to form a collar. A releasable fastener is included that releasably connects between the tensioning member and at least one of the opposite ends of the link string. The interconnecting links each include an inner side and outer side where the inner side includes a pair of v-shaped protrusions extending away from the inner side. The string of links having a plurality of v-shaped protrusion pairs forms two columns of links arranged in spaced apart relation extending from the inner sides, whereby the string of links is placed around a neck of a dog with said v-shaped protrusions directed toward the neck and connected to said tensioning member by the releasable fastener to form said collar such that adjustment of said tensioning member during wear causes a physical correction to be applied to the neck. The number of links used may be adjusted according a dog's neck size. An anti-tangling device is coupled to the tensioning member whereby the anti-tangling device restores unintended twists in the collar when applied to the neck of the dog. |
| US08356578B2 |
Waste encapsulating animal litter
Disclosed herein is a method for encapsulating solid animal waste with animal litter to eliminate the odor that emanates from the waste material. An additional benefit is that encapsulation hides the solid waste from view. The encapsulated waste resembles a urine clump in the litter box. Performance-enhancing actives are incorporated in the litter composition to provide this benefit. |
| US08356574B2 |
Device and method for coating wheel rims
Devices and methods for coating wheel rims for the production of both standard rims and special rims, are provided. An example of a device for coating wheel rims includes a pre-treating station that is followed by a powder priming station followed by a basecoat application station and a final coating station, in particular an acrylate powder station, with the final coating station being coupled to both the power priming station and the pre-treating station by at least one conveyor, respectively. The device permits a proportion of special rims to be introduced in addition to standard rims without any impairment of the spindle-synchronous operation of the device. |
| US08356566B1 |
Multi-directional marine propulsor apparatus
Multi-directional marine propulsors for use with boats having a hull, a keel and a motor with a propeller are disclosed. The propulsor may have a cylindrical housing with fore, aft, port and starboard apertures and define a central axis when the housing is mounted to the boat. The housing may receive the propeller proximate the fore aperture such that the propeller may rotate about the central axis to provide forward thrust. An elliptical diverter gate may be mounted within the housing proximate the aft aperture for vertical rotation between port, central and starboard positions. When the gate is in port, central and starboard positions, forward thrust may exit the port, central and starboard apertures respectively. The elliptical diverter gate may be rotated between the port, central and starboard positions as desired. Alternative multi-directional marine propulsors may be mounted directly onto boat motors. |
| US08356565B2 |
Tensioning device for a carrying net
A tensioning device is described for a carrying net (6), in particular between the hulls (1) of a catamaran, the carrying net (6) being fastened in a tensile-resistant manner to two mutually opposing legs of a tensioning frame. In order to attain advantageous tensioning conditions, it is proposed that one of the two legs be mounted, as the tensioning leg (5), in the tensioning frame so as to be rotatable about a pivot shaft (10) which is parallel to its longitudinal axis, the pivot shaft extending, when the carrying net (6) is tensioned, on the net side at a distance from the run-off line (13) of the carrying net (6) from the tensioning leg (5), and that an interlocking means (15) be provided for the tensioning position of the tensioning leg (5). |
| US08356564B2 |
Agricultural seeder implement
A seeder implement (125) includes a fork (146) having a first spindle support arm (150) that supports a first spindle (164) and a second spindle support arm (152) that supports a second spindle (168). A first disk (160) is supported on the first spindle (164), wherein the first spindle (164) is oriented in a first orientation and at a first acute angle relative to a lateral line. The first disk (160) is oriented at a second acute angle relative to the ground surface. A second disk (166) is supported on the second spindle (168), wherein the second spindle (168) is oriented in a second orientation and at a third acute angle relative to the lateral line. The second disk (166) is oriented at a fourth acute angle relative to the ground surface. The first disk (160) is longitudinally offset ahead of the second disk (166), and there are no structural components between the first and second disks (160, 166) other than the first and second spindles (164, 168). In one embodiment, a packing wheel (142) is disposed to close and compact furrows opened by the disks (160, 166) and is disposed in the same orientation as one of the disks (160, 166). |
| US08356559B2 |
Bogie for guide rail type vehicle
The present invention provides a bogie for a guide rail type vehicle running on a predetermined guideway. The bogie of the present invention includes an axle in which steerable running wheels are mounted, a guide frame arranged under the axle, a pair of first guide wheels provided rotatably in a vehicle body end-side part of the guide frame, a pair of second guide wheels provided rotatably in a vehicle body center-side part of the guide frame, a pair of tie rod arms that is attached to the axle and are formed so as to extend from the axle to the vehicle body center-side, and a pair of tie rods each connecting the guide frame to each of the pair of tie rod arms. |
| US08356557B2 |
Vehicle having rolling compensation
A rail vehicle having a car body, which is supported on a running gear by a spring device, and a rolling compensation device, which is coupled to the running gear and the car body. The rolling compensation device may be arranged kinematically in parallel to the spring device. The rolling compensation device counteracts rolling motions of the car body toward the outside of the curve about a rolling axis during travel in curves. The rolling compensation device, in order to increase the tilting comfort, is designed to impose, in a first frequency range and under a first transverse deflection of the car body, upon the car body, a first rolling angle about the rolling axis, which corresponds to a current curvature of a current section of track being travelled. |
| US08356556B2 |
Universal dog chain
Drive dog chains are assembled with alternating universal inside attachment links and outside sidebars and riveted pin connections. The universal inside attachment links have full size end sections and central sections of reduced height. Filler attachments are attached with machine screws to the central sections. Upper surfaces of the filler attachments are level with upper surfaces of the end sections and upper surfaces of the outside sidebars. Filler attachments are removed from selected ones of the center sections and replaced with pusher attachments secured at an end of each selected center section. A drive dog chain is manufactured and stored in uniform strands. Upon ordering, the pusher attachments replace the filler attachments at selected spacings on the chain. |
| US08356555B2 |
Projectile made of steel softened to the core
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a projectile made of steel or based on iron, for a hunting or sports cartridge, for the purpose of giving it a Vickers hardness at room temperature of between 40 HV 10 and 110 HV 10, preferably between 40 HV 10 and 85 HV 10, characterized at least by the following successive steps:—liquid pig iron or steel is used, hereafter called liquid metal, the carbon content of which is between 0.8 and 4.0% C by weight, preferably between 0.8 and 2.0% C by weight;—the liquid metal is cast using a steam or water-vapor granulation process to obtain spheroidal steel particles; —said particles are subjected to a heat treatment for softening the solidified metal by graphitization, while remaining in the ferritic range; and—optionally, said particles are subjected to a surface coating treatment. |
| US08356551B2 |
Apparatus and method for preparing milk under various temperature and consistency conditions in a coffee machine for forming various types of beverages
Apparatus for preparing and dispensing hot or cold milk, in the frothed or non-frothed state, in a coffee machine for preparing various types of beverages based on coffee with milk, said coffee machine comprising a coffee apparatus for producing coffee with an associated coffee dispensing device, a first water heater for producing steam, a second water heater for producing hot water for preparation of the coffee in said coffee apparatus, said first and second heaters being connected to a water source for replenishing them with water, a frothing device provided with an internal chamber for frothing the milk when required and at least one nozzle for dispensing the milk externally, said apparatus comprising a milk line for the milk, connecting a source of liquid milk to the frothing device, a steam line for the steam, connecting the first water heater to the frothing device, as well as an air line for the air, connecting a source of air to the said frothing device, a pump arranged along the milk line for supplying the milk from said source of liquid milk to said frothing device, a first intercept valve arranged along the steam line and a second intercept valve arranged along the air line, wherein said pump arranged along the milk line and said first and second intercept valves are able to be operated independently of each other such that the milk line, the steam line and the air line are connected to said chamber of the frothing device one at a time or in combination with each other. |
| US08356547B2 |
Variable length bent-axis pump/motor
In a bent axis hydraulic machine, a back plate and cylinder barrel vary in distance from a drive plate as a stroke angle of the cylinder barrel changes, thereby minimizing unswept fluid volume in the cylinders of the barrel at any stroke angle. Distance is controlled by one or more rollers, engaging respective tracks that define a profile of contact that determines the distance as a function of the stroke angle. Telescoping fluid supply channels are employed to maintain a fluid supply to the cylinder barrel as the distance changes. |
| US08356545B2 |
Load-sensing (LS) control system
An LS control system is disclosed that includes an inlet metering orifice and a pressure compensator, via which the pressure drop across the inlet metering orifice may be held constant. The signalling pressure that acts on the pressure compensator in the opening direction may be varied as a function of the displacement in order to prevent the system from oscillating if a negative load should occur. |
| US08356544B2 |
Raising drive and method for controlling a raising drive
The invention concerns a method for controlling a raising drive, the raising process occurring by means of pressure activation of at least one lift cylinder and the lowering process occurring by means of relieving, and a control of the lowering speed occurring by means of a variable flow resistance. In order to achieve a load-independent lowering speed, the flow resistance is determined in dependence of at least one load signal. |
| US08356541B2 |
Vehicle protective structure
A protective structure for a vehicle having an opening on an upper surface is provided. One embodiment of the invention has at least a partial enclosure around an area defined laterally by the vehicle opening with an overhead and side protective capability. An embodiment of the invention has an overhead cover that is formed to substantially enclose a top area of the enclosure and having multiple panels that may be locked into place or opened by an occupant for exit through a top area of the enclosure. Biasing devices may be provided to bias the panels toward an open position and thereby facilitate occupant egress. The multiple panels in this embodiment extend upwardly and inwardly from a section of the enclosure's side walls. Ballistic windows are provided on the protective structure such that an occupant can view laterally and vertically through the enclosure and overhead cover. A shield or protective plate can be mounted on one side of the enclosure. |
| US08356538B2 |
Munition handling apparatus
There is disclosed a munition handling apparatus where the conventional ram is replaced with a high pressure fluid actuation. For this the apparatus is provided with a container that incorporates a piston which slides along the container to urge the munition out as the fluid pressure is applied. |
| US08356537B2 |
Ambidextrous charging handle
A firearm action assembly having an action mechanism with an improved charging handle. The charging handle uses a rod member to engage the action for “cocking” the action mechanism. At an open end of the rod member is a handle which is secured to the edge of the action in a dormant state. Releasing of the lock is through the use of either of two finger members which are swivelly secured to each other. Pulling on either of these finger members operates the other which moves the other finger member. |
| US08356533B2 |
Tattoo gun spring tensioner
A tattoo gun improvement comprised of an adjustment means for the main spring of the tattoo gun that permits adjustment of the angle of the spring relative to the frame and therefore the spring tension against the needle depth adjuster. The means of adjustment facilitates quick and accurate tension setting on the spring while avoiding the need to bend the spring or alter the needle penetration setting adjustment. By avoiding bending the spring the spring life is extended as well as the precision that the spring tension may be adjusted. A precisely and properly adjusted spring can allow the tattoo gun to be used with less power that further can result in less unnecessary trauma to the skin. |
| US08356532B1 |
Hydraulically powered double flywheel alternator apparatus
The hydraulically powered double flywheel alternator apparatus is a KERS that provides for flywheel angular momentum, captured by the flywheels that are powered by an auto's driveline, to provide auxiliary charging to existing batteries of a hybrid or electric auto, thereby extending the auto's operating range under electricity. |
| US08356530B2 |
Push-pull cable
A push-pull cable suitable for automotive applications includes an outer cable having a hollow interior and an inner cable having a circular cross section perpendicular to its axial direction. The inner cable is slidably disposed within the hollow interior and grease is disposed in a clearance defined between an outer circumferential surface of the inner cable and an inner circumferential surface of the outer cable. The inner cable consists of a single metal wire coated with a metal plated layer, the plated layer has a thickness between 3 and 35 microns and the clearance is between 0.05 to 0.5 millimeters. |
| US08356527B2 |
Inspection apparatus having an insertion tube with dispersed healing agent
An elongated insertion tube can be provided having a wall having one or multiple layers. A layer of a wall can include composite material having healing agent storage structures that store healing agent material and a catalyst dispersed within a polymer matrix. The layer can be formed so that when force is imparted to the layer, healing agent material stored within a storage structure reacts with a catalyst and polymerizes, to heal damage imparted to the layer. |
| US08356524B2 |
Device for collecting and separating particles and microorganisms present in ambient air
A device for collecting and separating particles and microorganisms present in ambient air, the device comprising suction means for sucking air into a removable centrifuging chamber (10) having an air inlet and outlet and forming a receptacle for transporting a liquid sample containing the collected particles and microorganisms, said enclosure (10) being selected from a set of enclosures having different diameters and suitable for enabling the same suction means to take samples at suction rates lying in the range about 100 liters per minute to about 2000 liters per minute. |
| US08356522B2 |
Ultrasonic flow meter with a liquid drainage system
An ultrasonic flow meter for measuring the flow of a fluid through a pipeline comprises a spool piece including a throughbore and a transducer port. The transducer port extends along a central axis from an open end at the throughbore to a closed end distal the throughbore. In addition, the flow meter comprises an acoustic transducer disposed in the transducer port. The transducer includes a piezoelectric element. Further, the flow meter comprises a drain port in fluid communication with the transducer port. The drain port is axially positioned between the open end and the closed end of the transducer port. Still further, the flow meter comprises a drain conduit having an inlet end coupled to the drain port and an outlet end opposite the inlet end. The drain port is configured to drain a liquid from the transducer port into the inlet end of the drain conduit. |
| US08356521B2 |
Pressure sensor device
A pressure sensor device includes a substrate having a first section and a second section being adjacent to the first section and thinner than the first section, a piezoelectric film having flexibility and disposed on the second section, an upper electrode formed on the piezoelectric film and including a center electrode disposed at a substantially center of the second section in plan view, and a peripheral electrode disposed apart from the center electrode so as to surround the center electrode, a lower electrode formed between the second section and the piezoelectric film and disposed so as to face the upper electrode, and a detection circuit including a differential circuit electrically connected to the center electrode and the peripheral electrode, and the detection circuit detects a difference between a voltage caused between the center electrode and the lower electrode in response to the piezoelectric film being distorted, and a voltage caused between the peripheral electrode and the lower electrode in response to the piezoelectric film being distorted. |
| US08356520B2 |
Housing for a drive device, drive device and method for testing the tightness of a pressure compensating membrane
The invention relates to a housing (2) for a drive device, especially for an adjusting device and/or a windshield wiper drive in a motor vehicle, comprising a pressure compensating membrane (4) obturating a housing opening (7). The invention is characterized in that the pressure compensating membrane (4) has a peripheral sealing surface (11) which extends continuously in the direction of circumference. The invention further relates to a drive device and to a method for testing the operativeness of a pressure compensating membrane (4). |
| US08356516B2 |
Balancing machine for balancing vehicle wheels
The balancing machine for balancing vehicle wheels comprises a supporting structure for supporting grip and rotation members for gripping and rotating a wheel to be balanced, a detector for detecting the unbalance of the wheel during rotation, a processing unit which is operatively associated with the grip and rotation members and with the detector, and interface assembly associated with the supporting structure and operatively associated with the processing unit. The interface assembly comprises a support associated to the supporting structure, a screen housed internally of a first housing on the support and a keyboard housed internally of a second housing on the support. |
| US08356515B2 |
Method and system for measuring a rheological transition level
Method for measuring a rheological transition level between a first layer with first rheological properties, typically a fluid mud layer, and a second layer lying thereunder and having different, second rheological properties, typically a solid mud layer, wherein using a cable an object is lowered through the first layer into the second layer lying thereunder. A dynamic quantity of the moving cable with object, influenced by the rheological properties, or a change of this quantity, is measured. It is determined on the basis of this measurement when the object is located at the rheological transition level. |
| US08356513B2 |
Anomaly detection apparatus for automatic transmission
One embodiment of the present invention provides an anomaly detection apparatus for an automatic transmission, the automatic transmission including an electrically-operated oil pump that is rotationally driven by an electric motor, including: a solenoid that is capable of switching a line pressure of a hydraulic control circuit that controls the automatic transmission between a high pressure and a low pressure; and an oil pressure switch that is turned on or off in response to the line pressure, wherein, in response to an oil pressure command value, whether the oil pressure switch is turned on or off according to the oil pressure command value is determined, and the determination and a load state of the electrically-operated oil pump are compared so as to distinctively determine in which of the solenoid and the oil pressure switch, an anomaly has occurred. |
| US08356512B2 |
Alternative fuel concentration estimating system, vehicle comprising alternative fuel concentration estimating system, and alternative fuel concentration estimating method
An ECU is used in a motorcycle including an engine E, which combusts in a combustion chamber a blended fuel in which gasoline and ethanol are blended, and a fuel injection device for injecting a fuel with a predetermined fuel injection amount such that an air excess ratio in the combustion chamber is a first predetermined value when an ethanol concentration of the blended fuel is zero. The ECU executes O2 feedback control based on an O2 concentration derived from an output of an O2 sensor. Further, the ECU calculates an actual fuel compensation ratio by dividing a fuel injection amount after the O2 feedback control by a predetermined fuel injection amount, and estimates the concentration of the alternative fuel based on this actual fuel compensation ratio and a first predetermined value stored in the ECU. |
| US08356507B2 |
Method and device for manufacturing pipe connectors
Devices and methods for manufacturing fittings (2) with different ends (3, 4) are disclosed, such fittings permitting different measures of connection. For example, one fitting (2) is a threaded end connector with its one end (4) being potentially configured as a compression fitting and its other end (3) as a thread-bearing end. An intermediate section (5) having preferably a polygonal cross-section is provided between the two ends (3, 4). Starting with a pipe piece (1), the manufacture takes place in a few process-safe method steps. |
| US08356505B2 |
Hose fitting
A machine, tooling and method for cold forming complex metal parts such as a banjo style hose fitting starting with a near net shape volume of wire and continuing with multiple forging blows and an intermediate rotation of the blank to produce a hose coupling shell end, a transition neck, a large counterbored annular coupling body and a perpendicular alignment tang. |
| US08356504B2 |
Rolling method for a rolled product for introducing a step into the rolled product
The invention relates to rolled material comprising a front and an end. The rolled material is rolled in a roll gap of a roll stand to a first desired measurement, beginning at the front of the rolled material. When the rolled material is being rolled in the roll stand, it is continuously determined by a control computer, which locates the position of the rolled material which is currently in the roll gap. When the position of the rolled material, which is directly in the roll gap, corresponds to a predetermined first modification position of the rolled material, which is arranged between the front of the rolled material and the end of the rolled material, the roller of the rolled material ends at a first desired measurement such that a first step is introduced into the rolled material on the first modification point. |
| US08356503B2 |
Rolling mill for hot-rolling metal, especially aluminum, and hot-rolling method
The invention relates to a rolling mill (1) which is used to hot roll metal, in particular aluminium. Said rolling mill comprises a hot strip mill (3) provided with a pre-rolling train (4) and a finishing rolling train (5). The aim of the invention is to improve said rolling mill such that it is more compact and/or such that the systems, which are already compact, are more productive. The pre-rolling train (4) is embodied as a tandem train, wherein the rolling product is milled in a tandem mode for jointly involving at least two pre-rolling frames (8, 9) arranged one behind the other. Alternatively or simultaneously, the pre-rolling train (4) and the finishing train (5) work together as a tandem train. Milling occurs place in the tandem mode when the frame of the pre-rolling train and the finishing train are used together. In the finishing train, milling can take place, preferably, in a reversing tandem mode. |
| US08356502B1 |
Material forming machine incorporating quick changeover assembly
A mounting block assembly for positionally adjusting machine components. The mounting block assembly comprises a mount for attachment to a framework of the machine and a component interface pivotably mounted to the mount about a pivot axis. The component interface is capable of supporting at least one component. The mounting block assembly component interface includes a slide block pivotably mounted to the mount about the pivot axis and a tie block adjustably mounted to the slide block along an adjustment axis. |
| US08356500B2 |
Method and device for creating a symbol in a workpiece surface via stamping
In a method and a device for creating a symbol in a workpiece surface via stamping (scoring or plastic forming under compressive conditions); the resultant stamping depth is measured and/or regulated constantly by using a distance sensor which is mounted on the stamping needle and is movable therewith. The stamping needle is placed on the workpiece surface before stamping is begun, thereby resulting in a first distance between the distance sensor and the workpiece surface. A second distance between the distance sensor and the workpiece surface is obtained during the subsequent stamping procedure, and when the stamping needle is pressed into the workpiece surface. The stamping depth results from the difference of the two distances. |
| US08356494B2 |
Process for producing porous quartz glass object, and optical member for EUV lithography
A process for producing a porous quartz glass body containing hydrolyzing a metal dopant precursor and an SiO2 precursor in a flame of a burner to form glass fine particles, and depositing and growing the formed glass fine particles on a base material, in which the burner has at least two nozzles, and in which a mixed gas containing (A) a metal dopant precursor gas, (B) an SiO2 precursor gas, (C) one gas of H2 and O2, and (D) one or more gases selected from the group consisting of a rare gas, N2, CO2, a hydrogen halide and H2O, with a proportion of the gas (D) being from 5 to 70 mol %; and (E) the other gas of H2 and O2 of (C), are fed into different nozzles of the burner from each other. |
| US08356491B2 |
Refrigerant system with intercooler utilized for reheat function
A refrigerant system is provided with at least two stages of compression connected in series. An intercooler is positioned intermediate the two stages and is cooled by an indoor air stream. The intercooler is positioned to be in a path of air flow passing over an indoor heat exchanger, and preferably downstream of the indoor heat exchanger, in relation to this airflow. The intercooler cools the refrigerant flowing between the two compression stages as well as provides the reheat function. Benefits with regard to system performance (efficiency, capacity and reliability) are achieved with no additional circuitry or components required to provide the intercooler and reheat functions. This invention is particularly important for the CO2 refrigerant systems operating in the transcritical cycle. Methods of control are presented for both the intercooler and reheat functions. |
| US08356487B2 |
Control system and method for vaporizer with heating tower
A method of vaporizing liquefied natural gas includes passing liquefied natural gas through a submerged combustion vaporizer having a water bath at a bath temperature and a burner to provide a vaporized gas output at a send-out temperature, drawing water from the bath of the submerged combustion vaporizer and supplying it to an atmospheric heating tower having an ambient air temperature, returning water from the atmospheric heating tower to the bath of the submerged combustion vaporizer, modulating the operating rate of the burner of the submerged combustion vaporizer, and modulating the operating rate of the atmospheric heating tower. |
| US08356481B2 |
Dual hybrid fluid heating apparatus and methods of assembly and operation
A dual hybrid heating apparatus, method of assembly and operation to heat potable water in a tank by heat exchange with a fluid heated by free heat sources—waste heat from heat recovery units and insolation. Once a demand for heated potable water is satisfied, a controller issues commands that cause the fluid to bypass the tank and instead flow to a further heat exchanger. Temperature is monitored downstream—if excessive, then the fluid is sent to a heat dump. A further fluid is heated by heat exchange at the further heat exchanger and then routed to where a parabolic dish solar concentrator vaporizes it to turn a blade of a turbine generator to generate electricity. Heat is extracted from the vapor to form condensate, but the vapor also heats the condensate before being cooled by heat exchange with fluid cooled by a cooling tower. |
| US08356463B2 |
Apparatus for forming flexible containers, dispensing fluid into the containers, and enclosing the fluid within the containers
An apparatus for forming flexible containers from a film web, dispensing fluid into the containers, and enclosing the fluid within the containers. The film web comprises a pair of juxtaposed film plies, a closed longitudinal edge at which the plies are joined, and an open longitudinal edge at which the plies are not joined. |
| US08356460B2 |
Protective wrapping paper for rolls
A wrapping paper for a roll having two opposed roll ends, the wrapping paper includes: a paper layer; and at least one exposed strip having adhesive properties. The at least one exposed strip is proximate to a side edge of the paper layer and covers at least a portion of one of the roll ends when wrapped around the roll. A method for wrapping a roll having a pair of spaced roll ends and an outer roll surface extending between the roll ends. |
| US08356459B1 |
Thermal laminates and laminating method for food packaging films
The specification discloses a method for forming a packaging film. According to the method, a packaging film base layer is provided having a first side and a second side and formed from polymeric materials. At least one additional layer of polymeric material is extrusion coated onto the first side of the base layer. A heat sealable layer is applied onto the second side of the base layer. The method also includes providing a packaging film outer layer having a first side and a second side and formed from polymeric materials. At least one of the outer layer first and second sides is capable of being printed thereon and selected packaging information is printed onto at least one side of the outer layer. Preferably, the outer layer is reverse printed on its second side. Finally, the method includes thermally laminating the base layer and outer layer to one another using a combination of heat and pressure. A packaging film and a method for packaging food products with the film are also disclosed. |
| US08356457B2 |
Catheter product package and method of forming same
A catheter product package and method of forming same in which the package comprises a sheet material wrapped about the catheter product to form a package for the catheter product. The catheter product extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter product. The sheet material of the package is wrapped about the catheter product in a manner defining confronting proximal end edges, confronting distal end edges, and confronting side edges. The confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal after the sheet material is wrapped about the catheter product to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed to it which causes the sheet material to tear along the tear strip to thereby cause the package to open along an intended opening line. A method of forming a package for a catheter product comprises the steps of providing a sheet material for the package and placing the catheter product on the sheet material. It also includes affixing a tear strip to the sheet material and wrapping the sheet material around the catheter product. Further, the method includes the step of sealing the sheet material to form a sealed cavity with the catheter product being disposed within the sealed cavity. |
| US08356450B2 |
Smart panel
A sub-floor panel and system using the sub-floor panel is disclosed. A sub-floor panel, includes a base, at least one support structure coupled to the base, and at least one ventilation channel adjacent to the support structure. |
| US08356448B2 |
Movable tensegrity structure
Provided is a movable tensegrity structure capable of performing bending operation, twisting operation, contracting operation, etc. by itself. The movable tensegrity structures (1, 1*, 10) is constituted by combining a plurality of rigid members (2, 11) and tension members (3, 12) for connecting the end points (E, F) of the rigid members (2, 11), respectively. The tensegrity structure is characterized in that all or a part of the plurality of tension members (3, 12) is formed of a contraction-controllable member. |
| US08356438B2 |
Systems and methods for a user interface for electronic weaponry
An apparatus, according to various aspects of the present invention, produces contractions in skeletal muscles of a target to impede locomotion by the target. The apparatus is used with a provided deployment unit that deploys an electrode away from the apparatus. The electrode conducts a current through the target. The apparatus includes a terminal; a producing sub-system for producing an electric arc to warn the target without conducting a current through the target; a conducting sub-system for conducting the current in series through the terminal and through the target; an initiating sub-system for initiating deployment of the electrode; and an operator interface. The operator interface facilitates selecting one or more cartridges of a set of cartridges to provide a stimulus signal to a target and/or display an arc. |
| US08356435B2 |
Flame simulating device and electric fireplace
The present invention discloses a flame simulating assembly for an electric fireplace and an electric fireplace therewith. The flame simulating assembly comprises a light source, a reflection panel, a light shelter with light openings for light penetration, and a simulating fuel-bed located within the cavity of the housing of the flame simulating assembly. The light shelter can be in form of a tube and mounted on a synchronously rotating mechanism which is in turn mounted on a bracket within the housing. The reflection panel has a reflection area in form of a flame. The light shelter forms an acute angel the reflection panel, or the axis of the light shelter is substantially parallel to or substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane. The light shelter is below the reflection panel and fitted with it. The imaging screen is positioned above the reflection panel. The light source is positioned within the light shelter, or the light source is positioned outside the light shelter but below the light shelter. Such a structure can significantly reduce the width of a product and produce a light and dark flame effect. |
| US08356432B2 |
Wear assembly
A wear assembly for securing a wear member to excavating equipment that includes a base having a nose and a wear member having a socket. The nose and socket are each provided with one or more complementary stabilizing surfaces in central portions thereof. |
| US08356430B2 |
Article of footwear incorporating an illuminable fluid-filled chamber
An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a chamber and at least one illuminable element. The chamber is formed from an at least partially transparent polymer material that encloses a fluid, and a portion of an exterior surface of the chamber is exposed to form a portion of an exterior surface of the footwear. The illuminable element is located within the sole structure and adjacent to the exterior surface the chamber. Light from the illuminable element may pass out of the sole structure by passing through the chamber, thereby imparting the configuration of an illuminable fluid-filled chamber. |
| US08356426B1 |
Article of footwear
A kit comprising at least one shoe and at least one detachable sole section. An article of footwear comprising a shoe and at least one means for connecting the shoe to at least one detachable sole section. An apparatus comprising at least one detachable sole section. |
| US08356425B2 |
Breathable waterproof sole for shoes
A waterproof breathable sole for shoes, which comprises, for at least part of its extension, at least two structural layers, a lower one provided with a supporting structure so as to form the tread, and an upper one that is permeable to water vapor. The lower layer has portions that are open onto the upper layer. A coating obtained by means of a plasma deposition treatment for waterproofing is provided on the upper layer. A layer is thus obtained that has structural functions and characteristics of resistance to damage and is at the same time waterproof and breathable. |
| US08356421B2 |
System and method for spray drying a liquid
Described herein are devices and techniques for spray drying a fluid to produce a dried powder. Assemblies include a spray drying head attachable to a gas supplier and a liquid sample, such as a standard unit of blood product. The spray drying head can be adapted to provide an aerosolized flow of liquid sample exposed to a drying gas. The assembly also includes a drying chamber adapted to separate the aerosolized flow of liquid sample into a dried powder and humid air. The assembly can be disposable, provided in a sterilized kit and having simplified attachments allowing quick connect and disconnect from the gas and liquid sample. Separation of the powder from the humid air exiting the drying chamber occurs within a filtered collection bag. In some embodiments, one or more of the drying chamber and collection bag are formed form a thin-walled, collapsible material. |
| US08356419B2 |
Digital measuring device
A measuring device measures distances via a thin retractable wire with a removable head. Distance is calculated and displayed on a very bright, large LED or other type screen. As the wire is extended, a microprocessor calculates the distance and displays it on its screen. The digital measuring device comprises a housing, a very thin extendable wire, cable or tape, a rotating spool, (from which the wire extends then automatically retracts to), a sensor which measures the amount of wire extended, a microprocessor, a tiny flash drive or other type of memory storage, a microphone/speaker, a large (size of unit) mono or duo chromatic or other type of display screen (LED) and a few buttons and/or a menu driven interface which control functionally. A plurality of removable heads may be attached to the wire for performing different measuring functions. |
| US08356414B2 |
Nail clipping apparatus
A nail clipping apparatus for cutting a fingernail, thumbnail, or toenail nail of a user, comprising a base having an upstanding support member and a nail clipper disposed on the support member, wherein the nail clipper has a rotatable cutter head actuated to cut the user's nail by pivoting movement of a lower clipper arm upwardly toward and an upper clipper arm on which the cutter head resides, wherein the upper clipper arm is connected to the support member and wherein the lower clipper arm is connected to an actuating member that extends in front of the cutter head were a nail positioning pad is disposed on the actuating member adjacent the cutter head and where a user pushes downwardly on the actuating member to move the lower clipper arm upwardly toward the upper clipper arm to actuate the cutter head to cut a nail positioned in the cutter head. |
| US08356413B2 |
Thermally sprayed structures for foil bearings
The present invention provides a method of making a foil component of a foil bearing, where the foil component has an inner surface, an inner portion, and an outer portion. In one embodiment, and by way of example only, the method includes thermally spraying a first material onto an outer surface of a sacrificial substrate to form the foil component inner portion, where the first material includes a solid film lubricant, and the outer surface has a shape that is complementary to the inner surface of the foil component. A second material is then thermally sprayed over the inner portion to form the outer portion, and the second material includes a metal. The sacrificial substrate is then removed to expose the foil component. |
| US08356410B2 |
Heat pipe dissipating system and method
In one embodiment of the disclosure, a heat pipe device for dissipating heat from a heat source includes a porous wick structure having a first porous wick portion disposed adjacent to a second porous wick portion. The first porous wick portion is defined by a first set of microgrooves. The second porous wick portion is defined by a second set of microgrooves disposed in non-parallel adjacent alignment to the first set of microgrooves. The heat pipe device may be disposed within a closed chamber enclosure to which the heat source is attached. In further embodiments, methods are disclosed for manufacturing devices for dissipating heat from a heat source, and for using devices to dissipate heat from a heat source. |
| US08356409B2 |
Repair method for gas turbine engine components
A method for repairing a gas turbine engine component includes applying a braze slurry to a first portion of the component, applying a pre-sintered preform to a second portion of the component that is different than the first portion, and brazing the component. |
| US08356407B2 |
Method of releasing high temperature films and/or devices from metallic substrates
Films and electronic devices can be released from metallic substrates by: (i) applying a coating of a polysilsesquioxane resin to a metallic substrate, (ii) heating the coated metallic substrate to a temperature sufficient to cure the polysilsesquioxane resin, (iii) applying a polymeric film to the cured coating on the metallic substrate, (iv) further heating the coated metallic substrate to a temperature sufficient to cure the polymeric film, (v) optionally fabricating electronic devices on the polymeric film, and (vi) releasing the polymeric film from the metallic substrate. |
| US08356406B2 |
Electronic device and method of manufacturing same
A method of manufacturing an electronic device includes: roughening an underside surface of a film made of a resin, opposite to a mounting surface of the film for mounting a circuit chip; forming a conductor pattern on the mounting surface of the film, thereby obtaining a substrate made of the film where the conductor pattern is formed; and attaching a thermoset adhesive to a conductor-pattern-formed surface of the substrate. The method further includes: mounting the circuit chip to be connected to the conductor pattern on the substrate via the thermoset adhesive; clamping the substrate by a heating apparatus having a presser section and a support section, the presser section abutting the circuit chip mounted on the substrate and the support section abutting the underside surface of the roughened film; and fixing the circuit chip to the conductor pattern by heating and hardening the thermoset adhesive using the heating apparatus. |
| US08356403B2 |
Device for assembling vehicle body
The present invention relates to a device for assembling a vehicle body, and more particularly to a device for assembling a vehicle body that is capable of corresponding to various models of vehicles in a process of manufacturing a vehicle body. |
| US08356397B2 |
Manufacturing method of clutch for automatic transmission and automatic transmission
In a clutch manufacturing method, inner peripheral portions of drum members, of two clutches are connected to a sleeve member, and a piston, a seal plate and a return spring are provided between the drum members, an insulator to apply electric isolation between the piston and the drum member or between the seal plate and another drum member is attached to either the piston or the seal plate. Then, the drum member, to which the electric isolation with the insulator is not applied, is connected to the sleeve member. Then, the piston, return sprig and seal plate are assembled to the sleeve member to which the drum member has been connected. Finally, the drum member, to which the electric isolation with the insulator has been applied, is connected to the sleeve member with electric welding. |
| US08356394B1 |
Standing valve retrieval tool
A standing valve retrieval tool for coupling to a standing valve to allow removal of the standing valve with a tap type puller or a fishing tool. The tool comprises a coupler having a first end and a second end, the first end removably connected to a standing valve within a downhole pump barrel and the second end oriented towards a movable downhole assembly also located within the downhole pump barrel above the standing valve. The coupler has a threaded opening extending within the second end for optionally receiving a tap type puller connector to remove the standing valve and a laterally projecting collar located along the second end for optionally receiving a fishing tool connector to remove the standing valve. The coupler also includes drainage openings extending through the second end for draining debris within the fluid to prevent the threaded opening from becoming plugged. |
| US08356381B2 |
Structure for automatically rotating a spiral rod
A structure for automatically rotating a spiral rod is provided. The structure allows a dusting cloth to be turned into a spiral shape along the spiral rod by rotating a rotating element, and, while the rotating element is being rotated, a torsion spring generates a restoring torque. Once the rotating element is no longer rotated, a pulling element pressing against the teeth inside the rotating element retains the rotating element and thus keeps the dusting cloth in the spiral shape. When the pulling element is subsequently pulled away from the teeth of the rotating element, the rotating element automatically rotates in the reverse direction due to the restoring torque of the torsion spring. |
| US08356378B1 |
Hand worn scrubber
A hand worn scrubber is provided for facilitating cleaning. The scrubber provides for a cleaning agent and multiple scrubbing surfaces on a hand covering. The scrubber includes a glove having an open end designed for receiving a hand. The glove includes palm section, a thumb section, a plurality of finger sections, and a plurality of fingertip sections. A scrubbing member is coupled to the glove. The scrubbing member extends from the plurality of fingertip sections towards the open end. A cleaning agent is positioned in the scrubbing member. The cleaning agent is dispensable from the scrubbing member during use of the scrubbing member. The fingertip sections of the glove have a plurality of fingertip scrubbing nodules to facilitate cleaning of an item by vigorous scrubbing with the fingertip sections. |
| US08356377B2 |
Reinforced cup for use with a pig or other downhole tool
A reinforced cup for use on downhole devices is disclosed. The reinforced cup is comprised of a cylindrical metal sleeve. Surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the metal sleeve is a flexible mesh cage comprised of a plurality of woven wire strands. A resilient cover is formed around the metal sleeve and flexible mesh cage so that the metal sleeve and flexible mesh fabric are encased by the resilient cover. The flexible mesh cage serves to reinforce the resilient cover. |
| US08356375B2 |
Floor treating system and method
A floor treating system is provided including a power source having a rotatable drive shaft with an axis of rotation, a floor treating attachment, means for imparting an oscillating motion from the drive shaft to the floor treating attachment, a rug beating attachment, and means for imparting a vibrating motion from the drive shaft to the rug beating attachment. Multiple embodiments provide that the means for imparting an oscillating motion impart at least two speeds of oscillating motion. Embodiments include those with means for connecting floor treating attachments at at least two different distances from the drive shaft axis of rotation. |
| US08356370B1 |
Dynamic hammock spreader apparatus and method
A method for spreading a hammock is disclosed. The method may include selecting a hammock comprising a hammock base having a first end, a second end opposite the first end in a longitudinal direction, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side in a lateral direction. The method may further include suspending the first end of the hammock base from a first anchor and suspending the second end of the hammock base from a second anchor. Once suspended, the hammock base may be spread in the lateral direction using exclusively a dynamic spreader system. The dynamic spreader system may automatically adjust the amount of the spreading in response to changes in the weight, shape, or orientation of contents within the hammock base. |
| US08356362B1 |
Arm accessory device for holding remote controls
An arm accessory having a glove base with an extension panel connected to the glove base where the extension panel is adapted to cover a portion of an anterior side of the user's forearm with a securing means on the extension panel which functions to secure the extension panel to the user's forearm and having a pocket which has an opening and a closing means on the extension panel. |