Document Document Title
US08372413B2 Immunomodulatory polynucleotides and methods of using the same
The invention provides immunomodulatory polynucleotides and methods for immunomodulation of individuals using the immunomodulatory polynucleotides.
US08372408B2 Use of Phaeodactylum algae extract for depigmenting the skin
The invention relates to the use in a cosmetic composition of an extract of the alga Phaeodactylum tricornutum, as a depigmenting active agent intended in particular for attenuating or eliminating skin pigmentation marks or for lightening the complexion or bodily hairs or head hair. The extract is preferably a lipid extract. The invention also relates to a cosmetic care method for attenuating or eliminating skin pigmentation marks or for lightening the complexion or bodily hairs or head hair, characterized in that it comprises the application, to at least one concerned area of the skin, of a cosmetic composition containing this extract.
US08372406B2 Antitumoral and antiviral peptides
The invention relates to novel compositions of general formula (1) consisting of X1 Trp Gly Gln X2 or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters or amides thereof, wherein X1 is absent or contains at least one type of aminoacid, X2 is absent or contains at least one type of aminoacid. The inventive compositions produce an antitumoral and antiviral effect by suppressing a tumoral cells proliferation, potentiating the action of other antitumoral preparations and by stimulating antitumoral and antiviral immunologic mechanisms.
US08372394B2 Compositions and methods for treating cartilage disease
The present invention provides a composition for regenerating cartilage or treating a cartilage disease containing a monovalent metal salt of alginic acid for which the endotoxin level thereof has been lowered to an extent that does not substantially induce inflammation or fever. As a result, it is possible to provide a composition for regenerating cartilage that improves cartilage regenerative action and ease of application to a cartilage injury lesion, and a composition for treating a cartilage disease, which has the effects of protecting cartilage from mechanical irritation, inhibiting degenerative changes in cartilage caused by wear and inflammation, repairing a cartilage injury lesion, and inhibiting inflammation and pain of joint tissue.
US08372389B2 Methods for the treatment of radiation or chemotherapy-induced tissue damage
The present invention relates to methods for preventing or treating toxicities associated with exposure to ionizing radiation or to chemotherapy. Particularly, the present invention relates to methods for preventing or treating toxicities associated with radiation or chemotherapy comprising administering to a subject in need of such treatment polypeptide complexes comprising an IL-6 linked to a soluble IL-6 receptor, the polypeptide complexes capable of preventing or treating toxicities, particularly xerostomia.
US08372385B2 Antifouling condensation curing organopolysiloxane composition, making method, and underwater structure
An antifouling condensation curing organopolysiloxane composition is prepared by premixing a part or all of (A) a diorganopolysiloxane free of a reactive group with a part or all of (B) silica to form a premix, then mixing the premix with the remainder of (A) and (B), (C) a base diorganopolysiloxane, and (D) a silane. The composition has a good balance of low viscosity and high thixotropy, can be thickly coated in a single pass, and cures into a coating having rubber strength and surface smoothness and exhibiting satisfactory antifouling property over a long period of time.
US08372384B2 Quaternary ammonium functionalized cross-linked polyalkylsiloxanes with anti-fouling activity
Functionalized cross-linked polysiloxanes, such as quaternary ammonium terminated cross-linked polyalkylsiloxanes are described herein. The functionalized cross-linked polysiloxanes may be used in an antifouling composition to prevent biological fouling in aqueous and/or marine environments.
US08372381B1 Achieving long-term release of health enhancing elements from chemical components
A chewing gum carrier system for supplemental nutrients and pharmaceutical products is provided using compressed gum with a buffering system designed for simultaneous release and ultimate exhaustion of both flavor elements and supplementary nutritive elements and/or pharmacological values by use of a sodium carbonate, bicarbonate and magnesium oxide buffering system included in a compressed gum base, preferably using a plasticizer to prevent premature crumbling of the compressed gum base.
US08372380B2 In vivo imaging of sulfotransferases
Radiolabeled tracers for sulfotransferases (SULTs), their synthesis, and their use are provided. Included are substituted phenols, naphthols, coumarins, and flavones radiolabeled with 18F, 123I, 124I, 125I, or 11C. Also provided are in vivo techniques for using these and other tracers as analytical and diagnostic tools to study sulfotransferase distribution and activity, in health and disease, and to evaluate therapeutic interventions.
US08372376B2 IM-13 crystallized solid and its process for preparation
The invention relates to a crystallized solid, referred to by the name IM-13, which has an X-ray diffraction diagram as provided below. Said solid has a chemical composition that is expressed according to the general formula mXO2: nYO2: pZ2O3: qR: sF: wH2O, where R represents one or more organic radical(s), X represents one or more tetravalent element(s) different from germanium, Y represents germanium, Z represents at least one trivalent element, and F is fluorine.
US08372374B2 Method and apparatus for electrokinetic co-generation of hydrogen and electric power from liquid water microjets
A method and apparatus for producing both a gas and electrical power from a flowing liquid, the method comprising: a) providing a source liquid containing ions that when neutralized form a gas; b) providing a velocity to the source liquid relative to a solid material to form a charged liquid microjet, which subsequently breaks up into a droplet spay, the solid material forming a liquid-solid interface; and c) supplying electrons to the charged liquid by contacting a spray stream of the charged liquid with an electron source. In one embodiment, where the liquid is water, hydrogen gas is formed and a streaming current is generated.The apparatus comprises a source of pressurized liquid, a microjet nozzle, a conduit for delivering said liquid to said microjet nozzle, and a conductive metal target sufficiently spaced from said nozzle such that the jet stream produced by said microjet is discontinuous at said target. In one arrangement, with the metal nozzle and target electrically connected to ground, both hydrogen gas and a streaming current are generated at the target as it is impinged by the streaming, liquid spray microjet.
US08372373B2 Graphite material, carbonaceous material for battery electrodes, and batteries
Provided are a graphite material suitable as an electrode material for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, a carbonaceous material for battery electrodes, and secondary batteries which exhibit excellent charge-discharge cycle characteristics and excellent severe-current-load characteristics. A graphite material which has specific sizes of optically anisotropic and isotropic structures, a specific content ratio between both structures, and various orientation of crystallization; and a carbonaceous material for battery electrodes which is made using the graphite material and which exhibits a large discharge capacity and a small irreversible capacity with the severe-current-load characteristics and cycle characteristics being kept at high levels.
US08372368B2 Synthesis of a crystalline silicoaluminophosphate
The present invention is a method for synthesizing non-zeolitic molecular sieves which have a three dimensional microporous framework comprising [AlO2] and [PO2] units. In preparing the reaction mixture, a surfactant is used, coupled with non-aqueous impregnation to prevent acid sites from being destroyed by water during Pt impregnation. The superior SAPO exhibits higher activity and selectivity especially in catalytic hydroisomerization of waxy feeds, due to the presence of medium-sized silica islands distributed throughout the SAPO.
US08372363B2 Method of mercury removal from combustion exhaust gas and combustion exhaust gas purification apparatus
A method for removing mercury in a combustion exhaust gas includes injecting ammonia or urea as a reducing agent into a combustion exhaust gas containing nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, metallic mercury, and hydrogen halides, and then introducing the combustion exhaust gas to a denitration apparatus filled with a denitration catalyst to cause a denitration reaction and oxidize the metallic mercury to produce mercury halide; and introducing the combustion exhaust gas through an air preheater and an electric dust collector to a wet desulfurization apparatus, thereby removing sulfur dioxides and the mercury halide, wherein the ammonia concentration of the combustion exhaust gas at an exit of the denitration apparatus is maintained at 5 ppm or higher, and the mercury halide is adsorbed or precipitated onto combustion ash and collected by the electric dust collector to discharge the mercury halide out of a system.
US08372360B2 Controlled metal leach recovery circuit
The present invention relates generally to a process for controlled leaching and sequential recovery of two or more metals from metal-bearing materials. In one exemplary embodiment, recovery of metals from a leached metal-bearing material is controlled and improved by providing a high grade pregnant leach solution (“HGPLS”) and a low grade pregnant leach solution (“LGPLS”) to a single solution extraction plant comprising at least two solution extractor units, at least two stripping units, and, optionally, at least one wash stage.
US08372359B2 Sample vial retainer
A vial retainer system for an automated processing apparatus. The vial retainer system includes a track mounted to the processing apparatus, a rack adapted to slide in a longitudinal direction on the track, and a vial retainer positioned over the rack. The rack is movable in a distal direction to install the rack on the processing apparatus, and in a proximal direction, opposite the distal direction, to remove the rack from the processing apparatus. The rack is adapted to hold one or more vials in an upright orientation. The vial retainer has one or more a sloped surfaces inclined such that a distal end of each sloped surface is closer to the track than a proximal end of each sloped surface.
US08372358B2 Microfluidic system and method for using same
In a microfluidic system, a magnetic clamp for sealing a flexible microchannel chip includes a base formed from a magnetically-attractable material. The base supports a window for viewing the face of the microfluidic chip. A ring with magnets uniformly distributed around it is disposed over the base. A transparent disk attached to the top of the ring has an inlet and an outlet for introducing and removing a fluid medium into a cavity defined the disk, the window, the center opening of the ring and the base. An elastomer cushion is attached to the inner surface of the disk. The magnetic force between the base and the magnets on the ring compresses the cushion against the microfluidic chip so that the microchannels are sealed against the window with a uniform and reproducible pressure.
US08372353B2 Sample processor
A sample delivery system comprising (i) a cartridge comprising a body section adapted to hold a sealed sample vessel so as to fix the position of a seal of the sample vessel in relation to the cartridge; and (ii) apparatus adapted to receive said cartridge, said apparatus being provided with an opening system for opening said sealed sample vessel contained within the cartridge.
US08372348B2 Apparatus and method for mixing a concentrated water treatment solution
An apparatus includes a reservoir for holding a chemical solution, a pump and a discharge nozzle. The pump has an inlet and an outlet connected to the reservoir by inlet and discharge lines. The nozzle is disposed in a lower portion of the reservoir and discharges the solution toward the bottom of the reservoir; the nozzle has an inlet port connected to the pump discharge line through the sidewall of the reservoir. The pump inlet line is connected to a sidewall of the reservoir at a location below a normal surface level of the solution, and the pump discharge line is connected to the sidewall of the reservoir above that location. The reservoir, pump, pump inlet line, pump discharge line, nozzle inlet line and nozzle form a closed loop recirculation system effective to suspend insoluble material in the chemical solution.
US08372347B2 Method for extracting and upgrading of heavy and semi-heavy oils and bitumens
Improvements in the selective extraction of relatively low molecular weight oils from coal, coal liquids, oil shales, shale oils, oil sands, heavy and semi-heavy oils, bitumens, and the like are provided by a continuous process involving contacting the material to be treated with supercritical water in a continuous operation at pressures of from 500 psi to 3000 psi, temperatures of 250° C. to 450° C., and in-reactor dwell times generally in excess of 25 seconds and up to 10 minutes.
US08372343B2 Multiple coagulation test cartridge and method of using same
Embodiments of the present invention relate to multiple coagulation test cartridges and methods of using such cartridges. In one embodiment the cartridge is a disposable single-use cartridge for use in evaluating blood clotting. The cartridge includes multiple containers, such as tubes, each of which includes one or more coagulation affecting substances. The containers can be pre-filled with substances in amounts suitable for use with a single patient's blood sample. The cartridge may include one or more containers, each of which has multiple sections, or volumes, each section storing a different coagulation affecting substance. In another embodiment the cartridge is used in a method for determining at least one appropriate coagulation affecting substance for modifying a patient's coagulation status using a multiple coagulation test system.
US08372341B2 Assay device processing apparatus and method
Assay device processing apparatus includes a rotatably mounted assay device vessel support; and a drive for rotating the support. The support is rotatable about a substantially horizontal first axis so that, upon rotation, an assay device vessel attached to the support can be inverted.
US08372337B2 Method and device for disinfecting grounds by generating humidified hot compressed air
Method of disinfecting floors by injecting hot, wet compressed air into the floor, this air being produced by a generator, whether on board or not, consisting of two cylinders of different diameters, one (1) of large diameter into which the atmospheric air is drawn and then compressed in a chamber (11) to a pressure and temperature sufficient to allow almost instantaneous vaporization of a dose of liquid and the other (6), facing the chamber, of smaller diameter in which the charge of humidified compressed air will be partly expanded so as to bring it back to the chosen pressure and temperature for use in order to inject it into the floor.
US08372332B2 Fabricating an implantable medical device from an amorphous or very low crystallinity polymer construct
Methods of fabricating a polymeric implantable device with improved fracture toughness through annealing, nucleating agents, or both are disclosed herein. A polymeric construct that is completely amorphous or that has a very low crystallinity is annealed with no or substantially no crystal growth to increase nucleation density. Alternatively, the polymer construct includes nucleating agent. The crystallinity of the polymer construct is increased with a high nucleation density through an increase in temperature, deformation, or both. An implantable medical device, such as a stent, can be fabricated from the polymer construct after the increase in crystallinity.
US08372323B2 Process of making polyacrylonitrile fibers
A process for preparing a PANOX fiber comprising: obtaining an acrylonitrile copolymer, wherein the copolymer contains at least about 2% by weight itaconic acid comonomer; forming a spin dope from the copolymer; wet spinning the spin dope to obtain gelled filaments; contacting the gelled filaments with ammonia activator in an aqueous imbibation bath; bundling the gelled filaments to obtain a fiber; removing solvent from the fiber; drawing the fiber; densifying the fiber by heating the fiber up to about 400 degrees C. for a time of about 15 minutes in a rapid densification zone; and withdrawing a PANOX fiber from the densification zone.
US08372322B2 Process for the formation of pores in a polymer matrix
The invention relates to a process for the formation of pores of controlled shape, dimensions and distribution in a polymer matrix comprising a step of embedding silicon nanowires and/or nanotrees in a nonpolymerized polymer matrix or a nonpolymerized polymer matrix in suspension or in solution in at least one solvent, a step of curing the polymer matrix, and a step of removing the silicon nanowires and/or nanotrees by chemical treatment. The process of the invention can be used for the manufacture of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell active layer. The invention has applications in the field of manufacture of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, in particular.
US08372315B2 Green soluble conjugated polymers with high charge carrier mobilities
A donor-acceptor (DA) π-conjugated polymer with high charge transfer mobility has a plurality of D1kAD1k portions, where k is 1 or 2, D1 is a donor unit having at least one solubilizing side chain, and A is an acceptor unit, and the donor-acceptor (DA) π-conjugated polymer has a plurality of D2m spacer sequences situated between the D1kAD1k portions, where m is 1 to 6 and D2 is a second donor unit where all atoms of the unit are coplanar in at least one conformation that the unit can assume. The DA π-conjugated polymer can reflect a blue tinted green, deep green, or yellow tinted green color. The DA π-conjugated polymers have space-charge limited (SCL) zero field hole mobilities of at least 1×10−6 cm2V−1s−1.
US08372311B2 Process for biomass conversion to synthesis gas
Biomass is processed through a biomass fractioning system that creates, through the application of selective temperature ramps and pressure shocks, a series of useful volatile components and BMF char, wherein the BMF char is reacted sacrificially with any one stream of methane, carbon dioxide, steam or oxygen to create highly pure synthesis gas with a controllable range of compositions. The resulting synthesis gas may be used in any desired manner, including conversion to oxygenates such as methanol and dimethyl ether, and to hydrocarbons.
US08372310B2 Process for the preparation of synthesis gas, II
A process for the production of synthesis gas is presented, which involves the steps of a) preparing a vapor phase mixture comprising steam and at least one hydrocarbon or oxygenated hydrocarbon by atomizing of the at least one hydrocarbon or oxygenated hydrocarbon through a nozzle such that the at least one hydrocarbon or oxygenated hydrocarbon is present as droplets with a droplet size of less than 500 μm and the time to complete evaporation does not exceed 0.5 seconds, said at least one hydrocarbon or oxygenated hydrocarbon having an atmospheric boiling point in the range of −50 to 370° C., said vapor phase having a H2O/C molar ratio of at least 2, and b) catalytic conversion of the vapor phase mixture into synthesis gas in a reformer.
US08372309B2 Phosphor and manufacturing method therefore, and light emission device using the phosphor
To provide a phosphor having an emission spectrum with a broad peak in a range from green color to yellow color, having a broad and flat excitation band capable of using lights of broad range from near ultraviolet/ultraviolet to blue lights as excitation lights, and having excellent emission efficiency and luminance. The problem is solved by providing the phosphor expressed by a general composition formula MmAaBbOoNn:Z (where element M is one or more kinds of elements having bivalent valency, element A is one or more kinds of elements having tervalent valency, element B is one or more kinds of elements having tetravalent valency, O is oxygen, N is nitrogen, and element Z is one or more kinds of elements acting as the activator), satisfying 4.0<(a+b)/m<7.0, a/m≧0.5, b/a>2.5, n>o, n=2/3m+a+4/3b−2/3o, and having an emission spectrum with a peak wavelength of 500 nm to 650 nm when excited by light in a wavelength range from 300 nm to 500 nm.
US08372307B2 Cyclohexylene reactive mesogens and their applications
The invention relates to new cyclohexylene reactive mesogens (RM), polymers derived thereof, liquid crystal (LC) media comprising them, and the use of the compounds, polymers and liquid crystalline media in optical, electrooptical, electronic, semiconducting or luminescent components or devices, in decorative, security, cosmetic or diagnostic applications, especially in the polymer stabilised blue phase.
US08372305B2 Chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising metal-organic framework materials
The present invention relates to compositions for chemical-mechanical polishing comprising A 0.01% to 40% by weight based on the total amount of the composition of abrasive particles of at least one porous metal-organic framework material, wherein the framework material comprises at least one at least bidentate organic compound which is coordinately bound to at least one metal ion; B 40% to 99.8% by weight based on the total amount of the composition of a liquid carrier; and C 0.01% to 20% by weight based on the total amount of the composition of a polishing additive component. The invention further relates to the use of said composition as well as methods for chemical-mechanical polishing of a surface with the aid of said compositions.
US08372302B2 Magnesium chloride and potassium sulfate deicer
Deicing compositions comprising magnesium chloride and potassium sulfate are provided. The compositions are pet friendly and have less of a detrimental impact on the environment and vegetation than prior art compositions. Methods of reducing or preventing the build-up of ice or snow on various surfaces are also provided.
US08372292B2 Melt blown polymeric filtration medium for high efficiency fluid filtration
Disclosed herein is a polymeric filtration medium including at least one fibrous mat of randomly oriented fibers of a polymer. The polymer has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) between about 1.4 and about 6 and a melt flow rate greater than about 1000 g/10 minutes. Also disclosed herein are methods of making and using the polymeric filtration medium. Further disclosed herein is a composite filtration medium incorporating the polymeric filtration medium.
US08372290B2 Magnetic separation of nonferrous metal ores by means of multi-stage conditioning
The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material, which comprises at least the following steps: (A) contacting of the mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material with at least one surface-active substance, if appropriate in the presence of at least one dispersion medium, with the surface-active substance binding to the at least one first material, (B) if appropriate, addition of at least one dispersion medium to the mixture obtained in step (A) in order to obtain a dispersion, (C) treatment of the dispersion from step (A) or (B) with at least one hydrophobic magnetic particle so that the at least one first material to which the at least one surface-active substance is bound and the at least one magnetic particle agglomerate, (D) separation of the agglomerate from step (C) from the mixture by application of a magnetic field in order to obtain the agglomerate and a mixture M1 depleted in agglomerate, and repetition of the steps (A) to (D).
US08372287B2 Impregnated expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubing as a stationary phase
A solid-phase extraction device utilizing a section of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubing as the stationary phase is disclosed. The microscopic pores of ePTFE tubing are impregnated with a binding agent having an affinity for a target constituent within a matrix. The matrix is prepared and loaded onto the stationary phase of the system. The target constituent is retained by the stationary phase. The constituent is stripped from the stationary phase with a stripping solution, and collected for further analysis or use.
US08372280B2 Fuel filter of an internal combustion engine
A fuel filter of an internal combustion engine has a filter housing with a housing base body of cast metal and at least one lid. Screws are provided for attaching the at least one lid to the housing base body. A lid seal seals the at least one lid relative to the housing base body. The housing base body has screw receptacles for the screws and a seal seat for the lid seal. The screws are self-tapping screws. The screw receptacles and the seal seat are formed by casting technology without after machining.
US08372273B2 Water purifying filter assembly module
There is provided a water purifying filter assembly module that a water purifying filter can be easily released from or assembled with. The water purifying filter assembly module may include: a filter assembly head having a water purifying filter assembled on one side thereof, the filter assembly head configured such that water to be filtered flows into the water purifying filter and the water, filtered through the water purifying filter, is discharged to an outside thereof; and a module body having the filter assembly head rotatably provided therein, the water purifying filter being released from or assembled on the filter assembly head as the water purifying filter is aligned and rotates with the filter assembly head.
US08372272B2 Separating compositions
A water-based separating composition for separating hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon containing material includes at least about 73% by weight water, a hydrotropic agent, a dispersant having flocculating characteristics, at least one acid and at least one base in amounts sufficient to provide the separating composition with a pH of about 7 to about 8.5. The hydrotropic agent and the dispersant having flocculating characteristics are different.
US08372270B2 Additives to enhance metal removal in refinery desalting processes
It has been discovered that metals can be removed or transferred from a hydrocarbon phase to a water phase in an emulsion breaking process by using a composition that contains a demulsifier (for instance, an oxyalkylated alkyl resin and/or a crosslinked polypropylene glycol), a surfactant, a diketone and a solvent (for instance an aromatic solvent). The method may also include introducing a hydroxyl carboxylic acid and/or at least one mineral acid to reduce the pH of the desalter wash water. The method permits transfer of metals into the aqueous phase with little or no hydrocarbon phase undercarry into the aqueous phase. The composition is particularly useful in treating crude oil emulsions, and in removing iron therefrom.
US08372268B2 High surface area composition for use in the catalytic hydroconversion of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock, a method making such composition and its use
A catalyst composition that is especially useful in the hydroconversion of pitch, micro carbon residue and sulfur contents of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock without the excessive formation of sediment. The catalyst composition is a reasonably high surface area composition containing alumina and a low molybdenum content with a high ratio of nickel-to-molybdenum. The catalyst composition further has a unique pore distribution that in combination with the special metals loading provide for good conversion of pitch and micro carbon residue without an excessive yield of sediment.
US08372262B2 Simultaneous determination of chlorine and chlorate in sodium hypochlorite
A process for the simultaneous determination of chlorine and chlorate in sodium hypochlorite. First and second streams of sodium hypochlorite are provided. The first stream is treated to generate iodine indicative of chlorine. The second stream is treated to generate iodine indicative of chlorine and chlorate. The iodine of the first stream is subjected to an amperometric measuring cell to generate a first current proportional to a chlorine concentration of the first stream. The iodine of the second stream is subjected to an amperometric measuring cell to generate a second current proportional to the chlorine and chlorate concentration in the second stream. The first current is subtracted from the second current to determine an amount of chlorate.
US08372260B1 Marine drive cathodic protection system with accurate detection of reference potential
A marine drive cathodic protection control circuit and method controls ohmic current from a power source to an anode according to electrical reference potential sensed by a reference electrode. The ohmic current is interrupted for an interruption interval, and reference potential is sensed during the interruption interval. The ohmic current is controlled according to reference potential sensed during the interruption interval.
US08372258B2 Monitoring of electroplating additives
The working electrode in the flow channel of a flow-through electrolytic detection cell is preconditioned by flowing a preconditioning electroplating solution with preconditioner species through the flow channel while applying a negative potential. Flow of liquid through the flow channel is rapidly switched from preconditioning solution to a target solution containing an organic target solute to be measured. The transient response of the system resulting from exposure of the working electrode to organic target solute is detected by measuring current density during an initial transient time period. An unknown concentration of target solute is determined by comparing the transient response with one or more transient responses characteristic of known concentrations. A preferred measuring system is operable to switch flow from preconditioning solution to target solution in about 200 milliseconds or less.
US08372255B2 Elastic current collector for electrochemical cells
The invention relates to a current collector for electrochemical diaphragm or membrane-type cells, comprising a layer obtained by interlacing or weaving of a multiplicity of first sets of metal wires with a multiplicity of single metal wires or of second sets of metal wires and provided with substantially parallel corrugations. Such layer is coupled to a planar element consisting of a cloth or a flattened stocking formed by weaving of a single metal wire. The current collector is characterised by a low angular coefficient of the pressure/thickness ratio over a wide range of compression levels.
US08372250B2 Gas-timing method for depositing oxynitride films by reactive R.F. magnetron sputtering
A gas-timing control method for depositing metal oxynitride and transition metal oxynitride (Mx(ON)y) films on glass and flexible substrates using reactive radio frequency magnetron sputtering, without substrate heating. A system includes a sputtering chamber, substrates, targets, three mass flow controllers controlled respective flow rates of argon, nitrogen and oxygen gases alternately and intermittently into the sputtering chamber, and a radio frequency generator with 13.56 MHz which irradiated in the sputtering chamber to decompose sputtering gases. The flow rate ratio of oxygen+nitrogen/argon is at least 0.02, the flow rate ratio of oxygen/nitrogen is at least 0.01, and the sequence timing of argon, nitrogen and oxygen gases alternately or mixed into the sputtering chamber at least 1 sec.
US08372247B2 Method for automatically distilling liquid specimens at atmospheric pressure in a standardized distillation apparatus
Method for automatically distilling liquid specimens in a standardized distillation apparatus containing a heater, a distillation flask, a collecting cylinder and control and regulation means, characterized in that: the specimen is introduced into the distillation flask; this flask is positioned in the distillation apparatus; the specimen to be analysed is classified in a group defined by the standard selected; the distillation is started, with the amount of condensate collected in the collecting cylinder, the temperature of the evaporated vapor, the temperature of the liquid specimen present in the flask, together with an operating parameter of the heater, being constantly measured; and the measured values are sent to the control and regulating means that in return control the operating parameter of the heater so as to obtain, directly and automatically, distillation parameters in accordance with a standard.
US08372243B2 Paper substrates containing high surface sizing and low internal sizing and having high dimensional stability
This invention relates to a paper substrate containing high surface sizing and low internal sizing and having high dimensional stability, as well as methods of making and using the composition.
US08372241B2 Process for manufacturing a sheet material
A process for manufacturing a sheet material comprising at least two fibrous plies juxtaposed one on top of the other, including the following steps: a first paper ply is produced by filtration of an aqueous suspension of fibers on the wire cloth of a cylinder mold or of a former; a second paper ply is produced on the wire cloth of a second cylinder mold so as to form at least one recess in the second ply; at least one at least partially transparent element is placed between the two plies that are still wet; and the two plies are joined together so that said at least one recess of the second ply, the at least one at least partially transparent element and the at least one elongate region of zero thickness of the first ply are situated facing one another; then drying the obtained structure.
US08372237B2 Process for obtaining CCM with subgaskets
A continuous process for applying subgaskets to surfaces of CCM subassemblies, comprising: a) preparation of a roll (A), wherein on each of two surfaces, electrocatalytic layers longitudinally distributed at regular intervals are applied; b) preparation of two subgasket rolls (B) wherein, on a subgasket sheet, in correspondence to the position of the electrocatalytic layers in the roll (A), openings are made; the percent ratio (subgasket opening area)/(electrocatalytic layer area) being between 90% and 99%; c) hot lamination of two rolls (B) with the roll (A); the step being carried out so that the perimeter of the openings of the two rolls (B) falls inside the area of the electrocatalytic layers, and obtaining a roll (C), wherein on each of the two surfaces of the sheet formed of a CCM sequence (roll (A)) a subgasket sheet (roll (B)) is applied.
US08372233B2 Heat transfer materials and method of use thereof
A heat transfer material kit is disclosed that includes a first image transfer material that includes a printable non-porous surface, and a second image transfer material that includes an outer layer having a film forming binder and thermoplastic particles. The film forming binder is polar. A method of using the kit is disclosed that includes the steps of a) imaging the substantially non-porous printable surface to form an imaged surface having printed and un-printed areas; b) positioning the outer layer adjacent the imaged surface; c) transferring a portion of the outer layer to the printed area while transferring a lesser portion of the outer layer to the non-printed area to form a coated imaged surface having a non-printed area with less coating than the printed area; and d) thereafter transferring the coated image to a substrate. Alternate methods of using the kit and applying images to substrates that provide good image appearance and durability are also disclosed.
US08372232B2 Heat transfer materials and method of use thereof
A heat transfer material kit is disclosed that includes a first image transfer material that includes a printable non-porous surface, and a second image transfer material that includes an outer layer having a film forming binder and thermoplastic particles. A method of using the kit is disclosed that includes the steps of a) imaging the substantially non-porous printable surface to form an imaged surface having printed and un-printed areas; b) positioning the outer layer adjacent the imaged surface; c) transferring a portion of the outer layer to the printed area while transferring a lesser portion of the outer layer to the non-printed area to form a coated imaged surface having a non-printed area with less coating than the printed area; and d) thereafter transferring the coated image to a substrate. Alternate methods of using the kit and applying images to substrates that provide good image appearance and durability are also disclosed.
US08372231B1 Method and apparatus for low-bulk toughened fabrics for low-pressure molding processes
A method and apparatus for manufacturing. A fiber layer and a first porous bonding layer are formed to form a unidirectional lay-up of fibers. The unidirectional lay-up of fibers is heated under pressure to form a unidirectional composite tape. A first plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape is laid down to build a first layer from the unidirectional composite tape. A second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape is laid down to build a second layer from the unidirectional composite tape on the first layer at a predetermined angle from the first layer. At least one of the first and second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape are slit while laying down the first and second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape. A composite fabric is formed from the first and second layer.
US08372230B2 Adhesives with mechanical tunable adhesion
The invention concerns a method for making an article having a tunable adhesive, said method comprising applying strain to mechanically deform a substrate in at least one direction; applying a rigid coating layer on the substrate; and releasing the strain to form an article having a rippled surface. Ripple characteristics can be altered by mechanical strain in real time which further changes the adhesion properties.
US08372228B2 Method and apparatus for continuous production of a textile structure resistant to perforation and penetration and textile structure thus obtained
The present invention refers to a method for continuous production of a textile structure resistant to perforation and penetration, comprising the steps consisting in: a) simultaneously weaving two fabric elements overlapped and spaced from each other, wherein at least the warp or chain threads of the upper fabric element and the weft threads of the lower fabric element, or vice-versa, comprise ballistic threads; b) inserting, during said weaving step, at least one intermediate layer between said upper fabric element and said lower fabric element; c) joining the assembly of the two upper and lower fabric elements interposed between which is said intermediate layer to obtain a multilayer textile structure.
US08372226B2 Elastomeric waterproofing and weatherproofing photovoltaic finishing method and system
The present invention is for a system and method of creating a continuous, seamless, waterproof, weatherproof, electrically generating surface that can be applied over a great variety of structural components. The method comprises coating the selected surface with a base elastomeric coating thus sealing holes, cracks and other surface imperfections. In one embodiment, the base elastomeric coating is allowed to dry and at least one photovoltaic module is placed on the base elastomeric coating by using another coat of elastomeric material applied to the underside surface of the photovoltaic module or on the surface of the base elastomeric coating where the photovoltaic module will be applied. Another layer of an elastomeric coating is applied covering the perimeter edges of the photovoltaic module creating a continuous, seamless, waterproof, weatherproof surface capable of generating electricity. Other embodiments include various strengthening elements to create durable, weatherproof surfaces with the photovoltaic modules integrated therein.
US08372222B2 Method of producing locally austempered ductile iron
A system and method for producing locally austempered ductile iron includes a computer program for closely controlling the heating and cooling of an iron part or workpiece. The process allows for the austempering of a relatively low cost iron workpiece to produce significantly higher quality end products. The locally austempered regions may be formed to a substantial controlled depth.
US08372221B2 Manufacturing method of steel sheet for cans
A method provides a slab by continuous casting of a steel having a component composition of, in mass %, C: 0.005% or less, Mn: 0.05 to 0.5%, Al: 0.01 to 0.10%, N: 0.0010 to 0.0070%, B: 0.15×N to 0.75×N (0.15 to 0.75 in terms of B/N), and one or both of Nb: 4×C to 20×C (4 to 20 in terms of Nb/C) and Ti: 2×C to l0×C (2 to 10 in terms of Ti/C), and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurity elements; rough rolling the slab; finish rolling the rough-rolled slab wherein 5% or more and less than 50% of the total amount of rolling reduction in the finish rolling is hot-rolled at a temperature lower than the Ar3 transformation point; winding the hot-rolled steel sheet at a winding temperature of 640 to 750 ° C.; pickling the coiled steel sheet; cold rolling the pickled steel sheet at a rolling reduction rate of 88 to 96%; and annealing the cold-rolled steel sheet in a temperature range of higher than 400 ° C. to a temperature that is 20 ° C. lower than the recrystallization temperature.
US08372220B2 Aluminum alloy forgings and process for production thereof
There are provided an aluminum alloy forging having high strength, toughness, and resistance to corrosion in response to the thinning of automotive underbody parts, and a process for production thereof.The aluminum alloy forging includes an aluminum alloy containing predetermined amounts of Mg, Si, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Zr, and Ti with the balance being composed of Al and inevitable impurities, and having a hydrogen gas concentration of 0.25 ml/100 g of Al. In the aluminum alloy forging mentioned above, the area ratio of Mg2Si having a maximum length of 0.1 μm or above is 0.15% or below, the recrystallization ratio of the aluminum alloy is 20% or below, and a size distribution index value defined by V/r of dispersed particles of the aluminum alloy (V: the area ratio [%] of the dispersed particles, and r: the average radius [nm] of the dispersed particles) is 0.20 or above.
US08372216B2 Continuous method for treating the surface of metal strips
A continuous method for surface treatment of metal strips applies a finish coat having a thickness of not more than 3 μm, the apparatus employed for application being equipped with at least one IR sensor which faces a coated side of the strip, operates in reflection geometry, and serves to measure the coat thickness of the finish coat, with the strip running.
US08372215B2 Human-interface cleaning device
A human-interface cleaning device for cleaning human-interface devices commonly used for the treatment sleep apnea. The cleaning device has a solvent-receiving end which connects to a solvent-delivery source such as a faucet or shower head. At the opposite end of the cleaning device is a funnel-like shaped solvent-discharge end which is tapered at its distal end and adapted to easily friction-fit into any receiving aperture of most human-interface devices. The inner chamber of the device has one or more fins each having an angled flap at their ends. As so connected to a solvent-delivery source and to a human-interface device, the cleaning device will enhance the force of the solvent being delivered through the cleaning device and more easily and effectively clean the human-interface device to which attached.
US08372213B2 Method for the treatment of a semiconductor wafer
Semiconductor wafers are treated in a liquid container filled at least partly with a solution containing hydrogen fluoride, such that surface oxide dissolves, are transported out of the solution along a transport direction and dried, and are then treated with an ozone-containing gas to oxidize the surface of the semiconductor wafer, wherein part of the semiconductor wafer surface comes into contact with the ozone-containing gas while another part of the surface is still in contact with the solution, and wherein the solution and the ozone-containing gas are spatially separated such that they do not come into contact with one another.
US08372205B2 Reducing electrostatic charge by roughening the susceptor
A substrate support and method for fabricating the same are provided. In one embodiment of the invention, a substrate support includes an electrically conductive body having a substrate support surface that is covered by an electrically insulative coating. At least a portion of the coating centered on the substrate support surface has a surface finish of between about 200 to about 2000 micro-inches. In another embodiment, a substrate support includes an anodized aluminum body having a surface finish on the portion of the body adapted to support a substrate thereon of between about 200 to about 2000 micro-inches. In one embodiment, a substrate support assembly includes an electrically conductive body having a substrate support surface, a substrate support structure that is adapted to support the conductive body and the conductive body is covered by an electrically insulative coating.
US08372203B2 Apparatus temperature control and pattern compensation
A film formation system 10 includes a processing chamber 15 bounded by sidewalls 18 and a top cover 11. In one embodiment, a susceptor 16 is rotatably disposed in the system 10, and overlaps with a first peripheral member 205 disposed around the sidewalls 18. A radiant heating system 313 is disposed under the susceptor 305 to heat the substrate 19. In another embodiment, the top cover 11 has equally spaced pyrometers 58 for measuring the temperature of the substrate 19 across a number of zones. The temperature of the substrate 19 is obtained from pyrometric data from the pyrometers 58.
US08372200B2 Shower plate, method for manufacturing the shower plate, plasma processing apparatus using the shower plate, plasma processing method and electronic device manufacturing method
Occurrence of a back-flow of plasma or ignition of gas for plasma excitation in a longitudinal hole portion can be prevented more completely, and a shower plate in which efficient plasma excitation is possible is provided. In shower plate 105, which is arranged in processing chamber 102 of a plasma processing apparatus and discharges gas for plasma excitation into processing chamber, porous-gas passing body 114 having a pore that communicates in the gas flow direction is fixed onto longitudinal hole 112 used as a discharging path of gas for plasma excitation. The pore diameter of a narrow path in a gas flowing path formed of a pore, which communicates to porous-gas passing body 114, is 10 μm or lower.
US08372199B2 Bulk GaN and AlGaN single crystals
Bulk GaN and AlGaN single crystal boules, preferably fabricated using a modified HVPE process, are provided. The single crystal boules typically have a volume in excess of 4 cubic centimeters with a minimum dimension of approximately 1 centimeter. If desired, the bulk material can be doped during growth, for example to achieve n-, i-, or p-type conductivity.
US08372196B2 Susceptor device, manufacturing apparatus of epitaxial wafer, and manufacturing method of epitaxial wafer
In a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an epitaxial wafer with a wafer being mounted substantially concentrically with a susceptor, a center rod is provided to extend in an up-and-down direction on a side of a non-mounting surface of the susceptor so that its upper end is adjacent to the center of the susceptor. With this arrangement, part of radiation light irradiated toward the susceptor is diffusely reflected by the center rod before reaching the central portion of the susceptor, thereby reducing the amount of the radiation light irradiated to the central portion of the susceptor as well as lowering the temperature of the portion. Since the center rod and the susceptor are not in surface contact, the center rod does not take the heat from the susceptor, thereby suppressing the temperature from decreasing locally at the central portion of the susceptor.
US08372192B2 Fuel cell separator
Provided is a fuel cell separator that has excellent resistance to heat and hot water and has a glass transition temperature between 140° C. and 165° C. Said fuel cell separator is formed by curing a composition containing a graphite material and a binder component resin. The binder component resin contains a cresol novolac epoxy resin having a hydrolysable chlorine content of at most 450 ppm and an epoxy equivalent weight of 192-210 g/eq, a phenol resin having a hydroxyl equivalent weight of 103-106 g/eq, and an imidazole compound having a molecular weight between 140 and 180.
US08372191B2 Ink jet ink
Ink jet ink containing at least one pigment and at least one oxidized carbon black.The ink jet ink is prepared in a process wherein the pigment is dispersed in at least one solvent, followed by addition of the oxidized carbon black and renewed dispersing.The ink jet ink can be used for printing textiles, metal, foil, film, sheet, glass and paper.
US08372189B2 Phase change inks and methods of making the same
A solid ink composition comprising an amorphous component, a crystalline material, and optionally, a colorant, which are suitable for ink jet printing, including printing on coated paper substrates. In embodiments, the amorphous and crystalline components are both synthesized from an esterification reaction.
US08372186B2 Ductless fume hood gas monitoring and detection system
A ductless fume hood suitable for the removal of various chemical materials including toxic and non-toxic gases, vapors, particles, dust and unpleasant odors from a fluid stream. The ductless fume hood uses electronic devices and software to enable real time monitoring of gas levels in parts per million.
US08372181B2 Pleated walled bag filters for gas turbine inlet systems
A filter bag assembly and an associated method. The assembly has a filter bag that includes at least two sidewalls of filter material spaced from each other at an open end and connected to provide a closed end of the filter bag assembly. At least one of the sidewalls includes at least one folded pleat. In one specific example, the folded pleat extends perpendicular relative to a direction extending from the open end to the closed end.
US08372179B2 Ore reduction process using carbon based materials having a low sulfur content and titanium oxide and iron metallization product therefrom
The present invention is one or more processes for producing separable iron and titanium oxides from an ore comprising titanium oxide and iron oxide, comprising: (a) forming agglomerates comprising carbon-based material and the ore, the quantity of carbon of the agglomerates being at least sufficient for forming a ferrous oxide-containing molten slag, at an elevated temperature; (b) introducing the agglomerates onto a bed of carbon-based material in a moving hearth furnace, wherein the carbon-based materials used for both the agglomerates and the bed have a low sulfur content; (c) heating the agglomerates in the moving hearth furnace to a temperature sufficient for liquefying the agglomerates to produce a liquid comprising ferrous oxide-containing slag; (d) metallizing the ferrous oxide of the slag by reaction of the ferrous oxide and the carbon of the carbon bed at a furnace temperature sufficient for maintaining the slag in a liquid state; (e) solidifying the slag after metallization of the ferrous oxide to form a matrix of titanium oxide-rich slag having a plurality of metallic iron granules distributed there through; and (f) separating the metallic iron granules from the slag, the slag comprising greater than 85% titanium dioxide based on the entire weight of the matrix after separation of the metallic iron.
US08372176B2 Metal complexes comprising a ligand derived from 2-aryl-2-hydroxyacetic acid and a divalent or trivalent metal cation, and their use
The invention relates to the use of metal complexes comprising a ligand derived from 2-aryl-2-hydroxyacetic acid and a divalent or trivalent metal cation and to the use of the said ligands in dissolving divalent or trivalent metal cations in aqueous phase.The said complexes can be used to treat metal deficiencies in plants.
US08372175B2 Pleated filter with bimodal monolayer monocomponent media
A pleated filter is made from a monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web containing a bimodal mass fraction/fiber size mixture of intermingled larger size and smaller size continuous monocomponent polymeric fibers of the same polymeric composition. Rows of pleats are formed in the nonwoven web, and the pleated web is cut to a desired size and shape to provide a filter element containing a self-supporting porous monocomponent monolayer matrix of fibers bonded to one another at least some points of fiber intersection and having an average initial submicron efficiency of at least 15% at a 1.52 meters/sec face velocity. The filter element is deformation resistant without requiring stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers or other reinforcing measures in the filter media layer.
US08372174B2 Vacuum filter cleaner bag
A vacuum cleaner filter bag includes (a) a bag wall made of filter material, an inlet opening being provided in the bag wall, (b) a deflecting strip for deflecting an air flow entering through the inlet opening, the deflecting strip being disposed in the interior of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, (c) a material strip which is disposed in the interior of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and connected to the bag wall, at least a part of the edge of the material strip not being connected to the bag wall, and (d) a spacing means which is configured such that the material strip is at a spacing at least partially from the bag wall during operation of the vacuum cleaner filter bag.
US08372172B2 Gas-liquid separator and air conditioner equipped with the same
To improve the separation efficiency of a gas-liquid separator in the gas-liquid separator and an air conditioner, the gas-liquid separator having a vessel with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe is arranged such that an exit end section of the inlet pipe is formed to be closed or to have a gap, an expanded end section having a width greater than the diameter of that portion of the inlet pipe which crosses a container of the gas-liquid separator is provided, and that a lateral hole is formed in a side face of the expanded end section. Refrigerant vapor and refrigerant liquid are efficiently separated from each other at the expanded end section, and this improves separation efficiency of the gas-liquid separator.
US08372170B2 Fuel steam reformer system and reformer startup process
A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that has a vaporization section receiving and vaporizing fuel along with water and passing the vapor to a reformer catalyst section heated by a combustor section which generates reformate gas and is fueled by off-gas from a H2 purification unit along with a combustion air source. The off-gas outlet feeds the combustor section in the reformer assembly to heat the catalyst section and the vaporization section. An H2 storage unit connected to the H2 purification unit pure H2 outlet receives the pure H2. The storage unit has an outlet selectively connectable to the reformer assembly process inlet during startup without the need for a spark igniter. The startup process includes generating heat in the combustor section of the reformer assembly by passing H2 from the H2 storage unit through the vaporization section, the reformer catalyst section, the H2 purification unit and through the off-gas connection to the combustor section, then introducing water and fuel through the vaporization section and reformer catalyst section to generate reformate gas when the system is warmed, passing the reformate gas through the H2 purification unit to the off-gas connection to the combustor section, and establishing a back pressure on the reformer catalyst section and vaporizer section to decrease the hydrogen flow from the H2 storage unit until the system is fully sustainable without addition of H2 from the H2 storage unit.
US08372169B2 Low temperature gasification facility with a horizontally oriented gasifier
A low-temperature gasification system comprising a horizontally oriented gasifier is provided that optimizes the extraction of gaseous molecules from carbonaceous feedstock while minimizing waste heat. The system comprises a plurality of integrated subsystems that work together to convert municipal solid waste (MSW) into electricity. The subsystems comprised by the low-temperature gasification system are: a Municipal Solid Waste Handling System; a Plastics Handling System; a Horizontally Oriented Gasifier with Lateral Transfer Units System; a Gas Reformulating System; a Heat Recycling System; a Gas Conditioning System; a Residue Conditioning System; a Gas Homogenization System and a Control System.
US08372167B2 Plasma assisted gasification system with agitator drive assembly in reactor vessel
A controlled zone gasification reactor with an agitator drive assembly for a plasma assisted gasification reaction system is disclosed for converting fuel, such as, but not limited to, biomass, to syngas to replace petroleum based fuels used in power generation. The agitator drive assembly that prevents formation of burn channels with in the fuel. The agitator drive assembly may include a syngas separation chamber configured to produce clean syngas, thereby requiring less filtering. The syngas separation chamber may feed syngas downstream to a syngas heater in a pyrolysis reaction zone in the reactor vessel.
US08372166B2 Plasma assisted gasification system
A controlled zone gasification reactor for a plasma assisted gasification reaction system is disclosed for converting fuel, such as, but not limited to, biomass, to syngas to replace petroleum based fuels used in power generation. The system may be a modular system housed within a frame facilitating relatively easy transportation. The system may include a reactor vessel with distinct reaction zones that facilitate greater control and a more efficient system. The system may include a syngas heater channeling syngas collected downstream of the carbon layer support and to the pyrolysis reaction zone. The system may also include a syngas separation chamber configured to produce clean syngas, thereby requiring less filtering. The system may further include an agitator drive assembly that prevents formation of burn channels with in the fuel.
US08372164B2 Gasoline composition and process for the preparation of alkylfurfuryl ether
A gasoline composition containing in the range of from 0.1 to 30 wt % alkylfurfuryl ether with an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is provided. The gasoline composition is prepared by blending the alkylfurfuryl ether in a gasoline base fuel. The alkylfurfuryl ether is prepared by reacting an alkyl alcohol having in the range of 1 to 4 carbon atoms is reacted with furfuryl alcohol by contacting a liquid phase comprising the alkyl alcohol and furfuryl alcohol with an acidic zeolite catalyst at a temperature in the range of from 50 to 200° C.
US08372162B2 Method of producing sodium carbonate decahydrate
A method of producing crystals of crystallizable mineral salt comprises introducing an effluent comprising a dissolved crystallizable mineral salt at a temperature higher than the mineral salt crystallization temperature to a crystallization pond area to provide a pond solution; cooling the pond solution to provide cooling crystallization promoting conditions effective to form a crystalline mineral salt deposit; stopping the flow of the effluent; draining remaining spent liquor to a liquor pond area; and recovering the deposit. Cooling the pond solution may comprise exposure to cool ambient temperatures which are lower than the crystallization temperature. Preferably, the mineral salt includes or is sodium carbonate decahydrate; the pond solution comprises less than 10% NaCl; and/or the decahydrate deposit is sent or recycled to a soda ash plant. The deposit thus formed by cooling crystallization has a higher purity, lower hardness, and/or lower density than a deposit formed by evaporative crystallization.
US08372161B2 Method for the reactive coloring of leather
The present invention relates to a process for dyeing leather with at least one dye F which has at least one alkaline-activable group of the formula A; where - - - - denotes the bond to the rest of the dye molecule; X is an electron-attracting radical, k is 1, 2 or 3, n is 0 or 1 and B is a CH═CH2 group or a CH2—CH2-Q group, where Q is an alkaline-detachable group, which comprises treating the leather with an aqueous float comprising at least one dye F at a pH of not less than 7.5. The present invention also relates to novel dyes which are particularly useful for reactive dyeing of leather.
US08372160B2 Method for levelling hair colour
The present invention relates to a method of leveling color of hair comprising applying to the hair a composition resulting from mixing two compositions, A and B, prior to application, wherein composition A is an aqueous composition and comprises at least one oxidizing agent and has an acidic pH, and a composition B is a substantially anhydrous composition and comprises at least one compound with bleaching effect and has a pH between 8 and 12, wherein the application processed for up to 10 min at a temperature between 20 and 45° C. before rinsing and optionally drying steps.
US08372158B2 Obesity treatment and device
A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating obesity includes an artificial fistula created between gastrointestinal organs such as between the stomach and the colon. The method includes selecting an implant comprising a passageway having an internal lumen with an inlet end and an outlet end. The passageway is positioned passing through a first wall of first gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the stomach) and a second wall of a second gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the large intestine) with the inlet end disposed within an interior of the first gastrointestinal organ and with the outlet disposed within an interior of the second gastrointestinal organ.
US08372157B2 Joint revision implant
An osteoconductive backing implant for joint revisions is provided that may enhance bone healing and, for cementless implants, bony integration of the implant. The backing implant comprises a generally planar surface that may be formed into a generally hemispherical shape. In one embodiment, the backing implant comprises a disc having an inner hole and an outer edge, at least one slit extending from the inner hole to the outer edge. The disc may be formed from a coherent mass of elongate, mechanically entangled demineralized bone particles.
US08372153B2 Method for detecting body parameters
A method for detecting biometric parameters includes the steps of performing a bone graft procedure on a knee, providing a biometric sensor at the knee, and measuring a biometric parameter at the knee with the sensor. The sensor is capable of measuring parameters in an adjacent surrounding including pressure, tension, shear, relative position, and vascular flow. Data relating to the biometric parameter is transmitted to an external source and the data are analyzed to evaluate a biometric condition of the knee. A set of the sensors can be placed on the knee.
US08372147B2 Method for detecting body parameters
A method for detecting biometric parameters includes the steps of performing a bone graft procedure on a hip, providing a biometric sensor at the hip, and measuring a biometric parameter at the hip with the sensor. The sensor is capable of measuring parameters in an adjacent surrounding including pressure, tension, shear, relative position, and vascular flow. Data relating to the biometric parameter is transmitted to an external source and the data are analyzed to evaluate a biometric condition of the hip. A set of the sensors can be placed on the hip.
US08372146B2 Distensible ligament systems
Distensible ligaments and distensible ligament systems are provided, including apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for distensible systems.
US08372144B2 Implant with a base body of a biocorrodible iron alloy
A base body for an implant comprising a biocorrodible iron alloy including at least one of the following: (i) a biocorrodible iron alloy of formula Fe—P where P is 0.01-5 wt %, and Fe plus impurities account for the remainder up to 100 wt %; or (ii) a biocorrodible iron alloy of formula Fe—Mn—X where Mn is 5-30 wt %, X is at least one of Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh, Re, Ru and Os, and X is 0-20 wt % and Fe plus impurities account for the remainder up to 100 wt %; or (iii) a biocorrodible iron alloy of formula Fe—Z where Z is at least one of Pt, Ir and Os and Z is 5-30 wt %, and Fe plus impurities account for the remainder up to 100 wt %.
US08372142B2 Twisted anchoring barb for stent of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) device
A stent is provided for an endoprosthesis having a main body portion and two leg portions, particularly suitable for treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurism. The stent includes barbs that are twisted and shaped set to point radially outward. Each barb, as formed, points substantially perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis of the stent, even when in a non-deployed configuration. The motion to move the barb into a deployed configuration for gripping tissue is a twisting motion which moves the barb from being substantially aligned with the circumference of the stent to extending radially outwards from the stent.
US08372141B2 Twisted anchoring barb for stent of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) device
A stent is provided for an endoprosthesis having a main body portion and two leg portions, particularly suitable for treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurism. The stent includes barbs that are twisted and shaped set to point radially outward. Each barb, as formed, points substantially perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis of the stent, even when in a non-deployed configuration. The motion to move the barb into a deployed configuration for gripping tissue is a twisting motion which moves the barb from being substantially aligned with the circumference of the stent to extending radially outwards from the stent.
US08372138B2 Shape memory polymeric stent
An implantable, radially distensible stent includes a plurality of helically wound elongate members. The members include an overlapping portion having a longitudinal extent, opposed and convexly rounded sides defining a width of the members and opposed luminal and exterior surfaces. The members include shape memory polymer. The side of one elongate member slidingly overlaps the side of an adjacent elongate member to form a self-supporting wall structure of a stent. The stent wall is self-supporting without other support structure incorporated into or abutting the elongate members. Further, the shape memory polymer may include a biodegradable or bioabsorbable elements.
US08372134B2 Stent
A stent (10) for transluminal implantation comprises a first, second and third stent section (11, 12, 13) for splinting and/or keeping open a hollow organ which are connected to each other via elastic tubular sections (14, 15). The stent (10) combines at least three different stent designs in one stent and can therefore be adjusted to the motion behavior of a hollow organ in an improved fashion (FIG. 1).
US08372127B2 Optical vestibular stimulator
An apparatus to stimulate the vestibular system of an individual. The apparatus comprises an optical stimulator configured to optically stimulate a nerve area affecting a person's balance, and a control module coupled to the optical stimulator, the control module being configured to control the optical stimulator.
US08372126B2 Surgical fasteners with mechanical and osteogenic fixation means
Surgical fasteners that combine mechanical and osteogenic means of fixation to maximize in vivo stability and long-term performance. The fastener generally includes a head and a shaft. The fastener is fenestrated and includes a channel that leads into one or more openings along the shaft. Bone void filling materials is delivered through the channel to the shaft to improve anchoring. In one embodiment, the osteogenic means comprise a coating applied to the fastener to improve bony apposition. The fastener with combined mechanical and osteogenic means provides initial, immediate anchoring and long term anchoring.
US08372124B2 Anchor
The present disclosure relates to an anchor. The anchor includes an outer member including a body having an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity includes a proximal portion configured for receipt of a delivery device and a distal portion having area of increased diameter. The anchor also includes an inner member coupled to the outer member, wherein the inner member includes a proximal portion having a projection configured for receipt in the area of increased diameter and a distal portion having a transverse through hole. A delivery device and method for tissue repair are also disclosed.
US08372123B2 Sternal closure device and method of using same
A sternal closure device is provided, comprising a first plate having a bone fixation region with at least one countersunk aperture for receiving a fastening means for affixing the first plate to one side of the sternum, and a locking region with at least one protruding aligning member; a second plate having a bone fixation region with at least one countersunk aperture for receiving a fastening means for affixing the second plate to the opposite side of the sternum, and a locking region dimensioned to contact at least a portion of the locking region of the first plate; and a rotating member that engages with the aligning member(s) on the first plate for holding the first and second plates together to secure the opposite sides of the sternum. The first and second plates can be separated by reversibly disengaging the rotating member from the aligning member(s).
US08372121B2 Adjustable coupling systems for spinal stabilization members
A spinal stabilization system includes a first stabilization member and a second stabilization member engaged to one another in end-to-end fashion. A coupling system adjustably secures the stabilization members in axial position relative to one another while allowing the relative axial positioning to be adjusted to accommodate growth or other condition or arrangement.
US08372120B2 Multi-axial cross connector
A cross connector for attachment between two spinal implants comprises a first element having one end and an opposite end configured for engaging one of the two spinal implants, a second element having one end and an opposite end configured for engaging the other of the two spinal implants, an engagement mechanism between the one end of each of the first and second elements, and a locking element for locking the two elements together at the respective one end. The engagement mechanism includes an interface configured to permit relative pivoting between the first element and the second element about at least two non-parallel axes.
US08372116B2 Systems and devices for dynamic stabilization of the spine
A dynamic stabilization system for use with a spinal motion segment includes a first bone anchor assembly, a second bone anchor assembly, and a resilient element. The resilient element includes an end portion engageable with the first bone anchor assembly and a resilient portion engageable with the second bone anchor assembly. The resilient element provides resilient resistance when the first and second bone anchor assemblies are moved toward one another and provides no resistance and is separable from the second bone anchor assembly when the first and second bone anchor assemblies are moved away from one another.
US08372115B2 Bone support device, system and method
A bone support and/or barrier device and having an implantable structure including an outer surface, an inner surface, a first bone contact portion, and a second bone contact portion. The structure is collapsible to an undeployed configuration capable of percutaneous insertion to the interior of a bone and expandable to a deployed configuration in the bone. In the deployed configuration, the first bone contact portion contacts a first portion of the bone, and the second bone contact portion contacts a second portion of the bone such that a load placed on the first portion of the bone is transferred through the implantable structure to the second portion of the bone. The implantable structure includes a barrier material adapted to restrict bone filler material inserted into the bone adjacent the inner surface of the structure from flowing to the outer surface of the structure. A method is also disclosed.
US08372114B2 Over-the-wire exclusion device and system for delivery
A modification to allow delivery of a two port medical flow restrictor over a guidewire, and a means to mechanically collapse the new device. A thin walled, foil-like shell, is compacted for delivery. The invention includes the device, delivery assemblies, and methods of placing, and using, the device. A device with an aneurysm lobe and an artery lobe self-aligns its waist at the neck of an aneurysm as the device shell is pressure expanded. Mechanical force collapses both the aneurysm lobe and the artery lobe, captivating the neck of the aneurysm and securing the device. The device works for aneurysms at bifurcations and aneurysms near side-branch arteries. The device, unlike endovascular coiling, excludes the weak neck of the aneurysm from circulation, while leaving the aneurysm relatively empty. Unlike stent-based exclusion, the device does not block perforator arteries. This exclusion device can also limit flow through body lumens or orifices.
US08372108B2 Intravascular blood filter
Disclosed is a novel filter and delivery means. The device described within will not interfere with standard practice and tools used during standard surgical procedures and tools such as cannulas, clamps or dissection instruments including valve replacement sizing gages or other surgical procedures where the patient must be put on a heart-lung machine cross-clamping the aorta.
US08372102B2 Folded ultrasonic end effectors with increased active length
An end effector for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument. A body extends along a longitudinal axis. The body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The body comprises an outer surface that defines an inner portion. The proximal end of the body is configured to couple to an ultrasonic transducer configured to produce vibrations at a predetermined frequency and a predetermined amplitude. An extendable folded element includes a first end coupled to the distal end of the body and extending proximally along the longitudinal axis from the distal end of the body toward the proximal end of the body. The extendable folded element comprises a second free acoustic end. The extendable folded element and the outer surface of the body define a single substantially parallel acoustic path.
US08372100B2 Ultrasound surgical apparatus and calibration method therefor
An ultrasound surgical apparatus includes a handpiece which includes a probe provided with a proximal end portion mechanically coupled to an ultrasound transducer and a distal end portion used for treatment of a living tissue; a drive portion which outputs a drive signal; a detection portion which detects, in the drive signal, a cavitation level signal corresponding to a state of cavitation generated in a calibration solution, based on the drive signal of calibration signal strength corresponding to class information about the handpiece; a condition storage portion which stores calibration information; an output setting portion which sets the vibration strength; and a control portion which controls the drive portion so as to output the drive signal of drive signal strength corresponding to the vibration strength set by the output setting portion, based on the calibration information and the class information.
US08372097B2 Valvulotome
A valvulotome device for cutting valves inside a lumen of a vein having a deployable assembly with deployable cutting blades and guide fins which permit continual centralizing, self-alignment of the cutting blades within the lumen of the vein as the valves are being excised is disclosed. The valvulotome device further includes a handle operatively associated with the deployable assembly through a catheter by the handle in a one-handed operation for deploying the guide fins and cutting blades of the deployable assembly having respective outer diameters at each deployment position.
US08372095B2 Endoscopic surgical clip
A surgical spring clip is provided for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The clip has a flat planar plate shape having pair of arms connected by a base, all generally positioned within a single plane. The arms are elongate linear cantilevered beams extending beyond the base and are biased to a first or closed position generally within the plane. The base and arms define a slot for the positioning of and receiving a vessel and occluding the flow therethrough.
US08372083B2 Surgical instrument adapter
An adapter to provide moveable configurations of securing structures such as fastener apertures or throughbores for fastening a surgical instrument to an anatomical structure, such as a bone. The adapter is connectable to the surgical instrument in a plurality of discrete locations on the surgical instrument, thereby allowing a surgeon to select an optimum fixation location for fastening the surgical instrument to the anatomical structure. The adapter may be cannulated to accommodate a fastener and may be slidably affixed to the surgical instrument while simultaneously providing stable fixation between the surgical instrument and the bone. The adapter may be configured to mate with another adapter having a similar configuration such that multiple fixation locations may be provided to the surgeon. Moreover, a plurality of adapters may be connected to the surgical instrument either directly or indirectly through another adapter to select multiple optimum fixation locations.
US08372081B1 Vertebral distraction assembly and related methods
A spinal distraction assembly is provided for distracting the disc space between a pair of vertebrae, the vertebrae each having been implanted with a bone anchor. The spinal distraction assembly includes a first anchor engaging element and a second anchor engaging element. The first anchor engaging element includes a body having a channel extending through the longitudinal axis of the body. The second anchor engaging element includes a guide bar. The guide bar is dimensioned to translate through the body channel. Anchor engaging arms extend laterally from each of the body and guide bar.
US08372080B2 Trans-cut slot adjustment mechanism
An adjustable cut guide and a method of using the adjustable cut guide are disclosed herein. The adjustable cut guide has a guide surface disposed between an actuation mechanism and a base of the adjustable cut guide. The adjustable cut guide also has an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the guide surface and the base. The actuation mechanism may comprise an adjustment member having an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the adjustment member traverses the guide surface. The adjustment member may include a drive end for mating with, and actuating, the adjustment mechanism when the adjustment member is in the engaged position.
US08372078B2 Method for performing a high tibial osteotomy
A cutting block for use in a bone osteotomy procedure is disclosed, and includes a first cutting guide surface, a second cutting guide surface, and a third cutting guide surface. The first, second, and third cutting guide surfaces are adapted to be temporarily affixed to a bone having a first side and a second side such that the first cutting guide surface is disposed on the first side of the bone, and such that the second cutting guide surface and third cutting guide surface are disposed on the second side of the bone forming an angle therebetween.
US08372075B2 Osteosynthesis clip and insertion tool for use with bone tissue fragments
An osteosynthesis clip for the cicatrization of bone tissue fragments. The clip includes at least two engagement legs extending approximately parallel to one another and including respective distal bridging tips and respective proximal insertion tips to be inserted into the bone tissue fragments; and a connecting bridge coupled to the distal bridging tips of the two engagement legs, the connecting bridge including at least two elongated sections extending along side one another, the elongated sections extending along a non-linear trajectory to form a non-linear deformable region, such as a depression or a dome. The engagement legs include helical screw surfaces to facilitate removal of the clip after the bone tissue fragments have fused.
US08372072B2 Methods and apparatus for hemostasis following arterial catheterization
A method for producing hemostasis of an artery of a patient having a puncture following arterial catheterization including introducing a hemostasis device including at least one electrode into the vicinity of the puncture, supplying an electric current to the at least one electrode, thereby heating blood in the vicinity of the puncture and causing coagulation of the blood and subsequently removing the hemostasis device from the patient.
US08372071B2 High-frequency treatment tool
A high-frequency treatment tool comprising: a flexible sheath to be inserted into a treatment tool insertion channel of an endoscope; a treatment tool body provided inside the flexible sheath and comprising: a flexible cord; and a high-frequency knife to which a high-frequency current is applied, formed to the front end of the flexible cord; and a hard cylinder having an electrical insulating property, inserted and fixed inside the flexible sheath, wherein the high-frequency knife comprises blade portions radially provided in its axial direction, each of the blade portions including an engaging part, and wherein, when the high-frequency knife is made to stick out from the hard cylinder, engaging parts of the blade portions abut against a rear end portion of the hard cylinder so that: the high-frequency knife is engaged with the hard cylinder; and communicating channels that communicate an inside and an outside of the flexible sheath are formed between the blade portions adjacent to each other.
US08372069B2 Methods for removing a valve from a vessel
Methods for removing a valve from a bodily vessel. In at least one method for removing a valve from a bodily vessel, the method comprises the steps of introducing an umbrella device into a vessel, positioning the umbrella device within an aperture within the valve, deploying a first umbrella of the umbrella device on a first side of the valve to engage the valve at the first side of the valve, deploying a second umbrella of the umbrella device on a second side of the valve to engage the valve at the second side of the valve, operating a mechanical drill of the umbrella device to grind the valve, collapsing the first umbrella and the second umbrella to facilitate withdrawal of the umbrella device from the vessel, and withdrawing the umbrella device from the vessel.
US08372068B2 Tissue ablation systems
Tissue is treated using a radiofrequency power supply connected to an applicator having a chamber filled with an electrically non-conductive gas surrounded by a thin dielectric wall. A radiofrequency voltage is applied at a level sufficient to ionize the gas into a plasma and to capacitively couple the ionized plasma with the tissue to deliver radiofrequency current to ablate or otherwise treat the tissue.
US08372067B2 Electrosurgery irrigation primer systems and methods
Systems and methods are provided for priming or purging an electrosurgical fluid irrigation system. The electrosurgical system can include a high frequency power supply, a fluid delivery system, a handheld device having one or more electrodes, and one or more connectors for connecting the handheld device to the fluid delivery system and the RF generator. The electrosurgical system may be configured to deliver RF current and irrigation fluid until a threshold current level is detected, which is indicative of a continuous flow of fluid at the electrode and purging completion. The systems and methods of purging an electrosurgical system may further include dynamically controlling an RF output and fluid delivery system in accordance with varied parameters of detected threshold current levels.
US08372063B2 Fiber optic phototherapy devices including LED light sources
Fiber optic phototherapy device comprises a light emitter comprising one or more layers of optical fibers. The optical fibers have end portions extending from opposite ends of the light emitter that are mixed together and lighted using the same light source or light sources.
US08372059B2 Medical coupling system
An adapter bridging a medication providing device and a fluid connector includes a housing shroud that is fitted at one end with a core and at its other end with an inner shroud. Once fitted to the housing shroud, the core and the inner shroud each are not removable from the housing shroud. A catch hub is provided within the housing shroud for non-removably maintaining the core to the housing shroud. The core is rotatable relative to the housing shroud. Once the medication providing device is coupled to the core, additional rotational movement, in either direction, of the medication providing device would only cause the core to rotate freely relative to the housing shroud, thereby preventing the medication providing device from being removed from the adapter. The inner shroud has a catch mechanism that enables it to mate readily with a connector when rotated in one direction.
US08372058B2 System and method for closed, drip-free, and secure transfer of fluids
A connector for enclosed, drip-free, and safe transfer of fluids, comprising an opening and a closure means adapted to close the opening and to establish a tight joint with another connector for transferring fluid between the connectors, further comprising a tube section arranged inside the connector and adapted to be advanced through the opening and out of the connector.
US08372057B2 Luer lock adapter
An adapter for a medical receptacle having a skirt with an outside diameter and a threaded inside diameter, and a tapered post within the skirt, the adapter includes a proximal end portion having a threaded surface including at least one thread configured to threadingly engage the threaded inside diameter of the skirt, a distal end portion having a surface portion and a cylindrical recess, a conduit positioned between the tapered recess and the cylindrical recess such that the conduit is in fluid communication with both the tapered recess and the cylindrical recess; and a longitudinal axis. The proximal end portion includes a tapered recess defined by a wall, a chamfer, and a seat and the surface portion includes a means for gripping, which in one embodiment may be at least two wings.
US08372056B2 Hybrid micro guide catheter
A hybrid microguide catheter and method for making and using the same. The catheter may include a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The tubular members may be arranged so that the second tubular member extends distally beyond the first tubular member. Alternatively, the catheter may include a tubular body having a first opening and a second opening. The first opening may be positioned along the tubular body a distance from the second opening.
US08372054B2 Over-the-wire balloon catheter for efficient targeted cell delivery
A method for delivering a therapeutic substance to a treatment site within a body lumen includes advancing a balloon catheter to the treatment site. A balloon of the balloon catheter is inflated and while the balloon is inflated, a primer that coats the treatment site and attracts the therapeutic substance thereto is delivered through a first fluid delivery lumen of the balloon catheter. The balloon of the balloon catheter is deflated for a predetermined period of time. The balloon of the balloon catheter is reinflated and while the balloon is reinflated, the therapeutic substance is delivered through a second fluid delivery lumen of the balloon catheter. The primer improves adherence of the therapeutic substance to the treatment site.
US08372052B2 Tucked fastener for improved fastener performance
Packaged garments having pre-fastened, refastenable seams tucked in a certain position can preserve fastener performance. Such refastenable seams are particularly suitable for side seams on pant-like absorbent garments. Prior to packaging the garment, the refastenable seams are pre-fastened and tucked into the garment such that any resilient fastening components lie flat in a plane parallel to a plane in which front and back waist portions of the garment lie. When the garment is compressed and packaged, the resilient fastening components remain flat and do not become creased or crushed.
US08372049B2 Dressing and method for applying reduced pressure to and collecting and storing fluid from a tissue site
A reduced pressure treatment system includes a reduced pressure source and a reduced pressure dressing. The dressing includes an interface layer adapted to be positioned at a tissue site and an absorbent layer in fluid communication with the interface layer to absorb liquid from at least one of the interface layer and the tissue site. A diverter layer is positioned adjacent the absorbent layer, and the diverter layer includes a plurality of apertures in fluid communication with the absorbent layer to distribute a reduced pressure to the absorbent layer. A cover is positioned over the diverter layer to maintain the reduced pressure at the tissue site.
US08372046B2 Drug delivery device with in-plane bandpass regulation check valve in heat-shrink packaging
A drug delivery device may include a drug reservoir configured to contain and controllably deliver a fluidic drug. A tube may be configured to deliver the fluid from the drug reservoir through a lumen in the tube to another location. A valve wholly within the lumen of the tube may regulate the flow of the fluid through the tube without substantially diverting the direction in which the fluid flows through the tube. The valve may contain only a single member which moves during operation of the valve. The valve may be configured to regulate the flow of fluid in a bandpass manner by allowing fluid to flow through the valve only when the pressure of the fluid is above a minimum and below a maximum. The valve may be held in place within the tube solely by frictional force between the valve and a wall of the tube.
US08372038B2 Vacuum surge suppressor for surgical aspiration systems
An apparatus and method to suppress vacuum surges in a surgical aspiration system is disclosed and claimed. A vacuum surge suppressor includes a first fluid path for coupling to a surgical instrument, and a filter attached to the first fluid path. A flow restrictor is coupled to the filter with the filter disposed upstream of the flow restrictor. The vacuum surge suppressor also includes a second fluid path for coupling to a vacuum pump. The second fluid path is connected to the flow restrictor and disposed downstream of the flow restrictor. The second fluid path defines a path internal pressure. A third fluid path is coupled to the filter and is connected to the second fluid path, bypassing the flow restrictor. A valve in the third fluid path obstructs flow in the third fluid path in response to the path internal pressure.
US08372036B2 Multi-layer heat assembly for a drug delivery device
In various embodiments, an ophthalmic injection device may include a dispensing chamber to hold a substance (e.g., a drug) to be injected into an eye, a thermal feedback layer with at least one thermal sensor, and a temperature control layer to apply or remove heat from the dispensing chamber. In some embodiments, the thermal feedback layer and the temperature control layer may be coupled to each other and/or coupled to the dispensing chamber. In some embodiments, at least one of the thermal sensors may be secured between the temperature control layer and the dispensing chamber using a thermal adhesive.
US08372035B2 Disposable injector with manually actuated piston
A disposable injector with a housing (10) in which a mechanical spring energy reservoir, a cylinder/piston unit (100), a piston-actuating ram (60) and a trigger unit are arranged, wherein the spring energy reservoir comprises at least one pretensioned spring element, wherein at least part of the piston-actuating ram is positioned between the spring energy reservoir and the piston of the cylinder/piston unit, and wherein the piston (111) of the cylinder/piston unit is separately moveable via pump rod (140). The pump rod can be coupled releasably to the piston or to a piston rod of the piston. The cylinder of the cylinder/piston unit has a rear sealing element (105) that permits sterile closure of the cylinder interior located between the piston and the cylinder.
US08372034B2 Balloons and balloon catheter systems for treating vascular occlusions
A balloon catheter system for the intraluminal advancement of conventional guidewires beyond partially or fully occluded or stenosed lesions in body passages, such as CTOs in the vasculature, is provided. Balloons are provided. In certain embodiments of the invention, a balloon having relatively thickened proximal tapers is provided. In certain embodiments of the invention, balloons having a tapered midsection are provided. The balloons are preferably useful with crossing balloon catheter systems. In certain embodiments of the invention, the balloons preferably reduce or minimize trauma to the vascular wall or wall of other body passage in which it is used.
US08372024B1 Stretchable band for limb hemoevacuation
A device for evacuating blood from an extremity includes an elongate stretchable band having a plurality of images printed on a first side of the band. Individual images are arranged in rows and columns along a longitudinal extent of the band. Each image in a first row has a common longitudinal extent and height when the band is in a position of repose. Each image in a second row of images has a common longitudinal extent and height and has a reduced longitudinal extent relative to the images in the first row when the band is in the position of repose. First and second pressure readings are associated with each image in the first and second rows, respectively. The second pressure reading has a higher value than the first, indicating that the images in the second row will expand longitudinally when the second pressure is applied to an extremity.
US08372022B2 Negative pressure treatment system with heating and cooling provision
A method, and apparatus for the controlled acceleration, and/or retardation of the body's inflammatory response generally comprises a foam pad for insertion substantially into a wound site, a heating, a cooling pad for application over the wound site, a wound drape or sealing enclosure of the foam pad, the heating, and cooling pad at wound site. The foam pad is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of the controlled acceleration or retardation of the body's inflammatory response. The heating, and cooling provision controls the local metabolic function as part of the inflammatory response.
US08372020B2 Oral device
An oral device for use with a person in which at least one non-toxic gas pulse is delivered to a predetermined location in the mouth via a device conduit. The oral device may be provided as a kit with at least one device for measuring the subject's responses and representing them as feedback to the subject/clinician. A method of creating a gas bolus pulse train, delivering it to a predetermined mouth area, and monitoring the subject's responses to it, is also shown. The oral device and method may be used as a diagnostic tool, or a therapeutic tool, in swallowing or speech rehabilitation of children and adults who have swallowing, speech, salivary, and/or oral sensorimotor impairments.
US08372014B2 Post-operative bacteria test strip spool and method
A method for testing body fluids is disclosed. The method includes providing a media-dispensing apparatus, placing at least the distal opening of the elongated tubular member adjacent body fluid (e.g., near a patient's abdomen) or adjacent a medical device such that a portion of the media strip contacts body fluid or the medical device, and advancing the media strip such that the portion of the media strip that contacted the body fluid or the medical device advances at least through the second lumen. Additionally, the step of cutting the media strip with a cutting instrument is also disclosed.
US08372013B2 Method and apparatus for determining a respiration parameter in a medical device
A method of determining a respiration parameter in a medical device in which pressure signals are sensed to generate corresponding sample points, and a breath detection threshold is continuously adjusted in response to the generated sample points to generate a current adjusted breath detection threshold. A current generated sample point is compared to the current adjusted breath detection threshold, and the continuous adjusting of the breath detection threshold is suspended and the breath detection threshold is equal to the most current adjusted breath detection threshold generated prior to the suspending in response to the comparing. A next sample point, generated subsequent to the suspending, is compared to the set breath detection threshold, and the respiration parameter is determined in response to the comparing of a next sample point to the set breath detection threshold.
US08372011B2 Asymmetric membrane cMUT devices and fabrication methods
Asymmetric membrane capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (“cMUT”) devices and fabrication methods are provided. In a preferred embodiment, a cMUT device according to the present invention generally comprises a membrane having asymmetric properties. The membrane can have a varied width across its length so that its ends have different widths. The asymmetric membrane can have varied flex characteristics due to its varied width dimensions. In another preferred embodiment, a cMUT device according to the present invention generally comprises an electrode element having asymmetric properties. The electrode element can have a varied width across its length so that its ends have different widths. The asymmetric electrode element can have different reception and transmission characteristics due to its varied width dimensions. In another preferred embodiment, a mass load positioned along the membrane can alter the mass distribution of the membrane. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.
US08372009B2 System and method for treating a therapeutic site
A targeting catheter is used to locate an arteriotomy, such as is formed during a femoral artery catheterization procedure. The targeting catheter includes one or more targeting aids, such as an inflatable balloon or sensor (e.g., Doppler or temperature sensor), to locate the arteriotomy. The targeting aid may be positioned at the arteriotomy. An ultrasonic beacon on the catheter may then be located relative to a therapeutic ultrasonic applicator (e.g., by using acoustic time-of-flight) so that the focus of ultrasonic energy from the applicator can be aligned with the arteriotomy.
US08372008B2 Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and ultrasound diagnostic method
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasound probe including a plurality of ultrasound transducers; a device for determining optimum sound speed values at a lattice point set in a shallower region than a region of interest (ROI) and in the ROI on the basis of an ultrasound detection signal outputted by the ultrasound probe; a device for arithmetically operating a received wave received from the ROI on the basis of the optimum sound speed value; a device for setting an assumed sound speed in the region of interest, obtaining a received wave received from each lattice point on the basis of the assumed sound speed and the optimum sound speed value at the lattice point, and synthesizing received waves at lattice points to obtain a resultant received wave; and a device for determining a local sound speed value in the ROI on the basis of the received wave and the resultant received wave.
US08372007B2 Method and device of detecting shape and bone strength diagnostic device using the device
A shape detection method and device for detecting a shape of an object are disclosed. The device includes an ultrasonic wave transmission module, a reception module, an incoming direction detecting module, a propagation time detecting module, a front-surface reflection point detecting module, and a shape deriving module. The shape deriving module derives a shape of a front surface of the object using a plurality of the reflection points on the front surface of the object detected by the front-surface reflection point detecting module for a plurality of transducer groups.
US08371999B2 Sexual aid system
A sexual aid device formed of a substantially U-shaped, member having a proximal end adapted for engagement within the vagina of a user distal end positioned to oppose the proximal end in a biased engagement with intra vaginal and external sexually sensitive surfaces of the user's body. A skeletal member running axially within said U-shaped member may be employed to vary the force of the biased engagement and reshape the U-shaped member. A projecting elongated member adjacent to the distal end of the U-shaped member is engageable by the user or body contact with a second user to impart force to the U-shaped member for sexual stimulation.
US08371992B2 Bicycling exercise apparatus
An apparatus permitting a user to perform a simulated bicycling exercise is provided. The design includes a frame and a first mounting point and a second mounting point configured to maintain the frame. A seat is connected to the frame and configured to support the user. A wheel is positioned in association with said frame and pedals configured to interact with the wheel, and the frame is configured to pivot about the first mounting point and second mounting point in response to leaning by the user. Handlebars may be provided that enable further force application and enhance the leaning or pivoting in the bicycle riding simulation experience.
US08371991B2 Balloon inflating trampoline
A trampoline has a trampoline bed with a bounding surface, and a trampoline bed bounding surface. A trampoline frame holds the bounding surface substantially horizontally to provide an area for a user. A balloon coupler is attached to the trampoline. A bounce module is mounted underneath the trampoline bed bounding surface. The bounce module is placed to receive motion from a user. The user activates a mode of the bounce module during jumping. A conduit hose is attached to the balloon coupler. A one-way valve is configured to regulate flow only to the balloon, and blocking any flow away from the balloon. A pump may pump water or air to the balloon. A balloon is attached to the balloon coupler so that the balloon is in fluid communication with the conduit hose.
US08371989B2 User-participating type fitness lecture system and fitness training method using the same
The present invention relates to a user-participating type fitness lecture system and a fitness training method using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a user-participating type fitness lecture system that provides direction for correcting a user's posture or motion by comparing the user's motions with user created contents (UCC). When the contents are played back for the user to emulate, correctness of the user's motion is grasped by detecting and comparing motions in the contents with the user's motion photographed through a camera, and providing the user with posture correction information in image or voice formats. In one embodiment, a user-participating type fitness lecture system according to the present invention comprises a user terminal for photographing a user and transmitting a moving image of the user while playing back a UCC selected by the user; and a posture correction server for providing the user terminal with the UCC selected by the user, receiving the moving image from the user terminal, comparing the moving image with the played back UCC, and directing correction of the user's posture in voice or image.
US08371987B2 Automatic speed change control system for vehicle
In an automatic speed change control system for a vehicle wherein a transmission is operated by use of an actuator, to contrive an alleviation of the burden in a shifting operation made by the user after a system starting operation. A shift actuator for controlling the speed change operation of the transmission is provided in a power transmission path. When the transmission is not in a neutral condition at the time when a predetermined system starting operation is conducted, the shift actuator is operated so as to put the transmission into the neutral condition.
US08371984B2 Multi-speed transmission having automatic and manual modes
A transmission is provided having a stationary member, an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and five torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The five torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first, second, and third members with another of the first, second, third members, and a stationary element. The 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. A first of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms is a selectable one-way clutch engageable to interconnect the third member of the fourth planetary gear set with the stationary member.
US08371982B2 Multi-speed transmission with at least one selectable one-way clutch
A transmission has four planetary gear sets, four interconnecting members and six torque-transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable in different combinations of three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios. A first of the six torque-transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to connect the second member of the first planetary gear set to the stationary member. A second of the six torque-transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to connect the input member for common rotation with the second member of the third planetary gear set. At least one of the first and the second of the six torque-transmitting mechanisms is a selectable one-way clutch configured to have a first operating mode and a second operating mode, either of which modes may be selected.
US08371980B2 Vehicle launch device
A launch device includes a planetary gear set having a first member, a second member, and a third member. An input member and an output member are operatively connectable for rotation with different ones of the members of the planetary gear set. A centripetal clutch, referred to herein as a first centripetal clutch, operatively connects two of the members of the planetary gear set and is configured to transmit torque with a torque capacity that decreases as a difference between the speed of rotation of the output member and the speed of rotation of the input member decreases.
US08371978B2 Vehicle transmission
A vehicle transmission including a rotatable input shaft connected to a driving source; a countershaft parallel to the input shaft; a differential unit below the countershaft, to which rotation is input from the countershaft, and coupled to right and left wheels; a case member containing the input shaft, countershaft, and the differential unit; a differential chamber disposed in the case member, contains the differential unit, and is separated from an oil storage chamber; and a differential separation member separating the differential chamber from the storage chamber, and formed along the differential unit ring gear, which meshes with an output gear of the countershaft. The differential separation member has an opening so the output gear can mesh with the ring gear, a communication portion, formed in an upper part of the differential separation member, and located on an upstream side of the opening in a rotation direction of the ring gear during forward traveling, discharges oil from the differential chamber, and a wall member on a side of an output gear meshing portion and the ring gear with respect to the communication portion, and contacts the differential separation member outer surface.
US08371975B2 Power train for hybrid vehicle
A power train for a hybrid vehicle comprising may include: a first planetary gear set including rotary elements; a second planetary gear set including rotary elements at least one of which is connected with at least one of the rotary elements of the first planetary gear set; a first clutch that is configured to connect/disconnect one of the rotary elements of the first planetary gear set with/from one of the rotary elements of the second planetary gear set; and a first brake that is configured to restrain rotation of one rotary element of the second planetary gear set, wherein at least two or more independent power sources and an output element are connected to come of the rotary elements of the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set.
US08371972B2 Power unit and straddle-type vehicle
An engine unit includes a crank shaft that receives a driving force of an engine and a moving pulley that is movable in an axial direction. Keyholes are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the crank shaft. Axially extending guide holes are formed on a boss portion of the moving pulley in positions that correspond to the keyholes. Ends of keys are mounted to the keyholes. The guide holes receive therein bases of the keys to guide relative movements of the moving pulley and the crank shaft in an axial direction.
US08371971B2 Football with aerodynamic lace
Lace designs for footballs are provided. The laces have geometries that improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the football during flight. Additionally, the placement of the laces on the football is selected to maximize aerodynamic performance of the football during flight.
US08371967B2 Lacrosse stick pocket and related method of manufacture
A lacrosse head pocket includes an elongated single layer runner with multiple cross pieces. The single layer runner can be constructed from a material, such as a polymeric material, molded over the cross pieces. The cross pieces and/or runner can include speed lace loops with which a net lace can be joined. A related method includes providing cross pieces, overmolding a polymeric material over the cross pieces to form a single layer runner, where the overmolded material is the only structure extending between and connecting the cross pieces, and where the cross pieces are transverse to the runners. Another method includes providing a pocket base overmolding the base with a polymeric material to cover portions of it, and forming connection elements between different portions independently of any other components of the pocket base.
US08371962B2 Methods apparatus, and systems to custom fit golf clubs
In one example, a method can comprise (i) receiving, at a processing device, physical characteristic information, performance characteristic information, and shot characteristic information associated with an individual, (ii) calculating, with a component option analyzer of the processing device, a first optimal component of a plurality of components for an optimized golf club for the individual based on at least one of the physical characteristic information, the performance characteristic information, or the shot characteristic information associated with the individual; and (iii) calculating, with the component option analyzer of the processing device, a second optimal component of the plurality of components based on the first optimal component. The processing device may calculate the first optimal option and the second optimal option via the component option analyzer. Other examples and related embodiments are disclosed herein.
US08371957B2 Golf club heads with protrusion weights and related methods
A golf club head can comprise a body and a protrusion weight protruded from a heel, a sole, and/or a skirt of the body. A center of gravity of the protrusion weight can be external to the body of the golf club head. A moment of inertia of the golf club head can be increased due to a distance extension between the center of gravity of the protrusion weight and a center of gravity of the golf club head, the distance extension being external to the body. The center of gravity of the golf club head can be located at a heel portion of the body, shifted by the protrusion weight away from a toe portion of the body and from a center of gravity of the body. The protrusion weight can be at least partially visible from an exterior of the golf club head. Other examples are disclosed herein.
US08371954B1 Golf swing instruction tool utilizing a motion training schematic
A golf swing instruction tool for positioning a golfer in accordance with a golf schematic representing a preferred golf swing includes an elongated shaft having a plurality of sides, a series of ball position circles, a pair of stance lines, a plurality of posture sight lines, a takeaway sight line, a downswing sight line, and a follow through sight line.
US08371947B2 Power transmission device of clutchless compressor
The present invention relates to a power transmission device of the clutchless compressor, which includes: a pulley; a hub disposed in one side face of the pulley and connected to a driving shaft of a compressor; a drive-side connection member including a connection portion detachably connected to one side face of the pulley and a breaking portion connected to the connection portion and broken when a torque above a preset value is generated in the compressor; and a driven-side connection member connected to one side face of the hub and is connected to the breaking portion and including a plastic deformation portion outside the driven-side connection member so that the driven-side connection member is plastic deformed or is broken due to plastic deformation if a rotational shock is applied from the connection portion to a remaining breaking member remaining even after the breaking portion is broken.
US08371944B2 Progressive controller and TCP/IP in a gaming system
A gaming system is disclosed herein that provides game play in exchange for monetary input per game played. The gaming system includes: a game server, a plurality of game units connected to the game server via a network, and a progressive controller. The progressive controller enables time based progressive gaming in which a progressive award is incremented by time unit. The progressive controller manages the progressive award that is incremented over time at random intervals rather than being incremented by coin input.
US08371932B2 Wager gaming network with wireless hotspots
Embodiments of a wager gaming network that includes handheld wager gaming units and hotspots are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, in a handheld wager gaming unit, a wager associated with a wagering game. The method can also include wirelessly connecting the handheld wager gaming unit to a wireless access point in a wager gaming network. The method can also include transmitting, via the wireless access point, information from the handheld wager gaming unit to a device on the wager gaming network.
US08371928B2 Gaming system having revealed mystery symbols
A method for conducting a wagering game comprises receiving a wager and displaying a randomly selected outcome, the randomly selected outcome comprising a plurality of symbols arranged in an array. The array comprises a plurality of symbol positions, the plurality of symbols occupying the symbol positions. Each of the plurality of symbols is selected from a set of available symbols, the set of available symbols including a plurality of standard symbols and at least one mystery symbol. The method further comprises detecting the presence of the at least one mystery symbol in at least one of the symbol positions in the array and randomly selecting one replacement symbol from the plurality of standard symbols. The method further comprises replacing all occurrences of the at least one mystery symbol in the array with the replacement symbol to create a modified array and evaluating the modified array for winning combinations of standard symbols in accordance with a pay table of the wagering game.
US08371927B2 Gaming machine having player selectable volatility
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input device for receiving a wager and a display for displaying a plurality of symbols arranged on a plurality of reels. The symbols indicate a randomly-selected outcome selected from a plurality of possible outcomes, the plurality of outcomes including at least one winning outcome. The gaming machine further includes a controller operative to receive a volatility input from a player of the gaming machine. The controller is further operative to associate an award with the at least one winning outcome wherein the associated award is either a first award amount or a second award amount based upon the volatility input. Upon the occurrence of the at least one winning outcome, the controller awards the associated award to the player.
US08371922B2 Gaming system, machine and method with modified payout mapping
A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed which include identifying a set of initial game designations to produce a game ending winner for a game, one or more additional game designations may be considered, that is, compared against a set of elements shown on a card or display in play in the game. Considering these additional game designations in addition to the set of initial game designations may produce additional matched locations on the card or display and may produce a winning pattern that would not have been produced considering only the initial set of game designations. This use of additional game designations provides additional opportunities for players to obtain a winning result.
US08371921B1 Keno game with poker hands using deterministic card placements
A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a wagering game combining keno and poker. A first payout is made based on a number of matches between player selected numbers and computer generated numbers on a keno grid. Card values are also associated with each number in the keno grid. The card values are determined using a deterministic hashing algorithm. Then, for each matched number, the best five card (or any other predetermined number of cards) poker hand is made using the associated card values, and a payout is made (if earned) based on a rank of the best poker hand.
US08371913B1 Exterior sealed window-mounted fan
The present invention relates to an exterior sealed window-mounted fan. The fan is designed to be able to fully seal the intake and exhaust air chambers when the system is not in use. The present invention includes a dual panel frame that can completely seal the exterior portion of the opening from the interior portion. The invention can be left in a window all year long if so desired, and the invention can be sealed close during bad weather or opened during desired weather. Along the top surface of the invention is a grooved notch for stabilizing the unit in place with respect to the window and window frame. The invention includes a plurality of electrical fans. The invention includes a pair of adjustable louvers in for the invention to be used with a plurality of window openings. A system of exterior sliding vents seal the exterior of the dwelling from the interior, and is manually operated by a vent control.
US08371907B2 Rotary dust protection apparatus
A rotary abrasive device and for facilitating the removal of dust from a work surface. The rotary abrasive device may include a plenum, a plenum coupled to a vacuum source via a plenum exhaust. The shape of said plenum may be varied depending upon application. The plenum exhaust is right biased in a clockwise shaft rotation in order to pick-up debris off of a clockwise rotating abrasive device. The invention may include a rotary constraining member to allow the shaft to rotate freely through the plenum and a locking means to keep the plenum in a substantially fixed position. According to further illustrative embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the plenum one or more inlets of a fixed or varying width to pick-up debris off of a work surface.
US08371905B1 Magnetically attached spectacle lens with hidden magnets and method
A magnetically attached spectacle lens wherein magnets are embedded in the rear surface of the lens in a circumferential groove near the periphery of the lens. The magnets are spaced around the periphery of the lens, and are held in the groove by preferably a wicked in cyanoacrylate adhesive. The spaces between the magnets are preferably filled with a light activated potting compound. Prior to installation of the magnets, the inside of the groove is painted, preferably by spraying, with an opaque paint whereby the magnets are hidden from the view of onlookers. During fabrication, after magnet installation, any overspray from the painting step is removed by using a solvent preferably applied by moistened swabs or cloth.
US08371899B1 Novelty pop-up toy having double-layer braided sleeve body and its associated method of manufacture
A novelty pop-up toy and its associated method of operation. The pop-up toy has a head section that is supported on a double-layered braided sleeve body. When the pop-up toy is compressed, the double-layered braided sleeve body elastically deforms from an uncompressed state to a compressed state. While in the compressed state, the double-layered braided sleeve body stores energy. If the compression force is suddenly released, the double-layered braided sleeve body releases its stored energy and pops back into its uncompressed state. As the double-layered braided sleeve body returns to its uncompressed state, it rapidly expands, therein providing enough force to propel the entire pop-up toy into the air.
US08371896B2 Method and apparatus for performing try-me and normal play routines
A toy includes electronics which generates a plurality of routines and is configured to operate in a first mode and in a second mode, a first sensor and a second sensor, each sensor operably connected to the electronics. Actuation of the first sensor causes the electronics to generate a first routine with the electronics in the first mode and to generate a second routine, different from the first routine, with the electronics in the second mode. Activation of the second sensor causes the electronics to generate of a third routine, different from the first routine, and causes the electronics to be set to the second mode. The electronics is set to the first mode upon a first application of electrical power to the electronics.
US08371894B1 Illuminated toy construction kit
An illuminated toy construction kit includes a plurality of illumination modules having various shapes and sizes, and a plurality of non-illumination modules having different shapes and sizes. Each of the illumination modules includes at least one light-emitting element, such as, for example, a color-varying LED. At least some of the non-illumination modules are in the form of couplers which function as mechanical linkages for interconnecting the illumination modules and enabling a user to form a variety of three-dimensional structural shapes. The couplers also function to transmit electric power between the interconnected illumination modules, whereby all of the interconnected modules may be simultaneously illuminated in response to the activation of a single power source connected to at least one of the illumination modules.
US08371891B2 Display device, method for manufacturing the same and apparatus for manufacturing the same
The present inventions provides a method for manufacturing a film-type display device efficiently, and a method for manufacturing a large-size film-type display device, and an apparatus for manufacturing the film-type display device. An apparatus for manufacturing a film-type display device includes: transferring means for transferring a substrate over which an integrated circuit constituting the display device is provided; first separating means for separating the integrated circuit from the substrate by adhering a first sheet material to one surface of the integrated circuit; second separating means for separating the integrated circuit from the first sheet material by adhering a second sheet material to the other surface of the integrated circuit; processing means for forming one or both of a conductive film and an insulating film on the integrated circuit; and sealing means for sealing the processed integrated circuit with the second sheet material and a third sheet material.
US08371880B2 Electrical connector having a board connection leg portion with a locking portion to engage a signal transmission medium and a connector main body with an unlocking portion
A signal transmission medium inserted in a connector main body portion, which can be held and released successfully with a simple configuration, is disclosed. A distal end portion of an elastically-displaceable cantilever-shaped locking arm member formed so as to be integral with a board connection leg portion (holddown) is provided with a locking portion engaged with a portion of the signal transmission medium inserted in the connector main body portion to hold the inserted state. The held state of the signal transmission medium is maintained by elastic action of the locking arm member extending in a relatively-elongated shape from a swinging fulcrum. Simultaneously, an unlocking-action force on the locking portion can be reduced, and an unlocking-operation force is stably received by the board connection leg portion (holddown) fixed to a printed circuit board so that improvement in strength is achieved.
US08371872B2 Rotating plug
A rotating plug includes an insulating main body, multiple conductive prongs, multiple conductive connecting terminals, and an insulating rotating member. Electrical wires are disposed in the insulating main body. The conductive prongs are electrically connected with the electrical wires, respectively. Each conductive connecting terminal includes a fixed portion and a swing portion pivotably connected to the fixed portion. The fixed portion is mounted to the insulating main body and electrically connected to a corresponding electrical wire. The swing portion is mounted to the insulating rotating member. The conductive prongs are mounted to the insulating rotating member and electrically connected with the swing portions, respectively. The fixed portions are electrically connected with the electrical wires, respectively. When the swing portions of the conductive connecting terminals rotate, the swing portions may drive the insulating rotating member and conductive prongs to rotate together therewith. The rotating plug is flexible and convenient in use.
US08371868B2 Illumination device with a connector having a retainer with a rotary member and four elastic pieces
An illumination device includes a light tube holder including two connectors for receiving either a light-emitting diode (LED) tube or a fluorescent tube. The connector includes a rotary member rotatably received in a through hole defined in a retainer, and four conductive elastic pieces positioned in the retainer around the through hole. Two elastic piece are electrically connected to an LED tube drive circuit board, and the other two elastic piece are electrically connected to a fluorescent tube drive circuit board. The rotary member can be rotated to first and second positions, wherein at the first position, the LED tube can be activated, and at the second position the fluorescent tube can be activated.
US08371865B1 Card connector
The present invention is to provide a card connector, which comprises a shell body, an insulating main body, a card carrier for supporting an electric card, and a plurality of conductive terminals embedded within the insulating main body. The card connector further comprises a retreating-card apparatus, which comprises an actuator, a slider actuated by the actuator, and a linkage mechanism linked up with the slider. The linkage mechanism is disposed on a rear end of the card carrier. When the actuator is acted to push the slider moving along a first direction, the linkage mechanism is linked with the slider to push the card carrier in a second direction opposite to the first direction so that the card carrier and the electric card are removed from the insulating main body. Thus, the card connector according to the present invention reveals light-thin, compact-construct, sort-assembly time and lower-assembly cost.
US08371864B2 Grounding unit for high-frequency connector and high-frequency connector module having the same
A grounding unit for a high-frequency connector is provided, wherein the grounding unit may include a grounding unit body configured to be selectively fixed to the high-frequency connector; and a grounding fixation unit configured to be connected to the grounding unit body, to be in pressure contact with a grounding region of a printed circuit board (PCB) under elastic force applied in proportion to a thickness of the PCB, and to electrically connect the high-frequency connector to the grounding region.
US08371863B1 Modular wiring system
In at least one embodiment, there is an electrical device comprising a functional module comprising a housing having a front face and a back face, and at least three arcuate blades extending out from the housing. At least one of the at least three arcuate blades has a locking section. The functional module can be used in a wiring system comprising at least one wiring module. The wiring module can include a housing having a front face and a back face and at least one opening for receiving at least one of the at least three arcuate blades. The disclosure can also include a wiring module which can be used separately from the functional module wherein the wiring module includes a housing having at least one movable arm. Inside the wiring module is a plurality of contacts disposed in the housing, wherein these contacts are configured to couple to electrical wiring.
US08371861B1 Straddle mount connector for a pluggable transceiver module
A straddle mount connector is provided for edge mounting to a circuit board of a pluggable module. The straddle mount connector includes a dielectric connector body having a base and a plug extending from the base. The base is configured to be coupled to an edge of the circuit board. The plug has opposite first and second sides and a plate cavity that extends within the plug between the first and second sides. The plug is configured to be received within a receptacle of a receptacle connector. Electrical contacts are held by the connector body. The electrical contacts include mating segments. The mating segments of a first group of the electrical contacts are arranged in a first row that extends a length along the first side of the plug. The mating segments of a second group of the electrical contacts are arranged in a second row that extends a length along the second side of the plug. A ground plate is held within the plate cavity of the plug of the connector body. The ground plate extends between the first and second rows of electrical contacts along the lengths of the first and second rows.
US08371859B2 Instrument for suppressing drug craving and kit for suppressing drug craving
The kit for suppressing drug craving K is used by connecting an instrument for suppressing drug craving 1 to a syringe 2 and the instrument for suppressing drug craving 1 has a cylindrical housing 11, a pouch 12 provided in the housing and containing pseudo-blood B and a connecting member 13 with which the distal end of a syringe is coupled and which cause the syringe to communicate with the interior of the pouch. When the syringe accommodating pseudo-drug M is connected to the instrument and the plunger is moved forward (pseudo-priming), the pseudo-drug M flows into a pouch and the pouch inflates (FIG. 2(b)), and if the plunger 4 is pulled back from this condition, the pouch 12 deflates and the pseudo-blood B flows back from the pouch 12 to the syringe 2 (flashback) (FIG. 2(C)).
US08371854B2 Method for in-situ simultaneous shaping of adjacent matrix bands and tools
A dental instrument with arms pivotally connected for scissors pivot action between closed and open positions is disclosed. A pair of tines extends from distal ends of the arms and at least one shaping surface on one of said tines is supported so that it is operable to shape an interior surface of one of two matrix bands positioned around adjacent teeth. In use, each tine is positioned inside of adjacent matrix bands positioned around adjacent teeth. As the arms are pivoted towards the closed position, the shaping surface is moved towards the tine on which it is not supported and a clamping force is applied by the tines causing the shaping surface to shape at least one of the matrix bands.
US08371853B2 Mouthpiece that adjusts to user arch sizes and seals from oxygen exposure and methods for effecting an oral treatment
A mouthpiece that adjusts manually in the mouth and seals the treatment area. It includes light emitters and heat generators. Textured bands guide and direct light to diffuse evenly. A seal bead seals the gum above the teeth. For whitening, a whitening gel is first applied to the user's teeth, the mouthpiece is then positioned in the user's mouth, and the seal bead seals against the user's gums. Then, the light emitter(s) and heat generator(s) are activated to effect the whitening while causing an increase in the temperature enabling the user to mold the mouthpiece to their mouth.
US08371849B2 Method and system of anatomy modeling for dental implant treatment planning
A method and a dental implant treatment planning and surgical guide design system based on a full anatomy model (FAM). A FAM consists of models for bones, teeth, and nerves, and a virtual stone model. A virtual stone model is not only a surface model of the soft tissue and tooth surfaces of a patient, but also a color map of tissue thickness data. It also contains the insert direction of a surgical guide. The treatment planning and surgical guide system uses the full anatomy model as a unique reference throughout the workflow. Its implant placement, restoration preview and surgical guide design are all based on the anatomy model.
US08371848B2 Dental diagnostic and treatment apparatus
A diagnostic/treatment instrument such as a handpiece equipped with a dental treatment tool, etc. is provided with a light radiating unit that can distinctively detect a dental lesion, to facilitate the treatment of the lesion. A light source for emitting light that can distinctively detect the lesion is mounted near the head of the handpiece to which a diagnostic/treatment tool can be attached. The light emitted from the light source illuminates an area forward of the diagnostic/treatment tool. Alternatively, the light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices which are arranged around the periphery of the forward end of the handpiece head in such a manner as to encircle the diagnostic/treatment tool, and radiates light to illuminate the area forward of the diagnostic/treatment tool. When an oral cavity is illuminated with the light, a clinician can observe reflected fluorescent light by using a filtering function that passes the fluorescent light, and thus the clinician can perform the treatment while checking the lesion.
US08371847B2 Method for designing orthodontic apparatus
A method of producing a customized orthodontic appliance (1), including brackets (12) fixed to teeth (13) of a dental arch of a patient and an orthodontic archwire (11). Each bracket (12) is fixed to a surface of a tooth (13) of the dental arch by a bracket bonding pad (121) of the bracket, and the orthodontic archwire (11) is fixed to the brackets in a housing (123) of a bracket body (122) of each bracket. The bracket is produced with a blank (50) having at least two volumes (51, 52), one volume representative of an envelope volume of a bracket bounding pad and an envelope volume of a bracket body.
US08371844B2 Control system for the ignition of a gas burner
A control system for the ignition of a gas burner that includes an electromagnetic valve having a first coil and a second coil, the activation of the first and second coils controlling the flow of gas through the electromagnetic valve. An incandescent element which is designed to be heated until it reaches the gas combustion temperature of the gas delivered to the burner is disposed electrically in series with the first coil, the incandescent element and first coil forming a first branch that is electrically parallel to the second coil.
US08371838B2 Method and device for placing thin material layers onto a relief mould
The present invention relates to a method and a device for placing at least one material layer onto a relief mold for producing a composite material. Thereby, an elastically-reversibly deformable body with a surface relief that is designed to correspond to the relief mold is pressed against the material layer, as a result of which the surface of said body is deformed, and the material layer can be picked up. As a result of its elastically-reversible characteristics the body subsequently deforms back to its initial state so that the material layer can easily be placed onto the relief mold.
US08371836B2 Method and moulding devices for moulding three-dimensional products
The invention provides a method for molding three-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff starting materials which are suitable for consumption, in particular a meat mass. The method comprises the steps of filling a mold cavity, which is open on one side, with the mass of foodstuff starting materials which are suitable for consumption, which mold cavity is defined by a boundary comprising walls and base, in order to mold a molded three-dimensional product, and the removal of the molded three-dimensional product from the mold cavity. In the method according to the invention, during removal the adhesion forces between the molded product and the boundary are eliminated virtually simultaneously along all the interfaces.
US08371834B2 Anti-self rotation mechanism of a scroll fluid machine
An anti-self rotation mechanism for preventing self-rotation of the eccentric shaft includes a long orbiting key formed at an end of the eccentric shaft, a ring formed of a long hole through which the orbiting key slides, ring keys that extend toward both outer sides in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the hole, and two key grooves formed in the casing, through which the ring keys slide.
US08371830B2 Fan arrangement
A miniature fan arrangement has a fan (10) including an electronically commutated drive motor (21), a first circuit board (52) associated with said motor, and a fan housing (30). The fan also has a mounting part arranged radially outside the fan housing (30), and has a membrane (32), made of an elastic material, that elastically connects the fan housing (30) and the mounting part (34) to one another. A second circuit board (54) is arranged between the mounting part (34) and the fan housing (30) and is electrically connected to the first circuit board (52). The structure provides space for additional motor control components, particularly in small-sized motors.
US08371827B2 Suspension system for a linear compressor
The suspension system is applied in a compressor, presenting a shell in which interior is horizontally suspended a motor-compressor assembly having opposite ends that are spaced from the shell by an axial spacing. Mounting elements are each attached to an end of the motor-compressor assembly and suspension springs are mounted to the shell and to each respective mounting element. The suspension system comprises stop elements attached to the shell and having a free end portion disposed between a respective end of the motor-compressor assembly and the adjacent suspension spring. A first distance defined between the stop element and the adjacent end of the motor-compressor assembly is smaller than the axial spacing and smaller than a second distance defined between the stop element and an adjacent suspension spring.
US08371824B2 Apparatus and method for controlling linear compressor with inverter unit
An apparatus and method for controlling a linear compressor with an inverter unit. In the apparatus and method, a capacitor is connected between a driving motor and an inverter unit that applies a voltage to the driving motor according to an output frequency thereof, thereby preventing a jump phenomenon due to an inductance of the motor coil. Furthermore, the linear compressor is precisely controlled through the inverter unit, thereby enhancing stability of the apparatus.
US08371821B1 Green waste water pump station control system
An electrical control system for energy efficient pump stations providing for continuous operation of a single primary pump with a second pump functioning as the support pump and a third pump acting as the standby/emergency pump. All pumps are of equal horsepower and horsepower selection is determined by the system curve to select the lowest, most efficient horsepower necessary to discharge water at the highest inflow rate while not allowing the water level to drop below the submerged pump level during continuous running of the primary pump. A timer having an indicator arm rotates one full revolution every thirty days changing the pump sequence to reduce wear and tear on individual pumps. Each pump functions as the primary, secondary and backup/emergency pump for the same number of hours during the monthly cycle. Adding control circuits enables one or more pumps to be added when necessary.
US08371820B2 Paneling of a nacelle of a wind energy installation
A paneling (30) of a nacelle (12) of a wind energy installation (10), in which an upturned panel ceiling (40) is provided in installation position, is created with a hatch opening (46), that is provided in the panel ceiling (40). The hatch opening (46) is advantageously provided so large, that components of the entire area of a drive train (24) of the wind energy installation (10) can be removed upwards, or inserted from above into the nacelle (12) through the hatch opening (46). Furthermore, such a hatch opening (46) is choosingly closable by means of a hatch cover (44).
US08371812B2 Turbine frame assembly and method for a gas turbine engine
A turbine frame assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: (a) a turbine frame including: (i) an outer ring; (ii) a hub; (ii) a plurality of struts extending between the hub and the outer ring; (b) a two-piece strut fairing surrounding each of the struts, including: (i) an inner band; (ii) an outer band; and (iii) an airfoil-shaped vane extending between the inner and outer bands; (d) a plurality of nozzle segments disposed between the outer ring and the hub, each nozzle segment being an integral metallic casting including: (i) an arcuate outer band; (ii) an arcuate inner band; and (ii) an airfoil-shaped vane.
US08371810B2 Duct member based nozzle for turbine
A nozzle for a turbine includes a duct member having a substantially uniform wall thickness. Nozzles made of different materials can be used.
US08371809B2 Windmill device with oriented air flow
A wind power engine including a stator having stator blades, and a rotor having rotor blades. The rotor is positioned inside the hollow area of the stator and is rotationally movable with respect to the stator about an axis of rotation. The stator blades are positioned in such a way that an air flow coming from the outside of the stator is oriented towards the rotor and the rotor blades. The oriented airflow allows the rotor blades to drive the rotor about the axis of rotation. At least certain rotor blades have a concave-shaped profile on one of their faces.
US08371802B2 Shaft stabiliser
A load transfer arrangement is provided to act as a stabiliser for utilisation in centring rotational instabilities which may occur in rotor devices such as those within a gas turbine engine. By providing a fixed screw thread path which comprises a groove having channels and having constrictions and which define clearance crowns an acceptable eccentricity range it is possible to slow screw thread driving motion and therefore load transfer only to the positions where the rotational eccentricity enters tapers leading to the constrictions. In such circumstances an orbit thread is then progressively brought into confinement and continuous engagement with a fixed screw thread defined by crowns of channels of the fixed screw thread path defined by the continuous groove through the channels. In such circumstances wide eccentricity is allowed initially but as rotational speed reduces greater and more continuous driving motions are provided whilst avoiding excessive loading during early stage operation. High loads on final rundown contact are controlled by a diaphragm mount, the whole serving to restore the support stiffness of the rotor post fusing.
US08371800B2 Cooling gas turbine components with seal slot channels
A segment of a component for use in a gas turbine includes a leading edge; a trailing edge; a pair of opposed lateral sides between the leading and trailing edges; and a seal slot provided in each lateral side. The seal slot includes a surface having a channel extending in an axial direction defined from the leading edge to the trailing edge, at least one inlet to the channel, and at least one outlet from the channel. The at least one outlet is spaced downstream from the at least one inlet in the axial direction. The segment may be an inner shroud segment or a nozzle segment.
US08371799B2 Turbo compressor/journal foil bearings with axial retainers
An apparatus and method for maintaining separation of two journal foil bearing assemblies, where each journal foil bearing assembly comprises one or more foils with lugs formed thereon for insertion into axial grooves of a bore, the means comprising a pin for insertion into each groove so that an edge of the lug that is inserted into the groove abuts the pin and is prevented from axially drifting along the bore. The pin provides a broad area along the lug edge so that the lug edge does not cut into the pin.
US08371798B2 Low center of gravity carrier
A carrier having a platform or deck mounted on a subframe tiltable relative to the vehicle chassis. The platform is preferably slidable relative to the subframe. Using Super Single rear wheels and an airbag suspension, for example, sufficient clearance is provided such that the subframe is preferably located between the vehicle chassis frame and the rear wheels. The resulting carrier has a platform with a height lower than that of previous carriers, providing it with a lower center of gravity, enabling a reduction in load angle and an increase in payload height.
US08371796B2 Apparatus for stacking veneer sheets
An apparatus for stacking veneer sheets is provided, said apparatus comprising conveyor means for delivering veneer sheets to a stacking point and means for placing veneer sheets on a stack to be formed. The conveyor means comprise a first and a second conveyor element disposed on opposite sides of a veneer sheet, said first and/or second conveyor element being provided with magnet elements arranged for cooperation with a conveyor element present on the opposite side, such that the veneer sheet to be fed in between the conveyor elements is pressed with a desired force between the conveyor elements and is movable thereby to a stacking point, which is provided with stopper means for stopping the veneer sheet and with means for releasing the veneer sheet from between the conveyor elements to enable its placement on a stack to be formed.
US08371794B2 Dry mechanical conveyor plant for pyrites and coal dust
The present invention is about a conveyor plant for pyrites, other foreign materials like metal parts and occasionally ground solid fossil fuel, coming from the grinding mills of the solid fossil fuel, substantially comprising an open or enclosed metal container (1) inside which a metal conveyor belt (6) is disposed. The conveyor receives the material to be conveyed from the pyrites storage tanks (2) of each mill, through interception valves (3) and vibrating feeders (4) or directly from gravity discharge channels. Any spontaneous ignition of the conveyed material is controlled by a putting out system with water nozzles (17) or inert gas or steam admission nozzles (18) according to the plant configurations. The pyrites and the ground solid fossil fuel are collected in a stockage silo (16), it too provided with an inert gas or steam putting out system. For the storage tanks (2) a gas or steam inertization system is provided as well.
US08371793B2 Parking system for motor vehicles
The invention refers to a storage device for vehicles. It comprises several platforms arranged one above the other. The platforms can be lifted or lowered between a first lower and a second upper position. By means of that the platform can optionally be connected to a common approach way. Preferably the platforms are guided at a stand. The platform can be fixed in its respective position at the stand by a support or a stopper.
US08371785B2 Rivet nut and rivet bolt and combination of a rivet nut or a rivet bolt with a sheet metal part
The invention relates to a rivet nut (10) with a base part (12) and a cylindrical rivet section (14), the base part having a central threaded cylinder (16), an annular contact surface (18) that is coaxial to the threaded cylinder in a plane (20) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (22) of the threaded cylinder, and that has an axially aligned annular groove (24), said groove being arranged radially inside the annular contact surface and radially outside the cylindrical rivet section and said groove blending, on the radially inner side, into the outer surface of the cylindrical rivet section, and antirotation ribs (42) being provided in the area of the annular groove. The invention is characterized in that the annular groove, when seen in an axial cross-sectional plane, has a U-shaped cross-section with a radially outer lateral wall (30) which is relatively steep and which has, at the steepest point (33), an inclination to the center longitudinal axis of the rivet nut in the range of approximately 45° to approximately −20°, preferably of approximately 30° to approximately 0°. The volume of the annular groove is chosen in such a manner that across a range of sheet thicknesses adapted to the respective thread size there is room for the volume of the respective folded region of the rivet section inside the annular recess (80) that is formed by molding the sheet part (60) into the annular groove of the element and that it does not project beyond the side (82) of the molded sheet facing away from the annular contact surface.
US08371783B2 Spacer element for the attachment of a sheet metal part, component assembly and method for its manufacture
A spacer element which is designed at both ends for the attachment to a sheet metal part or to a hollow section for the formation of a component assembly and which optionally has a fastener section with an internal thread or external thread for the attachment of a component to the component assembly by means of a screw or a nut, is characterized in that the spacer element is not deformable or at least substantially not deformable on attachment to the sheet metal part or to the hollow section and in that the spacer element is provided at both end faces with respective undercuts for the form-fitted reception of sheet metal material or of the wall material, whereby the spacer element is secured to the sheet metal part or to the hollow section and preferably also secured against rotation. Various variants, component assemblies and methods are likewise described and claimed.
US08371775B2 Shank attachment structure
A shank attachment structure which may supply coolant even if a drill without a center pin is attached. A shank can be attached to a shank attachment hole with a single motion. The outer diameter of the shank can be inserted into the shank attachment hole. A chamfered portion is formed around an edge of a base end, and an elongated concave portion is formed on a tip end. A coolant hole is formed on a base end of the shank attachment hole, and a valve body is disposed in the hole. A sealing member is disposed adjacent to the tip end side. A first sleeve is disposed such that a base of the shank moves the first sleeve, so that a base of the sleeve separates from the sealing member; and when the shank is not in contact with the tip, an outer peripheral surface of the first sleeve moves the engaging member radially outwardly.
US08371772B2 Retaining wall structure
A retaining wall structure includes a number of bag units piled to form a wall and interconnecting units disposed between vertically adjacent bag units. The interconnecting units each has a plate and protrusions protruding from upper and lower surfaces of the plate. A reinforcing layer is provided between the plate of a relative interconnecting unit and a relative bag unit. The reinforcing layer is selected from cement or adhesive (such as glue). The present invention uses the reinforcing layer between the plate of the interconnecting unit and the bag unit to enhance the entire stability of the retaining wall adapted for operation in different circumstances.
US08371771B1 Auger anchor pile assembly and method of connecting anchor piles
An anchor pile apparatus for placement in subsea soil has a tubular member has an interior passageway, a support structure affixed to the upper end of the tubular member, a shaft rotatably mounted in the support structure and extending downwardly through the interior passageway of the tubular member, and an auger connected to the shaft. A suitable hydraulic torquing tool can be connected to the shaft so as to cause the shaft to rotate for the purpose of rotating the auger. The auger is rotated so as to draw the tubular member into the subsea soil. The tubular member has a plurality of fins extending radially outwardly therefrom.
US08371768B1 Connectin unit for tubes
A connection unit includes a hollow first part, a hollow second part and two positioning wires. The first part includes a positioning hole defined radially therein and an insertion section extends from an end of the first part. A groove is defined radially in an outer surface of the insertion section. The second part is securely inserted in one end of a hollow tube and the two positioning wires are located in the second part and two ends of each of the positioning wires are engaged with two insertion holes defined in the second part. The second part is mounted to the insertion section of the first part, and the two positioning wires are engaged with the groove so that the first part is rotatable. Two ends of a connector are inserted into two respective first parts respectively and positioned by two pins.
US08371766B2 Penpoint-like liquid distributor
A penpoint-like liquid distributor to be installed onto a container includes a receiving element, a propping element, a positioning element, a pen tube and a pen tip. The propping element has a cone that is flexibly pushing against the pen tube and closely fitting the positioning element. In non-use, a feeding portion provided on the pen tube is isolated from the container; however, when a user applies a force to the pen tube, the pen tube retreats inward and pushes the cone away from the positioning element so as to intercommunicate the feeding portion with the container. Thus, a liquid cosmetic product contained in the container is allowed to flow out through and then discharge from the pen tube. Therefore, the pen tube will not be polluted or blocked by the liquid cosmetic product accidentally.
US08371763B2 Mobile image forming apparatus
A mobile image forming apparatus is provided that comprises a casing, a support frame to surround a printing medium roll from which a printing medium is supplied and to guide the printing medium, an image forming unit to form an image on the printing medium guided by the support frame and a printing medium receiving portion disposed between the casing and the support frame to receive therein the printing medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit. The mobile image forming apparatus may further comprise a roll support core disposed in the support frame to rotatably support the printing medium roll.
US08371756B2 Journal bearing
A journal bearing includes a bearing platform, a cylindrical bearing housing supported by the bearing platform via a plurality of load supporting members, a plurality of pads located swingable in the bearing housing so that a journal of a rotation shaft is supported by the pads, an oil supply mechanism for supplying oil to the bearing surfaces of the pads, and a connecting member which has an oil hole to communicate an oil supply passage in the bearing platform with an oil supply passage in the bearing housing so that oil is supplied from the bearing platform to the bearing surfaces of the pads. The connecting member carries a part of a bearing load exerted from the bearing housing, and is mounted such that the part of the bearing load carried by the connecting member is smaller than a bearing load carried by one of the load supporting members.
US08371753B2 Compensation of rotational shaft inclination
Bearing arrangement for a shaft rotatable around an axis of rotation comprising a first bearing for rotatably mounting an end of the shaft for rotation thereof around the axis of rotation, and a second bearing for pivotably mounting the end of the shaft for pivoting movements out of the axis of rotation, and an arrangement comprising a shaft, as well as an oscillator, each comprising the bearing arrangement.
US08371748B2 Temperature measuring apparatus
A temperature measuring apparatus comprises a casing, an infrared sensor assembly, a probe, and a trigger device. The infrared sensor assembly is disposed in the casing. The trigger device is connected between the casing and the probe in such manner that when the probe moves toward the casing, the trigger device is activated by the probe to trigger the infrared sensor assembly to proceed sensing. The temperature measuring apparatus could be operated to measure without pressing any measuring button, so that the temperature measuring apparatus could have a stable operation in the measuring process. Hence, the error of the temperature measuring is reduced and the operation is more convenient.
US08371746B2 Thermal analysis device
A thermal analysis device comprising a replaceable sensor that can be contacted via a contact element of an electrical contacting means, a heating element and a cooling element. The contact element(s) is thermally connected with the heating element and can be heated essentially independently of the operating state of the cooling element even when no sensor is mounted to the device.
US08371742B2 Horizontal mixing trailer system
An apparatus for transporting and mixing materials includes a horizontally disposed container supported by a trailer, a motor mounted on the outside of the container, a shaft coupled to the motor and horizontally disposed in the container, and a mixing pedal coupled to the shaft and horizontally disposed in the container. The apparatus may include adjustably angled mixing pedals, and also adjustably angled fins. The apparatus may include a second chamber in the container including a second motor, a second shaft and a second mixing pedal. The apparatus may include a centrifugal pump for moving fluids into and out of the two chambers, as well as between the two chambers. The centrifugal pump may also power the two motors hydraulically.
US08371735B2 Multi-layer light guide apparatus
Provided is a multi-layer light guide apparatus. Various optical paths are formed as a light source emits light into the apparatus. Main structure of the apparatus includes a body and a micro-structured layer. The body has a first layer with first refractive index (n1) and a second layer with second refractive index (n2). The first layer has a first critical angle (θC1). An interface critical angle (θC12) is formed between the associated first layer and second layer. The light then outputs as the light propagates through the layers. The micro-structured layer is formed on a side of the body. It features: n1θC12;0<|θC12−θC1|≦35°.
US08371734B2 Front lit alterable display
A tab is cut into a sheet of transparent material. The tab has a free end and a fixed end. A source of light is attached to the tab and the tab and the sheet are displaced along the z-axis of the sheet to direct light from the source into an edge of the sheet. The tab can include conductive traces for electrical connection to the light source or other electrical devices on the sheet. A variable display device adjacent the sheet is viewed through the sheet and the sheet with attached light source provides front lighting for the variable display device.
US08371733B2 Displaying arrangement with ambient light
Disclosed are further improvements of AmbiLight Displaying Arrangement, a lighting or illumination system that has been introduced to enhance viewing experience. This is achieved by providing light sources (20) that create multiple colors next to at least one side of the screen (10) of the display device or arrangement, each of the multiple colors being 5 adapted to the video contents at a spatially corresponding region (50) of the screen (10). In one embodiment the lighting or illumination system can have an improved construction wherein a reflector (60) has a window section (65) enabling the light from the light sources (20) to be split into two. Half or more of the light is directed to the background (30) of the display device and half or less of the light is directed to the bezel diffuser (70), i.e. to the 10 front of the display device.
US08371732B2 Vehicular duct with integrated lighting
A body panel for a vehicle includes an outer lens and a light engine projecting a light into the outer lens. The body panel includes a duct, which is disposed at a substantially equal vertical elevation as the outer lens. The light engine is positioned relative to the outer lens to allow the duct to pass directly behind the outer lens, at approximately the same vertical elevation, to improve air flow through the duct.
US08371728B2 Control module for a lighting system, lighting system and light module for a lighting system
The present invention relates to a control module (30) for a lighting system, which lighting system (10) comprises a base module (11) with at least two parallel electrodes (16) and at least one light module (20) coupled with said electrodes (16), said control module comprising: a controller (30) adapted to control at least one parameter of the at least one light module (20), and a holding member (28) adapted to removably hold said control module in engagement with said electrodes (16) of said lighting system (10). It also relates to a lighting system and a light module (20) for such a lighting system.
US08371724B2 Light emitting device
The present invention is directed to a small-sized stroboscopic light emitting device that controls disorder in light distribution (orientation) characteristic caused by a shape of the reflector, and achieves a homogeneous light quantity distribution. The stroboscopic light emitting device includes an illuminator 1, a reflector 2 for reflecting light from the reflector, and a lens 3 for allowing the light reflected by the reflector 2 to pass through and illuminate outwardly, and the lens 3 contains a filler 4 in the base material. A refractive index and a mean particle size of the filler are between or equal to 1.3 to 2.8 and between or equal to 0.1 μm to 20 μm, respectively, and the filler is contained in the base material at the rate between or equal to 0.1 parts by weight to 3.0 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the base material. Since the filler diffuses the passing light adequately, even though the reflector is provided with a bend, local disorder in light distribution (orientation) characteristic caused by the bend can be suppressed.
US08371723B2 LED lighting assemblies with thermal overmolding
One or more light emitting diode diodes (LEDs) are attached to a printed circuit board. The attached LEDs are connectable with a power source via circuitry of the printed circuit board. An overmolding material is insert molded an over at least portions of the printed circuit board proximate to the LEDs to form a free standing high thermal conductivity material overmolding that covers at least portions of the printed circuit board proximate to the LEDs. The free standing high thermal conductivity material has a melting temperature greater than about 100° C. and has a thermal conductivity greater than or about 1 W/m·K. In some embodiments, the free standing high thermal conductivity material is a thermoplastic material.
US08371721B2 Light emitting diode element and light thereof
A LED (light emitting diode) element and a LED light thereof are revealed. The LED element includes a resin base, a LED chip embedded in the resin base and at least two leads formed by an upper part and a lower part. A top end of the upper part is mounted in the resin base and is electrically connected with the LED chip so as to make the LED chip emit light. A bottom end of the upper part extends out of the resin base and connects with a top end of the lower part. The LED element is combined with a light housing to be used. Thereby the lead will not rust easily and break due to bending. This is suitable for outdoor use, environmental protection and energy savings.
US08371720B2 Diffusion sheet, diffusion unit, illuminating unit, and display device
In a diffusion sheet (46), first reflection areas (AR1) with high reflectance and second reflection areas (AR2) with low reflectance are alternately arranged parallel to each other on a light receiving surface (46R), and third reflection areas (AR3) with high reflectance and fourth reflection areas (AR4) with low reflectance are alternately arranged parallel to each other on an light emitting surface (46F). In the diffusion sheet (46), the first reflection areas (AR1) and the fourth reflection areas (AR4) are opposed to each other, and the second reflection areas (AR2) and the third reflection areas (AR3) are opposed to each other.
US08371719B2 Illumination apparatus with heat sinks
An illumination apparatus comprises a base, a heat sink group, and at least one fastening arm. The base is made of material with high heat conductivity and has a first surface and an opposite second surface for receiving a light source. The heat sink group is placed on the first surface and comprises three types of heat sinks arranged in three lines extending along a lengthwise direction of the base. The fastening arm has a recess defined therein. First and second heat sinks are alternately arranged on each of outer two lines of the heat sink group. Third heat sinks are arranged on the middle line. Each third heat sink is positioned between two first heat sinks at one side thereof and two second heat sinks at the other side thereof.
US08371717B2 LED light emitting device having temperature sensor for controlling current supplied to LEDs therof
An LED light emitting device includes a lamp housing, an LED light emitting component thermally attached to the lamp housing, a power source driver for providing electric energy for the LED light emitting component, and a temperature sensor attached to the lamp housing for sensing a surface temperature of an outer surface of the lamp housing. When the value of the surface temperature is smaller than a predetermined temperature value, the temperature sensor outputs a control signal to the power source driver to control the power source driver to supply a larger electric current to the LED light emitting component, and the LED light emitting component generates more heat to the lamp housing to increase the surface temperature thereof.
US08371714B2 Fresnel LED lens and LED assembly thereof
A Fresnel light emitting diode (LED) Lens and a LED Assembly thereof are provided. The Fresnel LED Lens is a lens disposed with a plurality of Fresnel optical surfaces. Each Fresnel optical surface includes a zone area having a plurality of drafts with vertical shape. Each Fresnel optical surface is arranged linearly along a center of a corresponding LED, and each Fresnel optical surface can used to focus light emitted from a LED chip so as to generate a quasi-circle distribution pattern of light with uniform light intensity and satisfy special optical requirements. A LED assembled formed by the Fresnel LED lens and a corresponding LED is used as a light source applied to illumination, mobile phone flashlights or camera flashlights.
US08371712B2 Light source module of projector
A light source module of a projector includes a beam splitter, a red light source, a blue light source, and a blue light source. The beam splitter has a first reflection side, on which a first splitter film is provided, and a second reflection side, on which a second splitter film is provided. An angle between a normal line of the first reflection side, and a normal line of the second reflection side, is in a range between 165 degrees and 180 degrees. Both the first splitter film and the second splitter film permit red rays to pass therethrough. The red light source is separated from the blue and green light sources to obtain a better thermal dissipation.
US08371710B2 Focusing lens system
A lens for a flashlight or other lighting unit provides for focusing light from a source, such as an LED, to provide a light beam adjustable between a spot beam and a wide beam. The lens includes a lens body with a front face, a rear LED-receiving well, and a side surface extending between the front face and the rear well. The front face includes a central surface surrounded by an annular concave surface. The rear well includes a space for the LED to be adjusted in position. The rear well space is defined by a concavely-curved sidewall and a concavely-curved base. The concave curvature of the sidewall and base may be Bezier curves.
US08371706B2 Light projection structure and lighting apparatus
Provided is a light projection structure (10), including: a reflective member (11) including a reflective surface (11a), the reflective surface (11a) being formed as a concave surface having a focal point (f) positioned near its apex (t); and a light emitting member (12) disposed at the focal point (f) and its vicinity, for emitting light when excited by excitation light.
US08371704B1 Display unit with movable filter
An electronic device includes a display unit and a filter. The display unit is configured to provide a visual display to a user of the device. The display unit has a first side portion and a second side portion. The filter is configured to alter a viewer's perception of the visual display. The filter is pivotally coupled to the display unit. The filter is configured to pivot from a first position adjacent the first side portion of the display unit to a second position adjacent the second side portion of the display unit.
US08371703B2 Retroreflective sheeting
The present application relates generally to retroreflective sheeting and the tools and methods used to make retroreflective sheeting. Microreplication tools and sheeting include controlled surface structure or haze. The surface structure or haze can be introduced, for example, by chemical etching of the tool surface and/or electroplating.
US08371702B2 Method and system for digital light processing projection using pulsed lamps
A method of operating an AC mercury lamp and DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) in a projection system, comprising receiving a periodic video frame pulse signal, switching the DMD between successive on and off states during each period of the frame pulse signal, wherein each off state results in a dark interval, and driving the lamp with a signal that is synchronized to the video frame pulse signal so as to alternate between a maintenance pulse level during at least a portion of the dark interval and a plateau level during the on state of the DMD.
US08371694B2 Bichromatic white ophthalmic illuminator
An ophthalmic endoilluminator having only a first monochromatic light source emitting a first light and a second monochromatic light source emitting a second light. The first and second lights defining a light color axis representable on a chromaticity graph. A collimation element configured to collimate at least one of the first and second lights. An optical mixing device configured to mix the first and second lights into a single light beam. A lens configured to focus the single light beam. An optical fiber configured to carry the single light beam. A controller coupled to at least one of the first and second monochromatic light sources. The controller configured to tune at least one of the first and second monochromatic light sources such that the single beam of light represents a specific color of light at a point along the light color axis on the chromaticity graph.
US08371691B2 Auxiliary eyeglass device having lenses disposed behind a primary eyeglass device
An auxiliary eyeglass device includes a connecting unit and an auxiliary lens unit. The connecting unit includes an adjustment plate that is at least partly flexible, and an eyeglass-connecting member that is attached to the adjustment plate and that is connected to a primary eyeglass device. The auxiliary lens unit includes a pair of auxiliary lenses that is mounted on the adjustment plate, such that the adjustment plate can be flexed to result in a change in an inclination angle of at least one of the auxiliary lenses relative to the primary eyeglass device.
US08371689B2 Ink-jet recording apparatus
The present invention is an ink-jet recording apparatus 100 capable of carrying out printing continuously onto both surfaces of a recording medium 1, the ink-jet recording apparatus 100 having: a first unit 10a having a first ink-jet recording head 2a for carrying out printing onto a first surface la of the recording medium 1 and having a first drying drum 3apositioned below the first ink-jet recording head 2a and heating and drying the recording medium 1 after the printing; and a second unit 10b having a second ink-jet recording head 2b for carrying out printing onto a second surface 1b of the recording medium 1 and having a second drying drum 3b positioned below the second ink-jet recording head 2b and heating and drying the recording medium 1 after the printing.
US08371685B2 Inkjet head and inkjet recording method
An inkjet head includes: a pressure chamber; an actuator which expands and contracts volume of the pressure chamber; an ink supply flow channel; an individual supply flow channel having one end connected to the ink supply flow channel and another end connected to the pressure chamber, for guiding ink from the ink supply flow channel to the pressure chamber; a nozzle which ejects the ink; a nozzle flow channel having one end connected to the pressure chamber and another end connected to the nozzle, for guiding the ink from the pressure chamber to the nozzle; an ink recovery flow channel; an individual recovery flow channel having one end connected to the nozzle flow channel at a prescribed connection position set at an intermediate point of the nozzle flow channel and another end connected to the ink recovery flow channel, for guiding the ink from the nozzle flow channel to the ink recovery flow channel; an ink flow generation device which generates a flow of the ink from the nozzle flow channel toward the individual recovery flow channel; and a control device which controls driving of the actuator so as to drive the actuator in such a manner that, when performing ejection, volume of the pressure chamber contracts and thereby the ink is caused to be ejected from the nozzle, and when not performing the ejection, the volume of the pressure chamber expands and thereby a meniscus position of the ink is caused to be withdrawn to a vicinity of the prescribed connection position.
US08371682B1 Ink replenishing system for ink jet printers
An ink replenishing system that automatically activates the replenishment of modified ink cartridges to receive a refilling volume of ink from a larger, bulk ink source. The use of one modified tricolor cartridge and one modified black ink cartridge function as the distributors for the proper dispersion of ink. The cartridges are modified to incorporate access orifices to communicate with ink injectors when the cartridges park (or when the printer is turned off). A micro switch is tripped which, in turn, energizes an isolation relay which powers up the ink replenishing system. When the modified cartridges become low, sensing metal plates imbedded in the matrix of the modified cartridges sense little or no current flowing from one plate to the other; thus, there is insufficient current to energize an opposing coil of an electric motor pump relay and the pumping actions is continued until the cartridge is filled to capacity.
US08371677B2 Inkjet printing apparatus
An inkjet printing apparatus is provided by which, even under an environment in which water in ink easily evaporates (e.g., a high temperature and a low humidity), the humidification of the ambience near the nozzle opening can be provided by the control depending on the temperature and humidity or the printing mode. Thus, such an inkjet printing apparatus is provided that can provide a high-quality printing while reducing the amount of waste ink or cost. To realize this, ink is ejected to the platen absorber and is humidified. Then, water evaporated from the platen absorber is used to humidify the nozzle section of the print head.
US08371672B2 Printing apparatus and method for duplex printing
Images are sequentially printed on a first surface of a sheet, and identification information for identifying an image is formed each time an image is printed. When printing is interrupted by the error and before resuming printing, the identification information formed on the first surface of the sheet fed from the reverse unit again is read by the reader, and an image to be printed on the second surface when resuming printing is specified based on the read identification information.
US08371671B2 Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus includes a conveying mechanism, a printing unit, a drying unit, and a control unit. The conveying mechanism conveys a sheet and the printing unit applies an ink onto the sheet conveyed by the conveying mechanism to perform print operation. The drying unit may dry the sheet on which an ink has been applied by the printing unit. The control unit controls the conveying mechanism, the printing unit, and the drying unit. The control unit controls the conveying mechanism to vary a sheet conveyance amount per unit time while print operation of one job is in progress. The control unit further controls the drying unit depending on variation in the sheet conveyance amount while the print operation of the one job is in progress.
US08371670B2 Liquid droplet jetting apparatus
A liquid droplet jetting apparatus which jets liquid droplets of a liquid onto a recording medium includes: a jetting head having a channel unit in which a plurality of nozzles for jetting the liquid droplets and a plurality of pressure chambers communicating with the nozzles respectively are formed, and a pressure applying section which applies a pressure to the liquid inside the pressure chambers; and a controller having a pressure calculating section which calculates a pressure in the channel unit, and controlling the pressure applying section to execute: a duty limiting in which a jetting amount of the jetting head for a predetermined time period is limited to a first jetting amount when the pressure in the channel unit calculated by the pressure calculating section satisfied a predetermined condition; and a flushing in which the pressure applying section is driven irrespective of a jetting operation onto the recording medium.
US08371662B2 Wheel braking controller of vehicle
A wheel braking controller of a vehicle includes a brake lever operated by a rider, a master cylinder generating a hydraulic pressure according to an operation force of the brake lever, and a brake caliper braking a front wheel based on operation of the brake lever, a channel switching unit provided between the master cylinder and the brake caliper and switching channels of a brake fluid. A hydraulic pressure generator generates a hydraulic pressure based on operation of the brake lever and the driving state of the vehicle and controlling braking of the front wheel using the brake caliper by the hydraulic pressure. A braking controller including the channel switching unit and the hydraulic pressure generator is integrally provided on one body. The wheel braking controller so configured reduces the number of parts, and provides for easy mounting of the controller on the vehicle body.
US08371661B2 Brake system with electromotively driven piston/cylinder system
The invention relates to a brake system which comprises an actuating device (26), especially a brake pedal (30), and a control/regulation device (22). Said control/regulation device (22) controls an electromotive drive device (8) in response to the movement and/or position (38) of the actuating device (30). The drive device (8) adjusts a piston (1) of a piston/cylinder system via a non-hydraulic transmission device (6), thereby adjusting a pressure in the working compartment (4′) of the cylinder (4). Said working compartment (4′) is connected to a wheel brake (15, 17) via a pressure conduit (13). In case of drive device (8) failure, the actuating device (26) adjusts the piston (1) or the drive device (8).
US08371658B2 Apparatus and method for supporting a mine rib
A mine rib support for bracing a vertical mine rib disposed between a mine floor and a mine roof. The support includes an elongated upright and continuous telescopically expandable support having a preset curvature. The member is longitudinally expanded for engaging the mine floor and the mine roof under compression with the curvature facing towards the mine rib. A support plate is laterally extended from the support member into compression engagement with the mine rib, thereby prestressing the support for support of the mine rib.
US08371646B1 Portable table and seating combination
A portable table and seating combination is disclosed. The combination includes at least a first portion of a hinge attached to a tabletop portion. The tabletop portion includes at least a top surface, and a plurality of edge portions extending from the top surface. The top surface in combination with the plurality of edge portions forms a seating confinement compartment. The combination further includes at least a retractable leg support attached to the tabletop portion. The retractable leg support resides adjacent the seating confinement compartment, and in an extended position the retractable leg support, supports the tabletop portion at a predetermined distance above a surface. The combination also includes at least a seating portion configured for confinement within the seating confinement compartment. In a first embodiment, the seating portion is an integrated seating portion. In an alternate embodiment, the seating portion is a freestanding seating portion.
US08371645B2 Mechanism for self folding up and cushing a seat of portable chair
A portable chair has a mechanism for self folding up and cushioning a seat. The mechanism includes a tension spring assembled between a seat frame and a rear leg for collapsing the seat, and a cushioning pad affixed on the rear leg. The tension spring has first and second hook elements disposed on different orientations and engaged with holes. The hook elements are easy to install, and reduce the risk of disengagement after assembly. The length of the spring is substantially equal to the length of the space in which it is assembled, so that it is not excessively stretched during assembly, thereby preventing spring fatigue. The cushioning pad is integrally formed and includes retainer and insert portions through which it is affixed with the rear leg, and a cushion portion that can absorb noise and vibration when the seat is collapsed.
US08371644B2 Cover element carrier having control slide
A vehicle roof having at least one cover element, which selectively closes or at least partially exposes a roof opening and which can be adjusted between a closed position and a lowered displacement position and, with respect to a vehicle longitudinal center plane, comprises a carrier element on either side, the carrier element comprising a guide path, which interacts with at least one guide element of a drive carriage for pivoting the cover element, the carriage being guided in a guide rail fixed to the roof. At least one rear-side control slide is disposed on the carrier element and guides the cover element in a guide channel of the respective guide rail during displacement of said element and secures the cover element against pivoting. When pivoting the cover element into the lowered displacement position, the rear-side control slide recedes into the respective guide channel of the respective guide rail while sliding over a ramp.
US08371640B2 Motor vehicle with a sliding door
A motor vehicle with a sliding door has a safeguard with two mounting elements. One of the mounting elements is secured to the sliding door, while the other mounting element is arranged on a column bordering the sliding door. The mounting elements pass by each other given a sliding motion by the sliding door, and end up opposite each other during the motion of the sliding door, transversely to the sliding motion. As a result, the safeguard holds the sliding door against the column during a crash in which forces act perpendicularly on the sliding door.
US08371639B2 Snap fit bracket for side door impact beam
A door assembly for a vehicle includes an exterior panel and an impact beam coupled to the exterior panel and spaced from an interior surface of the exterior panel a gap distance. A bracket is attached to the impact beam via a snap fit connection. The bracket includes an outboard surface disposed between the impact beam and the interior surface to at least partially span the gap distance. The snap fit connection allows for repositioning and removal of the bracket from the door assembly without negatively affecting the structural integrity of the impact beam.
US08371635B2 Dashboard insulator for motor vehicles and manufacturing method therefor
In a dashboard insulator for a vehicle, an inner layer laminated between front and rear layers is formed by laminating fusion, barrier and other fusion films and has a large number of small holes with a uniform opening rate. The both layers are formed by a thermoplastic material with predetermined basis weight, and Young's modulus. The both fusion films formed by a thermoplastic material with a melting point lower than that of the barrier film fuse the both layers to the barrier film. Each fusion part of the both fusion films has a predetermined fusion force in its predetermined range.
US08371629B1 Tank handle and method of using a tank handle
The tank handle has an upper section, a central section, and a lower section, oriented in a common plane and integrally formed. The upper section has an aperture which thereby forms a grip for lifting, and the lower section has an aperture for coupling to a tank gas passageway. The handle is rotatably coupled to the gas passageway of a gas tank.
US08371617B2 Expansion joint for pipe system
An expansion joint for a pipe system includes a deformable section interconnecting first and second pipe sections. A first mount is secured to the first pipe section in a passageway of the first pipe. A second mount is secured to the second pipe section in a passageway of the second pipe. A flexible tension member, extending through the deformable section, tethers the first and second mounts to each other.
US08371616B2 False positive testing device
A false positive testing device (FPTD) that contains a coating based on a one hundred percent solids varnish and a transparent reagent, that uses oxidative free radical polymerization as a drying mechanism, and that can be transferred to various types of porous substrates by conventional lithographic offset printing and/or dry offset printing. The substrates with the FPTD can be verified by using common currency detection protocols, such as testing with ultraviolet lights and/or counterfeit detection iodine based pen/pad stamps.
US08371614B2 Ski-pole coupling assembly
The current disclosure presents a ski-pole coupling assembly wherein the attachment point is permanently housed on the ski, does not interfere with skiing activity, and does not become impaired by ice and snow. The current disclosure has a pair of brackets on each ski placed proximate the ski bindings. The brackets are of such height that, when placed on the brackets, the poles are not hindered by the bindings. The poles are removably affixed to the brackets by a flexible securing member, attached to the brackets. The securing members could be attached to the brackets by a number of different methods, such as by snaps, clips, rivets, etc. or a combination thereof.
US08371612B2 Inflatable airbag assemblies with lateral and longitudinal tethers
Lateral and longitudinal internal tethers can be used to restrict an inflatable airbag to a predetermined shape when inflated. A longitudinal tether extends from a rear portion or throat portion of the airbag to a front face. The portion of the front face that cushions an occupant can have a concave or planar shape, depending on the lengths of the lateral and/or longitudinal tethers.
US08371610B2 Retaining means for an airbag arrangement and airbag arrangement
A retention device for an airbag arrangement can include a first retaining element, which can be connected via a first end section to an airbag flap and via a second end section to a firing channel or via a first end section to at least one airbag flap and via a second end section to a carrier which encloses the airbag flap and has at least one section disposed between the first and the second end sections. The first end section and/or the second end section have at least two overlapping end subsections, which are connected to one another and which are connected opposite to one another and spaced apart from one another to the first plate and second plate, respectively.
US08371609B2 Airbag configuration for a vehicle seat and vehicle seat having the airbag configuration
An airbag configuration is provided for a vehicle seat having an airbag that can be expanded by a gas upon the activation. The airbag configuration is covered by a cover that covers the airbag relative to the surroundings in the inactivated state, the cover having a target weakened area that is implemented to open the cover upon the activation and permit the airbag to expand into the surroundings, and having a connector, the connector connected to the cover in the target weakened area, the connector being fastened in a fastening area to the airbag.
US08371601B2 Fifth wheel slide assembly secondary lock
A fifth wheel slide assembly secondary lock includes an elongated cam member supported by a spindle extending upward from a sliding pedestal. A pair of linkage bars are pivotally coupled by one end to opposing ends of the cam member, the other ends of the bars being coupled to wedges operable for selectively engaging slide rails mounted to a vehicle frame in order to maintain a longitudinal position of said pedestal. The pedestal includes at least one stop extending upward from the pedestal at a height that extends above an arc defined by the rotation of the cam.
US08371594B2 Speed control system
Skateboard speed control is achieved by improved application of a mechanism to provide even force to the wheels by a simplified speed control system. The speed control system is durable, compact, simple, uses minimal components, is ergonomic, and has speed control pads that move in sync while simultaneously tolerating variations in wheel orientation and position while a rider is maneuvering the skateboard.
US08371592B2 Tilting paint spray pump and cart
A paint pump and cart having a movable carriage to enable tilting of the paint pump secured to the carriage via a pivot mechanism without tilting the remainder of cart. A latching mechanism having a spring biased pin received in one of a pair of apertures provides selective retention of the carriage in an operating or loading position and the latching mechanism is operable to release the carriage to move between the operating and loading positions.
US08371587B2 Metal bead seal for fuel cell plate
A bead seal structure is disclosed for sealing between plates of a fuel cell system, wherein the bead seal structure militates against a leakage of fluids from the fuel cell system and a cost thereof is minimized.
US08371586B2 Bearing seal and mold assembly for forming such bearing seal
A bearing seal includes a metal core having a radially outer portion engaged in an inner seal groove of a bearing outer race. The core includes a bent portion engaged in the seal groove, a radially outer flange extending inwardly from an end of the bent portion located inside the bearing, a tapered tubular portion having a large-diameter end thereof connected to a small-diameter end of the outer flange and a small-diameter end thereof located axially outwardly of its large-diameter end, and a radially inner flange extending inwardly from the small-diameter end of the tubular portion. A rubber seal is fixed to an inner surface of the metal core that faces the interior of the bearing. The rubber seal includes a thick-walled portion having an inner radial step, and formed with three lips that elastically contact the inner race outer surface. The thick-walled portion includes a small-diameter thick-walled portion.
US08371585B2 Oil wiper ring
An oil wiper ring, comprising a body with a radially external running surface, an inner circumferential surface and an upper and lower face, and which possesses at least two slide ribs, which may be provided with a wear-resistant layer, such ribs becoming conically thinner, in the radial direction of their end faces, and which are opposite a sliding mating surface, such that they proceed from the body, at a specifiable angle, in order to form an angled side face, so that the free end of each slide rib, commencing in the region at the oil chamber side, is shaped to slope towards an area at the combustion chamber side, such that the associated transitional areas, on the one hand, from the region of the circumferential slide rib towards the angled side faces, and on the other hand, from the angled side faces to the piston ring body, are rounded, i.e. have predetermined radii.
US08371584B2 Indication position calculation mark unit
A mark unit includes a holding section that is disposed at the top of a display section so that a light-emitting section is positioned on a side of a display screen of the display section and a weight section is positioned on a side opposite to the display screen to hold the light-emitting section on the side of the display screen that intersects a horizontal plane.
US08371577B2 Sheet stacking device
A sheet stacking device for a sheet handling system, a method and a computer program product are provided for controlling a sheet stacking device of a sheet handling system. The sheet stacking device includes at least one sheet entrance pathway for receiving incoming sheets and a sheet output unit with at least one output tray for stacking the received sheets to form a at least one stack on the at least one output tray. The sheet stacking device further includes a control unit for determining the weight of the stack on the at least one output tray and for providing a control signal if the determined weight exceeds a predetermined value, and a stack separating mechanism for distinguishing two or more stacks on the same output tray, said stack separating mechanism being controlled by the control unit to limit the weight of the distinguished stacks.
US08371574B2 Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding device is provided. The sheet feeding device includes a body, a sheet cassette, a lifting plate, which is movable to an uplifted position when the sheet cassette is in the body and to a lowered position when the sheet cassette is outside the body, and uplifts the stack of sheets according to the uplifting movement thereof, a feeder to pick up and feed a topmost sheet, and a restrictive member, which is movable in association with the movement of the lifting plate. The restrictive member is in a restrictive position, in which at least a restricting part of the restrictive member is arranged over the stack of sheets, when the lifting plate is in the lowered position. The restrictive member is in a retracted position, in which the restrictive member is retracted off from the stack of sheets, when the lifting plate is in the uplifted position.
US08371573B2 Feeding device
A feeding device includes a tray for stacking sheet-like conveyance-target media, a first pressing unit, and a second pressing unit. The first and second pressing units face and apply a first and second pressing force, respectively, on a circumferential surface of a pick roller so that a first contact area and a second contact area overlap each other. The first pressing unit includes a first pressing unit separation roller, and the first contact area is defined wherein the first pressing unit and the pick roller make contact with each other. The second contact area is defined wherein the second pressing unit and the pick roller make contact with each other such that the first contact area and the second contact appear to partly overlap each other when viewed from an axial direction of the pick roller.
US08371570B2 Device and method for trimming the top edge, bottom edge and opening edge of a printed product
In a device for trimming the top edge, bottom edge, and opening edge of a printed product, the printed product is transported through a cutting region of a connected cutting unit in a closed clamp of a synchronously driven conveying apparatus. The conveying apparatus is configured as a conveying rotor and the clamps are guided on a circulating path. The printed product is trimmed in the cutting region of the cutting unit which is arranged between a transfer station and a delivery station. In the cutting region, each clamp transitions from a circular control path section into an intermediate control path section in which the clamp is maintained substantially perpendicular relative to a tangent to a circular cutting path of the cutting unit during trimming of at least the top and bottom edges of the printed product.
US08371568B2 Actuator and dual bin size belt system for multiple size media transport
This is a media transport system that can accommodate various size media or sheets. The system has a series of even sized bins that can accommodate both small and large sheets. Above the bins is located a sheet diverter that when lowered diverts the small sheets into a small portion of the even sized bin. When the sheet diverter is raised, it permits the large sheets to be unblocked by it and fall into the largest portion of the even sized bin. When the large sheets are housed in the bin, they are supported on a short pusher which is located between two large pushers. Both the small and large sheets are in substantial collated alignment when housed in the bins.
US08371567B2 Pedestal covers
Examples of novel semiconductor processing pedestals, and apparatuses including such pedestals, are described. These pedestals are specifically configured to provide uniform heat transfer to semiconductor substrates and to reduce maintenance complexity and/or frequency. Specifically, a pedestal may include a removable cover positioned over a metal platen of the pedestal. The removable cover is configured to maintain a consistent and uniform temperature profile of its substrate-facing surface even though the platen's upper-surface, which supports the cover and is in thermal communication with the cover, may have a much less uniform temperature profile. The cover may be made from certain ceramic materials and shaped as a thin plate. These materials are resistant to the processing environments and maintain their thermal characteristics over many processing cycles. The cover can be easily removed from the platen and replaced with a new one without a need for major disassembly of the entire apparatus.
US08371565B2 Clamping device and coating apparatus having same
A clamping device for clamping a substrate with a first surface and a second surface includes a supporting plate and a number of clamping units. The supporting plate includes a base portion and an engaging portion. The base portion includes a base surface. The engaging portion protrudes from the base surface of the base portion and includes an engaging surface facing away from the base surface. The supporting plate defines a through hole in the engaging surface. The supporting plate is configured for supporting the substrate on the engaging surface of the engaging portion. The clamping units are configured for clamping the substrate on the supporting plate such that the engaging surface of the engaging portion engaging surface is substantially coplanar with the first surface of the substrate.
US08371559B2 Air-cleaning decorative humidifier
An air-cleaning decorative humidifier, including mainly a support seat, a water receptacle, at least a shaft, a fan, and a water sub-receptacle; in which a base seat of the water receptacle is fixed to the bottom of the water receptacle; a first water opening is provided on the base seat of the water receptacle; a water valve is provided on the first water opening; the fan and the water sub-receptacle are provided in the support seat; a water level control rod is provided in the water sub-receptacle; the shaft is connected with at least a decoration directly or through a mechanism.
US08371555B2 Splittable hemostasis valve
The present invention is a splittable multi-piece hemostasis valve that is held together in an assembled condition via a binder formed about the assembled valve. The binder may be a sleeve of thin polymer material shrink-wrapped about the valve. When the valve needs to be split in order to clear a medical device such as a pacemaker lead, the sleeve is split and the valve is disassembled.
US08371553B2 Long-stroke regulator valve with a stop function
The invention relates to a valve device comprising a valve body defining a fluid flow duct having a throttle element disposed therein and turned about its axis by actuator means via a drive shaft, the throttle element having an internal cavity defined by a circular wall that is open in its bottom portion. The circular wall also presents, over a portion of its periphery, an opening of varying shape so as to define a fluid flow passage in the duct that is variable between a fully-open position in which the opening co-operates in full with the duct, and a fully-closed position in which said circular wall closes the duct. The device further includes an annular sealing gasket disposed in the flow duct, said gasket being in contact with the wall of the internal cavity in the throttle element. The internal cavity of the throttle element is spherical in shape so that in the fully-closed position of the valve, the entire circumferential of the sealing gasket is in contact with the wall of the internal cavity of the throttle element.
US08371551B2 Apparatus for adjusting level of refrigerator
An apparatus for adjusting the level of a refrigerator includes: a main body; a guide groove formed to be level in a forward/backward direction of the main body; a movement unit inserted in the guide groove and moving in the direction in which the main body is inclined; a contact point part formed at one of both ends of the guide groove and selectively connected to the movement unit; and a notifying unit informing about whether or not the contact point part is connected. When the refrigerator is installed, an installation technician can recognize whether or not the refrigerator is installed to be level regardless of a skilled degree of the installation technician, so the installation time can be shortened and a service satisfaction of consumers can be increased.
US08371550B2 Equipment holder with optional grid function
An equipment holder is provided with an optional grid function for positioning a first cabin component of an aircraft relative to a second cabin component of the aircraft and for attaching the two cabin components to each other. The equipment holder includes, but is not limited to an attachment element, a fixing element, and a position determination device. In this arrangement the attachment element is designed to attach the equipment holder to the first cabin component. The fixing element is designed to fix a position of the equipment holder relative to the second cabin component. Furthermore, the position determination device is designed to discontinuously indicate the position of the equipment holder relative to the second cabin component with a position signal.
US08371549B1 Hold for a toothpaste tube and toothbrushes
A holder for a toothpaste tube and toothbrushes which comprises a mounting plate. A mechanism is for securing the mounting plate to a wall. A support member is provided. A mechanism is for rotatably maintaining the support member perpendicular to the mounting plate. A mechanism is for attaching the toothpaste tube perpendicular to the support member. A mechanism is for retaining at least one of the toothbrushes to the mounting plate.
US08371548B1 Holder attachable to a boat
A holding device is attachable to a rail, cleat, etc., of a boat or other object such that the holding device holds a cooler or similar objects without using up passenger space. The holding device is a generally rectangular shaped basket member that has a top rail and a first series of straps extending between opposing sides of the rail and a second series of straps extending between opposing ends of the rail, the first straps and the second straps crossing generally normal to one another. One or more straps secure the basket member to an appropriate point on the boat. One or more bumpers buffer the device against the side of the boat. The basket member may have a netting therein to hold small objects safely.
US08371543B2 Device for hanging an object on a wall
There is provided a device for hanging an object on a wall. The device includes a wall mount and an object mount. One mount has a first bracket portion and a second bracket portion each being u-shaped and configured to receive the other mount. The bracket portions have a space between the bracket portions. The other mount has a projection disposable in the space between the bracket portions. The projection also acts as a safety tab. The bracket portions enable horizontal positioning of the object mount relative to the wall mount to be adjustable. The projection is configured to interact with the bracket portions and limit horizontal movement of the object mount relative to the wall mount to within a set range spanning the space from a first position, where the projection abuts the first bracket portion, to a second position where the projection abuts the second bracket portion.
US08371542B2 Slide rail assembly
A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail slidably received in the first rail, a mounting bracket fixed to the second rail, a positioning member movably mounted to the mounting bracket, and a releasing member slidably mounted to the second rail. The first rail includes a holding portion. The positioning member engages with the holding portion to prevent the second rail from sliding into or out of the first rail. By sliding the releasing member, the releasing member drives the positioning member to disengage from the holding portion of the first rail, thereby enabling the second rail to slide into or out of the first rail.
US08371541B2 Portable tool stand
A portable tool stand assembly includes a pair of wheels that are mounted on an axle that is received in a bracket plate. The bracket plate defines a J-shaped slot that has a mobility position in which the wheels are lowered relative to the tool stand assembly to permit the tool stand assembly to be wheeled into position. The wheels may be shifted to a work position in which the wheels are raised relative to the tool stand assembly with feet provided on legs engaging the ground and supporting the tool stand assembly.
US08371534B1 System for isolating vibration among a plurality of instruments
A system for isolating vibration among a plurality of instruments on a spacecraft includes at least two platforms, each of which is configured to couple to and isolate vibration for a single one of the plurality of instruments. Each of the at least two platforms is configured to mount to the spacecraft. A device is also provided for isolating vibration for one instrument among a plurality of instruments on a spacecraft.
US08371530B2 Aircraft with a rear fuselage protection shield
The invention relates to an aircraft with a protection shield for the rear composite material, fuselage 25) for conducting tail impact tests, in addition to a tail absorber, the shield (11) being formed by a plurality of pieces (21) joined to supports (23) fixed to the rear fuselage (25) behind the tail absorber (1), said pieces (21) having a laminar structure with an outer steel sheet (13), an inner composite sheet (17) and an intermediate high resistance silicon sheet (15).
US08371529B2 Interconnection and aircraft or spacecraft having such an interconnection
The invention relates to an interconnection, including: a T-stringer which has a web portion and two foot portions; a Ω-stringer which has a comb portion and two foot portions; and a connection arrangement which joins together the foot portions of the T-stringer and of the Ω-stringer, wherein the connection arrangement joins together the T-stringer and the Ω-stringer, wherein the connection arrangement has a first and a second connection element, the connection elements connecting a first foot portion of the T-stringer to a first foot portion of the Ω-stringer, respectively, wherein the connection elements together have a substantially H-shaped outline, and wherein at least one angle bracket, in particular for connecting a former to the Ω-stringer and the T-stringer, is connected to the widening foot portions of the first and second connection elements.
US08371526B2 Aircraft heater floor panel
An aircraft heated floor panel (10) comprising a heat-generating layer (20) including an electric heater (52) having current supply lines (54) and a controller (60) which controls the current supplied to the heater (52) via the supply lines (54) to thereby control the heat generated by the layer (20). The controller (60) is integrated into the floor panel (10) whereby the panel has a stand-alone control system which need only be connected to the on-board power source of the aircraft, but can be connected to a main controller for networking or other purposes.
US08371525B2 Aerodynamically controlled grapple assembly
An aerodynamically controlled grapple assembly includes a frame member secured to an associated load line and a streamlined body mounted to the frame member. The streamlined body includes a main lifting surface extending away from the body in a first direction and a vertical stabilizer extending away from the body in a second direction. A pair of grapple arms are movably connected to the frame member.
US08371522B2 Device for cooling hot gas to be discharged from an aircraft
A device for cooling hot gas to be discharged from an aircraft includes a duct for leading the hot gas from a hot gas source which is connectable to the device to an outlet point, and a frame which surrounds the duct and serves for mounting the duct. The duct is formed from one or more pipe sections and has one or more cooling air inlet points which is connectable to one or more cooling air sources in order to mix the hot gas with cooling air. An outlet pipe section of the duct extends outwards beyond the aircraft outer skin to lead hot gas through and out of a flow boundary layer on the outer skin.
US08371521B2 Low noise exhaust ducting system
An exhaust duct system for a gas turbine engine that mounts within a tail cone of an aircraft, comprises an exhaust exit that exits one side of the tail cone offset from the axial centerline of the tail cone and an exhaust duct that couples the engine to the offset exhaust exit, with a straight section of the exhaust duct extending from the exhaust exit for a length that corresponds to at least one diameter of the exhaust duct.
US08371519B2 Stem packing dispenser
A cord material dispenser comprising a container including a surrounding sidewall having first and second openings and first and second cord materials disposed in the container. The first and second cord materials are dispensable through their respective first and second openings. The first cord material is preferably wound around a first spool and the second cord material is preferably wound around a second spool. The dispenser may include a first quantity of the first cord material and a second quantity of the second cord material, wherein the first quantity is less than the second quantity. For example, the first quantity may be one fourth of the second quantity. Preferably, the container includes indicia indicative of the ratio of the first quantity to the second quantity. The indicia may be in the form of a graphic representative of the intended use of the spooled materials.
US08371518B2 Pipe dispenser
An apparatus for supporting and dispensing a pipe roll. The apparatus includes a frame that has opposite one and other frame ends; a first pair of rollers that are spacedly disposed and mounted at the one end of the frame; and a second pair of rollers that are spacedly disposed and mounted at the other end of the frame. The second pair of rollers are disposed in spaced relationship to the first pair of rollers. The first and second pairs of rollers all extend substantially in parallel to each other and define a circular locus with corresponding support points for the pipe roll. A free standing spool support structure is also disclosed.
US08371516B2 Fuel injector with a pressure-compensated control valve
In a fuel injector for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, an injection valve member for opening and closing at least one injection opening is triggered by a control valve embodied as a magnet valve. On the armature of the magnet valve, a sealing face is embodied that for closing the control valve is positionable into a valve seat. The armature of the magnet valve is movable, without armature guidance, between an upper and a lower stroke stop. Because the sealing face, which for closing the control valve is positionable into the valve seat, is embodied on the armature, an additional closing element of the kind provided in the prior art can be dispensed with.
US08371514B2 Spout cover
A spout cover for a spout having an outlet end includes a first member, having a deflector, mounted to a second member having a liquid soap reservoir and a dispenser for dispensing liquid soap from the liquid soap reservoir toward the deflector. A receiving area is defined between the first and second members for receiving the spout. The first member is movable relative to the second member between a first position permitting the spout to be received in the receiving area and a second position locating the deflector underneath the outlet end of the spout and preventing withdrawal of the spout from the receiving area.
US08371513B2 Track covering
A track cover comprising slab-shaped cover elements (7) arranged between the rails (3) of the track (2) on rail level and, preferably, also slab-shaped cover elements (8) outwardly adjoining the rails (3). The cover elements (7, 8) comprise supporting bodies (9) at their rims (10) which face the rails (3), the cover elements resting on the rails (3) by means of these supporting bodies. The supporting bodies (9) which are arranged on the cover elements (7, 8) at their rims (10) that face the rails (3) are mounted on these cover elements so as to be shiftable in the rail-longitudinal direction (11). It is suitable if on each rim (10) of the cover elements (7, 8) that faces a rail (3) which is provided with the cover, at least two supporting bodies (9) are shiftably arranged. Preferably, the supporting bodies (9) are mounted to be shiftable in the rail-longitudinal direction (11) and to be pivotable about a geometric axis extending in parallel with the displacement direction.
US08371500B2 Method and apparatus for sheet feeding from a media stack using a bar code scanning device in an image production device
A method and apparatus for sheet feeding from a media stack in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include fluffing a stack of media with a predetermined amount of air flow, sensing sheet separation in the media stack using a bar code scanning device, determining if the sheet separation meets predetermined criteria, wherein if the sheet separation does not meet the predetermined criteria, adjusting the air flow used for fluffing the media stack.
US08371493B2 Surgical stapling apparatus
A loading unit for use with a surgical stapling apparatus is provided and includes a tool assembly having a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly that are movable in relation to one another; a surgical buttress releasably secured to a tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly, wherein each surgical buttress is secured to the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly by at least one anchor; a release assembly associated with the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly; and a drive assembly slidably translatable through the tool assembly between proximal and distal positions, wherein the drive assembly actuates the release assembly to thereby release the anchor to free the surgical buttress from the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly.
US08371489B2 Cylindrical contact arm having a tapered guide section in a power-driven nailing machine
In a power-driven nailing machine for driving a nail disposed within a discharge port 7 of a nose body 6 into a work, a contact nose 13 giving a leading end discharge port 12 for guiding the nail driven from a discharge port 7 of the nose body 6 toward the work is provided to be protrusively urged toward the leading end of the nose body 6. In the leading end discharge port 12 of the contact nose 13, a guide portion 17, 19 longer than a maximum sized nail is formed from the leading end.
US08371486B2 Holder for portable device
A holder (1) adapted for use for a portable device and having a windable strap. The holder (1) includes a case body (4) having an upper case (3) and a lower case (2); the strap (10); a strap winding drum (20) for winding the strap (10) on it; a drive spring (30) for applying bias in the direction of winding the strap to the strap winding drum (20); strap openings (50), each functioning as the entrance and exit for the strap (10); and a fixation mechanism (40) for controlling a mechanism for receiving the strap (10). To pull out the strap (10), a user places one finger on a slope member (51) of the upper case (3), places another finger on the rear side of the strap (10), and pulls out the strap (10). Even if the strap is frequently pulled out, the strap does not have a permanent set.
US08371485B2 Spare tire holder and installation for a vehicle
A spare tire holder and installation for a vehicle is provided. To this end, the spare tire holder includes, but is not limited to a mount that can be pivoted downward in the tail region underneath the car body. The mount can furthermore be pivoted about a pivot joint. To this end, an actuating mechanism holds the mount in a locked position and releases the mount such that it can be pivoted into a pivoted position. In this case, the vehicle has a reduced vehicle overhang between the rear wheel axle and the tail. Two swing arms are furthermore arranged to both sides of the mount. The swing arms feature double-jointed hinges with two pivot joints per hinge.
US08371479B2 Cleaning tool
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an integrated spray and wipe system and a method of using such a system. In one embodiment the system includes a fluid reservoir that extends through the center of a roll of cleaning material (e.g., paper towel roll). The tool houses cleaning fluid and cleaning wipes and, therefore, can be used to dispense liquid or cleaning wipes as needed.
US08371478B2 Wine preservation and dispensing apparatus
A preservation and dispensing apparatus includes a pressurized gas supply assembly for pressurizing and dispensing fluid from a bottle in a manner that effectively creates a barrier protecting the fluid from harmful effects of oxygen. The pressurized gas supply assembly includes an inert gas output linked to the bottle via a dispensing nozzle secured within an opening of the bottle. The dispensing nozzle includes a connecting seal having a series of outwardly directed, flexible fins composed of a first material and an outwardly tapered seal member composed of a second material. The inert gas output includes a regulator assembly having a piercing pin that passes through an end cap of a gas capsule allowing gas from the gas capsule to pass through the regulator assembly. The regulator assembly reduces the gas pressure from approximately 2700 psi to approximately 5 psi in a single step.
US08371477B2 Device for dispensing a beverage with a controlled air inlet, and method thereof
A device (3) for metering a base liquid and mixing this base liquid with a diluent to prepare a food product, has a connecting portion for connecting it with a container (4) containing the base liquid, the device (3) including: a diluent inlet (71), a mixing chamber (80) for mixing the base liquid with the diluent. An actively controlled air inlet is provided for selectively having ambient air enter the device and guiding it to the container (4). A controller is provided for selectively metering the base liquid into the mixing chamber and for selectively enabling an air flow through the air inlet only during periods when no base liquid is metered into the mixing chamber.
US08371468B2 Tamper evident containers
A product storage container that includes a container body, a slide mechanism, and a frangible tear strip. The container body includes a base portion that is joined to a cover portion through a hinge section. The cover portion provides an upper flange extension that defines a first slot, the base portion provides a lower flange extension that defines a second slot, and the hinge section allows the cover portion to move between an open position and a closed position. The slide mechanism is positioned within the first and second slots and is configured to secure the cover portion in the closed position when arranged in a first position. The frangible tear strip maintains the slide mechanism in the first position, and upon severing, allows the slide mechanism to travel to a second position which enables the cover to be moved to the open position.
US08371467B2 Easily openable can lid having a movable portion
A can lid of a can provided with an easily openable opening means is disclosed wherein the can lid is equipped with a can lid which is fastened by winding tightly on the can main body and the top end opening of the can main body, a score section installed around the territory of the prearranged opening area and a tab for severing the score section. In the can lid, there is formed a protrusion protruding upward from the can lid in front of the can opening during manufacturing of the can lid, in which it is a collapsing protrusion where the protrusion elastically deforms into the can main body by depressing motion of the user and thereby enables forming of a concave section for easy insertion of the user's finger.
US08371463B2 Child-resistant canister
A child-resistant canister includes a container and a closure configured to mount on the container to close an opening into an interior region formed in the container. The closure includes a lid and a lid anchor coupled to the lid. The lid anchor is configured to mate with a closure retainer included in the container to retain the closure in a mounted position on the container.
US08371458B2 Ceiling rack
A ceiling rack includes a pair of transverse beams parallel to each other, at least one mesh unit and at least four supporting units. Each transverse beam has a side wall and a U-shaped hook body, and an assembly groove having an opening on a top surface thereof is formed therebetween. The mesh unit has a U-shaped end body at two opposite end portions thereof, which is assembled in the assembly groove and engaged with the U-shaped hook body. The supporting units are assembled between the side walls of the two opposite end portions of the transverse beam and the ceiling. With the U-shaped end body, the U-shaped hook body and the assembly groove, the mesh unit can be assembled in the assembly groove and engaged with the U-shaped hook body without any locking element, thereby providing the convenience of assembly and disassembly.
US08371454B2 Bracket assembly for a rack
A bracket assembly for a rack is provided. The rack has a plurality of holes. The bracket assembly includes a bracket having multiple bracket holes, a base securely connected to the bracket, and a fastening member pivotally connected to the bracket. The base includes multiple connection members corresponding to the bracket holes. The fastening member includes a resilient leg and a fastening arm. The fastening arm has at least one fastening portion. One of the connection members is inserted into one of the holes of the rack. The fastening portion of the fastening arm is hooked to the rack so as to connect the bracket to the rack.
US08371448B1 Storage system for medical waste materials
A storage system for storing used surgical towels, sponges or other medical waste materials includes a rear panel having an upper portion and a lower portion formed from a flexible sheet material. The upper portion of the rear panel has a coupling mechanism for coupling the device to a sterile structure of a surgical room. In certain embodiments, the rear panel may have a weakened partition area for separating the lower portion from the upper portion. A compartment assembly is formed by two or more flexible compartments provided on the lower portion of the rear panel. Each compartment may be liquid impervious and have an upper opening for introducing materials into the compartment. Each compartment has a forward wall that is at least partially transparent so that the contents of the compartment are observable. All components of the storage device may be sterile for use in a sterile environment. In certain embodiments, a storage system may be provided by coupling at least two storage devices together.
US08371444B1 Tool positioning pad
A tool positioning pad includes a pad having a plurality of position holes and at least one block unit detachably connected to the position holes. The tool bits are positioned via the position holes and the handles are positioned via the block unit so that the tool positioning pad can position not only the tool bits but also the handles. Therefore, when the users need multiple handles, the users do not need to take an added bag inconveniently for receiving the handles.
US08371443B2 Biopsy marker delivery device
A biopsy marker delivery device are described. The delivery device can include a relatively flexible hollow tube, a pushing member such as a push rod disposed for sliding with the tube, and at least one marker disposed in the tube. A marker blocking member is disposed distal of the distal most marker, and is disposed at least partially within the hollow tube to assist in preventing premature deployment of a marker from the hollow tube. A portion of the blocking member may disposed in the hollow tube, and another portion of the member may be operatively associated with a portion of the package such that when the marker delivery device is removed from the package, the member is removed from the marker delivery device.
US08371442B1 Mobile diagnostics module suited for computer data centers
An exemplary mobile module includes a device frame and/or a case, with the device frame positioned within, and (preferably immovably) affixed to, the case walls. An appendage extending from the top of the module may include a handle and/or an adjustable support mount (which preferably includes a flat portion and a valley) that allows the module to hang from a variety of surfaces (such as a cabinet roof/door). Optional (preferably adjustable) sidebars extending from the module sides provide stability when the module is hanging. Equipment such as display and input devices may be (preferably adjustably) affixed to the device frame, and communication ports (e.g., for serial connectivity) and power sources may be provided in the frame interior. Such equipment may be accessible through openings in the case walls that provide access to the case interior. A (preferably affixed) computer and a multi-function cable may enhance diagnosing and interfacing capabilities.
US08371438B2 Dispensing contact lens cleaning liquid
The eyes of a contact lens wearer are protected from the effects of a liquid disinfecting solution by providing a contact lens container having a catalyst therein and a container of the disinfecting solution of unusual design. The openings of the contact lens container and the solution container are configured so only the contact lens container is able to receive solution from the solution container. This prevents the user from directly removing disinfecting solution from the solution container and thereby prevents the user from directly applying the disinfecting solution to the eye.
US08371437B2 Module for a conveyor mat and modular conveyor mat
A module (1) for a conveyor mat, comprising a body part (2) which is provided, on front and rear sides (3, 6) operatively extending transversely to the conveying direction (p), with hinge loops (5A, 5B) mutually spaced apart at mutual intermediate distances (4A, 4B), and an underside (7) operatively cooperating with a guideway. The underside (7) is provided with a downwardly extending mounting frame (11) for receiving a guide element. The module (1) may be included in a modular conveyor mat, comprising a number of modules being consecutive in conveying direction, each provided with a body part extending transversely to a conveying direction, having hinge loops reaching forwards and rearwards in the conveying direction, while the hinge loops of consecutive modules cooperate and are coupled by means of hinge pins, and at least one of the modules is designed with a mounting frame.
US08371434B2 Conveyor assembly
A conveyer assembly for loading and unloading objects from vehicle, the assembly including a platform having at least one slot extending across at least a portion of the platform, at least one conveyor extending at least partially into the slot, wherein the conveyor linearly translates inside the slot and at least one support plate, wherein the support plate is releaseably associable with the conveyor via at least one connector member configured to engage the at least one conveyor in such a way that when the conveyor linearly translates the support plate translates therewith and when the conveyor stops the support plate is secured in place.
US08371433B2 Conveyor for transporting bottles or containers having varying diameters in lines to a bottle or container cleaning machine or packaging machine, and a method and apparatus for conveying bottles or containers
Conveyor for transporting bottles or containers having varying diameters in lines to a bottle or container cleaning machine or packaging machine, and a method and apparatus for conveying bottles or containers.
US08371432B1 Method of operating rolling mill conveyor
In a rolling mill in which hot rolled product is formed into rings by a laying head and the rings are transported in an overlapping pattern to a reforming station where the rings are gathered into coils, a method of increasing the time gap between billet lengths of product delivered to the reforming station by advancing the rings of a front end of one billet along said conveyor at a one speed while advancing the rings of a tail end of a preceding billet at another speed greater than said one speed.
US08371431B2 Sortation conveyor
A sortation conveyor has a divert guide path which is configured to guide pushers to engage articles disposed on an endless conveying surface at an initial impact which does not result in an out of control situation even at high speeds. The divert guide path is disposed at a plurality of divert angles, and guides pushers to engage articles at a low initial contact divert angle and first lateral speed and to accelerate the articles to a final divert angle and second, higher, lateral speed. The pushers may be undergoing lateral acceleration at the time initial contact is made with the articles.
US08371427B1 Portable and collapsible loading and unloading ramp
A portable ramp for non-wheeled cargo such as, but not limited to, a personal watercraft, designed to assist the movement of cargo in and out of a truck or trailer bed. The invention is both light weight and collapsible for easy portability and stow ability. The invention consists of a composition of parts that facilitate quick assembly and disassembly. A plurality of square hollow tube rails, a plurality of center masts, a connection sleeve and a plurality self-braking wheels assist in the conveyance of cargo uphill with free spinning wheels and slow the cargo's movement downhill by engaging the wheels into a friction pad. The invention uses a wire cable that runs along the bottom of the said rails to strengthen the assembled ramp. This wire cable has adjustable tension and is engaged by extending the center mast downward creating a triangle shape.
US08371426B2 Power transmission mechanism
A power transmission mechanism that permits power to be transmitted from an external driving source to a rotary shaft of a rotating machine includes a first rotating body, a second rotating body, an armature, and a spring clutch. The spring clutch is wound about an outer circumference of the first rotating body and an outer circumference thereof is surrounded by the extended portion of the second rotating body. The spring clutch has a first end connected to the first rotating body, and the second end is connected to the armature. Supply of current to the electromagnetic coil causes the armature to adhere to the second rotating body. When the armature rotates, the diameter of the spring clutch is increased such that the spring clutch is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the extended portion and the first rotating body and the second rotating body are coupled to each other.
US08371425B2 Dynamic displacement energy management device
A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device.
US08371422B2 Torque plate for a brake assembly
A torque plate for a vehicle brake is comprised of a sheet metal body. The sheet metal body includes a center opening that defines a lateral axis and a plurality of mounting holes. The center opening receives an axle housing and the mounting holes are used to secure the vehicle brake to the torque plate. Each mounting hole is defined by a center axis that is non-parallel to the lateral axis.
US08371420B2 Elevator system for reducing collision shock
An elevator system includes a car (1) traveling up and down along a hoistway; a buffer (15) for stopping the car (1) at an end of the hoistway, brakes (7), (8), and (9) for braking travel of the car (1); a car traveling-information acquisition part for acquiring car traveling information; and a brake controller (10) for controlling the brakes (8) and (9), based upon the information acquired by the car traveling-information acquisition part, so as to reduce a collision speed at a collision of the car with the buffer to below a predetermined speed so that a shock at the collision of the car (1) with the buffer (15) can be absorbed to a level below a specified value.
US08371418B2 Hearing assistance device
A device structured to assist the hearing of a user by being removably connected to and disposing a user's ear in an enhanced hearing orientation. One embodiment includes an elongated base, structured to be disposed in an operative position behind the user's ear. Opposite ends of the base include an adhesive material secured thereto, wherein different ones of said opposite ends are respectively disposed and maintained in confronting engagement with a rear surface of the ear and adjacently disposed portion of the user's head. The base further includes biasing capabilities disposed and structured to exert a sufficient, forwardly and outwardly directed positioning force on the user's ear to dispose and maintain it in the enhanced hearing orientation, when the base is in the operative position.
US08371414B2 System for electronically controlling seat belt load levels during an event
A system for electronically controlling seat belt load levels during an event includes a first and second compression member, and a seat belt webbing disposed between the first and second compression members. The first and second compression members may cooperate in a manner such that they may apply a selectively variable compression force to the seat belt webbing.
US08371409B2 Piping structure for transporting a fuel
A piping structure for transporting a fuel arranged between an engine and a fuel tank, is constructed by use of a resin tube that is formed in a straight tubular shape. The resin tube is flexed and bent at one or more points along a longitudinal direction of the resin tube to define one or more bent portions and thereby is provided with a predetermined bent shape. The resin tube is fixed in a motor vehicle body so as to retain the bent portions and thereby assembled in the motor vehicle body.
US08371405B2 Auto-seek electrical connection for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
An auto-seek operating mode for an electric vehicle adjusts the vehicle in a direction transverse to a vehicle central axis using a vehicle power steering system and using a motor and a battery to advance the vehicle toward a target connector for a utility power grid for charging the battery. If needed, vertical vehicle position adjustments are made using a controllable vehicle suspension system.
US08371403B2 Tracked mobility device
A tracked mobility device includes: a) a pair of independent, self-supported track drives defining a planar ground contact area; b) a multi-directional wheel having a raised position above the plane of the ground contact area, and a lowered position below the plane of the ground contact area; and c) an actuator for moving the multi-directional wheel to either its raised or its lowered position. When the actuator lowers the multi-directional wheel, part of the planar ground contact area is raised from the ground without raising all of the planar ground contact area from the ground. Each track drive functions independently so that bumps along one track may be traversed without tilting the entire vehicle. Each track drive may be attached to the vehicle body with flexible mounts that allow each track drive to independently tilt upward or downward as the device moves on its tracks.
US08371402B2 Endless belt tensioner system and method of use thereof
An endless belt tensioner system adapted to apply a tensioning force on a ground-contacting endless belt of a vehicle is provided, the tensioning force being substantially proportional to an endless belt drive force applied to the endless belt to move the vehicle. A vehicle and a method about the same are also provided.
US08371399B2 Method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface and tools therefor
According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction.
US08371396B2 Communication connections for wired drill pipe joints
A drill pipe includes a pin end connector, a box end connector, a first communication connector and a second communication connector. The pin end connector includes a first region to form a threaded connection to join sections of the drill pipe together, and the first region includes at least one thread that begins at one end of the first region and ends at the other end of the first region. The box end connector receives the pin end connector, and the box end connector includes a second region to mate with the first region to form the threaded connection. The first communication connector is attached to the pin end connector and is located in the first region; and the second communication connector is attached to the box end connector and located in the second region to form a communication connection with the first communication connector.
US08371395B2 Housing joint for a power tool
A power tool having a housing divided into two parts which are interconnected by a thread joint. Internal threads are provided on the housing parts. A tubular connection element has two external axially spaced thread sections which are provided for engagement with the internal threads on the housing parts. The tubular connection element has a thin walled waist section located between the external thread sections to provide a certain elastic deformation as a tightening torque is applied on the thread joint to thereby increase the clamping length of the thread joint. A resilient ring is carried on the waist section and is arranged to be elastically deformed by squeezing between the housing parts and the connection element at tightening of the thread joint, thereby providing a rotation locking friction force on the thread joint.
US08371392B2 Fire extinguishing apparatus
The invention provides a fire extinguishing apparatus. The fire extinguishing apparatus includes a holding unit for holding various components of the fire extinguishing apparatus. The fire extinguishing apparatus also includes one or more tubes which are operatively coupled to the holding unit. The one or more tubes are capable of rotating with respect to the holding unit, such that an axis of rotation of a tube is angled at a predetermined angle to the earth surface. Further, each tube of the one or more tubes includes one or more nozzles for dispersing a fire extinguishing fluid to a location of the fire. The fire extinguishing fluid is supplied to the one or more tubes through a fluid supplying unit. The fluid supplying unit and the one or more tubes are held together by the holding unit in a suspended manner above the location of the fire.
US08371391B2 Thrush and white line medicinal delivery system
An equine medicinal delivery system includes a dental roll impregnated with a medicinal solution for placement in an equine hoof. Another embodiment of an equine medicinal delivery system includes a pledget impregnated with a medicinal solution for placement in an equine hoof. A method of manufacturing an equine medicinal delivery system includes providing copper sulfate powder, combining water with the copper sulfate power to form a solution, and impregnating an applicator device with the solution. A method of manufacturing an equine medicinal delivery system includes providing an applicator device impregnated with a medicinal solution for placement in an equine hoof.
US08371390B2 Dual packer for a horizontal well
A dual packer for at least partially defining a production zone in a wellbore, the dual packer including a packer body having an up-hole side and a down-hole side. A first through bore and a second through bore each extend through the packer body from the up-hole side to the down-hole side. A first piping extends from the down-hole side of the first through bore and includes a perforated sub adjacent the down-hole side of the packer body. A second piping extends from the down-hole side of the second through bore and is communicably connected to the first piping down-hole of the first perforated sub.
US08371385B2 Christmas tree and wellhead design
The device described herein combines a subsea wellhead and a tree mandrel into a single piece. The wellhead includes a tree valve block having an upper and lower section. The lower valve block section is integral with the wellhead and includes access between the production line and the tubing annulus to the main bore of the wellhead.
US08371382B2 Methods relating to improved stimulation treatments and strengthening fractures in subterranean formations
Of the many methods provided herein, one method comprises: providing at least one fracture in a subterranean formation that comprises tight gas, a shale, a clay, and/or a coal bed; providing a plasticity modification fluid that comprises an aqueous fluid and an alkaline embrittlement modification agent; placing the plasticity modification fluid into the fracture in the subterranean formation; and embrittling at least one fracture face of the fracture to form an embrittled fracture face.
US08371380B2 Steam assisted oil recovery and carbon dioxide capture
Methods and systems relate to generating a flow of steam and splitting the flow of steam to enable both its injection into a formation to assist in oil recovery and its introduction into a pathway where the steam is used for generating electricity and capturing carbon dioxide (CO2). At least part of the CO2 that is captured comes from burning of fuel used to generate the steam. Steam assisted gravity drainage requires the steam that is injected to have a higher pressure than the steam that is needed for CO2 capture. Exhaust steam from a steam turbine used to generate the electricity reduces pressure of the steam prior to use of the steam for capturing CO2.
US08371378B2 Method for pre-treatment of subterranean sites adjacent to water injection wells
A method to improve the effectiveness of MEOR or bioremediation processes. In this method toxic chemicals accumulated in subterranean sites adjacent to the water injection wells are either dispersed or removed prior to introduction of microbial inocula for enhanced microbial oil recovery or bioremediation of these sites.
US08371377B2 Method for pre-treatment of subterranean sites adjacent to water injection wells
A method to improve the effectiveness of MEOR or bioremediation processes. In this method toxic chemicals accumulated in subterranean sites adjacent to the water injection wells are either dispersed or removed prior to introduction of microbial inocula for enhanced microbial oil recovery or bioremediation of these sites.
US08371373B2 Method and apparatus for plugging leaking oil and gas wells
A method and apparatus for plugging leaking oil and leaking gas wells is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stepped structure capable of being mounted over the one of the leaking oil well and the leaking gas well. The stepped structure includes a plurality of structural modules arranged in a stacked form. A pipe arrangement capable of extracting one or effluents perpendicularly passes through the plurality of structural modules. One or more effluents are extracted from one of the leaking oil well and the leaking gas well. Additionally, one or more pressure relief pipes are provided to extract the one or more effluents. The one or more pressure relief pipes protrude outwardly through a peripheral surface of each of one or more structural modules. The pipe arrangement and the one or more pressure relief pipes enables extraction of the one or more effluents to reduce the pressure within the stepped structure.
US08371370B2 Apparatus for isolating and completing multi-zone frac packs
A plurality of zones are gravel packed together and then isolated from each other in the gravel annulus by formation of a barrier in the gravel annulus. The screen assembly carries a series of chambers internally that are located between the producing zones generally in the area of blank pipe between the zones. The wash pipe has a shifter associated with it so that extraction of the wash pipe after gravel packing will serially shift pistons that reduce chamber volume where the chemical is stored. The chemical will exit through a rupture disc and nozzle and will commingle with the gravel and make an impervious annular barrier.
US08371367B2 Heat sink and fabricating method of the same
A heat sink includes a base having a first surface thermally connected to a heat producing component and a plurality of fins supported by a second surface of the base and arranged in a predetermined direction, each fin having a plurality of through-holes. The base and the plurality of fins are integrally formed from a porous material, for example a lotus-shaped porous material. The heat sink is placed within a duct. The heat sink may have a width of about 10 mm or less.
US08371364B2 Cooling body for a voltage regulator
A cooling body for the regulator of an electric machine, which regulator may be a voltage regulator of a DC generator of a vehicle, includes a heat exchange surface with an inflow region and an outflow region. A cooling air flow may be applied to the heat exchange surface during the operation of the electric machine. The cooling air stream impinges on the heat exchange surface in the inflow region and leaves the heat exchange surface from the outflow region. The heat exchange surface is shaped differently in the inflow region than in the outflow region. Because of the shape of the heat exchange surface, the direction in which the cooling air is applied is different compared to conventional surfaces.
US08371358B1 Removable battery system and method
In a window covering system with a shade roll, a removable battery pack system includes a battery tube conformed to fit within a shade roll with a hollow interior where the battery tube is electrically connected with the shade roll but, preferably, does not rotate with the shade roll.
US08371357B2 System to guide the slats of an industrial roller door to reduce damages after crash
A method and apparatus for preventing damage to an industrial door during an impact, the apparatus including a roller door having a plurality of lamellae, and a plurality of end pieces connectable to the lamellae. The industrial door also includes a drive system, connectable to the plurality of end pieces for raising and lowering the door. The lamellae include a plurality of openings formed therein and, arranged on at least one distal end thereof. The end pieces include a plurality of friction fit security devices for engaging the openings.
US08371355B2 Window shade assembly with re-channeling system and single seal strip of wrapping material
A window shade assembly includes a flexible shade material having a pair of non-beaded vertical edges positioned in a pair of opposed vertical side channels. A re-channeling system includes a lip to at least partially define a plane of the flexible shade material within the side channels, and a bottom rail irremovably and slidingly received in each side channel. The side channels can be two parts. A single resilient seal strip is used with the side channels to seal the flexible shade material. The seal strip can be an edge of the flexible wrapping material for the side channels.
US08371350B2 Device for connecting a tire of an aircraft wheel to a pneumatic unit of the aircraft
A device for selectively connecting a tire to a pneumatic unit of an aircraft, the tire forming part of a wheel mounted to rotate on a hollow axle of the aircraft, the device comprising a stator and a rotor that is mounted to rotate relative to the stator and that includes a structure enabling it to be rotated by the wheel. The stator is bell-shaped and is designed to be received as a push-fit in the axle, and includes an end wall carrying a first pneumatic port for connection to the pneumatic unit via a tube running along the inside of the axle, the rotor extending substantially inside the stator.
US08371349B2 Tyre for motor vehicles
The tread band of a tire has two circumferential portions, a central one and an inner intermediate one, respectively, that are subdivided into center and intermediate blocks respectively; an inner-shoulder circumferential portion has first and second inner-shoulder cuts, axially offset from each other and distributed in an alternated sequence, to confine a continuous inner-shoulder rest surface with an undulated course; and an outer intermediate circumferential portion has first and second intermediate cuts, and an outer-shoulder circumferential portion has first and second outer-shoulder cuts. The first and second intermediate cuts and the outer-shoulder cuts, respectively, mutually converge at an angle of about 20° and are axially offset from each other and circumferentially distributed in an alternated sequence, to delimit continuous rest surfaces, an intermediate and outer-shoulder surface respectively, with an undulated course.
US08371348B2 Pneumatic tire
The present invention provides a pneumatic tire in which the tread pattern is optimized to improve wear resistance. The pneumatic tire has a tread portion embedding belt layer therein, wherein the tread portion has plural rows of lag grooves extending from the tread end to a tire equatorial plane and a narrow groove connecting the end of two lag grooves clipping the tire equatorial plane, wherein the narrow groove will be closed when contacting the road surface, wherein said lag groove is composed of a first lag groove portion located on the outer side in the tire widthwise direction and a second lag groove portion located on the inner side in the tire widthwise direction, wherein the maximum depth of the second lag groove portion is larger than the maximum depth of the first lag groove portion, wherein the second lag groove portion, in a sectional view in the tire circumferential direction, is composed of a shallow groove portion and deep groove portion having a larger depth than the shallow groove portion notching a part of the shallow groove portion, wherein the length in the tire circumferential direction of the deep groove portion is smaller than the length in the tire circumferential direction of the shallow groove portion.
US08371347B2 Golf club head cover with storage
A golf club head cover with storage includes a cover body, a closure flap and a pocket. The cover body defines an interior cavity configured to receive a club head. A first portion of the closure flap is fixed relative to the cover body and a second portion of the closure flap is movable between a closed position and an opened position. In the closed position, the closure flap covers an opening of the interior cavity of the cover body. The pocket is disposed on the closure flap.
US08371346B2 Apparatus for capturing fuel spillage and nozzle drip during refueling of a vehicle
A refueling nozzle is inserted into a fuel filler tube of the vehicle, refueling is carried out in the normal manner. However, during retraction of the nozzle, when the nozzle is prone to drip, a specially designed valve is caused to open and a vacuum canister draws in a rush of air and captures the dripping gas. During normal vehicle operation, the captured fuel in the vacuum canister is drawn into the engine intake manifold to be burned through the engine and the vacuum in the canister is replenished for the next refueling stop.
US08371345B2 Fuel lid part structure
A structure for a fuel lid section has a fuel lid supported on a vehicle body via a hinge, a vehicle body recess openably covered by the fuel lid, a fuel filling opening placed in the vehicle body recess, and a cap-less mechanism provided at the fuel filling opening and enabling fuel filling operation without requiring attachment/detachment of a fuel cap. The structure also has an electricity conduction path extending from the fuel lid to the vehicle body.
US08371344B2 Adjustable refilling assembly
A refilling system for a vehicle including a body panel having a fixed opening, an adjustable refilling assembly partially enclosed by the body panel, the adjustable refilling assembly including a first port and a second port, the adjustable refilling assembly movable between at least a first configuration in which the first port is aligned with the fixed opening and a second configuration in which the second port is aligned with the fixed opening.
US08371343B2 Method and apparatus to facilitate determining proper placement of a liquid
One provides (101) a plurality of one-way degassing valves (202) that are to be installed on corresponding containers and places (102) a viscous liquid (such as silicon oil) (205) in each of the plurality of one-way degassing valves to provide a corresponding plurality of installable one-way degassing valves (208). These teachings then provide for automatically and non-destructively determining (103), prior to installation of these valves on the corresponding containers, whether the viscous liquid has been properly placed.By one approach, this can comprise using a captured image (210) of at least a portion of each such one-way degassing valve to make this determination.
US08371342B2 Filling device for the volumetric metering of powder
The invention relates to a filling device (1) for the volumetric metering of powder (2), particularly a powdery pharmaceutical. The filling device comprises a metering container (3, 4) having an inner chamber (5) and a peripheral edge (8, 9) around a filling opening (6, 7) of the metering container (3, 4), a planar retaining device (10), which is pervious to air, but impermeable to the powder (2), and covers the filling opening (6, 7) and the edge (8, 9) when filling the metering container (3, 4), a filling pipe (11), which is guided through the retaining device (10) and opens into the inner chamber (3) when filling the metering container (3, 4), and means for generating a pressure differential on the retaining device (10).
US08371340B2 Edgewise winding method and edgewise winding apparatus
An edgewise winding method for forming an edgewise winding having a non-circular outer shape including a bent portion, a short side portion, and a long side portion is achieved by feeding a wire by a length corresponding to the short side portion or the long side portion and edgewise bending the wire by a bending jig while rotating an entire winding to form the bent portion. A side surface of the long side portion of the winding is supported by a first support block, a second support block, a first stopper block, a second stopper block, and others.
US08371334B2 Rotary switching valve
A rotary valve (1) includes a valve body (2) formed with a chamber communication passage (24) for flowing a main fluid and a vent communication passage (25) for discharging the main fluid and a cylindrical valve member (3) rotatably held in the valve body (2) and formed with a main passage (31) for flowing the main fluid. The cylindrical valve member (3) is rotated to switch the connection of the main passage (31) between the chamber communication passage (24) and the vent communication passage (25). The rotary switching valve (1) further includes a purge gas passage for passing purge gas in a clearance (11) between the valve body (2) and the cylindrical valve member (3), the purge gas being supplied to the clearance (11) to prevent the main fluid from leaking out of the main passage (31).
US08371333B2 Cage valve with erosion control
A cage valve for reduced erosion at the outlet bore. The valve is of the type having flow trim arranged transverse to the inlet bore and aligned with the outlet bore, the flow trim including a stationary tubular cage and an external cylindrical flow collar slidable along the side wall of the cage to cover or uncover one or more pairs of main flow ports in the cage side wall. The external flow collar is located for movement between a fully closed position wherein each of the main flow ports is fully covered by the external flow collar and a fully open position wherein each of the main flow ports remains partially covered by the external flow collar such that fluid flow from the inlet through each of the main flow ports is directed angularly into the external flow collar, away from the outlet bore, to reduce erosion at the outlet bore.
US08371332B2 Modular pressure balancing valve
A modular valve is provided. The modular valve includes a valve body having a pair of inlet ports and a pair of outlet ports. The pair of inlet ports each includes an integral stop valve and check valve. The valve body includes a cavity configured to selectively receive a pressure balancing cartridge or a thermostatic cartridge assembly.
US08371328B2 Back pressure valve with inductively heated flap
A back pressure valve for a fuel cell stack assembly is disclosed, wherein the valve includes a solenoid disposed thereon, an energization of the solenoid causing a generation of heat in a valve flap to facilitate a melting of ice that has formed in the valve.
US08371326B2 Fuel vapor vent valve with dynamic pressure relief
A fuel vapor vent valve assembly includes an anti-trickle valve having a casing defining a first cavity. A movable element is disposed within the first cavity. The casing defines a lower dynamic vapor passage in fluid communication with an interior of a fuel tank. A concave ramp is disposed concentrically about the lower dynamic vapor passage, within the first cavity. The movable element moves upward along the concave ramp in response to a change in motion to open fluid communication through the lower dynamic vapor passage to vent vapor pressure from within the fuel tank during movement.
US08371323B2 Method and apparatus for transporting a particulate material
Fluidizing transport apparatus comprises a hopper, a pressure vessel and a valve element which controls a port between the hopper and the vessel. The valve element is retained closed against the port under pressure within the vessel. A fluidizing nozzle receives transport fluid, such as water from a fluid line. Water supplied through the fluid line thus fluidizes solids in the vessel and raises the pressure to maintain the valve element in the closed position. The fluidized solids material is then supplied to a transport pipeline from the vessel. Solids material loaded into the hopper depress the valve element when pressure within the vessel is relieved, so allowing a fresh charge of the solids material to enter the vessel for a subsequent cycle. The position of the valve element within the vessel is influenced by a float which responds to the water level within the hopper.
US08371322B1 Folding canopy beach tent
A folding canopy beach tent comprised of lightweight rod structure frame with connecting joints. This structure opens and closes. To closing structure folds down and the rods fold inward making the structure compact. The umbrella and flaccid mesh like material cover the frame structure. The material serves as a protection against sunrays and weather elements. The front flaccid mesh serves as enclosure for the structure. The side flaccid mesh allows airflow, and visibility of surroundings. The dimensions of the folding canopy beach tent provides' enough room to place a child, and other items. Stakes are used to secure the structure to the surface, therefore reducing the likelihood of the wind moving it. The stakes also secure the mesh enclosure when lowered to the ground. The structure's umbrella like material base can be directly sat or laid on. The folded canopy beach tent is carried in a carry tote with strap.
US08371319B2 Umbrella anchorage and accessories
The present invention provides umbrella anchors and accessories that facilitate the use of umbrellas over a wide variety of ground surfaces. An anchor may have a generally tubular shape with a bore that receives the bottom end of a pole of an umbrella. The anchor may have a tip that penetrates the ground in response to application of linear force, and a flange that limits the depth of penetration of the anchor into the ground and adds stability. Alternatively, an anchor may have a flange positioned distally to lie underneath a deck or other man-made surface. An anchor may have a flange that is angled relative to the remainder of the anchor to facilitate placement of the umbrella at a angle relative to ground level. A cover may prevent entry of debris into the anchor bore. Modular tables or accessory trays may be attached around the pole of the umbrella.
US08371317B2 Surface treatment apparatus
A surface treating jig of the present invention includes a treatment solution collecting section having (i) a ring-like groove formed on a surface (a) facing to a surface (a) to be treated of a semiconductor wafer and (ii) a through hole for collecting the treatment solution, the through hole formed so as to be continuous with the ring-like groove. With this arrangement, the present invention provides a surface treatment apparatus that prevents the treatment solution from spattering to a surface other than the surface (a) to be treated, and thereby, treatment with the treatment solution can be performed only with respect to the target surface.
US08371315B2 Washing systems incorporating charged activated liquids
A washing system comprising a washing machine vessel, a fluid-treatment component for activating a liquid, a dispenser for dispensing the activated liquid to the washing machine vessel, an electrode in electrical contact with the activated liquid, and at least one control circuit configured to generate an alternating electrical field through the dispensed activated liquid between the electrode and the washing machine vessel.
US08371313B2 Brushes with interchangeable heads
One embodiment of a head-switchable brush comprises a brush head, a ferrule, and a brush handle. The ferrule has the head at one end and the handle at the other end. There is a piece of magnet attached to the brush handle and ferrule respectively where the two parts connect. The brush head can be switched and assembled with the handle easily whenever needed. The ferrule can be kept firmly on the handle by the action of the magnet inside. The head-switchable function of this brush kit can greatly enlarge the brush applying space and also avoid the material wasting since this brush kit has one handle only but with various brush heads.
US08371312B2 Heating apparatus for heat retaining hair clips
An improved hair styling device with heating elements and heat retaining clips inside the device's housing. The clips present double concave inner faces, and form an enclosed space when in a closed position. A heat retaining element with an elevated heat capacity is incorporated into the clips adjacent the inner surface of the jaws of the clips; and also presents a double concave surface to the inside of the clips when in a closed position. The heating elements are made up of elongated heating rods with multiple heating locations along their length. Each heating location has an enlarged double convex area on the surface of the heating rods. The heating locations are complimentary to the shape of the heat retaining element, and therefore heat the clips quickly and evenly.
US08371306B2 Surgical drape and system having a barrier for preventing the start of a surgical procedure and methods for using same
A surgical drape, system and method of using comprise a surgical drape having a fenestration to be placed over a surgical site of a patient. The surgical drape includes a barrier removably attached to the surgical drape and adapted for placement over a portion of the fenestration to prevent the start of the surgical procedure. Upon verification of a set of predetermined conditions, the barrier is removed by a member of the surgical staff in order to begin the surgical procedure.
US08371305B1 Fluoroscopy chair with radiolucent, adjustable supports convertible to resuscitation table
A fluoroscopy chair convertible between a chair configuration for use during fluoroscopic procedures to a support table configuration. The fluoroscopy chair has a seat, a support column supporting the seat, a radiotranslucent chest support retained to an anterior side of the seat, and a back support retained to the posterior side of the seat. The back support is reconfigurable between a first configuration that forms an upstanding surface and a second configuration cooperating with the seat to form a support table. The chest support, which can have multiple, differently contoured support surfaces, can be adjusted vertically and rotated relative to the patient.
US08371301B2 Breathing mask for feeding a breathing gas to a mask user and discharge device for discharging breathing gas
A breathing mask arrangement for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame, a mask having a frame contacting portion and a patient contacting portion, and a forehead support supporting forehead padding that is structured to engage a patient's forehead. The forehead padding of the forehead support is integrally formed in one piece along with the patient contacting portion.
US08371300B2 System and method for circuits to allow CPAP to provide zero pressure
A system comprises a respiratory delivery arrangement adapted to cover at least one respiratory orifice of a patient. The system also comprises a first conduit having a first end and a second end, the second end connected to the respiratory delivery arrangement. A positive pressure is provided to the respiratory orifice via the first conduit and a second conduit having a third end and a fourth end, the fourth end connected to the respiratory delivery arrangement. An exhaled gas is extracted from the respiratory orifice by one or both of a valve configured to redirect flow through the respiratory delivery arrangement and a venturi opening.
US08371295B2 Breathable air safety system for both emergency and civilian personnel
A method and/or system for a breathable air safety system for both emergency and civilian personnel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a safety system includes a supply unit of a structure to facilitate delivery of a breathable air from a source of compressed air to an air distribution system of the structure, a civilian air supply enclosure of the structure to provide a civilian pressure of the breathable air such that the civilian pressure is suitable for direct human consumption through a civilian breathable air apparatus coupled with the civilian air supply enclosure, a firefighter air supply enclosure of the structure to provide a high-pressure of the breathable air such that the high-pressure is suitable to fill the breathable air in a firefighter breathable air apparatus through a RIC/UAC connector of the fill panel and/or a CGA connector.
US08371290B2 Device for delivery and regulation of volatile fluids into inspiratory gas
An apparatus for discharging fluid for a subject breathing. The apparatus includes a fluid cavity for conveying a fluid to be discharged; a valve for guiding the flow of fluid through the fluid cavity; a control unit for controlling the valve for guiding the flow of fluid; a first housing having a wall and a hole on this wall for fluid flowing through the fluid cavity; a first member apart from the first housing having holes discharging fluid through them for the subject breathing; a chamber between the first member and the first housing for receiving the fluid coming along the fluid cavity; a vibrator making the first member to vibrate and discharge fluid through the holes to a subject breathing tube. The vibrator is in contact with the first member through a transmitter extending towards the chamber and which transmitter transmits the vibration effect from the vibrator to the first member.
US08371287B2 Solar collector reflector system
The solar collector-reflector system includes at least one modular solar panel arranged singly or in an array, each solar panel having a solar collector-reflector assembly, a driver for selective collection or reflection of solar energy, attachment assembly, mounting assembly, ducting and a controller for controlling the solar energy collection and reflection configuration based on the sensed differential temperature between the solar panel or array and a dwelling set temperature. The solar collector-reflector assembly has surfaces that either collect or reflect solar energy, and the solar collector-reflector system utilizes air-to-air heat transfer to provide additional heating to an existing ducting system in the dwelling or reflect solar flux from the roof, thereby reducing heating and cooling energy consumption and costs.
US08371285B2 Conveyor oven apparatus and method
An oven according to some embodiments includes an oven chamber in which food is cooked, a heating element, a fan, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the oven chamber, a remote input device, and a controller configured to receive a signal from the remote input device and to change the fan or heating element based at least in part upon the signal received from the remote input device. In a method of operating the oven according to some embodiments, the oven enters an operating mode from an energy-savings mode responsive to receiving an signal from a remote device.
US08371283B2 Cable guard and guides for archery bows
An archery bow includes a cable guard and an optional cable guide that holds a cable of the bow away from a plane in which a bowstring of the bow moves. The cable guard can define a bore, through which the cable is positioned, extending generally parallel to the bowstring when the bowstring is in an undrawn state. The cable guard bore can include a rounded opening to minimize abrasion to the cable. The cable guide can include a ceramic element having a rounded surface to minimize abrasion to the cable. The ceramic element can be included in an immovable or stationary cable guide, as well as an alternative cable guide including moving components, to engage and hold the cable away from the bowstring, while minimizing abrasion and/or friction on the cable.
US08371279B2 Crankcase pressure regulator for an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine that includes a crankcase having a crankcase pressure defined within the crankcase relative to an ambient pressure. The crankcase pressure varies in response to operation of the internal combustion engine. A crankcase pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the crankcase, and the crankcase pressure regulator includes a first passageway defining a first flow path, a second passageway defining a second flow path in a parallel arrangement to the first passageway. When the crankcase pressure is less than a first predetermined pressure, the first valve moves to the open position to allow a fluid flow into the crankcase through the first passageway. When the crankcase pressure is greater than a second predetermined pressure, the second valve moves from the closed position to the open position to allow a fluid flow from the crankcase through the second passageway.
US08371278B2 High flow EGR system
A high flow EGR system for an internal combustion engine having a pair of series connected EGR coolers and a water droplet condensation collector and reservoir connected to the gas flow. The reservoir feeds a pump which is actuated to inject the liquid to the engine adjacent each cylinder for uniform distribution of the water to the engine cylinders. The pump is controlled to inject the water at appropriate conditions during the engine operating cycle.
US08371276B2 Stored compressed air management and flow control for improved engine performance
A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including a compressor and a boost tank selectably coupled to an intake manifold. The method comprises admitting air from the compressor to the intake manifold via a main throttle valve, storing some air from the compressor in a boost tank, and discharging some of the air stored in the boost tank to the intake manifold via an auxiliary throttle valve distinct from the main throttle valve.
US08371272B1 Vapor purge system integrity diagnosis for a hybrid vehicle
A method for testing a vapor purge system (VPS) for an internal combustion engine, and a hybrid vehicle having the VPS include a controller for closing a first valve coupled between a carbon canister of the VPS and the ambient environment, motoring the engine to pull a vacuum on the VPS, closing a second valve coupled between the carbon canister and the engine, and monitoring pressure in the VPS. The VPS has a carbon canister coupled to the engine via a first valve and coupled to atmosphere via a second valve, and a pressure transducer.
US08371268B2 Safety valve and high-pressure pump comprising said safety valve
A fuel safety valve arranged in a fuel supply line between a low-pressure pump and a high-pressure pump, is provided with a valve body which defines a cylindrical cavity having a longitudinal axis and being connected to a duct and a portion of a discharge duct in communication with the cylindrical cavity, a piston sliding with respect to the valve body in the cylindrical cavity along the longitudinal axis, and a spring housed in a variable-volume chamber defined by a portion of the cylindrical cavity between the piston and a closure element. The piston is provided with a through hole supplied with the fuel leading into the variable-volume chamber, and the valve body being provided with a fuel discharge hole connecting the variable-volume chamber to the discharge duct.
US08371267B2 Fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a high-pressure fuel pump comprising a drive shaft supported by bearings, and fuel flows through the bearings in a forced manner in such a way that the mechanical and thermal load-carrying capacity of the bearings, and thus the entire high-pressure fuel pump, is significantly increased.
US08371266B1 Vacuum system for an engine
Systems and methods for generating a vacuum in an engine are provided. The system includes a first throttle upstream from a plurality of cylinders and a second throttle upstream from one of the cylinders. The system further includes a vacuum reservoir in fluidic communication with an intake runner downstream from the second throttle; a vacuum consumer in fluidic communication with the vacuum reservoir, the vacuum consumer controlled by an actuator; and a pneumatic actuator driven by a pressure state of the vacuum reservoir to adjust the second throttle.
US08371265B1 Automobile emergency stop system
The automobile emergency stop system includes a knife switch that is wired to one of the wires running to a fuel pump of a vehicle. The system is designed for use with a parking brake such that upon breaking the circuit, electrical flow to the fuel pump ceases and the engine stops. The system is designed to close the circuit when the parking brake is not lifted. The system is adapted for all types of parking brakes, and includes hand actuated or foot actuated parking brakes. The system is designed for use as an anti-theft measure as well as a safety measure for a computer controlled engine that faults and accelerates out of control.
US08371264B2 Vehicle control system
A method is provided for controlling an engine via an outlet control device of an intake manifold, such as via variable valve lift operation. The engine may further include an inlet control device, such as an electronic throttle, as well as coordination between the inlet and outlet control devices for controlling airflow in the engine.
US08371263B2 Connecting rod
A connecting rod includes an elongate rod shank with a small end at a first axial end of the rod shank and a big end at the second axial end of the rod shank. The big end includes a body part and a cap part adapted to releasably couple to the body part. When the cap part is coupled to the body part, the cap part and body part cooperate to define a crank pin receiving bore and abut at first and second spaced apart interfaces. The cap part defines an aperture proximate the first interface that is adapted to receive a threaded fastener that engages and clamps the cap part to the body part. The cap part includes a side portion that extends radially beyond a largest radius from a crank pin bore center to the first interface. The side portion is substantially radially concentrated adjacent the first interface.
US08371261B2 Multi-part piston for an internal combustion engine and method for its production
A multi-part piston for an internal combustion engine has an upper piston part having a piston crown, and a lower piston part. The lower piston part has pin boss supports and pin bosses connected with them and the upper piston part and the lower piston part each have an inner and an outer support element, which elements delimit an outer circumferential cooling channel. The inner support elements delimit a cavity that is open toward the pin bosses. The cavity has a separate cooling oil collector that has at least one cooling oil opening. The piston is produced by manufacturing the upper piston part and lower piston part, inserting the cooling oil collector into the upper piston part or lower piston part, and joining the upper and lower piston parts together by friction welding.
US08371259B2 Starter for starting an internal combustion engine having a pinion shaft support
A starter for starting an internal combustion engine has an electric starter motor, which has a drive shaft provided with an external toothing, a pinion shaft bearing a pinion, and a clutch element of a roller-type overrunning clutch situated between the drive shaft and the pinion shaft. The clutch element has an internal toothing mating with the external toothing of the drive shaft and is shiftable together with the pinion shaft away from the starter motor in the axial direction of the drive shaft into a meshing position in which the pinion mates with a gear wheel or ring gear of the internal combustion engine. The starter also has a device provided for directly supporting the pinion shaft on a section of the external toothing of the drive shaft facing away from the starter motor.
US08371256B2 Internal combustion engine utilizing dual compression and dual expansion processes
Engines and processes for their operation include a compressor cylinder, at least one power cylinder, and an expander cylinder. The outlet of the compressor cylinder is fed to the inlet of a power cylinder, and the outlet of the power cylinder is fed to the expander cylinder. The compressor cylinder and the expander cylinder are operated in two-stroke fashion, and the power cylinder is operated in four-stroke fashion, all of which cylinders share a common crankshaft. Heat may be recuperated from the exhaust gas and directed to the inlet gas of the power cylinder, increasing overall efficiency.
US08371255B2 Two stroke engine with regular lubrication system
The invention is a two-stroke engine that incorporates advantages of both the two-stroke and four-stroke types of engines. The crankcase is sealed and uses an oil pump to lubricate the piston, connecting rod, and crankshaft. The combustion air does not flow through the crankcase. Instead, the engine uses two camshafts, one for the intake valve located on the cylinder head and the other for the exhaust valve located on the side of the cylinder. The engine has a compressor, powered by the engine battery to compress ambient air before it enters into the combustion chamber. Additionally, the engine has an exhaust powered turbine connected to an alternator, which provides additional power for the engine battery. The engine is equipped with one or plurality of fuel-injection nozzles. The piston is of the two step type, which reduces friction between the piston and the cylinder.
US08371254B2 Fuel injector cooling
Systems and methods for cooling a fuel injector of a direct injection engine are disclosed. In order to route coolant directly beneath a fuel injector adjacent to a combustion chamber in a direct injection engine, a recess is cast beneath the injector and a slotted gasket is provided to route coolant from core prints of the exiting water jacket into the recess beneath the injector.
US08371253B2 Pump control for reformate fuel storage tank
Various systems and methods are described for a controlling a flow of reformate fuel in a fuel system which includes a reformer and a storage tank coupled to an engine in a vehicle. The system includes a pump located between the reformer and the storage tank that is selectively operated in order to reduce parasitic losses on the system.
US08371250B2 Volume sensitivity adjustable canine barking suppression device
A non powered, canine barking suppression device that can rapidly altering a dog's behavior so as to visibly reduce anxiousness and unwanted barking.The device subjects the dog to random vibrations and audible tones generated by an enclosed tuning fork that is worn around the dog's neck. The tuning forks when struck, emit a selected frequency selected for a specific purpose and or specific breed of canine. This frequency lies between 0 and 200,000 Hz, which is the range of sound that has been shown that most canines can hear. Since it is non powered it is not prone to failure in wet or cold environments, is durable and inexpensive. The device has claims of additional therapeutic properties and the general physical structure has applications elsewhere, although the preferred embodiment and best mode are directed to stopping unnecessary barking.
US08371246B1 Device for drying pets
A pet-drying device including a flexible sheet material having four openings formed therein for receiving the legs of a four-legged animal. Each opening seals around the perimeter of a pet's leg. The sheet material includes first and second longitudinally disposed edges and first and second transversely disposed edges. A first hem in the first longitudinally disposed edge receives a first drawstring for loosely tightening the sheet material around the neck and a second hem in the second longitudinally disposed edge receives a second drawstring that tightens around the tail. The first and second transversely disposed edges are secured to one another with a releasable fastener when the device is wrapped into a tubular configuration around the trunk of a pet. Warm air from a hair dryer is delivered to the inside of the sheet material through an elongate hose that engages a large diameter opening formed in the sheet material.
US08371241B2 Method and apparatus for applying electronic circuits to curved surfaces
An electric circuit is applied to an object having a curved surface. The curved surface of the object is divided into sections, and the circuit is applied one section at a time. The circuit is formed between layers of dielectric material. The dielectric is applied by a computer-controlled device, which controls the position of a spray head and the rotation of the object, such that the spray head is held substantially perpendicular to the surface of the object at all times, and such that a controlled thickness of dielectric material can be deposited. The fine-featured circuits formed by the invention are rugged, and can be used on objects intended to be exposed to harsh environments.
US08371239B2 Dual product dispensing disk for metering device
A metering disk for dispensing two or more crop inputs to achieve proper placement in the soil relative to one another. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. A cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials.
US08371237B2 Computer work station with moveable monitor support
A portable workstation configured for use with a primary worksurface includes a monitor support adapted to be moveably supported by the primary worksurface and an auxiliary worksurface pivotally connected to the monitor support about a horizontal axis. The auxiliary worksurface is automatically moveable with the monitor support and pivots downwardly from a first worksurface position to a second worksurface position. In one embodiment, a pivotable link member connects a base and a front portion of a worksurface. A method of configuring the workstation is also provided.
US08371224B1 Variable yield device and method of use
An apparatus and method for selectively varying the yield of an explosive device is provided. The apparatus generally comprises a main charge that may selectively be consumed and/or detonated to achieve the selected yield ranging from about 0% to about 100%.
US08371223B2 Use of printing ink for production of parts having a precut skin
Method of using a viscous printing ink for the protection of a notch formed in a skin which is intended for a part that is produced using a method including: producing a skin (1) having a notch (2) on the inner face thereof, covering the notch (2) with a protective element, and forming a foam (3) which is in contact with the inner face of the skin. According to the invention, during the notch-covering step, an ink having a viscosity that is at least equal to 0.6 St is applied to the notch (2) via printing and, subsequently, the ink is hardened such as to form a layer (4) that provides a bridge over the notch (2) without extending to the base thereof. The invention is suitable for motor vehicle instrument panels.
US08371214B1 Biometric reader for compactor/baler and method
A compactor/baler for compacting materials includes a frame defining a compacting chamber, a platen movably mounted to the frame, a loading gate movably mounted to the frame and a control panel including a biometric reader having a biometric scanner. The platen is movable within the compacting chamber and the loading gate is movable from a closed position blocking access to the compacting chamber and an open position exposing the compacting chamber. The control panel is actuable between a locked configuration and an operational configuration. The biometric reader is designed to accept a biometric attribute of a user and to actuate the controller between the locked and operational configurations. The biometric reader actuates the controller to the operational configuration if the biometric attribute matches a stored biometric attribute. The control panel prevents the loading gate from moving to the open position when the controller is in the locked configuration.
US08371213B2 Diagnostic system for compactor/baler apparatus
A diagnostic system for a compactor/baler includes a controller and a plurality of switches coupled to inputs of the controller. A first switch is in a first position when a ram of the compactor/baler is below a predetermined location, and a second position when the ram reaches the location. A second switch is in a first position when pressure driving the ram is below a predetermined pressure limit, and a second position when the ram exceeds the pressure limit. A communication port and display are operatively coupled to outputs of the controller. The controller is configured to, upon actuation of the first switch to the first position, activate a ram timer to count to a predetermined timer setting, and, if the second switch is actuated to the second position before the ram timer reaches the timer setting, output an alert of a full bale condition the communication port and/or display.
US08371205B1 Railgun with steel enclosed gun bore
An electromagnetic railgun (10) comprising at least two elongated high voltage rails (11), a sliding armature (50) making electrical contact with each high voltage rail (11), at least two elongated metal support beams (14) adapted to provide mechanical strength to the railgun (10), said support beams (14) being substantially parallel to the high voltage rails (11), and a plurality of metal support plates (30) aligned circumferentially around the support beams (14) and along the length of the railgun (10), said support plates (30) adapted to provide additional mechanical strength to the railgun (10); wherein the support plates (30) are electrically isolated from each other and from the support beams (14).
US08371203B2 Mine and explosive clearing machine and implement
The mine and explosive clearing machine and implement includes a long reach excavator modified with a float-type hydraulic valve for vertical control of the arm. The mine and explosive clearing implement is installed on the distal end of the arm in place of a conventional tool. The implement includes a frame having multiple tilling blades separated by shoes defining blade penetration depth. Multiple cables are pivotally attached to the rear of the frame, each cable having another tilling blade at its distal end and a brush blade opposite the tilling blade. The cables may be inverted to orient either blade downward. The prime mover of the excavator is positioned and the arm extended rearward. The implement is then lowered and dragged forward toward the prime mover so that the blades engage the surface to dislodge and/or detonate explosives at a safe distance from the prime mover.
US08371202B2 Method and apparatus for protecting vehicles and personnel against incoming projectiles
A projector of multiple skewed light planes or sheets is located adjacent a vehicle to be protected and detectors are arranged to defect the penetration of the light sheets by an incoming object, with the time intervals between the piercing of the planes defining the path of the incoming object and its expected impact time. An array of bullet-firing barrels is arranged to project bullets in ah iron curtain under control of a fire control module that fires a round in a barrel above the projected flight path such that the round impacts the nose of the object and disables it. It is thus the piercing of the skewed light sheets mat provides information as to the impact point of the object as well as its time of arrival so that a round can be fired to intercept the object as it arrives at the iron curtain.
US08371201B2 Method and apparatus for efficiently targeting multiple re-entry vehicles with multiple kill vehicles
A method and apparatus is provided for increasing the effectiveness of destroying selected objects in a target cloud by prioritizing the objects detected in a large aperture IR detector aboard a carrier vehicle and sequentially illuminating the detected targets with coded laser radiation, followed by the launching of multiple miniature kill vehicles from the carrier vehicle, with each kill vehicle assigned to a differently-coded object in the target cloud due to the reflection back of the coded returns, thus to permit directing of individual miniature kill vehicles to a specific object in the target cloud prior to a handoff to an IR heat seeker in the miniature kill vehicle, actuated to guide the kill vehicle for a final kill.
US08371199B2 Smart food chopper
A smart food chopping or slicing device comprising at least two moveable blade sets arranged in a grid like configuration wherein the blade sets are configured orthogonally such that the cutting edges of both the blade sets remain substantially in the same plane. The movement of one set of blades is independent of the movement of another set of blades and can be independently controlled. The moveable blade sets are configured for lateral reciprocal movement. The plane of the lateral reciprocal movement of the cutting edges of the blade sets and the plane of the cutting edges of the blade sets are substantially the same or the same parallel planes. The blade sets are removeably mounted on a means capable of providing lateral reciprocal movement to the blade sets.
US08371197B2 Cutting equipment
Provided is a cutting equipment for automatically cutting off workpieces from a material tape. The cutting equipment includes an electrical control box, a base board, a material-feeding mechanism, a material-transferring mechanism, a material-pulling mechanism and a cutting mechanism. The material-feeding mechanism includes a supporting bracket, a material disc and a disc-driving device. The material-transferring mechanism mounted on the base board includes a pad board, a first supporting board and a second supporting board. The material-pulling mechanism disposed above the material-transferring mechanism includes a driving component and a material-pulling component. The cutting mechanism mounted on the base board includes a lower supporting plate, an upper cutting plate and a transferring cylinder. The upper cutting plate disposes at least one cutting blade. The cutting equipment can enhance the working efficiency, reduce the defective rate and the manufacture cost, lighten the labor intensity of operators, and be suitable for mass production.
US08371191B2 Wrenching device
A wrenching device includes a driving member, a hole and at a slit defined therein, and defines an engaging portion. The slit communicates with the hole. The wrenching device further includes an actuating member moveably disposed in the hole of the driving member, and a control member including a connecting end pivotally joining to the actuating member and including first and second engaging sides selectively abutting against a wall defined on the driving member in response to first and second operating positions thereof, respectively.
US08371186B2 Supporting structure of shaft, and reduction gear
A supporting structure includes a casing, a bearing having an inner ring, an outer ring, and rolling elements disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, and an attachment member which detachably and directly attaches a shaft to the inner ring. The outer ring is supported by the casing, and the shaft is adapted to be able to be directly fixed to or removed from the inner ring by the attachment member in a state where the bearing is assembled to the casing.
US08371184B2 Flow velocity and pressure measurement using a vibrating cantilever device
Measurement apparatus having a cantilever and a fluid flow channel, the cantilever being positioned in the channel so that it projects in a direction parallel to the direction of fluid flow. In an associated method, the cantilever is positioned in a fluid flow channel such that the cantilever extends parallel with the direction of fluid flow in the channel. Fluid is caused to flow in the channel at a known velocity. The resonant frequency of the cantilever is measured at one or more velocities of fluid flow and calculating the spring constant of the cantilever using the measured resonant frequency or frequencies. If the spring constant of the cantilever is known, the measurement of resonant frequency of the cantilever is used to determine the velocity of the fluid flow.
US08371181B2 Continuous flow pump
A continuous flow syringe pump includes a first syringe configured for at least one of loading or dispensing at least one fluid, a second syringe configured for at least one of loading or dispensing the at least one fluid, and a first valve connected to the first syringe and the second syringe. The continuous flow syringe pump also includes a second valve connected to the first valve. The continuous flow syringe pump further includes at least one outlet connected to the first valve. The at least one outlet is configured to alternate output of the at least one fluid between the first syringe and the second syringe in a substantially continuous operation.
US08371172B2 Method and system for predicting acoustic fields based on generalized moving frame acoustic holography
A method and system for predicting acoustic fields based on generalized moving frame acoustic holography are disclosed. The method includes acquiring a first wavenumber spectrum on a measurement plane according to a moving coordinate system, converting the first wavenumber spectrum to a second wavenumber spectrum on a reference coordinate system using a relative velocity between the measurement plane and a medium, converting the second wavenumber spectrum to a third wavenumber spectrum on a prediction plane using an acoustic wave propagation theory, converting the third wavenumber spectrum to a fourth wavenumber spectrum on a moving coordinate system using a relative velocity between the medium and the prediction plane, and computing acoustic fields on the prediction plane using the fourth wavenumber spectrum.
US08371171B2 Ultrasonic inspection apparatus
There is provided an ultrasonic inspection apparatus using scanning path information with high accuracy at a time of ultrasonic flaw inspection. The ultrasonic inspection apparatus includes: a measurement unit measuring a distance to a surface of the object to be inspected to obtain measurement data including a group of points; a shape data generation unit, by using the measurement data including the group of points obtained by the measurement unit, for generating shape data of the surface of the object to be inspected including the group of points having position information represented by a coordinate system of the scanner mechanism; and a path information generation unit, by using the shape data generated by the shape data generation unit, for calculating a passage point on the surface of the object to be inspected that forms a scanning path of the ultrasonic transducer, and generating the scanning path information of the ultrasonic transducer in which a normal vector of the passage point on the surface of the object to be inspected and an opening surface of the ultrasonic transducer intersect each other, and a distance between the passage point and a center of the opening surface of the ultrasonic transducer is constant.
US08371167B2 In-plane sensor, out-of-plane sensor, and method for making same
According to the present invention, an in-plane sensor comprises a structure unit which includes: a fixed structure including a fixed finger and a fixed column connected to each other, the fixed finger having a supported end supported by the fixed column and a suspended end; and a movable structure including at least one proof mass which surrounds the fixed finger in a horizontal plane.
US08371162B2 Apparatus and method for testing a compressor
A test device for a compressor has a valve and ducting connected to the valve. A flow nozzle connected to the ducting has a corresponding coefficient of flow. A pressure sensor connected to the flow nozzle measures a pressure of a working fluid, and a flow rate of the working fluid is calculated using the pressure and the coefficient of flow. A method for testing a compressor includes operating the compressor at a first power level, measuring a flow rate of a working fluid at the first power level, adjusting a pressure of the working fluid to equal a first predetermined pressure, and measuring operating parameters of the compressor at the first power level. The method also includes adjusting the pressure of the working fluid to equal a second predetermined pressure and measuring operating parameters of the compressor at the first power level with the pressure of the working fluid at the second predetermined pressure.
US08371161B2 Apparatus and method for formation testing
An apparatus made according to one embodiment may include a first chamber configured to receive fluid under pressure and to compress a gas in a second chamber in pressure communication with the first chamber, wherein the second chamber is configured to discharge the fluid out from the first chamber when pressure of the fluid in the first chamber is reduced.
US08371160B2 Weatherized direct-mount absolute pressure sensor
A piezoresistive sensor assembly is provided that has a flex circuit having at least one air flow aperture formed therein. A sensor die is coupled to an absolute support and the flex circuit. The sensor die has a diaphragm that deflects in response to air flow that flows through the air flow aperture and is incident on the diaphragm. The sensor die includes one or more gages positioned on or in the diaphragm.
US08371158B2 Power based field testing of diesel engines
A method for accurately determining fuel efficiency in diesel engines of vehicles, as they exist on the job. In determining the efficiency, work done by the vehicle in combination with accurately measured fuel consumption enables calculation of the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. The method of the invention is of use in determining a baseline fuel efficiency for use in evaluating the effectiveness of fuel efficiency related improvements to the engine or vehicle. Following making the improvements, additional fuel efficiency tests using the method of the invention are carried out for comparing the new fuel efficiency with the baseline fuel efficiency. In some applications GPS systems are used for determining work done by the vehicle.
US08371151B2 Detection of channel saturation in phase-array ultrasonic non-destructive testing
The present invention relates to a method of detecting non-linear operation of a measuring device comprising an array of transducers and at least one receiver channel portion. The method comprises receiving measured signals through transducers of the array, processing the measured signals from the transducers through the receiver channel portion, combining the processed measured signals to produce a combined measurement signal, and detecting non-linearity of the combined measurement signal and non-linear operation of the measuring device by detecting saturation of the receiver channel portion. In one embodiment, the receiver channel portion comprises an analog-to-digital converter, a threshold is assigned to a digital output of the analog-to-digital converter, and saturation of the receiver channel portion is detected when the digital output of the analog-to-digital converter oversteps the assigned threshold. In one application of the invention, the measuring device is a non-destructive testing device.
US08371150B2 Forming die
Provided is a forming die, including a movable supporting member, a movable die, a fixed supporting member and a fixed die. The movable supporting member disposes an oblique sliding groove. The movable die disposes an oblique guiding surface engaged with the oblique sliding groove. The movable die disposes a forming portion, which includes a forming base and a protruding portion extending downward from the forming base. The movable die can tilted move along the oblique sliding groove. The fixed die disposes a flange having a high point. The forming die of the present invention employs the movable die tilted moving along the oblique sliding groove to make the protruding portion extend into the back space of the high point, so that no gap exists between a bending portion of a terminal and the flange for obtaining the bending portion having a large bending degree and having a stable size.
US08371133B2 Apparatus for ice-making and control method for the same
Ice maker including an ice making container (100) having a plurality of cavities (120) for forming ice, a heater body (210) on one side of the ice making container for selective generation of heat, and heating bars (220) each extended from the heater body to the cavity by a predetermined length with a profile in conformity with a bottom surface profile of the cavity (120) with a gap to the bottom surface such that the heating bar (220) is submerged under water in the cavity for causing a temperature gradient during ice making.
US08371132B2 Systems and methods for use in freezing, thawing, and storing biopharmaceutical materials
A system for use in freezing, thawing, transporting or storing biopharmaceutical materials which includes a container, a holder and plurality of heat transfer members. The container is configured to hold biopharmaceutical materials therein. The holder has a cavity for receiving the container and includes an interior surface bounding the cavity. A plurality of pockets contact outer surfaces of the container and is received in the cavity. Each pocket of the plurality of pockets includes a pocket cavity. A heat transfer member actively controls the temperature of biopharmaceutical materials held in the container and is received in the pocket cavity.
US08371129B2 Standing wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric system and apparatus for generating electrical energy from heat energy
A standing wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus capable of generating electrical energy from heat energy is provided. The standing wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus includes a housing, a porous stack and a piezoelectric bimorph. The housing comprises a compressible fluid and has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion receives the heat energy from a heat source for creating a temperature gradient between the first portion and the second portion. A cold heat exchanger within the first portion is positioned at one end of the porous stack. The compressible fluid traverses between the first portion and the second portion through the porous stack to generate standing acoustic waves for generating acoustic energy. The piezoelectric bimorph positioned at an end of the first portion opposite to an end of the first portion having the cold heat exchanger, oscillates based on the acoustic energy for generating the electrical energy.
US08371128B2 Thermal management with electrocaloric effect layer
Techniques described herein are generally related to a thermal management with an electrocaloric effect layer. Example embodiments include systems, articles, methods and apparatus, as well as other embodiments that are described and claimed.
US08371125B2 Burner and gas turbine combustor
A burner is provided that has high flame stability and reduces NOx emissions. In the burner, air holes of an air hole member have a central axis inclined relative to a burner central axis. The leading end portion of a first fuel nozzle is configured to be able to suppress turbulence of air-flow flowing on the outer circumference side of the first fuel nozzle. The tip of the first fuel nozzle is located on a fuel jetting-out directional downstream side of the inlet of the fuel hole. The tip of the second fuel nozzle is located on a fuel jetting-out directional downstream side of the air hole inlet.
US08371123B2 Apparatus for conditioning airflow through a nozzle
A nozzle includes a center body and a shroud surrounding the center body to define an annular passage. An arcuate annular guide extending from a point radially inward of the shroud to a point radially outward of the shroud defines a first airflow between the arcuate annular guide and the shroud and a second airflow between the arcuate annular guide and the center body.
US08371122B2 Geothermal power generation system and method of making power using the system
The present disclosure is directed to geothermal power generation systems. The systems can comprise a first separator is in fluid communication with the geothermal fluid source, the first separator having a high pressure steam outlet and a liquid fraction outlet. A high pressure turbine is in fluid communication with the high pressure steam outlet and is coupled to a first power generator. A high pressure condenser is in fluid communication with the high pressure turbine. A low pressure separator is in fluid communication with the liquid fraction outlet of the first separator, the low pressure separator being capable of separating steam from the liquid fraction outflow and providing low pressure steam through a low pressure steam conduit. A low pressure turbine is in fluid communication with the low pressure steam conduit, the low pressure turbine being coupled to a second power generator. A main condenser is in fluid communication with the low pressure turbine. Methods for generating geothermal power are also discussed.
US08371121B2 TurboCharger with an electric motor
A turbocharger includes a turbine wheel, a compressor wheel connected thereto, an electric motor situated on the side of the compressor wheel which is distant to the turbine wheel, and a rotor connected to the compressor wheel in a rotationally fixed manner and designed in a freely projecting manner. A drive system for motor vehicles includes a turbocharger. The turbocharger is characterized by a very spontaneous response behavior, as well as the possibility for energy recovery.
US08371119B2 Drain valve for an air intake system of a machine
A machine includes an internal combustion engine mounted on a chassis and having an intake manifold. An air intake system extends from an air inlet to the intake manifold and includes a condensate collection location. The machine also includes a liquid system having a pump that is mechanically coupled to the internal combustion engine. A drain valve is positioned in the air intake system at the condensate collection location and includes a valve member having a closed position and an open position. In the closed position of the valve member, a closing surface of the valve member is exposed to pressurized liquid within the liquid system and the condensate collection location is fluidly blocked from a discharge opening in the air intake system. In the open position of the valve member, the condensate collection location is fluidly connected to the discharge opening.
US08371118B2 Oxidant injection to reduce turbo lag
Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine with a turbocharger in a vehicle. One example method comprises, under selected operating conditions, generating an oxidant rich component from engine intake air, storing the oxidant rich component, and during subsequent increased torque request, injecting an amount of the stored oxidant rich component to the engine.
US08371117B2 Torque control apparatus for construction machine three-pump system
Torque control for a construction machine three-pump system that can accurately control the total absorption torque of first, second, and third hydraulic pumps and effectively use the output torque of an engine. A pump base torque computation section 42 calculates a pump base torque Tr from a target rotation speed. A subtraction section 44 calculates a reference value Tf for the maximum absorption torque available to the first and second hydraulic pumps 2, 3 by subtracting a third pump reference absorption torque T3r from the pump base torque Tr. A correction torque computation section 45 calculates a correction torque value from the delivery pressure of the third hydraulic pump 4. An addition section 46 calculates a target absorption torque Tn by adding the correction torque value Tm to the reference value Tf. A first regulator 31 is controlled so as to obtain the target absorption torque Tn.
US08371116B2 Stamped centering plate
The invention relates to a stamped centering plate (10) for a torque converter with a first annular surface (12) having at least one arcuate slot (16), a second annular surface (14) opposite the first annular surface, and at least one arcuate segment (20) axially protruding downward from the second annular surface. The slot has an inner radius and an outer radius, the segment has an inner radius and an outer radius, and at least one of the slot radii is equal to at least one of the segment radii. In an example embodiment of the invention, the segment comprises material displaced to form the slot.
US08371114B2 Exhaust gas purification apparatus for internal combustion engine
The invention provides an exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine which evenly diffuses a reducing agent over an entirety of the exhaust gas which flows into an NOx catalyst disposed on the downstream side of thereof. The exhaust gas purification apparatus includes an NOx catalyst disposed in an exhaust gas passage of an internal combustion engine, and a reducing agent injecting unit for injecting the reducing agent into the exhaust gas passage which is on an upstream side of the NOx catalyst. A narrowed portion, in which a cross-sectional area of a flow passage is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the exhaust gas passage and of the NOx catalyst, is provided on a downstream side of an injecting position by the reducing agent injecting unit and the upstream side of the NOx catalyst, and a reducing agent diffusing device is provided on the narrowed portion.
US08371110B2 Method for regenerating a particulate filter of an internal-combustion engine
A method for regenerating a particulate filter of an internal-combustion engine, provides for air to be supplied into the exhaust gas pipe upstream of the particulate filter in order to perform post-combustion in the exhaust gas pipe. The method provides for fuel to be supplied to the cylinders of the internal-combustion engine by means of a high-pressure pumping unit, and for fuel to be supplied into the exhaust pipe upstream of the particulate filter by means of the high-pressure pumping unit.
US08371104B2 System and apparatus for vectoring nozzle exhaust plume from a nozzle
A vectoring nozzle with external actuation generates thrust vectoring by applying mechanical or fluidic actuation, or both, on the nozzle deck, external sidewalls, and/or air vehicle aft body to produce changes in the aft body flowfield and/or exhaust plume. An external mechanical sidewall may be integrated into a nozzle deck or side walls without the need for engine bleed to supply fluid injectors. An external fluidic vectoring system uses injectors or plasma devices located aft of the nozzle exit to vector the exhaust plume with no external moving parts. Elements of both mechanical and fluidic systems may be combined for a given application.
US08371101B2 Radial inlet guide vanes for a combustor
A combustor may include an interior flow path therethrough, a number of fuel nozzles in communication with the interior flow path, and an inlet guide vane system positioned about the interior flow path to create a swirled flow therein. The inlet guide vane system may include a number of windows positioned circumferentially around the fuel nozzles. The inlet guide vane system may also include a number of inlet guide vanes positioned circumferentially around the fuel nozzles and adjacent to the windows to create a swirled flow within the interior flow path.
US08371098B2 Fibre channel insert
A fiber channel insert is applicable in a mounting hole of an opening roller housing of an open-end spinning arrangement, whereby the fiber channel insert comprises a fiber channel body and a section of the fiber channel. The fiber channel body extends with its major axis essentially transversely to a major axis of the fiber channel. An open-end spinning arrangement with a spinning element and an opening roller housing, in which an opening roller is arranged in a rotatable way includes a fiber channel that transports the fiber material to be spun from the opening roller to the spinning element. A section of the fiber channel is provided in a fiber channel insert that is insertable in a mounting opening of the opening roller housing, the fiber channel insert having a primarily cylindrical fiber channel body. The fiber channel body extends with its major axis essentially transversely to a major axis of the fiber channel, and the fiber channel insert is primarily insertable axially parallel to the opening roller axis.
US08371097B1 Baler gathering wheel height adjustment
A mechanism for connecting outboard gathering wheels to a moveable crop pick-up assembly on a round baler that incorporates a multi-element linkage to enable the rate of vertical movement of the gathering wheels to be different than the rate of vertical movement of the pick-up assembly. As the pick-up assembly is moved vertically by an actuator, the linkage interconnecting the gathering wheels and the pick-up causes the gathering wheels to also move vertically, but at a rate that is different, usually less, than the rate of vertical movement of the pickup. The linkage enables the pick-up to be raised sufficiently for transport without causing the gathering wheels to impinge upon the baler frame as occurs when both are raised at the same rate. Use of tension members in the linkage allows the gathering wheels to up float during operation without damaging the linkage.
US08371096B2 Sickle bar assembly
A sickle bar assembly employs a plurality of laminated strips that are secured and that may be stacked vertically upon each other in abutting relation to form a sickle bar. The individual sickle sections are secured to the sickle bar in side-by-side relation. Laminated stacks may also be joined to each other by way of a splice joint to provide for even longer bar. The strips may be heat treated strips of steel as opposed to cold rolled steel or other high strength strip material.
US08371094B2 Method and apparatus for compacting product
A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.
US08371086B1 Modular wall block with block-locating jut and shear lug
A modular wall block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. The wall block has a front and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. The top and bottom define respective substantially planar stacking surfaces. A shear lug projects from one of the planar stacking surfaces of the top and bottom. A block-locating jut is formed with at least one of the opposing sides, and projects from the side at a point intermediate the top and bottom towards one of the planar stacking surfaces. The block-locating jut defines a base surface substantially coplaner with the stacking surface, and a lug-engaging shoulder adapted for engaging a shear lug of a wall block located in an adjacent stacked course.
US08371084B2 Suspended ceiling structure and layer-core-layer acoustic ceiling panel therefor
An acoustic ceiling panel for a lay-in or suspended ceiling includes a core portion, and front and rear layers covering front and rear sides, respectively, of the core portion. The air flow resistance of the core portion does not exceed about 100 MKS rayls. The air flow resistance of the front layer lies in the range of about 300 to about 800 MKS rayls. The air flow resistance of the rear layer lies in the range of about 300 to about 1200 MKS rayls. The panel would be supported on a grid suspended below a structural ceiling to form an air space therebetween.
US08371081B2 Corner guard
A wall guard for use around wall corners is disclosed in which the wall guard includes a pair of retainers are flexibly mounted to one another. The retainers are coupled to one another by way of an adhesive tape material that extends over the back sides of the retainers. A cover is secured to the pair of retainers for absorbing impacts from passing traffic to thereby protect the corner of the wall against wear and tear.
US08371071B2 Stepped structure
A stepped structure (100) comprising a plurality of separate run portions (1), wherein at least one of said plurality of separate run portions (1) comprises upper and lower sheets (20) each sheet having a forward longitudinal end portion (14, 24) bent downwards and a rear longitudinal end portion (12, 22) bent upwards, and a core material (30) between said upper and lower sheets (10, 20).
US08371065B2 Root watering system and method therefor
A root watering system has a porous body and an end assembly connected to the porous body. The end assembly has a fluid emitter and integrally defines an inlet passage for directing fluid to the fluid emitter for providing fluid to the porous body. The assembly also may be fitted with an integral valve.
US08371062B2 Raccoon trap
The animal trap of the present invention includes a tubular body with an open forward end and a closed rear end. A spring loaded restraint is pivotally mounted on the body so as to be movable between open and closed positions. A latch on the body engages the restraint to set the restraint in the open position. A trigger on the body engages the latch to set the trap. The trigger is movable in opposite forward and rearward directions by an animal, such as a raccoon, reaching its paw into the housing and pushing or pulling the trigger leg, such that the latch is disengaged and releases the restraint, which is forced by a spring to the closed position to catch the animal's paw in the tubular body.
US08371061B2 Personal fish sack carrier
The fish sack carrier is of a fish-like shape especially designed to carry a single, large fish, such as a mature salmon, secured upon the fisherman's back in a longitudinal position with its head downward. This position comfortably distributes the weight of the fish over the fisherman's shoulder and back and allows the fisherman to use his hands to carry other equipment. A unique shoulder strap system stabilizes and balances the fish in this position, and allows the simultaneous carrying of more fish by connecting additional fish sacks to a common shoulder strap. The fish sack carrier is constructed of lightweight and durable materials, is washable after use, and can be folded into a small packet for pocket storage.
US08371056B1 Firearm accessory rail adaptor bracket
A firearm accessory rail adaptor bracket includes a bracket body, a rifle attachment jaw assembly carried by the bracket body, a first jaw operating mechanism provided in the rifle attachment jaw assembly, a pistol attachment jaw assembly carried by the bracket body and a second jaw operating mechanism provided in the pistol attachment jaw assembly.
US08371054B2 Artwork protection device
An artwork protection device (2) having a set of brackets (1) that mount into a wall (18) which support a clear protective cover (14) over the front of a piece of hanging artwork (16). Each bracket has a footing (3) with a proximal end (4) and a distal end (5). The proximal end is attached to the wall using a screw, a bolt and a wall anchor and so forth. An extension (8) having a distal end (9) and a proximal end (10) that attaches to the distal end of the footing. The proximal end of the extension preferably has a recessed edge (12) that is placed through an aperture (13) located on a periphery of the protective cover. A cap (15) attaches to the proximal end of the extension, thereby locking the protective cover in place. The device allows a user to easily remove the protective cover and bracket extensions when the user wants to fully display the painting and to attach the caps directly to the footings to give an aesthetic appearance to the footings.
US08371051B2 System to label plates
A label for a multi-well plate is provided including a visually observable indicia in a predetermined position on at least an upper side of a portion of the multi-well plate. The indicia has a color in contrast to the multi-well plate and is substantially permanently affixed to at least the upper side of the plate. A method for orienting plates using the label and a system of labeling are also provided.
US08371050B2 Frame/template for securing a video screen to a golf bag or other item and method therefor
A device for displaying advertisements has a plate member. An opening is formed in the plate member, wherein the opening is sized to fit a display screen of a desired dimension. Support arms are coupled to the plate member for securing the device to a storage device to which the device is installed.
US08371049B2 Ripper blade for use on hydraulic arm and method for storage tank demolition
A hydraulically-operated ripper tool mounted as an attachment on a hydraulic arm of a carrier or excavator is used for demolition of large metal walled structures such as storage tanks in a very short time. The ripper tool has a sharp point for punching entry holes into the tank walls, so that no torch cutting of entry holes needs to be used, particularly where there might be volatile residues left in the tank. The ripper tool has a concave, sharp inner edge and is operated by the hydraulic arm in reciprocation so as to provide a shearing force to cut quickly through metal walls in “can-opener” fashion. The ripper tool facilitates making long vertical cuts into the tank wall from top to bottom, so that a series of vertical cuts can be made to weaken a side of the tank and allow the top of the tank structure to be brought down.
US08371048B2 Excavation machine with auto reverse
The present disclosure provides an excavation machine that is configured to minimize or otherwise account for the unintended stoppage (i.e., jamming/stalling) of a digger tool. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure a machine is provided with one or more drive systems that automatically stop and reverse to avoid excavation tool jamming. The machine and methods of the present disclosure provide an efficient method and machine for excavation operations.
US08371047B2 Wedged insole kit for the treatment of osteoarthritis
The present invention provides devices, methods, and kits for reducing joint pain and treating conditions of weight-bearing joints. The methods are accomplished through the use of a cushioned wedged insole kit that selectively reduces pressure by cushioning impact and redistributing forces away from affected joints or joint compartments. The kit includes a wedged slab and a neutral slab. The slabs may be trimmed using the kit's sizing chart to create medial or lateral wedged insoles for either the right or left foot. The slab construction may mimic the combination of fatty globules and the surrounding restricting fibrous network cushioning structures found in the foot.
US08371045B2 Hiking boot attachment for descending slopes
In one embodiment, a hiking boot attachment is provided that assists in the descent of slopes. The hiking boot attachment includes a platform that engages the underside of a mid-portion of a sole of a hiking boot, in a region under a ball of a hiker's foot. A strap system is attached to the platform and secures the platform to the hiking boot. Further, one or more supports are secured to the platform. The one or more supports each have a portion that extends downward from a bottom face of the platform to engage the ground and lift the platform above the ground. This may reduce incline of the hiking boot when descending a slope. The portions of the one or more supports that engage the ground deliver downward force to regions of ground disposed to lateral sides of the hiking boot, to promote stability.
US08371044B2 Shoes
The present invention relates to a molded shoe featuring a 3 dimensional figure (e.g., an animal or character). The shoe has a sole having a bottom surface that comprises a series of projections and recesses that form a print for an animal or character, to thereby obtain an imprinting surface; and an upper, attached to the sole, having an outer surface that comprises a series of projections and recesses that form a three dimensional figure (e.g., an animal figure or a character figure). The sole and upper are substantially formed from molded plastic; the projections and recesses of the animal imprinting surface allow one wearing the shoe to make imprints on a soft surface, and the three dimensional figure on the outer surface of the upper relates to the print of the imprinting surface. The methods of the present invention further include making imprints with the bottom surface of the shoe.In an aspect, the shoe of the present invention includes a sole that includes a bottom surface and an outsole extending therefrom; and a toe cap, wherein the toe cap and the outsole comprise an outer surface that comprises a series of projections and recesses that form a three-dimensional figure. The toe cap, the sole, the outsole, and the three-dimensional animal or character figure are a single piece formed by a molded material. This embodiment of the invention further includes a modified upper, adapted to attach to the toe cap and the outsole.
US08371041B2 Apparatus for upgrading coal
An apparatus for upgrading coal comprising a baffle tower, inlet and exhaust plenums, and one or more cooling augers. The baffle tower comprises a plurality of alternating rows of inverted v-shaped inlet and outlet baffles. The inlet and outlet plenums are affixed to side walls of the baffle tower. Process gas enters the baffle tower from the inlet plenum via baffle holes in the side wall and dries the coal in the baffle tower. Process exhaust gas exits the baffle tower into the exhaust plenum via baffle holes in a different side wall of the baffle tower. Coal that enters the baffle tower descends by gravity downward through the baffle tower and enters a cooling auger, where the dried coal from the baffle tower is mixed with non-dried coal. A method of using the apparatus described above to upgrade coal.
US08371038B2 Method for the use of heat energy from gasification sources in gypsum board production
The present invention relates to an improved method for using heat energy in a gypsum board plant. More specifically, the method contemplates taking heat from a gasifier, or other alternative heat source, and using it to dry gypsum boards. In order to control humidity levels, this heat is delivered to one or more board dryers via a heat exchanger.
US08371036B2 Method and template for producing a tensile test coupon
A method and template enable the testing of fusion joints of plastic pipes to be conducted by a single operator in the field at the welding site by the efficient and precise extraction from the joints to be tested of a number of high quality tensile coupons. The coupons are tested to failure in a field-suitable, well controlled, self contained, tensile testing apparatus. A narrowing bow-tie-like pattern of the coupon ensures that the failure of the coupon in the tensile test will occur at the narrowest section of the coupon. The template can be visually aligned with the joint to ensure that it is the joint that will be tested.
US08371023B2 Spout installation device
A spout installation device capable of reliably installing spouts onto correct positions on a pouch. The spout installation device has a pouch supply section for supplying a pouch (P), first and second spout supply sections for respectively supplying an inlet spout (SA) and an outlet spout (SB), and first and second spout installation sections for installing the inlet spout (SA) and the outlet spout (SB), which are supplied by the spout supply sections, onto the pouch (P) supplied by the pouch supply section. For each time of installation of the inlet spout (SA) and the outlet spout (SB) onto the pouch (P), an upper inclined edge and a lower edge of the pouch (P) are positioned by a positioning unit of the pouch supply section and by a positioning/holding mechanism of the second spout installation section.
US08371021B2 Manufacturing method of rare earth-iron ring magnet with continuous orientation controlled anisotropy
A process of manufacturing segments, an anisotropic direction of which is continuously changed in a plane vertically by a uniform magnetic field maintained in a constant direction and a process of arranging a plurality of segments on a circumference, extruding the segments in a ring shape by rheology based on the viscous deformation of the segments, from one thrust-direction end surface of the segments, and subsequently compressing the segments from both thrust-direction end surfaces of the segments are necessarily included. A ring magnet, anisotropy of which is controlled in a continuous direction, is provided, and a source for generating a static magnetic field has energy density (BH) max≧160 to 180 kJ/m3.
US08371016B2 Assembling method of an injection mold
An assembling method of an injection mold includes the steps of: disposing guide rods and a ejection pin plate on a punch template; inserting guide bushes into the ejection pin plate; inserting ejection pins respectively into the ejection pin plate and the punch template; fastening a ejection pin fixing plate to the ejection pin plate; fastening a die fixing plate and spacer plates to the punch template, and inserting the other ends of the guide rods into the die fixing plate; and disposing a press plate into the die fixing plate, and fastening the guide rods to the die fixing plate by tightening screws. The assembling method set the guide rods first o achieve a positioning function before ejection pin plate is assembled, and thereby capable of effectively eliminating the problems of deformation of the ejection pin plate, breaking of the ejection pin, and abrasion occurring in the return stroke.
US08371012B2 Drill press cutter
A bearing removal tool and method are provided for removing a bearing swaged in a housing with speed and ease of use without damaging the housing, where the bearing removal tool includes a locating fixture having an annular support engaging an outer race of the bearing, with the locating fixture further including a locating mandrel extending axially from a center of the annular support into a center of the bearing locating the bearing outer race relative to the annular support; a cutter head having an axially extending shank extending from one end received in a drill press chuck, with the cutter head having at least one tooth extending axially away from the shank for cutting a swaged lip of the outer race of the bearing on a side of the bearing opposite from the side of the bearing engaged by the annular support.
US08371009B2 Methods for repairing composite containment casings
Methods for repairing composite containment casings involving providing a composite containment casing having an integrated abradable system, the abradable system having at least one damaged portion, and including a sandwich structure, and at least one abradable layer, removing the damaged portion of the abradable system to leave a hole, shaping a sandwich structure segment to produce a shaped sandwich structure, placing the shaped sandwich structure into the hole in the abradable system, infusing a resin into the shaped sandwich structure, and curing the containment casing having the shaped sandwich structure, and applying at least one abradable layer to the shaped sandwich structure to produce the containment casing having a repaired integrated abradable system.
US08371006B2 Rotary mechanical vibration mechanism
A system and method for extracting seized components is disclosed. The method further grasping a seized component with a gripping mechanism and securing the gripping mechanism to the seized component by turning a camlock mechanism. A force is applied to a power transfer mechanism that moves a threaded axis that is threaded through the power transfer mechanism. The method additionally includes attaching the threaded axis to the gripping mechanism, which extracts the seized component. To facilitate extraction, the method also includes generating vibrations by a vibration mechanism, which may include a vibration mechanism rotating a rotary plate about a shaft. The method may also include generating vibrations by a cam attached to the rotary plate contacting one or more spring-loaded hammers. The spring-loaded hammers may be capable of impacting a strike plate, generating vibrations.
US08371004B2 Universal lace/cord lock system
A cord locking system that allows easy, rapid, and effective locking/unlocking of any size or type lace in a single handed, swift motion. The device includes a pair of arms that freely rotate about a swivel point within a base housing in a scissors-like motion that lock teeth against the lace by using compression forces from a spring. The arms protrude outside the base for easy disengagement, using a mechanical advantage of leverage to work against the spring force at the teeth on the lace to disengage the lock. Lifting finger upward on the arms to disengage the lock so that the teeth open allows the device to slide up and down the laces toward the preferred location. To lock, let go of the arms as the spring force presses the teeth into the lace at each side of the locking compartment to both lace ends within the device.
US08371002B2 Locking clip for a sign tensioning system
A clip for use in a cable system for stretching a sheet across a surface and maintaining it under tension, the clip comprising a base plate and a top plate. The base plate has a pair of opposing retaining arms extending from the top surface and a recessed area defined in the base plate. The top plate has a hook protruding from the top surface having a channel defined therein. The top plate slides between the arms of the base plate and is removably retained therein and the plates engage the edge of a sheet. The hook removably engages a cable and the sheet is stretched when the cable is tensioned. The clip can be retained on the cable when a sheet is to be replaced by partially separating the two plates.
US08371000B1 Secure strap systems
A strap system for selectively and independently binding and/or releasing at least one sets of essentially longitudinal objects, such as wires, from one another. A continuous strip of such two-sided material may be stored on a reel and is designed so that a user may select a preferred length and configuration for a particular use by making a single cut of the material strip from the reel-strip end.
US08370996B2 Acoustical treatment of polymeric fibers and small particles and apparatus therefor
Systems and methods for treating small elongated fibrous and particles of certain materials, e.g., PTFE materials in a suspension are presented. In some instances, high-intensity ultrasound (or acoustical energy) is applied to a sample of the material, through a fluid coupling medium or suspension, to achieve a material transformation in the sample. In various embodiments, fibrillation of particles of PTFE or similar materials is accomplished, or the formation of extended structures of these materials is caused or enhanced. Also, the ability to separate long fiber samples by ultrasonic or acoustic cavitation action is provided.
US08370995B2 Detachable beverage container handle
A detachable beverage container handle includes a reusable figurine-shaped handle which can be mounted and released from beverage contains of a plurality of container diameters. The figurine is hinged to accommodate containers of different sizes. A lower extremity of the figurine includes a clamp for engaging the base or bottom of the container. an upper extremity of the figurine has a clamp for engaging the rim of the container. An embodiment of the handle has a rim clamp with pivoting arms that force gripping surfaces of the clamp into an engaging position on the rim. A user may pivot the arms to a release position.
US08370994B2 Automatically opening hinge assembly for portable electronic devices
A hinge assembly includes a main shaft, a fixing seat, a follower, a cam and a first elastic element. The fixing seat is fixed with the main shaft. The follower is placed around the shaft, and the fixing seat selectively locks with the follower. The cam is placed around the shaft, and engages with the follower. The first elastic element provides an elastic force to make the cam and the follower resist each other and provides a force to make the cam and the follower rotate together.
US08370990B2 Structural improvement for robotic cleaner
The present invention is an improved structure for robotic cleaner primarily comprising of a chassis with plurality of spherical casters fixed to the periphery of bottom deck, a dust collector mounted on the chassis, a lifting actuation mechanism mounted on the chassis that includes a lifting power supply at least to drive two parallel and extendable first swing arms and two parallel and extending second swing arms through a relevant linking device, a first gear train and a second gear train that can pivotally rotate in reverse direction, a drive wheel mounted at the moveable end of the two parallel and extending first swing arms each, a driven wheel mounted at the moveable end of the two parallel and extending second swing arms each, plural advancing power supplies mounted at the middle section of the first swing arms.
US08370983B2 Rigid connection structure of bridge pier and concrete girder
In a rigid connection structure of a bridge pier and concrete girder, a joint-equipped PC concrete girder is constituted by burying a rear half part of a shaped-steel joint formed of short shaped-steel respectively in both ends of the concrete girder and protruding a front half part of each shaped-steel joint respectively from each end face of the concrete girder, the respective shaped-steel joint portions protruded from the respective end faces of the concrete girders are supported on a bridge abutment face of a bridge pier while being connected to a connection strip member which arises from the bridge abutment face, and the respective shaped-steel joint portions and the connection strip member are buried in connection concrete which is additionally casted on the bridge abutment face.
US08370980B2 Drum type washing machine
A drum type washing machine includes a rotating drum having a rotating axis in a substantially horizontal direction and sustained rotatably in a tub. The washing machine further includes a motor for driving the rotating drum, a water supply for supplying water into the tub, and a controller for washing, rinsing and liquid-extracting by controlling workings of the motor. The controller of the washing machine washes a laundry by pouring detergent bubbles in the washing process.
US08370979B2 Mattress
Provided is a mattress wherein the elastic characteristics of each portion can be changed simply and inexpensively depending on the user's preference. A mattress (10) has a plurality of spring units (60, 70, 80, 90) respectively constituted by holding a plurality of vertically stretchable pocket coils integrally, a lower elastic body (40) in which a housing space (44) capable of housing and holding the spring units (60, 70, 80, 90) is formed, and an upper enclosure (21) and a lower enclosure (30) for covering the outer periphery of the lower elastic body (40), wherein the lower elastic body (40) is provided with a partitioning elastic body (50) for dividing the housing space (44) into a plurality of spaces, and the spring units (60, 70, 80, 90) are formed in such a shape that each of the spring units can be housed in the divided housing spaces (44), and are housed and held in the respective divided housing spaces (44).
US08370978B2 Hospital bed equipped with a patient mobility aid device
A hospital bed is equipped with a patient mobility aid device having at least one adjustable lateral grip that aids the patient in performing certain movements such as entering or exiting the bed. The patient mobility aid device includes a support crossmember having a length oriented along a width of the bed. Couplers at the ends of the crossmember attach to frame elements of the bed. The crossmember houses at least one arm to which the adjustable lateral grip is coupled. The at least one arm extends and retracts with respect to the crossmember.
US08370977B2 Line management device for a hospital bed
A patient line management device to manage one or more patient care lines is provided. The line management device includes a line manager coupled to a support. The support is adapted to be coupled to a patient support such as a hospital bed.
US08370976B2 Folding headrest massage apparatus
A folding headrest apparatus for massage consisting of an upper plate with a cushion attached thereto for the purpose of placing a massage receiver's head face-down. A rotatable mounted mechanism attached to an upper plate and an upwardly extending base portion for the purpose of rotating said upper plate generally 180-degrees. A lower plate portion for inserting between a mattress and box spring of a typical bed that meets said upwardly extending base portion at a generally 90-degree angle. A removable spacer element(s) sandwiched between the cushion and upper plate for the purpose of adjusting height of the cushion relative to a lower plate.
US08370972B2 Supine lift and stretcher
A lift and stretcher apparatus for a patient includes a base portion at least partially defined by an elongated portion extending generally in a first orthogonal direction and having a first end, a second end, and a central portion interposed there between; a frame having a first lateral portion extending in the first orthogonal direction and defining a first lateral portion distal end and a first lateral portion proximal end, a second lateral portion defining a second lateral portion distal end and a second lateral portion proximal end, a proximal portion, and a distal portion extending generally in a second orthogonal direction; a lifting portion interconnecting the base with the frame for moving the frame relative to the base generally in a third orthogonal direction; a first axle portion having; and a second axle portion.
US08370965B2 Detachable solar thermal coat assembly with carbon nanocapsule composite material
A detachable solar thermal coat assembly with carbon nanocapsule composite material includes an outer jacket, an inner lining and a conducting wire. The outer jacket has therein a power input device that provides electric power to a carbon nanocapsule fiber composite layer of the inner lining through the conducting wire so that the carbon nanocapsule fiber composite layer is powered to give out heat and warm a user wearing the solar thermal coat assembly.
US08370963B2 Sport glove
A baseball glove comprises a palm section, a finger section, a thumb section, and a web section between the fingers and thumb sections. The finger section comprises four finger stalls. The outermost finger stall is wide enough to accommodate two fingers and a rigid insert is inserted into the outermost finger stall.
US08375461B2 Apparatus for and a method of copy-protecting a content carrying recording medium
Apparatus and a method are described for providing, for recordal onto a recording medium, recording data having content data and control data for enabling a player playing such a recording medium to navigate through the content data. The apparatus has a copy protector to copy-protect the recording data by controlling the production of parameters that are associated with items of data in the recording data but that are not checked by a physical testing device such that a parameter associated with an item of the recording data that is not on the navigation path is inconsistent with that item of data, or is otherwise not as expected, to cause a copying device reading that the item of data to report an error, thereby inhibiting copying by that copying device.
US08375451B1 Security for scanning objects
Scanning is disclosed. A system is monitored to detect object events, and it is determined whether an object event requires an update to a scan list. If an update is required, the scan list is authenticated. The scan list is updated with information regarding objects associated with the object event. Authentication may be performed by comparing a stored hash value of the scan list with a computed hash value of the scan list. If the scan list is not successfully authenticated, a full scan may be performed or a remotely stored scan list may be used.
US08375448B2 Systems and methods for detecting a security breach in a computer system
The present invention provides systems and methods for applying hard-real-time capabilities in software to software security. For example, the systems and methods of the present invention allow a programmer to attach a periodic integrity check to an application so that an attack on the application would need to succeed completely within a narrow and unpredictable time window in order to remain undetected.
US08375440B2 Secure bait and switch resume
Procedures for resumption from a low activity condition are discussed. In implementations, a persistent state file, or a portion thereof, is secured via an encryption algorithm, with the decryption key secured via the operating system (OS) login user credentials. Once a user is authenticated via the OS login, the persistent state file may be decrypted and inserted in the OS boot path with resumption occurring through the persistent state file.
US08375439B2 Domain aware time-based logins
A method may comprise determining, in an operating system instance, that a login access is being attempted by a user at an access time on an object. A domain identifier associated with the user may be determined. A set of one or more domain identifiers may be accessed that may be associated with the object and that identify one or more domains. One or more domain isolation rules may be accessed and evaluated that may be associated with the operating system instance for permitting an attempted login access to the object based on whether a domain identifier associated with the user is one of the domain identifiers in the set of domain identifiers associated with the object for during a time period. A permit or deny indication may be returned based on whether or not login access is permitted on the object at the access time.
US08375437B2 Hardware supported virtualized cryptographic service
A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) can be utilized to provide hardware-based protection of cryptographic information utilized within a virtual computing environment. A virtualized cryptographic service can interface with the virtual environment and enumerate a set of keys that encryption mechanisms within the virtual environment can utilize to protect their keys. The keys provided by the virtualized cryptographic service can be further protected by the TPM-specific keys of the TPM on the computing device hosting the virtual environment. Access to the protected data within the virtual environment can, thereby, only be granted if the virtualized cryptographic service's keys have been protected by the TPM-specific keys of the TPM on the computing device that is currently hosting the virtual environment. The virtualized cryptographic service's keys can be protected by TPM-specific keys of TPMs on selected computing devices to enable the virtual environment to be hosted by other computing devices.
US08375436B2 Session migration over content-centric networks
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for facilitating session migration. During operation, the system receives a communication packet from a client destined to a remote server. The system determines whether the communication packet belongs to a pre-existing communication session, and whether session state information associated with the session is available locally. In response to the communication packet belonging to a pre-existing communication session and the session state information being unavailable locally, the system constructs an interest requesting the session state information, disseminates the interest over a network, and receives the session state information.
US08375434B2 System for protecting identity in a network environment
A system for protecting identify of network devices (102, 104, and 106) in a network environment. The system includes an apparatus having an interface to the network for completing connections to destination devices (152, 154, and 156) on the public side of the network. The apparatus includes a masking element (140) for associating at least one masking identifier with a communication from the network device and masking the identifier of the network device from the destination device.
US08375433B2 Method for multi-core processor based packet classification on multiple fields
The present invention relates to a method for multi-core processor based packet classification on multiple fields. The invention specifically proposes three methods to select partition points, two associated methods to select dimensions, then receiving packet information after the data structure of classification is constructed, and searching the data structure of classification according to packet information to get matched results. The present invention can be implemented on many types of multi-core processor based platforms which ensure favorable performance and adaptive capabilities for different network applications, and significantly reduce the product cost of high-end routers and firewalls.
US08375432B2 Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for subscriber authentication and temporary code generation
Method, apparatus, and computer products are provided for providing temporary generated codes by a server. Responsive to triplet authentication of a device to service provider network, a server receives an initial code from the device to request a temporary generated code. The server verifies the triplet authentication of device. The server determines whether there is a user account match to the initial code. The server determines a corresponding application server based on the initial code and the user account match. The server generates a temporary generated code to access the application server. The temporary generated code is transmitted to both the application server and the communication device, is set to expire at a preset time, is generated to allow the user access to a single session on the application server, and is generated to expire after the temporary generated code is input to access the single session on application server.
US08375430B2 Roaming secure authenticated network access method and apparatus
Secure re-authentication of host devices roaming between different connection and/or access points within a network controlled by the same administrative domain is described. Platform overhead associated with exchanging information for authentication and/or validation on each new connection during mobility is reduced by enabling prior authenticated network access to influence subsequent network access.
US08375429B2 Network-based application control
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to send, from a central manager to one or more target machines, an access request associated with at least one application selected from a plurality of applications on the target machines, the access request identifying the target machines, the applications, and access customization code corresponding to the applications; and to send access customization code and a script corresponding to the applications from a central repository to the target machines when the customization code is not resident on the target machines. Further activities may include loading the access customization code as a library on the target machines linked to the applications and replaying recorded user intention input according to a script to supply the input to objects associated with the applications to access and otherwise control the applications. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08375427B2 Holistic risk-based identity establishment for eligibility determinations in context of an application
A set of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) services can be utilized by applications executing in protected application environments external to a SOA environment. The SOA services can include an identity service, a eligibility service, and a security risk assessment service, each of which generates a percentage of risk when run. SOA services can be dependent on specific applications and application cases, each being a specific context of an application, so that results vary by application case. The SOA environment can store data, which is constantly being updated about people, which is used by the SOA services. In one embodiment, sensitive or confidential data can be maintained in the protected application environment and can be isolated from the SOA environment. Rules, criteria, factors, and the like used by the SOA services can be customized at an arbitrary level of complexity for specific applications and application cases.
US08375423B2 Authenticating a source of a scripted code
A method, apparatus, and computer usable code to grant access to a scripted code hosted at a host site wherein the host site has a window read-only property. A computer client receives a key-code. The computer client determines if key-code matches a known correct window-returning code. Based on that, the computer invokes the key-code to obtain a read-only property of the key-code and determines if the read-only property matches the known correct window read-only property. Invoking means treating the key-code as a computer instruction and executing the computer instruction. The computer may grant access based on a determination that the read-only property matches.
US08375422B2 Remote disablement of a communication device
Systems, methods and computer readable media for remotely disabling communication devices. When a communication device is identified for disablement, a disable signal may be transmitted to the emergency communication device. If the emergency communication device receives the disable signal, the emergency communication device may authenticate the source of the disable signal. If the source of the disable signal has been authenticated, the emergency communication device may disable itself. Disablement may include physical destruction or physical alteration of hardware or software necessary for the communication device to operate. Disablement may also include being locked-out from access to or use of hardware or software necessary for the communication device to operate.
US08375421B1 Enabling a virtual meeting room through a firewall on a network
The invention is directed to managing secure communications using a virtual meeting room (VR) through a firewall. The VR may operate as a virtual subnet managed by a VR server (VRS). A client requests a VR from the VRS. The VRS allocates the virtual subnet, and enables access to requested resources. The VRS provides information and authentication credentials to the client for distribution to other clients. The clients may use the provided information to authenticate to the VRS. In one embodiment, the VRS downloads to each client a virtual room client (VRC) application useable to connect to the VRS and establish a secure communications channel with the VRS and through the firewall. The secure communications channel may be used to communicate through the VRS directly to another client device, and/or broadcast messages to each client within the VR. Communications may be monitored for communication constraint compliance by the VRS.
US08375418B2 Method of performing software updates (installations), on networked 32/64-bit microsoft computers in an automated environment without introducing a possible security threat
A method of monitoring all network communications, including a real-time analysis of intercepting all networked connections and closing those network connections, including all connections across the Internet, except for those specific connections that will function to update a networked computer with new software or updates to existing software.