最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US08629005B1 Methods of manufacture of bottom port surface mount silicon condenser microphone packages
The present invention relates to a surface mount package for a silicon condenser microphone and methods for manufacturing the surface mount package. The surface mount package uses a limited number of components which simplifies manufacturing and lowers costs, and features a substrate that performs functions for which multiple components were traditionally required, including providing an interior surface on which the silicon condenser die is mechanically attached, providing an interior surface for making electrical connections between the silicon condenser die and the package, and providing an exterior surface for surface mounting the package to a device's printed circuit board and for making electrical connections between package and the device's printed circuit board.
US08629003B2 Epoxy encapsulating and lamination adhesive and method of making same
An adhesive includes an epoxy resin and a hardener. The hardener includes trioxdiamine, diaminodicyclohexylmethane, toluene diamine, and bisphenol-A dianhydride.
US08628994B2 Semiconductor light-emitting device and method for manufacturing the same
A method of making a semiconductor light-emitting device including (A) a light-emitting portion by laminating in sequence a first compound semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second compound semiconductor layer; (B) a first electrode electrically connected to the first compound semiconductor layer; (C) a transparent conductive material layer on the second compound semiconductor layer; (D) an insulating layer on a transparent conductive material layer; and (E) a second reflective electrode that on the transparent conductive material layer and on the insulating layer in a continuous manner, wherein, that the areas of the active layer, the transparent conductive material layer, the insulating layer, and the second electrode S1, S2, S3, and S4, respectively are related as S1≦S2
US08628991B2 Solar cell and method for manufacturing the same
A solar cell includes a semiconductor layer which includes a p-type impurity containing layer and an n-type impurity-containing layer; a dielectric layer disposed on one side of the semiconductor layer, wherein the dielectric layer has an isotropically etched portion on the surface thereof; a first electrode electrically connected with the p-type impurity-containing layer in the semiconductor layer; and a second electrode electrically connected with the n-type impurity-containing layer in the semiconductor layer.
US08628987B2 Manufacturing methods of thin film transistor, liquid crystal display device, and semiconductor device
A liquid crystal display device is provided with high productivity at low cost by reducing manufacturing steps of the liquid crystal display device. A liquid crystal display device with less power consumption and high reliability is provided. Etching of a semiconductor layer and formation of a contact hole that connects a pixel electrode and a drain electrode are performed by one photolithography process and one etching step, whereby the number of photolithography processes is reduced. A liquid crystal display device can be provided with high productivity at low cost by reducing the number of photolithography processes. Further, an oxide semiconductor is used for the semiconductor layer, whereby a liquid crystal display device with less power consumption and high reliability can be provided.
US08628986B2 Organic electroluminescent element and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides an organic electroluminescence (EL) element that suppresses leakage current flowing between an upper electrode and an under electrode through an organic layer. The organic EL element (51) is provided at a pixel region (R11) surrounded by a bank (3) on the substrate, and comprises: an organic layer (9) including at least one layer of the light-emitting layer (6); an upper electrode (7) and an under electrode (2) which hold the organic layer (9) therebetween; and a leakage current block layer (5) formed between the upper electrode (7) and the under electrode (2) at the boundary region (R12) between the pixel region (R11) and the bank region (R13), and formed between the upper electrode (7) and the under electrode (2) at the boundary region (R12) between the pixel region (R11) and the bank region (R13). The electric resistance of the leakage current block layer (5) in a thickness direction of the substrate is higher than the electric resistance of the organic layer (9) provided between the leakage current block layer (5) and the first electrode (2) in the thickness direction of the substrate.
US08628977B2 Group specific internal standard technology (GSIST) for simultaneous identification and quantification of small molecules
Reagents and methods are provided that permit simultaneous analysis of multiple diverse small molecule analytes present in a complex mixture. Samples are labeled with chemically identical but isotopically distinct forms of the labeling reagent, and analyzed using mass spectrometry. A single reagent simultaneously derivatizes multiple small molecule analytes having different reactive functional groups.
US08628973B2 Identification of canine proBNP by immunoassay
The invention relates to a method of determining feline or canine proBNP or fragments thereof, comprising the steps of providing a feline or canine sample, contacting the sample with at least one antibody which, when determining feline proBNP, or fragments thereof, respectively, binds to at least one epitope in the region comprising the amino acids 20 to 42 and/or in the region comprising the amino acids 57 to 80 of feline proBNP and, when determining canine proBNP, or fragments thereof, binds to at least one epitope in the region comprising the amino acids 20 to 86 of canine proBNP, and determining the presence and/or concentration of the feline or canine proBNP, or fragments thereof, present in the sample.
US08628969B2 Method for quantification of carotenoid
Provided is a method for quantitative analysis of carotenoids such as β-cryptoxanthin contained in a sample such as citrus fruit or the like which enables simple and accurate quantitative analysis.An internal standard such as lycopene or retinal is used, whereby work is facilitated and an error of a measured value is reduced. Further, a dehydrating agent is added during saponification reaction in the preparation of a sample for analysis, whereby a deviation of a measured value can be reduced.
US08628964B2 Fetal pulmonary cells and uses thereof
Isolated mixed populations of fetal pulmonary cells, engineered three-dimensional tissue constructs of these cells, and uses thereof in identifying therapeutic agents which augment, repair, and/or replace dysfunctional native lung and to perform in vitro studies such as pharmaceutical screening, models for lung development and disease and characterization of chemical or mechanical injury are provided.
US08628962B2 Differentiation of stem cells into dopaminergic cells
Methods for differentiating stem cells are disclosed herein. These methods can be used to generate neurons, including, but not limited to, dopaminergic neurons. The disclosed methods include culturing stem cells in the absence of fibroblast growth factor-2 to generate embryoid bodies and culturing the embryoid bodies in the presence of an effective amount of at least one of stromal cell-derived factor 1, pleiotrophin, insulin-like growth factor 2, and ephrin B1 on an extracellular matrix for a period of time sufficient to produce dopaminergic neuronal cells. The differentiated cells can be used to study pharmaceutical agents that affect dopaminergic neurons and can be used in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
US08628959B2 Methods for cancer treatment using stem cells
Various embodiments of the invention provide methods of treating cancer. Many embodiments provide methods of treating cancer using stem cells. In one embodiment the method comprises removing cancer cells from a patient and culturing the cancer cells in the presence of stem cells under conditions such that the stem cells differentiate into stem cell-derived cancer cells (SCDCC) which can comprise stem cell derived non-invasive and/or invasive cancer cells. An amount of the SCDCC is introduced into the patient sufficient to induce the patient's immune system to produce antibodies which inhibit or destroy the patient's cancer cells. The SCDCC may also be genetically modified to produce various immune stimulating proteins which enhance the patient's immune response to the cancer cells and improves the efficacy of the SCDNIC in treating the patient's cancer.
US08628952B2 Array kits and processing systems
The invention relates to sensor compositions comprising a composite array of individual arrays, to allow for simultaneous processing of a number of samples. The invention further provides methods of making and using the composite arrays. The invention further provides a hybridization chamber for use with a composite array.
US08628951B2 Lab-on-a-chip and method of driving the same
Provided are a lab-on-a-chip and a method of driving the same. The lab-on-a-chip includes a first region where a lower substrate and an upper substrate are bonded to each other, a second region where the lower and upper substrates are not bonded to each other, a gap control member disposed at a terminal of the second region facing an interface between the first and second regions, and configured to control a gap between the lower and upper substrates at the terminal of the second region, and a pressure application member disposed at the terminal of the second region facing the interface between the first and second regions, and configured to apply pressure to the upper substrate at the terminal of the second region to reduce a gap between the lower and upper substrates in the center of the second region. Thus, binding events between a fluid sample to be analyzed and a reagent can be maximized so that a high signal can be obtained using only an infinitesimal quantity of sample.
US08628949B2 Apparatus for producing probe carrier
An apparatus for producing a probe carrier in which ambient humidity for a plurality of nozzles of a liquid ejection device for ejecting droplets of solutions containing probes to the surface of a carrier is controlled to 50% or more, preferably 60% or more. A part of solution supply passages to the plurality of nozzles is constructed from gas permeable membranes permitting gas-liquid separation under reduced pressure. These gas permeable membrane portions are gathered and altogether placed under reduced pressure to remove air bubbles from the respective solutions supplied to the plural nozzles and decrease the amount of a dissolved gas, which causes air bubbles to be generated.
US08628948B2 Systems and methods for cultivating, harvesting and processing biomass
Combining controlled open-ocean iron enrichment with a system for collecting the ensuing biological growth can lead to a fundamental shift towards using marine biomass feedstock for large-scale global biodiesel production. The literature review reveals that open-ocean enrichment effectively reduces both the atmospheric carbon dioxide partial pressure and ocean acidity. A semi-closed ocean system is provided that allows for the efficient cultivation and harvesting of a high tonnage biomass feedstock generated by iron fertilization. The concept methodically capitalizes on the ocean's free nutrients, kinetic/potential energy, and expansive surface area to ensure that the mass, energy, and cost balance equations favor our system while taking care to preserve the ocean's ecosystem. The system is modular, portable, easily scalable system, and minimizes waste. In addition to the above benefits, our concept allows continued adherence to the NEPA and London Protocol by culling the biomass produced by fixing carbon dioxide and limiting iron exposure to the vessel's interior.
US08628945B2 High fidelity restriction endonucleases
Compositions and methods are provided for enzymes with altered properties that involve a systematic approach to mutagenesis and a screening assay that permits selection of the desired proteins. Embodiments of the method are particularly suited for modifying specific properties of restriction endonucleases such as star activity. The compositions includes restriction endonucleases with reduced star activity as defined by an overall fidelity index improvement factor.
US08628944B2 Method for producing ethanol from xylose
Disclosed is a method for producing ethanol from xylose using a recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain transformed to express a xylose reductase that uses NADH as a cofactor and a xylitol dehydrogenase that uses NAD+ as a cofactor, which are coupled with each other. The method provides an increase in ethanol yield and production efficiency, as compared to a control group, and enables production of ethanol at higher yield and high production efficiency by further eliminating acetaldehyde dehydrogenase which mediates production of acetic acid (by-product).
US08628943B2 Genes encoding key catalyzing mechanisms for ethanol production from syngas fermentation
Gene sequences of key acetogenic clostridial species were sequenced and isolated. Genes of interest were identified, and functionality was established. Key genes of interest for metabolic catalyzing activity in clostridial species include a three-gene operon coding for CODH activity, a two-gene operon coding for PTA-ACK, and a novel acetyl coenzyme A reductase. The promoter regions of the two operons and the acetyl coA reductase are manipulated to increase ethanol production.
US08628938B2 Polynucleotide encoding UDP-glucuronyl transferase
The present invention provides a novel UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and a polynucleotide encoding the same, for example, a polynucleotide comprising nucleotides 1 to 1359 of SEQ ID NO: 4, nucleotides 1 to 1365 of SEQ ID NO: 10, nucleotides 1 to 1371 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and nucleotides 1 to 1371 of SEQ ID NO: 22; or a polynucleotide encoding a protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 5, 11, 13 or 23. The invention provides a novel UDP-glucuronosyltransferase with a broad substrate specificity.
US08628926B2 Probe and primer for tubercle bacillus detection, and method of detecting human tubercle bacillus therewith
Primers and probes are provided for selectively detecting tubercle bacillus, and methods for detecting low copy numbers of human tubercle bacillus (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) using the same are presented. Oligonucleotides comprising a part of or an entire sequence of the nucleic acid sequence described in SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:S, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7 or SEQ ID NO:8, or a part of or an entire sequence of the complementary sequence thereof are disclosed, wherein the oligonucleotide has a property of hybridizing with the nucleic acid sequence of IS6110 gene in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Primers and probes containing such oligonucleotides, and methods for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis using the primers and the probes are presented.
US08628925B2 Linear amplification of short nucleic acids
The present teachings provide novel methods for amplifying short nucleic acids. In some embodiments, the present teachings provide novel methods for linearly amplifying a collection of micro RNAs by using temperature cycling during a reverse transcription reaction. The cycling can comprise at least 20 cycles of an annealing temperature segment of 10° C.-30° C., and a denaturation temperature segment of 35° C.-60° C. In some embodiments, the temperature cycled reaction can comprise an osmolyte.
US08628920B2 Method for early diagnosis of liver cancer and prediction of metastasis
Disclosed is a method for early diagnosis of liver cancer. The method comprises the steps of: (A) providing a sample obtained from a subject; (B) assessing the expression level of four subtypes of α-mannosidase genes consisting of MAN1C1 in the sample; (C) comparing the expression level of α-mannosidase genes in the sample with a normal control; and (D) determining whether the subject having a risk of suffering liver cancer in accordance with the result of step (C); wherein while the MAN1C1 expression level of the sample is lower than that in the normal control, the subject is determined to have a risk of suffering liver cancer. Additionally, while MAN1A1, MAN1A2 and MAN1B1 expression levels in the sample are higher than those in control group, the subject is determined to suffer from liver cancer and has a risk of metastasis.
US08628919B2 Methods and devices for single-molecule whole genome analysis
Provided are methods and devices for single-molecule genomic analysis. In one embodiment, the methods entail processing a double-stranded nucleic acid and characterizing said nucleic acid. These methods are useful in, e.g., determining structural variations and copy number variations between individuals.
US08628918B2 Multiplex capture of nucleic acids
Methods of capturing two or more nucleic acids simultaneously from a single sample are provided. Different nucleic acids are captured through cooperative hybridization events on different subsets of particles or at different selected positions on a spatially addressable solid support. Compositions, kits, and systems related to the methods are also described.
US08628912B2 Biomarkers for diabetes, obesity, and/or hypertension
Methods of identifying subjects having, or at risk of developing, diabetes, obesity, and/or hypertension are disclosed, as well as methods of identifying biomarkers for diabetes, obesity, and/or hypertension, and biomarkers identified by such methods.
US08628909B2 Fluorine-free fused ring heteroaromatic photoacid generators and resist compositions containing the same
The present invention relates to a fluorine-free photoacid generator (PAG) and a photoresist composition containing the same. The PAG is characterized by the presence of an onium cationic component and a fluorine-free fused ring heteroaromatic sulfonate anionic component containing one or more electron withdrawing substituents. The onium cationic component of the PAG is preferably a sulfonium or an iodonium cation. The photoresist composition further contains an acid sensitive imaging polymer. The photoresist composition is especially useful for forming material patterns on a semiconductor substrate using 193 nm (ArF) lithography.
US08628907B2 Positive photosensitive resin composition, method for forming cured film, cured film, organic el display device and liquid crystal display device
A positive photosensitive resin composition including: a resin comprising a structural unit having an acid dissociative group and a structural unit having a functional group capable of forming a covalent bond by reacting with a carboxyl group or a phenolic hydroxyl group; and an acid generator represented by the following formula (I): wherein in formula (I), R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a cyano group, an aryl group or the like; R2 represents an alkyl group or an aryl group; each of R3 and R4 independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group an aryl group or the like; and X represents —O—, —S—, —NH— or the like.
US08628906B2 Adhesive primer coating for printing
A method of printing, comprising: a) developing a latent image on a photosensitive surface with a visible toner, thereby producing a visible toner image; b) transferring the visible toner image to a surface of an intermediate transfer member; c) applying a layer of an adhesive material over at least a portion of the visible toner on the intermediate transfer member, but substantially not to any part of the surface of the intermediate transfer member which is not covered with the visible toner; and d) transferring the visible toner image and the layer of adhesive material from the intermediate transfer member to a printing medium, thereby causing the visible toner to adhere better to the printing medium than it would without the layer of adhesive material, wherein the adhesive material has a stronger adhesion to the printing medium than the visible toner.
US08628905B2 Ferrite core material for resin-filled type carrier, resin-filled type carrier, and electrophotographic developer using the carrier
A ferrite core material for a resin-filled type carrier, and a resin-filled type carrier which is used as an electrophotographic developer by mixing a toner, sufficiently secure the image density, have no carrier adhesion and can maintain high-quality images over a long period, and an electrophotographic developer using the carrier, are provided. A ferrite core material for a resin-filled type carrier characterized in a void fraction of 10 to 60%, a resin-filled type carrier filled in the carrier core material with a resin, and an electrophotographic developer composed of the resin-filled type carrier and a toner, are provided.
US08628901B2 Toner for electrostatic image developments
Disclosed is a toner for electrostatic image development that has sufficient low-temperature fixability, can provide high post-fixing separability, and can be used for stable formation of images at high speed.The toner for electrostatic image development includes toner particles containing a binder resin. The binder resin contains as a part thereof a block copolymer having an A-B-A block copolymer structure including polymer blocks A composed of a structural unit derived from an alkyl methacrylate and a polymer block B composed of a structural unit derived from an alkyl acrylate. The glass transition point (TgA) of a homopolymer of the alkyl methacrylate forming the polymer blocks A is higher than the glass transition point (TgB) of a homopolymer of the alkyl acrylate forming the polymer block B.
US08628897B1 Extreme ultraviolet lithography process and mask
A process of an extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) is disclosed. The process includes receiving an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask with multiple states. Different states of the EUV mask are assigned to adjacent polygons and adjacent sub-resolution polygons. The EUV mask is exposed by a nearly on-axis illumination (ONI) with partial coherence σ less than 0.3 to produce diffracted lights and non-diffracted lights. Most of the non-diffracted lights are removed. The diffracted lights and the not removed non-diffracted lights are collected and directed to expose a target by a projection optics box.
US08628894B2 Fuel cell sealing structure comprising stepped gas diffusion layers
To effectively prevent deformation of an MEA and shift of GDLs, first GDLs, second GDLs, and separators are layered in order at both sides of the MEA in the thickness direction thereof, the gaskets which sandwich an end portion of the MEA outside the first GDLs and the second GDLs are made from rubber or a synthetic resin material having rubber-like elasticity and integrally provided on the separators respectively, the first GDLs have end portions which are formed so as to protrude beyond outer peripheries of the second GDLs, and the gaskets have support step portions which can position and support the end portions of the first GDLs at the same height as the support height by the second GDLs.
US08628892B2 Solid oxide fuel cell and manufacturing method thereof
A solid oxide fuel cell supplied with a fuel gas and an oxidant gas, including a single cell 4 having a plate-like electrolyte 41, an cathode 42 formed on an upper surface of the electrolyte 41, and a anode 43 formed on a lower surface of the electrolyte 41; a conductive support substrate 2 supporting the single cell 4, and having through-holes 21 that form a supply path for the fuel gas or oxidant gas; and a gas-permeable welding layer 3 sandwiched between the single cell 4 and the support substrate 2, and welded to the single cell 4 and the support substrate 2.
US08628890B2 Electrochemical cells having current-carrying structures underlying electrochemical reaction layers
An electrochemical cell structure has an electrical current-carrying structure which, at least in part, underlies an electrochemical reaction layer. The cell comprises an ion exchange membrane with a catalyst layer on each side thereof. The ion exchange membrane may comprise, for example, a proton exchange membrane. Some embodiments of the invention provide electrochemical cell layers which have a plurality of individual unit cells formed on a sheet of ion exchange membrane material.
US08628888B2 Fuel cell system and control method for fuel cell system
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell generating electricity through reaction between fuel and oxidant gases; an air compressor supplying air, as the oxidant gas, to the fuel cell; a shut-off valve interrupting exhaust of air as fuel cell exhaust gas; an air flow meter measuring the flow rate of air supplied to the fuel cell; a pressure sensor measuring a supplied air pressure; and a control unit controlling power generation reaction of the fuel cell, calculating a first calculated air flow rate based on a value measured by the air flow meter and a second calculated air flow rate based on a system volume from the air compressor to the shut-off valve, an air pressure increase in the system volume, calculated based on a value measured by the pressure sensor, and an atmospheric pressure, and calculating a ratio of the second to first calculated air flow rates.
US08628884B2 Anode active material, method of preparing the same, and anode and lithium battery containing the material
An anode active material comprises metal core particles, metal nano wires formed on the metal core particles, pores between the metal core particles and the metal nano wires, and a carbon-based coating layer formed on a surface of the metal core particles and metal nano wires. In the anode active material according to the present invention, the metal core particles and metal nano wires are combined to form a single body, and a carbon-based coating layer is formed on the surface of the metal nano wires and metal core particles. Thus, volume changes in the pulverized metal core particles can be effectively buffered during charging and discharging, and the metal core particles are electrically connected through the metal nano wires. As a result, volume changes in the anode active material and degradation of the electrode can be prevented, thereby providing excellent initial charge/discharge efficiency and enhanced charge/discharge capacity.
US08628883B2 Positive electrode for rechargeable lithium battery and rechargeable lithium battery including same
Disclosed are a positive electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same, and the positive electrode includes a current collector; and a positive active material layer including an additive which is LixV2O5 (1
US08628880B2 Redox flow batteries based on supporting solutions containing chloride
Redox flow battery systems having a supporting solution that contains Cl− ions can exhibit improved performance and characteristics. Furthermore, a supporting solution having mixed SO42− and Cl− ions can provide increased energy density and improved stability and solubility of one or more of the ionic species in the catholyte and/or anolyte. According to one example, a vanadium-based redox flow battery system is characterized by an anolyte having V2+ and V3+ in a supporting solution and a catholyte having V4+ and V5+ in a supporting solution. The supporting solution can contain Cl− ions or a mixture of SO42− and Cl− ions.
US08628872B2 Battery cell assembly and method for assembling the battery cell assembly
A battery cell assembly and a method for assembling the battery cell assembly are provided. The battery cell assembly includes first and second battery cells with a heat exchanger disposed between the first and second battery cells. The heat exchanger has a plastic frame and first and second thermally conductive layers. The plastic frame has an interior space extending therethrough. The first and second thermally conductive layers are disposed on opposite sides of the plastic frame to enclose the interior space, such that when a liquid is disposed in the interior space, heat energy is transferred from the first battery cell through the first thermally conductive layer to the liquid.
US08628871B2 High durability fuel cell components with cerium salt additives
A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane additionally comprises cerium cations. In another aspect, a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein at least a portion of the anionic functional groups are in acid form and at least a portion of the anionic functional groups are neutralized by cerium cations. In another aspect, a polymer electrolyte membrane is provided which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane additionally comprises cerium cations, and wherein the amount of cerium cations present is between 0.001 and 0.5 charge equivalents based on the molar amount of acid functional groups present in the polymer electrolyte, more typically between 0.005 and 0.2, more typically between 0.01 and 0.1, and more typically between 0.02 and 0.05.
US08628869B2 Magnetic media and magnetic recording devices using fluorine compounds
According to one embodiment, a lubricant includes a perfluoropolyether having a chemical structure of: wherein Rf is at least one of: —CF2O(CF2CF2O)m(CF2O)nCF2— and —CF2CF2O(CF2CF2CF2O)kCF2CF2—, with m representing 0 or a positive integer, n representing 0 or a positive integer, and k representing 0 or a positive integer, and wherein R1 to R4 are selected from a group consisting of —H or with at least one of R1 to R4 being
US08628864B2 Indolo[3,2,1-jk]carbazole compound and organic light-emitting device containing the same
There is provided an indolo[3,2,1-jk]carbazole compound having an excellent membrane property, a high T1 energy, and a deep HOMO level. There is also provided an organic light-emitting device that contains the indolo[3,2,1-jk]carbazole compound.There is provided an indolo[3,2,1-jk]carbazole compound having a high T1 energy and a deep HOMO level.
US08628860B2 Thermal spraying material, a thermally sprayed coating, a thermal spraying method and also a thermally coated workpiece
The invention relates to a thermal spraying material (5) for the coating of a surface of a workpiece by means of a thermal spraying method, wherein the spraying material (5) contains zinc. The invention further relates to a thermal spraying method and to a thermally sprayed coating sprayed with the material (5).
US08628856B2 Intermediate film for laminated glass, and laminated glass
An interlayer film for a laminated glass includes a first layer, a second layer laminated on one face of the first layer. Each of the first layer and the second layer contains a polyvinyl acetal resin and a plasticizer. The hydroxyl content of the polyvinyl acetal resin in the first layer is lower than the hydroxyl content of the polyvinyl acetal resin in the second layer. The difference between the hydroxyl content of the polyvinyl acetal resin in the first layer and the hydroxyl content of the polyvinyl acetal resin in the second layer is at most 9.2 mol %. If the difference in the content is higher than 8.5 mol % and at most 9.2 mol %, a degree of acetylation of the polyvinyl acetal resin of the polyvinyl acetal resin in the first layer is at most 8 mol %.
US08628853B2 Polycarbonate resin composition with excellent flame retardancy and light stability
A thermoplastic polycarbonate resin composition which can have excellent light stability and flame retardancy includes about 100 parts by weight of a polycarbonate base resin (A); about 0.1 to about 5 parts by weight of a polyorganosiloxane-containing graft copolymer (B); about 5 to about 50 parts by weight of titanium dioxide (C); and about 0.1 to about 5 parts by weight of a fluorinated polyolefin-based resin (D). The thermoplastic polycarbonate resin composition may further include about 5 to about 50 parts by weight of a filler (E).
US08628852B2 Resin dispersion and resin particle
Disclosed are core-shell resin particles (C2) each comprising one or more film-like shell layers (P) comprising a resin (a) which is a polyurethane resin and a core layer (Q) comprising a resin (b). A core-shell resin particle (C2) is characterized in that the weight ratio between (P) and (Q) is from 0.1:99.9 to 70:30, the volatile content in the resin particle (C2) is not more than 2 weight %, and the content of vinyl resins in the resin (b) is not more than 30 weight %. Such resin particles have a uniform particle diameter and are excellent in electrostatic properties, thermal and storage stability and thermal characteristics.
US08628851B2 Method for encapsulating a liquid
The invention provides a method for encapsulating a liquid, which method comprises the steps of providing a suspension of droplets of the liquid to be encapsulated; stabilizing the suspension of droplets with a surfactant; adding a layered inorganic material to the stabilized suspension; and subjecting the suspension to a treatment which establishes that a shell of a hybrid material is formed around the droplets, which hybrid material comprises at least part of the inorganic material and at least part of the surfactant. The invention further provides encapsulated liquid droplets obtainable by said method.
US08628850B2 Colored roofing granules with increased solar heat reflectance, solar heat-reflective shingles, and process for producing same
Solar-reflective roofing granules having deep-tone colors are formed by coating base mineral particles with a coating composition including an infrared-reflective pigment. Color is provided by a colored infrared pigment, a light-interference platelet pigment, or a metal oxide.
US08628847B2 Adhesive binder, adhesive composition including the same, optical member, and associated methods
An adhesive binder, an adhesive composition including the same, an optical member, and associated methods, the adhesive binder including a (meth)acrylic copolymer having urethane, hydroxyl, aromatic, and vinyl groups in side chains thereof.
US08628846B2 Developer carrying member and developing unit
Provided is a developer carrying member that can stably provide a negatively chargeable developer with triboelectric charge and whose surface hardly wears even after its long-term use. The developer carrying member is a developer carrying member, comprising: a substrate; and a surface layer, wherein: the surface layer contains a matrix resin and electro-conductive particles; and the matrix resin contains a crosslinked product of a polymer chain having units represented by the following structural formula (1) and the following structural formula (2), and a polymer chain represented by the following structural formula (3).
US08628843B2 Composite PTFE materials and applications thereof
The present invention provides sintered composite polymeric materials and methods of making and using the same. The sintered composite polymeric materials are made by sintering composite particles comprising a polytetrafluoroethylene component and a carbonaceous component, wherein the carbonaceous component is dispersed throughout the polytetrafluoroethylene component.
US08628840B2 Electronically conductive laminate donor element
A laminate donor element can be used to transfer a composite of a metal grid and an electronically conductive polymer to a receiver sheet for use in various devices. The laminate donor element has a donor substrate, a metal grid that is disposed over only portions of the donor substrate, leaving portions of the substrate uncovered by the metal grid, and an electronically conductive polymer that covers the portions of the donor substrate that are uncovered by the metal grid. The composite of metal grid and electronically conductive polymer exhibits a peel force of less than or equal to 40 g/cm for separation from the donor substrate at room temperature.
US08628838B2 Multilayer thermo-reversible dry adhesives
One embodiment includes a multilayer thermo-reversible dry adhesive system comprising of at least one layer of soft dry adhesive and one layer of shape memory polymer.
US08628832B2 Recording medium
A recording medium includes a base and at least one ink-receiving layer. A first ink-receiving layer that is at least one ink-receiving layer contains inorganic particles having an average primary particle size of 1 μm or less and inorganic particles coated with a metal oxide. The inorganic particles coated with the metal oxide have an average primary particle size of 15.0 μm or more. When the maximum of a FLOP value of the recording medium is denoted by FLOPMax and the minimum of the FLOP value is denoted by FLOPMin, the FLOPMin is 2.5 or more and a value of FLOPMin/FLOPMax is 0.80 or more and 1.00 or less.
US08628829B2 Method of forming organic film, and nozzle plate, inkjet head and electronic device
The method of forming an organic film, includes: a pre-processing step including a plasma treatment step of carrying out plasma treatment to a surface of a base member, and an exposure processing step of exposing the surface of the base member that has undergone the plasma treatment, in an atmosphere containing at least water; and an organic film formation step of thereafter forming an organic film on the surface of the base member using a silane coupling agent.
US08628825B2 Composition for treating hard surface and use thereof, coating formed thereby and hard surface material with the coating
A composition for treating hard surface includes (a) a liquid silica sol, wherein the solid content of Si02 is 51%˜99.9% by total solid weight of the composition, (b) a solid inorganic gel having nano-scale layered, chained, layered and chained, or framework structure, wherein the weight of which is 0.1%-49% by total weight of the composition, (c) a dispersing medium, wherein the weight of which is 1%-50% by total solid weight. A method for treating hard surface includes the steps of preparing the above-mentioned, coating the composition on the hard surface, and polishing the coated hard surface.
US08628823B2 Methods and systems for making patterned photoreceptor outer layer
The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to layers that are useful in imaging apparatus members and components, for use in electrophotographic, including digital, apparatuses. Embodiments pertain to an improved electrophotographic imaging member incorporating an outer layer having a groove pattern imprinted into its surface to lower friction with the cleaning blade and improve print quality and performance. Embodiments also pertain to methods and systems for making the improved imaging member.
US08628821B2 Formation of thin uniform coatings on blade edges using isostatic press
The invention discloses isostatic-pressing (IP) applied to polymer (e.g., PTFE) coated razor blade edges to produce thin, dense, and uniform blade edges which in turn exhibit low initial cutting forces correlating with a more comfortable shaves. The isostatic press utilized may be a hot isostatic press (HIP) or cold isostatic press (CIP) or any other isostatic press process. The HIP conditions may include an environment of elevated temperatures and pressures in an inert atmosphere. The HIP conditions may be applied to non-sintered coatings or sintered coatings or before or after a Flutec® process is applied to coatings. CIP conditions may include room temperature and elevated pressure. The polymeric material may be a fluoropolymer or a non-fluoropolymer material or any composite thereof. It may be deposited initially by any method, including but not limited to, dipping, spin coating, sputtering, or thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
US08628819B2 Method of depositing a nanoparticle coating on a bipolar plate and removing the nanoparticle coating from the lands of the bipolar plate
A process comprising: submerging a fuel cell bipolar plate in a bath comprising nanoparticles and a liquid phase comprising a nanoparticles dispersion agent and wherein the bipolar plate includes an upper surface having a plurality of lands and channels formed therein; removing the fuel cell bipolar plate from the bath so that a coating comprising nanoparticles adheres to the fuel cell bipolar plate; while the coating is wet and before the coating is dried and solidified, removing the coating comprising nanoparticles from the lands of the bipolar plate, leaving coating comprising nanoparticle in the channels; and drying the coating in the channels.
US08628816B2 Product to reduce glycemic response of carbohydrate based foods
The invention relates to the use of flour containing a mixture of pulverized edible parts of Okra plant species, Vigna plant species and one or more types of food based carbohydrates selected from cereals or non-cereals or a mixture thereof, for the preparation of a food for altered glycemic response.
US08628814B2 Acid-thickened food compositions and products
The present invention provides food compositions comprising thickened dairy protein and flavorings lacking sufficient acidity for protein thickening, food products comprising the compositions and methods of making the compositions.
US08628812B2 Preservative system for acidic beverages based on sequestrants
The present invention provides beverage preservative systems for use in high acid beverage products, and beverage products comprising the beverage preservative systems. The beverage preservative system prevents spoilage by microorganisms in a beverage within a sealed container for a period of at least 16 weeks. The present invention reduces or eliminates the use of conventional preservatives that pose health and/or environmental concerns. The components that make up the beverage preservative system of invention work together in a synergistic manner to reduce the amount of preservative required and so improve the inventive beverage's sensory impact over beverages having conventional preservatives.
US08628809B2 Method of inducing mucosal immune response to antigen with Dioscorea polysaccharides adjuvant
A method for inducing mucosal immune responses in a subject in need thereof to an antigen includes administering to the subject a vaccine composition including the antigen and a Dioscorea polysaccharides as an adjuvant. Because of the immuomodulatory effect of the Dioscorea polysaccharides, the vaccine composition is further capable of breaking immunological tolerance in the subject.
US08628806B2 Hypolipidemic composition and its use
The present invention provides a hypolipidemic composition comprising peony extract and Codonopsis extract, or comprising water coextract of peony and Codonopsis, the weight ratio of the peony extract to Codonopsis extract in the composition is between 0.5 and 19:1. The advantages of the hypolipidemic composition are: substantially decreasing triglyceride and cholesterol, while increasing high density lipoprotein. It suggested of a favourable prospect of application.
US08628805B2 Stabilized composition comprising at least one adrenergic compound
A stabilized composition comprising at least one adrenergic compound and at least one antioxidant selected from the group consisting of a bisulfate, a metabisulfite and a sulfite compound.
US08628800B2 Non-adhesive elastic gelatin matrices
The present invention is a substantially non-adhesive elastic gelatin matrix. The matrix is both non-adhesive to wounds, tissues and organs and is also elastic such that it is flexible. The matrix is a lyophilized mixture of protein(s), polymer(s), cross-linking agent(s) and optional plasticizer(s). The invention also provides methods for making the non-adhesive elastic gelatin matrix.
US08628799B2 Coated tablet formulation and method
A coated tablet formulation is provided which includes a medicament such as the DPP4-inhibitor, saxaglipitin which is subject to intra-molecular cyclization, which formulation includes a tablet core containing one or more fillers, and other conventional excipients, which tablet core includes a coating thereon which may include two or more layers, at least one layer of which is an inner seal coat layer which is formed of one or more coating polymers, a second layer of which is formed of medicament which is the DPP4-inhibitor and one or more coating polymers, and an optional, but preferable third outer protective layer which is formed of one or more coating polymers. A method for forming the coated tablet is also provided.
US08628795B2 Transdermal therapeutic buprenorphine system
The invention relates to transdermal therapeutic systems (TTS) comprising a backing, a reservoir layer containing at least one pharmaceutical active ingredient, and an adhesive. Said transdermal therapeutic systems are characterized in that they are able to continuously adhere to the surface of the skin over a long period of time. During said long period of time, a) there is at least one time interval during which the TTS adhering to the surface of the skin is intensively exposed to water, and b) the active ingredient is transdermally released. The invention also relates to a method for the continuous transdermal release of at least one pharmaceutical active ingredient over a long period of time.
US08628793B2 NGNA compositions and methods of use
The present invention relates to the field of viral disorders, and in particular to the use of natural compounds to inhibit viruses and viral infection. Compositions comprising NGNA are provided for treating or preventing viral infections, such as those causing the common cold.
US08628792B2 Drug cores for sustained release of therapeutic agents
A solid drug core insert can be manufactured by injecting a liquid mixture comprising a therapeutic agent and a matrix precursor into a sheath body. The injection can be conducted at subambient temperatures. The mixture is cured to form a solid drug-matrix core. The therapeutic agent can be a liquid at about room temperature that forms a dispersion of droplets in the matrix material. A surface of the solid drug core is exposed, for example by cutting the tube, and the exposed surface of the solid drug core releases therapeutic quantities of the therapeutic agent when implanted into the patient. In some embodiments, the insert body inhibits release of the therapeutic agent, for example with a material substantially impermeable to the therapeutic agent, such that the therapeutic quantities are released through the exposed surface, thereby avoiding release of the therapeutic agent to non-target tissues.
US08628786B2 Polychlorinated biphenyls and squalene-containing adjuvants
When using squalene in a vaccine adjuvant, there is a possibility of contamination with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Environmental exposure to PCBs may adversely affect children's immune responses to routine vaccinations. Thus the invention uses squalene with low or no PCB contamination, particularly when derived from shark liver.
US08628784B2 Adjuvant systems and vaccines
An adjuvant composition comprising monophosphoryl lipid A or a derivative of monophposphoryl lipid A adsorbed onto an aluminium salt particle.
US08628781B2 Prevention and treatment of cast nephropathy
Provided herein are polypeptides comprising or consisting essentially of a QSYDNTLSGSYVF (SEQ ID NO:1) or LSADSSGSYLYVF (SEQ ID NO:2) amino acid sequence. Also provided herein are methods of treating or preventing cast nephropathy in a subject. The methods comprise identifying a subject with or at risk of developing cast nephropathy and administering to the subject any of the polypeptides disclosed herein.
US08628780B2 Lutzomyia longipalpis polypeptides and methods of use
Substantially purified salivary Lu. longipalpis polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are disclosed. Vectors and host cells including the Lu. longipalpis polynucleotides are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for inducing an immune response to sand fly saliva. In other embodiments, methods for treating, diagnosing, or preventing Leishmaniasis are disclosed.
US08628776B2 Human binding molecules against enterococci and Staphylococcus
Described are human binding molecules specifically binding to enterococci and having killing activity against enterococci, nucleic acid molecules encoding the human binding molecules, compositions comprising the human binding molecules and methods of identifying or producing the human binding molecules. The molecules can be used in the diagnosis, prophylaxis, and/or treatment of a condition resulting from Enterococcus.
US08628775B2 Methods of reducing T cell-mediated immune responses with multimeric P-selectin and/or E-selectin compounds
Multimeric compounds that bind to P-Selectin Glycoprotein 1 (PSGL-1) on the surface of T cells or natural killer (NK) cells can be used to induce T cell or NK cell depletion and/or to induce T cell or NK cell apoptosis. The multimeric compounds and methods of the invention can be used to control unwanted T cell- or NK cell-mediated immune responses in conditions such as inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, and allergic diseases.
US08628773B2 Antigen binding proteins
Antigen binding proteins, such as antibodies, that interact with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) are described. Methods of treating cancers and other diseases by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of an antigen binding protein to EGFR are also described.
US08628769B2 Modified vitamin K-dependent polypeptides
The invention provides vitamin K-dependent polypeptides with enhanced membrane binding affinity. These polypeptides can be used to modulate clot formation in mammals. Methods of modulating clot formation in mammals are also described.
US08628763B2 Of growth of Bifidobacteria in fermented milk products
The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a fermented milk product comprising Bifidobacteria in combination with lactic acid bacteria of the species Lactococcus lactis, Sterptococcus thermophilus, and/or Lactobacillus bulgaricus. The problem to be solved is to provide a method to improve growth of Bifidobacteria population in milk during the fermentation process for making fermented milk products (e.g. a yogurt) in order to obtain a high cell count of Bifidobacteria in the final product.
US08628761B2 Biodegradable polyurethane/urea compositions
The present invention relates to biocompatible, biodegradable polyurethane/urea polymeric compositions that are capable of in-vivo curing with low heat generation to form materials suitable for use in scaffolds in tissue engineering applications such as bone and cartilage repair. The polymers are desirably flowable and injectable and can support living biological components to aid in the healing process. They may be cured ex-vivo for invasive surgical repair methods, or alternatively utilized for relatively non-invasive surgical repair methods such as by arthroscope. The invention also relates to prepolymers useful in the preparation of the polymeric compositions, and to methods of treatment of damaged tissue using the polymers of the invention.
US08628758B2 Process for making up the lips
The present invention relates to a process for making up the lips, comprising at least one step of placing in contact on the surface of said lips: —at least one water-soluble organic acid, —at least one alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal carbonate or bicarbonate, and —an aqueous medium, said organic acid and said carbonate or bicarbonate being present in different compositions.
US08628755B2 Dentifrice containing zinc ions and polyphosphate ions
The invention includes a dentifrice composition that comprises a zinc ion source, a polyphosphate ion source, an anethole, and a silica. The silica has a mean particle size of about 5 to about 12 microns, an Einlehner hardness of about 1 to about 20, and an oil absorption of about 40 to less than about 100 cc/100 g. The composition contains zinc ions and polyphosphate ions in a weight ratio of about 0.1:1 to about 10:1 and has a RDA value of about 100 to about 200 and a PCR value of about 75 to about 110. Related methods are also included.
US08628753B2 Reduced dye probes for the detection of radical oxygen species
Reduced dyes, such as hydrocyanines, deuterocyanines, and/or other deuterated dyes capable of detecting one or more reactive oxygen species are described herein. The reduced dyes exhibit little or no fluorescence due to the disrupted π conjugation. However, upon reaction with ROS, the reduced dyes are oxidized, regenerating the extended π conjugation and causing a substantial increase in fluorescence intensity. In many case, the oxidized dye is generally membrane impermeable. However, upon reduction, many of the reduced dyes are membrane permeable. Thus, reduced dyes can accumulate in cells and/or tissue to amplify the signal. Once inside the cell or tissue, the reduced dye is reoxidized upon reaction with ROS, and the oxidized dye again becomes membrane impermeable, trapping the dye within the cell. The reduced dyes can be used to image ROS, such as hydroxide radical and superoxide, in serum, cell cultures, tissue explants, and in vivo.
US08628750B2 Cancer imaging and treatment
Provided herein are compounds or conjugates useful for diagnostic imaging and/or therapeutic purposes. Each compound or conjugate comprises a ligand for the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and a detectable label. The ligand has a binding affinity for the CXCR4 receptor, measured as IC50 in the presence of 125I-CPCR4, of 250 nM or lower, and the ligand comprises a cyclic oligopeptide moiety having the motif B-Arg or B-(Me)Arg within the cyclic moiety, wherein B is a basic amino acid, a derivative thereof, or phenylalanine, provided that the motif is B-Arg when B is a Nα-methyl derivative of a basic amino acid.
US08628747B2 Carbon nanotube structures formed on large free floating substrates
Carbon nanotube structures are formed by providing metal composite particles including a catalyst metal and a non-catalyst metal, where the catalyst metal catalyzes the decomposition of a hydrocarbon compound and the formation of carbon nanotube structures on surfaces of the particles. The metal composite particles are combined with the hydrocarbon compound in a heated environment so as to form carbon nanotube structures on the surfaces of the metal composite particles. The metal composite particles can be include iron and aluminum at varying amounts. The carbon nanotubes formed on the metal particles can remain on the metal particles or, alternatively, be removed from the metal particles for use in different applications.
US08628740B2 Processing method for recovering iron oxide and hydrochloric acid
A method of processing waste iron chloride solution including ferrous chloride, ferric chloride or mixtures thereof and optionally free hydrochloric acid, includes concentrating waste iron chloride solution into concentrated liquid having iron chloride concentration of at least 30%-40% by weight; optionally oxidizing ferrous chloride in the concentrated liquid from the concentration step to ferric chloride providing liquid containing ferric chloride; hydrolyzing the liquid containing ferric chloride from the oxidation step at 155-350° C., maintaining the ferric chloride concentration at least at 65% by weight, generating steam containing hydrogen chloride and liquid containing ferric oxide; separating ferric oxide from the liquid containing ferric oxide in the hydrolysis step; condensing steam containing hydrogen chloride in the hydrolysis step, recovering hydrochloric acid at a concentration of at least 10%-15% by weight; and using condensation energy of the hydrogen chloride containing steam in the recovery step to heat the concentration step performed under reduced pressure.
US08628735B2 Process for recovering metals from coal liquefaction residue containing spent catalysts
In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a method of recovering metals from a metals bearing material comprising: reducing the particle size of at least a portion of the metals bearing material; mixing the metals bearing material in an acid solution to form a first slurry containing at least alkaline earth metal compounds; separating the at least alkaline earth metal compounds from the first slurry to form a first filtrate and a metals bearing material; leaching metals from the metals bearing material to form a pressure leach solution containing transition metals; precipitating and recovering transition metals from the pressure leach solution. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for recovering metals from a deoiled and dried coal liquefaction residue that contains spent catalyst originating from a Group VIB metal sulfide catalyst.
US08628734B2 Method for recovery of rare earths from fluorescent lamps
Method of recovery of rare earths from fluorescent lamps. The method comprises six steps. The individual process steps are: Mechanical separation of coarse components. Separation of the halophosphate. Extraction in acids of easily soluble rare-earth fluorescent substances (mainly Y, Eu-oxide) Extraction in acids of rare earth fluorescent substances which dissolve with difficulty (for example rare-earth phosphates) Breakdown of the remaining components which contain rare earths (for example rare-earth-aluminates) Final treatment.
US08628727B2 Compositions, devices and methods for SERS and LSPR
The present invention relates to compositions, devices and methods for detecting microorganisms (e.g., anthrax). In particular, the present invention provides portable, surface-enhanced Raman biosensors, and associated substrates, and methods of using the same, for use in rapidly detecting and identifying microorganisms (e.g., anthrax).
US08628725B2 Production of hydrogen from water using a thermochemical copper-chlorine cycle
A system for producing hydrogen gas from water decomposition using a thermochemical CuCl cycle, the improvement comprising the use of an insulated hydrogen production reactor comprising a reaction chamber and a separation chamber; the reaction chamber having a hydrogen chloride gas inlet and a solid copper inlet; one or more levels provided in the reaction chamber, the number of which is dependant on production scale and pressure drop; each level comprising a perforated plate with associated filter media, the perforations of the plate and media being of decreasing size from top to bottom of the reaction chamber, and being sized to permit downward flow of the hydrogen gas and molten CuCl products, as well as the HCL gas reactant, and to prevent entrainment of solid copper in the molten CuCl; the separation chamber being located below the reaction chamber and being of greater cross section than the reaction chamber and comprising a first hydrogen removal and entrained copper removal zone and a second molten CuCl removal zone; removal of the reaction products being controlled so as to substantially decrease the amount of entrained copper in the molten CuCl; and the first zone having outlets for removal of hydrogen gas and entrained copper particles, with the second zone having an outlet for removal of molten CuCl.
US08628722B2 Drinking vessels and related systems and methods
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems configured to determine an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of the alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, drinking vessels configured to measure alcohol content or other property of an alcohol-containing liquid held therein, other related components such as mat devices that facilitate determining the amount, and related methods. The systems, drinking vessels, and methods disclosed herein facilitate determination of an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, which may be indicative of an amount of alcohol consumed by a drinker.
US08628721B2 System for measuring an analyte concentration of a body fluid sample
A system is provided for measuring an analyte concentration in a body fluid sample, comprising at least one cartridge that contains consumables for multiple measurements, a data carrier affixed to the cartridge that contains calibration information for the consumables, a hand-held device including a reading facility for receiving a cartridge of this type and for reading its data carrier, a measuring facility for measuring the result of a detection reaction, and a processor for controlling the measuring facility and for analysis of a measuring signal. At least one replaceable data storage unit is further provided in which supplementary data is stored. The data storage unit functions in combination with calibration information from the data carrier and is used by the processor to determine whether the consumables of the inserted cartridge renders a reliable measurement of analyte concentration.
US08628718B2 Modified polylactic acid, polymeric blends and methods of making the same
Polymeric compositions and processes of forming the same are discussed herein. The processes generally include contacting a polylactic acid with a reactive modifier selected from epoxy-functionalized polybutadiene, ionic monomer, and combinations thereof.
US08628717B2 Composite structures having integrated stiffeners and method of making the same
A composite structure is made by placing a stiffener preform and a composite structure reinforcement on a tool. The preform and the reinforcement are vacuum bagged processed and co-infused with a thermoset resin to form a stiffened, unitized structure.
US08628716B1 Method of manufacturing a powdered metal-filled plastic member
A method of manufacturing a bonded metal assembly having a form and a powdered metal-filled plastic member with a cylindrical surface generally surrounding the form includes providing a mold having a cylindrical interior surface corresponding to the cylindrical surface of the resulting powdered metal-filled plastic member and providing a gate to the mold. The gate extends at least partially along a radius of the cylindrical interior surface of the mold. With the form positioned in the mold, a powdered metal-filled plastic material is injected through the gate to the mold and flowed around the form. A resulting bonded metal assembly includes a form and a powdered metal-filled plastic member having a cylindrical surface generally surrounding the form. The powdered metal-filled plastic member includes an injection-molding gate line extending at least partially along a radius of the cylindrical surface.
US08628714B2 System and method for providing the capability of peeling thin polymer films from a substrate
A system and method for providing the capability of peeling thin polymer films from a substrate is provided. Generally, the method contains the steps of: providing a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface; placing a peel initiator on the top surface; applying a polymer on the top surface of the substrate and a top surface of the peel initiator; curing the polymer, resulting in a thin-polymer film; and peeling the peel initiator from the substrate, thereby removing the thin-polymer film from the top surface of the substrate.
US08628709B2 Method for producing a concave-shaped in particular U-shaped piece in a composite material and device for carrying out the same
A process for manufacturing a piece made of composite material with a hollow form and including a fiber preform (50) that is embedded in a matrix, includes placing the preform (50) in a first chamber (64) delimited by a mold (52) that is in contact with the surface of the piece to be produced outside of the hollow form and a counter-mold (54) that is in contact with the surface of the piece to be produced inside of the hollow form, and using a mold (52) that is made in at least two parts (52.1, 52.2) and elements (78) for controlling the spacing of the at least two parts (52.1, 52.2) that are contiguous using the expansion phenomenon during the polymerization phase.
US08628701B2 Method of micro-encapsulation
A method of preparing micro-capsules. The active ingredient, preferably provided in the form of an acid salt dissolved in a basic aqueous solution, is emulsified into a polymer solution, preferably PLGA in a relatively volatile solvent such as dichloromethane, to create a water in oil emulsion. This emulsion is further emulsified into an aqueous solution having a pH of a between about 7.4 and 8.0 and most preferably between about 7.8 and 8.0 to create a water in oil in water solution. The polymer solvent is allowed to evaporate, causing the emulsified active ingredient and surrounding polymer matrix to precipitate, thereby forming the micro-capsules. The micro-capsules are separated from the suspension, washed and freeze dried. The method has a very high encapsulation efficiency, even at high loading rates. Additionally, the dissolution rate of the micro-particles produced by the method is very steady over a long period of time.
US08628700B2 Optical sheet manufacturing apparatus and optical sheet manufacturing method
An optical sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a first master including a first three-dimensional structure, a second master including a second three-dimensional structure, a first processing unit to heat a first surface of a resin sheet to a first temperature and transfer the first three-dimensional structure onto the first surface heated, a second processing unit to cool the first surface to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, heat a second surface of the resin sheet to a third temperature higher than the second temperature, and transfer the second three-dimensional structure onto the second surface heated, a third processing unit to cool the second surface to a fourth temperature lower than the third temperature, a first conveyance mechanism to perform conveyance from the first processing unit to the second processing unit, and a second conveyance mechanism to perform conveyance from the second processing unit to the third processing unit.
US08628698B2 Resin composition for protection layer of color filter, protection layer of color filter using same and image sensor including same
Disclosed is a resin composition for a protective layer of a color filter including an acrylate-based resin including a repeating unit represented by each of Chemical Formulae 1 to 3, a melamine-based resin represented by Chemical Formula 4, a thermal acid generator (TAG), and a solvent.
US08628697B2 Dielectric fluid composition containing vegetable oils and free of antioxidants
A dielectric fluid composition containing of 60% to 63% in weight of mono-unsaturated fatty acid, of 20% to 23% in weight of di-unsaturated fatty acid, of 5% to 7% in weight of tri-unsaturated fatty acid, and of 6% to 8% in weight of saturated fatty acid, such that the dielectric fluid is free of antioxidants and/or external additives and has the following properties: a dielectric strength of 40 kV to 70 kV at a separation of 2 mm, a dielectric constant of 2.5 to 3.1 at 25° C., and a dissipation factor of 0.05% to 0.15% at 25° C. The dielectric fluid composition can be obtained by a combination of 95.5% to 99.25% in weight of at least one high oleic vegetable oil, of 0.25% to 1.5% in weight of grape seed oil, of 0.25% to 1.5% in weight of sesame seed oil, and of 0.25% to 1.5% in weight of rice bran oil.
US08628696B2 Molecular precursors for optoelectronics
This invention relates to compounds and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices. This invention provides a range of compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to molecular precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers.
US08628692B2 Spin-coatable liquid for formation of high purity nanotube films
Certain spin-coatable liquids and application techniques are described, which can be used to form nanotube films or fabrics of controlled properties. A spin-coatable liquid for formation of a nanotube film includes a liquid medium containing a controlled concentration of purified nanotubes, wherein the controlled concentration is sufficient to form a nanotube fabric or film of preselected density and uniformity, and wherein the spin-coatable liquid comprises less than 1×1018 atoms/cm3 of metal impurities. The spin-coatable liquid is substantially free of particle impurities having a diameter of greater than about 500 nm.
US08628691B2 Nanocomposite thermoelectric conversion material, thermoelectric conversion element including the same, and method of producing nanocomposite thermoelectric conversion material
A nanocomposite thermoelectric conversion material includes a matrix of the thermoelectric conversion material; and a dispersed material that is dispersed in the matrix of the thermoelectric conversion material, and that is in a form of nanoparticles. Roughness of an interface between the matrix of the thermoelectric conversion material and the nanoparticles of the dispersed material is equal to or larger than 0.1 nm.
US08628690B2 Nanoemulsion compositions and methods of use thereof
A nanoemulsion composition having enhanced oxidative stability, emulsion stability, and health benefits. The composition may include individual ingredients or a synergistic blend of non-reducing sugars, sugar polyols, medium-chain triglycerides, polysaccharides, polyphenols, phospholipids, chitosan, and alpha-casein, beta-casein, kappa-casein or protein fragments, glycopeptides, phosphopeptides. The composition may optionally be further utilized for the prevention of hypercholesterolemia or bone (and teeth) mineral loss.
US08628685B2 Mesogen-containing compounds
Compounds including at least one mesogenic substructure and at least one long flexible segment and methods of synthesizing the same are disclosed. Formulations which include various embodiments of the mesogen-containing compounds and their use in articles of manufacture and ophthalmic devices are also disclosed.
US08628680B2 Reduced oxides having large thermoelectric ZT values
Doped and partially-reduced oxide (e.g., SrTiO3-based) thermoelectric materials. The thermoelectric materials can be single-doped or multi-doped (e.g., co-doped) and display a thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of 0.2 or higher at 1050K. Methods of forming the thermoelectric materials involve combining and reacting suitable raw materials and heating them in a graphite environment to at least partially reduce the resulting oxide. Optionally, a reducing agent such as titanium carbide can be incorporated into the starting materials prior to the reducing step in graphite. The reaction product can be sintered to form a dense thermoelectric material.
US08628679B2 High-definition demetalization process
A method of producing images on a metalized substrate is described. The metalized substrate comprises a substrate having a top side and a bottom side and a metalized coating adhered to the top side of the substrate. The method comprises the steps of printing an image onto the metalized coating by selectively applying a protective coating of the image, curing the protective coating, applying a demetalizing solution onto the metalized substrate, rinsing the metalized substrate, drying the metalized substrate, applying an adhesive coating onto the metalized substrate, and removing the adhesive coating.
US08628669B2 Methods to recover and reclaim hydrocarbons or hydrophobic substances in an aqueous environment
The present invention provides useful biodegradable and environmentally friendly cost effective methods for oil recovery and reclamation from oil spills and chemical spills. More particularly, methods to recover and reclaim hydrocarbons or hydrophobic substances in an aqueous environment.
US08628667B2 Chromatographic column and methods for controlling sorbent density
Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for mitigating column bed compression over time. This invention provides for an improved column design and method of controlling bed density in a chromatographic column using a protruding portion of a filter assembly. The invention results in a higher sorbent bed density than can normally be achieved using a fixed length column of conventional design. The invention may be implemented as a unique filter assembly or as a column tailored for the application and a matching filter assembly.
US08628666B2 System for solids retention time uncoupling by selective wasting of sludge
Treatment systems are described which uncouple the solids retention time (SRT) of the recycling bacteria from the wasting bacteria. Elevated recycling bacteria SRTs increase concentrations of nitrifying bacteria in the aeration basin and Anammox bacteria in the anoxic basin, improving nitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation. Fluorescence in situ hybridizations were used to identify and determine the abundance of nitrifying bacteria and Anammox bacteria (recycling bacteria) in freshly settled sludge of biological nutrient removal (BNR) secondary clarifiers. An uneven distribution was observed for recycling bacteria in two BNR systems. Settling patterns suggest microcolony formation processes are sensitive to the internal recycle rate, which allow for rapid recycling bacteria microcolony growth by increasing circulation of flocs through the aeration and anoxic basins. Uncoupling the SRT enhances aeration and/or anoxic basin utilization and reduces the overall hydraulic residence time.
US08628663B2 Fuel filter cartridge and keyed end cap
A filter cartridge has a keyed end cap which is configured and shaped for unlocking an associated valve mechanism that comprises a latch device and a valve. In this manner, when the fuel filter cartridge is placed into a fuel filter housing having such a latch and valve mechanism, the fuel filter cartridge is operable therein to filter fluid and pass the fluid into a standpipe contained within the fuel filter housing. The fuel filter cartridge of this type generally includes pleated filter paper which is disposed between two opposed end caps. The keys may be provided along the bottom end cap.
US08628658B2 Emergency extraction line and marine particle skimmer
Removing contaminated water and pollutants from a body of water. Apparatus includes marine particle skimmers that can pull contaminated water through filter units or otherwise direct contaminated water or pollutants to a collection point. Emergency extraction lines can remove contaminated water and pollutants by conducting water to an extraction point. Emergency extraction lines include multiple emergency extraction line components connected to each other. The marine particle skimmers and emergency extraction lines typically float on the surface of the water but can be configured to extract contaminants below the water surface.
US08628655B2 Hydrocracking process and process for producing hydrocarbon oil
A hydrocracking process that includes a wax fraction hydrocracking step of hydrocracking the wax fraction contained within a Fischer-Tropsch synthetic oil to obtain a hydrocracked product, a gas-liquid separation step of using a multi-stage gas-liquid separator to separate the hydrocracked product into a gas component, a heavy oil component and a light oil component, a specific component content estimation step of determining the flow rate ratio between the heavy oil component and the light oil component, and using this flow rate ratio to determine an estimated value for the content of a specific hydrocarbon component contained within the hydrocracked product, and a control step of controlling the operation of the wax fraction hydrocracking step on the basis of this estimated value, so that the content of the specific hydrocarbon component falls within a predetermined range.
US08628650B2 Method and apparatus for measuring isoelectric point using field effect transistor
Provided are a method and apparatus for measuring an isoelectric point using a field effect transistor. The method includes providing a field effect transistor including a substrate, source and drain electrodes disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from each other, and a channel region between the source and drain electrodes, providing a first electrolyte solution having a first concentration to the channel region of the field effect transistor and measuring a first current value of the channel region between the source and drain electrodes, providing a second electrolyte solution having a second concentration greater than the first concentration and measuring a second current value of the channel region between the source and drain electrodes, and determining the isoelectric point of the field effect transistor or a material disposed on the field effect transistor using a difference between the first and second current values.
US08628649B2 Nanopore and carbon nanotube based DNA sequencer and a serial recognition sequencer
The present invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for identifying biopolymers, such as strands of DNA, as they pass through a constriction such as a carbon nanotube nanopore. More particularly, the invention is directed to such systems, devices and methods in which a newly translocated portion of the biopolymer forms a temporary electrical circuit between the nanotube nanopore and a second electrode, which may also be a nanotube. Further, the invention is directed to such systems, devices and methods in which the constriction is provided with a functionalized unit which, together with a newly translocated portion of the biopolymer, forms a temporary electrical circuit that can be used to characterize that portion of the biopolymer.
US08628648B2 Apparatus and method for manipulating micro component
In one embodiment, a system for manipulation of a micro component includes a gripper subsystem for lifting, holding, and releasing a micro component. The gripper subsystem includes a base substrate having a work side and an opposing side, a positive electrode secured to the work side of the base substrate, a negative electrode suitably spaced from the positive electrode and secured to the work side of the base substrate, a dielectric layer formed over the work side of the base substrate and the positive and negative electrodes, and a hydrophobic layer comprising a hydrophobic material with predictable electrowetting behavior formed over the dielectric layer such that the dielectric layer is between the work side of the base substrate and the hydrophobic layer. A method for manipulation of a micro component is also provided as well as a method of manufacturing the system for manipulation of a micro component.
US08628646B2 Grooved anode for electrolysis cell
The subject of the invention is an anode block (13, 13a-13e) made of carbon for a pre-baked anode (4) for use in a metal electrolysis cell (1) comprising a higher face (24), a lower face (23), designed to be laid out opposite a higher face of a cathode (9), and four side faces (21,22,34), and including at least one first groove (31a-31e) leading onto at least one of the side faces, in which the first groove has a maximum length Lmax in a plane parallel to the lower face, and characterized in that the first groove does not lead onto said lower or higher faces, or leads onto said lower or higher faces over a length L0 less than half the maximum length Lmax.
US08628642B2 Processing plant for performing membrane-based hybrid process for separation of mixtures of organics, solids, and water
A system and process that are a hybrid of distillation and membrane separations offers a highly efficient means of separating a fluid feed mixture into organic, solid, and aqueous components. The distillation section is followed by two membrane separation sections operated in parallel, with the distillation section separating the feed mixture into an organics-rich fraction and an organics-depleted and solids-rich fraction. One membrane section operates on the organics-rich fraction and separates it into a more organics-rich sub-fraction and a water-rich, organics-depleted sub-fraction, while the other membrane section operates on the organics-depleted, solids-rich fraction from the distillation section and separates it into a solids-rich sub-fraction and a solids-depleted, water-rich sub-fraction.
US08628640B2 Plasma processing unit and high-frequency electric power supplying unit
A plasma processing unit of the present invention includes a processing container whose inner pressure can be reduced, a first electrode arranged in the processing container, a process gas supplying unit that supplies a process gas into the processing container, a high-frequency electric power source that outputs high-frequency electric power having a frequency in a VHF band, a matching unit electrically connected to the high-frequency electric power source and the first electrode for impedance matching, and a transmission line that transmits the high-frequency electric power from the high-frequency electric power source to the matching unit. A substrate to be processed is adapted to be arranged in the processing container. The high-frequency electric power transmitted to the first electrode is adapted to generate plasma in such a manner that the substrate to be processed can undergo a plasma process by means of the plasma. The transmission line has a length shorter than a length wherein a resonance state of a third harmonic wave of the high-frequency electric power may be generated.
US08628638B2 Laminate
A laminate prepared by pretreating at least one side of a substrate of a plastic film by plasma treatment and then directly laminating a thermoplastic resin on a surface treated by pretreatment.
US08628636B2 Method of manufacturing a package substrate
A method of manufacturing a package substrate. A carrier member is formed on an insulation protection layer on either of two surfaces of a core layer. The package substrate has the carrier member combined with one side thereof, and is prevented from being damaged during transportation or packaging due to reduced thickness.
US08628629B2 Method and apparatus for cleaning elongated tubes
Methods, apparatus and other embodiments associated with cleaning elongated tubes are presented. An apparatus includes a rail, a lance a cart and a door. The rail has a left side and a right side. The lance sprays material into elongated tubes. The first cart supports the lance the cart can move in the rail in a forward direction and in a reverse direction. The first door is movably attached to the rail and moves to an open position when the cart moves in the forward direction and moves to a closed position when the cart moves in the reverse direction.
US08628628B1 Auto-clean heat exchanger deep cleaning station
This free-standing unit allows heat exchangers to be deep cleaned either in place or off line. Cleaning is performed by circulating cleaning solution at high velocity from an on-board reservoir through the heat exchanger and automatically reversing the direction of flow through the heat exchanger back and forth at a user selectable rate. Regardless of the direction of flow through the heat exchanger, the cleaning fluid is always routed back to the reservoir through a filter assembly to remove any debris flushed from the heat exchanger.
US08628624B2 Laser cleaning of components
A method and system for removing substances from a surface, in which the surface is irradiated by high-energy laser radiation, characterized in that the laser parameters are chosen to selectively remove one or more predetermined substances from the surface without removing other substances from the surface.
US08628623B2 Method and process for dry discharge in a pressurized pretreatment reactor
A reactor for the treatment of lignocellulosic material and related methods. The reactor includes a vessel having an upper portion and a lower portion. A pressure envelope is formed between an outer wall of the vessel and at least one lower wall of the lower portion of the vessel, and the upper portion of the vessel and the pressure envelope are operatively connected with a pressurization line, such that a pressure of the pressure envelope and a pressure of the upper portion may be equalized.
US08628622B2 Gas driven rotation apparatus and method for forming crystalline layers
A gas driven apparatus and method that can be useful for growing crystalline materials are provided. The gas driven rotation apparatus can include one or more rotatable substrate support members, each of which can be configured to support at least one substrate having a growth surface oriented in a downwardly facing position. The gas driven rotation apparatus can further include one or more drive gas channels adapted to direct the flow of a drive gas to rotate the substrate support member. One or more substrates can be positioned in the apparatus so that the growth surface of each substrate is downwardly oriented. A drive gas can flow through the drive gas channel to rotate the substrate. During rotation, reactant gases can be introduced to contact the downwardly facing growth surface, and epitaxial layers of a crystalline material can thereby be grown in a downward direction.
US08628618B2 Precursor vapor generation and delivery system with filters and filter monitoring system
A vapor delivery system for supplying vapor to a chamber in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system includes a vapor supply that supplies vapor by vaporizing at least one liquid precursor in a carrier gas. A first path includes a first filter that filters the vapor flowing from the vapor supply to the chamber. At least one second path is parallel to the first path and includes a second filter that filters vapor flowing from the vapor supply to the chamber. A plurality of valves are configured to switch delivery of the vapor to the chamber between the first path and the second path.
US08628616B2 Vapor-phase process apparatus, vapor-phase process method, and substrate
A vapor-phase process apparatus and a vapor-phase process method capable of satisfactorily maintaining quality of processes even when different types of processes are performed are obtained. A vapor-phase process apparatus includes a process chamber, gas supply ports serving as a plurality of gas introduction portions, and a gas supply portion (a gas supply member, a pipe, a flow rate control device, a pipe, and a buffer chamber). The process chamber allows flow of a reaction gas therein. The plurality of gas supply ports are formed in a wall surface (upper wall) of the process chamber along a direction of flow of the reaction gas. The gas supply portion can supply a gas into the process chamber at a different flow rate from each of one gas supply port and another gas supply port different from that one gas supply port among the plurality of gas supply ports.
US08628611B2 Rheology modifier for ceramic glazes
The present invention relates to a rheology modifier for ceramic glazes comprising a water-swellable granulated clay, a carboxymethyl cellulose and possibly another natural gum. In another aspect the invention relates to the ceramic glaze and the glaze slip obtained using the above rheology modifier, which can be used for glazing green or fired ceramic bodies such as artware, tableware, tile, heavy clays products and sanitaryware.
US08628605B2 Filter bag having an adjustable band
A filter assembly system including, a filter bag having an opening, a seal coupled to the filter bag adjacent the opening, wherein the seal comprises a gasket band and a perforated metal band, and the perforated metal band is configured to bias the gasket band in a radial direction into a sealed position upon expansion or contraction of the perforated metal band.
US08628602B2 Air processing device with two air dryer cartridges
An air processing device for a utility vehicle includes a compressor and two air dryer cartridges. The air dryer cartridges are located in two parallel paths. A control unit controls a regeneration of one of said air dryer cartridges independent from a load phase of the other of said air dryer cartridges.
US08628598B1 Method and system for agricultural fertigation
An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous in situ manufacture of one or more fertilizers within the irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. Co-reactant raw materials, namely sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, potassium hydroxide, urea, ammonium hydroxide, ammonia, calcium nitrate and/or magnesium nitrate, are intermixed with each other and with the stream of the flowing irrigation water. The stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution and reaction exotherms. A system wherein raw materials are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm reactor efficiently implements the method.
US08628597B2 Method of sorting abrasive particles, abrasive particle distributions, and abrasive articles including the same
A method of making an abrasive particle distribution includes: sorting an initial lot of abrasive particles into a plurality of sublots including first and second sublots of the abrasive particles according to their average particle diameter and aspect ratio, and combining the first and second sublots. The initial lot conforms to an abrasives industry specified nominal grade. The first sublot has an average particle diameter and aspect ratio less than the second sublot. A sum of the first sublot and the second sublot contains fewer abrasive particles than the initial lot. The resultant abrasive particle distribution and abrasive articles including the same are also disclosed.
US08628588B2 Coloring composition, ink for inkjet recording and inkjet recording method
There is provided a coloring composition containing: a compound represented by Formula (1) or Formula (4): and a copper compound that is soluble in water: Formula (1) DSO3M)4 or Formula (4) (L)m-(D′)n wherein D, M, L, D′, m and n are defined in the claims and in the specification.
US08628586B2 Composition comprising an oxidation dye precursor, a polycondensate of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide and a cationic polymer with a charge density of greater than or equal to 4 meq./g
The present invention relates to a dye composition comprising at least one oxidation dye precursor, at least one poly-condensate of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide having the following structure: H—(O—CH2—CH2)a—(O—CH(CH3)—CH2)b—(O—CH2—CH2)a—OH, in which a and a′ range from 2 to 150 and b ranges from 1 to 100; and at least one cationic polymer with a charge density of greater than or equal to 4 meq./g. The invention also relates to a dyeing process using this composition after mixing with a composition comprising an oxidizing agent. Another subject of the invention is devices comprising at least two compartments, the first compartment comprising the above composition and the second compartment comprising a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent.
US08628585B2 Lower limb prosthesis
In a lower limb prosthesis an ankle unit has a combination of an hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly providing a continuously damped range of ankle flexion and a resilient telescopic shock absorber. The damping resistance of the piston and cylinder assembly is the predominant resistance to ankle flexion and is provided by a piston which is axially moveable in a cylinder centered on the shin axis. The wall of the cylinder has a cylindrical outer bearing surface for a sleeve which is translationally displaceable relative to the piston and cylinder assembly according to the axial load, the sleeve being resiliently mounted by a compression spring which extends axially within the sleeve and has an integral end portion forming an upper bulkhead of the cylinder. The sleeve is also rotatable on the cylinder wall, the spring providing torsional resistance.
US08628583B2 Methods and apparatus for anchoring within the gastrointestinal tract
The present invention relates to an anchor configured for minimally-invasive implantation and sized to remain securely positioned within at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract of an animal. The anchor includes a radial spring formed from an elongated resilient member shaped into an annular wave pattern about a central axis. The anchor defines a central lumen and provides an outward radial force, while allowing for substantial flexure about its perimeter. The anchor is generally removable, but can include fasteners, such as barbs, to further secure it to the surrounding anatomy. In some embodiments, the anchor includes a connector coupling a fixed portion to a removable portion. Further, the anchor can be used to secure a medical device within the body, such as a flexible sleeve within the intestine.
US08628574B2 Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine
Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration. The spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation device for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.
US08628564B2 Methods and apparatus for luminal stenting
Described herein are flexible implantable occluding devices that can, for example, navigate the tortuous vessels of the neurovasculature. The occluding devices can also conform to the shape of the tortuous vessels of the vasculature. In some embodiments, the occluding devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. Some embodiments describe methods and apparatus for adjusting, along a length of the device, the porosity of the occluding device. In some embodiments, the occluding devices allows adequate blood flow to be provided to adjacent structures such that those structures, whether they are branch vessels or oxygen-demanding tissues, are not deprived of the necessary blood flow.
US08628561B2 Water-absorbent pad
It is an object of the present invention to provide a water-absorbent pad that is made of impermeable cloth or sheet, that is capable of absorbing water when needed and that effectively cools and heats a human face, neck, head and the like. A cooling/heating water-absorbent pad, wherein a water-absorbent sheet made of a material containing water-absorbent polymer is inserted in a planate bag made of impermeable cloth having a closed periphery; the impermeable cloth and the water-absorbent sheet are stitched together such that the impermeable cloth and the water-absorbent sheet are divided into a plurality of areas in a planar view; and water is absorbed into the water-absorbent sheet through a channel formed at the stitched portion. In this moment, water is absorbed into the water-absorbent sheet only via holes made by the stitching and by a capillary action of a thread piercing through the water-absorbent sheet. The water-absorbent sheet is preferably made of non-woven cloth containing water-absorbent polymer. The impermeable cloth may have a water-repellent surface.
US08628560B2 Orthopaedic instrumentation with integral load-bearing members
An orthopaedic instrument includes a metallic load-bearing member and a non-metallic support structure formed integrally with the load-bearing member such that the load-bearing member is permanently attached to the non-metallic support structure. The non-metallic support structure enables the orthopaedic instrument to be lighter than an all-metal instrument while the metallic load bearing member provides wearability comparable to an all-metal instrument.
US08628554B2 Intragastric device for treating obesity
The present invention is directed toward an intragastric device used to treat obesity that includes a wire mesh structure capable of changing from a compressed pre-deployment shape to an expanded post-deployment shape with a greatly increased volume. The post-deployment shape contains a light weight at the top and a heavier weight at the bottom to ensure proper positioning within the stomach. In the post-deployment shape, the device contains larger spaces in the upper portion and smaller spaces in the lower portion to sequester food and delay gastric emptying. Alternatively, the device can be enveloped by a membrane containing larger holes at the top and smaller holes at the bottom to sequester food and delay gastric emptying. The device has a dynamic weight where the weight of the device in the pre-feeding stage is less than the weight of the device in feeding or post-feeding stage.
US08628549B2 Atherectomy devices, systems, and methods
The devices and methods generally relate to treatment of occluded body lumens. In particular, the present devices and methods relate to removal of the occluding material from the blood vessels as well as other body lumens. In some variations, the methods comprise providing a vascular device comprising a catheter body, a cutter assembly, a drive mechanism, a torque shaft, and a deflecting mechanism. The methods may further comprise operating the drive mechanism to cut occlusive material, operating the deflecting mechanism to deflect the cutter assembly, and rotating the distal end of the catheter body to sweep the cutter assembly.
US08628548B2 Delivery system for magnetic anastomosis device
A magnet delivery system for forming an anastomosis that comprises a wire guide; a catheter having a delivery portion for advancement into a jejunal space, the delivery portion having a lumen extending at least partially therethrough, a first port and a second port through which the wire guide is disposed; a magnet comprising a lumen therethrough wherein the magnet is removably secured to the delivery portion of the catheter between the first and second ports by disposing the wire guide through the lumen of the magnet, the first port, and the second port.
US08628547B2 Devices and methods for placement of partitions within a hollow body organ
Devices and methods for tissue acquisition and fixation, or gastroplasty, are described. Generally, the devices of the system may be advanced in a minimally invasive manner within a patient's body, e.g., transorally, endoscopically, percutaneously, etc., to create one or several divisions or plications within the hollow body organ. Such divisions or plications can form restrictive barriers within a organ, or can be placed to form a pouch, or gastric lumen, smaller than the remaining stomach volume to essentially act as the active stomach such as the pouch resulting from a surgical Roux-En-Y gastric bypass procedure. Moreover, the system is configured such that once acquisition of the tissue by the gastroplasty device is accomplished, any manipulation of the acquired tissue is unnecessary as the device is able to automatically configure the acquired tissue into a desired configuration.
US08628545B2 Endoscopic stitching devices
The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for endoscopic suturing or stitching through an access tube or the like. An endoscopic stitching device is provided and includes a handle assembly; an elongate shaft supported by and extending from the handle assembly; and an end effector supported on a distal end of the elongate shaft. The end effector includes a neck assembly configured and adapted for articulation in one direction between a substantially linear configuration and an off-axis configuration, and a pair of juxtaposed jaws pivotally associated with one another. Each jaw defines a suture needle receiving recess formed in a tissue contacting surface thereof.
US08628542B2 Median lobe destruction apparatus and method
A system and associated method for altering or destroying tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders. In one aspect, the system includes a device configured to deploy devices for altering the lobes of a prostate.
US08628538B2 Device for positioning and adjusting a viewing axis
Method for positioning a viewing axis in relation to a distal fixation hole (2) for an intramedullary nail (1). A rigid support (3) is fixed to the proximal end of the nail (1). An adjustable viewing device (9) is mounted on the rigid support (3). A coarse adjustment is done of the length of the rigid support according to the length of the nail (1). A coarse adjustment is done in order to move the viewing device (9) closer to the nail, taking account of the patient's build. A precise adjustment is done of the position of the viewing device in relation to the nail, involving the translational and/or rotational movement of the viewing device in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the viewing device (Z).
US08628537B2 Adjustable tool for cannulated fasteners
A tool is disclosed for use in forming holes in bone and for driving a cannulated fastener into the formed hole. The tool may having a cutting tip for drilling a hole into bone, and may have a shaft and sleeve for accepting the cannulated fastener and for driving it into the drilled hole. The tool may be adjustable to allow fasteners of different lengths to be accepted, while ensuring that a portion of the cutting tip protrudes beyond the end of the fastener. A multiple-screw tool is also disclosed that allows more than one cannulated fastener at a time to be stacked on the tool, thus speeding the installation process.
US08628535B2 Bone fixation rod and implantation device for insertion thereof
The present invention provides for a bone fixation device, an implantation instrument, and system which are useful in bone fixation surgeries. The bone fixation device of the instant invention allows the surgeon the ability to navigate the rod while being inserted into a pedicle screw assembly through a non-linear pathway by incrementally changing the direction of travel as desired.
US08628523B2 Energy delivery conduits for use with electrosurgical devices
A conduit assembly for transmitting energy between an electrosurgical energy generator and an energy delivering device comprises a first cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; a second cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; wherein the flexibility of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the flexibility of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly; and wherein the energy attenuation of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the energy attenuation of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly.
US08628521B2 Device for cauterising tissue and uses thereof
A device for cauterising tissue is arranged to be mounted to a biopsy and/or sampling instrument and includes a conductive cauterising portion and means for heating the cauterising portion. The device may be mounted either permanently or releasably removable from the biopsy and/or sampling instrument.
US08628518B2 Wireless force sensor on a distal portion of a surgical instrument and method
A surgical instrument includes a distal portion. A force sensor is operatively mounted on the distal portion. The force sensor includes a wireless package, which wirelessly provides (1) identification information of the surgical instrument and (2) strain data related to the distal portion. A surgical end effector includes a jaw and the distal portion is on a non-contact portion of the jaw. The wireless package includes a surface acoustic wave strain sensor with identification information. The wireless package also includes a small folded antenna electrically coupled to the surface acoustic wave strain sensor with identification information. The identification information includes an identification of a type of surgical instrument and unique identification of the specific surgical instrument in the type of surgical instrument.
US08628512B2 Emergency preservation and resuscitation methods
Provided are methods for inducing preservation in a patient and resuscitating that patient. At least three hours of preservation, with successful resuscitation, are realized using the methods described herein. The methods involve flushing a patient with an oxygenated, cold-flush solution, such as normal saline, having an energy source. The patient may be cooled to deep or profound hypothermia to induce preservation. The patient may be resuscitated by warming to from about 33° C. to about 36° C., and then may be slowly warmed over a 24 to 72 hour period to normothermia. Kits for inducing preservation also are provided.
US08628511B2 System for anchoring medical devices
Some embodiments of a method of anchoring a catheter include an anchor device that receives the catheter (or other medical instrument) and secures the catheter in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some embodiments, the anchor device can secure the catheter in an operative position relative to the skin penetration point without use of sutures or skin tapes.
US08628510B2 Monitoring the operating health of a force sensor in a fluid infusion device
A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, a force sensor, and an electronics module. The drive motor assembly regulates delivery of fluid by actuating a piston of a fluid reservoir, and the force sensor generates output levels in response to force imparted thereto during, for example, fluid delivery operations. The electronics module processes the output levels of the force sensor to assess the operating health of the force sensor, to check for occlusions in the fluid delivery path, and to monitor the seating status of the fluid reservoir.
US08628509B2 Enteral connectors and systems
An enteral connector assembly and system (700) communicates fluid between a bag B′ or a bottle B″ and an enteral feeding set. The system (700) includes an end cap (705) that communicates enteral fluid across a barrier (715) having a specially configured barrier keyway (720) formed with a barrier port (725). The barrier (715) establishes an interstice (165) that when combined with the spike barrier (715) prevents introduction of and fluid communication with legal intravenous spikes (LS) and other incompatible connectors, while enabling connection to and fluid communication with compatible components such as an interconnect (740) having multiple tines (745) that include specially shaped tips (750) that extend across the interstice (165) to pierce a seal, septum, and/or sealing membrane and form a fluid pathway.
US08628507B1 Disposable nursing pad
A disposable nursing pad is provided. The nursing pad of the present disclosure is thin, flexible, absorbent, breathable, hypoallergenic, and environmentally friendly. The pad of the present disclosure is composed of multiple layers—a cotton inner layer worn against the skin of the user, an absorbent middle layer, and a waterproof and breathable outer layer. The pad comprises a variety of embossed channels—one in the center of the pad, one along the perimeter of the pad, and radial channels extending from the perimeter channel towards the center channel.
US08628505B2 Reduced pressure treatment system
A wound treatment apparatus is provided for treating tissue damage, which comprises a fluid impermeable wound cover sealed over a site for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the site. The apparatus also can include a cover with protrusions on its surface for purposes of monitoring pressure at the site. One or more sensors can be positioned under the cover to provide feedback to a suction pump controller. The apparatus can have a miniature and portable vacuum source connected to the wound cover.
US08628500B2 Protector apparatus
An apparatus and a method for use with a device for delivery of a therapeutic fluid into a body of a patient and/or for sensing of a bodily analyte are disclosed. The apparatus is adapted for accommodating at least one subcutaneously insertable element and at least one penetrating member for penetrating the skin of the patient. The apparatus includes a protective member having an elongate body from which the subcutaneously insertable element and the penetrating member can be protracted to penetrate the skin of the patient and into which the penetrating member can be retracted subsequent to the penetrating, thereby retaining the subcutaneously insertable element in the body of the patient.
US08628498B2 Insertion device for an insertion set and method of using the same
An insertion device and insertion set. The insertion device for inserting at least a portion of at least one piercing member of an insertion set through the skin of a patient includes a device housing, a carrier body and a driver. The carrier body is slidably received within the device housing for movement between an advanced position and a retracted position. The carrier body also includes a receiving structure to support the insertion set in a position with the at least one piercing member oriented for insertion through the skin of the patient at a predetermined angle relative to the skin of the patient upon movement of the carrier body from the retracted position to the advanced position. The driver is operatively coupled between the device housing and the carrier body to urge the carrier body with a controlled force and speed from the retracted position toward the advanced position to place at least a portion of the at least one piercing member of the insertion set thorough the skin of the patient to install the insertion set to the patient. The receiving structure of the carrier body is removable from the insertion set while maintaining the installation of the insertion set to the patient.
US08628496B2 Low profile introducer apparatus
An introducer apparatus includes an outer sleeve and an inner cannula received within the lumen of the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a profile such that at least a portion of the distal end of the outer sleeve tapers in the distal direction at an angle not exceeding about 2° relative to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The distal open end of the outer sleeve has a wall thickness not exceeding about 0.003 inch. The inner cannula includes a tapered distal end portion. The tapered distal portion of the inner cannula extends distal to the distal open end of the outer sleeve, such that a generally smooth diametrical transition is provided between the outer sleeve tapered portion and the open distal end of the inner cannula.
US08628495B2 Power injector syringe assembly
A power injector syringe assembly (110) is disclosed. The power injector syringe assembly (110) includes a power injector syringe (112) and coupling (130) that are permanently joined. The coupling (130) includes a wedge-shaped mounting flange (144) to facilitate installation of the assembly (110) on a syringe mount (200) of a power injector. The coupling (130) also includes at least one coupling member (150) to facilitate removal of the assembly (110) from the syringe mount (200).
US08628494B2 Devices, systems, and methods for delivering fluid to tissue
A needleless fluid injection device including a flexible shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, an injection lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the shaft, and at least one injection orifice extending through a wall of the injection lumen at the distal end of the shaft. The injection lumen can include a depth-limiting system (462) at its distal end for controlling the depth of insertion of the injection lumen relative to a target tissue of a patient. The injection lumen can alternatively or additionally include at least one guidance feature. The injection lumen can alternatively or additionally include at least one flow-modifying protrusion extending from the inner tubular wall of the injection lumen and toward a longitudinal axis of the injection lumen.
US08628493B2 Flexible spirally-rolled polymer tube for monitoring and treatment of brain injuries
A flexible spirally-rolled polymer microtube for in vivo monitoring and treatment of brain injuries; the tube integrally comprising one or more microsensors and one or more microchannels, wherein the microsensors monitor one or more parameters and the microchannels are capable of delivering substances to the brain, removing substances from the brain, or both.
US08628491B2 Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt device
An apparatus method for establishing a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt between the portal vein from a hepatic vein. The apparatus comprises an elongated hollow outer guide; an outer handle having an inner lumen and a first luer lock, the outer handle attached at a proximal end of the outer guide, the outer guide in flow communication with the inner lumen and the first luer lock; an elongated hollow inner needle; and a hub having a second luer lock, the hub attached at a proximal end of the inner needle, the inner needle in flow communication with the second luer lock. The inner needle is slidingly received into the outer guide through the inner lumen. The inner needle rotates within the outer guide by manipulation of the hub; and a distal tip of the inner needle is deployed out of and beyond a distal tip of the outer guide.
US08628478B2 Microphone for remote health sensing
A health sensing device is described for placement on a user. The device may include a sensor, a filter, and a transmitter. The sensor is configured to sense one or more factors relating to an indicator of a health related condition or occurrence. The filter is configured to evaluate a signal from the sensor and determine if the indicator has been detected. The transmitter is arranged for initiating a transmission based on a signal from the filter. The sensor can include one or more microphone devices, accelerometers, and/or MEMs devices. A method of monitoring a user for a health related condition is also described.
US08628477B2 Systems and methods for non-invasive determination of blood pressure
Methods and systems for determining blood pressure from a pressure signal are disclosed. A patient's blood pressure may be determined by analyzing features of a wavelet transformation of a pressure signal obtained during an occlusion procedure. Ridges in a scalogram of the transformed signal may be identified and used to determine an envelope of a pressure oscillation signal, to which oscillometric blood pressure determination techniques may be applied.
US08628476B2 Blood vessel state evaluating device, blood vessel state evaluating method, and computer-readable recording medium storing blood vessel state evaluating program
A phase line tilt calculating unit (actual measurement) receives phase characteristics Pa(f) and Pb(f) outputted from frequency conversion units, and calculates phase difference characteristics of actual measurement based on a phase difference on each frequency component between the phase characteristics. A phase line tilt calculating unit (model) calculates phase difference characteristics between a transfer function Ga(f) and a transfer function Gb(f) calculated by a transfer function calculating unit, and outputs the calculated phase difference characteristics to a search unit. The search unit fits a variable k and determines a variable kopt (optimum solution) in which a tilt g(k) and a tilt gexp substantially match each other. The variable kopt is an index indicating a degree of arterial sclerosis of a subject.
US08628469B2 Surgical access system and related methods
A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.
US08628456B2 Process for making absorbent component
A process for making an absorbent component comprises the steps of providing individual sheets of fibrous material, conveying the individual sheets of fibrous material to a cutting edge of a cutting mechanism, feeding the individual sheets of fibrous material through an oscillating clamping gap formed between a clamping mechanism and the cutting mechanism, grinding the individual sheets of fibrous material to form fibrous shreds, and laying the fibrous shreds on a forming belt to form the absorbent component.
US08628455B2 Idler adjusting apparatus of exercise machine
An exercise machine includes a machine base, on which an axle, a small pulley on the axle, a big pulley, a belt running around the small pulley and the big pulley, at least an idler, and an idler adjusting apparatus are provided. The idler adjusting apparatus includes a lever, on which the idler is pivoted, a linkage connected to the lever, and an adjusting device connected to the linkage. The adjusting device having a bolt head sticking out of the machine base that user may work with the bolt head directly to adjust the idler, without having to disassemble any part of the exercise machine.
US08628453B2 Athletic performance monitoring systems and methods in a team sports environment
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for determining when an athlete is in possession of a ball by analyzing image data are provided. A camera is worn by an athlete and is turned on when the athlete is in proximity of a ball. The camera is used to generate an image of a ball. The size of the ball is determined and compared to a threshold. The athlete is considered to be in possession of the ball when the size of the image exceeds the threshold.
US08628452B2 Method and device for controlling an output torque of an automated transmission coupled to an internal combustion engine
A method is provided for controlling an output torque of an automated transmission coupled to an internal combustion engine and having a transmission controller. The internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas turbocharger and an injection air device for injecting air into an intake line. The method receives a torque requirement by the transmission controller, generates an injection air signal by the transmission controller based on the torque requirement and current operating parameters of the internal combustion engine and the automated transmission, and controls the output torque by activating the injection air device based on the injection air signal for injecting air into the intake line of the internal combustion engine for a duration to be determined. A corresponding device is provided for carrying out the method.
US08628451B2 Method and apparatus for executing a shift in a powertrain system
A method for activating an oncoming clutch in a transmission includes monitoring rotational speeds of clutch elements of the oncoming clutch wherein the clutch elements are coupled to first and second rotationally independent torque actuators. A control speed profile for the first rotationally independent torque actuator is commanded. A speed profile of the oncoming clutch approaching zero speed is generated as is a control speed profile for the second rotationally independent torque actuator corresponding to a speed of the first rotationally independent torque actuator, the speed profile of the oncoming clutch, and an output speed of the transmission. A speed of the second rotationally independent torque actuator is controlled using the control speed profile for the second rotationally independent torque actuator. A speed of the oncoming clutch is monitored and the oncoming clutch is activated when the speed of the oncoming clutch is zero.
US08628450B2 Vehicular power transmission control apparatus
When it is determined that a driver requests a deceleration of a vehicle (t1), a motor torque is kept to be zero. A value in the deceleration direction (deceleration torque stabilized value A) at which an engine torque is stabilized after it changes from a value in the acceleration direction to the value in the deceleration direction is predicted. Before the engine torque reaches the deceleration torque stabilized value A, the clutch torque is adjusted to be the deceleration torque stabilized value A. When the engine torque reaches the deceleration torque stabilized value A (t3), the clutch torque is gradually decreased from the deceleration torque stabilized value A, and a regeneration torque is gradually increased from zero. A decreasing slope of a vehicle torque is kept constant over a period (t1 to t3) when the vehicle torque decreases. Therefore, the vehicle can smoothly be decelerated during the deceleration of the vehicle. Thus, during the deceleration of a hybrid vehicle with clutch, the clutch torque and the regeneration torque are appropriately adjusted, whereby the vehicle can smoothly be decelerated.
US08628449B1 Low mass planetary carrier and clutch housing
A low mass, two piece planetary gear carrier having an integrated clutch housing comprises a first carrier flange and clutch housing and a second carrier flange which are secured together by a plurality of threaded fasteners extending through hollow dowels. A plurality of planet gears receive needle bearing assemblies which are, in turn, supported on pins or stub shafts. The stub shafts are retained in the carrier by transverse retaining pins received in the second carrier flange and extending into the shafts. Unitized washers are disposed between both faces of the planet gears and the flanges. The method of assembly is also a feature of the present invention.
US08628447B2 Shifting device and gear unit
The present invention relates to a shifting device for a transmission unit of a vehicle, in particular a vehicle that is driven by muscle force. The transmission unit has a first shaft, which is formed as a hollow shaft, on which a plurality of free gears is mounted. The free gears are in engagement with a corresponding plurality of gearwheels, which are mounted on a second shaft, wherein the free gears are connectable to the first shaft by means of selecting devices. The selecting devices can be actuated by means of a camshaft arranged coaxially in the first shaft, wherein the camshaft is connected to a driving device in order to be rotated relative to the first shaft to actuate the selecting means.
US08628442B2 Automatic transmission gear and clutch arrangement
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. Further, a hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members.
US08628440B2 Inverted tooth chain and sprocket drive system with reduced meshing impact
An inverted tooth chain drive system defines a meshing contact angle Tau (τ) between the tangent line TL and an initial contact reference line that passes through a controlling pin center and the initial contact location. A link plate entrance angle Beta (β) is defined between the initial contact reference line and an inside flank reference line that passes through an arc center of the inside flank radius and the initial contact location. A meshing impact angle Sigma (σ) is defined between the tangent line and the inside flank reference line such that σ=τ+β, wherein β≦9° and σ≦34°. The pressure angle of the sprocket tooth can be adjusted and the chain optimized such that β≦7° and σ≦31°. The system thus provides a reduction of the link impact force FL and the resultant impact energy E. The inverted tooth chain, itself, defines a pitch P and an inside flank projection Lamda (λ) such that 0.007×P≦λ≦0.017×P when said chain is pulled straight. The outside flanks include a chamfer to ensure that initial contact between the chain and sprocket is always on the leading inside flanks of the chain.
US08628436B2 Lacrosse stick accessory
A lacrosse stick screwdriver assembly contained within a removable lacrosse stick butt end. The assembly comprises a drive head and a cavity to removably hold a screw all of which is adapted for containment within the butt end of the stick. When the lacrosse head is removed from the lacrosse stick, the screw holding them together is unscrewed and can be stored within the cavity of the assembly. The screw and screwdriver are thus stored with the lacrosse stick and are always available whenever needed, even on the playing field.
US08628434B2 Golf club face with cover having roughness pattern
The present disclosure pertains to composite articles, and in particular a composite face plate for a golf club-head, and methods for making the same. In certain embodiments, a composite face plate for a club-head is formed with a cross-sectional profile having a varying thickness. The face plate comprises a lay-up of multiple, composite prepreg plies. At least a portion of the plies comprise a plurality of elongated prepreg strips arranged in a predetermined criss-cross pattern in the lay-up. The prepreg strips create one or more areas of increased thickness where the strips overlap each other, thereby creating a desired profile for the plate. Metallic or polymer covers or cover layers can be used to define a striking surface.
US08628431B2 Golf club heads with protrusion weights and related methods
A golf club head can comprise a head body and a protrusion weight coupled thereto. The protrusion weight can protrude from at least the heel portion of the head body. The head center of gravity of the golf club head can be defined by both a mass of the head body and a mass of the protrusion weight. The body center of gravity of the head body can be defined by the mass of the head body independent of the mass of the protrusion weight. A weight center of gravity of the protrusion weight can be defined by the mass of the protrusion weight independent of the mass of the head body, and can be external to a body volume of the head body. The protrusion weight can be at least partially visible from an exterior of the club head. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
US08628428B2 Method and a system for managing at least one event in a bowling establishment
Described is a system for managing at least one event in a bowling establishment or similar facility (10). The bowling establishment includes at least one lane (12) along which a bowl (13) is rolled and an apparatus (16) for setting up the pins (P) and returning the bowl (13). The system further includes elements for generating a signal relating to an event, the event advantageously producing a condition calling for service to be carried out on the pin setting up apparatus.
US08628427B2 Variable contour floor system
A somewhat flexible floor assembly is supported by a matrix of spaced-apart vertically-adjustable devices, such as electrically-operated jacks operated by servo motors. The devices are centrally individually controlled whereby height of the devices may be individually varied so that the floor surface may have its contour varied as desired. Somewhat flexible metal rods are supported by the jacks, and they in turn support joist assemblies which support a subfloor and flooring surface. The vertically-adjustable devices may be controlled by a computer, which may access data corresponding to a number of selectable pre-configured contours, such that selection of one of the pre-configured contours causes the height of the devices to vary so as to move the floor surface to a configuration corresponding to the selected pre-configured contour. The pre-configured contour may be, for example, a simulation of a real-life golf green.
US08628425B2 Torque fluctuation absorber
A torque fluctuation absorber includes a damper portion absorbing a torque fluctuation between the output shaft and the input shaft with an elasticity thereof, and a limiter portion arranged on the power transmission path from the damper portion to the input shaft, configured to slip when the torque fluctuation by a torsion between the output shaft and the input shaft equals or exceeds a predetermined torque defined to absorb at the damper portion. The damper portion includes a center plate transmitting a rotational power to the limiter portion, side plates receiving the input of the rotational power from the output shaft, an elastic member absorbing the torque fluctuation caused by the torsion between the center plate and the side plates. The side plates directly or indirectly connect to a flywheel that connects to the output shaft at a circumferential portion outward in a radial direction relative to the damper portion.
US08628423B2 Systems and methods for generating video hints for segments within an interactive video gaming environment
Systems and methods for generating hints for a player with an interactive video gaming environment are provided. A plurality of videos from users is received at a remote server. Each of the plurality of videos includes a hint that corresponds to a different one of a plurality of segments within the interactive video gaming environment. An action relating to game play in the interactive video gaming environment is received at the remote server from player equipment. A determination is made as to whether the action is associated with one of the plurality of segments. In response to determining the action is associated with one of the plurality of segments, one of the plurality of videos that includes the hint that corresponds to the one of the plurality of segments associated with the action is selected. The selected one of the plurality of videos is transmitted to the player equipment.
US08628421B2 Electronic gaming system and method for providing puzzle game using video feed
A games system, method and program. The system comprises: a user control device arranged to be operable by a user; a network interface for receiving data via a packet-based communication network; and a processing apparatus arranged to execute a game application and a communication client; wherein the communication client is programmed to establish video communication via the network interface and packet-based communication network, receive video data from a remote user and decode the video data to produce a live video image; wherein the game application is arranged to divide the live video image into segments, re-order the segments to produce a shuffled live video image and output the shuffled live video image for display on a display unit; and wherein the game application is further arranged to receive control information from the control device and cause a further-reordering of the segments responsive thereto during the video communication.
US08628418B2 Method and apparatus for operating a mobile gaming system
A method and apparatus for operating a mobile gaming system is disclosed. The mobile gaming system establishes areas where mobile gaming is prohibited based on authorized elevations. One embodiment of a mobile gaming device used in conjunction with the system comprises an elevation recognition element to identify the elevation at which the device is being used. The mobile gaming device further comprises a comparator programmed with or configured to receive elevations associated with areas of permitted gaming. The elevation identified by the elevation recognition element registers with the comparator and if a comparison determines that the mobile gaming device is at an elevation where gaming is prohibited, a disabling element operates to disable presentation of a wagering game on the mobile gaming device. In one embodiment, the elevation recognition element is an altimeter.
US08628415B2 Wagering game with 3D gaming environment using dynamic camera
A gaming system for playing a wagering game includes an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game, a display, and a controller. The controller is configured to display a three-dimensional view of at least a portion of a gaming environment and one or more movable visual elements disposed within the gaming environment. The controller is further configured to dynamically retain within the field of view a center point of a selected set of the movable visual elements.
US08628409B2 Search engine providing an option to win the item sought
A system and method of enhancing shopping search engines and games of chance by permitting the user to search for and locate the prize the user seeks to win or buy, and then playing a game of chance to win the specified item, or going to the web site to buy. The system calculates a dynamic probability of winning the item based on several factors. The system randomly generates a trial outcome of an event trial and an outcome indicator, with the probability of the event trial generating a winning trial outcome corresponding to the calculated probability of winning. The outcome indicator represents either a winning trial outcome or a losing trial outcome. In response to a winning trial outcome, the system purchases the item for the user from the independent third-party retail vendor at no cost to the user.
US08628408B2 Return-driven casino game outcome generator
The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. An RDOG gaming machine may include a game that includes a reward generating assets and a graphic shown on a display. The graphic is at least partially controlled by the player and configured to interact with the reward generating asset. A reward table is associated with the reward generating assets and is configured such that when the graphic successfully interacts therewith on the display, a random number is obtained and used as an index into the reward table to derive a reward multiplier. The reward due the player for successfully interacting with the reward generating asset may then be determined by a product of the reward multiplier and a collision wager that is dependent upon a time interval since a last successful interaction with the reward generating asset.
US08628406B1 Systems and methods for implementing keno-type wagering games and related promotions
A method for implementing a Keno-type wagering game may involve providing game tickets. Each game ticket may include a plurality of numbers. The method may also involve receiving completed game tickets from participating players. Each completed game ticket may include a player selection of a certain quantity of the plurality of numbers. The method may also involve holding a drawing in which multiple numbers are chosen. The method may also involve providing payouts to winning players based on how closely the players' number selections on the game tickets match the numbers chosen in the drawing. At least one number chosen in the drawing may be a bonus number that has greater value than other numbers chosen in the drawing.
US08628404B2 Method and apparatus for awarding wins for game play
A method of awarding wins for game play comprises determining winning outcomes from all possible outcomes of game play and assigning at least one of two different types of awards, such as either or both primary and secondary credit awards, to each winning outcome. Preferably, the winning combinations and associated awards are selected so that, when assigned to a secondary event, the outcome of the game may be represented as the outcomes of a secondary event. In one embodiment, the outcomes of a Class II game, such as bingo, are represented by outcomes Class III type event, such as the game of slots. In accordance with the invention, the representation of the game outcomes mimics the frequency of wins and the payouts associated for those wins in a true Class III game, including as dependent upon the size of a player's wager.
US08628394B2 Strategic slide mechanic for replacing tiles in word games
A word game with a sliding mechanic. A game board includes a play area including a plurality of tiles and at least two bench areas, each including a set of tiles. Each of the bench areas is arranged as a column or a row adjacent to the play area. Each tile in the plurality of tiles and the second plurality of tiles specifies a letter and a point value. At least one round of the word game is played. A round includes a turn for each player. A turn includes receiving an ordered selection of tiles within the play area that form a word, removing the tiles in the ordered selection of tiles from the play area, and receiving a selection of one of the at least two bench areas. Empty tiles within the play area are replaced by sliding tiles from the selected bench area onto the play area.
US08628393B1 3D puzzle generation, algorithms for generation, and physical instantiations
A system for generating a three-dimensional puzzle comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to generate a three dimensional mesh representation. The processor is further configured to convert polygons comprising the three-dimensional mesh representation to one or more puzzle piece representations. The processor is further configured to add attachment points and receiving points to the one or more puzzle piece representations. The processor is further configured to provide the one or more puzzle piece representations with attachment points and receiving points. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.
US08628392B1 Game of actual planning, task/time management, and information sharing
The invention is a method of game play to facilitate managing tasks by providing a virtual pet, providing a database storing tasks, determining a current state of said virtual pet, displaying a virtual pet, said displayed pet based on the current pet state, linking a task related action to a pet related activity associated with status of said virtual pet, and maintaining said virtual pet by performing task related actions to activate a pet related activity to change said status of said virtual pet. The invention provides a system to allow players to make, revise, review, share, and keep track of plans in an enjoyable way. The invention also provides a method to associate friends who share the same life contents. Players of the game can find friends through the system who have the most similar actual tasks.
US08628390B2 Support system for separator grates of a harvester
A support system for separator grates of a harvester includes a first member and a second member extending substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of a threshing rotor. The first member extends from a staging portion to a first support portion rearwardly positioned from the staging portion. The second member extends along a second support portion that corresponds to the first support portion. Separator grate segments may be selectably installed and removed from the first member and second member.
US08628388B2 Laboratory containment system
A laboratory bench-top fume hood comprises an enclosure containing a working chamber with a frontal opening for manual access and airflow into the chamber. A plenum behind the working chamber is connectable to an air extraction system. An apertured, curved baffle plate separates the working chamber from the plenum, and is convex from the plenum side, improving airflow and increasing usable volume of the working chamber. Slots in the baffle plate may be fitted with guide vanes extending into the plenum. A slot adjacent a roof of the working chamber is effective for creating evenly-distributed air flows. The roof may be curved to encourage an airflow to follow the roof profile to the baffle plate. Sidewalls of the working chamber may bow outwardly but converge towards the opening. The baffle plate may comprise a set of separately dismountable panels, to aid cleaning and provide access to the plenum.
US08628383B2 Coated abrasive products containing aggregates
A coated abrasive product includes a particulate material containing green, unfired abrasive aggregates having a generally spheroidal or toroidal shape, the aggregates formed from a composition comprising abrasive grit particles and a nanoparticle binder. Free abrasive products, bonded abrasive products, and the particulate material also contain aggregates.
US08628381B2 Drywall sponge sander
A sanding device for use with an abrasive sponge includes a base, at least one retaining mechanism, and at least one engaging mechanism. The base has opposite supporting and working surfaces, the working surface being shaped and sized for receiving the abrasive sponge. Each retaining mechanism is mountable onto the base, and is configured for removably securing a first portion of the abrasive sponge against the working surface of the base. Each engaging mechanism is mountable onto the base, and is configured for projecting out from the working surface so as to penetrate a second portion of the abrasive sponge when resting against the working surface of the base, each engaging mechanism being further configured so as to draw the second portion of the abrasive sponge away from the first portion. Each engaging mechanism is operable between a first configuration, where it is disengaged from the abrasive sponge thereby allowing the abrasive sponge to be removed from the working surface of the base, and a second configuration, where it is penetrated within the second portion of the abrasive sponge and has drawn the second portion away from the first portion so as to securely maintain the abrasive sponge against the working surface of the base.
US08628376B2 In-line wafer thickness sensing
A method of forming bare silicon substrates is described. A bare silicon substrate is measured, wherein measuring is performed by a non-contact capacitance measurement device to obtain a signal at a point on the substrate. The signal or a thickness indicated by the signal is communicated to a controller. An adjusted polishing parameter according to the signal or thickness indicated by the signal is determined. After determining an adjusted polishing parameter, the bare silicon substrate is polished on a polisher using the adjusted polishing parameter.
US08628374B2 Expandable toy building element
An expandable toy building element being interconnectable with one or more other toy building elements is disclosed having one or more coupling connectors adapted to interconnect the expandable toy building element with another toy building element. The expandable toy building element has a hollow first end component with an open, distal end so as to define a first internal cavity, a hollow second end component with an open, distal end so as to define a second internal cavity; and a translation element acting to expandably connect the first end component to the second end component. The expandable toy building element is expandable between a compact position and at least one expanded position.
US08628367B2 Method for measuring deviation of joint position of member and method for producing spark plug
In a method for measuring deviation of a ground electrode from an optimal igniting position, a metallic shell is engaged with a female thread jig. Then the axis O of the metallic shell, a predetermined first measuring point P1 and a predetermined second measuring point P2 on a front end face of the ground electrode are detected. Then, a circumferential angle β1 formed between a reference straight line “LS” connecting O to the optimal igniting position O1, and a first straight line L1 which connects O to P1 is measured, followed by a measurement of a circumferential angle β2 formed between LS and a second straight line L2 connecting O to P2 Thereafter, the deviation of the ground electrode from O1 is measured as a circumferential angle “α” between “LS” and a third straight line L3 connecting the axis O to the center C of the front end face.
US08628366B2 Aquatic exercise device
An aquatic exercise device is provided for assisting a user staying afloat and maintaining balance while performing exercises within a body of water. The device comprises a frame, a contoured body support bar, a pair of handles and a plurality of flotation and balance elements. The frame and body support bar form a “D” shape that surrounds a user's midsection when in use. Handles are disposed along the front of the device so that a user may grip the device to stabilize his or her upper body during use. The frame is encased in floatation foam to provide buoyancy. Additional balance and buoyancy is provided by larger balancing elements disposed around the floatation frame. A user may utilize the device for swimming or exercising in water in a variety of positions, particularly for the elderly, those with limited mobility or those unable to swim independently.
US08628363B2 Crimped electric wire with terminal and method for producing the same
A crimped electric wire with a terminal, includes: an electric wire having a core wire made of aluminum or aluminum alloy; and a terminal fitting having an electric wire crimping section for crimping the core wire partly exposed from the electric wire, wherein: a value obtained by dividing the height of the electric wire crimping section by the width of the electric wire crimping section after the crimping of the electric wire crimping section is set to 0.5 or more and 0.6 or less; and the value obtained by dividing the gross cross-sectional area of the core wire after the crimping of the electric wire crimping section by the gross cross-sectional area of the core wire before the crimping of the electric wire crimping section is set to 55% or more and 65% or less.
US08628362B2 Connector with elastic deformation member
A connector to be connected to a mating connector, includes a connector main body including a cylindrical member, a supporting member disposed in the cylindrical member, a terminal supported on the supporting member, and a fitting portion having an engaging portion; a movable sleeve including a diameter control portion; an elastic deformation member disposed to be elastically deformable in a radial direction thereof; an accommodating portion disposed between the connector main body and the movable sleeve for accommodating the elastic deformation member; and a transmission unit for transmitting a force in the axial direction from the movable sleeve to the elastic deformation member when the movable sleeve moves, and for transmitting a force in the radial direction from the elastic deformation member to the movable sleeve when the elastic deformation member returns to an original shape.
US08628359B2 Connector and connector unit
A connector includes a contact and a shell. The shell includes a tubular shell body portion having a slit portion formed to extend over its entire region in a connector insertion direction, an insertion opening formed at one end of the shell body portion, a locking portion provided on the inner periphery side of the shell body portion, and a shell joining portion formed at a position more on the forward side of the connector insertion direction than a position of the locking portion and joining together opposed portions of the shell body portion divided by the slit portion.
US08628354B2 Adapter element for serial data transfer in a vehicle
An adapter element for serial data transfer in a vehicle, the adapter element including a first housing part, which is designed electrically conductively and is connectable to a shield and a second housing part, which is designed electrically conductively and includes a contact element. The first housing part and the second housing part are disposed such that the second housing part is enclosed by the first housing part in a first region that extends along a longitudinal axis of the adapter element. The contact element is in electrical contact in the first region with the first housing part, and the contact element produces the electrical contact at least in part by the adapter element being configured such that accessibility to the contact element from a position exterior to the adapter element in a direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis is ensured. In addition, the second housing part is surrounded on both sides of the first housing part by the first housing part inside a second region, which extends along the longitudinal axis.
US08628353B2 Coaxial connector
A coaxial connector includes a contact adapted to be connected to an inner conductor of a coaxial cable, an insulator holding the contact, and a conductive shell adapted to be connected to an outer conductor of the coaxial cable. The shell includes a shell pivotal portion having press-holding pieces adapted to fix the outer conductor of the coaxial cable under pressure, and a shell body portion pivotably supporting the shell pivotal portion and having an accommodation space adapted to accommodate therein at least the press-holding pieces.
US08628349B2 Flexible printed circuit board connector
A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) connector configured to be inserted into a socket, the FPCB connector including a plurality of supports that extend from the FPCB connector and support the FPCB connector by contacting a device where the socket is formed to couple the socket and the FPCB connector.
US08628346B2 Thin connector receptacle housings
Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted, or are very thin or have a low profile. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another example provides a super-thin connector receptacle by removing fingers and portions of a shell along one or more sides.
US08628343B2 Connector
A connector includes: a contact portion electrically connectable to a plate-shaped connection object; a housing having a slit-shaped opening into which the connection object is insertable, the housing accommodating the contact portion; an actuator which is supported on the housing swingably about an axis extending in a width direction of the opening, and configured to directly press the connection object; and a restricting mechanism which is provided along the width direction of the opening, formed in both the housing and the actuator, and configured to prevent the actuator from being deformed in a direction opposite to a pressing direction of the actuator when the actuator is in a posture of pressing the connection object.
US08628342B2 Swivel adaptor
A device comprising a bottom portion providing a first contact and a second contact via an outer surface, an inner surface is conductive with the outer surface. The device comprises a bottom pressure pin, within the bottom portion, connected to the first contact and a top portion rotatably fixed to the bottom portion and comprising first and second connectors functionally exposed therethrough. The device comprises a printed circuit board (PCB), within the bottom portion, providing a first route to the first connector and a second route to the second connector. The PCB is fixably attached to the electrical connectors and the first route continuously contacts with the bottom pressure pin. The device comprises a radial pressure pin, fixably connected to the second route, that provides continuous connection with the second contact through the bottom portion's inner surface. A method of assembly of the device and a kit comprising the device.
US08628339B2 Flexible printed circuit connector
The present invention relates to an electrical connector for connecting flexible printed circuit (FPC) boards. The connector has a housing and contact terminals disposed in the housing. An actuator is pivotally attached to the housing. The housing has a pair of retaining members between which a holding portion is defined. An FPC board is inserted into the holding portion and fixed to the housing by the actuator to establish electrical connection with the contact terminals. Each retaining member is supported by a metal bracket which is attached to the housing to increase the holding strength. The metal bracket has a main portion, a fixing portion and a support portion both expending perpendicularly from the main portion. A pair of lugs formed at side edges of the FPC board engage with the retaining members such that back movement of the FPC board from the housing is prevented.
US08628335B1 Power terminal connector
A power terminal connector includes a flexible conductor and first and second terminals. The terminals have terminal bodies each defining a receptacle and each being welded to a corresponding mounting portion of the flexible conductor to mechanically and electrically connect the terminals to the flexible conductor. The terminals have terminal body defining a receptacle and being welded to a corresponding mounting portion of the cable conductor to mechanically and electrically connect the terminals to the cable conductor. Each terminal has a contact spring received in the receptacle that is electrically connected to the terminal body. The contact spring has spring beams being configured to engage a power terminal plugged into the receptacle. The flexible conductor is configured to electrically interconnect the first and second power terminals. The cable conductor is configured to electrically interconnect the power terminal.
US08628334B2 Portable walking trainer device for children
A portable walking trainer device for a child, having a U-shaped structure of support bars that are removably securable to a padded base mat. The padded base mat has apertures disposed along its perimeter to facilitate removable securement of the support bars to the mat. Securing posts attached to the support bars are inserted into the apertures, resulting in a stable set of handrails for a child to pull on, lean upon, or use for balance. All support bars are padded to reduce the risk of injury to a child user. When the device is not in use the support bars may be disassembled and fold up within the base mat. Handles disposed at the ends of the base mat allow the self-contained stowed device to be easily transported by a parent or caregiver.
US08628333B2 Method and apparatus for performance optimization through physical perturbation of task elements
The invention is an apparatus and method of biofeedback training for attaining a physiological state optimally consistent with the successful performance of a task, wherein the probability of successfully completing the task is made is inversely proportional to a physiological difference value, computed as the absolute value of the difference between at least one physiological signal optimally consistent with the successful performance of the task and at least one corresponding measured physiological signal of a trainee performing the task. The probability of successfully completing the task is made inversely proportional to the physiological difference value by making one or more measurable physical attributes of the environment in which the task is performed, and upon which completion of the task depends, vary in inverse proportion to the physiological difference value.
US08628332B2 Communication devices and methods of use
A device and system to facilitate communication between a first communicator and a second communicator to teach desired behaviors, values, principles, and skills. The device includes a plush or stuffed toy form having one or more pockets which are sized and configured to receive one or more communication symbols. The communication symbols may represent thoughts, feelings, actions, goals, behavior, values, or other concepts to be discussed by the first communicator and second communicator. First communicator/second communicator discussion occurs as the communication symbols are placed into and removed from the pockets.
US08628331B1 Learning model for competency based performance
A system and method, a machine, and an article of manufacture of an occupational performance system and method for achieving occupational performance of competency based education and work force standards. The occupational performance system and method for achieving occupational performance includes: first, setting competency based goals with a goal setting diagram, to sequentially browse goal element lists, to sequentially select goal elements, to set competency based goals; second, recording in a performance record the competency based goals, goal status updates, progress notes, assessments, and artifacts in the performance record; and third, interacting in a community of practice including community members engaging in community activities, and sharing the performance record, and performing storage, retrieval, and operation of various combinations of occupational performance data fields selected from the competency based goals, performance record, and community of practice to improve occupational performance of the community of practice within the occupational performance system.
US08628325B2 Expandable dental implants of high surface area and methods of expanding the same
A dental implant system for placement within a jaw of a patient includes an envelope including an outer surface and an inner surface defining a barrel. At least one barrier is located in the barrel. The barrel having a first region on one side of the barrier and a second region on an opposing side of the barrier. An expander member is movable within the barrel along a longitudinal axis of the barrel from the first region to the second region. The barrier prohibits the expander member from moving from the second region to the first region.
US08628324B2 Single burner snow melter capable of a snow start operation
A single burner snow melter is capable of a snow start. The burner assembly has a fuel burner having adjustable combustion output and a nozzle through which products of combustion emerge, and a combustion chamber which has a first portion in substantially air-tight communication with the fuel burner and which encloses the nozzle. A second portion of the combustion chamber is shaped and dimensioned such that the second portion is placed into a snow melting receptacle or pit. The combustion chamber has a plurality of directional discharge means formed at least on its second portion through which products of combustion from the fuel burner emerge, and thus agitate, and melt snow loaded into a tank or pit. The burner assembly also includes an air cooling assembly for supplying air to cool at least the first portion of the combustion chamber.
US08628323B2 Injection molding system including a melt filter, the filter being located before first instance of melt accumulation
There is provided an injection unit. The injection unit comprises an extruder that is structured to continuously melt, in use, a molding material; a nozzle that is connectable, in use, to a mold; a melt accumulator that is structured to selectively buffer and transfer, in use, the molding material towards the nozzle, the melt accumulator including a first melt accumulator and a second melt accumulator selectively connectable to the extruder via a distribution assembly, and wherein each of the first melt accumulator and the second melt accumulator defines a respective melt accumulation volume; the melt accumulation volume being configured to accumulate and hold, for a first time after being molten by the extruder a volume of molding material sufficient to transfer for downstream processing; a melt filter placed before the melt accumulation volume, such that the molding material if subjected to filtering prior to entering the melt accumulation volume, the melt filter being configured to remove contaminants from the molding material.
US08628312B2 Compressor including anti-rotation washer and method of assembly
A compressor may include a shell, a housing fixed within the shell, first and second scroll members disposed within the shell, a sleeve guide, a fastener, and a washer. The first scroll member may have a first spiral wrap extending from a first end plate and a radially outward extending scroll flange defining an opening. The second scroll member may have a second spiral wrap intermeshed with the first spiral wrap. The sleeve guide may be disposed within the opening in the scroll flange and may define an axial bore. The fastener may be disposed within the axial bore and engaged with the housing. The washer may be located between a head of the fastener and the scroll flange. A first portion of the washer may extend radially outward from the fastener head and may define a rotational stop inhibiting washer rotation through engagement with a rotationally fixed structure.
US08628304B2 Multi-stage membrane suction pump
A multi-stage membrane suction pump having at least two pump chambers, each having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and having a suction line connecting the fluid inlets. Successive pump chambers are connected via at least one connecting line such that the membrane pump upon reaching/exceeding a differential pressure in the suction line changes from a parallel operation into at least also a serial operation. In the inflow and outflow regions of the at least one connecting line, at least one check valve each is interposed, opening toward the subsequent pump stage. The check valves provided in the connecting line(s) are designed smaller compared to inlet and outlet valves of the pump chambers, and line sections of the connecting lines that open toward the neighboring pump chamber have a smaller clear line cross-section compared to the inlet and outlet valves, and are associated with the check valves.
US08628299B2 System for cooling turbine blades
A system, in one embodiment, includes a turbine blade having a radial blade tip. The system further includes a trailing edge trench that is formed in the radial blade tip and which extends towards a trailing edge of the turbine blade. The trailing edge trench further includes a first set of cooling passages, each of which includes a first slot formed along a first sidewall of the trailing edge trench, whereby the slot is coupled to a first respective hole extending through a floor of the trailing edge trench.
US08628296B2 Exhaust-gas turbocharger
An exhaust-gas turbocharger includes a bearing flange for securement of the exhaust-gas turbocharger to a bearing housing of a turbine wheel. The bearing flange is provided with an outer circumferential fin having a base portion which terminates in a free end. The base portion is defined by a width which is greater than a width of the free end. An outer housing is welded to the outer circumferential fin of the bearing flange, and accommodates an impeller housing.
US08628295B2 Regulatable coolant pump and method for its regulation
A regulatable coolant pump and a method for regulation of this regulatable coolant pump for internal combustion engines, which is driven by way of a pulley actives a valve slide using an electromagnetically activated piston pump equipped with a return spring in the form of a pressure spring. The pump implements a “pump feed” using many small “partial lifts.” A “leakage volume stream” that flows opposite to the “pumped volume stream” is superimposed on the “pumped volume stream” via the arrangement of circular apertures both in the inlet valve membrane of the working piston and in the outlet valve membrane so that the valve slide can be moved in defined manner and in a very robust and reliable manner, with low drive power via the defined superimposition of these two volume streams.
US08628294B1 Turbine stator vane with purge air channel
A stator vane for an industrial turbine, the vane includes a serpentine flow cooling circuit for cooling of the airfoil, and a separate purge air channel to supply purge air to the rim cavities. The purge channel is formed as a separate channel from the serpentine flow channels so that the purge air is not heated by the hot metal and has smooth surfaces so that pressure losses is minimal.
US08628291B2 Gas turbine compressor
A gas turbine compressor is disclosed. The compressor includes a compressor housing, guide vanes, rotor blades, and valve-controlled blow-in openings for stabilizing the compressor flow by air that is blown in. The air flow is detected by pressure sensors and the valves are controlled as a function thereof.
US08628290B2 Manipulator having a three-ring bearing between two outer pivot arms and a platform
A handling device which has a first bearing device forming a pivot point for two inner pivot arms, to each of which one outer pivot arm is pivotally attached. The two outer pivot arms support a platform. The platform is pivotally connected to the outer pivot arms by an outer three-ring bearing.
US08628289B1 Material handling and storage/warehouse system
A system and method for optimizing the storage capacity of an automated material handling and storage system wherein rows of vertical columns of storage bins are spaced in opposing relationship with one another such that at least one elevator is vertically movable in engagement with the opposing columns of storage bins so that pallets, support platforms or containers may be transferred to or from the elevator to bins of the opposing rows and wherein the elevator may be selectively elevated by overhead carriers that are movable along an intersecting grid track system that is disposed above the storage bins. In one embodiment, the at least one elevator may be independently vertically movable between the opposing column of storage bins.
US08628288B2 Substrate transport apparatus with active edge gripper
In accordance with one aspect of the exemplary embodiments, a substrate transport apparatus is provided comprising a drive mechanism, a movable arm assembly connected to the drive mechanism, an end effector connected to the arm assembly. A chuck for holding a substrate is mounted on the end effector and having a movable edge gripper with a contact surface and an edge of the substrate may be gripped by actuating the movable edge gripper to engage the substrate with the contact surface. The apparatus further comprising a motion sensor for providing a signal to actuate the movable edge gripper to close and open the moveable edge gripper for capturing and releasing the substrate.
US08628287B2 Fallpipe stone dumping vessel
A tailpipe stone dumping vessel (1) for stone dumping through a fallpipe suspended from the vessel, comprising: • a hull (1a), • a fallpipe section storage for storing fallpipe sections (2), • a tower (20) at least comprising fallpipe support means (40) for supporting the suspended fallpipe, said tower (20) being adapted for assembly and disassembly of the fallpipe by addition of a fallpipe section to the upper end of the suspended fallpipe or removal of a fallpipe section from the suspended fallpipe, respectively, • a tower gimbal structure (22) provided between the hull and the tower providing a pivotal mode for the tower (20) wherein the tower is pivotable about at least one pivot axis with respect to the hull so that the tower—and the fallpipe suspended there from—has in a plane associated with said at least one pivot axis an orientation essentially independent from sea-state induced vessel motions, • hoist means (31, 32, 33, 34) for lowering and raising the suspended fallpipe, • fallpipe section handling means (10-14, 31-34) adapted to—while the tower (20) is in its pivotal mode—advance a fall pipe section to the tower and to bring said fallpipe section in alignment with the uppermost end of the suspended fallpipe in order to assemble the fallpipe and adapted to—while the tower is in its pivotal mode—disconnect a fallpipe section from the uppermost end of the suspended fallpipe and advance it to the storage in order to disassemble the fallpipe.
US08628274B2 Tension leg connection system and method
Floating construction (1) having a base (2), a tensioning member (17, 18) extending from the sea bed in the direction of the base, a connector (27, 28) at an upper end (16,19) of the tensioning member and attachment means on the base for attaching to the connector, characterized in that, the attachment means comprise a guide member (14, 15) for lowering a tensioning member (12, 13) section by a predetermined distance (D2), which tensioning member section at a free end (23, 24) is provided with a complementary connector (25, 26) for attaching to the connector on the upper end of the tensioning member, the tensioning member section comprising at an upper end a stopper (31, 32) for engaging with the base and for fixing and/or adjusting the upper end in a vertical direction, the floating construction comprising a pulling device (36, 37, 38, 39) attached to the tensioning member section, for lowering the tensioning member section along the guide member towards the tensioning member.
US08628271B2 Road paver
A road paver F having a primary driving aggregate P with a combustion engine M, particularly a diesel engine, the crankshaft 22 of which extends to a power output region within a casing 20 of a clutch and/or a flywheel. A generator R is driven by the primary driving aggregate P at least for supplying electric heating devices H of the road paver F with electric power. A distribution gear mechanism 30 for pumps is mounted to the primary driving aggregate P. The generator R being a generator with permanent magnet excitation is mounted to or into or in lieu of the casing 20. A drive train 29 connected or connectable to the power output region of the crankshaft 22 extends to the distribution gear mechanism 30 for pumps and through the generator R.
US08628270B2 Damping floor and flexible composite structure, for example for playing fields
A floor (1) in synthetic grass comprises a substrate (2) in clay, a covering (8) in synthetic grass and an intermediate flexible support structure (12), positioned between the substrate and the covering. The support structure extends in an undulated manner, forming overhanging portions (18) which give the desired yield. Through slots are provided in the support structure for drainage.
US08628268B2 Cam lock electrode clamp
A cam lock clamp comprises a stud having a substantially cylindrical body with a first end including a head area and a second end arranged to support one or more disc springs concentrically about the stud. A socket is arranged to mechanically couple concentrically around the stud with the head area of the stud being exposed above an uppermost portion of the socket. The socket is configured to be firmly attached to a consumable material. A camshaft has a substantially cylindrical body and is configured to mount within a bore of a backing plate. The camshaft further comprises an eccentric cutout area located in a central portion of the camshaft body. The camshaft is configured to engage and lock the head area of the stud when the consumable material and the backing plate are proximate to one another.
US08628265B2 Dispensing applicator for fluids
A hand-held dispensing applicator includes a source of fluid, a frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source, and an absorbent member attached to the frangible applicator tip. When broken, fluid flows from the source to the absorbent member, whereby the fluid is applied and spread on a surface. In one embodiment, the dispensing applicator comprises a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element extending outwardly of the support element, and a frangible region there between. Optionally, the tongue element comprises ribs for reinforcing the tongue element to resist unintentional breaking of the frangible region. Also optionally, the applicator tip includes a semi-permeable or non-permeable partial shield member disposed around the frangible region to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid in the absorbent member. Adaptive embodiments allow the generation of designs applicable to a particular medical purpose.
US08628261B2 Sheet conveying apparatus
An apparatus includes a platen including a supporting surface that supports a sheet that is conveyed, a sensor unit including an image sensor that takes an image of the sheet so as to detect the movement of the sheet. The sensor unit is embedded in the supporting surface and takes an image of a back side of the sheet, the sheet being supported on the supporting surface.
US08628260B2 Carriage support member
A carriage support member for an inkjet printer printhead carriage includes a bar shaped structure with a first contact area and a second contact area. A pivotable carriage attachment is located between the first contact area and the second contact area. The first contact area and the second contact area slide or roll along the secondary guide rail. The carriage is attached to the carriage attachment. The bar shaped structure pivots relative to the carriage by the carriage attachment.
US08628259B2 Image pickup apparatus having mechanism to suppress mirror bounce
An image pickup apparatus capable of reducing variations in the time it takes for mirror bounce to end caused by adjustments made to the angle of a mirror, making assembly of the image pickup apparatus more efficient, and making the image pickup apparatus more compact. A mirror unit comes into contact with a positioning pin so as to be positioned in the shooting optical path. Rotating an adjustment member, on which a lock lever is rotatably fitted and to which the positioning pin is fixed, causes the mirror unit to move following the adjustment member. The lock lever and the positioning pin eccentrically move according to the rotation of the adjustment member and move in the same direction by the same amount. A gap between the mirror unit and a lock pin of the lock lever is constant.
US08628256B2 Optical transceiver with enhanced productivity
An optical transceiver with an enhanced productivity is disclosed. The optical transceiver of the invention includes a plurality of OSAs, an optical component of an optical multiplexer or an optical de-multiplexer, and inner fibers connecting the OSAs with the optical component. The optical transceiver further includes a gasket to shield the inside of the housing and put the inner fibers therein to guide them.
US08628251B2 Needle bearing
A needle bearing including a cage that is shrinkable or extensible in a circumferential direction, which can prevent plastic deformation and ensure both of a sufficient strength for axial torsion and a sufficient deformation amount. In a drawn cup needle bearing, a cage includes a plurality of elastic deformation portions along a circumferential direction thereof, which are shrunk in the circumferential direction. The elastic deformation portions are formed symmetrically with respect to an intermediate portion C in an axial direction of the cage.
US08628250B2 Support device for supporting propeller shaft and propeller shaft itself
A support device of a propeller shaft comprises an annular bracket fixed to a floor member of a vehicle body; an annular elastic member disposed in the annular bracket; an annular supporting structure disposed in the annular elastic member and rotatably supporting a cylindrical given portion of the propeller shaft through a ball bearing unit; and an annular seal member intimately disposed in an annular space defined between the annular supporting structure and the cylindrical given portion of the propeller shaft. One of outer and inner cylindrical surfaces of the annular seal member is in slidable contact with either one of an inner cylindrical surface of the annular supporting structure and an outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical given portion of the propeller shaft. A rust-proofing member is further provided, which is disposed on either one of the inner cylindrical surface of the annular supporting structure and the outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical given portion of the propeller shaft, to which the outer or inner cylindrical surface of the annular seal member directly and slidably contacts. The rust-proofing member is made of a rust-resistant material.
US08628245B2 Connection structure of linear motor type transport device
A connection structure of first and second linear motor type transport devices each having a base part, and a rail part set on the top surface of the base part is provided, including: a notch concave part formed in the top surfaces of the base parts with both devices connected; a reference positioning part serving as a reference position of lower edges on one side in the width direction of the rail parts; a bottom surface support part disposed in the notch concave part, and set between the bottom surface of the notch concave part and the bottom surfaces of the rail parts; and a pressing member interposed between the wall part of the notch concave part and lower edges on the other side of the rail parts, and urging the lower edges on the other side of the rail parts toward the reference positioning part, thereby linearly fixing the first and second linear motor type transport devices to be connected.
US08628243B2 Bag with improved features
The bag for receiving refuse may include a bag body, the bag body including an inside surface, an outside surface, and a rim defining a mouth. The bag may also include a first strip of material disposed on the inside surface of the bag body proximate the rim. The strip may include an inside surface, an outside surface that faces the inside surface of the body, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The bag may also include a front wall, a back wall, and a hem, the hem including a drawstring. The strip may include a printed design. The design could be letters, numbers, pictures, writing, or any other design. When the bag is inserted into a trash receptacle such that the rim of the bag is folded over the rim of the receptacle, the printed design is visible from outside the receptacle.
US08628239B2 Storage device temperature sensing
A test slot assembly is provided for testing a storage device. The test slot assembly is configured to receive and support a storage device, or a storage device supported by a storage device transporter. The test slot assembly also includes a temperature sensing assembly. The temperature sensing assembly is arranged to measure a temperature of a storage device by way of physical contact. The test slot assembly also includes a clamping mechanism operatively associated with the housing. The clamping mechanism is operable to move the temperature sensing assembly into contact with a storage device.
US08628235B2 Thermal test apparatus and method
Thermal test apparatus comprising a specimen supported by a fixture, a thermal shroud comprising a flexible insulating fabric forming an enclosure around at least a portion of the specimen, and a temperature controlled air supply connected to an opening formed in the enclosure for delivering a supply of temperature controlled air into the enclosure. Also, a method of conducting a thermal test.
US08628233B2 Flow channel for a mixer heat exchanger
The invention relates to a flow channel having a mixing insert and a plurality of tubes guided parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flow channel over the length of the mixing insert, each mixing insert including at least twenty-eight pairwise crossed multi-wall sheets, the ratio of the width of the multi-wall sheets to the inside diameter of the flow channel being no more than 0.25, the ratio of the length of the mixing insert to the inside diameter of the flow channel being no less than 0.4, and the angle of the multi-wall sheets to the longitudinal axis of the flow channel being 30° to 60° and the ratio of the intermediate spacing of neighboring planes to the inside diameter of the flow channel being no more than 0.3, and to the inside diameter of the tubes being less than 6.
US08628232B2 System and process for inhibitor injection
A method for introducing inhibitor into a fluid to be treated by forming a dispersion comprising droplets, particles, or gas bubbles of inhibitor dispersed in a continuous phase of a carrier, wherein forming the dispersion comprises subjecting a mixture of the inhibitor and the carrier to a shear rate of greater than about 20,000 s−1 in a high shear device comprising at least one generator comprising a rotor and a complementarily-shaped stator, wherein the rotor and the stator each comprise grooves, and wherein the grooves of the stator and the grooves of the rotor of each generator are disposed in alternating directions, and using at least a portion of the dispersion to inhibit corrosion.
US08628225B2 Charge port illumination system for electric vehicle
A charge port illumination system for an electric vehicle includes a charge port at an electric vehicle for electrically connecting to a charging source to charge a power source of the electric vehicle. A self-contained sealed module is disposed at or proximate to the charge port and includes at least one illumination source. The illumination source, responsive to an activating event associated with an electric charging event of the electric vehicle, is activated to provide illumination at the charge port. The activating event may include detection of touch at or movement of a cover panel and/or a signal from a remote transmitting device or a passive entry device or a motion detection device. The illumination source may be automatically deactivated after at least one of a period of time after activation, plugging in a charging source at the charge port and closing a cover panel at the charge port.
US08628224B1 Articulating accessory cartridge for lighting fixture
An articulating accessory cartridge for use in theatrical and commercial lighting fixtures in which optical accessories are utilized. The cartridge includes an outer member removably insertable in the fixture and an inner member telescopically retained in the outer member. One or several optical accessories can be removably received and retained in the inner member in an axial stack, depending upon effects desired. The inner cartridge member is telescopically extended before the cartridge is mounted on the fixture. As the cartridge is inserted, the uppermost accessory engages the end of a reflector associated with a light source in the fixture. Continued insertion of the cartridge results in telescopic retraction of the inner cartridge member, depending upon the number of accessories in the stack, until the outer cartridge member is fully seated. The accessories are held against the end of the reflector for optimal efficiency of the lighting and lighting effects.
US08628217B2 Low profile heat sink with attached LED light source
An LED light source with an attached heat sink includes larger fins, smaller fins, a mounting platform and light emitting diodes attached to the mounting platform. The larger fins are oriented parallel to the smaller fins. The larger fins are integrally formed with a first base, and the smaller fins are integrally formed with a second base. The bottom surface of the second base contacts the larger fins, which are more than twice as tall as the smaller fins. There are more than twice as many smaller fins than larger fins per distance perpendicular to the fins. Ducts are formed between the larger fins and the bottom surface of the second base. Intake holes pass through the first base into each duct near the end of the duct that is blocked by an end wall. The mounting platform with the LEDs is attached to the bottom of the first base.
US08628215B2 LED light string
A design of light string comprises a bulb socket, a pair of conductive wires, and LED electrically disposed onto the bulb socket. The LED is incorporated with a pair of legs which are alternatively in contact with the pair of conductive wires, and then are sandwiched between a pair of first and second casings which jointly configures the light bulb. This configuration simplifies the assembling of the conductive wires and LED such that no need of solder or glue or contacts.
US08628210B2 Portable light
A portable light is disclosed including a housing having an upper end, a lower end and a cavity for receiving a power source therein. The housing further includes at the upper end a channel having channel walls and a plurality of LED lights in the channel. The channel walls have a height greater than the height of the LED lights.
US08628207B2 Baton for police
A police baton or nightstick includes a flashlight, firing mechanism and storage compartment for bullets and plastic restraints that can be used to restrain an individual. The baton which includes an elongated hollow body with first and second ends and a handgrip at a first of the ends and a hard weighted portion at the second end for striking an individual in self-defense or to subdue an unruly individual. The firing mechanism is included at the first end of the baton while compartments for storing one or more plastic restraints as well as bullets are stored underneath a barrel of the firing mechanism.
US08628206B1 Low cost backlight for NVIS compatible operation
A night vision compatible backlight is disclosed. The backlight may include a base layer and a spacer layer. The spacer layer defines a plurality of arrays of openings, each includes a first set of openings and a second set of openings alternately distributed along the array. The backlight also includes a first set of LED modules electronically connected to the base layer through the first set of openings and a second set of LED modules electronically connected to the base layer through the second set of openings. The backlight further includes a filtering layer for providing infrared filtering for the second set of LED modules. The first set of LED modules and the second set of LED modules may be selectively energized to provide: a first mode where the first set of LED modules are energized, and a second mode where only the second set of LED modules are energized.
US08628198B2 Lighting techniques for wirelessly controlling lighting elements
Lighting systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed, which employ optical transmission of two-dimensional control signals to manipulate lighting elements. The lighting apparatus can include a projector with an IR LED array to wirelessly transmit pixel information onto a target space. The pixel information controls lighting elements within the target space. The two-dimensional control signals can includes subareas corresponding to lighting elements in a control array. The lighting elements can be lights producing light of desired wavelengths including infrared and/or visible wavelengths. LEDs can be used as light sources in exemplary embodiments.
US08628197B2 Display systems and methods for mobile devices
Display systems and methods for mobile devices and mobile devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a display system for a mobile device is provided. The mobile device is handheld and includes a primary display screen. The display system includes an auxiliary screen and a connecting device coupled to the auxiliary screen and attachable to the mobile device. An image from the mobile device is producible on the auxiliary screen. The display system is removable from the mobile device.
US08628193B2 Automatic accommodative spectacles using a scene analyzer and focusing elements
A pair of spectacles that can automatically change its power so that a fixation region of interest (ROI) of the user is always in focus. The automatic accommodative spectacle device includes focusing elements, scene sensors, scene analyzer, focus engine, focusing element controller, and power supply. The scene analyzer determines the fixation ROI in the scene by analyzing the scene images. The fixation ROI is used to determine powers for the focusing elements in order to bring the fixation ROI into focus. The focusing element controller carries out the needed optical power adjustment to apply to the focusing elements. Optional light sources may be provided to the scene sensors. Additional optional eye sensor(s), eye light source and line of sight detector can be used to help the scene analyzer extract the fixation ROI.
US08628191B2 Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a supporting member on which a plurality of suction holes for sucking a recording medium are formed on a supporting face for supporting the recording medium, a transportation device which transports the recording medium along the supporting face, a recording head which ejects fluid on the recording medium supported by the supporting face so as to perform printing, and a control device which makes the recording head execute the printing when a front end of the recording medium in the transportation direction reaches to a position at which the front end of the recording medium covers the suction holes formed at downstream-most positions in the transportation direction on the supporting face.
US08628188B2 Drying apparatus and printing apparatus
The invention provides an apparatus including: a rotatable belt having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface partially coming into contact with a sheet; a plurality of rollers being arranged in a direction of movement of the sheet and including a first roller and a second roller adjacent to each other, the plurality of rollers being pressed against the outer surface and the moving sheet being nipped between the plurality of rollers and the outer surface; a blowing mechanism configured to blow hot air from between the first roller and the second roller toward the sheet; and a heating unit including a heater and a contact surface coming into contact with the inner surface, the heating unit being configured to be able to set the contact surface thereof to have a predetermined non-uniform temperature distribution.
US08628184B2 Recording method, recording apparatus, and ink set
[Object]To provide a recording method by which the occurrence of bleeding and repelling in a cured layer can be suppressed during overprinting.[Solution]In a recording method, a first ink composition containing a colorant, a photopolymerizable compound, and a photopolymerization initiator is ejected from a recording head onto a recording medium; light is emitted from a light source to the first ink composition that has adhered to the recording medium with the result that the first ink composition is cured at a cure rate that is in the range from 70 to 95%; a second ink composition containing a colorant, a photopolymerizable compound, and a photopolymerization initiator is ejected from a recording head to the first ink composition that has been cured on the recording medium; and light is emitted from a light source to the second ink composition.
US08628183B2 Ink coating composition
An ink coating composition is disclosed herein. The ink coating composition includes a polymer latex and an adhesion promoting agent. A non-ionic surfactant is also included in the ink coating composition. The non-ionic surfactant has an HLB value ranging from about 6 to about 15. The ink coating composition also includes a balance of water.
US08628177B2 Methods, apparatus, and systems for spreading radiation curable gel ink
A radiation curable gel ink spreading system includes a print head for jetting radiation curable gel ink onto a front side of a substrate, a heated re-flow drum for contacting a back side of the substrate to heat the gel ink and cause the ink to re-flow, and at least one radiation source that irradiates the heated ink to reduce or stop re-flow. A re-flow drum temperature, amount of radiation emission per unit time, radiation source location including a substrate wrap angle with respect to the re-flow drum and/or the radiation source, a distance between a re-flow zone start and the radiation source, and a gap distance between the radiation source and the substrate, and a process speed or substrate translation speed are adjustable for achieving desired spreading characteristics.
US08628175B2 Inkjet head, inkjet recording apparatus, and method of producing inkjet head
An inkjet head includes a plurality of nozzles through which ink is dischargeable out of the inkjet head, a pressure chamber plate that is made of metal, a plurality of pressure chambers that are groove portions formed in the pressure chamber plate for applying to the ink a pressure that is necessary in order to discharge the ink from the plurality of nozzles, an actuator that faces a first face of the pressure chamber plate and that includes a plurality of pressure generating portions, and a pressure chamber support member that supports the pressure chamber plate from a second face of the pressure chamber plate, the second face being an opposite face to the first face, and that is made from a material that has a Young's modulus that is greater than a Young's modulus of a material from which the pressure chamber plate is made.
US08628169B2 Printer cleaning method
A method of cleaning a print head assembly comprising a print head and a cover includes removing the cover from the print head assembly. A cleaning unit includes a fluid chamber, a fluid intake port, and a fluid exit port. The cleaning unit is attached to the print head such that the fluid chamber surrounds a portion of the print head. A solvent is introduced into the fluid chamber to contact the print head. The solvent is allowed to clean the print head. The solvent is removed from the chamber.
US08628168B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes an ejection device, a suction device, and a controller. The ejection device has a first nozzle and a second nozzle to eject a first liquid and a second liquid, respectively. The first liquid contains pigment particles dispersed in a dispersion medium and the second liquid contains a color material. In a first image formation mode for ejecting the second liquid from the second nozzle without ejecting the first liquid from the first nozzle, the controller controls the suction device so as not to suction the first liquid for recovery operation. When the first image formation mode is switched to a second image formation mode for ejecting at least the first liquid from the first nozzle, the controller controls the suction device so as to suction a predetermined amount of the first liquid determined based on solidification of the first liquid to perform the recovery operation.
US08628166B2 Inkjet recording material
An inkjet recording material which comprises an extruded mixture of thermoplastic polymers and non-chlorinated polyolefin materials. The mixture contains from 0.5 wt % to 30 wt % of non-chlorinated polyolefin materials based on the total weight of the polymers constituting the material.
US08628165B2 Image forming apparatus, image forming method, pattern forming method and recording medium
A disclosed image forming apparatus includes a recording head having nozzles discharging ink droplets to form dots on a recording medium based on image data supplied thereto. The image forming apparatus includes a detector configured to detect a defective nozzle that discharges a defective ink droplet forming an expected defective dot, a focus region setting unit configured to set a focus region including a position of the expected defective dot to be formed of the defective ink droplet discharged by the detective nozzle, and a rearranging unit configured to rearrange, when the defective nozzle is detected by the detector, the dots in the focus region based on a slope of a line image expressed by the supplied image data in the focus region and values indicating respective sizes of the dots in the focus region.
US08628163B2 Ink jet printing apparatus and printing method
An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method even with a variation in the temperature of a print head, thus keeping the quality of images resulting from printing high. Adjustment patterns used to adjust the difference in ink ejection timing between ink ejected in a forward direction and ink ejected in a backward direction during scanning are printed at a plurality of different temperatures. Adjustment values for the ink ejection timing at the respective temperatures are selected from the adjustment patterns. Then, the correction value for the ink ejection timing is calculated from the adjustment values based on the temperature detected by the detection device. Printing is then performed with the difference in ink ejection timing between the ink ejected in the forward direction and the ink ejected in the backward direction during scanning, adjusted based on the correction value.
US08628160B2 Ink jet recording apparatus
A control method is provided for an ink jet recording apparatus 30 including a recording head 32 for ejecting ink to a medium 31, a heating means 46 for heating the recording head 32, an ink storage part 12 which reserves ink supplied to the recording head 32, and a negative pressure adjusting part 40 which adjusts a pressure in an inside of the ink storage part 12 to be a negative pressure. In the control method, when the ink jet recording apparatus 30 is to be turned off, heating of the recording head 32 by the heating part 46 is turned off but the negative pressure adjusting part 40 is left to be in an “ON” state so that the negative pressure in the inside of the ink storage part 12 is maintained and, after that, the negative pressure adjusting part 40 is turned off.
US08628155B1 Infinitely adjustable, customizable and non-slip drawer organizer
A drawer organizer for use in a drawer, the drawer organizer being installed in a drawer and receiving utensils for storage in the drawer. The drawer organizer includes a base liner having an upper surface and a bottom surface, and includes multiple separate retaining members that may be selectively positioned and affixed to the upper surface of the base liner. The bottom surface of the base liner is placed on a base surface of a drawer and the retaining members are selectively positioned on the upper surface to retain utensils in a desired position on the drawer organizer.
US08628153B2 Aisle containment system
The aisle containment system is mounted to two rows of equal width cabinets or cabinets varying in width between 600 mm, 700 mm and 800 mm. The aisle containment system includes door assemblies on both ends of the cabinet rows, vertical panels that mount to the cabinets and door frames to support the ceiling, cross tees that span the aisle, and ceiling panels. Additional cabinets of equal or varying width may be added to an aisle containment installation.
US08628152B2 Endless track for traction of a vehicle, with enhanced elastomeric material curing capability
An endless track for traction of a vehicle, such as a construction vehicle, an agricultural vehicle, a forestry vehicle or a military vehicle. The endless track has an enhanced elastomeric material curing capability. In one embodiment, each of a plurality of elastomeric projections of the endless track, such as guide/drive projections or traction projections, comprises elastomeric material defining a cavity to enhance a curing process during manufacturing of the endless track. The cavity may be shaped such that, during the curing process, a heat conductor positioned in the cavity conducts heat from the heat conductor to the elastomeric material of the projection.
US08628148B2 Holder block assembly for a cutting tool having a hydraulic piston and method
A holder block assembly for a drum-type cutting tool has a holder block, a sleeve, and a piston carried in a piston channel formed in the holder block. The sleeve includes a shank and an enlarged flange at an end of the shank. The sleeve shank is received in a hole in the holder block, with the shank and hole wall forming a number of axially spaced interference fits. A source of pressurized fluid applied to the holder block forces the piston against the sleeve to extract the sleeve from the holder block. Sealing structure between the piston and the holder block prevents the release of hydraulic fluid when the sleeve is released.
US08628143B2 Corner-braced, portable, foot prop
A corner-braced foot prop including a shelf and an angled support post resting on a base surface to support a load in an elevated position. The shelf includes a clearance hole through which the post is positioned and gripped by the clearance hole when the shelf rotates with respect to the post. The foot prop utilizes surrounding walls for lateral support while providing increasing stability when loaded by downward force.
US08628142B2 Chair having moveable tablet
A chair includes a base, a seat supported on the base, and a support member having an upper portion and at least one lower portion that is lower than the upper portion. The at least one lower portion of the support member is attached to at least one of the base and the seat. The upper portion of the at least one support member is attached to the at least one lower portion. A portion of the upper portion defines an offset positioned inwardly toward the seat relative to other sections of the upper portion. A tablet is moveably attached to the upper portion such that it is moveable from a first position to a second position. The offset is positioned so it supports the tablet when the tablet is in the second position and transfers a substantial amount of load supported by the offset to the support member.
US08628140B2 Front end of a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a front end of a motor vehicle, consisting of at least one main body and at least a first thermoplastic part and a second thermoplastic part, which are securely connected by injection molding firstly to the main body and simultaneously the various plastics parts are securely connected to one another, wherein the two plastics parts consist of different plastics materials and these are injection molded according to the bi-injection process and fuse with one another when they encounter one another.
US08628138B2 Drawer-type cooling box
A drawer-type cooling box assembly includes a cooling box which is mounted in a housing, in particular in a kitchen unit of a camping vehicle, so as to be able to be pulled out and pushed in on pull-out guides and has an upwardly directed access opening and an upper cooling box covering. The drawer-type cooling box is able to be operated very much more easily and significantly improving the accessibility to foodstuffs stored in the drawer-type cooling box, which is obtained in that the cooling box covering is mounted movably in the kitchen unit via coupling elements, is lifted off upward from the cooling box in a pulled-out position of same and, in a pushed-in position, is lowered downward onto the access opening of the cooling box.
US08628133B2 Package tray assembly for trunk of vehicle
A package tray assembly for a trunk of a vehicle includes a package tray and a support for supporting the package tray. The support is to be mounted to a body of the vehicle. The support includes a guide portion having a convex top surface. The package tray is to be attached to the support so as to be rotatable round a point located immediately below the guide portion as a center of rotation. The package tray includes a front end portion supported by the support when attached thereto. The front end portion includes a contact portion configured to move back and forth on the convex top surface while tilting at different angles relative to a moving direction.
US08628132B2 Solenoid gripper
An electrical gripper has a housing and a solenoid plunger. A pair of jaws are movably mounted with the housing. The jaws are movable towards and away from each other. The jaws are coupled with the solenoid plunger to provide movement to the jaws. A first mechanism is associated with the solenoid plunger to lock the solenoid plunger in a first position when power is terminated to the solenoid plunger. A second mechanism is associated with the solenoid plunger to lock the solenoid plunger in a second position when power is terminated to the solenoid plunger. Thus, the jaws are actively locked in an open or close position when power is terminated to the solenoid plunger.
US08628129B2 Connection module
Provided is a connection module, which is designed as an extension of a fastening rail and is configured for connection to a vehicle bumper covering. The connection module includes a fastening arm which is configured for locking engagement to a flange of the bumper covering.
US08628126B2 High security lock for door
A high security locking system can be used in a conventional pivot door adapted for use with a latch and deadbolt lock combination. The high security system can be a multi-point lock, received in a recess formed in a locking edge side of a door stile, cooperating with a linkage or other mechanism in a conventional deadbolt/location. The lock can be actuated with a keyed cylinder and thumb turn combination.
US08628123B2 Case for motor vehicles with facilitated opening device
A case for motor vehicles is equipped for removably fastening to a support plate on the motor vehicle and includes a base part and a cover hinged together and equipped with a locking mechanism for holding the cover in position and that preferably also includes a lock able to be controlled to prevent a control to open the cover. The locking mechanism allows partial shifting the cover from the base part that acts positively on the closed cover when the locking mechanism passes from the holding position to the release position.
US08628117B1 Push-fit ring-seal joint structure for plastic pipes
The instant disclosure relates to a push-fit ring-seal joint structure for plastic pipes. For the joint structure, a lip portion tapers away from the pipe outlet, while a throat portion tapers toward the pipe outlet. The joint structure allows the angular deflection to be increased by three or four times versus the conventional push-fit joint, while maintaining excellent sealing and pressure rating. By the unique design of the joint structure, the structural flexibility of pipe connection can be increased. When there is ground movement due to land subsidence or earthquake or adjustment in pipe route, the coupled pipe can maintain excellent sealing and pressure rating. Therefore, the joint structure of the instant disclosure indeed has novelty and industrial applicability.
US08628116B2 Transparent deposit carrier having a plurality of pockets
Described is an apparatus that includes a transparent film having a plurality of non-overlapping pockets created therein, each of the pockets including at least one opening and being sized and shaped to receive a check therein. The apparatus also includes front and back indicators disposed on front and back faces of the film, respectively, and unique pocket indicators disposed on the pockets.
US08628115B2 Impact elements for a mounting system for a pressure vessel
A storage system for a vehicle is disclosed. The storage system includes a pressure vessel, a plurality of mounting systems disposed on each end of the pressure vessel, each mounting system having a vessel shell having an end coupled to the end of the pressure vessel, a mounting shell having a first end coupled to the vehicle and a second end coupled to another end of the vessel shell, and an impact element formed in one of the vessel shell and the mounting shell having a yield strength less than a yield strength of the vessel shell and the mounting shell, a clamping element for coupling the vessel shell to the pressure vessel, and a coupling means for coupling the vessel shell and the mounting shell together through the impact element.
US08628112B2 Curtain air bag system
With the curtain air bag system according to this aspect, if the vehicle ends up rolling over, the main deployment portion receives a supply of gas and consequently inflates and deploys in a curtain shape. Also, the auxiliary deployment portion inflates and deploys by receiving a supply of gas from this main deployment portion via the gas passage. The head of an occupant seated in the front seat is protected against a rollover by the main deployment portion and the auxiliary deployment portion. Here, with the curtain air bag system described above, the upper end portion of the auxiliary deployment portion is connected to the front pillar via the connecting portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or effectively suppress the upper end of the auxiliary deployment portion from becoming offset in the vehicle width direction with respect to the front pillar when protecting the head of an occupant, which improves occupant head protection performance forward of the seat.
US08628111B2 Side airbag device
Provided is a side airbag device such that locally high stress is prevented from being generated at the sewn portion between panels by high temperature and pressure gas. An inner panel is folded in half, and the upper edges thereof are sewn together by a seam so as to form an inner bag. This inner bag is placed on an outer panel, the outer panel is folded in half, and the periphery thereof is sewn by a seam. An inflator equipped with a distributor is inserted into the inner bag through openings and, and a gas jetting portion is disposed in the immediate vicinity of a communication opening.
US08628110B2 Safety trailer
The present invention is directed to differing embodiments of safety trailers, which have first and second platforms and a safety wall positioned therebetween. The platforms and safety wall define an area protected from vehicular incursions.
US08628107B2 Dual-attachment system for a sway control hitch
A trailer hitch system for equalizing trailer loads and reducing trailer sway. The trailer hitch system may include spring bars that may be attached to a hitch head using a trunnion style connection. The spring bars may be attached to the trailer using rigid brackets that reduce swinging of the spring bars. The rigid brackets having a plurality of contact points may include an upward extending portion for attaching to the trailer tongue, and a lateral extending portion for receiving the spring bars thereupon. The rigid brackets may include a spacing member and an attachment member.
US08628105B2 Boat trailer with floatable bunk board guide-on posts
A pair of bunk board guide-on post assemblies 30, 31 are mounted on opposite sides of the frame 20 of a boat trailer 4 just at the aft ends of the bunk boards 25, 26 of the trailer. The guide-on post assemblies each include a rectilinear upwardly extending support bar 38 that defines a longitudinal slot 50, and a buoyant guide-on post 44 is telescopically mounted downwardly about the support bar 38 and defines a laterally extending connector opening 52 that registers with the longitudinal slot. A connector pin 54 extends through the laterally extending connector opening of the guide-on post and through the longitudinal slot of the upwardly extending support bar so that the buoyancy of the guide-on posts telescopes upwardly in response to partial immersion of the bunk boards of the boat trailer, providing a visual indication of the location of the submerged ends of the bunk boards.
US08628101B2 Suspension structure, bush structure and suspension characteristic adjusting method
A bush is adapted to connect a suspension link with a link support member which is one of a wheel support member and a vehicle body member. The bush includes an inner cylinder which extends in a front and rear direction and which is connected with one of the suspension link and the link support member, an outer cylinder which includes an inside circumferential surface confronting an outside circumferential surface of the inner cylinder and which is connected with the other of the suspension link and the link support member, and an elastic member interposed radially between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. The inner cylinder is formed with a bulge portion which projects radially outwards from the outside circumferential surface of the inner cylinder at a middle portion of the inner cylinder in an axial direction of the inner cylinder of the link bush.
US08628099B2 Removable wheel mounting assembly
A wheel mounting assembly for removably attaching a wheel assembly, typically comprising an axle and one or more wheels, to a platform attached to or integral with a wheeled object, such as skateboards, roller skates, rollerblades, backpacks, luggage, dollies and the like. The wheel mounting assembly comprises a wheel mount connector attached to the platform and a wheel mount, which is attached to the wheel assembly, that are configured for twist-and-lock engagement. The wheel mount has a mounting cavity for receiving the wheel mount connector and an internal elongated spring member that biases an engagement member into a slot on the wheel mount connector to prevent unintended disengagement of the wheel mounting assembly from the platform. One or more securing mechanisms secure the wheel mount to the wheel mount connector. The wheel mounting assembly can securely join multiple platform sections together without tools to simplify carrying or storing the object.
US08628096B2 Annular seal with trapezoidal cross-section
An annular seal for sealing between a cylindrical probe and a bore includes a radially inward-facing sealing portion having a first contact height, a radially outward-facing sealing portion having a second contact height, where the first contact height is greater than the second contact height. The seal further includes a vertical-loading portion, and a sloped deformation portion that extends between the vertical-loading portion and the radially outward-facing sealing portion.
US08628090B2 Seashell game
Children and adults are often seen collecting shells at the beach. Most don't know the name of the shell or anything about it. There's a need to create interest and education about seashells.There is literature which identifies seashells but nothing in the form of a game which would spark that interest.I've invented a seashell game geared for specific geographic locations that identifies indigenous seashells. The game consists of a plastic board with several indentations for specific shells to be placed into. A picture of that shell, its name and interesting information is printed next to the appropriate indentation. The object of the game is for players to fill each indentation with the proper shell within a time limit.The game provides a fun way to learn about seashells and occupy one's time while at the beach. Once filled, the game can be displayed in home, school or office.
US08628088B2 Puzzle with three dimensional representation of geographic area
A puzzle kit for assembly into a three dimensional representation of a geographic region includes first pieces that form a first layer, second pieces that form a second layer on top of the first layer, and structure pieces mounted on the first and/or second layers. The first and second layers can include retaining elements for retaining the structure pieces. The retaining elements can take the form of voids. The first layer can include image elements visible through the voids of the second layer, and the image elements can include indicia to match the voids with the structure pieces. The first pieces can include anchoring pieces that are elevated and interlock with the second layer. The structure pieces can be sequentially assembled on the first and/or second layers according to an index. The assembled puzzle can represent a city, and the structure pieces can represent buildings within the city.
US08628085B2 User-configurable casing for manual controller
A configurable manual controller for manipulating images or symbols on a display is adapted for construction with matable building elements arranged by a user. The user forms the manual controller to exhibit a customized ornamental appearance reflecting the user's game-inspired, ergonomic, or style preferences.
US08628081B2 Device for handling value notes
The invention relates to a device (10) for handling notes of value, comprising a first transport path (12), a second transport path (14) and at least one third transport path (16), wherein the notes of value can be transported along each transport path (12, 14, 16). Further, the device (10) has a switch (18) via which the three transport paths (12 to 16) can be connected to each other and with the aid of which the notes of value can be derouted from one of the transport paths (12 to 16) in another one. At least one transport element (26 to 30) is assigned to each of the transport paths (12 to 16) with the aid of which the notes of value can be supplied from the switch (18) to the respective transport path (12 to 16) or vice versa from the respective transport path (12 to 16) to the switch (18). The three transport elements (26 to 30) are driven by the same drive unit, wherein the direction of rotation of at least one of the transport elements (30) can be reversed independently from the direction of rotation of the other two transport elements (26, 28) relative to the direction of rotation of the other two transport elements (26, 28).
US08628079B2 Method and device for forming an auxiliary stack
A method for forming an auxiliary stack when a sheet stack is changed in a sheet delivery of a sheet-processing machine includes providing an auxiliary stack support for supporting the auxiliary stack during a non-stop stack change and multiple stop and separator elements disposed outside a stacking area in front of edges of the sheet stack to form a gap in a stream of sheets conveyed by a conveying system and released to fall onto the sheet stack. The sheet stack is lowered to form a gap for the auxiliary stack support, the stop elements for the front edge and the rear edge of the sheet stack are moved into a disengaged stand-by position before the main stack is lowered. For this purpose, the stop elements are equipped with remote-controllable actuating devices that are connected to a control unit. A device for forming an auxiliary stack is also provided.
US08628069B2 Apparatus for guiding and aligning semiconductor chip package
Provided is an apparatus for guiding and aligning a semiconductor chip package. The apparatus may include an insert, a plate above the insert, and an adapter. The insert may be configured to house various sizes of semiconductor chip packages. The plate may be configured to move vertically with respect to the insert. The adapter may be coupled to the plate and may be configured to guide at least one semiconductor chip package into the insert and to perform alignment of the at least one semiconductor chip package. In accordance with example embodiments, the at least one semiconductor chip package may have a size corresponding to at least one of the various sizes.
US08628062B2 Vehicle jack assembly
The present invention is a jack assembly having a first and second upper bracket pivotally connected to a support member and each having at least one strengthening bead and at least one rolled edge. A first lower bracket is pivotally connected to the first upper bracket using a non-threaded trunnion and a bearing through which a threaded rod extends. A second lower bracket is pivotally connected to the second upper bracket using a threaded trunnion through which the threaded rod also extends. The brackets are tapered for strength. The first and second lower brackets are pivotally connected to a base having an enclosed keyhole orifice for storage of the jack assembly. At least one strengthening flange is formed in both the first and second lower bracket.
US08628061B2 Motorcycle lean angle jack
A jack assembly including a base for contacting a support surface and a shaft having a first end coupled to the base and a second end, wherein the shaft includes a power screw disposed therein; and a coupling head pivotally coupled to the second end of the shaft, wherein the coupling head is adapted to be coupled to an object to be lifted.
US08628059B2 Assembly for a movable frame
A caster assembly for a frame is described that permits a frame to be easily moved and placed. The caster assembly, which may lift a leg of the frame, can be placed or removed without picking up the frame. The caster assembly further includes a handle that moves a cam for engaging the caster assembly with the leg. A frame having at least one caster assembly is also described.
US08628058B2 Shut-off valve for plumbing applications
A shut-off valve for plumbing applications for shutting off a duct through which a fluid can flow, includes at least two connection fittings forming a housing, which define a flow path when assembled; and a shut-off body rotatably disposed in the housing, which includes at least two shut-off sections. The shut-off body is movable between a closed position, in which at least one of the shut-off sections of the shut-off body blocks the flow path, and an open position, in which both shut-off sections open the flow path. In order to reduce manufacturing complexity, the shut-off body is formed from a formed sheet metal component.
US08628056B2 Dual sealing system for use with a probe
A dual sealing system (20) is provided for use with a probe (21) to allow access to an interior space (34) from an exterior environment (32). The system (20) includes a housing (22) defining a port (24) extending along a longitudinal axis (26) between an exterior end (28) of the housing and an interior end (30) of the housing to establish communication between an exterior environment (32) and an interior space (34); a first flexible, resilient penetratable member (40) extending across the port at a first location along the axis, the first penetratable member configured to create a seal around the probe with the probe inserted therethrough; and a second flexible, penetratable member (42) extending across the port at a second location along the axis spaced toward the interior end from the first location, the second penetratable member configured to create a seal after having been penetrated by the probe and the probe has been removed from the second penetratable member.
US08628054B2 Support becket for rig operations
A support member or becket for supporting an item during wellbore operations including a body with a support area, and a wear insert removable emplaced over the support area.
US08628053B2 System for fastening a seat in particular an aircraft seat and seat comprising at least one such system
This system comprising a base (2) provided in the vicinity of one of its ends with means in the form of jaws (3) for clamping and blocking in position of the system in the rail by pinching the latter between the base (2) and laterally protruding portions (4) of these means in the form of jaws (3), the base (2) and the means in the form of jaws (3) able to be displaced in relation to one another between a mounting/dismounting position of the system in the rail and a blocking position of the system by clamping around the rail, by the intermediary of the means of manoeuvring (6) that can be actuated by an operator, is characterized in that the means of manoeuvring (6) include a slide (7) which can be displaced in the base (2) by the operator and comprising at one end, a surface for manoeuvring (8) by the operator, at the other end, a ramp portion adapted (9) to cooperate with an additional ramp portion (10) of the means in the form of jaws (3) in order to displace the latter in relation to the base between the mounting/dismounting position and the blocking position, and in its intermediate portion, means that can be disengaged (11) for blocking in position of the slide (7) in the base (2) and therefore of the system in relation to the rail.
US08628039B2 Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes: a recording unit that performs recording on a recording medium wound on a roll, the roll including a first flange that is attached to one end and has a shaft hole and a first receiving portion, and a second flange that is attached to the other end and has a shaft hole; a first holder movable along a rotation axis of the roll, the first holder including a first shaft insertable into the shaft hole in the first flange, and a first flange-support surface that is in contact with an outer periphery of the first flange to support the first flange when the first shaft is not fitted in the shaft hole in the first flange and that has a first engaging portion; a second holder including a second shaft insertable into the shaft hole in the second flange.
US08628033B2 Pulper having a supply chamber and a displacement chamber
The invention relates to a pulper comprising a supply chamber (2) and a displacement chamber (3) for handling materials in an especially gentle manner, having a diameter between the supply chamber and the displacement chamber that is at most ⅓ of the diameter of the displacement chamber (3).
US08628032B2 Low flow irrigation emitter
An irrigation emitter is provided for delivering irrigation water from a water supply conduit, such as an irrigation supply tube, pipe, or other water supply apparatus, at a low volume or drip-like flow rate. The emitter operates generally through the use of a relatively long flow channel that causes a pressure reduction between the water supply conduit and an emitter outlet. The emitter includes an inlet component for tapping a portion of the water flow from the water supply conduit and, when the water pressure is above a predetermined minimum level, directing the flow to and through the flow channel for subsequent discharge to a desired location. The emitter also may regulate to accommodate for changes in supply pressure. The emitter also may include automatic flushing to dislodge debris trapped within the emitter.
US08628030B2 Fuel injection valve and internal combustion engine
A fuel injection valve includes a valve body and a valve member. The fuel injection valve is configured to control fuel supply by a movement of the valve member relative to the valve body. A slit that is configured to inject fuel having a first end portion opened in a sack portion of the valve body and a second end portion opened at an outer wall of the valve body is formed in the valve body. A through hole having a first end portion opened in the sack portion and a second end portion opened at the outer wall of the valve body is formed in the valve body.
US08628027B2 Oscillating nozzle sprinkler assembly with matched precipitation and adjustable arc of coverage
An oscillating nozzle sprinkler with adjustable arc of coverage in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a nozzle, a nozzle drive mechanism operable to drive the nozzle through a set arc of coverage, an arc set mechanism coupled to the nozzle drive mechanism and operable to adjust the set arc of coverage for the nozzle drive mechanism; and a flow control mechanism operable to vary a nozzle flow area through which water flows through the nozzle and out of the sprinkler, the flow control mechanism coupled to the arc set mechanism such that the flow area is adjusted with the arc of coverage.
US08628024B2 Removable component for a consumable with identifying graphic
A removable component for dispensing a physical resource from a dispensing system may include a body defining a reservoir in which a physical resource may be stored, a graphic provided on the removable component having information.
US08628019B2 Configurable digital badge holder
A portable authentication system includes a security module, that may be a smart card, SIM (Subscriber Identity Module), USB controller with a secure chip, or similar module capable of storing one or more credentials, and an interface module such as a digital badge holder that is able to communicate with the security module, for instance by providing a smart card communication interface. The portable authentication system may be either a single integrated system or a dual system where the security module can be removed or disconnected from the interface system.
US08628018B2 RFID circuit and method
Radio frequency communications are effected. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a radio frequency communication circuit includes an antenna having a conductor and a semiconductor chip having a lower substrate surface coupled with the conductor to pass data carried by radio frequency signals to a radio frequency communication circuit in an active layer on an upper surface of the substrate. Accordingly, communications are facilitated via the substrate and can alleviate the need to use through-substrate connectors and further facilitate placement of the chip on the antenna.
US08628001B2 Boxes
A partly constructed set up box in a generally flat configuration, the partly constructed set up box comprising an inner blank and an outer blank, wherein the inner blank and the outer blank are secured relative to each other by a securement means.
US08628000B2 Carton with interlocking divider
A package comprises a carton and a divider. The carton has a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton and at least two end flaps respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The divider has a divider panel that at least partially divides the interior of the carton and a securing flap that is connected to the divider panel. The securing flap is positioned between the overlapping end flaps of the carton, whereby the divider is at least partially secured to the closed end of the carton.
US08627990B2 Electrical accessory mounting device for a saddle-type vehicle
There is provided an electrical accessory mounting device capable of adjusting an electrical accessory to the position viewable from a rider. The mounting device of the navigation apparatus 20 mounted on the steering stem pipe 3 of the saddle-type vehicle 1 comprises the fixture 4 mounted on the saddle-type vehicle 1, the bracket 5 holding the navigation apparatus 20, and the angular setting means 37 making at least part of the bracket 5 movable to the fixture 4 in the longitudinal direction of the saddle-type vehicle 1 and setting an angle of the bracket 5 to a predetermined angle by the position corresponding to the movement of the bracket 5. The angular setting means 37 includes a pair of long holes 34, 35 provided on the fixture 4 and a pair of screws 36F, 36B moving along a pair of long holes 34, 35 provided on the bracket 5. Thus, the angle of the navigation apparatus 20 can be adjusted by back-and-forth movement of the bracket 5, thereby allowing the electrical accessory to be adjusted to an easily viewable position where other members do not interfere.
US08627988B2 Baby carrier
A baby carrier includes two strap loops, which are interconnected and arranged to extend around the two shoulder areas of the wearer, a relief belt that extends around the waist, and a carrying pocket mounted to the strap loops and the relief belt, with a front piece that is attached to an adjacent strap loop via an upper connection device, and a seat part that is attached to the relief belt via a lower connection device. The front piece and the relief belt, below the upper connection device, define a leg opening. The lower connection device includes an intermediate piece to which the seat part is attached, and a fastening member arranged at each side and detachably attached to the intermediate piece, and the respective part of the relief belt is attached to the respective fastening member for vertically turnable attachment of the relief belt to the lower connection device.
US08627986B2 Spray device
A device for spraying contents from a pressurized container. The device has an anti-pre-spray mechanism which prevents inadvertent actuation or spray when a new container is loaded into the device. The anti-pre-spray mechanism provides a dead band between a valve assembly in the pressurized container and an actuation mechanism. The dead band may comprise a gap, spring, etc. The actuation mechanism may be activated by the consumer at the point of use.
US08627984B2 Non-integrated bulk dispenser and method of operating a dishwasher having same
A removable non-integrated treating chemistry dispensing cartridge assembly may emit a signal in response to a predetermined amount of treating chemistry being detected and in response to a predetermined amount of illumination being detected.
US08627981B2 Container
A container (210) for holding granular or powdered material and formed by a top wall (212), a bottom wall (214), a front wall (216), a rear wall (218), a first side wall (220), and a second side wall (222). A rotatably removable lid (D) is interiorly mounted with a scoop (32) and is pivotally hinged to a collar (300) that includes a sealing gasket (330). The collar (300) mounts to the walls of the container (210). A sealing wall 240 of the lid (D) cooperates with the gasket 300 to prevent the contents from spilling. The container (210) incorporates additional sealing features wherein the gasket (330) projects inwardly from the collar (300) into an interior space (H, I) of the container (210) to be biased against the sealing flange (284). The sealing wall includes modifications that funnel powder into the interior space (H,I) of the receptacle (280).
US08627976B2 Cart with latch
A cart including a container that defines an interior space. The cart also includes a cover that is movable between an open position providing access to the interior space and a closed position inhibiting access to the interior space, and a latch that is located between the container and the cover to releasably hold the cover in the closed position. The cart further includes a hands-free mechanism that is coupled to the container and engaged with the cover to move the cover between the open position and the closed position. The hands-free mechanism is further coupled to the latch and operable to disengage the latch to permit movement of the cover to the open position.
US08627972B2 Lower container part and upper container part of a sterile container and sterile container
A sterile container having a lower container part and an upper container part for closing the lower container part is provided. The lower and upper container parts define, in a closed position, a container interior. A sealing device is provided for gastight sealing of the sterile container in the closed position. The sealing device comprises a circumferential sealing element bearing against both the lower and upper container parts in the closed position. The sealing element comprises an upper container part sealing section with an upper container part sealing surface region bearing against the upper container part, and a lower container part sealing section with a lower container part sealing surface region bearing against the lower container part. The sealing device further comprises a pretensioning device for exerting a pretensioning force on at least the lower container part sealing section or on the upper container part sealing section.
US08627970B2 Closure with shield, stopper, and pusher, and method for making the same
A closure is shown for closing an opening of a vessel. The closure includes a stopper, a shield, and a pusher. The stopper seats at least partially within the vessel opening. The shield includes a recess configured to receive the stopper and at least partially defined by the inner surface of a skirt. The skirt is positioned outside the generally cylindrical neck of the vessel when the stopper is seated in the vessel opening. The pusher extends into the recess of the shield. The pusher is configured to push the stopper out of the opening when the shield is withdrawn axially, as when removing the closure from the opening. A method of assembling a closure is also shown, in which the pusher is positioned to push the stopper out of the opening when the shield is withdrawn axially from the vessel opening.
US08627969B2 Corking or secondary corking cap with a tearable injury-proof strip, and method for making same
The invention relates to a stopper capsule, having an axial direction, including a shell, with a head, a skirt, and a joint, where a) the joint is a form joint, b) the form joint has b1) a resilient layer, a set of adjacent layers, b2.1) a barrier layer, b2.2) a malleable support layer with the function of providing the set of adjacent layers a global malleable property such that the joint can be shaped without creation of folds, b2.3) an outer layer having an outer surface which can be compressed by the axial compression resulting from stoppering such as to match the form of the mouth of the neck. The invention further relates to a method of production of the capsule and a method of stoppering.
US08627963B2 Hydrocyclone reject orifice treated to prevent blockage
A reject port of a hydrocyclone has an orifice that is treated or coated to prevent blockage thereof when materials pass therethrough, such as produced water, asphaltenes, waxes, “schmoo” or other materials having high potential for scaling. Such surfaces may include, but are not necessarily limited to, superhydrophobic surfaces and/or superoleophobic surfaces such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), tungsten disulfide (WS2), siloxanes, nanomaterials, surfaces created by diffusion of carbon into a stainless steel without forming chromium carbides (e.g. KOLSTERISING®), anti-scale treatment materials, and combinations thereof. The treated orifice may optionally be removable from the reject port.
US08627957B2 Sealable secondary packaging for pharmaceutical product blister pack
A pharmaceutical product supply is disclosed in the form of a container, a pharmaceutical product receiver, pharmaceutical product, an adhesive, and at least one release liner. The pharmaceutical product receiver includes a plurality of receptacles for pharmaceutical product. The container is initially disposed in a first configuration where all of the pharmaceutical product receiver receptacles may be accessible. The container is thereafter disposable in a second configuration where no covering for any of the pharmaceutical product receiver receptacles is accessible through any openable access incorporated by the container. One or more release liners may be moved to expose adhesive for disposing and retaining the container in its second configuration. The noted second configuration of the container facilitates disposal of the pharmaceutical product supply (e.g., now being in a form that should reduce the potential for gaining access to any remaining pharmaceutical product still enclosed within the pharmaceutical product receiver).
US08627953B1 Holder for portable device
A holder for a portable device includes: a main body having the portable device received on a front surface portion thereof; a first switch formed at a designated position of the front surface portion of the main body so as to be push into and protruded from the front surface portion; first and second arms formed at both side surfaces of the main body, and having a distance provided therebetween and varied by the first switch such that the portable device is attached or detached; and a second switch including a first button formed to be physically connected to the first arm inside the main body and a second button formed to be physically connected to the second arm inside the main body, and varying the distance between the first and second arms.
US08627951B2 Pack for lump-form or granular material
A pack for in particular piece-form pack contents having a sealed inner pack (11) with removal opening (21) and closure flap (24), an outer pack (10) with box part or base part (27) and movable closure part (28), and a covering part (12) between the inner pack (11) and outer pack (10), the covering part (12) having an opening or a window (55) in the region of the removal opening (21) of the inner pack (11).
US08627950B2 Hanging fabric jewelry organizer
A fabric jewelry organizer including a fabric surface having a fabric flap on each edge. A plurality of horizontal pockets on the flaps; a plurality of horizontal support bars mounted in the pockets. A closure at a top edge of each flap and a hanger held in the organizer by the closures such that the hanger can be used to support the organizer.
US08627946B2 Device for detecting items
The invention relates to a device for detecting items with a transport device having two belt conveyors arranged one behind the other for transporting items in a transport direction, wherein a slot is configured between the belt conveyors perpendicular to the transport direction, and with a scanning unit for the contactless optical scanning through the slot of a contact surface of the items being transported on the transport device, where the slot is covered at least partially by a protective rail and is arranged spaced apart from the belt conveyors.
US08627944B2 System, apparatus, and method for conveying a plurality of containers
A system, apparatus, and method for conveying a plurality of deformable containers. The system can include a conveyor apparatus, an in-feed apparatus, and a rotary apparatus. The in-feed apparatus can be configured to receive the containers from the conveyor apparatus, and may include a first feed screw and a second feed screw. The rotary apparatus can be configured to receive the plurality of filled and sealed containers after the in-feed apparatus. The in-feed apparatus also may be configured to space adjacent filled and sealed containers, with the first and second feed screws acting on the containers to create the spacing. The space created between adjacent containers may be for receipt by said rotary apparatus. The first feed screw may be configured to be positioned substantially directly above the containers, and the second feed screw may be positioned so as to act on the sidewall of the plurality of sealed and filled containers.
US08627943B2 Guide arrangement for use with a transport member
A guide arrangement is provided for guiding movement of a transport member to convey products in a conveying direction of a conveying section having a predetermined course. The transport member includes a number of functional units operatively connected to each other. The guide arrangement includes a number of sequentially connected guide rail elements defining a guide channel along the conveying section. The guide channel has inside walls including structure to guide the transport member.
US08627941B2 Food product positioning system and method
A food handling system having a positioning system and method. The positioning system includes a main conveying surface, an electronic sensor, a controller and a robot. The main conveying surface is configured to move food products. The electronic sensor is configured to capture position data about one or more food products on the main conveying surface within a sensor range of the sensor. The controller is signal-connected to the electronic sensor and the robot. The controller is configured to receive data captured by the sensor and is configured to instruct the robot to move a food product to a destination position. The robot is configured to reposition one or more food products on the conveying surface according to instructions sent by the controller. The robot has a longitudinal and a lateral working range. The food product may include formed meat patties or sliced meat or cheese products.
US08627939B1 Apparatus and system for imaging currency bills and financial documents and method for using the same
A device has a deposit, a sell, and an audit mode of operation to monitor and reconcile bills. The device includes a memory storing records, an input receptacle to receive bills, an image scanner to image bills, a transportation mechanism to transport bills, and one or more processors. In the deposit mode, the one or more processors extract serial numbers and generate records. Each record includes a physical bill location field to indicate the location that the bill is expected to be physically located. In the sell mode, the one or more processors update the physical bill location fields to indicate that the expected physical bill location is a second location. In the audit mode, the one or more processors determine if each record corresponds with an audit record and generate an indication that the teller drawer is balanced responsive to a determination that each audit record corresponds with a respective record and a determination that each record corresponds with an audit record.
US08627938B2 Power transmitting apparatus
A power transmitting apparatus can include a clutch housing, a plurality of driving and driven clutch plates, a clutch member, a pressure member, an intermediate member, a plurality of urging devices, and a back-torque limiting cam. The power transmitting apparatus can further include an urging force cut-off device for cutting-off the urging force applied to the pressure member from particular urging devices of the plurality of urging devices by separating the inner ends of the particular urging devices from the pressure member when the intermediate member is moved toward the pressure member by the action of the back-torque limiting cam.
US08627933B2 Two stage valve and hydraulic damped valve
A shock absorber includes a two stage valve assembly that has two valve discs. The second valve disc defines the first stage at lower valve pressures and the first valve disc defines the second stage at higher valve pressures. The two valve discs can be defined by a single piece component or they can be separate components. The second valve disc can permit fluid flow by deflection of the second valve disc or by movement of the entire second valve disc. The two stage valve assembly can be incorporated into the piston assembly of the shock absorber and/or the two stage valve assembly can be incorporated into a base valve assembly.
US08627930B2 Variable response bushing
A bushing having a variable and controllable hardness, and a method of restricting movement comprising using such bushing.
US08627926B2 Method and apparatus for a stair assembly
A reusable stair system may allow for access to a platform, for example, at the top of a ramp so that able people are not required to travel the entire distance of the ramp to reach the main platform. The reusable stair system can be easily assembled and disassembled, having a number of legs that are attached to adjacent stairs. Legs may have two attachment regions for two stairs on either side of each leg and one of the stairs being located at a greater height than the other stair. The desired height of the main platform at the top of the stair system will determine the number of legs and corresponding stairs that will be used.
US08627923B2 Tank lifeline system
Lifeline systems include a worker harness hooked and slideable along a cable attached to a ratchet mechanism and extending between posts, through stand off pipes, or the like and generally parallel to, but spaced from, sides of a tank. The lifeline system utilizes supports which can be removably attached to the reinforcement rib or the cantilevered edge of the tank. The supports can include fastening rings to connect to braces, stabilizers or the ratchet mechanism. The reinforcement rib is received in an omega shaped channel and sandwiched by a clamp located on the first side and moveable relative to a second side of the channel. The cantilevered edge is received between upper and lower plates extending in openings of C-shaped sides in a spaced, angled relation and is sandwiched by a fastener threadably received in the upper plate.
US08627920B2 Folded horn enclosure with inter-channel reflex-porting
A low frequency exponential folded horn enclosure employing a bifurcated horn terminal pathway and a single driver with a bifurcated throat channel, with driver access from the top or bottom of the enclosure. The horizontal “butterfly” throat is located at the rear of the enclosure and expands vertically, and the vertically arranged bifurcated horn terminus exhausts in a mostly forward direction on opposite sides of the back chamber which is reflex-ported; said ports arranged to each exhaust into the channel folds at each respective corner of the terminal horn channel.
US08627917B2 Steering system of industrial machine and method of changing body-articulating angle
A steering system, in a state where a first steering means is not operated, a third signal pressure output means outputs a third signal pressure in response to a second signal pressure fed to the third signal pressure output means, and feeding and discharging control means operates based in the third signal pressure, while in a state where the first steering means is operated, the third signal pressure output means stops outputting of the third signal pressure regardless of whether or not the second signal pressure is fed to the third signal pressure output means, and the feeding and discharging control means operates based on the first signal pressure.
US08627912B2 Bracket set of CNG filling receptacles for motor vehicles
A CNG filling receptacle holding device for a vehicle according to the present invention comprises additional elements for the installation of CNG filling receptacle with the fuel filling path opening on the body of the vehicle to that of the typical installation of the gas filling receptacle inside the engine compartment wherein a number of molded plates are made into elements for assembling onto a frame at the position of the CNG filling receptacle holding device for the vehicle according to the present invention.
US08627910B1 Collapsible small-scale electric transportation system
A collapsible electric transportation system having a front half base and a back half base pivotally connected together via a hinge bracket, the half bases can fold about the hinge bracket in an extended position wherein the half bases create a platform structure and a storage position wherein top surfaces of the half bases are folded to face each other, motors, a seat panel pivotally attached atop the back half base panel, rear wheels and front wheels, a steering assembly adapted to control directions of the front wheels, a steering mechanism pivotally attached to the front half base which can pivot between at least an extended position at an angle with respect to the front half base and a storage position generally flush with the front half base, and a battery bank operatively connected to a motors.
US08627909B2 Walking-assistant device
A walking-assistant device is provided comprising a driving unit that includes four wheels and four actuators for adjusting heights of the four wheels, a mechanism unit that includes two vertical frames whose length is adjusted and connection frames for fixing and connecting the vertical frames, and a manipulation unit that includes a plurality of sensors for grasping a user's moving intention and controls the driving unit and the mechanism unit based on a signal detected by the sensors.
US08627907B2 Steering drive system and skid steer vehicle equipped therewith
A steering drive system includes a drive arrangement having a first drive and a second drive, a summing gear unit for summing driving torques of the drives on an output shaft of the summing gear unit, a first drive connection device by which the first drive is drivingly connected to a first input shaft of the summing gear unit, and a second drive connection device by which the second drive is drivingly connected to a second input shaft of the summing gear unit. The two drive connection devices are arranged in each instance such that no driving torque directed to the drives from the summing gear unit can be transmitted to the drives during a continuously produced drive connection between the drives and the summing gear unit.
US08627905B2 Non-planar interface construction
A cutting element is provided, including a substrate and an ultra-hard material layer formed over the substrate. At one end of the substrate is an interface surface that interfaces with the ultra-hard material layer to bond the layer to the substrate. The interface surface includes a first or outer annular section that extends to the peripheral edge of the substrate, and a second or inner section that is radially inside the first section. The interface surface includes several spaced-apart projections arranged in an annular row. In one aspect, each projection has an upper surface that defines a groove bisecting the projection. In another aspect, the interface surface may include a bridge coupling adjacent projections.
US08627904B2 Thermally stable polycrystalline diamond material with gradient structure
A diamond construction may include a diamond body comprising a plurality of bonded-together diamond crystals forming a matrix phase, and a plurality of interstitial regions disposed between the bonded-together diamond crystals, the diamond body comprising: a first diamond region extending a depth from a surface of the diamond body being substantially free of a catalyst material used to form the diamond body, wherein the first diamond region comprises the matrix phase and in at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial spaces, the first diamond region comprises a metal carbide and an inert metal, wherein the metal carbide is formed as a result of reaction between the diamond crystals in the matrix phase and a carbide-forming metal; and a second diamond region adjacent the first diamond region comprising the matrix phase and a Group VIII metal in the interstitial regions.
US08627901B1 Laser bottom hole assembly
There is provided for laser bottom hole assembly for providing a high power laser beam having greater than 5 kW of power for a laser mechanical drilling process to advance a borehole. This assembly utilizes a reverse Moineau motor type power section and provides a self-regulating system that addresses fluid flows relating to motive force, cooling and removal of cuttings.
US08627899B2 Handle portion of a hand-held motor-driven tool
A handle portion for a hand-held motor-driven tool and a hand-held motor-driven tool including a base portion (20), a rear handle (30) arranged to the rear part (20a) of the base portion (20) and a front handle (40) having a first end (40a) attached to the base portion (20) and a second end (40b) attached to the base portion (20). At least a part of the front handle (40) is arranged as a loop starting from a first lateral face (20c) extending in a direction away from a lower face (20e) of the base portion (20) and further in a direction towards a second lateral face (20d). A first attachment means (12) for attaching the first end (40a) and a second attachment (13) means for attaching the second end are mountable at the same face of the first lateral face (20c), second lateral face (20d) or lower face (20e) of the base portion.
US08627897B2 Tiller housing
A tiller includes a tiller frame and an upright assembly extending from the frame. The frame is supported by at least one wheel and defines a cavity. A transmission assembly is supported by the frame and has an output member that is configured to be drivingly coupled to a first power source in a first battery-powered configuration and to a second power source in a second electric-powered configuration. A tilling implement includes a drive shaft that is driven by the output member. The tilling implement comprises at least one tine plate. The cavity is configured to removably receive a battery in the first battery-powered configuration and removably receive a ballast in the second electric-powered configuration.
US08627895B2 Running tool
A running tool for delivering a hanger into a wellcomprises a main body. In addition, the running tool comprise an attachment means for connecting a hanger to the main body. Further, the running tool comprises a sleeve having an external profile and being rotatably mounted around the main body. The sleeve has engagement means for releasably connecting the sleeve to a landing ring mounted via a thread on the hanger such that rotational movement of the sleeve causes rotational and thus axial movement of the landing shoulder on the hanger.
US08627894B2 Ring member for a swellable downhole packer
A ring member for a downhole apparatus includes a swellable material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one triggering fluid. The ring member is configured to cooperate with a swellable member disposed on a body of the apparatus, and may function as a gauge ring or a retaining member. The ring member is secured to the apparatus via a coupling arrangement which couples the body to an adjacent well string section. The ring member is threaded into the well string. Alternately, the ring member may be disposed over an upstanding formation such as a coupling sleeve by clamping.
US08627890B2 Rotating continuous flow sub
A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by advancing the tubular string longitudinally into the wellbore; stopping drilling by holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; adding a tubular joint or stand of joints to the tubular string while injecting drilling fluid into a side port of the tubular string, rotating the tubular string, and holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; and resuming drilling of the wellbore after adding the joint or stand.
US08627889B2 Drilling and fracturing fluid
A method of fracturing a subterranean formation while drilling a well includes the steps of preparing a fluid useful for drilling a wellbore into the formation; drilling the wellbore into the formation with the fluid; acidizing the fluid such that the acid soluble additive is degraded; and fracturing the formation with the fluid in the wellbore to create a channel in the formation.
US08627888B2 Settable compositions containing metakaolin having reduced portland cement content
Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes providing a settable fluid that comprises an aqueous-based medium, a lime composition, and a cementitious blend that comprises metakaolin particulates and aluminosilicate particulates, wherein the cementitious blend is essentially free of Portland cement; introducing the settable fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation that comprises a corrosive component; and allowing the settable fluid to set therein.
US08627879B2 Capillary assisted loop thermosiphon apparatus
A capillary assisted loop thermosiphon apparatus (100) has at least one evaporator (102) connected by a vapor line (104) to a condenser (106); a liquid line (108) connects the condenser (106) and the evaporator (102), the evaporator (102) is in the direction of gravity from the condenser (106) for the condenser (106) to supply liquid under gravity induced pressure to the evaporator (102), and the evaporator (102) has a vertical capillary wick (102a) in which liquid wicks in the direction of gravity.
US08627878B2 System and method for non-contact sensing to minimize leakage between process streams in an air preheater
A rotary air preheater 10 includes a housing 12 having a rotor 14. The rotor 14 has opposing ends 20,24 and is divided into sections by diaphragms 48. Sector plates 28 include one sector plate 28 in sealing relation with one of opposing ends 20,24 of the rotor 14. The air preheater 10 includes a flange 56 and a sensing device 49 coupled to at least one of the sector plates 28. The sensing device 49 provides non-contact sensing of a distance between the sector plate 28 and the flange 56. The sensing device 49 includes a conduit 54 that directs a jet of compressed air onto the flange 56, a first pressure sensor 60 and a second pressure sensor 70. The first pressure sensor 60 senses pressure inside the sensing device 49, and the second pressure sensor 70 senses pressure outside the sensing device 49. The distance between the sector plate and the flange is a pressure difference measured by the first and the second pressure sensors 60,70. In one embodiment, the first pressure sensor 60 senses a backpressure within the sensing device 49.
US08627876B2 Molding tool with conformal portions and method of making the same
A mold core package for forming a molding tool includes a plurality of stacked particulate layers having a binding agent. The plurality of stacked particulate layers form sacrificial walls defining a mold cavity. A sacrificial displacement line and a sacrificial displacement body extend from the mold core package and are adapted to displace a molten material applied to the mold core package.
US08627873B2 Partition mount
In a spring-loaded curtain mount, the mount includes a pole interface at a proximal end, a compressive mechanism, and a head at a distal end. The pole interface is adapted to receive the end of a standard length adjustable pole or a painter's pole. The compression mechanism is disposed between the proximal end of the mount and the head. The mount includes a coupling device adapted to receive a portion of a curtain. During installation, the curtain mount is coupled to the end of an extension pole and the length of the pole is adjusted such that the combined length of the pole and mount is slightly longer than the distance between the floor and ceiling. At ground level, a portion of the curtain is attached to the head of the curtain mount. The curtain and mount are raised to the ceiling and the mount and pole are compressed between the floor and the ceiling. This compressive force operates to urge the head toward the ceiling, securing the mount in place.
US08627864B2 Pneumatic tire with tread having lug grooves and sub-grooves
A pneumatic tire comprising: a pair of center circumferential direction grooves, first lug grooves that connect to the center circumferential direction grooves and the directions of inclination of which is alternately in opposite directions in the tire circumferential direction, second lug grooves that extend from the center circumferential direction grooves to the edges of the tread and the directions of inclination are in opposite directions on one side and the other side across the equator in the tire width direction, a pair of shoulder circumferential direction grooves that delineate second blocks with the center circumferential direction grooves and the second lug grooves, and sub-grooves that traverse the second blocks in the tire circumferential direction to connect the second lug grooves, and extend in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of inclination of the second lug grooves.
US08627859B2 Apparatus for recharging tennis balls and method
A method and apparatus for recharging depleted tennis balls that uses pressurized gas. A recharge pressure vessel includes a cylindrical shell with a closed end and a spaced apart opening top with a connecting wall forming a charging chamber. The vessel may be pivotally secured to a base. A pressure port proximate the open end permits gas entry and exit for charging. The chamber may be filled with any number of discharged tennis balls and then is sealed and charged with high pressure gas such as carbon dioxide. The balls will become sufficiently recharged and the pressure may be released and the recharged balls remove from the vessel.
US08627856B2 Continuous gas filling process and apparatus for fabrication of insulating glass units
A method and apparatus for filling insulating glass units with one or more insulating gases (e.g., Argon and Krypton gas). The insulating gases are supplied to gas filling tubes that are inserted into one or more interpane spaces of the insulating glass units. Each interpane space may be filled with more than one insulating gas. A control unit controls the injection of the insulating gases in accordance with gas filling data received by the control unit.
US08627855B2 Weaving method and loom for implementing this method
An enhanced weaving method and a loom for implementing this method. The loom includes a weaving area (18) into which weft threads are inserted into at least one upper channel and one lower channel, each of these weft threads being inserted between at least two warp threads by at least one weft insertion element: first element for focusing on one of these channels and determining the position of the warp threads relative to the weft thread, and second element for inserting at least one binding thread (16) above, between and below these channels. The loom includes at least one element for gripping the at least one binding thread and element for moving the at least one gripping element out of and into the weaving area (18) so as to place the at least one gripping element in contact with the at least one binding thread and to allow the drawing of the at least one binding thread.
US08627852B2 Apertured flow control element and housing structure therefor
A valve (20) and flow control element (22) are provided for use with a dunnage bag (24). The valve (20) includes a valve housing (40) that carries an actuator (36) and the flow control element (22). The housing (40) defines a flow passage (44), and a seal surface (48) around the flow passage. The flow control element (22) includes a peripheral attachment portion (60), a resilient, intermediate portion (62) extending generally laterally inwardly from the peripheral attachment portion and defining at least one flow aperture (64); and an imperforate central portion (68) extending generally laterally inwardly from the intermediate portion and including a seal (70) for sealing against the housing seal surface with the flow control element in a normally closed position. The intermediate portion of the flow control element accommodates movement of the seal between the normally closed position and an open position away from the seal surface in response to the central portion being subjected to an opening force, thereby permitting flow of a fluent substance through the flow passage and the at least one flow aperture.
US08627850B1 Multi-feature digital shower system
An electronic shower system comprises in major part a console and plumbing assembly and effective for reducing water use and cost by enabling the storage and use of preset shower settings, the shower console configured to adjust the flow of hot and cold water from hot and cold water lines fluidly attached to a shower faucet via the use of motors and water valves and where the console can further comprise such additional features as a radio unit.
US08627848B2 Vane inlet device
A vane inlet apparatus is provided for separating components of a feed stream. The apparatus includes a body having an axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The body includes an inlet and a plurality of vanes disposed along the axis. Each vane includes an aperture such that the apertures in successive vanes decrease in size toward the distal end of the apparatus. The vanes may be flat or curved. The sizes, shaped, and orientation of the vanes along the apparatus may be determined according to the designed specifications of a particular project. The apparatus as well as the vanes and apertures are preferably cylindrically shaped to match the incoming feed stream cross-section. A method of constructing the vane inlet apparatus is also provided.
US08627846B2 Pressure regulator having an integral pilot and self-relieving mechanism
A high flow pressure regulator valve is disclosed having an integral pilot valve. The disclosed valve includes a pressure regulating portion including inlet and outlet ports, a valve seat, valve disc and a spring for biasing the valve disc into engagement with the valve seat. The valve also includes a pilot valve portion positioned on the flow regulating portion. The pilot valve portion includes a pilot spring, a diaphragm and a pusher post. One end of the pusher post is positioned toward the diaphragm and a second end is disposed within an annulus region. The valve further includes a pressure path that enables selective fluid communication between the outlet port, the annulus, an inner chamber region disposed beneath the diaphragm, and an intermediate chamber disposed above the valve disc. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US08627845B2 Directional conduit guide support
The present invention provides a delivery system for providing an atomized treatment agent like a cleaner or lubricant to a specific internal location of a closed mechanical system like an internal combustion engine. The atomized treatment agent is delivered via a flexible, non-rigid conduit to the desired internal location of the engine between, e.g., the ID/OD coupling joint between the air inlet hose and the throttle body. A special conduit support guide, the end of which is inserted through the ID/OD coupling joint, provides the proper geometry for gently configuring the conduit to enter the ID/OD coupling joint without crimping and controlling the directional approach and distance of the conduit free end inside the engine.
US08627839B1 Mobility system for the visually impaired
A mobility system for the visually impaired has a removable data processing module attached to a generally elongated collapsible pole. The pole has a proximity sensor located close to a pole first end and a second proximity sensor located a pole second end. The pole has a fingerprint scanner located close to the pole first end. The system has a data processing module that has a microprocessor, a power switch, a power supply, a charging port, a data port, a microphone, and a speaker located within the module housing. The microprocessor has a global positioning system component. The data processing module can be attached to the collapsible pole or carried by the user via a strap or a clip. The fingerprint scanner can turn on or off the system based on the fingerprint of the user.
US08627837B2 Thin plate member washing apparatus
In a thin plate member washing apparatus, when a rotary arm member supporting a mesh member holding portion is rotated using a rotary handle, tap water flows over the surface of a mesh member, and medicinal fluid residue deposited on the mesh member is removed.
US08627835B2 In-situ cleaning assembly
A cleaning chamber is provided. The cleaning chamber includes a base portion housing a chuck and a lid affixed to the base portion. A support assembly is linked to the lid and the support assembly includes a top plate spaced apart from a bottom plate, the top plate has a plurality of openings defined therethrough and the bottom plate has a plurality of openings defined therethrough. The cleaning chamber includes a plurality of cups extending through corresponding pairs of the plurality of openings of the top plate and the bottom plate. The plurality of cups is configured to seal against a surface of a substrate, wherein each cup of the plurality of cups is independently supported by the bottom plate.
US08627829B2 Water removing hair brush
A hair brush includes a body having a head and a water absorbent material carried by part of the body. The hair brush can have a plurality of bristles. The body has one or more vents. The water absorbent material can be a foam material, a microfiber fabric, or other suitable material.
US08627828B2 Tobacco compositions
The invention features tobacco compositions and methods of their use and manufacture. Compositions of the invention may be based on a variety of technologies. Technologies include films, tabs, shaped parts, gels, consumable units, insoluble matrices, and hollow shapes. In addition to tobacco, compositions may also contain flavors, colors, and other additives as described herein. Compositions may also be orally disintegrable. Exemplary compositions and methods of their manufacture are described herein.
US08627827B2 Tobacco articles
Some embodiments of a tobacco article may include tobacco disposed in a porous matrix. The tobacco article may provide tobacco, tobacco constituents, or both tobacco and tobacco constituents to the consumer's mouth in the form of particles, liquid, or vapor so as to provide tobacco satisfaction to the consumer. In some circumstances, the tobacco may be integrally molded with a plastic material so that at least a portion of the tobacco is disposed in pores of the matrix.
US08627826B2 Tobacco articles and methods
Some embodiments of a tobacco article may include tobacco disposed in a porous matrix. The tobacco article may provide tobacco, tobacco constituents, or both tobacco and tobacco constituents to the consumer's mouth in the form of particles, liquid, or vapor so as to provide tobacco satisfaction to the consumer. In some circumstances, the tobacco may be integrally molded with a plastic material so that at least a portion of the tobacco is disposed in pores of the matrix.
US08627824B2 Support assembly for an ear
An ear support assembly and a method for applying pressure to an ear includes a support device having solid planar or curved surfaces and formable material configured to be deformed and retain an impression of a surface of an ear, wherein the planar or curved surfaces are configured to apply pressure to the formable material such that the formable material applies pressure to the surface of the ear.
US08627812B2 EZ-launch two liter pop bottle launcher
A toy rocket launcher is adapted to pressurize a container, such as a two-liter bottle, and launch the pressurized container upon release of an internal release mechanism. The internal release mechanism locks the bottle rocket in place and releases it with a slight pull on a string. A tire valve may permit a user to pressurize the container with an air pump, such as a bicycle pump or an air compressor. An optional pressure gauge may be provided to monitor pressure in the container.
US08627810B2 Archery bow
An archery bow comprises a structural riser that comprises a plurality of cells arranged in a repeating pattern. In some embodiments, the riser comprises multiple pluralities of similarly shaped cells, wherein each plurality comprises a different shape. In some embodiments, a bow comprises one or more rotatable members. Each rotatable member can comprise a plurality of cells arranged in a repeating pattern. In some embodiments, cell shapes in the rotatable member(s) are similar to cell shapes in the riser.
US08627805B2 System and apparatus for controlling reverse flow in a fluid conduit
A system includes an internal combustion engine receiving intake air from an intake manifold and providing exhaust gases to an exhaust manifold. The system further includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) conduit fluidly coupling the exhaust manifold to the intake manifold. The system includes a conical spring check valve disposed in the EGR conduit, the conical spring check valve having a helically wound spring including a number of turns of decreasing diameter, where each turn progresses axially in a normal flow direction of the EGR from a previous one of the turns. Each of the turns further overlaps a previous one of the turns.
US08627793B2 Control valve for use in valve timing control apparatus
A directional control valve is configured to switch among a first position at which a discharge passage communicates with a phase-advance passage and a phase-retard passage and a lock passage communicates with a drain passage, a second position at which the discharge passage communicates with the phase-advance passage and the lock passage and the phase-retard passage communicates with the drain passage, a third position at which the discharge passage communicates with the phase-retard passage and the lock passage and the phase-advance passage communicates with the drain passage, and a fourth position at which the discharge passage communicates with the lock passage and fluid-communication between the discharge passage and each of the phase-advance passage and the phase-retard passage is blocked. The directional control valve is further switchable to a sixth position at which the phase-advance passage, the phase-retard passage, and the lock passage all communicate with the discharge passage.
US08627792B2 Adjusting device
An adjusting device including an electric motor that has a motor housing, the shaft of the motor running perpendicularly upwards from the electric motor and supporting a gearwheel of an actuating transmission. Oil is conducted from an oil outlet of an oil circuit to the actuating transmission. The upper face of the motor housing has one or more oil inlet openings and the lower face has one or more oil outlet openings, the region of the oil inlet openings being covered by a filter element.
US08627790B2 W6-motor
A W6 engine has two W3 engine units disposed juxtaposed on a common crankshaft. Exhaust pipes of the cylinders containing the pistons driving the common crankshaft are guided to an exhaust. Each cylinder has at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve. The intake valves for the individual cylinders are disposed in wall portions of the respective cylinders oriented in the same circumferential direction about the crankshaft or lateral portions of their cylinder head. The exhaust valves for the individual cylinders are disposed in opposite circumferential direction. Each exhaust valve closes an exhaust pipe, which is led from the valve seat of the exhaust valve to the outer surface of the W3 engine unit in which the cylinder with the exhaust valve is disposed.
US08627788B2 Dog harness equipped with a covering cover
The invention relates to a dog harness equipped with a covering cover comprising a blanketing saddle part covered by a covering cover, within that a middle portion hollow on one side and domed on the other side, and two side portions, on which side portions a chest strap is attached to trace straps, connecting the two side portions at the height of the trace straps, furthermore a back strap crossing the trace straps is attached directly to the covering cover in the continuation of a belly strap, wherein the covering cover (8) consists of at least two pieces, covering sheet-A (9) and covering sheet-B (10), connected to each other in a connection strip portion (11), furthermore at least two through openings (14) are made in the covering cover (8).
US08627787B2 Durable bone with soft core
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, relates a method of manufacturing an animal chew by molding two body portions of a first material each having at least one concave surface and one or more through holes, attaching the two portions together such that the concave surfaces face one another to form a hollow body portion, injecting a second material into the hollow body portion to fill at least a portion of the hollow body and form areas of exposed regions of the second material by filling the one or more through holes. In a second exemplary embodiment, the two portions may have the concave surfaces over-molded with a second material which fills the one or more through holes. In a third exemplary embodiment, a separate shape of a second material may be molded in a configuration having dimensions complementary to the two half portion and holes when the portions are combined.
US08627785B2 Mouthpiece-vented teat cup inflation
A teat cup inflation comprises a mouthpiece having a vent for the limited admission of ambient air into the inflation barrel above the lower tip of the teat. One or more airflow passages are formed by the configuration of the barrel and extend along the length of the barrel to vent air from mouthpiece to the short milk tube. The one or more airflow passage can be formed between the sides of barrels that are multisided in cross-section.
US08627782B2 Method for coating with coating liquid, coating apparatuses for use therein, and method for designing the same
A method for coating with a coating liquid according to the present invention is a method for coating an object-to-be-coated with a coating liquid containing dispersed particles, using a die, wherein the flowage of the coating liquid within a manifold 5 provided within the die is such that the deviation of the average flow rate of the coating liquid in the direction of the width becomes equal to or less than 60% of an average flow rate over the entire area of the manifold 5, in at least 80% of the area from a liquid supplying portion 8 in the manifold to an end portion P of the manifold.
US08627776B2 Ceramic liner for attaching ceramic fiber refractory insulation
Retainers for holding a refractory ceramic fiber insulation layer in a furnace, kiln, or forge are in the form of ceramic tile members is formed with an array of small hook structures on an inward-facing surface, which serves as the hook component of a hook-and-loop fastening system. The ceramic fibers of the insulating layer serve as the “loop” component. The tile members may be formed in a RAM press, or the hook structure can be formed using a slurry spread with refractory grains or particles.
US08627773B2 T1 lead-board for a shipping platform
A system may include a bottom deck to a shipping platform, and a block joined to the bottom deck. The system may also include a top deck joined to the block. The system may further include a T1 lead-board structurally different from the top deck fastened to an edge of the top deck.
US08627772B2 Intermodal rail vehicle to form a train
The improved intermodal vehicle has a one-piece upper frame assembly with a horizontal load carrying surface below the ends of a drawbar for connecting the trailers. Each highway trailer has a coupler socket assembly at both its front and rear into which the drawbar enters and connects to the intermodal vehicle by a vertical coupling pin projecting upward from the horizontal load carrying surface. The coupling pin is operated up and down by either manual or air operated actuators, and locks in the up position by a manually operated safety latch. The upper frame is supported from dual steerable lower frames by primary air springs so that when the springs are deflated, the upper frame is lowered to allow the trailers to be pushed upon the load carrying surface. When the air springs are inflated, the trailers are raised so that the trailer wheels are carried above the railroad track.
US08627770B2 Cartridge assembly having an integrated retention system
A cartridge assembly for large bore gun systems having an integrated retention assembly for maintaining propellant charges within the cartridge case. The cartridge case having an interior space for receiving propellant charges and an open proximate end through which the propellant charges can be fed. An insulating sleeve defining an interior channel is affixed to the cartridge case and extends out of the proximate end of the cartridge case. The interior channel serves as a chute through which propellant charges can be fed. After the propellant charges are loaded, the insulating sleeve is crimped closed to retain the propellant charges within the cartridge case. A closure plug can be inserted into the proximate end of the cartridge case after the insulating sleeve is crimped closed.
US08627767B2 Apparatus for forming a unitary bale of agricultural or forestry biomass with successive horizontally compacted layers
The apparatus forms a unitary bale of agricultural or forestry biomass of uniform density and having a level top. The apparatus includes packer apparatus configured and supported in the chamber for reciprocating movement through a compacting chamber and progressive movement upwardly to form the bale. A crop deflector is supported in the chamber above the packer apparatus for deflecting a stream of the biomass downwardly, and is configured and operable so as to move continuously with the packer apparatus between the ends of the chamber and to substantially constantly reconfigure as a function of a position of the packer apparatus and a direction of the movement thereof so as to deflect the stream of the biomass directly in a path of the packer apparatus in the current direction of the movement thereof so as to be immediately compacted thereby onto the floor or the bale.
US08627765B2 Baling device to form bales of crop material
The invention relates to a baling device for forming cylindrical bales of crop material, including a frame, an intake device, a bale forming device, and a pre-baling device to form, when desired, a pre-bale, wherein the pre-baling device includes a lower conveyor belt and an upper conveyor belt, between which a pre-bale can be formed. At least one of the lower and upper conveyor belt is movable to and from the other of the lower and upper conveyor belt, wherein the baling device can at least be arranged in a baling position in which crop material is transferred to the bale forming device, and a pre-baling position in which crop material is received in the pre-baling device to form a pre-bale.
US08627764B1 Cooking rack with pivoting supports
The embodiments disclosed herein is having designed specifically for the use in cooking of ribs such as beef ribs, pork ribs etc. although it has been found that the apparatus disclosed herein can also be utilized for other meats such as steaks as well as larger plainer vegetables such as large onions slices sliced eggplant etc. In general, the apparatus will be defined and described in its use relative to cooking of ribs or even understanding. If the disclosure relates to the device which improves upon known prior art cooking racks in that the rack members are not stationary but rather had it about a transverse horizontal axis which allows the need to be pasted on both longitudinal sides for even basting as well as allowing the ribs to be pivoted substantially half way through the cooking process such that the ribs are more evenly cooked on both sides.
US08627760B2 Beverage production machine with functional block and support base
A beverage production machine that includes a functional block including a beverage extraction module and a beverage delivery outlet, and a support base on which the functional block is arranged and which is designed to supply the functional block electrically, wherein at least the beverage delivery outlet is mounted free in rotation around a vertical axis relative to the support base.
US08627758B2 Axial piston pump with pistons having metallic sealing rings
An axial piston pump, comprising a cylinder block having one or more cylinder bores; and one or more piston assemblies; wherein number of piston assemblies matches number of cylinder bores; wherein each of the piston assemblies having a piston being disposed reciprocating in each of the cylinder bores; and wherein each piston being fitted with a metallic sealing ring, which is a coiled felt seal (CFS), for reducing leakage and keeping concentric of the piston within its corresponding cylinder bore.
US08627756B1 Non-metallic armor article and method of manufacture
A non-metallic armor article comprises a pultruded housing defining at least one cavity. A plurality of substantially dry ballistic impact resistant broad goods sheets are at least partially enclosed in the cavity and held in suspension independently within the cavity. The pultruded housing is engaged with the plurality of substantially dry ballistic impact resistant broad goods sheets by being secured to one or more of the plurality of substantially dry ballistic impact resistant broad goods sheets.
US08627752B2 Tool for cutting ceiling tile grid stock and method of cutting using the tool
A tool and a method for cutting an elongate runner piece used to support a ceiling tile and having an inverted T-shaped body and including: a) a crossbar having a downwardly facing surface with a width; and b) a stem. The method includes the steps of: providing a tool with a support assembly and cutting assembly; placing the runner piece in a cutting position upon the support assembly; with the rail piece in the cutting position, repositioning at least one cutting element on the cutting assembly to thereby cut into the crossbar on the body over substantially the full width of the downwardly facing surface of the crossbar at a first lengthwise location; and cutting the stem adjacent to the first lengthwise location.
US08627751B2 Device for loosening and untying knots
A device for loosening and untying knots including a body having a first section and a second section having a plurality of channels, a pusher rod positioned slidably within the first section of the body, a shaft positioned slidably within the first and second sections of the body and being engaged with the rod, and a plurality of prongs, each including a base, a nose and a rail. The rails slidably fit into the channels of the body, and a head of the shaft is engaged with the bases of the prongs. The prongs move between a retracted position, in which the noses are juxtaposed with one another and inserted within a knot, and an expanded position, in which the noses are spaced apart from one another when the shaft is moved within the body, the noses loosen and untie the knot when the prongs are expanded.
US08627749B2 Screwdriver tool with improved corner fit function
An automatic fastener driving tool, or an attachment, has a narrow front-end profile so that it is capable of driving screws that are in hard-to-reach positions, such as corners or channel members. The slide body subassembly has an extending mechanism, so that the fastener drive elements extend farther away from the main body structure of the tool/attachment, while still providing a stable and rugged overall tool structure to drive larger screws. The “lick-out” dimension is increased without also increasing the length and width of the feed tube.
US08627748B2 Wrench for use with a drilling apparatus
The invention relates to a drill bit wrench (10) for use on a drilling apparatus for loosening a drill bit segment of a drill bit during drilling of holes into the ground. The wrench includes a carrier member (12) operatively supported on the drilling apparatus. A gripping member (26) is displaceably located on the carrier member and a lever arm (38) is pivotally located on the gripping member, displacement mechanisms (20, 34, 42) providing for required displacement of the parts of the wrench for its operation. One displacement mechanism (42) provides for an initial direct gripping force to be applied on a drill bit segment, which force is sufficient to permit loosening of the segment in normal circumstances, an additional gripping force, to be induced by a wedging action of a wedge face of the lever arm, being provided for, where required.
US08627744B2 Crankshaft for an internal combustion engine
A crankshaft for an internal combustion engine comprises at least five main journals aligned on a crankshaft axis of rotation and at least eight crankpins, each of the crankpins being disposed about a respective crankpin axis and positioned between the main journals. Each of the respective crankpin axes is oriented parallel to, and spaced radially from, the crankshaft axis of rotation. Each of the crankpins is joined to a pair of crank arms for force transmission between each of the crankpins and the respective crank arms. Each crank arm is joined to a respective main journal for transmitting torque between the crank arm and the main journal. At least four of the crankpins are spaced radially a first semi-stroke distance from the crankshaft axis of rotation, and at least four remaining crankpins are spaced radially a second semi-stroke distance from the crankshaft axis of rotation.
US08627741B2 Process turning disc, a robot arm comprising a process turning disc, a robot and a use of a process turning disc
A process turning disc connectable to an output shaft of a motor configured to rotate the process turning disc about a first center axis of the process turning disc. The process turning disc being configured to guide a cable or hose. A first flange is connectable to an end part of a robot arm. A second flange is connectable to a tool element. The flanges are spaced apart from each other by an intermediate connecting member. The connecting member is connected to the flanges. The connecting member provides a passage between the flanges. The passage is configured to receive and guide the cable/hose. The passage has an inlet side for the cable/hose and an outlet side for the cable/hose. A robot arm including the process turning disc, a robot including the robot arm and a method that utilizes the process turning disc.
US08627738B2 Linear-curvilinear actuating apparatus with rotating joints
A general purpose linkage apparatus is adaptable for moving or guiding objects along a linear or curvilinear path. The apparatus includes linkages with revolving joints. In self-powered adaptations, a rotating motor may extend and retract the apparatus.
US08627737B2 Spur gear final drive with integrated brakes
A final drive gearbox is described. The final drive gearbox is a double reduction gearbox for off-road machines, which, unlike currently available double reduction gearboxes, contains no planetary gear sets. The final drive gearbox contains spur gears having pockets adapted to contain brake disc packs. The pockets may permit utilization of a plurality of brake packs within the gearbox without requiring additional space or enlargement of the gearbox housing. Use of spur gears may thus enable use of fewer gear parts, while use of multiple brake packs may enhance final drive brake capacity, improve longevity of the brake packs, and lengthen brake servicing cycles.
US08627734B2 Prestressing unit
A prestressing unit which has a first ramp disk and a second ramp disk. Ramp contours are formed in one side of an annular face of the ramp disks. In the prestressing unit, the rolling bodies ascend and/or descend on the ramp contours as a result of rotational pivoting of one of the ramp disks in relation to the other ramp disk about an axis. The ramp contours are each formed as a single-part running face for the rolling bodies. The running face is inclined with respect to the axis.
US08627731B2 Automated cascade impactor
An automated cascade impactor is disclosed and comprises a vertical array of a plurality of impactor stages, and a vertical array of isolation stages, wherein the vertical array of the isolation stages comprises pairs of isolation stages between which impactor plates, removed from respective ones of the impactor stages are effectively sandwiched between each pair of isolation stages. Still further, each compactor stage is likewise sandwiched between and upper and a lower pair of the isolation stages.
US08627729B2 Method for manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer
A method for manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer for use in a fluid medium. At least one piezoelectric transducer element is joined directly or indirectly to at least one matching member for promoting vibration coupling between the piezoelectric transducer element and the fluid medium. A matching member is used which has at least one porous molding of a polymer.
US08627727B2 Sensor for measuring large mechanical strains with fine adjustment device
A capacitive strain sensor for sensing strain of a structure. The sensor includes a first section attached to the structure at a first location and a second section attached to the structure at a second location. The first section includes a capacitor plate electrically isolated from the structure and the second section includes two electrically isolated capacitive plates, both of the plates being electrically isolated from the structure. A flexible connector connects the first section to the second section. The capacitor plate of the first section is separated from the two capacitive plates of the second section by at least one capacitive gap. When strain is experienced by the structure, a change occurs in the capacitive gap due to relative motion between the first and second sections.
US08627726B2 Pressure gauge
A pressure/vacuum sensor and method, comprising: driving a MEMS piezoresistive resonator (8) into resonant vibration, applying Joule heating to the resonator (8); and sensing a variable parameter that varies in response to the tendency of the resonant frequency (fo) to depend upon the temperature of the resonator (8), the temperature thereof depending upon the pressure. The variable parameter may be the resonant frequency of the resonator (8), or a change therein, or may be derived from a feedback loop, being for example a time integrated feedback signal (82) or a reading (94) of the sense current (22), the loop keeping the resonant frequency constant in opposition to the above mentioned tendency. A reference MEMS capacitive resonator (62) may be located in the vicinity of the resonator (8) for compensating purposes.
US08627722B2 Welding inspection method and welding inspection apparatus
Disclosed is a welding inspection method which does not require the inspector to be highly skilled, does not require waiting for the spot welded part to cool off, and with which the probe is not consumed or damaged. A probe temporarily mounted close to the welded part on the surface of a metal plate emits ultrasonic waves from an oblique direction with respect to the boundary surfaces between a plurality of metal plates. At this time, the probe is temporarily mounted at the position where the incident ultrasonic waves pass through the welded part at the boundary between the plurality of metal plates in an oblique direction with respect to the boundary surface. Also, a display processing means displays the intensity of the refrected ultrasonic waves. Alternatively, the display processing means displays the details of the detection result estimated based on the intensity of the reflected ultrasonic waves.
US08627721B2 Accelerometer based on the measurement of Casimir force fluctuations
An accelerometer based on the measurement of Casimir force fluctuations is described. The accelerometer comprises a sealed housing containing a vacuum or a liquid, a piezoelectric plate fixed with the sealed housing, and a mass moveable within the sealed housing located in proximity to the piezoelectric plate. The moveable mass and the piezoelectric plate each have conductive surfaces which are located from each other at a distance which creates a Casimir Effect between the movable mass and the piezoelectric plate. Fluctuations in acceleration of the moveable mass cause fluctuations in the Casimir force on the piezoelectric plate. The acceleration fluctuations cause fluctuations in an electric output of the piezoelectric plate. The fluctuations in electric output are measured and used to calculate an acceleration and direction of movement of the accelerometer or a host device in which the accelerometer is carried.
US08627717B2 Thermal flow sensor
A thermal flow sensor includes a heater temperature controller that realizes stable startup characteristics and prevents degradation of a sensor element and can also accommodate a smaller heater. The sensor also includes a semiconductor substrate; a cavity portion provided in the semiconductor substrate; a dielectric film provided on the semiconductor substrate; a thin layer area formed as a result of the dielectric film covering the cavity portion; a heating resistor provided in the thin layer area on the dielectric film; a first temperature-sensitive resistor provided in the thin layer area on the dielectric film; a heating controller; a second temperature-sensitive resistor provided near the heating resistor; and a flow rate detector that detects a flow rate of a fluid on the basis of temperature of the second temperature-sensitive resistor. The heating controller controls the temperature of the heating resistor on the basis of first and second reference temperatures.
US08627711B1 Sensor switch for chemical/composition detection
Sensor switch includes a compromisable mechanical restrainer and a biased member. Before compromise, the restrainer can hold the biased member in a first position. When contacted with a target chemical and/or composition, the restrainer is physically compromised by being softened or dissolved such that the biased member can assume a second position different from the first position. Monitoring a sample for a target chemical and/or composition can be carried out with the sensor switch.
US08627704B2 Forming a control line protector by metal pressing operation
An apparatus and method is provided for protecting control lines used with tool strings in a downhole environment. A control line protector assembly comprises a plurality of components formed into a unitary piece which includes a guard section having a first end section and a second end section, a slot on each of the first end section and the second end section, and a securing mechanism for coupling the guard section having the first end section and the second end section to the coupling. A control line protector assembly is formed using a metal stamping process.
US08627701B1 Device for bending sheet material
A device for bending sheet material comprises a receiving plate and a forming plate defining or connectable to one another so as to define therebetween a receiving slot of fixed dimensions. A bending plate is pivotally connected to the receiving plate. The bending plate has an upper surface substantially in a common plane with an upper surface of the receiving plate. The forming plate comprises a first side surface extending along an open end of the receiving slot and forming a first acute angle with a first major surface of the forming plate. The bending plate has a range of pivotal motion of greater than 90°.
US08627700B2 Method of manufacturing a wheel rim for a vehicle
A method of manufacturing a wheel rim for a vehicle includes an ironing step for ironing a tubular material to manufacture a tubular member having a non-constant thickness, using an ironing apparatus provided with a punch, a die whose side surface opposing the punch is a convex and concave surface, and a pressing member. At the ironing step, a flange portion of the tubular material is set at the die, then the pressing member is moved relative to the die thereby to squeeze the flange portion of the tubular material by the pressing member and the die, and then the punch is moved relative to the die to iron at least a portion of the tubular material except the flange portion of the tubular material to manufacture the tubular member having a non-constant thickness.
US08627699B2 Device and method for adjusting an edger
A device for adjusting the distance between a pair of work rollers (40) in an edger of a rolling mill comprising actuator means associable with a respective work roller (40). The actuator means comprise a roll group (10; 10s) including two cylinders (20, 20s; 30, 30s) associated with each other so to slide inside each other and movable between a withdrawn or maximum distance position between the rollers (40) and an advanced or minimum distance position between the rollers (40).
US08627696B2 Method and device for manufacturing a cable comprising two layers of the in situ compound type
Method of manufacturing a metal cable having two layers (Ci, Ce) of construction M+N, comprising an inner layer (Ci) having M wires of diameter d1 wound together in a helix at a pitch p1, M varying from 2 to 4, and an outer layer (Ce) of N wires of diameter d2, wound together in a helix at a pitch p2 around the inner layer (Ci), the method comprising the following steps performed in line: a step of assembling the M core wires by twisting to form the inner layer (Ci) at a point of assembling; downstream of the point of assembling of the M core wires, a step of sheathing the inner layer (Ci) with a diene rubber composition called “filling rubber”, in the raw state; a step of assembling the N wires of the outer layer (Ce) by twisting around the inner layer (Ci) thus sheathed; and a step of twist balancing. Also disclosed is a device for implementing such a method.
US08627693B1 Cargo door side lock assembly
A lock assembly for a container having an opening defined by a door jamb, a cargo door adapted to close the opening, a rod linearly moveable to engage the door jamb, and a latch mountable to the rod. The assembly includes a casing having an inclined opening and mounted to the cargo door parallel the rod. The casing includes a protrusion changeable between an extended and a retracted position. A latch receiving means has an inclined opening adapted to align with the inclined opening of the casing for accepting the latch therein. The latch receiving means is responsive to movement of the latch within the casing between a locked and an unlocked condition and engages the locking means when the latch receiving means is in the locked condition. The rod is moved by the latch to engage and disengage the door jamb.
US08627692B2 Cover assembly for an appliance
A cover assembly for an appliance includes a glass panel, at least one attachment element and a perimeter frame. The glass panel has a perimeter edge extending between an inner surface and an outer surface and along a periphery of the glass panel. The attachment element is configured for engaging a corresponding structure of the appliance when the cover assembly is disposed at the appliance. The perimeter frame encompasses at least the perimeter edge of the glass panel, with no portion of the outer surface of the glass panel encompassed by the perimeter frame such that the outer surface of the glass panel is generally co-planar with an outer surface of the perimeter frame along the periphery of the glass panel. At least one of (i) the attachment element is bonded at the inner surface of the glass panel and (ii) the perimeter frame comprises the attachment element.
US08627691B2 Rotating tub body and drum-type washing machine having the same
A cylindrical rotating tub body and a drum-type washing machine having the same, in which the rotating tub body is formed by rolling a plate such that both ends of the plate are connected to each other. The washing machine includes a cylindrical rotating tub body and a plurality of lifters, which are spaced apart from each other on an inner peripheral surface of the rotating tub body. The rotating tub body includes lifter installation sections on which a plurality of lifters are installed, concave-convex sections having a plurality of concave-convex parts and being installed between the lifter installation sections, and reinforcement sections to reinforce the strength of the lifter installation sections. The lifter installation sections having a strength lower than that of the concave-convex sections are reinforced due to the reinforcement sections, so that the lifter installation sections are prevented from being extremely being deformed during the rolling process.
US08627687B2 Adaptive water level adjustment for an automatic washer
An apparatus and method for determining the degree of engagement between a clothes mover and fabric items during a wash process, and a method for setting the liquid level in the automatic washer based on the degree of engagement between a clothes mover and the fabric items.
US08627684B2 Pull roll apparatus and method for controlling glass sheet tension
A pull roll apparatus and method are described herein that can control a cross-draw tension and a down-draw tension of a glass sheet while manufacturing the glass sheet. In one embodiment, the pull roll apparatus includes a first driven stub roll pair, a second driven stub roll pair and a control device (e.g., PLC) that controls the first and second driven stub roll pairs while a first edge portion of the glass sheet is drawn between two vertically downtilted rolls associated with the first driven stub roll pair and while an opposing second edge portion of the glass sheet is drawn between two vertically downtilted rolls associated with the second driven stub roll pair. If desired, the pull roll apparatus may include a pulling roll assembly (located below the first and second driven stub rolls) or another set of driven stub roll pairs (located below the first and second driven stub roll pairs).
US08627682B2 Modular jewelry
A jewelry system includes a first screw end, a first base, a second base, a screw wire and second screw end. The first and second screw ends are connected to respective ends of the screw wire. The first and second bases include receiving holes for receiving the screw wire. One or more sides extending from the first base include a cutout, and one or more sides extending from the second base corresponding to the side or sides of the first base including the cutouts include corresponding a cutout. The sides of the first base and the sides of the second base are configured to be connected together between the one or more cutouts, and corresponding cutouts of the first base and the second base form receiving areas when combined together. Each receiving area is configured to hold a gem stone or other decorative item when the first base and the second base are connected together.
US08627675B2 Lever design version of “push button” filter
Described in this application is an improved cartridge, such as a water filter, and housing for the filter. The filter is preferably of the push-in type and the filter housing includes an assembly to automatically set the water filter in position as a cover over the filter is closed. According to one embodiment, the assembly consists of a cover and lever linkage which engage complimentary protrusions on the water filter.
US08627674B2 Modular outboard heat exchanger air conditioning system
The invention discloses a modular air conditioning, heating, and heat recovery system. Particularly, the invention discloses a modular system having the condenser and/or evaporator heat exchangers mounted outboard of the modules and being easily removable and separatable by virtue of their positioning and valving.
US08627673B2 Atmospheric water harvesters
An atmospheric water harvester includes a cooling member over which humid air flows to condense moisture from the atmosphere. The cooling member may be the evaporator of a conventional, gas vapor-based refrigeration circuit. If a gas vapor-based refrigeration circuit is used, the compressor of the circuit may be variable speed. A fan or impeller used to move air through the system may also be variable speed. A preferred embodiment includes a variable flow geometry thermal economizer section configured such that, to varying degrees, the incoming air may be pre-cooled, before it passes over the cooling member, by heat exchange with colder air that has already flowed over the cooling member.
US08627671B2 Self-contained electrochemical heat transfer system
A self-contained heat transfer system conveys heat from a first heat reservoir at a relatively low temperature to a second heat reservoir at relatively high temperature, the heat transfer system defining a closed loop that contains a working fluid. The self-contained heat transfer system includes a hermetically-sealed housing that defines an enclosure; a first heat transfer device having an exposed surface configured to be in thermal communication with the first heat reservoir; a second heat transfer device having an exposed surface configured to be in thermal communication with the second heat reservoir; and an electrochemical compressor within the enclosure and between the first and second heat transfer devices, wherein the electrochemical compressor includes one or more electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell including a gas pervious anode, a gas pervious cathode, and an electrolytic membrane disposed between and in intimate electrical contact with the cathode and the anode.
US08627670B2 Cylindrical condenser
A vertical discharge condenser includes a generally cylindrical heat exchanger having a vertical interruption between a first and a second end of the heat exchanger, a panel enclosing the vertical interruption in the heat exchanger to form an uninterrupted generally cylindrical enclosure, a generally circular fan grille enclosing a top of the cylindrical enclosure, and a generally circular base pan enclosing a bottom of the cylindrical enclosure.
US08627669B2 Elimination of plate fins in combustion baskets by CMC insulation installed by shrink fit
A combustor basket (20) is provided comprising a generally tubular wall (22) defining a cavity (24) and a liner (26) of a ceramic matrix composite material disposed within the cavity (24), wherein an interference fit exists between an outer surface (34) of the liner (26) located in the cavity (24) and an inner surface (28) of the generally tubular wall (22). Advantageously, the novel combustor basket (20) greatly reduces the amount of air or other medium needed to cool the combustor basket body and increases the maximum allowable flame temperature that the combustor basket (20) can withstand. A method of manufacturing the combustor basket (20) is also provided.
US08627668B2 System for fuel and diluent control
According to various embodiments, a system includes a fuel controller configured to control a fuel transition between a first flow of a first fuel and a second flow of a second fuel into a fuel nozzle of a combustion system. The fuel controller is configured to adjust a third flow of a diluent in combination with the second flow of the second fuel to maintain a pressure ratio across the fuel nozzle above a predetermined operating pressure ratio.
US08627659B2 Engine assembly including exhaust port separation for turbine feed
An engine assembly may include an engine structure, first and second exhaust gas conduits, a turbine and a flow control mechanism. The engine structure may define a first cylinder and first and second exhaust ports in communication with the first cylinder. The first exhaust gas conduit may be in fluid communication with the first exhaust port. The second exhaust gas conduit may be in fluid communication with the second exhaust port. The turbine may be in fluid communication with the first exhaust gas conduit. The flow control mechanism may prevent the exhaust gas from the first cylinder from flowing through the second exhaust gas conduit during a first mode and may allow the exhaust gas to flow through both the first and second exhaust gas conduits during a second mode.
US08627658B2 Systems and methods for energy storage and recovery using rapid isothermal gas expansion and compression
The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding and compressing gas in energy storage and recovery systems that use open-air hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder assemblies, such as an accumulator and an intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. The systems use heat transfer subsystems in communication with at least one of the cylinder assemblies or reservoir to thermally condition the gas being expanded or compressed.
US08627648B2 Engine control system, engine control method
An engine control system for an engine equipped with a catalyst that purifies exhaust gas includes: a catalyst temperature acquisition section that acquires the temperature of the catalyst; and a control section that controls an engine such that a rate of increase in engine output speed is changed in accordance with the temperature of the catalyst.
US08627646B2 Catalyst deterioration diagnostic device for internal combustion engine
A catalyst deterioration diagnostic device for a multiple-cylinder internal combustion engine including a first cylinder group having exhaust system that is equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) device with an EGR catalyst and a second cylinder group having exhaust system that is not equipped with the EGR device. The catalyst deterioration diagnostic device implements active air-fuel ratio control to diagnose deterioration of a main catalyst. During the active air-fuel ratio control, the catalyst deterioration diagnostic device oscillates only a target air-fuel ratio of the second cylinder group, without oscillating a target air-fuel ratio of the first cylinder group, in a case where the EGR device is stopped.
US08627644B2 Thrust reverser for a jet engine
The invention relates to a thrust reverser (9) for an aircraft nacelle (1), including: a front frame (11), a cowl (21) which can move between an operating position and an intermediate maintenance position downstream of the front frame (11), means (26) for moving the cowl (21) between closed and open positions, and an inner structure (23) which can move between an operating position and an intermediate maintenance position downstream of the front frame (11). In addition, the cowl (21) comprises two half-cowls (21a, 21b) and the inner structure (23) comprises two structure halves (23a, 23b), whereby said half-cowls (21a, 21b) and said inner structure halves (23a, 23b) can open outward when the cowl (21) and the inner structure (23) are in the intermediate maintenance position.
US08627643B2 System and method for measuring temperature within a turbine system
A system includes a radiation detector array configured to direct a field of view toward multiple conduits within a fluid flow path from a turbine into a heat exchanger. The radiation detector array is configured to output a signal indicative of a multi-dimensional temperature profile of the fluid flow path based on thermal radiation emitted by the conduits. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the radiation detector array. The controller is configured to determine a temperature variation across the fluid flow path based on the signal, and to compare the temperature variation to a threshold value.
US08627639B2 Method and system for determining an order of fill for a plurality of pills in a multi-dose medicament container
A method in a computer system of distributing pills into containers for use by a patient includes obtaining from a memory a fill pattern including a mapping of each of a first plurality of pills to one of a first plurality of containers such that at least two of the first plurality of pills are mapped to the same one of the first plurality of containers, obtaining from the memory an attribute of each of the first plurality of pills such that at least two of the first plurality of pills differ in at least the obtained attribute, and automatically sorting the first plurality of pills according to the attribute of each of the plurality of pills according to a predefined order to generate an ordered list corresponding to an order of depositing the first plurality of pills into the first plurality of containers.
US08627638B2 Method of packaging media used in a document producing device
A media wrapper for use in a printing device includes a first end, a second end, and a perforation disposed between the first and second ends, wherein the perforation is configured to split the media wrapper separating the first and second ends.
US08627632B2 Node, apparatus, system and method regarding a frame support for solar mirrors
A node for a solar frame including an elongate portion having a channel extending through it in which a structural element is disposed or a solid elongate portion on to which a structural element is disposed. The node comprises a fin extending radially outward from the elongate portion where at least 5% of the volume of the fin is replaced by at least a single void extending essentially in parallel with the channel or the extrusion direction of the solid elongate portion. An apparatus for transmitting torque in a solar frame having structural elements and a support. A system for solar mirrors. A node for a solar frame. A method for connecting a structural element with a strut having a strut end piece of a solar mirror support frame. A method for producing a node for solar mirror frame.
US08627630B2 Insert holding door
The present invention is a door with a modular frame which can be installed and removed easily. In several embodiments the door is constructed to fit in a standard interior doorway without modifications to the existing door frame. In several embodiments the opening is constructed in the upper half of the door. In several embodiments the screen is constructed in a modular frame for easy replacement of the screen if damaged or if other material such a glass or acrylic glass is desired in the opening. In several embodiments the modular frame can be replaced without tools. In several embodiments the modular frame could hold a number a different inserts. In several embodiments the door has a regular door panel on one side and an opening with a modular frame on the other side. In several embodiments the door has a self supporting screen.
US08627628B2 Over-purlin insulation system for a roof
A system and method for insulating a metal roof includes a thermal block arrangement disposed over each of a pair of purlins. A vapor-barrier sheet spans between and is secured over the opposing pair of purlins, the vapor-barrier sheet being secured underneath each thermal block arrangement. A batt insulation receiving cavity is defined by an upper surface of the vapor-barrier sheet and between opposing faces of each of the thermal block arrangements.
US08627622B2 Drywall-trimming strip for trimming archway
A drywall-trimming strip for trimming an archway has a nose with a tabbed edge and a flanged edge. A first series of slits spaced from one another define a series of tabs spaced from one another along the tabbed edge. A flange extends from and along the flanged edge. The tabs are joined to the tabbed edge of the nose by a continuous juncture extending along and defining the tabbed edge of the nose, which has a second series of slits extending to the continuous juncture and spaced from one another, as the slits defining the tabs are spaced from one another. All parts of the drywall-trimming strip are made from a comparatively harder, less flexible, polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride having a hardness of Durometer Shore 82 D, except for the continuous juncture, which is made from a comparatively softer, more flexible material, such as polyvinyl chloride having a hardness of Durometer Shore 92 A.
US08627621B2 Roller rail for a sliding door and method for actuating a turnout in a roller rail
A roller rail for a sliding wall, which includes several sliding wall elements, in which each sliding wall element is supported to be displaceable via in particular two carriages. The roller rail is connectable to a branching roller rail via a turnout which is switchable by the carriages. At least one carriage of a sliding wall element, for switching the turnout, takes up a position which is located outside the turnout.
US08627618B2 Closure assemblies for movable partitions, movable partition systems including closure assemblies and related methods
Closure assemblies for movable partitions may include a leading end assembly having a first side and a second side and a latching assembly coupled thereto. The latching assembly may include a first latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the first side and a second latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the second side. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels movably coupled to a track, and a leading end assembly coupled to at least one panel of the plurality of hingedly coupled panels. The leading end assembly may include at least two latching features positioned on the leading end assembly. Methods of securing a movable partition may include retaining a first latching member and a second latching member in a retracted position and extending the first latching member and the second latching member to an extended position.
US08627615B2 Bracket assembly and forming system for structural foundation footings
A system is disclosed for retaining a concrete to form a foundation of a structure. The system includes side walls that receives and retain the concrete and a bracket assembly that retains the side walls. The side walls include a first side wall and a second side wall, at least one of the first and second side walls is comprised of a component having an interior cavity. The bracket assembly includes reinforcement posts and a separator bar. The separator bar has a plurality of apertures disposed along its length. The apertures include a first set and a second set. The first set and the second set of apertures are sized to retain the reinforcement posts at locations corresponding to nominal widths of the component and building materials that comprise the components to form a cross section of the foundation approximating one of a rectangle, a trapezoid or combinations thereof.
US08627614B2 Rapid deploy guy system
A tension assembly indicates when a desired tension is achieved between two objects connected by the tension assembly. The tension assembly may be attached in series with a tension adjustor between a structure and an anchor, or any other two objects, and include a compressible component and an indication mechanism. As tension between the structure and anchor is adjusted using the tension adjustor, the compressible component adjusts in size, allowing the indicator to indicate whether the current tension is satisfactory. The compressible component includes a spring which, when compressed or expanded, allows the indicator to move toward or away from another indicator. When the indicators are aligned, the desired tension is achieved.
US08627611B2 Aisle enclosure system
An aisle enclosure system including ceiling bracket assemblies, ceiling panels, vertical blanking panels, aisle duct adaptors, and accessory rails, for use with equipment racks and ceiling structures in hot-aisle and cold-aisle data centers. The ceiling assemblies may be mounted to the tops of the racks or may be suspended from an area above the racks. The aisle enclosure system further includes a moveable structure that is configured and adapted to position a ceiling panel in an closed position when the moveable structure is in a first position, and position the ceiling panel in an open position when the moveable structure is in a second position, where the moveable structure is configured and adapted to move from the first position to a second position in response to an alarm condition.
US08627608B2 Demountable seating and method for erecting a demountable seating
Removable stand and method for constructing a removable stand. The method comprises constructing a support structure of posts and trusses that are positionable between the posts, and positioning a floor element on the support structure. Herein the floor element comprises a plurality of floor levels positioned behind each other and positioned at a distance in height and/or is the floor element, before it is positioned on the support structure, provided with at least one seat and/or bench and/or is floor element provided with connection means for connecting at least one seat and/or bench thereto.
US08627603B2 Barrier with panels sliding parallel
A barrier employed to keep children and/or pets in or out of certain areas in the house. The barrier includes four panels. Two main panels slide parallel to each other to lengthen or shorten the barrier as a whole. Two side panels stabilize the main panels and extend to the front and rear faces of the main panels to provide a self-supporting in-house barrier. Each of the panels includes a wooden frame. The wood lends less weight, less sharp edges, and more pleasing aesthetics than, for example, a metal gate.
US08627601B2 Rotating radiation shielded entrance assembly
A rotating entrance assembly is provided, the rotating entrance assembly including a rotating base, a motor in driving connection with the rotating base, and first and second shielding components that are arranged on the rotating base. A passageway is defined between the first and second shielding components.
US08627600B2 Pinch protection mechanism utilizing active material actuation
A pinch-protection mechanism adapted for use with a closure panel and method for use of the same, said mechanism comprising at least one structural component defining an adjustable edge section manipulable between first and second configurations and an active material element coupled to the component, such that the change causes or enables the edge section to be manipulated to one of said first and second configurations, and manipulating the edge section between said first and second configurations eliminates, warns of, or mitigates a pinch condition.
US08627596B2 Vegetation treatment
A method is provided for inhibiting plant growth by inducing hypothermia by applying a treating substance to summer annual weeds and grasses. Susceptible undesirable plants will be killed by this treatment, while non-susceptible desirable plants will not be adversely affected by this treatment. Compressed carbon dioxide may be applied to other summer grasses to cause the grasses to become dormant. An apparatus is provided for inducing hypothermia in undesirable plants by applying a treating substance. A canister capable of housing gas may be provided. A valve may be provided to control the amount and pressure of gas dispensed from the canister.
US08627595B2 Two-door cage trap with over-center set mechanism
A cage-type animal trap with two opposed animal access openings that can operate in a one-door-opening configuration or a two-door-opening configuration. The trap has a set mechanism for holding one or both doors open to allow access through the corresponding trap access openings. The set mechanism includes a set lever that is movable from a set position to a tripped position and that is coupled to the doors of the trap by an actuating member. Upon actuation, the set lever moves from the set to the tripped position to allow movement of the actuating member which enables one of the doors to move from an opened position to a closed position when the trap is operating in a one-door-opening configuration, and both of the doors to move from the opened position to the closed position when the trap is operating in the two-door-opening configuration.
US08627594B1 Fishing lure with changeable appearance
A fishing lure with changeable appearance may comprise a lure body having an exterior surface, and a midline plane extending through the lure body and bisecting the lure body into two lateral sections. The lure may also comprise a cover assembly removably covering at least a portion of the lure body. The cover assembly may comprise at least two parts being configured to cover a portion of the exterior surface of the lure body when the cover assembly is in a mounted condition. The at least two parts may be separable from the lure body when the cover assembly is in a dismounted condition.
US08627593B1 Remote controlled fishing line bobber
A remote controlled fishing line bobber includes an elongate bobber shell floatable in a body of water and defining an interior compartment. An elongate connecting rod extends generally axially through the bobber shell from a leading end to a trailing end of the shell portion. The connecting rod includes a pair of attachment components disposed proximate respective ends of the rod and exteriorly of the shell for attaching the rod to respective segments of fishing line. A battery powered propulsion device is mounted to the lower shell portion. A receiving unit mounted on the compartment senses wireless propulsion signals transmitted by a remote control unit and a controller directs the propulsion device to drive the bobber through the water in accordance with the transmitted signals.
US08627591B2 Slot-mounted sighting device
A sighting device is mountable to a gun. The device includes a light source (preferably a laser), a power source connectable to the light source and a mount attachable to the gun so that the laser is juxtaposed either the top surface of the gun or a side surface of the gun. In one embodiment, the sighting device includes a bottom rail mountable in a slot on the gun, wherein the slot is preferably positioned on the top surface of the gun. The sighting device may also include a mechanical sight that functions as the rear mechanical sight on the gun and/or a secondary light source.
US08627590B1 Frame assembly
Disclosed is a frame assembly including a framing member and an extrusion member. The frame assembly further includes a sheet having a graphic thereon. The sheet includes a gasket at a perimeter thereof, and the gasket is positioned in a channel of the extrusion member such that the channel supports the sheet.
US08627589B2 Frame assembly arrangement
A frame assembly for supporting and displaying a display panel comprising: at least one pair of elongated split rails supported in a joined, spaced apart, parallel relationship by a pair of first corner connectors that are permanently mated therewith, either a second pair of elongated split rails or a unitary rail and a pair of elongated unitary rails fixedly attached by sliding, barbed and threaded engagement to the preceding rails to form a four sided frame assembly.
US08627584B2 Garment tracking indicator
The invention is a product that allows one to determine precisely how many times a particular garment has been worn, its relative cleanliness status, the last day a garment was worn, and helps the consumer coordinate their outfits. The invention provides the necessary information to fully utilize and manage a consumer's wardrobe and closet. Using the invention dramatically increases total closet awareness resulting in faster and easier wardrobe decisions. In addition, by removing the guesswork from the “wash or wear” equation, the consumer knows when the garment is sufficiently clean, and will generally be able to extend the wearing of the garment between cleanings. Use of the invention will result in the conservation of resources in terms of reduced consumption of water, energy, detergents/softeners, and dry cleaning services and harmful dry cleaning chemicals; it will also increase the life span of garments as well as cleaning/drying appliances.
US08627581B2 Heat delivery system for a fabric care appliance
A drying machine includes a housing; a drying compartment assembly including a drum having a drum pressure; a guide apparatus for guiding air in a path; an air moving apparatus for moving air through the guide apparatus; a heating apparatus for heating air moving through the guide apparatus; power means for providing power to components of the dryer including at least the drying compartment assembly, guide apparatus, air moving apparatus, heating apparatus, and control apparatus; a control apparatus for controlling at least one of the drying compartment assembly, the guide apparatus, the air moving apparatus, the heating apparatus, the power means; and, restrictor means for restricting the air flow rate through the guide apparatus entering the drum whereby the drum pressure is more than trivially lower than ambient air pressure.
US08627576B2 Coordinate measuring device having positional change sensors
The present invention relates to a coordinate measuring machine having a sensor for measuring an object, and having a housing structure for holding and positioning the sensor, wherein a position change sensor is provided in order to detect a change in position of the sensor and of the housing structure. Further, the invention relates to a method for collision detection of a coordinate measuring machine. Last, the invention relates to a method for correcting data of a sensor, measuring in a contactless fashion, in particular an optical sensor, of a coordinate measuring machine. The method according to the second and the third aspects can be executed on a coordinate measuring machine according to the first aspect.
US08627565B2 Method for producing crankshaft and production apparatus therefor
A preformed product of a crankshaft is formed in a shape smaller than a shape of a cavity of a separatable die set 1103 composed of an upper die and a lower die and is disposed in the cavity of the die set 1103 as a material M. The cavity of the die set 1103 matches a required shape of the crankshaft. When the material M is disposed in the cavity of the die set 1103, a clearance is formed between the material M and the cavity, and when a side-forming punch 1000P is inserted into the material M, a hollow hole is formed in the material M and the cavity is filled with the material M. As a result, not only can weight saving be achieved by forming the hole in the crankpin of the crankshaft, but also degradation of dimensional accuracy by forming the hole can be avoided.
US08627562B2 Application tool for coaxial cable compression connectors
A tool for installing compression connectors of various sizes and types on the end of a coaxial cable has a base mounting a pair of movable anvils for engaging two different lengths of connectors. The base further incorporates a fixed anvil for engaging a third length of connector. The movable anvils define an aperture which is shaped to permit easy entry and exit of a cable while still applying a suitable retention force to an inserted cable. A connector seating holder is formed in the front of the tool. A slidably mounted plunger cooperates with the anvils to compress a connector. The plunger has a push head and a slide rod. A lock nut is threaded on the push head and is engageable with the slide rod to prevent rotation of the push head.
US08627557B2 Pin puller
A pin puller includes a coupler to connect a pull rod to an end of a pin. A follower attaches to a tail end of the pin. The coupler may comprise a pair of mating shells having features to engage the pin and pull rod. An actuator is configured to apply tension to the pull rod. The pin puller may be used to remove and install pins and associated bushings in truck suspensions and other applications.
US08627554B1 Buckle assemblies with swivel and dual release features and associated methods of use and manufacture
Buckle assemblies with swivel and dual release features and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a buckle assembly is configured to detachably engage a web connector coupled to a first web. The buckle assembly includes a support structure coupled to a first release actuator, a second release actuator, and a swivel subassembly. The buckle assembly is configured to allow a user to detach the web connector from the buckle assembly via the first and/or second release actuators. Moreover, the swivel subassembly is configured to be coupled to a second web and to prevent the second web from twisting with reference to the buckle assembly.
US08627553B2 Fastening clip
A fastening clip for fastening a component to a carrier, has a holding member, the holding member being adapted to be inserted into an opening of the carrier in an insertion direction and the holding member includes a plurality of expansion arms adapted to engage behind the opening of the carrier, and an expansion member adapted to be inserted into a recess of the holding member contrary to the insertion direction so that the expansion arms are transferred from an initial position to an expanded position, wherein the holding member and the expansion member are integrally connected with each other in a preassembly position by connecting webs which each constitute a predetermined breaking point and which are provided in particular between the front end of the holding member viewed in the insertion direction and the rear end of the expansion member viewed in the insertion direction.
US08627548B2 Aligning multiple pivot pin system and method therefor
A multi-pivot pin system has a hinge assembly having a plurality of housings formed within the hinge assembly. A channel is formed through each housing wherein an outer diameter center-line of the hinge assembly is off-set from a center-line of an inner diameter of the channel. A rotating device is positioned in each channel.
US08627546B2 Dual axis hinge with eccentric connector
A hinge mechanism includes a first rotation assembly, a second rotation assembly substantially parallel to the first rotation assembly, a first connection member, and a second connection member. The first and second rotation assemblies include a first and second pivoting shafts and a first and second brackets sleeved on the first and second pivoting shafts, respectively, and both the first and second brackets includes an engaging portion eccentrically formed on one end respectively thereof. The first connection member includes two pivotal portions. The pivotal portions are rotatably connected to the engaging portions of the first bracket and the second bracket, respectively. The second connection member is sleeved on the first pivoting shaft and the second pivoting shaft.
US08627543B2 Cleaning appliance having multiple functions
A cleaning appliance is capable of performing two or more cleaning functions. The cleaning appliance may include a vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner such that a user can vacuum a floor prior to steam cleaning the floor.
US08627539B2 Connector device for coupling wiper arm
A connector device for coupling a wiper arm and a wiper blade includes a coupling body, a first support portion provided on an upper surface of the coupling body and extending from the coupling body in a form of a cantilever and for applying an elastic restoration force to the wiper arm, a second support portion provided for supporting the wiper arm in a thicknesswise direction of the wiper arm to prevent the wiper arm from moving in the thicknesswise direction, and a third support portion for preventing the wiper arm from moving in a lengthwise direction of the wiper arm, wherein the second support portion is in a form of a hole with closed upper and lower sides and open front and rear sides.
US08627532B2 Pool cleaning vehicle having improved intake port
A swimming pool cleaning device is disclosed herein. The device includes a vehicle having a body shell and an interior and at least one intake port located on the body shell. The vehicle includes at least one water outlet port also located on the outer shell. The vehicle includes a drive mechanism which in different embodiments includes pairs of wheels and/or rollers or a combination of wheels and rollers In one embodiment the wheels or rollers can be power driven, while in another embodiment they would be free rotating, and can easily climb over obstacles on a swimming pool floor. In one embodiment, the intake ports are located in close proximity to the drive mechanism. In another embodiment, the vehicle has a concaved bottom. The concaved bottom points towards the interior. In this embodiment the intakes can be located slightly farther away from ends of the vehicle as a result of the curvature of the bottom.
US08627530B2 Constructing method of cable-stayed bridge and temporary cable therefor
The present invention relates to a method for constructing a cable-stayed bridge with a tensionless stay cable, including the steps for: constructing a main tower 100, continuously installing a suspension cable 200 over a main span and a side span, installing a plurality of hangers 210 on the suspension cable 200, arranging an anchorage cable 220 in a longitudinal direction by connecting the anchorage cable 220 to a lower end of the hanger 210, installing a stay cable 110 in sequence, constructing a girder by connecting a segment 300 constituting the girder to each of the stay cables 110 in sequence, and connecting the segments 300 one another in a longitudinal direction, and removing the suspension cable 200, the hanger, and the anchorage cable 220.
US08627525B2 Method for the control of a spinning cycle of a washing machine and a washing machine suitable for performing said method
A method for controlling a spinning cycle of a washing machine, the method includes accelerating a drum up to a first speed at which the laundry items essentially lie firmly against the wall of the drum, detecting a movement of the detergent solution tub in at least one direction for at least one predetermined period during the rotation of the drum at a speed that is equal to or greater than the first speed, determining an amplitude of the movement for the recorded direction, determining further movement amplitudes for known or detected speeds during the predetermined period, determining a change in the movement amplitude over the speed, and controlling the spinning cycle as a function of the change of the movement amplitude.
US08627513B2 Prayer breastplate
A fabric prayer breastplate includes a body exhibiting a substantially planar rectangular shape and with a plurality of individual representations of the twelve stones on Aaron's breastplate depicted on a surface of said body and which are representative of religious symbology, such as the twelve tribes of Israel in biblical Old Testament teachings. The individual representations include at least one of item supporting pockets, individually stitched panels or a single graphical depiction.
关于PatentHub
关于我们 加入我们 联系我们 帮助中心
PatentHub产品
专利百科 商标查询 专利交易 大学排行榜 行业专题库
API接口 排行榜 专利资讯 最新中国发明专利 最新美国发明专利
PatentHub联系方式
QQ：3307693423 QQ：3236401158