Document Document Title
US08703070B1 Apparatus for immunoassay
Apparatus for immunoassay includes: a cartridge, including at least one test unit; a pin-film assembly, having a second sealing film, a plurality of pierce mechanisms, and a first actuation unit; a plurality of magnetic particles; at least one first magnetic unit; and at least one second magnetic unit. The test unit includes a plurality of fluid chambers, a plurality of pin chambers, a microchannel structure, a buffer chamber, a detection chamber and a waste chamber. The first actuation unit drives the pierce mechanisms to enable a working fluid to flow into the detection chamber storing the magnetic particles. As the second magnetic unit has a magnetic force larger than that of the first magnetic unit and can move reciprocatingly between a third position and a fourth position, the magnetic particles are driven to move reciprocatingly inside the detection chamber, thereby fully mixing the magnetic particles with the working fluid.
US08703067B2 Air treatment agent dispenser with improved odour sensor functionality
A device for evaporating a volatile air treatment agent from a replaceable refill is described herein, the device comprises: a housing with at least one exit orifice for evaporated air treatment agent to exit the device; receiving means within said housing to releasably receive and secure the refill to the device; electrical heating means within said housing;control means; and chimney means within said housing having a lower orifice and an upper orifice to define a first airflow channel therebetween; an airborne agent detector means operable to detect airborne agents in the air, wherein said means are provided with at least one aperture to the exterior of the device to permit, in use, air from outside of the device to enter said airborne agent detector means; wherein the refill for use with the device comprises: a reservoir portion for holding a quantity of volatile air treatment agent; and a wick having a proximal end within the reservoir portion substantially adjacent a base of said reservoir portion and having a distal end extending above the reservoir portion; and wherein the device is configured such that, in use, the securing means are adapted to hold the refill such that the distal end of the wick is located within the chimney means; characterized in that a second airflow channel is provided between said at least one aperture of the airborne agent detector means and said exit orifice.
US08703057B2 Electronic device for analyzing aqueous solutions
An electronic device for analyzing an aqueous solution may comprise a housing, one or more measurement circuits and a control circuit all arranged inside the housing. The housing may be configured to receive a test element. The one or more measurement circuits may be configured to produce one or more corresponding sets of measurement signals relating to an aqueous solution received on the test element. The control circuit may include a memory having instructions stored therein that are executable by the control circuit to process the one or more sets of measurement signals to determine one or more corresponding characteristics of the aqueous solution.
US08703053B2 Antiseptic compositions, methods and systems
Antiseptic compositions comprising at least one salt of EDTA are disclosed. These compositions have broad spectrum antimicrobial and antifungal activity and they also have anticoagulant properties. The antiseptic compositions have also demonstrated activity in penetrating and breaking down microbial slime, or biofilms. They are safe for human and medical uses and may be used as prophylactic preparations to prevent infection, or to reduce the proliferation of and/or eliminate existing or established infections.
US08703052B2 Method for disinfecting a bottle
A method for disinfecting a bottle, in particular a baby bottle, including a bottle jacket which is open on both ends, wherein, in a dispensing position, a bottom cap is fastened to a bottom-side opening and a teat is fastened to a teat-side opening by a fastening ring, the inner periphery of the bottom-side opening being larger than the outer periphery of the fastening ring, wherein, for transfer into a disinfection position, the bottom cap is removed from the bottle jacket, the teat and the fastening ring are placed onto the bottom cap and introduced into the bottle jacket, the bottom cap is attached to the bottom-side opening, a disinfectant is filled into the bottle jacket before the bottle is heated for disinfection.
US08703050B2 Composition for photodynamic disinfection
The present invention includes a composition for enhancing the antimicrobial efficacy of photodynamic disinfection against Gram-negative organism that is receptive to paraben potentiation using a composition comprising a photosensitizer and at least one paraben. The present invention also includes a method for photodynamic disinfection comprising applying the composition to a desired treatment area and applying light to the desired treatment area at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizer so as to inhibit Gram-negative organism located within the treatment area wherein the Gram-negative organism is receptive to paraben potentiation.
US08703047B2 Clothing ornament made from a high-Mn austenitic stainless steel
As a stainless steel for a metal part for clothing ornament capable of working into a complicated form part and having such nonmagnetic properties that the worked part can cope with the detection through needle detecting device is provided a high-Mn austenitic stainless steel having a chemical composition comprising C: 0.02-0.12 mass %, Si: 0.05-1.5 mass %, Mn: 10.0-22.0 mass %, S: not more than 0.03 mass %, Ni: 4.0-12.0 mass %, Cr: 14.0-25.0 mass % and N: 0.07-0.17 mass %, provided that these components are contained so that δ cal (mass %) represented by the following equation (1) is not more than 5.5 mass %: δ cal (mass %)=(Cr+0.48Si+1.21Mo+2.2(V+Ti)+0.15Nb)−(Ni+0.47Cu+0.11Mn−0.0101Mn2+26.4C+20.1N)−4.7  (1) and having a magnetic permeability of not more than 1.003 under a magnetic field of 200 kA/m.
US08703046B2 Methods for preparing metallurgical powder compositions and compacted articles made from the same
Provided are methods of preparing high density compacted components that increase that lubricity of metallurgical powder compositions while reducing the overall organic content of the compacted component. Method of preparing high density compacted components having a high density include the steps of providing a metallurgical powder composition having particles at least partially coated with a metal phosphate layer, and compacting the metallurgical powder composition in the die at a pressure of at least about 5 tsi. The metallurgical powder composition comprises a base-metal powder, optional alloying powders, and a particulate internal lubricant. The metal phosphate at least partially coats the base-metal powder, the optional alloying powder, or both. The metal phosphate coating increases the lubricity of metallurgical powders without the need for large quantities of organic material, e.g., lubricants and binders.
US08703043B2 Non-ferrous metal melt pump and non-ferrous metal melting furnace using the same
A non-ferrous metal melting furnace includes a non-ferrous metal melt pump, a vortex chamber body, and a magnetic field device formed of permanent magnets. The vortex chamber body makes a non-ferrous metal melt flow into a vortex chamber from an inlet, makes the non-ferrous metal melt flow in a spiral shape by applying a driving force to the non-ferrous metal melt in the vortex chamber, and discharges the non-ferrous metal melt from the vortex chamber to an outlet. The magnetic field device formed of permanent magnets is disposed outside the vortex chamber and below a bottom plate of the vortex chamber, and applies the driving force that is generated by current flowing in the non-ferrous metal melt and magnetic lines of force from the magnetic field device formed of permanent magnets.
US08703041B2 Reformed aluminum nitride sintered body and method of producing the same
[Problems] To provide a method of producing, easily and in a high yield, a reformed aluminum nitride sintered body having very excellent light transmission property which can be favorably used as a light-transmitting cover particularly for light sources having high luminous efficiencies. [Means for Solution] An aluminum nitride sintered body having a concentration of metal impurities excluding aluminum of not more than 150 ppm, an oxygen concentration of not more than 0.5% by weight and a relative density of not less than 95% is used as a starting material. The aluminum nitride sintered body is heat-treated in an oxidizing atmosphere in a temperature region of 1400 to 2000° C. to increase the oxygen concentration by not less than 0.03% by weight.
US08703036B1 Silicone chew toy
A chew toy product is made of multiple layers of silicone. Liquid silicone layers are vulcanized to a solid silicone layer to form a unitary solid silicone chew toy. Each of the layers can include a silicone colorant, so the chew toy can have multiple colors.
US08703032B2 Biomimetic dry adhesives and methods of production therefor
The effectiveness of biomimetic dry adhesives at different ambient pressures is investigated. Biomimetic dry adhesives have great potential for space applications but there have been few studies on how these adhesives perform in low-pressure environments. Various geometrical configurations for cap and fiber structures of dry adhesive materials are disclosed. Various methods for manufacturing dry adhesive materials including a silicone rubber negative mold are disclosed. Various methods of manufacturing directly molded anisotropic dry adhesive structures with anisotropic peel strengths are also provided.
US08703031B2 Method for making briquettes from comminuted straw and a device to produce briquettes
The subject of the invention is a method for the manufacture of briquettes from comminuted straw, as well as a device to manufacture briquettes from comminuted straw. The method consists in that comminuted straw is compressed in a continuous process using a screw-type extruder until the material reaches a temperature at which the material after pressing solidifies to a density exceeding 1.3 g/cm 3. The device has a screw (3) composed of three segments of decreasing helix pitches toward the outlet. The forming die (8) is housed in a tank (11) connected through a water system (12) to a cooler (13). The cooling system has a temperature sensor (17) installed, said sensor being part of the pump supply circuit (15).
US08703011B2 Liquid crystalline polyester compositions
The present invention provides a class of thermotropic liquid crystalline polyesters (TLCPs) and molding compositions comprising the polyesters and glass fiber. The TLCPs consist essentially of repeat units derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA), 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (HNA), terephthalic acid (TA), and hydroquinone (HQ), and the mole percent of HBA, HNA, TA and HQ is 34-72%, 12-26%, 4-21% and 4-21%, respectively. The TLCPs have a melting temperature equal to or below 355° C., an inherent viscosity of 4.0-10.0 dL/g and a Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) in the range of 260-285° C. when compounded with 30% by weight glass fiber. The optimum compositions, selected from the above-mentioned compositional ranges exhibit a relatively low melting temperature and a relatively high HDT. Specified compositions, selected from the above-mentioned compositional ranges have low melting point, which are useful to blend with conventional polymers such as poly (ethylene terephthalate) and nylon etc.
US08703010B2 Curing agent for epoxy resins and epoxy resin compositions
A curing agent for epoxy resins which comprises cyclohexanetricarboxylic acid anhydride (A) comprising trans,trans-1,2,4-cyclohexanetricarboxylic acid 1,2-anhydride expressed by formula (1) and aliphatic dicarboxylic acid anhydride (B) and an epoxy resin composition which comprises the curing agent and an epoxy resin are provided. The curing agent of the present invention can be handled easily since the curing agent is liquid at the ordinary temperature, exhibits an excellent curing property without addition of a curing accelerator and provides a cured product of an epoxy resin exhibiting excellent transmission of light and heat stability. The epoxy resin composition can be advantageously used for coating materials, adhesives, molded products, resins for encapsulating photo-semiconductors and coating fluids for protective films of color filters constituting liquid crystal display devices (LCD), solid state imaging devices (CCD) and electroluminescence (EL) devices.
US08703005B2 Methods for removing dielectric materials
A method for removing a plurality of dielectric materials from a supporting substrate by providing a substrate with a plurality of materials, contacting the substrate at a first temperature with a solution to more quickly remove a first dielectric material than a second dielectric material at the first temperature, and then contacting the substrate at a second temperature with a solution to more quickly remove the second dielectric material than the first dielectric material at the second temperature. Thus, the dielectric materials exhibit different etch rates when etched at the first and second temperatures. The solutions to which the first and second dielectric materials are exposed may contain phosphoric acid. The first dielectric material may be silicon nitride and the second dielectric material may be silicon oxide. Under these conditions, the first temperature may be about 175° C., and the second temperature may be about 155° C.
US08703004B2 Method for chemical planarization and chemical planarization apparatus
According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed for chemical planarization. The method can include forming a surface layer on a to-be-processed film having irregularity. The surface layer binds to or adsorbs onto the to-be-processed film along the irregularity to suppress dissolution of the to-be-processed film. The method can include planarizing the to-be-processed film in a processing solution dissolving the to-be-processed film, by rotating the to-be-processed film and a processing body while the to-be-processed film contacting the processing body via the surface layer, removing the surface layer on convex portions of the irregularity while leaving the surface layer on concave portions of the irregularity and making dissolution degree of the convex portions larger than dissolution degree of the concave portions.
US08703003B2 Selective etching of semiconductor substrate(s) that preserves underlying dielectric layers
In a method of vapor etching, a sample that includes a first layer atop of and in contact with a second layer which is atop of and in contact with a third layer, wherein at least the first and second layers are comprised of different materials. The sample is etched by a vapor etchant under first process conditions that cause at least a part of the first layer to be fully removed while leaving the third layer and the second layer underlying the removed part of the first layer substantially unetched. The sample is then etched by the same or a different vapor etchant under second process conditions that cause at least the part of the second layer exposed by the removal of the at least part of the first layer to be fully removed while leaving the third layer underlying the removed part of the second layer substantially unetched.
US08702995B2 Controlled release of microbiocides
A container for releasing a microbiocide component into a liquid composition susceptible to unwanted microbial growth (LCMG) includes a LCMG impermeable casing separate and apart from an internal combustion engine filter housing, and having a hollow interior and at least one opening. A microbiocide component, for example, at least one LCMG-soluble microbiocide, as the only active material located in the hollow interior. At least one liquid permeable element, for example, a membrane member, is provided at or near an opening in the casing and is effective to provide for release of microbiocide component into the LCMG. Methods of releasing microbiocide component into LCMGs are also provided.
US08702987B2 Methods for enhancing a wastewater treatment process
Methods for enhancing an activated sludge process including at least one biological reactor. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is coupled to the biological reactor for mixing biological flocs and weighting agent to impregnate the weighting agent into the biological flocs to form weighted biological flocs. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover the weighting agent from the weighted biological flocs and reintroducing the recovered weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem.
US08702986B2 Method of removing heavy metals in soils and water
A method for sulfurous acid leaching of heavy metals from soils into a contaminated water fraction for subsequent precipitation with alkaline and nutrient reagents for filtration removal to provide a metal free soil and reclaimed water suitable for raising crops and open stream discharge.
US08702985B2 Dialysis machine
The present invention relates to a dialysis machine having a coupling surface for the coupling of a fluid system, in particular for the coupling of a cassette, and having an actuator arranged on the coupling surface for the movement of an actuator region of the fluid system. In accordance with the invention, a heating element is now provided for the heating of the actuator, with the liquid being able to be heated via the actuator in the actuator region of the fluid system.
US08702984B2 Thin layer chromatography plates and related methods of manufacture including priming prior to infiltration with stationary phase and/or precursor thereof
In an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a thin layer chromatography (“TLC”) plate is disclosed. The method includes forming a layer of elongated nanostructures (e.g., carbon nanotubes), priming the elongated nanostructures with one or more adhesion priming layers, and at least partially coating the elongated nanostructures with a coating. The coating includes a stationary phase and/or precursor of a stationary phase for use in chromatography. The stationary phase may be functionalized with hydroxyl groups by exposure to a base or acid. The stationary phase may further be treated with a silane (e.g., an amino silane) to improve the performance of the TLC plate. Embodiments for TLC plates and related methods are also disclosed.
US08702983B2 Chromatography columns, systems and methods
The present invention relates to axial flow chromatography columns, methods for separating one or more analytes in a liquid by the use of such columns, and systems employing such columns. The column comprises a first port and a second port, the first port and said second port being at essentially the same level or elevation above the level of the bed space on the chromatography column.
US08702981B2 Wedge-shaped and stackable filter cartridges
Disclosed herein are wedge-shaped filter cartridges having a maximized upstream surface area. The filter cartridges are modular and may be stacked in a filter cartridge system.
US08702980B2 Apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface having a hydraulic nosing-up action
The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a surface which is immersed in a liquid, comprising a hollow body, guiding members defining at least one axle, a filtration chamber, at least one electric motor, a pumping device which creates, in a normal cleaning direction through a filtering device, a liquid flux which is discharged via at least one main outlet, and at least one secondary liquid outlet arranged so as to orientate a current of liquid which is discharged in a backward direction via this secondary outlet so that this current creates a secondary hydraulic reaction force which generates a nosing-up torque of the apparatus by the hollow body being pivoted about the axle.
US08702969B2 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.
US08702966B2 Biosensor provided with code electrode, method for manufacturing the same, and method for obtaining sensor information from the same
The present invention provides a biosensor having a code electrode, a method for manufacturing the same, and a method for obtaining sensor information on the same, in which a code electrode for providing sensor information such as correction information, the type of biosensor, etc. is provided in each biosensor such that a measuring device can obtain necessary information on each biosensor from the code electrode, thus solving a variety of conventional problems.
US08702965B2 Biosensor methods having enhanced stability and hematocrit performance
The present invention relates to electrochemical sensor strips and methods of determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample or improving the performance of a concentration determination. The electrochemical sensor strips may include at most 8 μg/mm2 of a mediator. The strips, the strip reagent layer, or the methods may provide for the determination of a concentration value having at least one of a stability bias of less than ±10% after storage at 50° C. for 4 weeks when compared to a comparison strip stored at −20° C. for 4 weeks, a hematocrit bias of less than ±10% for whole blood samples including from 20 to 60% hematocrit, and an intercept to slope ratio of at most 20 mg/dL. A method of increasing the performance of a quantitative analyte determination also is provided.
US08702962B1 Carbon dioxide gas sensors and method of manufacturing and using same
A gas sensor comprises a substrate layer; a pair of interdigitated metal electrodes, said electrodes include upper surfaces, the electrodes selected from the group consisting of Pt, Pd, Au, Ir, Ag, Ru, Rh, In, Os, and their alloys. A first layer of solid electrolyte staying in between electrode fingers and partially on said upper surfaces of said electrodes, said first layer selected from NASICON, LISICON, KSICON and β″-Alumina. A second layer of metal carbonate(s) as an auxiliary electrolyte engaging said upper surfaces of the electrodes and the first solid electrolyte. The metal carbonates selected from the group consisting of the following ions Na+, K+, Li+, Ag+, H+, Pb2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, and any combination thereof. An extra layer of metal oxide selected from the group consisting of SnO2, In2O3, TiO2, WO3, ZnO, Fe2O3, ITO, CdO, U3O8, Ta2O5, BaO, MoO2, MoO3, V2O5, Nb2O5, CuO, Cr2O3, La2O3, RuO3, RuO2, ReO2, ReO3, Ag2O, CoO, Cu2O, SnO, NiO, Pr2O3, BaO, PdO2, HfO3, HfO3 or other metal oxide and their mixtures residing above and in engagement with the second electrolyte to improve sensor performance and/or to reduce sensor heating power consumption.
US08702959B2 System and method for detecting a substance in liquid
A system for analyzing a liquid is provided. The system comprises: an electrochemical unit having an electrochemical microchamber for receiving a sample of the liquid and electrochemically analyzing the sample; and a microfluidic unit being attached to the electrochemical unit and having microchannels constituted for sampling the sample in situ and feeding the sample to the electrochemical microchamber. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs and cells comprising same for analyte detection.
US08702957B2 Electrochemical detection of silica species
A systems and apparatus for measuring non-electroactive materials in liquids using electrochemical detection. A first electrical activity of a electroactive material is detected in absence of a target non-electroactive material (Step 120). A second electrical activity of the electroactive material is detected in presence of the target non-electroactive material (Step 130). A difference between the first and second electrical activities is obtained, and based on the obtained difference, a concentration of the target non-electroactive material is identified (Step 140).
US08702956B2 Method and apparatus for maintaining parallelism of layers and/or achieving desired thicknesses of layers during the electrochemical fabrication of structures
Some embodiments of the present invention provide processes and apparatus for electrochemically fabricating multilayer structures (e.g. mesoscale or microscale structures) with improved endpoint detection and parallelism maintenance for materials (e.g. layers) that are planarized during the electrochemical fabrication process. Some methods involve the use of a fixture during planarization that ensures that planarized planes of material are parallel to other deposited planes within a given tolerance. Some methods involve the use of an endpoint detection fixture that ensures precise heights of deposited materials relative to an initial surface of a substrate, relative to a first deposited layer, or relative to some other layer formed during the fabrication process. In some embodiments planarization may occur via lapping while other embodiments may use a diamond fly cutting machine.
US08702948B2 Method and apparatus using electric field for improved biological assays
Disclosed are a method and apparatus that use an electric field for improved biological assays. The electric field is applied across a device having wells, which receive reactants, which carry a charge. The device thus uses a controllable voltage source between the first and second electrodes, which is controllable to provide a positive charge and a negative charge to a given electrode. By controlled use of the electric field charged species in a fluid in a fluid channel are directed into or out of the well by an electric field between the electrodes. The present method involves the transport of fluids, as in a microfluidic device, and the electric field-induced movement of reactive species according to various assay procedures, such as DNA sequencing, synthesis or the like.
US08702946B1 Dielectrokinetic chromatography and devices thereof
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for dielectrokinetic chromatography. As disclosed, the devices comprise microchannels having at least one perturber which produces a non-uniformity in a field spanning the width of the microchannel. The interaction of the field non-uniformity with a perturber produces a secondary flow which competes with a primary flow. By decreasing the size of the perturber the secondary flow becomes significant for particles/analytes in the nanometer-size range. Depending on the nature of a particle/analyte present in the fluid and its interaction with the primary flow and the secondary flow, the analyte may be retained or redirected. The composition of the primary flow can be varied to affect the magnitude of primary and/or secondary flows on the particles/analytes and thereby separate and concentrate it from other particles/analytes.
US08702941B2 Method of analyzing hemoglobin by electrophoresis
A method for analyzing hemoglobin by electrophoresis, capable of analyzing hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and modified hemoglobin with improved accuracy in a shortened analysis time is provided. The method for analyzing hemoglobin by electrophoresis includes performing electrophoresis under conditions in which an acidic substance having two or more carboxyl groups is present in an electrophoresis solution. At least two of the carboxyl groups of the acidic substance each have an acid dissociation constant (pKa) lower than the pH of the electrophoresis solution at the time of analysis.
US08702932B2 Electrochemical sensor and method for manufacturing
The present disclosure relates to a sensor including an elongated member including at least a portion that is electrically conductive. The elongated member includes a sensing layer adapted to react with a material desired to be sensed. An insulating layer surrounds the elongated member. The insulating layer defines at least one access opening for allowing the material desired to be sensed to enter an interior region defined between the elongated member and the insulating layer. The insulating layer has an inner transverse cross-sectional profile that is different from an outer transverse cross-sectional profile of the elongated member. The difference in transverse cross-sectional profiles between the elongated member and the insulating layer provides channels at the interior region defined between the insulating layer and the elongated member. The channels extend generally along the length of the elongated member and are sized to allow the material desired to be sensed to move along the length of the sensor.
US08702930B2 Sensor chip and storage method thereof
A sensor chip is a sensor device for measuring a property of a substance by adsorbing the substance on a surface of the sensor chip. The sensor chip includes a diaphragm having a first surface, a second surface, and at least one through hole penetrating from the first surface to the second surface. At least a part of the first surface, the second surface, and an inner wall surface of the through hole is covered with a noncrystalline solid layer including SiOX as a main component, in which substance X is an element having higher electronegativity than that of silicon.
US08702927B2 Multiple-electrode and metal-coated probes
Provided are probes featuring multiple electrodes, which probes have diameters in the nanometer range and may be inserted into cells or other subjects so as to monitor an electrical characteristic of the subject. The probes may also include a conductive coating on at least one probe element to improve the probes' performance. The probes may also be used to inject a fluid or other agent into the subject and simultaneously monitor changes in the subject's electrical characteristics in response to the injection. Related methods of fabricating and of using the inventive probes are also provided.
US08702924B2 Electrode for an electrochemical device and method for detecting hydrogen peroxide using the electrode
An electrode for an electrochemical device includes a conductor, and an active layer formed on the conductor and including a polybenzimidazole polymer that contains at least one of the functional group of the following formula:
US08702922B2 Cell measuring vessel, extracellular potential measuring method, and chemical testing method
The cell observation using a conventional well plate takes much costs. Each well 3 being opened at a top plate 2a of the well plate 1 has a diameter reduced portion 32 which inner circumferential surface 32a is conically hollowed. At a lower portion of the diameter reduced portion 32 is formed an inserting hole 33. In a detecting portion 4, an outer circumferential surface of a round-bar reference electrode 41 is covered by an insulating portion 42. The detecting portion 4 has an upper end portion 4a and a lower end portion 4b which outer circumferential surface is exposed to an outside without being covered by an insulating portion 42. On an upper side above the lower end portion 4b is formed a diameter expanded portion 4c in which an outer circumferential surface of the insulating portion 42 is covered with a measuring electrode 43. The detecting portion 4 is fixed to a well 3 whose diameter expanded portion 4c is inserted into an inserting hole 33 and its upper end portion 4a is contained in the well 3. In the detecting portion 4, the upper end surface 43a of the measuring electrode 43 is communicated with an inner circumferential surface 32a of the diameter reduced portion 32 positioned in an edge surrounding portion of the inserting hole 33.
US08702920B2 Repeller structure and ion source
A repeller structure is provided in a plasma generating chamber of an ion source facing a cathode that emits electrons for ionizing a source gas in the plasma generating chamber to generate a plasma. The repeller structure reflects the ions toward the cathode. The repeller structure includes a sputtering target that is sputtered by the plasma to emit predetermined ions, the sputtering target including a through hole that connects a sputtering surface and a back surface of the sputtering target; and an electrode body that is inserted in the through hole, the electrode body including a repeller surface that is exposed to the sputtering surface side through the through hole.
US08702918B2 Apparatus for enabling concentricity of plasma dark space
In some embodiments, substrate processing apparatus may include a chamber body; a lid disposed atop the chamber body; a target assembly coupled to the lid, the target assembly including a target of material to be deposited on a substrate; an annular dark space shield having an inner wall disposed about an outer edge of the target; a seal ring disposed adjacent to an outer edge of the dark space shield; and a support member coupled to the lid proximate an outer end of the support member and extending radially inward such that the support member supports the seal ring and the annular dark space shield, wherein the support member provides sufficient compression when coupled to the lid such that a seal is formed between the support member and the seal ring and the seal ring and the target assembly.
US08702917B2 Electrolytic cell and system for treating water
A water treatment system is disclosed having electrolytic cell for liberating hydrogen from a base solution. The base solution may be a solution of brine for generating sodium hypochlorite, or potable water to be oxidized. The cell has first and second opposing electrode endplates held apart from each other by a pair of supports such that the supports enclose opposing sides of the endplates to form a cell chamber. One or more inner electrode plates are spaced apart from each other in the cell chamber in between the first and second electrode plates. The supports are configured to electrically isolate the first and second electrode plates and the inner electrode plates from each other. The first and second electrode plates are configured to receive opposite polarity charges that passively charge the inner electrode plates via conduction from the base solution to form a chemical reaction in the base solution as the base solution passes through the cell chamber.
US08702916B2 Hydrogen supplementation fuel apparatus and method
A hydrogen supplementation fuel apparatus and method having a power source, a hydrogen generator and an accumulator for supplementing hydrogen gas to improve the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines. The hydrogen generator uses electrodes that are helically wound about a separator to increase the hydrogen generation output.
US08702913B2 Film forming apparatus and film forming method
A film formation apparatus and film formation method that improve film thickness uniformity. A rotation mechanism holds a target having a sputtered surface in a state inclined relative to a surface of a substrate. The rotation mechanism rotatably supports the target about an axis extending along a normal of the sputtered surface. The target supported by the rotation mechanism is sputtered to form a thin film on the surface of the substrate. When forming the thin film, the rotation mechanism maintains the rotational angle of the target.
US08702912B2 Coating process, workpiece or tool and its use
The invention relates to a process for coating a substrate composed of cemented carbide, a cermet, steel or ceramic with at least one Ti1-xAlxN layer by means of a DC sputtering process. The invention further relates to a workpiece or tool which has been coated by the above-described process and to the use thereof. It is an object of the present invention to provide a process by means of which it is possible to produce coatings which combine the advantages of the sputtering process and the arc process, i.e. to make it possible to obtain a coating which has a low roughness and an advantageous (200) texture. A further object of the present invention is to provide a workpiece which has a coating having the properties mentioned. A further object of the present invention is to use tools which are particularly suitable for machining metals. The object achieved by the process is distinguished by ionization aids being used for increasing the plasma densities.
US08702911B2 Center feed system
The present invention features a center feed system in combination with a coking vessel of a delayed coking system, or any other similar system. The center feed system features an inlet sleeve which slidably engages a retractable nozzle, with inlet and outlet, in fluid connection with a feed source of residual byproduct, allowing residual byproduct to flow from the feed source into the interior of the vessel, thus effectuating or inducing even thermal distribution throughout the vessel. The retractable nozzle is structured to extend through an opening in the coking vessel while introducing the residual byproduct into the coking vessel and retract out of the coking vessel and cover the opening for at least a portion of a coking cycle.
US08702901B2 Method for manufacturing reflective mask and apparatus for manufacturing reflective mask
According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a reflective mask. The method can include forming a reflection layer on a major surface of a substrate. The method can include forming an absorption layer on the reflection layer. The method can include forming a pattern region in the absorption layer. In addition, the method can include forming a light blocking region surrounding the pattern region in the absorption layer and the reflection layer. The forming the light blocking region includes etching-processing the reflection layer using a gas containing chlorine and oxygen.
US08702900B2 Low application temperature hot melt adhesive
The invention relates to a low application temperature hot melt adhesive. More specifically, the low application temperature hot melt adhesive comprises olefin copolymers with an average Melt Index greater than 5 but less than about 35 g/10 minutes at 190° C. The adhesive is particularly useful in the construction of nonwoven articles.
US08702899B2 Dryblend process for preparing high-reactivity polyurethane compositions containing uretdione groups
The present invention relates to polyurethane compositions containing uretdione groups that can be cured at a low temperature and are intended more particularly for polyurethane powder coating compositions and adhesive compositions, to a process for preparing them and to their use.
US08702895B2 Cushioning elements for apparel and other products and methods of manufacturing the cushioning elements
A method for manufacturing the cushioning elements may include utilizing a die with a plurality of die elements positioned in a particular arrangement. A polymer material, which may be a polymer foam material, is located between the die and an extractor. The polymer material is compressed between the die and the extractor, and the die elements cut the polymer material to form a plurality of pad components, which are arranged like the die elements. The die and the extractor are separated, and the pad components are secured to the extractor in the arrangement of the die elements. Additionally, the pad components are bonded to at least one material layer such that the pad components remain in the arrangement of the die elements.
US08702892B2 Bonding of air-plasma treated thermoplastics
The invention relates to a method which allows a long-term bonding of thermoplastics. The air-plasma treatment at atmospheric ambient pressure allows very long storage times, up to several years. The inventive method allows to glue thermoplastics, stored under various storage conditions, for a long term without any noticeable decrease in adhesive strength.
US08702889B2 Method of forming a toughened adhesive material
An adhesive material and articles incorporating the same is disclosed. The adhesive material includes at least three of epoxy resin; impact modifier; flexibilizer, blowing agent; curing agent; and filler. The adhesive material is preferably used for structural adhesion but may be used for sealing, baffling or reinforcing an article of manufacture such as an automotive vehicle.
US08702883B2 Method for controlling an ultrasonic machining process
Invention relating to a method for controlling an ultrasonic machining, in which an ultrasonic vibration is transmitted via a sonotrode into the material to be machined. During the first machining interval, a first welding variable of the group S, consisting of the frequency f and the amplitude ü of the ultrasonic vibration, the force F, which the sonotrode exerts on the material to be machined, the power P, which the generator delivers, and the speed v, with which the sonotrode is moved in the direction of the material to be machined, is kept constant until a first target variable of the group Z adopts a predetermined value. During an adjoining second machining interval, a second welding variable of the group S is kept constant until a second target variable of the group Z adopts a predetermined value, wherein the first and the second target value differ.
US08702881B2 Method of making lightweight, reduced density fire rated gypsum panels
A method of preparing a reduced weight, reduced density gypsum panel that includes high expansion vermiculite with fire resistance that meet or exceed one or more industry standard fire tests.
US08702879B2 Method for producing martensitic steel with mixed hardening
A method of producing a martensitic steel including a content of other metals such that it can be hardened by intermetallic compound and carbide precipitation, with an Al content of between 0.4% and 3%. The heat shaping temperature of a last heat shaping pass of the steel is lower than the solubility temperature of aluminum nitrides in the steel, and a treatment temperature for each potential heat treatment after the last heat shaping pass is lower than the solid-state solubility temperature of the aluminum nitrides in the steel.
US08702875B2 High strength steel sheet with good wettability and manufacturing method thereof
The present disclosure relates to a high strength steel sheet having good wettability, a tensile strength of 590 MPa or more and a strength-ductility balance (TS×El) of 16,520 MPa·% or more, and a manufacturing method thereof. The high strength steel comprises, in % by weight, C: 0.03˜0.1%, Si: 0.005˜0.105%, Mn: 1.0˜3.0%, P: 0.005˜0.04%, S: 0.003% or less, N: 0.003˜0.008%, Al: 0.05˜0.4%, Mo or Cr satisfying the inequality 10≦50·[Mo %]+100·[Cr %]≦30, at least one of Ti: 0.005˜0.020%, V: 0.005˜0.050% and B: 0.0005˜0.0015%, and the balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities, wherein a microstructure of the steel sheet is a multi-phase structure comprising, in an area ratio of cross-sectional structure, 70% or more ferrite phase having a Vickers hardness Hv of 120˜250 and 10% or more martensite phase having a Vickers hardness Hv of 321˜555.
US08702871B2 Package assembly cleaning process using vaporized solvent
A method includes generating a solvent-containing vapor that contains a solvent. The solvent-containing vapor is conducted to a package assembly to clean the package assembly. The solvent-containing vapor condenses to form a liquid on a surface of the package assembly, and flows off from the surface of the package assembly.
US08702870B2 Superimposition of rapid periodic and extensive post multiple substrate UV-ozone clean sequences for high throughput and stable substrate to substrate performance
A method for cleaning a substrate processing chamber, including processing a batch of substrates within a processing chamber defining one or more processing regions. Processing the batch of substrates may be executed in a sub-routine having various sub-steps including processing a substrate from the batch within the processing chamber, removing the substrate from the processing chamber, introducing ozone into the processing chamber, and exposing the chamber to ultraviolet light for less than one minute. The substrate batch processing sub-steps may be repeated until the last substrate in the batch is processed. After processing the last substrate in the batch, the method includes removing the last substrate from the processing chamber, introducing ozone into the processing chamber; and exposing the processing chamber to ultraviolet light for three to fifteen minutes.
US08702868B2 Method for decontaminating surfaces of nuclear plants which have been contaminated with alpha emitters
A method for decontaminating nuclear plant surfaces, which have been contaminated with alpha emitters, is carried out subsequently to a decontamination process which is aimed at the removal of oxide layers. The surfaces are treated with an aqueous solution which contains a cationic or zwitterionic surfactant and oxalic acid. At least a part of the solution, after having acted on a surface, is conducted across an ion exchanger.
US08702867B2 Gas distribution plate and substrate treating apparatus including the same
A gas distribution plate that is installed in a chamber providing a reaction space and supplies a reaction gas onto a substrate placed on a substrate placing plate, wherein the gas distribution plate includes: first and second surfaces opposing to each other, wherein the second surface faces the substrate placing plate and has a recess shape; and a plurality of injection holes each including: an inflow portion that extends from the first surface toward the second surface; a diffusing portion that extends from the second surface toward the first surface; and an orifice portion between the inflow portion and the diffusing portion, wherein the plurality of inflow portions of the plurality of injection holes decrease in gas path from edge to middle of the gas distribution plate, and wherein the plurality of diffusing portions of the plurality of injection holes have substantially the same gas path.
US08702860B2 Stabilized kaolin slurry and methods for improving kaolin slurry stability
Disclosed herein are stabilized kaolin slurries comprising a kaolin comprising no more than about 80% by weight of particles having an equivalent spherical diameter of less than 2 microns and at least one stabilizer, wherein the stabilized kaolin slurry has a 28-day pour test result of at least about 80% poured. Also disclosed are methods of making such stabilized kaolin slurries.
US08702859B2 Polyhydroxy-diamines as multi-functional additives for paints, coatings and epoxies
Provided are polyhydroxy-diamine compounds of the formula I: or salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, and R3 are as defined herein. The compounds are useful as low additives for paints, coatings and epoxy formulations.
US08702858B2 Aqueous dispersion liquid and coating material, film, and product using the same
In one embodiment, an aqueous dispersion liquid contains at least one particles selected from tungsten oxide particles and tungsten oxide composite particles. A mean primary particle diameter (D50) of the particles is in the range of 1 nm to 400 nm. In the aqueous dispersion liquid, concentration of the particles is in the range of 0.1 mass % to 40 mass %, and pH is in the range of 1.5 to 6.5. The aqueous dispersion liquid excels in dispersibility of particles and capable of maintaining good liquidity for a long period.
US08702856B2 Bituminous coating with great acoustic performance
The invention relates to a bituminous coating comprising a material of low bulk density ranging between 0.01 and 0.3 t/m3 in sufficient quantity to improve the acoustic performance thereof.
US08702853B2 Tank with containment chamber and gas scrubber
The invention relates to a fluid storage tank having an interior volume and a floor and having an internal spill containment chamber comprising a vent gas scrubbing apparatus or scrubber. The chamber may be defined by a containment wall which completely separates the chamber from the tank interior volume. The containment wall may comprise an exterior portion which extends beyond the tank wall. The scrubber is disposed within the chamber and comprises a gas inlet passing through the containment wall into the tank interior volume, a gas outlet for venting scrubbed gases, and a gas scrubbing chemical storage and circulation system.
US08702850B2 Electric device with air cleaning function
In an electric device (1), an air inlet (3),a gas-liquid contact portion (5), a water collecting portion (6) and an air outlet (7) are arranged in sequential order from upstream of an air duct (2). In a water storage portion (8) the gas-liquid contact portion (5) is dipped and the water collected thereby is stored. An electrolyzing portion (9) generates the electrolyzed water (4) containing an active oxygen species by electrolyzing the water stored in the water storage portion (8). As a result, a compact electric device with an air cleaning function is provided at low cost that is capable of generating water containing an active oxygen species without requiring additional water feed and without generating a by-product.
US08702845B2 System and method for low NOx emitting regeneration of desiccants
The invention pertains to a system for purification of a carbon dioxide rich flue gas generated in a boiler combusting a fuel in the presence of a gas containing oxygen, and being contaminated by NOx gases, wherein the system comprising one or more gas drier(s) comprising desiccants for removal of at least a portion of water content of the further compressed carbon dioxide rich flue gas; and a closed loop connected to the drier(s) for regeneration of desiccants of the drier(s) wherein the NOx gases are removed substantially separately from the water vapor. The invention pertains also to a method for removing the NOx gases substantially separately from the water vapor.
US08702843B2 Process for removing condensable components from a fluid
A protocol for removing condensables from a fluid. The fluid, as an example an acid gas stream captured for EOR or CCS purposes, is initially treated to condense liquids with removal to form a gas stream. The latter is then compressed and cooled. At least a portion of this is then expanded, to form a cooled low pressure stream, and mixed with the initial fluid stream to augment cooling and condensation of condensable components.
US08702838B2 Method for recovering metal, and reagent and kit for recovery of metal for use in the same
A method for recovering a metal, capable of recovering a metal easily without requiring the use of an organic medium, is provided. A complex between a chelating agent and a metal present in a sample is formed in a mixture prepared by mixing the chelating agent and the sample under pH conditions where the chelating agent can be insoluble in an aqueous medium. Then, the complex is recovered from the mixture, and further, the metal is recovered by dissolving the recovered complex in an aqueous medium under pH conditions that are different from the pH conditions where the chelating agent can be insoluble in an aqueous medium. By this method, a metal can be recovered easily without requiring the use of the use of an organic medium.
US08702834B2 Sulphur-containing fertilizers and process for the preparation thereof
According to the present invention, there is provided a process for the manufacture of sulphur-containing fertilizer compositions, said process comprising the steps of: a) providing a slurry of at least one phosphate-based fertilizer material selected from the group consisting of ammonium phosphates, ammonium phosphate based nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) compounds, super phosphates and partially acidulated phosphate rocks; b} bringing said slurry into contact with at least one surfactant and elemental sulphur; and c) introducing the mixture obtained in step b) into a granulator unit in order to obtain granules of the fertilizer composition, wherein the elemental sulphur is present in an amount in the range of form 1 to 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fertilizer composition The present invention also provides a fertilizer composition.
US08702832B2 Securable mounting material and method of making and using the same
A securable mounting material comprises: a mounting material comprising inorganic fibers and having a major surface; and a layer of thermally activatable adhesive inwardly disposed on the inorganic fibers proximate the major surface. The thermally activatable adhesive comprises at least one compound represented by the formula: (Mm+)d((ZpOq(OH)r)n−)e.(H2O)f M represents a cationic species other than H+; O represents oxygen; Z represents boron or phosphorus; f is a real number greater than or equal to zero; d, n, q, and r are integers greater than or equal to zero; e, m, and p are integers greater than or equal to one; and d times m equals e times n. The mounting material is useful in pollution control devices. A method of making the mounting material is also disclosed.
US08702830B2 Diesel exhaust filtering apparatus
A filtering apparatus having a plurality of passages made up of juxtaposed longitudinally extending channels. The passages are axially divided by a porous filtering media extending across the channels whereby the channels fluidly communicate through the porous filtering media. A pressure differential is created across the filtering media by restricting flow through an end of each channel, with each restriction being at an opposite end from that of the other channel. As flow restriction rather than outright blocking is used, some flow is possible along each passage directly along the channels even if the channels lose the ability to fluidly communicate through clogging of the filtering media.
US08702828B2 Flat bag for vacuum cleaners
A flat bag is for vacuum cleaners. The bad includes, in the interior thereof, at least one diffuser which forms an intermediate plane and is made of strips of material and/or sheet materials with oblong-shaped flow openings. Such flat bags are distinguished by excellent dust storage capacity and extension of the useful life.
US08702827B2 Flat bag for vacuum cleaners
A flat bag for vacuum cleaners includes, in the interior thereof, at least two diffusers made of strips of material and/or sheet materials with oblong-shaped flow openings. Such flat bags are distinguished by excellent dust storage capacity and extension of the useful life.
US08702823B2 Hydrogen generation apparatus, fuel cell system and method of shutting down hydrogen generation apparatus
A method of shutting down a hydrogen generation apparatus for limiting degradation in a catalyst due to dew condensation at the time of shutdown is provided. The method of shutting down the hydrogen generation apparatus comprising, a combustor which supplies heat necessary to a reforming device, a first air supplier which supplies air to the combustor, a combustion exhaust gas path formed such that the combustion exhaust gas produced in the combustor makes heat exchange with the reforming device and then with a CO reducing device, and a controller which operates the first air supplier so that the temperature of the gas in the CO reducing device does not become equal to or lower than a dew point after shutdown of the combustion operation of the combustor and before a start of a purging operation to purge the interiors of the reforming device and the CO reducing device with a replacement gas.
US08702819B2 Oil composition and method of recovering the same
The present invention generally relates to oil compositions and methods of producing such oil compositions. More particularly, the present invention relates to an oil composition recovered from a fermentation product as well as methods of recovering such oil compositions for use in various processes such as bio-diesel production as well as in various edible applications.
US08702818B2 Method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for a rechargeable battery
A method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for a rechargeable battery is disclosed. The method comprises providing a first electrode plate comprising an active portion that is coated with a first active material and an inactive portion extending from an edge of the active portion of the first electrode plate; providing a second electrode plate comprising an active portion that is coated with a second active material and an inactive portion extending from an edge of the active portion of the second electrode plate; providing a separator; winding the first electrode plate, the second electrode plate and the separator, the separator interposed between the first and second electrode plates; and removing parts of the inactive portion of the first electrode plate and the inactive portion of the second electrode plate to form a first plurality of electrode tabs for the first electrode plate and a second plurality of electrode tabs for the second electrode plate.
US08702814B2 Hair colorant compositions comprising 2-methoxymethyl-1,4-diaminobenzene and 2,6-diaminopyridine, methods, and kits comprising the compositions
A hair colorant composition comprises 2,6-diaminopyridine coupler in combination with 2-methoxymethyl-1,4-diaminobenzene developer. A kit for coloring hair comprises the hair colorant composition. A method of treating hair comprises applying the hair colorant composition to hair.
US08702813B2 Use of ascorbic acid derivatives for dyeing keratin-containing fibres
The invention relates to the use of specific ascorbic acid derivatives for dyeing keratin-containing fibers or as direct dyes for the preparation of a composition for dyeing keratin-containing fibers, and to methods for dyeing keratin-containing fibers, in particular for dyeing human hair.
US08702811B2 System and method for determining terrain transitions
A prosthetic or orthotic system including a sensor module and a processing module usable to determine a terrain variable, such as a terrain transition. In certain examples, the system is capable of anticipating a terrain transition prior to the user experiencing the terrain transition, which may include, for instance, a transition from level ground walking to walking on stairs or may include a change in a slope of the ground surface. In certain embodiments, the system advantageously monitors a posture and/or movement of the patient to anticipate the terrain transition. Furthermore, the system may control an actuator to appropriately adjust the prosthetic or orthotic device to encounter the anticipated terrain transition.
US08702810B2 Bio-artificial pancreas and a procedure for preparation of same
The present invention generally relates to implantable devices for producing insulin in diabetic animals and to methods of making same. Some embodiments include amphiphilic biomembranes for use in biological applications (e.g., as an alternative and/or supplemental insulin source). Some embodiments also include live insulin-producing cells contained within one or more amphiphilic membranes so as to prevent or diminish an immuno-response and/or rejection by the host.
US08702808B2 Resorbable scaffolds for bone repair and long bone tissue engineering
Bioresorbable scaffolds for bone engineering, such as repair of bone defects, particularly long bone defects, or augmentation of bone length are described. Scaffolds are porous and comprise multiple side channels. In one embodiment, scaffolds are made from layers of micro-filament meshes comprising polycaprolactone (PCL) or a PCL-composite sequentially laid in incremental 60 degrees of rotation to produce a 0/60/120 degree layering pattern, providing for the formation of interconnected pores. The scaffold can comprise a central channel filled, packed or infused with suitable agents such as bioactive agents. Furthermore, the scaffolds are stiff but yet fracture resistant and with sufficient bending, compressive and torsional strength suitable for bone engineering. The slow degradation of the scaffold is sufficient for the 3D matrix to maintain structure integrity and mechanical properties during the remodelling process.
US08702806B2 Acetabular implant and method for the production of said implant
A cotyloid implant including a screwable cup receiving an articular insert. The cup is provided with screwing elements (11) on the periphery thereof and more particularly in the equatorial area (2) thereof, the elements being used to penetrate the bone material of the acetabular cup during screwing. The cup includes an osteointegration-facilitating coating such as a selective calcium hydroxyapatite coating. The coating (16) is a thick coating on the convex parts of the outer surface of the cup, including areas or valleys or hollow thread elements which are left free in the screwing elements. The coating is not as thick (17) on raised areas or screw thread areas.
US08702804B2 Variable prosthesis
The present teachings are directed to a shoulder prosthesis having an adjustable radial offset and/or angular inclination provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between a stem and a head. In one example, a prosthesis has a stem having a first longitudinal axis. The prosthesis can also include an adaptor including a first taper. The first taper can have a first taper axis. The prosthesis can include a head supported by the adaptor. The head can be selectively oriented and then coupled to the first taper and the combination can be selectively orientated and the coupled to the stem.
US08702802B2 Knee implant assembly with rotary bearing supported and traveling surfaces
A joint assembly incorporated into a reconditioned end surface established between upper and opposing lower bones. At least one first component is anchored into a first of the reconditioned bone end surfaces and exhibits a rotatably supported wheel. A second component is anchored into a second opposing reconditioned bone end surfaces and exhibits a second exposed support surface in contact with the rotatably supported wheel. The first component includes a supporting well anchored into the reconditioned bone end surface for supporting the wheel in rotatable fashion. A laterally inserting pin displaces relative to a side of the wheel well and into an interior thereof and includes a central axial through hole which receives the pin for supporting the shaft.
US08702797B2 Intervertebral implant
The inventive intervertebral implant (1), in particular an artificial intervertebral disc comprises a central axis (2), a top part (3) and a lower part (4), wherein A) the top part (3) is provided with a top apposition surface (5) which rests on a base plate of a superimposed vertebral body, B) the lower part (4) is provided with a lower apposition surface (6) for resting on the covering plate of an underneath vertebral body, C) one part (3, 4) comprises a convex joint element (12) provided with a convex sliding surface (11) and the other part (3, 4) comprises a joint shell (13) provided with a complementary concave surface, D) the convex joint element (12) and the convex joint shell (13) form a joint (9) by means of which the two parts (3, 4) are rotatable with respect to each other around at least one axis of rotation and E) the intervertebral implant (1) is permeable to x-rays.
US08702794B2 Back loaded IOL insertion cartridge
A rear-loaded injector cartridge for an intraocular lens (IOL) having a proximal opening that provides a haptic slot. The haptic slot receives a leading haptic of an IOL loaded therein, and temporarily retains the leading haptic while the optic of the IOL is inserted into a holding area of the cartridge. As the optic passes by, the leading haptic folds over the top of the optic, on its anterior side. The length of the haptic retention slot is sufficient to maintain the leading haptic in its anteriorly folded position while the IOL remains in holding area, typically while the cartridge is mated with a handpiece of the injector. The cartridge also has a rear or proximal cut out which advantageously keys with a similarly-sized rail on the handpiece so that the cartridge cannot be inserted in the wrong way.
US08702793B2 Implantable one-piece heart prosthesis
Disclosed is an implantable one-piece heart prosthesis having a driving artificial ventricle and a driven artificial ventricle. A main actuator is configured to transmit to the driving artificial ventricle diastolic and systolic flow rates having desired respective values for the driving artificial ventricle. An auxiliary actuator is configured to transmit to the driven artificial ventricle correction systolic and diastolic flow rates that correct the systolic and diastolic flow rates transmitted by the main actuator to the driven artificial ventricle.
US08702792B2 Drug delivery from electroactive molecularly imprinted polymer
A device delivers a chemical or biological agent, the device comprises an imprint molecule (IM) to be delivered by the device; an electroactive molecularly imprinted polymer (EMIP) imprinted with the imprint molecule, the EMIP having a plurality of binding sites capable of binding the imprint; and an electric potential producing member (EPM), the EPM being capable of producing an electric potential between the EPM and the EMIP; whereby when the EMIP has a predetermined density of imprint molecule bound at the binding sites, and whereby when a sufficient potential is produced between the EPM and the EMIP, the imprint molecule is released from the binding site and thereby delivered by the device.
US08702791B2 Debranching visceral stent graft and methods for use
A debranching visceral stent graft and methods for its use, where the stent graft comprises, a main body stent graft with a bifurcation defining a first leg and a second leg, the main body stent graft has a distal end and a proximal end, the main body stent graft's diameter at the proximal end ranges from about 18-22 mm, the first leg and the second leg each have a diameter that ranges from about 14-16 mm, the distance from the proximal end of the main body to the distal end of the first leg ranges from about 70-90 mm, the distance from the proximal end of the main body to the distal end of the second leg ranges from about 80-100 mm, and the second leg is at least about 10 mm longer than the first leg.
US08702789B2 Endoprosthesis assemblies and methods for using the same
Endoprosthesis assemblies and methods for using the same. In at least one embodiment of an endoprosthesis assembly of the present disclosure, the endoprosthesis assembly comprises an endoprosthesis comprising an impermeable inner wall defining an endoprosthesis lumen sized and shaped to permit fluid to flow therethrough, a distal balloon positioned at or near a distal end of the endoprosthesis, the distal balloon capable of inflation to anchor the distal end of the endoprosthesis within a luminal organ, and a proximal balloon positioned at or near a proximal end of the endoprosthesis, the proximal balloon capable of inflation to anchor the proximal end of the endoprosthesis within the luminal organ, wherein when the endoprosthesis assembly is positioned within the luminal organ at or near an aneurysm sac, inflation of the distal balloon and the proximal balloon effectively isolates the aneurysm sac and prevents fluid within the aneurysm sac from flowing past the distal balloon and the proximal balloon and into other areas of vasculature adjacent to the aneurysm sac.
US08702788B2 Expandable stent that collapses into a non-convex shape and expands into an expanded, convex shape
An expandable stent that can transform between a collapsed state and an expanded state is described. The stent includes a first cross-sectional shape and a second cross-sectional shape. The first cross-sectional shape is a non-convex shape when the stent is in the collapsed state. Alternatively, the second cross-sectional shape is a convex shape when the stent is in an expanded state. The stent can be formed of super elastic Nitinol, which allows it to be shape set in the desired shape. Due to its shape setting properties and the non-convex cross-section, the stent is capable of dramatically reducing its cross-sectional radial profile which is beneficial in a variety of procedures.
US08702784B2 Outer tube for stent repositioning and deployment
A drainage stent delivery system including a stent, a guide catheter, a push catheter, and an outer sheath. The guide catheter extends through the lumen of the stent and the push catheter is disposed over a portion of the guide catheter proximal of the distal end of the stent. The outer sheath is slidably disposed over the push catheter and surrounding at least a portion of the stent. The outer sheath may be actuated from a first position in which a distal portion of the outer sheath surrounds the stent to a second position in which the distal portion of the outer sheath is proximal of the stent. The stent delivery system may also include a retention mechanism for selectively coupling the stent to the outer sheath which may selectively decouple the stent from the outer sheath through rotational and/or translational motion of the outer sheath relative to the stent.
US08702783B2 Stent delivery system
A stent delivery system includes: a distal-side tube; a proximal-side tube; a tubular member which contains a stent; a wire which has one end fixed to the tubular member; and an operating section which has a wire winding mechanism and a wire winding amount restriction mechanism for restricting the length of wire which is pulled. The operating section has an operating rotary roller; a winding shaft section and driving gear which are provided coaxially and integrally with the roller; and a driven gear which is intermittently rotated by the driving gear. The driving gear and the driven gear have the stopper function by which rotation of the driving gear is stopped after the driving gear is rotated a predetermined amount.
US08702779B2 Catheter balloon systems and methods
Apparatus and method are provided for treatment of a bifurcation of a body lumen. The apparatus includes an elongated catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end. A balloon is associated with the distal end of the balloon catheter. The balloon includes a main vessel balloon for treating a main vessel of the bifurcation, and a branch vessel balloon for treating a branch vessel of the bifurcation. The branch vessel balloon includes an accordion configuration capable of being expanded from an unexpanded collapsed accordion configuration to an expanded accordion configuration extending into the branch vessel.
US08702778B2 Device for deploying an implantable medical device
Device useful for implanting an implantable device within the vasculature of a patient. The device includes a deployment line, a control component for actuating the deployment line, and an actuation mechanism for translating constant-rate actuation of the control component into variable rate retraction of the deployment line from a remotely deployable implantable device. Suitable implantable devices include, for example, stents and stent grafts.
US08702776B2 Method for deploying a sleeve and tubing device for restricting and constricting aneurysms and a sleeve and tubing device and system
A sleeve device, system and method are provided for restricting and/or constricting aneurysms. More particularly, a sleeve and/or a double-walled sleeve is located in or on a vessel in the location of an aneurysm. When placed around the outside of a vessel, is used to restrict and/or constrict the aneurysm containing portion of the vessel. If desired, the sleeve may be constructed as a double-walled sleeve that can be inflated to apply pressure to and/or in the vessel.
US08702774B2 Device, system and method of removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells
Devices, systems and methods for removing heat from subcutaneously disposed lipid-rich cells are disclosed. In selected embodiments, suction and/or heat removal sources are coupled to an applicator. The applicator includes a flexible portion and a rigid portion. The rigid portion includes a thermally conductive plate and a frame coupling the thermally conductive plate and the flexible portion. An interior cavity of the applicator is in fluid communication with the suction source, and the frame maintains contiguous engagement between the heat removal source and the thermally conductive plate.
US08702770B2 Femtosecond laser scanning device
The invention concerns a scanning device for focusing a beam of rays in defined regions of a defined volume, comprising an input optics wherein the beam of rays penetrates first, having at least one first optical element; a focusing optics for focusing the beam of rays exiting from the input optics; and a deflecting device arranged between the first optical element and the focusing optics, for deflecting the beam of rays after it has passed through the first optical element, based on a position of the focus to be adjusted in lateral direction. In order to adjust the position of the focus of the beam of rays in the direction of the beam of rays, and optical element of the input optics can be displaced relative to the deflecting device.
US08702768B2 Cannulated bone screw system and method
An improved bone screw is disclosed which includes a shaft with distal portion having a threaded surface thereon, a sleeve having an opening which receives the shaft such that the shaft is able to move within the sleeve without moving the sleeve. A compressive device may be incorporated between the sleeve and the proximal portion of the shaft such that the compressive device forces the shaft and sleeve towards each other, thereby maintaining the compressive load at the union of the fracture. As additional compression is exerted on the load from weight bearing, the force may be reduced, but the head of the sleeve is still substantially maintained against the lateral cortex.
US08702766B2 Locking device for fixation mechanism of medical implant
A receiving member has a primary socket for a fixation mechanism and a secondary socket for a locking device. The secondary socket has a first bore intersecting a portion of the primary socket and forming an arcuate cut-out. The secondary socket has a chord member extending into the secondary socket first bore that forms a radial undercut in the secondary socket. The secondary socket has a detent extending from the radial undercut into the chord member. The locking device is rotatable in the secondary socket between an unlocked position in which an engagement surface of a cap of the locking device is angularly displaced from the arcuate cut-out, and a locked position in which the cap engagement surface occupies the arcuate cut-out and engages the fixation mechanism, and the arm engages an underside of the chord member, thereby preventing the fixation member from disengaging the receiving member primary socket.
US08702763B2 In-situ deformable mini-bone plate
A bone plate provided in the present invention has an elongated strip, and a series of repeating units are provided on the elongated strip. Each repeating unit has two crowns, two necks, and four bridges, wherein the two crowns and the two necks are connected by the four bridges to from a symmetrical ring structure, and wherein a width of the bridge (BW) is greater than a width of the crown (CW), a maximum distance between inner sides of the two crowns (ID) is greater than a width of the neck (NW), a maximum distance between outer sides of two opposite bridges of the four bridges (OD) is greater than a unit length between two adjacent repeating units (UL), and the crown width (CW) is 0.1-1.0 mm, so that the bone plate can be deformed in-situ by a surgeon.
US08702760B2 Dynamic spinal stabilization system
A dynamic stabilization system includes a stabilization element, such as a spinal rod, a plurality of bone anchors, such as bone bolts, and a like plurality of connectors for connecting the bolts to the spinal rod. At least some of the connectors include a flexible element between the bone anchor and the rod and an adjustment element for adjusting the flexibility of the flexible element, to thereby adjust the dynamic flexibility between the rod and the bone anchor. In one embodiment, the flexible element is a flexible bearing element of a rod end bearing.
US08702757B2 Minimally invasive interspinous process spacer implants and methods
An interspinous process spacer for implantation in an interspinous space between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process includes a balloon-like body, a first deployable protrusion and a second deployable protrusion. The body has a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The spacer is arrangeable in an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The first deployable protrusion is mounted proximate the proximal end and the second deployable protrusion is mounted proximate the distal end. The first and second deployable protrusions are oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis in the unexpanded configuration and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the expanded configuration.
US08702751B2 Surgical adhesive applicator
An adhesive applicator for applying medical adhesives, particularly cyanoacrylates, to incisions such as those made during minimally invasive surgery. The applicator employs a pipette tip or similar narrow flow restrictor tip to close the incision and a body of foam to seal the incision. Methods of using the applicator are also disclosed.
US08702750B2 Apparatus for closing vascular puncture
A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes a guidewire and/or other surgical implement extending from the wound. A hemostatic material is advanced over the surgical implement and into contact with an area of the blood vessel surrounding the wound. The surgical implement is removed. Blood soaks the hemostatic material, and blood clotting is facilitated by the hemostatic agent within the material. A sealing layer of adhesive can be applied to the hemostatic material, confining the blood flow to the material. The vascular puncture wound is sealed by natural blood clot formation.
US08702738B2 Tissue removal device for neurosurgical and spinal surgery applications
A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The inner cannula includes a hinge between a body section and a cutting section that allows the cutting section to pivot when the inner cannula reciprocates within the outer cannula. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. The handpiece includes a proximal section that is angled with respect to a distal section.
US08702737B2 Surgical forceps
A forceps includes first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The shaft members are moveable relative to one another between spaced-apart and approximated positions to move the jaw members between open and closed positions. A knife assembly is engaged within the second shaft member. The knife assembly includes an arm extending through a trough defined within the second shaft member and has a knife disposed at a distal end thereof. The arm is moveable between a first position, corresponding to a retracted position of the knife, wherein the arm defines an arched portion extending from the second shaft member, and a second position, wherein the arched portion defines a more linear configuration to elongated the arm distally to advance the knife between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween.
US08702728B2 Method and system for ligating a body part
A ligature device and method of use are disclosed. More specifically, a ligature device capable of maintaining a ligature band in an elongated position, applying a preformed ligation band to an object to be ligated, manually releasing the ligation band from an elongated position, and securing a ligation band in a tensioned position is described. The ligation device may be used to apply ligation bands to various body parts of various animals.
US08702727B1 Delivery catheter with implant ejection mechanism
A delivery catheter with a plug ejection mechanism with a fluid filled actuator incorporated in the catheter's handle is disclosed. After delivery of RF energy, the clinician deploys the plug within the region of the lesion by activating the plug ejection mechanism.
US08702722B2 System and method for the simultaneous automated bilateral delivery of pressure equalization tubes
Systems and methods for treating a patient having a head with a first ear and a second ear, function by aligning a first device with a tympanic membrane of the first ear; inputting a command to an input device operatively coupled to the first device to generate a signal; and actuating the first device in response to the signal so as to drive a penetrator of the device through the tympanic membrane.
US08702720B2 Tassel tip wire guide
An improved wire guide and method for cannulating a bodily lumen, such the biliary tree are provided for procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ECRP). The wire guide and cannulation method minimizes the potential for trauma to the ducts while reducing the chances of disconnecting the wire guide from newer access devices. Generally, the wire guide includes an atraumatic tassel tip which is operable between delivery and deployed configurations.
US08702714B2 Instruments for total knee arthroplasty
An instrument assembly for resecting a distal femur for receipt of a knee implant, comprising an intramedullary rod and resection instruments. A valgus portion of the intramedullary rod has series of engagement members positioned to provide a plurality of engagement positions for use in fixing the resection instruments on the valgus portion. The resection instruments are configured to selectively engage and selectively lock on the valgus rod at the engagement positions via the engagement members. The engagement members preferably comprise pairs of substantially vertical indents arranged in parallel along opposing sides of said valgus portions. The resection instruments preferably engages and locks to said engagement members via a sliding rod engagement member. The resection instruments preferably include a distal cut guide having a distal resection slot and a femoral resection block.
US08702713B2 Instruments and techniques for adjusting relative positioning of bones or bony tissues
Systems, methods, devices and instruments for adjusting the relative positioning of bones or bony tissues, such as two or more vertebrae, are provided. More particularly, in one form, an instrument includes first and second end members that are freely movable relative to one another in a first configuration of the instrument, while in a second configuration the first and second end members are only movable relative to one another upon rotation of a displacement member. In one aspect of this and/or other forms, the first and second end members include hook portions that are selectively rotatable relative to one another such that the instrument can be used for compression or distraction of the bones or bony tissues. In another form, techniques for adjusting the relative positioning of bones or bony tissues are provided.
US08702712B2 Systems and methods for determining the mechanical axis of a femur
A method positions a profile of a prosthetic component on the three-dimensional model of a limb. Patient-specific anatomical data of the limb is gathered. First and second anatomical landmarks are identified to determine a first spatial relationship. A third anatomical landmark is identified to determine a second spatial relationship with respect to the first spatial relationship. The profile of the prosthetic component is positioned in all but one degree of freedom. A fourth anatomical landmark is identified to position the profile of the prosthetic component in the one remaining degree of freedom.
US08702709B2 Intervertebral disc reamer
An intervertebral disc reamer includes a flexible shaft having a shaft channel, and a reamer head attached to the flexible shaft and movable relative to the flexible shaft. The reamer head has a reamer channel. The shaft channel and the reamer channel are aligned to define a continuous guide wire channel for the disc reamer. The disc reamer addresses the quality of disc removal and endplate preparation, minimizes the trauma of surgery, minimizes blood loss, and markedly reduces surgical time.
US08702701B2 Treatment device for electrosurgery
A treatment device for electrosurgery includes a sheath that has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion; a needle-like electrode that has a distal end and a proximal end, is inserted into the sheath such that it is capable of advancing and retracting inside the sheath, and treats a target site at the distal end; a first electrode provided at the distal end of the needle-like electrode and exposed from the sheath; a second electrode fixed with respect to the first electrode at a position separated from the first electrode toward the proximal end; an insulator that insulates the first electrode from the second electrode by being interposed between the first and second electrodes; a first conductive portion that applies a high-frequency current to the first electrode; and a second conductive portion that applies a high-frequency current to the second electrode.
US08702697B2 Devices and methods for shaping therapy in fluid enhanced ablation
Devices and methods for shaping an ablation treatment volume formed in fluid enhanced ablation therapy are provided. The devices and methods disclosed herein utilize the interaction of fluids to create ablation treatment volumes having a variety of shapes. In one embodiment, a method for forming an ablation treatment volume having a desired shape includes delivering therapeutic energy to tissue to form an ablation treatment volume and simultaneously delivering a first fluid and a second fluid to the tissue. The first and second fluids can convect the therapeutic energy in a desired direction such that the ablation treatment volume has a desired shape.
US08702695B2 Auto-aligning ablating device and method of use
An ablation device and methods for use thereof including a support structure adapted to support an ablation structure within an alimentary tract of a patient are provided. The support structure includes a longitudinal support with a longitudinal axis and a rotational support. The rotational support is adapted to permit at least part of the ablation structure to rotate with respect to the longitudinal support's longitudinal axis.
US08702684B2 Therapeutic hybrid implantable devices
A device (10) for receiving implanted biological material includes a mechanoprotective surface (16) defining an adjacent space, an assembly (26, 28) for locally delivering media to said space, and a pump or slow/sustained release reservoir structure (14) operatively coupled to the assembly. The device may comprise an additional plunger body for being disposed in said space. The implanted biological material may be encapsulated or non-encapsulated.
US08702683B2 Systems and methods for dynamic drug therapy response to blood pressure incidents
A dermal or transdermal drug-delivery skin patch has a blood pressure sensor structurally integrated or built into it. The skin patch when attached to a skin portion of an individual determines a blood pressure of the individual and in response needle-lessly delivers a treatment drug to the individual if necessary.
US08702679B2 Catheter systems and methods for crossing vascular occlusions
Interventional catheter-based systems and methods are described herein for use in generating an initial pathway through vascular occlusions. The catheter systems generally include two elements. A first element is a Blunt Dissection Catheter including a manually actuated assembly located at the distal tip of the Blunt Dissection Catheter that performs blunt dissection in the vascular occlusion to produce a dissection track, or small pathway through the occlusion. The second element is a Sheath Catheter that serves as a conduit within which the Blunt Dissection Catheter is freely advanced, retracted and rotated. The first and second elements are used in some combination to cross vascular occlusions in both the coronary and peripheral vasculature.
US08702677B2 Device and method for directional delivery of a drug depot
Drug depot delivery devices and methods are provided for delivering one or more drug depots to one or more sites beneath the skin of a patient with or without repositioning the cannula. The device has a cannula capable of insertion to the site beneath the skin of the patient and one or more side port openings for delivering a drug depot. The side port openings are spaced a distance from the blunt tip, which will allow the user to implant at a set distance from a nerve. The device may also include an electronic monitor for detecting the proximity of the tip of the cannula to a nerve. In some embodiments, a method of delivering a drug depot is provided by detecting the nerve and delivering the drug depot at or near the nerve.
US08702673B1 Disposable diaper or incontinence undergarment
A novel diaper, or other protective undergarment, is disclosed where the undergarment includes multiple absorbent layers that can be individually deployed once a first layer has been wetted or soiled. Each absorbent layer protects against the leakage of bodily fluids both laterally and vertically and once each of such layers is wetted or soiled, it can be removed from the undergarment thereby exposing a ready and dry second layer.
US08702670B2 Intravaginal device with controlled expansion
Controlled expansion of an intravaginal device can be achieved by selectively attaching either a primary or secondary cover to the primary absorbent device having a fluid storage element. We can determine that certain portions of the tampon will expand while other portions will be restricted to substantially the compressed structure. The primary cover can be attached to the primary absorbent device either before or after the absorbent device is compressed into final tampon form. The compression may be in the axial or radial direction or a combination of both directions. The secondary cover, if used, can be attached after the tampon pledget has been compressed into the final tampon form.
US08702669B2 Diaper sheath with adjustable slide mechanism
A diaper sheath having a shell with an inner panel and an outer panel forming a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The diaper sheath also includes a first intermediate pocket and a second intermediate pocket set along the first side edge and the second side edge respectively, each intermediate pocket having at least one opening. The diaper sheath further includes a first intermediate strip and a second intermediate strip set inside each of the first and second intermediate pockets respectively, the first and second intermediate strips each having an anchor portion attached to an attachment ring, and an elongated portion having a loop formed through a slide, the loop passing through the attachment ring and having a continuously adjustable length selected by moving the slide to a desired position along the elongated portion.
US08702663B2 Eyewash container
An eyewash dispensing container to store and deliver an eyewash fluid that is particularly suitable for terminal sterilization. The container includes a base and a locking lid with a tamper indicator. The container is able to be opened quickly and deliver the eyewash fluid directly to an eye of a user.
US08702659B2 Drug delivery device
Drug delivery device, comprising a body unit having a first opening and a second opening, a plunger arranged such that its distal end is positioned inside the body unit, wherein the plunger is moveable in the distal direction with respect to the body unit, a needle assembly, with a proximal end and a distal end comprising a needle, wherein the proximal end of the needle assembly and the distal end of the plunger are configured such that they can get into an adhesion connection.
US08702657B2 Trocar seal system
A seal assembly for reception of an elongated surgical instrument is provided which includes a body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated surgical instrument and defining a central longitudinal axis; a seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture therein, the aperture being configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the surgical instrument into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently contact the outer surface of the surgical instrument in a substantially fluid tight manner; and a fabric layer juxtaposed relative to the resilient material. A coating may be applied to the seal member to reduce friction between the seal member and surgical instrumentation inserted therein. The coating is preferably a hydrocyclosiloxane membrane prepared by plasma polymerization process.
US08702655B2 Reservoir barrier layer systems and methods
A reservoir and a plunger head contained within may be configured to move relative to each other in response to at least one of the reservoir being detached from a base, the base and/or the reservoir being removed from a packaging, and the base and/or the reservoir being moved relative to each other. A first layer may be configured to define a reservoir, the first layer, which may be made of a material compatible with fluidic media in the reservoir, may be adjacent a second layer for inhibiting a diffusion through the second layer. A first layer that may be less than 0.3 mm and made of a cyclic olefin copolymer may be configured to define a reservoir. A reservoir may be defined by a wall made of a cyclic olefin copolymer and the wall may be for substantially preventing light from passing through the reservoir.
US08702653B2 Retractable needle safety syringes
A barrel adapter mountable to a syringe barrel includes a barrel tip, a biasing member, a locking mechanism, and a needle assembly. A safety syringe includes a barrel, a plunger assembly, and a barrel adapter. The needle assembly includes a needle, a needle hub, and a needle seal. The needle is configured to pass-through the needle assembly, locking mechanism, biasing member, and barrel tip such that, at one end the needle is within the barrel and at another end the needle passes through an aperture in the barrel tip. The barrel may be substantially cylindrical, having along its longitudinal axis a distal end for drug injection, a proximal end for injection control, and at least a portion of the barrel interior for drug containment. The barrel adapter provides needle retraction mechanisms to the barrel to form a safety syringe. Methods of assembling, manufacturing, and using such syringes are also provided.
US08702652B2 Method and apparatus for increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel
A method of increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes providing an expandable member substantially made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable member is inserted into the blood vessel, positioned within the blood vessel with the proximal member end upstream of the distal member end and the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction, and expanded to bring at least a portion of the member body into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exerted on the obstruction to dislodge at least one fragment from the obstruction and to enhance blood flow through the blood vessel past the obstruction. The at least one fragment is passed through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction, and is selectively retained within the expandable member.
US08702651B2 Drug delivery device with instable sheath and/or push element
A balloon carries a drug in drug-carrying regions, wherein the drug-carrying regions protect the drug during delivery through a patient's vasculature. Once at a target site, the balloon expands, causing the drug-carrying regions to expose the drug to the target site. One drug eluting balloon device includes a longitudinal sheath that defines an interior space having a balloon disposed therein. When the balloon expands, at least one push element at least partially inverts at least one pocket formed on an outer surface of the sheath. This inversion causes a drug contained within the at least one pocket to be released to the target site. In another embodiment, a plurality of bands is provided, each band made of material having a different resistance to elongation. Upon expansion, the bands invert to expose a drug provided on a surface of the bands.
US08702649B2 Multiple lumen diffusion catheter
A method and device for the simultaneous or sequential introduction of multiple fluids into the bloodstream including a multiple lumen catheter with corresponding multiple hole sets. By introducing a second fluid such as saline, the concentration and bolus of a first fluid, such as a contrast agent, can be controlled and optimized.
US08702640B2 System, devices, and methods including catheters configured to monitor and inhibit biofilm formation
Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to, for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject.
US08702637B2 System and method for optimized apheresis draw and return
A blood processing device includes a venous-access device, a blood component separation device, a return line, a draw line, a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a first pump. The first pressure sensor is located on the return line between the blood component separation device and the venous-access device, and determines a first pressure. The second pressure sensor is located on the draw line between the blood component separation device and the venous-access device, and determines a second pressure. The first pump is connected to at least one of the return line and the draw line and controls a flow rate within the connected line based on a subject access pressure determined based upon the first and second pressures.
US08702632B2 Wearable robot for assisting muscular strength of lower extremity
A wearable robot for assisting muscular strength of the lower extremity of a user: The wearable robot can be worn on user's legs and includes a central securing part, a hip joint part hingably coupled to either side of a lower end of the central securing part, a femur part fastened to the hip joint part and having rigidity, a knee part including an outer frame and a knee assistant, and a drive unit fastened to one of the hip joint part and the knee joint part to allow operation of the joint part. The outer frame includes an upper side outer frame fastened to a lower end of the femur part and a lower side outer frame fastened to the upper side outer frame by a rotatable knee joint part Both the upper side outer frame and the lower side outer frame are fastened to the knee assistant worn by the user.
US08702623B2 Biopsy device with discrete tissue chambers
A biopsy device includes a probe, a holster, and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. The probe includes a needle and a hollow cutter. The tissue sample holder includes a housing having a plurality of chambers that are respectively configured to receive a tray. The housing is releasably engageable with the probe. Each tray is configured to receive a tissue sample communicated through the cutter lumen. Each tray is removable from the housing, such as along an axial direction. The tissue sample holder is rotatable to successively index each chamber to the cutter lumen. A tray retainer is operable to selectively secure the trays relative to the housing. The trays may be flexible, resilient, or rigid.
US08702619B2 Mapping sympathetic nerve distribution for renal ablation and catheters for same
This invention provides methods for mapping and ablating renal nerves to treat disease caused by systemic renal nerve hyperactivity, e.g. hypertension, heart failure, renal failure and diabetes. Also provided are catheters for performing the mapping and ablating functions.
US08702618B2 Visual indicating device for bad breath
The invention provides a breath testing device which includes a visual indicating agent which changes color in the presence of an odor associated with bad breath, such as sulfur and ammonia odors. An example of the visual indicating agent is 4,4′-bis(dimethylamino)-benzhydrol (Michler's hydrol or BDMB) and related dyes having a similar chemical structure. The indicating agent is applied to a substrate which is then inserted into a tube or straw, or which covers one end of a straw. When a user with bad breath blows into the tube or straw, the indicating agent will change color. The breath testing devices provide a quick and affordable means for a user to test their breath, and they may be packaged in discreet, pocket-sized dispensers which can be carried in a pocket or purse.
US08702616B2 Determination of diastolic heart failure
An exemplary method includes detecting a change in state of a cardiac valve, detecting elongation of the left ventricle substantially along its major axis, determining a time difference between the change in state of the cardiac valve and the elongation of the left ventricle and, based at least in part on the time difference, deciding whether a diastolic abnormality exists. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
US08702614B2 Inflatable cuff with built-in drug delivery device for dynamic drug therapy response to blood pressure incidents
An inflatable cuff in a blood pressure-measurement system is integrated with a drug delivery device. The drug delivery device is configured to automatically deliver a drug dermally or transdermally to the individual in response to the measured blood pressures.
US08702610B2 Pulse offset ultrasonic imaging
A diagnostic ultrasound image of a region of interest (ROI) of a body is formed by transmitting into the ROI at least a first and a second ultrasound pulse, in which the second pulse is phase-shifted relative to the first pulse by an amount other than 0 or 180 degrees. Discretized receive signals from the pulses are interleaved to form a resultant operating signal that is detected and beamformed as the operating signal.
US08702607B2 Targeted advertising systems and methods
Systems and methods for monitoring various physiological and environmental factors, as well as systems and methods for using this information for a plurality of useful purposes, are provided. Real-time, noninvasive health and environmental monitors include a plurality of compact sensors integrated within small, low-profile devices. Physiological and environmental data is collected and wirelessly transmitted into a wireless network, where the data is stored and/or processed. This information is then used to support a variety of useful methods, such as clinical trials, marketing studies, biofeedback, entertainment, and others.
US08702603B2 System and apparatus for providing baseline data for automated patient management
A system and method for providing baseline data for automated patient management is disclosed. A patient is identified for enrollment in automated patient management with information including at least one of treatment profile and medical history. Device measures are collected to provide raw physiometry for the patient regularly recorded by a medical device, beginning with an initial observation period. Derived device measures are determined to provide derivative physiometry based on the collected device measures. Baseline data from the collected and derived device measures are quantified.
US08702602B2 Exoscope
An exoscope serves for observing and illuminating an object field on a patient from a position set apart from the patient's body. A lens system serves to observe the object field and an illumination serves to illuminate the object field. A distance between the lens system and the object field can be modified by a bracket. A shaft comprises on its distal end a head member that is widened in comparison to it, so that the illumination reaches into the distal-side head member. Positioned in the head member is at least one radiating illumination unit whose radiant characteristic can be adjusted in such a way that the object field can be illuminated homogeneously at all possible distances from the lens system. Supply lines for the at least one illuminating unit are positioned in the shaft.
US08702598B2 Laryngoscope blade
Embodiments of a laryngoscope blade for being removable mounted to a laryngoscope handle. In some embodiments, the laryngoscope blade may include a blade portion including a proximal end and a distal end provided with an optic window; a base portion including two base halves mounted to each other and to the proximal end of the blade portion such that the proximal end of the blade portion is located between each base half; and an optic light pipe including a proximal end disposed between the two base halves and a distal end extending through the optic window.
US08702596B2 Biopsy inlet valve improvements
A valve apparatus device provides surgical instruments with sealable access to an inlet port of an endoscope instrument channel. The valve has a hollow body with a distal end that releasably attaches to the inlet port, and a flexible diaphragm seal dividing the body into a proximal chamber and a distal chamber. An instrument opening extends through the diaphragm seal for the passage of instruments therethrough, and connects the chambers together. The diaphragm seal is configured to seal with a surgical instrument inserted into the instrument opening. At least one fluid transfer member is provided to fluidly interconnect the proximal chamber to the distal chamber when the surgical instrument is sealed within the instrument opening.
US08702595B2 Insertion instrument endoscope
An insertion instrument and an endoscope are provided that include: a bending portion provided in an insertion portion; a flexible tube portion connected in series to a proximal end side of the bending portion; an inside guide pipe provided inside the insertion portion, and inside which a wire is inserted to freely advance and retract; and an outside guide pipe provided inside the insertion portion, and inside which the inside guide pipe is inserted to freely advance and retract. Inside the insertion portion, a distal end of the inside guide pipe is fixed to a midway position of the bending portion, and a proximal end of the inside guide pipe is configured to be switchable between a fixed state and a non-fixed state. Further, inside the insertion portion, a distal end of the outside guide pipe is fixed to a distal end of a flexible tube portion, and a proximal end thereof is fixed at a more rearward position than the flexible tube portion.
US08702593B2 Capsule endoscope
Disclosed herein is a maneuverable capsule endoscope. A capsule body is input into an internal organ to take images of the inside of the internal organ. A fan unit is mounted on the body. A fan position-changing device changes a direction in which the fan unit discharges fluid. The fan unit is mounted inside a duct without damaging the inner wall of the internal organ. When input into the internal organ, the capsule endoscope can concentrically take images of a specific portion inside the internal organ, and can freely take images of a portion that is intended to be photographed.
US08702591B2 Capsule medical apparatus
A capsule medical apparatus includes a capsule housing 3 having a protruded portion on a long axis at one end. The protruded portion is on a straight line lvm connecting a center of buoyancy Pv and a center of gravity Pm when the capsule housing is in liquid 7 in a body cavity, and the protruded portion is formed so that at least one straight line is present which passes a point Pf at which buoyant moment produced by buoyancy acting on the center of buoyancy Pv and gravitational moment produced by gravity acting on the center of gravity Pm are balanced and which intersects perpendicularly with an outer surface of the protruded portion. The inclined posture allows the capsule housing to receive a large fluid resistance against the liquid 7. Moreover, the capsule endoscope 1 can easily move along the flow of the liquid 7 because the capsule endoscope 1 is in the point contact state with the inner wall surface 2a.
US08702589B2 System to transport components of implantable penile prostheses
A delivery tool and related methods for transporting a pre-assembled implantable penile prosthesis to an operating room. The delivery tool includes at least a first cap with receptacles for receiving and retaining pre-connected components during transport to prevent shifting, tangling and/or damage to the pre-connected components. The receptacles can be adapted for receiving pre-connected components, tubing used to connect the components, as well as stand-alone components that are utilized during a surgical procedure. The delivery tool can include cushioning elements for protecting the pre-connected components from damage caused by shifting during transport.
US08702588B2 Play flow control apparatus and method for controlling a play flow of a sensual consumer product
A novel sensual consumer product is disclosed, this sensual consumer product utilizes a play flow control apparatus for receiving a user input for varying the play flow control signal for at least one of varying a mode of operation of a control circuit and the rotational speed of an electric motor. Rotating of the electric motor spins a weight and causes the sensual consumer product to vibrate. These vibrations are related to how the user mechanically interacts with play flow control apparatus, through touching or deforming of the sensual consumer product.
US08702586B2 Implantable article and method
An implantable article and method are disclosed for treating pelvic floor disorders such as vaginal vault prolapse. A surgical kit useful for performing a surgical procedure such as a sacral colpopexy is also described.
US08702584B2 Neurostimulation method to induce relaxation or sleep
The present invention relates to a method for inducing relaxation or sleep comprising the steps of: placing electrodes in contact with the forehead skin in the supraorbital region; generating an electrical signal with a signal generator and applying said signal to the electrodes so as to produce external, i.e. non invasive, neurostimulation of the upper branch of the trigeminal nerve.
US08702578B2 Positioning device and method for positioning a load
A positioning device for positioning a load is provided. The positioning device includes a motor, a measuring device, and an evaluation device. The measuring device is associated with the motor, and is operable to ascertain measurement data that characterizes the motor current consumption by the motor in the positioning of the load. The evaluation device evaluates the measurement data that have been ascertained by the measuring device, so that in that way the loading of the positioning device by the load can be ascertained.
US08702577B2 Liquid sample collection device for zonal centrifugation
A centrifuge comprising a zonal rotor, a centrifuge chamber having a side wall and a bottom wall to contain the zonal rotor, an upper shield to cover the top of the centrifuge chamber and enclose the zonal rotor, and an annulus in the centrifuge chamber that is laterally spaced apart from the zonal rotor. The annulus has a channel with a base and a lip, where the channel has an open end facing the direction of the upper shield to collect liquid sample leaked during loading or unloading the zonal rotor.
US08702575B2 Variably configured exercise device
A variably configured exercise device is provided. The exercise device can include a vertical support member having a longitudinal axis, a sliding member configured to move along the vertical support member in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a pair of rails each having first and second end portions. The first end portion of each rail can be pivotally connected to the sliding member on the vertical support member. The exercise device can further include an actuation mechanism coupled to the sliding member where the actuation mechanism can be configured to selectively adjust the position of the sliding member relative to the vertical support member.
US08702571B2 Stair exerciser apparatus
The present invention relates to a stair exercise device for simulating stair climbing, the device having a plurality of steps which are activated by the weight of a person walking up them. A stationary platform at the base of the stair exercise device sends a signal to a controller to bring the exercise device to a controlled stop when an operator steps onto the platform. The steps of the exercise device stop in a predetermined location when the exercise device comes to a controlled stop, ensuring proper step location to allow the operator to easily enter and exit the exercise device. Steps have a step platform of a different color than the risers between steps to aid in foot placement.
US08702570B1 Portable multi-purpose exercise device
A portable multi-purpose exercise device includes a base having a top side and a bottom side. A portion of the bottom side projects away from the top side. A plurality of foldable legs is coupled to the bottom side. A plurality of rotatable handles is coupled to the base. The rotatable handles are accessible from the bottom side. The rotatable handles avoid contact with a ground surface when the legs are in contact with the ground surface.
US08702568B2 Exercise system and a method for communication
The present invention relates to an exercise system for giving feedback to a user thereof and to a method for communication between different devices in the exercise system. The exercise system comprises at least two body coupled communication modules (14) for forming a body area network and at least one exercise device (2) comprising at least one sensor (6), feedback means (8) and one of the at least two body coupled communication devices. The exercise system further comprises a processing unit (4) for collecting and processing user data from the at least one sensor (6) and output the processed data on the feedback means (8) via the body area network in order to give the user feedback on his exercise.
US08702566B2 Speed and/or agility training devices and systems and methods for use thereof
Disclosed herein are training devices useful for improving the agility and/or speed of a trainee, systems comprising same, and methods of improving a trainee's agility and/or speed. In one embodiment a training device comprises a first sensor operatively associated with a control mechanism, wherein the control mechanism is optionally configured to enable the device to move (a) randomly, (b) in a predetermined movement pattern, or (c) in relation to a second sensor.
US08702563B1 System and method for controlling a stop-start system for a vehicle engine
A system and method for controlling a start-stop system for an engine in a vehicle includes automatically stopping the engine with a transmission gear lever of the vehicle in DRIVE. The engine is automatically restarted when the vehicle is shifted out of DRIVE and at least one condition is met. The at least one condition includes a final position of the gear lever. Automatic restarting of the engine is suppressed when the vehicle is shifted out of DRIVE and at least one other condition is met; the at least one other condition also including a final position of the gear lever.
US08702557B2 Method for controlling a planetary gear set in a belt drive and belt drive
A method and device for controlling a shiftable planetary gear set in a belt drive of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle having a sun gear which is fixedly connected to a belt pulley, a ring gear which can be connected fixedly with respect to the housing by means of a brake which is activated by an electrically operated actuator which is effective along a distance which is monitored by a relative distance sensor, as well as a web which is connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and rotatably accommodates planetary gears, wherein situated between the sun gear and the web is a free wheeling mechanism which can be switched and rolled over in both directions and is switched by the same actuator along the travel distance.
US08702556B2 Unidirectional clutch
[Object] A unidirectional clutch can reduce a backlash without increasing the number of components, and also can improve silence and durability.[Means of Solving Problem] In a planet gear member 4 including a planet gear 4a which meshes an internal gear 2b of an outer member 2, locking teeth 4b are provided coaxially and integrally relative to the planet gear through a flange 4c. In an inner member 3, U-shaped wall portions 3b receiving the locking teeth 4b are provided. In the U-shaped wall portion, an engaging portion 5 is provided so that teeth of one portion of the locking teeth can engage. A locked state is attained by the locking teeth, so that even if the planet gear receives a restriction of the number of teeth, the number of the teeth (pitch) of the locking teeth can be finely set arbitrarily. Accordingly, an interval of the locked state accompanied by a rotation of the planet gear member becomes fine so as to be capable of reducing the backlash in the unidirectional clutch without increasing the number of components.
US08702554B2 Multi-ratio transmission
The multi-ratio transmission with forward and reverse gears, gearsets (P1, P2, P3, P4), shafts and shifting elements. A sun gear of the gearset (P1) directly couples an input shaft, which couples, via clutch (14), shaft (4) and, via clutch (17), shaft (7). Shaft (4) couples the carrier of gearset (P2) and the ring gear of gearset (P3) and couples, via brake (04), a housing. Shaft (7) couples the sun gear of gearset (P4) and, via clutch (78), shaft (8), which couples the sun gears of gearsets (P3, P2). Shaft (3) couples the carrier of gearset (P1) and the ring gear of gearset (P2) and, via brake (03), the housing. Shaft (5) couples the ring gear of gearset (P1) and, via brake (05), the housing. Shaft (6) couples the carrier of gearset (P3) and the ring gear of gearset (P4). The output shaft couples the carrier of gearset (P4).
US08702552B2 Infinitely variable motion control (IVMC) for a transmission with a differential
Infinitely variable motion control (IVMC) provides motion control without any requirement for changing gears or use of a clutch. A spur gear transgear, defined as a system having an input, an output and a control, a variable pitch cam having an eccentric inner and outer cam assembly and a driver may be used to form a speed converter. The speed converter is used in various forms to provide an infinitely variable transmission, a differential, embodiments of wind and river turbines and pumps/compressors. In one embodiment, the speed converter drives first and second directional control assemblies to provide a vehicle with zero turn radius. A variable torque converter may be used in various embodiments to control torque from a minimum to a maximum by controlling movement of a rotor along a shaft in relation to a stator.
US08702547B2 Flywheel module as well as method for energy storage and delivery in the fly-wheel module
A flywheel module has a flywheel as well as a speed transforming device which has a first in/output which is connected to the flywheel, and a second in/output which is coupled to a drive line of a vehicle. The speed transforming device has a bypass speed transforming device and a motor and/or generator. Energy can then be exchanged with the flywheel by suitably controlling the motor and/or generator. As a result of the delivery of a negative torque by the motor and/or generator, the flywheel accelerates and because of the delivery of a positive torque by the motor and/or generator the flywheel decelerates.
US08702545B2 Power transmission system for use in vehicle
The power transmission system for use in a vehicle includes a power split device to perform power distribution among a flywheel for storing rotational energy as mechanical energy, an internal combustion engine and an electric rotating machine. The power transmission system is provided with an interrupting device configured to interrupt power transmission between a group of the flywheel and the electric rotating machine and a group of the internal combustion engine and drive wheels of the vehicle when rotational energy stored in the flywheel is transmitted to the electric rotating machine through the power split device under condition that power is transmitted between the internal combustion engine and the drive wheels.
US08702544B2 Wide-node drive system
An electro-mechanical drive unit connectable with multiple power sources for launching and propelling a vehicle includes an output member, a stationary member, and a torque-transmitting device. The drive unit also includes a compound planetary gear arrangement having a first, second, third, and fourth junction point. The power sources include a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator. The first motor/generator and the second motor/generator are disposed on a common rotating axis. The second motor/generator is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the first junction point and the output member is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the second junction point. Additionally, the first motor/generator is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the fourth junction point. Furthermore, the torque-transmitting device is engageable to ground the third junction point to the stationary member.
US08702541B2 Apparatus and method for the game of baseball for the blind
An apparatus for the game of baseball for the blind comprises a base for the game of baseball for the blind comprising: sound reproduction means; and a control and operating unit, connected to the sound reproduction means for activating a reproduction of a sound depending on a control signal, the apparatus further comprising a control device, equipped with a control push-button, operatively connected to the control and operating unit for allowing a user to transmit the control signal to the control and operating unit.
US08702537B2 Allball sport team game
A sport team game that combines different ball games allowing the athlete to perform at different skill levels, depending on the ball sport team game. The sport team game includes a court having a first end, a second end, a first sideline, a second sideline, a midline passing through a middle point of the court and running from the first sideline to the second sideline and a central circle circumscribed about the center of the midline. Landing strips are located near the end of the court. Trap zones are located near each landing strip. Basket goals are located above each trap zone. Floor goals are located under the basket goals. The three-points line extends around each landing strip. The sport game is played under the rules of at least two different ball games.
US08702536B2 Golf balls having at least two core layers formed from HNP compositions
The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover. The multi-layer core consists of a small, hard center enclosed by a soft intermediate core layer and an outer core layer. The multi-layer core includes at least one layer formed from a relatively soft HNP composition and at least one layer formed from a relatively hard HNP composition.
US08702535B2 Multi-layered core golf ball
The present invention is directed towards a multi-layered core golf ball that comprises a center, a cover and at least two core layers formed around the center to create an inner ball, wherein the outermost core layer is relatively stiff and hard relative to the center.
US08702533B2 Golf club head with adjustable weighting
A titanium bodied driver that utilizes a lightweight receiving back cap, which is designed to be non-removable from the club head but can be loosened to allow its interior to be accessed to reposition one or more movable weights into alternative receiving locations, is disclosed herein. The back cap may also be designed to be completely removable from the driver body to gain access to the one or more weights that can be re-positioned in alternative receiving areas within the back cap's interior.
US08702530B2 Device for changing mass characteristics of a golf club
A device for changing the mass characteristics of a golf club may include a first movable mass. The device may also include a first movable mass guide configured to accommodate longitudinal travel of the first movable mass along the golf club shaft. The first movable mass guide may not extend beyond the distal end of the golf club shaft. The golf club head may include a second movable mass and a second movable mass guide that accommodates travel of the second movable mass.
US08702529B2 Systems and methods for improving a golf swing or putting stroke
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for alerting a golfer when he or she moves his or her head during a swing or stroke. According to an exemplary embodiment, a golf training aid comprises a movement detection mechanism and an alerting system. The training aid can comprise, for example, a support structure, such as a tube, and a weighed object, such as a ball. The weighted objet is located on or in the support structure, and the support structure is coupled to the golfer's headwear, such as a hat or visor. The weighted object is initially settled in a receiving portion of the support structure, but displaces when the golfer moves his head. The displacement alerts the golfer to the head movement, allowing the golfer to reduce or eliminate such movement from his or her golf game.
US08702528B1 Putting practice apparatus
The training aid for practicing the skill of putting a golf ball in a straight direction is comprised of a kit which provides developmental drills to allow the avid golfer or participant an opportunity to improve their putting skills. The kit comprises a playing surface with various indicia and a set of target balls which enables the participant(s) to play various games which correspond to golfing. A base mat is placed underneath the playing surface and further has a perimeter rim to retain errant golf balls when exiting the playing surface. An auxiliary attachable backstop, a plurality of removably attachable standing platforms, and a detachable putter are also provided.
US08702527B2 Billiard rack
A billiard rack design providing a perfect line-up of the balls with the diamonds on a pool table. When compression a ball in the corner of the slots makes for a perfect rack. The point on the removable markers (4) will line the rack up with the diamonds on the pool table. In addition by slightly tipping the rack before removing it from the balls, makes for an steady accurate rack, and will not the disturb the other rack balls. These racks may come in different sizes to fit for 6, 7, 8, 9 ball pool tables.
US08702524B2 Gaming machine and a network of gaming machines
The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a light source and one or ideally a series of lighting positions that are illuminated, via optical pathways that are suitably in the form of optical fibers that transmit light from the light source to the or each lighting position. The light source may have a light filter that operably controls the color and intensity of light illuminating from the lighting positions depending on the outcomes of the game being played. The present invention also relates to a network of the gaming machines and a centralized light source, wherein optical pathways, suitably in the form of optical fibers, transmit light from the light source to the light positions of two or more gaming machines. The network may also include a controller to control illumination of the lighting positions, including color of the light and intensity of the light based on data received from an outcome determiner of one or more of the machines of the network.
US08702515B2 Multi-platform gaming system using RFID-tagged toys
A multi-platform gaming system for amusing or entertaining one or more game participants playing a game on a gaming platform is described. The multi-platform gaming system can include collectible toys depicting or representing one or more game characters or objects relevant to a game adapted to be played on the gaming platform. The collectible toys can have associated therewith an RFID tag including a corresponding unique tag identification number. The RFID tag can include an antenna, integrated circuitry for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from an associated RFID tag reader, and non-volatile programmable memory for storing game-relevant information describing skills, abilities or attributes associated with one of said game characters or objects.
US08702513B2 Control of the operating system on a computing device via finger angle using a high dimensional touchpad (HDTP) touch user interface
System and method for using 3D and 6D parameter capture, gesture recognition, and symbol events provided a high dimensional touchpad (HDTP) to control a variety of computer and other applications via spatial metaphors visual user interfaces.
US08702510B2 Method and apparatus for user-selected manipulation of gameplay mechanics
One particular implementation of the present invention may take the form of a method and system for a user of a video game to alter game scenes, objects and models in real-time by drawing shapes within the video game environment during game play. The method may include artificial intelligent reactions by the gameplay mechanics to the user-selected alterations to the video game as the alterations are made. More particularly, one method for manipulating a video game may allow the user to alter the environment of the video game by using a drawing tool to draw shapes within the video game environment. The video game may recognize the shape drawn within the game and generate a rendered shape corresponding to the drawn shape. The user may also alter character models or sprites within the video game to stretch or shrink the model. Further, the above methods may occur within a two-dimensional or three-dimensional video game environment. The user may use a video game controller including a tablet-type device to facilitate the user drawing a shape within the video game environment.
US08702509B2 Game system, control method of controlling computer and a storage medium storing a computer program used thereof
Disclosed is a game system comprising a monitor (3) that outputs the game screen display, a touch panel (5), and an external memory device (20) that stores sequence data (28) which records the operation timing for touch operation of a touch panel (5). The game system displays an object (60) that corresponds to the operation timing and an operation reference indicator (55) that corresponds to the current time in the game and guides the player's touch operation by reducing the distance between the object (60) and the operation reference indicator (55) according to the difference between the operation timing and the current time and by moving the object (60) such that the object (60) matches the operation reference indicator (55) at the operation timing. The game system also changes the distance between the object (60) and the operation reference indicator (55) in accordance with predetermined conditions.
US08702506B2 Geogame for mobile device
In a geographic location based game (geogame), players, utilizing wireless devices, are required to continuously physically move within a defined boundary throughout the geogame. The wireless devices, with the aid of a location system, such as GPS, track the movements of the players. As players move, virtual tails are generated behind each player, and their locations are determined and geocast, via a wireless geographic broadcast protocol, to all players of the geogame. Each player observes all players movements and tail locations on his/her wireless device. If a player stops moving, the player is expelled from the game. If a player exits the confines of the boundary, the player is expelled from the game. If a player crosses a virtual tail, the player is expelled from the game. If two virtual tails cross, both players are expelled from the game. The last player remaining is the winner.
US08702502B2 Authenticating files in wagering game machines
Methods and apparatus for authenticating content in wagering game machines are described herein. In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes authenticating a first set of wagering game files stored on a storage device of a wagering game machine. The method can also include starting a wagering game on the wagering game machine if the authentication of the first set of wagering game files is successful. The method can also include authenticating, during the wagering game, a second set of wagering game files stored on the storage device of the wagering game machine, wherein the first set of wagering game files and the second set of wagering game files are mutually exclusive. The method can also include stopping the wagering game if the authentication of the second set of wagering game files is not successful.
US08702500B2 Gaming machine
A method for playing a game with a gaming machine is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal indicating an instruction of starting a game; (b) starting the game; (c) executing the game; (d) displaying a plurality of symbols on a display device; (e) each time a predetermined symbol or a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on the display device as a result of the game, adding a predetermined point; (f) setting a specific combination of symbols for a free game and an award for the specific combination of symbols that is larger than a normal award according to the cumulatively added points; (g) if a predetermined condition is satisfied, switching the game to a free game; and (h) if the specific combination of symbols is not displayed in the free game but displayed in a subsequent game, paying the larger award.
US08702499B2 Multi-site tournament gaming method and system
A multi-site tournament gaming system and method are disclosed wherein multiple casino operators are engaged to initiate a series of player qualifying events and to hold a multi-session tournament of the qualified players to determine the site winners; and, a final tournament is operated wherein the site winners are provided prizes and compete to be named the ultimate champion.
US08702497B2 Video poker terminal with improved button panel
The present invention is a video poker terminal comprising a housing, first mechanical buttons, and second mechanical buttons. The housing has a horizontal plane that is generally parallel to a floor. The first mechanical buttons are generally located on a plane that intersects the horizontal plane at a first angle α that is in a range from approximately 10° to 45°. Each of the first buttons produces an output signal in response to a predetermined movement of the button, and includes a variable display for displaying a card. The second mechanical buttons are located below the first mechanical buttons. Each of the second mechanical buttons is located on a plane that intersects the horizontal plane at a second angle β that is less than the first angle α. The first mechanical buttons rotate around a pivotable axis that is located on their ends opposite of the second mechanical buttons.
US08702493B2 Slot machine game with award based on another machine
A slot machine method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a side wager for a slot machine which allows a player on a first machine to win bonus awards when a player on other (participating) machines wins a jackpot. The side wager activates the ability to win a bonus for a predetermined period of time or a predetermined number of spins on the other machines, or some other limiting factor.
US08702492B2 Methods and apparatus for employing audio/video programming to initiate game play at a gaming device
In a first aspect, a method of operating a gaming device is provided. The method includes the steps of (1) receiving an indication of an occurrence of a game initiation trigger associated with audio/video programming being provided to a player of the gaming device; and (2) in response to the occurrence of the game initiation trigger, initiating game play at the gaming device. The audio/video programming may comprise, for example, a television show, a movie, an animated show, a live event, or the like. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US08702491B2 Method of gaming, a game controller and a gaming system including player selection of a symbol pattern
A method of gaming comprising: generating a game outcome by selecting symbols for a plurality of symbol positions arranged in a plurality of columns, at least some of the selected symbols being displayed to a player; generating a win entitlement by selecting a symbol pattern to be evaluated in respect of the game outcome, the symbol pattern consisting of a subset of displayed symbol positions; and evaluating the win entitlement by determining the extent to which the subset of displayed symbol positions corresponds to one or more designated winning symbols.
US08702489B2 Gaming device having a multi-function free game bonus
An apparatus and method for a free spins game including a plurality of reels, an outcome and a plurality of sections associated with the outcome. The gaming device or player activates the reels to indicate a designated symbol combination including at least two section indicator symbols. When a designated symbol combination including the section indicator symbols is indicated on the reels, the gaming device obtains the corresponding section. The gaming device or player continues to activate the reels until there are no free spins remaining in the game or until all of the sections are obtained. The gaming device then provides the outcome to the player.
US08702488B2 Server based gaming system having multiple progressive awards
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The central server includes a plurality of progressive modules. Each progressive module maintains one or more progressive awards and is associated with zero, one or more of the gaming machines in the gaming system. Upon a determination that a designated one of the progressive awards will be provided, one of the gaming machines associated with the progressive module which maintains the designated progressive award provides the designated progressive award to the player of such gaming machine.
US08702487B2 Gaming machine having a game outcome determined by group association
A method and apparatus for playing a wagering game with a winning game outcome determined by the selection of at least two groups from a plurality of groups. Each group having a plurality of possible game outcomes, with the possible game outcomes duplicated in some or all of the groups. The winning or selected game outcome is the game outcome associated with each of the selected groups. The selected game outcome may be determined by the intersection of the selected groups, or may be the game outcome that is common to each of the selected groups.
US08702485B2 Dance game and tutorial
Presented herein are methods, apparatuses, programs, and systems for scoring a player performance comprising one or more poses in a dance-based video game. a performance 3D skeleton is received that indicates a pose of the player. A score is calculated by comparing a position, a timing, or both, associated with one or more joints of the performance 3D skeleton to a position, a timing, or both, associated with one or more joints of a target pose and altering one or more characteristics of the dance-based video game based on the score.
US08702470B2 Pre-encased underwire assembly
An improved encasement for underwires for use in brassieres that allow for more efficient sewing, better durability, and improved wearer comfort is disclosed.
US08702469B2 Moisture management support garment with a denier differential mechanism
A moisture management fabric using denier differential to facilitate the movement of sweat away from the wearer's body is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment constructed from an exemplary moisture management fabric is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment is a moisture transporting sport bra. A denier differential is employed to provide superior moisture transporting and evaporation of perspiration from a wearer during exertion. The denier differential relies upon a facing layer and a back layer with substantially different yarn thickness and fabric porosity to achieve fluid transport.
US08702468B2 Toy having hard molded body with soft elastomeric appendages and its associated method of manufacture
A method of manufacturing a toy assembly and the resulting toy assembly. A polymer body is molded from a high-bounce material. In a second injection molding process, an elastomeric gel material is molded through an opening in the body. A tube structure is provided having an interior conduit. At least one post is positioned within the tube structure. A toy body is molded around the exterior surface of the tube structure. A form of elastomeric gel material is molded through the interior conduit of the tube structure and around each post. This anchors the molded form of elastomeric gel material within the body of the toy. The form of elastomeric gel material extends from the ends of the tube structure to create the appendages.
US08702466B2 Model helicopter
A toy helicopter with four electric motors having a main body, at least one battery, and front and rear coaxial rotor assemblies. The front coaxial rotor assembly is made up of front upper and lower rotors and a front stabilizing bar operatively connected to the front upper rotor. The rear coaxial rotor assembly is made up of rear lower and upper rotors and a rear stabilizing bar operatively connected to the rear upper rotor. The helicopter includes a means for concentrically rotating the front lower and upper rotors in opposite directions and a means for concentrically rotating the rear lower and upper rotors in opposite directions. The means for concentrically rotating the front lower and upper rotors in opposite directions includes first and second front electric motors, and the means for concentrically rotating the rear lower and upper rotors in opposite directions includes first and second rear electric motors.
US08702465B2 Method of manufacturing an electrode-less incandescent bulb
The manufacture of an electrodeless bulb involves one end of a tube closed off, and a first neck is formed in the tube close to the closed end. A second neck is formed in the tube, close to the still open end; a metal halide pellet of known size is dropped into the tube and the tube is evacuated. With the vacuum being maintained heat is applied to the closed end, causing the metal halide pellet to sublime and with it the impurities. The impurities are drawn off, the vacuum being maintained and the metal halide condenses in the tube between the necks. Once the tube is cool, the evacuation is discontinued and the tube is refilled with noble gas and the quartz tube is sealed off at the second neck.
US08702463B2 Method and device for providing floating system
A floating device of an outdoor furniture comprises a frame, at least two floaters removably disposed on the frame, at least two connecting elements respectively disposed on surfaces of the floaters for connecting with each other to bind the floaters together to form a floating system, and at least one inserter fixed on the frame, wherein at least one of the floaters is located by the inserter to block the floaters from removing from the frame.
US08702461B1 Floatable workstation
A floatable workstation including an inflatable base assembly including optional partitions disposed internally within an air receiving cavity of the tube to form one or more inflatable chambers, each chamber including a valve for inflating the chambers. The series of deck boards assemblies are provided having a non-skid upper surface and a dense hook and loop tape interface material on a bottom surface. A deck attachment textured surface is provided upon an upper surface of the inflatable base assembly for removably securing the series of deck boards. The deck boards can cover the upper surface of the inflatable base assembly and/or span between adjacently positioned inflatable base assemblies to provide an enlarged work surface. Adjacent inflatable base assemblies can be tethered to one-another using a carabineer or similar to fasten corner fastening members of each of the adjacently positioned inflatable base assemblies.
US08702454B2 Contact and connector with contacts
A connector is provided to press-fit terminals in terminal-press-fitting holes of a housing, and electric contact parts of contacts are aligned in respective terminal-alignment grooves in the housing. A pair of concave pressed parts and a pair of curved convex parts are formed on opposite surfaces of the press-fit fixing part, respectively. The pair of concave pressed parts and the pair of curved convex parts are provided on opposite lateral ends of the press-fit fixing part with a predetermined gap to each remain a non-deformed part between the pair of concave pressed parts and between the pair of curved convex parts to be flat so that a first area of the second surface on which the non-deformed part is remained is flush with a second area continuous to the first area in the longitudinal direction of the press-fit fixing part.
US08702443B2 Electrical terminal having crimp members with different number of crimp teeth
In accordance with one embodiment, an electrical connector includes a connector housing, and at least one electrical terminal supported by the connector housing. The electrical terminal defines a mating portion and a mounting portion, the mounting portion carrying a pair of crimp members having crimp teeth configured to pierce through a flex cable when crimped so as to mount the flex cable to the mounting portion of the electrical terminal.
US08702441B2 Internal connection retention components for computing devices
A computing device includes a Mini DisplayPort or other standardized plug and port connection that is fully internalized within the full device housing. The port can be affixed or coupled to a printed circuit board, with a display cable having a mating plug that is plugged into the port. To prevent the inadvertent uncoupling of the plug from the port, one or more clips, clamps, fixtures, or other cable retention components can hold the cable and/or plug in place at or near where the plug inserts into the Mini DisplayPort or other standardized communication port. Added stability to the cable can also be provided at or near such location.
US08702435B2 Plug, plug receptacle and electric power supplying system
A plug is provided that includes: at least two electrodes; a housing that supports the electrodes; an electrode cover which covers the electrodes when not connected with a plug receptacle, and which is accommodated in the housing and exposes the electrodes when connected with the plug receptacle; and a lock mechanism which inhibits the electrode cover from being accommodated in the housing when not connected with the plug receptacle, and which allows the electrode cover to be accommodated in the housing when connected with the plug receptacle.
US08702434B2 Card-type learning tools, learning apparatuses, programs for learning apparatuses, and recording media therefor
An offensive player operates input means (32) to display on a display screen (31), one or more associated problems from a plenty of problems stored in a memory (42), so that the offensive player and a defensive player both input answers. According to the results (correct or incorrect) of the inputted answers, a damage point is given to the player who has lost. When the damage point of the partner player reaches a predetermined value, a plurality of associated problems are represented. Moreover, two areas (11, 12) are displayed on the display screen (31) for the offensive player and the defensive player. A card (3) for representing the problem this time is placed in the area (11 or 12) of the player who has won. Only when the area (11) is full of cards (3) and the area (12) has a card, a plurality of associated problems may be represented. The present invention enables players to get a systematic knowledge while enjoying a match, thereby increasing the learning effect.
US08702431B2 Vascular stenosis model
A vascular stenosis model includes a stenosis region model and a transparent holding die including a groove that enables the stenosis region model to be held. The transparent holding die includes a first member and a second member that are separable from each other. In vertical sectional view of the transparent holding die, the groove is positioned at either an upper side or a lower side of a boundary between the first member and the second member.
US08702430B2 Sports electronic training system, and applications thereof
A sports electronic training system, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises at least one monitor and a portable electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual's performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. Other monitors might include a heart rate monitor, a temperature monitor, an altimeter, et cetera. Feedback provided to a user typically includes, for example, training information such as whether the user is satisfying specific workout and/or training criteria. In an embodiment, the functionality of the sports electronic training system is enhanced by enabling the portable electronic processing device to interact with other devices and applications, for example, using the Internet.
US08702428B2 Age and the human ability to decode words
Embodiments relate to a method, a system and a computer readable medium having instructions for determining a reading fluency starting age comprising testing a population of different ages on an alphabetical test comprising reading a sentence, ranking a reading fluency score on the alphabetical test versus ages of the population, and determining the reading fluency starting age as an age at which the reading fluency score on the alphabetical test versus ages of the population shows a maximum.
US08702427B1 Method of teaching using clothing
The present invention features a method of teaching a child the letters of the alphabet, the numbers, the shapes, and the primary colors by a caregiver. The method features obtaining a teachable clothing system featuring a teachable clothing article of clothing having a character attached thereon. The character is located in view of a wearer when worn. The character is reachable by a hand of the wearer when worn. The system features a teachable clothing game book. The method features outfitting the teachable clothing article of clothing on a child, verbalizing a character name, verbalizing a character color, pointing to an object in an occupied room having the same character color as the character, and reading the teachable clothing game book to the child at a child's end of the day and playing a game described in the teachable clothing game book with the child.
US08702424B2 Dental implant assembly
A dental implant assembly (20) for transferring forces from a tooth replicating device (22) to a bone (24) of a person. The implant (26) has an exterior surface (32) defining an abutment portion (36) for engaging the tooth replicating device (22) to receive the forces and a lower portion (34) axially below the abutment portion (36) for engaging the bone (24). A collar (38) is disposed about and extends radially outwardly from the lower portion (34) for engaging the bone (24) and for transferring the forces from the implant (26) to the bone (24). The implant (26) defines an inner pocket (48) extending along the axis (A), and a rod (50) is disposed in the inner pocket (48) of the implant (26) and extends along the axis (A) between the lower and abutment portions (34, 36) for transferring the forces received by the abutment portion (36) to the collar (38) disposed about the lower portion (34).
US08702423B2 Cortical drilling
A method is provided that includes advancing a drill having a distal end through an occlusal cortex into trabecular bone of an alveolar ridge, and ceasing the advancing of the drill when the distal end of the drill reaches an occlusal surface of a superior cortex of the alveolar ridge. Other embodiments are also described.
US08702421B2 Burner
A burner includes a housing 1, an intake pipe 3 and a burner head 4. Gas in the housing 1 is supplied to the burner head 4 through the intake pipe 3. An electric wire 8 extends through the intake pipe 3 which connects a piezoelectric element 7 to a core wire 10 from which electric discharge is generated near burner ports 9 of the burner head 4 by the piezoelectric element 7. Since the wire 8 is not exposed to outside the intake pipe 3, the wire 8 is never caught and damaged by an external object. Since air-gas mixture which is kept at around the room temperature is flowing through the intake pipe 3, the wire 8 is less likely to overheat during use of the burner. Thus, it is not necessary to provide the wire 8 with a shield plate for protecting the wire 8.
US08702413B2 Intermittent flow extrusion apparatus
An extrusion process incorporates a forming manifold where a tubular flow of a second material is intermittently interrupted while a core flow of a first material is discharged substantially continuously. Subsequently, the core flow is severed to form individual food items or treats for humans, animals, and the like, where the tubular flow results in an outer component surrounding an inner component which protrudes from one or both ends of the outer component. Material of the core flow is bone-like, while material of the tubular flow is meat like. Material of the tubular flow may include material from the core flow subjected to mixing in a static mixer to achieve a marbled texture of the outer material.
US08702411B2 Press tooling
A pressing tooling machine, including one or two punches, a die including sectors that can separate from each other but are connected to a shared primary portion, and a ring surrounding and holding the sectors, against which it is adjusted by tapered surfaces, and the altitude of which varies owing to the rotation of a crown provided with a surface in relief. When compression is finished, stripping is preceded by a slight separation of the sectors, which makes it possible to release stresses in the compressed piece and avoid many risks of damaging the piece. The sectors are made resistant by inserts made from a hard material, generally removable and able to be machined to an exact profile of the pieces to the formed.
US08702405B2 Twisting translational displacement pump cartridge
A pump cartridge which has a polymer shell with moveable cores inserted from each end. The polymer shell contains perpendicular passages along the top for connection of fluid supply and prime chambers. Statically mounted elastomers adjacent to perpendicular passages provide sealing around movable cores. Fluid moves by translation within the pump cartridge by filling the cavity volume between the oblate ends of the moveable cores with a liquid and matching the rotation angle and translation position of advancing left moveable core with retreating right moveable core, maintaining equivalent volume. Both moveable cores can be directed toward one another or one moveable core can remain stationary while the other advances to extrude fluid. Pump cartridge rotation changes the angle of the fluid exit passage.
US08702399B2 Pump apparatus
A Pump consisting of a pressure vessel (50), an inlet nozzle (51), an ejector nozzle (52) by which vacuum and pressure are applied, and an outlet nozzle (53). The inlet and outlet nozzles (51, 52) are selectively closed by interconnected knife gate valves, operated in tandem by a pneumatic cylinder whereby when one valve is closed, the other is open an vice-versa. An ejector valve located in the ejector nozzle (52) alternately creates vacuum and generate air flow through the vessel (50). The air from the ejector is introduced into the discharge line after closure of the outlet valve.
US08702398B2 High camber compressor rotor blade
A rotor blade having an airfoil for a compressor is described. The airfoil has an airfoil root, an airfoil tip located at a spanwise distance from the airfoil root, a leading edge extending from the airfoil root to the airfoil tip, an inner span region (“S1”) between the airfoil root and a first height location on the airfoil leading edge, a midspan region (“S2”) between the first height location and a second height location on the airfoil leading edge located radially outward from the first height location; an outer span region (“S3”) between the second height location and the airfoil tip, wherein the airfoil has a normalized camber profile such that the normalized camber increases in the outer span region in a spanwise direction towards the tip and is more than 2.2 in the outer span region.
US08702395B2 Hub fin device
The present invention discloses a hub fin device for improving the efficiency of a propeller. The hub fin device can include a propeller having a hub and a plurality of propeller blades that extend radially outward from the hub. Each of the plurality of propeller blades has a trailing edge region. A fin can also be included and located in the trailing edge region of at least one of the plurality of propeller blades. The fin extends radially outward from the hub and reduces or eliminates a hub vortex that is normally present during operation of the propeller.
US08702392B2 Water wheel impeller blade type power generator
To surely erect impeller blades at the forward movement side thereof by a rotor and, further, to surely push down these impeller blades at the backward movement side thereof by a rotor. By providing a fluid passage frame body 21 above a rotor 10 to form a fluid passage 20, rotatably disposing impeller blades 15 on rotor 10, forming a fluid receiving part 15a and a stopper part 15b shorter than this fluid receiving part into an L shape, and disposing stopper part 15b on the side of fluid receiving part 15a receiving fluid pressure from fluid passage 20 such as to maintain fluid receiving part 15a in an erected position. An impeller blade erecting passage pipe 30 is formed on rotor 10 such that the diameter of one end thereof 30a is larger than the diameter of the other end thereof 30b. An inclined plate 31 and an impeller blade downward passage pipe 32 is provided on the outlet side of fluid passage 20, this impeller blade downward passage pipe 32 formed such that one end thereof 32a on the inclined plate 31 side has a larger diameter than the other end thereof 32b on an impeller blade passage frame body 22.
US08702381B2 Simplified variable geometry turbocharger with vane rings
The flow path of exhaust gas to the turbine wheel (70) of a turbocharger is influenced by relative motion between two rings of vanes, at least one of which being provided on a vane ring. The outer ring of vanes contains a plurality of vanes (92, 122), the inner ring of vanes contains a plurality of vanes (93, 121), and the inner and outer vanes in registry forming a single generic vane shape. The aerodynamic effect of relative displacement of the outer ring of vanes to the inner ring of vanes produces a modulate-able control of exhaust flow to the turbine wheel.
US08702380B2 Clamping assembly
A clamping assembly comprising a bearing support member (16), the bearing support member being clampable to a shaft (2) by virtue of a clamping member (24) adaptable to tighten the bearing support member to the shaft, wherein at least a portion (16′) of the bearing support member (16) is disposable between a first abutment surface (28) provided on the clamping member and a second abutment surface (25) provided on the shaft; and wherein the portion (16′) of the bearing support member (16) comprises one or more protrusions (30) and one or more depressions (32) provided on an end face (16a, 16b) of the portion of the bearing support member, the protrusions and depressions being arranged to interface with one or more corresponding depressions (36) and protrusions (34) provided on one of the first abutment surface of the clamping member and the second abutment surface of the shaft, the respective protrusions and depressions being disposed so as to resist relative rotation between the shaft and the bearing support member.
US08702379B2 Quiet blower apparatus and system and method for reducing blower noise
A blower assembly including a motor, an impeller and a volute that is configured such that an inlet chamber of the volute and an outlet chamber of the volute are divided from one another by an airtight membrane and the membrane is configured to allow the transmission of pressure waves between the inlet and outlet chambers.
US08702378B2 Air flow passage liner
A liner is provided for an air flow passage of a gas turbine engine. The liner comprises an acoustic attenuation layer which forms an air-washed surface of the flow passage, and a heat exchanger layer which extends as a backing to the acoustic attenuation layer. The heat exchanger layer is configured to carry a heated fluid flow and to transport heat from the fluid flow to the acoustic attenuation layer from where the heat is transferred to air flowing through the air flow passage.
US08702377B2 Gas turbine engine rotor tip clearance and shaft dynamics system and method
A gas turbine engine rotor tip clearance and shaft dynamics system and method are provided. The system includes a gas turbine engine that is disposed within an engine case and includes a rotor. A rotor bearing assembly disposed within the engine case rotationally mounts the gas turbine engine rotor. Vibration isolators mounted on the engine case are coupled to the rotor bearing assembly, and are configured to provide linear and independently tunable stiffness and damping. A method includes determining the location of a gas turbine engine rotor rotational axis, disposing the gas turbine engine rotor in an engine case at the rotational axis location, mounting a plurality of vibration isolators that include a plurality of adjustment devices on the engine case, coupling each vibration isolator to the gas turbine engine rotor, and locking the gas turbine engine rotor at the rotational axis location using the plurality of adjustment devices.
US08702374B2 Gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine including a segment of an annular guide vane assembly is provided. When the engine is used, the segment directs hot combustion gases onto rotor blades of the engine. The segment includes a platform disposed at a side of the segment radially inward/outward with respect to the axis of rotation of the engine. The platform has a trailing edge portion downstream with respect to the flow of hot combustion gases through the segment, the trailing edge portion includes a rail that extends radially inwardly/outwardly from the trailing edge portion. The engine also includes a support and cooling arrangement for supporting the segment and directing a cooling fluid to cool the segment. The arrangement is located radially inward/outward of the platform, and includes a flange part that extends radially outwardly/inwardly from the arrangement. The arrangement further includes a leaf seal and a retaining pin.
US08702367B2 Method, and process for preparing a recyclable material
A method for preparing material comprising the steps of providing a transport vehicle including a horizontal ejector and a basin that defines an opening, wherein the horizontal ejector is coupled to the material within the basin; loading a first material into the basin proximate the horizontal ejector; loading a second material into the basin proximate the opening; actuating the horizontal ejector for movement from a retracted position toward a deployed position; and horizontally ejecting the second material through the opening and then subsequently horizontally ejecting the first material through the opening. A system is also disclosed.
US08702366B2 Cargo transfer system using a palletized rack
A system, method, and apparatus for palletizing cargo on a rack for shipment are provided. The system generally includes a tiered rack having a base tier, a support framework extending from the base tier, and a second tier adjustably attached to the support framework. The system may further include a plurality of lower frame support members positioned longitudinally across the bottom of the base tier, and a plurality of pneumatically actuated rollers spaced to cooperatively engage the plurality of lower frame support members, the rollers being selectively extendable from a plurality of raised tracks positioned longitudinally along a floor of the railcar, where the rollers are configured to pneumatically extend past an upper surface of the track when actuated and allow for linear motion there over.
US08702363B2 Lock nut and a fastening unit comprising the same
The present invention relates to a lock nut which is fastened between a bolt and a nut and prevents the bolt and nut from loosening, comprising: a nut body having a fastening hole for fastening onto the bolt; a pair of first projecting parts which are formed projecting from one of the surfaces of the nut body and form a first slot having a first orientation such that the nut body can deform resiliently when the bolt and the nut are fastened; and a pair of second projecting parts which are formed projecting from the other surface of the nut body and form a second slot having a second orientation different from the first orientation, and the invention relates to a fastening unit comprising the lock nut; and provided is a bolt-and-nut loosening prevention structure having an improved loosening-prevention function.
US08702361B2 Insulating plate, insulating plate manufacturing method and terminal block
An insulating plate (20) made of synthetic resin for transferring heat transferred from conductors to nuts (10) to a heat sink (40) is provided with nut accommodating recesses (21) for accommodating the nuts (10). Each nut accommodating recess (21) includes a bottom plate (22) to be sandwiched between the nuts (10) and the heat sink (40) and a surrounding wall (23) vertically extending from the bottom plate (22) to surround the side surface of the nut (10). The surrounding walls (23) are provided with first and second pressing surfaces (28, 29) to be pressed by ejector pins (83).
US08702360B1 Adjustable cargo tie down device
An adjustable cargo tie down tensioning device for securing cargo in an aircraft and the like comprises, a spring loaded tie down chain restraint release and an adjustable connector having a surface engagement hook. The hook has an integrated threaded shaft with a spring urged retainment release for axle rotation once engaged assuring tie down device tensioning surface orientation for visual inspection of spring engaged chain restraint release required for load surface safety requirements.
US08702357B2 Multi-piece drill head and drill including the same
One non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a multi-piece spade drill head for a spade drill, wherein the spade drill includes an elongate body portion and a cutting portion removably secured to an end of the body portion. The multi-piece spade drill head includes at least two insert pieces, each piece including a cutting edge. The at least two insert pieces are configured to be removably secured to the body portion of the spade drill adjacent one another and with the cutting edges of the insert pieces aligned to together form a cutting edge on an end of the spade drill.
US08702356B2 Fluted drill and fluted drill cutting head therefor
A fluted drill has a drill body with a fluted drill cutting head removably secured thereto. The cutting head has two drilling portions facing axially opposite directions. In axial view, the cutting head has at least four through openings. Each drilling portion includes a plurality of head flute portions and a plurality of cutting head coupling portions.
US08702352B2 Milling tool for cutting machining
A milling tool for rotary cutting machining, including a tool body having a rotation axis, a plurality of insert seats adapted to receive respective milling inserts arranged in one end of the tool body, and a plurality of damping members arranged inside the tool body which suppress operation-induced vibrations in the tool. The damping members being arranged radially displaced from the rotation axis, displaced from the insert seats, and adjacent to the one end of the tool body.
US08702351B2 Cutter body and locking screw therefor
A combination cutter body and a locking screw for mounting the cutter body to an adapter is disclosed. The cutter body includes a plurality of threaded bores that extend radially through a sidewall of the cutting body. The threaded bores are adapted to receive a corresponding threaded setscrew. The locking screw includes a head having a plurality of indentations around a circumference of the head. A central axis of each threaded bore is offset by a distance from a central axis of each indentation to cause an axial force to be exerted on the cutter body when an end of the setscrew engages a respective indentation to tightly seat the cutter body against the adapter.
US08702350B2 Riser assembly
A riser assembly and method for providing buoyancy to a riser assembly are disclosed. The riser assembly which is of the type for transporting fluids from a sub-sea flowline to a floating structure comprises a first segment of flexible pipe, a further segment of flexible pipe and a rigid buoyancy support for providing at least one buoyancy element at the support.
US08702349B2 Pipe bursting apparatus
Apparatus for replacing underground pipe is described, including a resistance plate from which a pair of hydraulic cylinders extend perpendicularly in parallel with each other. The cylinders operate cyclically with a pulling bridge having a cable gripper to provide a sequence of pulling strokes to a cable pulling a mole. The mole pulls a replacement pipe behind it through the old pipe, which has been burst, slit, or otherwise expanded by the mole. The resistance plate is provided with a slot, and the cylinders are positions such as to allow the mode to be pulled substantially completely into the apparatus. A holding bridge is releasably mounted spanning the slot in the reaction plate to position a second cable gripper for holding the cable on return stroke of the pulling bridge. The holding bridge may be removed at the end of the pulling operation to accommodate the mole.
US08702344B2 Road paver with layer thickness measuring device
A road paver with a layer thickness measuring device which comprises a plurality of sensors in order to measure a distance to the subgrade or to the road pavement. The layer thickness measuring device is mounted rotatably on the road paver or on its screed, whereby the layer thickness measuring device has an equilibrium position at a stipulated angle to the horizontal that it retains or to which it returns even if the inclination of the road paver or of the screed to the horizontal changes.
US08702339B2 Clamp
A clamp is for clamping a first member to a second member. The clamp comprises a lever that is rotatably coupled to the first member and a plunger. The lever comprises a handle and a cam that rotate together about a rotational axis. Rotation of the lever about the axis in a first direction cams the plunger towards the second member to couple the first and second members together and wherein rotation of the lever about the axis in a second, opposite direction cams the plunger away from the second member to uncouple the first and second members from each other.
US08702333B2 Quick-fastening applicator closure
The invention relates to a quick-fastening applicator closure comprising a cap-side closure member and a container-side closure member which are twisted relative to one another in order to fix the applicator on the storage container associated with it. A multi-start, preferably double-start, short-threaded portion is provided on at least one of the closure members, whose threads are designed in such a way that the two closure members can be brought from a position in which the threads of the short threaded portion grip for the first time into a fully closed position with a rotary movement less than a ⅜ rotation relative to one another, with additional retaining elements being provided which hold the two closure members firmly against each other in addition to the thread friction that is present anyway, once they have reached their fully closed position.
US08702332B2 Cosmetic unit with swiveling closure
The cosmetics unit (1) comprises a storage container (2) for accommodating a cosmetic substance, an applicator-handle part (3) with an applicator (5) that can be dipped into the cosmetic substance and a handle (6) connected with the applicator (5), as well as a securing mechanism (4) for detachably securing the applicator-handle part (3) in a closed position in which the applicator (5) is inserted into the storage container (2). The securing mechanism (4) comprises a swiveling element (9) that can be swiveled about a swiveling axis (8), which retains, in a final swiveling position, the applicator-handle part (3) in the closed position. The swiveling element (9) is mounted directly on the storage container or on a separate bearing mount (10) attached to the storage container (2).
US08702330B2 Roll paper printer and method of opening and closing a roll paper printer cover
A printer has a roll paper compartment that stores roll paper so that it can roll on a horizontal axis of rotation, a roll paper cover that pivots to open and close the roll paper compartment, and a tension roller that is displaced when the roll paper cover pivots open and closed. The roll paper compartment is supported to pivot in the direction in which the roll paper cover rotates when the roll paper cover pivots open or closed. The tension roller is disposed to a position where it urges the roll paper opposite the direction in which the roll paper compartment moves circularly when the roll paper cover pivots in the opening direction.
US08702328B2 Desktop card printer
A desktop card print having an improved automatic card feed hopper that employs a card picking mechanism that includes an automatic gate mechanism in combination with a card edge assist picker while providing a card exception slot for manual feeding of a card, a removable ribbon cassette that employs a magnetic encoder mechanism for tracking the motion of a ribbon mounted on the ribbon cassette, a scanning station that is configured and arranged to capture an image of one or more surfaces of the card as it passes the scanner, and a power take-off (PTO) gear adjacent the rear end of the printer for use in driving an additional processing mechanism to be mounted at the rear of the printer.
US08702327B2 Telescoping camera crane
In a telescoping camera crane arm, a second section is telescopically extendible into and out of the first section. The second section divided into a front segment attached to a back segment by a connector, to allow the front segment to be removed from the back segment. An adapter is attachable to the front end of the first section. A camera support attachable to the adapter and to the front end of the front segment. To configure the crane for increased maximum payload, the front segment is removed from the back segment. The adapter is attached to the front end of the front section, and the camera support is attached to the adapter, so that the camera support is then supported directly by the first section. A spring balancing system compensates for out-of-balance forces associated with changes in the elevation angle of the crane arm.
US08702322B1 Optical connector with adhesive material
An optical fiber connector preloaded with an adhesive is provided. The optical connector includes an optical fiber-receiving passage. The passage includes a first passage section extending inwardly from the first face, and the first passage section has a first width. The passage includes a second passage section extending inwardly from the second face, and the second passage section has a second width. The second width is less than the first width. The passage includes a transition passage section located between the first passage section and the second passage section. The transition passage has a variable width, and the variable width of the transition section decreases as the distance to the second face decreases. A meltable adhesive composition is located within the transition passage section and is configured to bind an optical fiber to an inner surface of the second passage following melting and solidification of the adhesive composition.
US08702321B2 Filtered fiber optic probe
The invention provides improved multi-fiber, fiber optic probe assemblies in which the component parts are adapted for rapid assembly with precise alignment. Some embodiments are adapted to illuminate and collect light from a sample at a particular depth while minimizing interference arising from within the probe assembly itself. Also provided are methods for manufacturing the probe assemblies and optical apparatuses including the probe assemblies.
US08702318B2 Dense fiber optic connector assemblies and related connectors and cables suitable for establishing optical connections for optical backplanes in equipment racks
Dense fiber optic connector assemblies and related connectors and cables suitable for establishing optical connections for optical backplanes in equipment racks are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic connector is provided. The fiber optic connector is configured to be directly optically connected in an optical backplane. The fiber optic connector is comprised of at least one fiber optic connector body, at least one fiber optic ferrule in the at least one fiber optic connector body. The fiber optic ferrule is configured to support a fiber count and to optically align fiber openings with lenses disposed on the fiber optic connector body. The dense fiber optic connectors may be optical backplane fiber optic connectors or blade fiber optic connectors.
US08702317B2 Optical connector and method for assembling same
An optical connector having an optical fiber inserted into a connector main body includes a buckling regulating section whose length in an optical fiber insertion direction is formed variable and which regulates a buckling of the optical fiber while becoming short in an optical fiber insertion direction when the optical fiber is inserted into the connector main body. Even if an insertion area is made long, since no buckling of the optical fiber is generated, the buckling regulating section can sufficiently increase an insertion force of the optical fiber. Thus, even when foreign substances such as dusts enter and an insertion resistance increases, the optical fiber can be securely inserted. Further, the buckling regulating section is very advantageous to realize an end surface preparation of the optical fiber making use of the insertion force of the optical fiber such as a coating removing of the optical fiber, and an end surface grinding preparation of the optical fiber.
US08702313B2 Roller bearing assembly having a radial shaft seal ring
A roller bearing assembly includes at least one roller bearing having an outer ring, an inner ring, and roller bodies disposed therebetween, as well as a radial shaft seal ring having a support ring and a seal lip. At least one end side of the outer ring includes a receptacle for retaining the support ring. The support ring extends axially in an outwardly projecting manner beyond the end side of the outer ring and up to an outer circumferential surface of the inner ring. The seal lip connected with the support ring sealingly abuts on the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring at a position that is axially internal of the end side of the outer ring.
US08702312B2 Rolling bearing
A conveyor bearing includes an inner ring fitted on and fixed to a shaft, a plurality of rolling elements arranged rollably on a raceway surface of the inner ring, an outer ring disposed of rotatably relative to the inner ring via the rolling elements, and a seal member to seal in a grease between the outer ring and the inner ring. The seal member has a plurality of seal lips and is mounted on at least one location on the bearing.
US08702304B2 Temperature indicators utilizing trace materials
Methods and systems for determining when an electrical contact reaches the maximum allowable temperature. The methods and systems include defining a plurality of temperature indicators installed in at least one surface of the electrical contact to indicate at least one specific temperature; providing a trace material within the at least one temperature indicator; allowing the electrical contact to reach the at least one specific temperature at which the at least one temperature indicator is designed to activate in or on the at least one surface of the electrical contact; causing the trace material to disperse from the at least one temperature indicator into a surrounding environment; and monitoring the surrounding environment to determine when a predetermined quantity of the trace material has dispersed into the surrounding environment, thereby indicating that the electrical contact has reached the at least one specific temperature at which the at least one temperature indicator is designed to activate.
US08702303B2 Sensor mounting methodology
Methods and devices for mounting a sensor are presented herein. A temperature sensor assembly for a capacitor bank is disclosed that includes two opposing substrates, and a plurality of contact temperature sensors attached to each substrate. Each temperature sensor is configured to directly contact a surface of one of the capacitor cans in the capacitor bank and therefrom generate a signal indicative of the temperature of the capacitor can. A biasing member attaches the two substrates together. The biasing member is configured to selectively contract, such that the width of the sensor assembly is less than the gap distance between adjacent sets of tandem capacitor cans and the sensor assembly can insert between the sets of capacitor cans, and expand, such that the width of the sensor assembly is greater than the gap distance and the sensor assembly is tensioned against and thereby secured between the sets of capacitor cans.
US08702297B2 Systems and methods for managing fluids in a processing environment using a liquid ring pump and reclamation system
Methods and systems for chemical management. In one embodiment, a blender is coupled to a processing system and configured to supply an appropriate solution or solutions to the system. Solutions provided by the blender are then reclaimed from the system and subsequently reintroduced for reuse. The blender may be operated to control the concentrations of various constituents in the solution prior to the solution being reintroduced to the system for reuse. Some chemicals introduced to the system may be temperature controlled. A back end vacuum pump subsystem separates gases from liquids as part of a waste management system.
US08702296B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display panel which receives a light and displays an image, a bottom chassis which accommodates the display panel, and a top chassis which faces the bottom chassis with the display panel therebetween. The top chassis overlaps a portion of the display panel and includes a first thru-hole which extends through a thickness of a side portion thereof. The display apparatus includes a printed circuit board and a coupling member. The printed circuit board applies an electrical signal to the display panel, is under the side portion, and includes a second thru-hole which corresponds to the first thru-hole. The coupling member extends through the first thru-hole and the second thru-hole, and couples the top chassis and the printed circuit board to each other.
US08702295B2 Flat light source module
A flat light source module including a light guide plate, a flexible circuit board and a light emitting device is provided. The light guide plate has a light incident surface, a light exit surface and a bottom surface opposite to the light exit surface, wherein the light incident surface further includes a light incident curved surface, and the light incident curved surface is connected with the light exit surface and the bottom surface. The flexible circuit board is disposed beside the light incident curved surface along the light incident curved surface of the light guide plate. The light emitting device is disposed on the flexible circuit board, and the light emitting device has a light emitting surface facing the light incident curved surface.
US08702293B2 Light guide plate and backlight module
The present invention provides a light guide plate and a backlight module, wherein the light guide plate comprises a bottom surface, a light incident surface and a light-emitting surface. The light-emitting surface and the bottom surface are positioned oppositely. The bottom surface comprises a plurality of screen dots. The screen dots comprise fluorescent powder and are selectively added with diffusion particles. The present invention prevents the phenomenon of color shift and the luminous efficiency degradation due to the fluorescent powder accelerated ageing because of closing to the LED chip.
US08702286B2 Vehicle headlight with means for reducing the projection of excitation source light
A vehicle light can prevent color variations in a projected image. The vehicle light can include a light source, a wavelength conversion member including a phosphor configured to receive blue light having been emitted from the light source and then emitting white light, and a reflector having a reflection surface that reflects the white light having been emitted from the wavelength conversion member. The reflection surface of the reflector can have an optical structure that can diffuse the blue light incident on the reflection surface from the phosphor, reflect the blue light back to the phosphor, or allow the blue light to pass through the reflection surface to the area rearward thereof.
US08702284B2 Vehicle running board
A vehicle running board includes a treadle body, plural luminous members and a decorative plate. The main body is formed with a recessed surface for receiving the luminous members thereon. The luminous members have their upper parts respectively inserted in the through holes of the decorative plate, and are respectively provided with a transparent lamp holder, which has an outer wall formed with an annular projecting edge to resist against the underside of the decorative plate, and mounted thereon with an anti-skid pad. A circuit board received inside the lamp holder is installed with an LED and connected with power wires, and the luminous members are connected in series by the power wires that are connected to the electric power system of a vehicle. By so designing, the vehicle running board has effects of warning and illuminating for insuring safety in use.
US08702282B2 Light signal
A light signal contains a semiconductor light source and a convex lens system for representing signal aspects, especially on rail-bound traffic routes. In order to eliminate the need for monochrome semiconductor light sources, the semiconductor light source is a white point light source. A signal aspect-specific color filter is provided in the aperture region of the point light source.
US08702280B2 Light source device
A light source device having: a light source; first and second light guides extending in a first predetermined direction to guide light in the first predetermined direction and irradiate a document with the light; and a confinement portion that confines light emitted by the light source and is connected to one end of the first light guide and one end of the second light guide, in which the light confined in the confinement portion is reflected off both first and second reflection surfaces provided in the confinement portion, and thereby travels through the first and second light guides in the first predetermined direction.
US08702279B2 Lighting apparatus
A lighting apparatus includes: a bulb; a heat sink unit disposed in an inner space of the bulb, and including an end wall portion and a sleeve portion; a light-emitting unit disposed on the heat sink unit and including a first circuit board disposed on the end wall portion, a second circuit board disposed around the sleeve portion, and a plurality of light-emitting elements; a heat insulating unit disposed at at least one of a position between the end wall portion and the first circuit board, and a position between the sleeve portion and the second circuit board; an annular seat coupled to the bulb; and an electrical connector coupled to the annular seat.
US08702277B2 White light emitting diode and liquid crystal display including the same
A white light emitting diode includes a blue light emitting diode (“LED”) light source, and a light conversion layer which converts incident light from the blue LED light source into white light. The light conversion layer includes a green light emitting semiconductor nanocrystal and a red light emitting semiconductor nanocrystal. The white light emitting diode has a red, green and blue color (“RGB”) color locus which is within a chrominance error range (±4ΔE*ab) locus from the constant hue locus of each of sRGB color coordinates, or within a chrominance error range (±4ΔE*ab) locus from the constant hue locus of each of AdobeRGB color coordinates.
US08702275B2 Light-emitting diode replacement lamp
In various embodiments, an illumination device includes a primary light emitter for providing direct illumination and a secondary light emitter for illuminating a shade, thereby providing decorative illumination.
US08702273B2 Mounting arrangement and method for light emitting diodes
A modular light emitting diode (LED) mounting configuration is provided including a light source module having a plurality of pre-packaged LEDs arranged in a serial array. The module includes a heat conductive body portion adapted to conduct heat generated by the LEDs to an adjacent heat sink. As a result, the LEDs are able to be operated with a higher current than normally allowed. Thus, brightness and performance of the LEDs is increased without decreasing the life expectancy of the LEDs. The LED modules can be used in a variety of illumination applications employing one or more modules.
US08702272B2 LED light bulb
A LED light bulb includes a light bulb adapter; a housing fixed on the light bulb adapter and having an accommodating space, wherein the housing has at least a vent hole; a convective heat dissipation piece including a first heat dissipation part and a second heat dissipation part connected under the first heat dissipation part; a light-emitting module disposed on a top surface of the convective heat dissipation piece; and a light bulb cover disposed on the top surface of the convective heat dissipation piece and covering the light-emitting module.
US08702268B1 2×4 dawn light volumetric fixture
A recessed lighting fixture which utilizes a fluorescent light source. The fluorescent lights are shrouded by a diffuser lens basket so that light from the fluorescent bulbs shining through the diffuser is dispersed to reduce glare and visibility of the source of light. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluorescent recessed lighting fixture which has the illumination from the fluorescent bulbs shining through a diffuser. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a single driver or ballast within the body of the fixture where access can only be gained from below the fixture.
US08702267B2 Flashlight with magnets
A flashlight with magnets is provided, and the flashlight comprises: a housing having an external surface, the housing having top and bottom portions, and the top portion comprising a light bulb; a compartment in the housing for storing a power source; and at least one magnet attached to the external surface of the housing to allow the flashlight to be attached to a metallic surface.
US08702266B1 Handheld traffic control lamp
A handheld traffic control lamp is provided for facilitating temporary traffic control by an individual. The lamp includes a base configured for being held by a hand. A first light is coupled to and extends from the base. A second light of a different color is coupled to and extends from the base. A power source is operationally coupled to the first light and the second light. A switch is coupled to the base unit and operationally coupled between the first light, the second light, and the power source. The switch is manipulated to alternately illuminate the first light and the second light. The first light and the second light are preferably red and green to mimic known traffic signals.
US08702264B1 2×2 dawn light volumetric fixture
An LED or fluorescent recessed lighting fixture having a pair of aligned LED boards or a pair of fluorescent bulbs each shielded by a diffuser. Each diffuser is retained by an angled wall and a portion of a V-shaped diffuser cover. The apparatus includes light emitted from a light source toward the location where the light is to illuminate the area. A reflector assembly is set in a straight line at an angle in the range of 45 degrees. A lens covers the light source and is retain by a portion of the reflector and a V-shaped basket.
US08702262B2 Light source module and display apparatus having the same
The light sourcing module of a backlit LCD display apparatus includes a light sources and power sources supporting substrate. The supporting substrate supports plural light sources on a top major surface thereof and at least one heat generating and power supplying circuit element that protrudes from a bottom major surface of the supporting substrate. The supporting substrate integrally includes wiring that couples driving power output by power supplying circuit element to the plural light sources. A rear receiving frame includes an integral heat-sinking and dissipating recess or groove that is positioned and dimensioned to receive the power supplying circuit element when the supporting substrate is received by the rear receiving frame. The integral heat-sinking and dissipating recess or groove removes heat from the heat generating and power supplying circuit element so that such heat does not adversely affect performance of the light sources.
US08702261B2 Backlight module, connecting element and disassembly method thereof
The present invention provides connecting element, which includes mold frame and back plate; side of back plate disposed with convex bump unit having a bottom surface, side of mold frame disposed with opening having elastic latch unit inside, latch unit having latch hook part with top surface; wherein bottom surface of convex bump unit contacting to push top surface of latch hook part to make latch unit and convex bump unit fitly engaged, side of top surface of latch hook part near free end of latch hook part higher than bottom surface of convex bump unit. The invention also provides backlight module and disassembly method. Through designing different latch unit and convex bump unit, the invention effectively prevents latch hook part from springing back and damages caused by repetitive flipping latch hook part during disassembly. The invention ensures easy assembly/disassembly and reduces cost.
US08702259B2 Color conversion occlusion and associated methods
A light converting device is described for receiving source light within a source wavelength range, converting the source light into a converted light, and reflecting the converted light to a desired output direction. The lighting device may use a color conversion occlusion to receive the source light and reflect a converted light in the desired output direction. The converted light may be intermediately reflected by the enclosure, or alternatively passed through the enclosure, as it is directed in the desired output direction.
US08702258B2 Illumination optical system and method of manufacturing illumination optical system
A compact illumination optical system manufactured at reasonable cost can be provided. The illumination optical system can include: a light source for emitting a light beam; a hologram element for converting the light beam emitted from the light source to reproduced light having a predetermined shape of light distribution and a predetermined luminance distribution; a fluorescent plate containing a fluorescent material for emitting visible light by absorbing the reproduced light emitted from the hologram element and entering the fluorescent material; and a lens for projecting forward the visible light emitted from the fluorescent plate.
US08702255B2 On-camera LED fresnel lighting system including active cooling
A lighting apparatus for film, television, video capture, motion picture and photography which includes a Fresnel lens fixed in a housing which contains a tight array of high power LEDs. The LED panel or board is mated to a heat dissipating apparatus to provide active cooling and together forming an LED engine. The LED engine is mounted to a slider allowing the LED engine to be adjusted within the housing with respect to the lens. Light shaping diffusion may be included on the housing. A power supply unit may also be included in the housing. When in electrical communication, the LED engine and power supply unit function as an integrated self-contained lighting apparatus. Optionally, the power supply may have an integrated dimmer switch, and may be capable of receiving PFC power or have an integrated battery unit.
US08702249B2 Optical display with optical monolith
An optical device includes an optical monolith having inclusions for diffusing light.
US08702248B1 Projection method for reducing interpixel gaps on a viewing surface
A display system able to reduce interpixel intensity gaps caused by the use of pulsed laser sources having relatively short optimum pulse duration. The interpixel intensity gaps are reduced by temporally offsetting multiple laser pulses for a display pixel during a corresponding pixel-scan period. The temporally offset pulses for the display pixel are then scanned to different locations on a viewing surface such that the display pixel has an improved intensity distribution. Additional reduction in the interpixel gaps may be accomplished by de-focusing the temporally offset pulses in a scan direction, increasing the duty cycle of the source lasers, and shifting the location of alternating frames on the viewing surface.
US08702244B2 Multimedia player displaying projection image
A multimedia player for providing clear projection image includes; a projection unit displaying a projection image; a screen sensing unit sensing a color of a display plane on which the projection image will be displayed; and a virtual input unit for detecting and providing coordinates of a position being touched on the projection image, wherein a driving unit of the projection unit controls a focal length of a projection lens unit based on a projection image being captured by the screen sensing unit.
US08702242B2 Projector
A projector includes a wireless device performing a predetermined function, an external housing which accommodates a light modulation device, a first controller, and the wireless device, an intake fan which introduces air outside the external housing into the external housing through an inlet port, an exhaust fan which discharges the air introduced into the external housing through the inlet port to the outside through an outlet port, a first channel which guides the air introduced through the inlet port toward the light modulation device by the drive of the intake fan, and a second channel which guides the air introduced into the external housing toward the exhaust fan via the wireless device by the drive of the exhaust fan.
US08702241B2 Light source device and projector
A light source device is provided which includes a light source holding member in which light source elements are arranged, a lens array which has a plurality of lens portions which are arranged so as to correspond to the light source elements, respectively, and formed integrally with a plate-like base portion, and an array holding member for holding the lens array, wherein the lens array has hole portions through which fixing screw members are inserted, wherein the array holding member has threaded hole portions in positions which correspond to the hole portions, and wherein the fixing screw members pass through the hole portions in the lens array and are then brought into engagement with the threaded hole portions in the array holding member to thereby allow the lens array and the array holding member to be disposed to adhere to each other.
US08702240B2 Image display apparatus
An image display apparatus includes an image display element configured to display an image by controlling a polarization state of a polarized light beam. An illumination optical system guides the polarized light beam to the image display element. A polarizing beam splitter disposed between the illumination optical system and the image display element selectively splits polarization of incident light. A projection optical system projects the image displayed by the image display element onto a projection plane. The positional relationship between the polarizing beam splitter and an optical axis of the projection optical system is properly set.
US08702234B2 Diagnosis of optically identifiable ophthalmic conditions
An apparatus for performing multiple procedures involving the eye. The apparatus includes a data collection apparatus and a data analysis module. The data collection apparatus for collecting a data set corresponding to at least a portion of an eye of a patient is configured to provide data indicative of at least two neurological disorders selected from the group consisting of glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, dyslexia, multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, LDS, head trauma, diabetes, and inappropriate responses to contrast sensitivity patterns. The data analysis module interrelates the data indicative of at least two neurological disorders to provide an interpretive result.
US08702232B2 Assembly of frame and lens for glasses
An assembly for glasses includes a frame having a top rod. A seat is formed on a bottom of the top rod. The seat includes a first engagement hole having first and second wider portions and a narrower portion located between the first and second wider portions. A first connecting rod extends from a top of a bridge and has a protrusion received in one of the first and second wider portions. The first protrusion is forcibly passable through the narrower portion into the other of the first and second wider portions, allowing adjustment in a spacing between the bridge and the top rod. Two grooves are defined in the bottom of the top rod. An abutment portion is formed in each groove. Two lenses are respectively received in the grooves. Each lens includes a protruded portion abutting the abutment portion of one of the grooves.
US08702231B1 Snap-on sunglasses
Sunglasses replaceably attached to conventional spectacles. The sunglasses include a frame, a pair of tinted lenses, and two pair of attachments. The frame replaceably attaches to a frame of the conventional spectacles. The pair of tinted lenses are attached in the frame. The two pair of attachments extend from the frame and replaceably snap the sunglasses onto the frame of the conventional spectacles to eliminate inadvertent movement of the sunglasses relative to the conventional spectacles during use without impinging upon hinges of the frame of the conventional spectacles so as to allow the sunglasses to fold with the conventional spectacles.
US08702227B2 Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus for recording an image on a sheet includes a recording section which records the image on the sheet in a transport passage for transporting the sheet in a transport direction; and a plurality of holding members which are provided while being separated from each other in a widthwise direction of the transport passage perpendicular to the transport direction and which press the sheet transported along the transport passage, from at least one of front and back surfaces of the sheet. At lease one holding member, which is provided at a central portion in the widthwise direction of the transport passage, is arranged on a downstream side in the transport direction as compared with the other holding members.
US08702222B2 Ink jet recording method for recording pattern layer and white overlaying layer on longitudinal sheet
The present invention relates to an ink jet recording method for recording a white overlaying layer and a non-white pattern layer to a recording medium, printed matters obtained by the recording method, and systems for realizing the recording method thereof.
US08702219B2 Pigmented ink-jet inks with gloss-enhancing polymers
An ink-jet ink is disclosed which comprises polymer-dispersed pigment particles in a liquid vehicle, wherein the polymer has an acid number of at least about 175 and comprises polymer molecules having anionic groups and hydrogen bond-forming groups. The anionic groups and the hydrogen bond-forming groups are configured on each of the polymer molecules to permit association of the anionic groups with cationic groups on a print medium, and to also permit the hydrogen bond-forming groups on neighboring polymer molecules to interact pair wise with each other, as the liquid vehicle dries and/or is absorbed into the medium.
US08702217B2 Phase change magnetic ink comprising polymer coated magnetic nanoparticles and process for preparing same
A phase change magnetic ink and process for preparing same including comprising a phase change ink carrier; an optional colorant; an optional dispersant; an optional synergist; an optional antioxidant; and a polymer coated magnetic nanoparticle comprising a magnetic core and a polymeric shell disposed thereover.
US08702215B2 Inkjet head unit and inkjet apparatus
There is provided an inkjet apparatus capable of adjusting pressure in an inkjet head to a predetermined slightly negative pressure without limitations on the installation location of a pressure adjustment unit and without stopping the flow of liquid. The inkjet apparatus includes an inkjet head for discharging ink droplets and an ink tank for retaining liquid to the inkjet head. The inkjet apparatus further includes a liquid feeding unit communicating with the inkjet head and configured to feed the liquid in the ink tank to the inkjet head by reducing the pressure in the inkjet head, an open-close valve configured to open or close a flow channel connecting the inkjet head and the liquid feeding unit, and a pressure adjustment unit configured to open or close the open-close valve according to a pressure difference between inside and outside of the flow channel to adjust the pressure in the inkjet head.
US08702211B2 Technique to maintain a positive pressure at a septum during depressurization of an ink supply in an inkjet printing device
A technique to maintain a positive pressure at a septum during depressurization of an ink supply in an inkjet printing device is disclosed. In one example, the ink supply is depressurized to a first predetermined positive pressure using an air pump. Further, a second predetermined positive pressure is maintained at the septum when the ink supply is at the first predetermined positive pressure. Furthermore, the ink supply is further depressurized to a third predetermined positive pressure.
US08702210B2 Piezoelectric element, liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A configuration is provided in which at least one end of a piezoelectric body active portion is defined by an end of a second electrode, a portion of configuring the piezoelectric body active portion of a first electrode is covered with a piezoelectric body layer, the first electrode and the piezoelectric body layer are extended to the outside of the end of the second electrode which defines the end of the piezoelectric body active portion, the first electrode includes an exposure portion which is not covered with the piezoelectric body layer and extends further outside than the end of the second electrode, and on the end of the piezoelectric body layer which forms the exposure portion, an independent electrode which is electrically independent from the second electrode is provided.
US08702202B2 Apparatus and method for preventing splatter for continuous printing
An apparatus and method for liquid-phase dispensing of layers onto a substrate of an electronic device. An absorbent material reduces or eliminates splatter of printing material on the substrate during continuous printing operations. The absorbent material can be regenerated by exposure of new surface area or vacuum drawing of printing material through the absorbent material.
US08702199B2 Maintenance liquid, ink set, and maintenance method
The invention provides a maintenance liquid, containing water, a water-soluble organic solvent, and at least one of a water-soluble silicate represented by Formula (1) or colloidal silica: xM2O.ySiO2,  Formula (1) wherein, in Formula (1), M represents K or Na, x represents 1 or 2, and y represents an integer of 1 to 5.
US08702194B2 Inkjet printing apparatus
An inkjet printing apparatus is provided that can establish a test pattern detection region according to the printing format, where performing printing by way of a margined printing and a marginless printing is possible. The inkjet printing apparatus detects the position of both ends of the test pattern. In the case of a margined printing, a detection of the ink ejection status is performed with respect to ejection ports that perform printing at a region between both ends of the margined test pattern, and that eject the ink forming the pixels of the margined test pattern. In the case of a marginless printing, a detection of the ink ejection status is performed with respect to ejection ports that perform printing at a region between both ends of the marginless test pattern, and that eject the ink forming the pixels of the marginless test pattern.
US08702191B2 Printer control method and system
A method and apparatus for controlling firing energy in a printer pen of a thermal inkjet printer are described. A digital voltage value representative of a voltage output by a printer-pen power supply is obtained. The printer-pen power supply is electrically coupled to a switch. The switch is electrically coupled to a nozzle resistor and is controlled using a switch logic signal. A voltage level of the switch logic signal is set based on said digital voltage value and a voltage drop due to a parasitic resistance between the printer-pen power supply and the switch.
US08702188B2 Device and method for driving liquid-drop ejection head and image forming apparatus
An OFF timing of a drive waveform is set to be concentrated on a position of the drive waveform where a long time with substantially no voltage fluctuation can be ensured, and a pulse present before the position timewise is sequentially selected and applied to a pressure generating element.
US08702184B2 Locking mechanism for configurable enclosure
A locking mechanism for an enclosure. The locking mechanism includes a housing with an outer surface having a first tab fixedly attached to the housing. The housing is adapted to be coupled to a door by pressing the housing through a latch housing of a latching mechanism of the door until the first tab springs out and locks the housing in place in the latch housing. The locking mechanism includes an insert adapted to be positioned through the housing and adapted to be coupled to a flange of the latching mechanism of the door. The insert includes either a handle or a knob. Rotation of the insert rotates the flange to lock the door.
US08702183B2 Running device for track-laying vehicle
There is provided a running device for track-laying vehicle, which can resolve a feeling of fear of falling height in a leading end portion of a crawler while relax a large impact when the crawler runs over a raised contact area. The running device includes a spring constant equalizing unit that equalizes an apparent spring constant of a second arm of lower track roller bogie device over a total length. The apparent spring constant is generated in maximum reverse camber of the crawler. The spring constant equalizing unit increases an oscillation angle α of the second arm that can abut on the first arm in the maximum reverse camber of the crawler such that the oscillation angle α of the second arm is larger than a crossing angle β of the connecting link. Desirably the increased maximum oscillation angle of the second arm is 1.3-2.0 times the crossing angle β.
US08702181B2 Method for operating a brake system
Disclosed is a method for operating a brake system for motor vehicles that can be actuated in a “brake-by-wire” operating mode both by the vehicle driver and independently of the vehicle driver, and that is operated preferably in the “brake-by-wire” operating mode, and that can be operated in a first fallback operating mode wherein a brake force amplifier is available, and in a second operating mode without brake force amplification, in which only operation by the vehicle driver is possible. According to the invention, the “brake-by-wire” operating mode, provided as the normal operating mode, is divided into energy-saving and high-power operating modes, between which a switch is made depending on the braking situation, and using different components of the hydraulic circuit.
US08702180B2 Motor/pump assembly
A motor and pump assembly for providing pressure to a brake actuating device of a motor vehicle brake system is described herein. The assembly comprises an electric motor and a double diaphragm pump. The pump includes a pump housing, two opposed working diaphragms, and crank drives each being coupled between the electric motor and a respective diaphragm for moving the diaphragm. A working chamber is defined between the pump housing and a working chamber cover. Each working chamber including an inlet channel, an inlet valve associated with the inlet channel, an outlet channel, and an outlet valve associated with the outlet channel, wherein the outlet channels are defined in the covers of the working chamber and in the pump housing to direct air displaced from the working chambers into an inside space of the pump housing. An air outlet unit is provided for exhausting the air from the inside space.
US08702174B2 Armrest exhibiting multiple stacked and fixed sectors in alignment with retractable pawls and exhibiting offset engaging teeth for ensuring incremental pivotal adjustability
An incrementally adjustable armrest associated with a seatback having an armrest supported in pivotal fashion to a frame location of the seatback. At least one sector is fixed to the seatback frame and supports a pivotal location associated with the armrest. A plurality of teeth are located along a circumferential edge extending location of the sector corresponding to a range of adjustment associated with the armrest. A plurality of pawls are arranged in a stacked relationship and are pivotally secured to the armrest at a location such that additional teeth associated with the pawls are biased in an engaging direction against the sector. A teethed pattern associated with a selected pawl individually seats within a circumferential location associated with the sector teeth.
US08702173B2 Furniture member powered headrest rotation and release system
A powered headrest operating system includes a headrest connected to a seatback frame using rotational pins. An actuation mechanism rotatably connected to the seatback frame has a power actuated member connected to the headrest operating between retracted and extended positions to rotate the headrest from a fully retracted to a forward rotated position about an axis of rotation of the rotational pins. A release system rotatably connecting the headrest to the actuation mechanism retains the headrest at any forward rotated position while the actuation mechanism returns the power actuated member from the extended to the retracted positions if the headrest encounters an object blocking return to the retracted position. A biasing member connected to the seatback frame and the headrest creating a biasing force during headrest rotation away from the retracted position operates without actuation mechanism operating force to bias the headrest frame assembly toward the retracted position.
US08702171B2 Article of furniture
An article of furniture includes a base, a seat frame supported by the base, and a back frame attached to the seat frame. The back frame includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is connected to the lower portion by at least one first elastomeric member such that the upper portion is moveable relative to the lower portion. The upper portion is moveable from an upright position to at least one reclined position. In some embodiments of the article of furniture, the at least one first elastomeric member is a strap composed of a polymeric material, such as, for example, a thermoplastic polyester elastomer or a polymeric material containing at least one elastomer. In some embodiments, the article of furniture may be designed as a chair, a lounge chair, or an office chair.
US08702169B2 Method and apparatus for an infant safety seat
An apparatus is disclosed having a car seat base lower housing fixed in a center position on a car seat; a car seat base sliding rail mounted to the car seat base lower housing; a car seat base mechanism turntable bracket mounted on the car seat base sliding rail; a car seat base turn table rotationally mounted to the car seat base mechanism turn table bracket; a car seat neck mounted to the car seat base turntable; a car seat peg groove formed on the car seat base; and a car seat base peg formed on the car seat base turn table, wherein the car seat peg follows the car seat peg groove as the car seat base turn table bracket translates away from car seat base lower housing causing the car seat to rotate from a rearward facing position toward the direction of translation away from the center position.
US08702168B2 Head restraint and vehicle seat
A head restraint includes a contact surface movable toward and away from a seat occupant's head. The contact surface is connected to a fluid system that includes a piston rod. The fluid system adjusts the comfort and/or safety of the head contact surface. The fluid system comprises means for fixing the piston rod in a particular position in an accident situation.
US08702167B2 Seatpost
A bicycle frame, particularly a racing bicycle frame, comprises two bars. The bars are connected to a head member for connection to a saddle member. In their frame-side end region, the two bars are formed as a hollow profile. In this region, the two bars have a semicircular cross section so that a common contact face is formed.
US08702163B2 Seat back assembly
Embodiments of the present invention include a seat back assembly comprising a seat back with a recess and a tray table assembly. The table body is configured to substantially fit within the recess. An amenity compartment may also be coupled to the seat back above the tray table assembly and may be configured to also substantially fit within the recess. The amenity compartment may be a bezel or an upper literature pocket. A latching mechanism releasably engages the tray table assembly with the amenity compartment. The amenity compartment may be coupled to the seat back via a hook that engages a slotted bracket on the seat back and projections that engage receptacles on the seat back. A protective covering may be inserted between the seat back and the amenity compartment and coupled to the seat back without additional fasteners. The protective covering may be a full shroud, a partial shroud, or a dress cover.
US08702161B2 System for absorbing and distributing side impact energy utilizing an integrated battery pack and side sill assembly
An energy absorbing and distributing side impact system for use with a vehicle is provided, the system utilizing a collapsible side sill along with multiple vehicle cross-members to achieve the desired level of vehicle side impact resistance, the combination of these elements absorbing and distributing the impact load throughout the vehicle structure. A battery pack enclosure that includes a plurality of cross-members that transverse the battery pack enclosure also help to absorb and distribute at least a portion of the load received when either the first or second side of the vehicle receives a side impact. In this configuration the battery pack enclosure is positioned between the front and rear vehicle suspension assemblies and mounted between, and mechanically coupled to, the side sill assemblies. In addition to providing rigidity, strength and impact resistance, the battery pack cross-members segregate the batteries contained within the battery pack enclosure into battery groups.
US08702160B2 Vehicle-body structure of vehicle and manufacturing method of the same
In a frame having a closed-section portion which is formed by joining a first member having a U-shaped section and a second member having a flat-plate shape, a bulkhead is provided in the closed-section portion as a reinforcing member, flanges of the bulkhead and the first and second members are joined with a rigid joint portion where they are joined by a spot welding and a flexible joint portion where they are joined via a damping member. Thereby, transmission of vibrations can be properly restrained, improving the rigidity of the portion having the closed-section portion.
US08702158B2 Structure for vehicle body front portion
A structure for a vehicle body front portion, provided with a cross-member (24) which is provided to a dashboard lower panel (19) on the engine room (13) side thereof and is extended between left and right front side frames (16, 16). The cross-member (24) is divided into left and right cross-members (65, 66). A cup-shaped joint cover (22) is sandwiched between the left and right cross-members (65, 66).
US08702157B2 Vehicle front structure
A vehicle front structure includes a front grille, and a hood edge, disposed above the front grille, configured to receive a front end edge of an engine hood of a vehicle, having a front end edge extending part extending downward from a front end edge thereof. The front grille includes, at an upper end, a grille supporting part, extending between an extending line (plane) of the hood edge and the front end edge extending part. The front end edge extending part is pinched between the grille supporting part and a supporting member provided behind the front grille.
US08702156B1 Connecting structure for fender apron
A connecting structure for a fender apron may include a fender apron; a cowl side member that has the same cross-sectional shape as a part of the fender apron and is coupled with the fender apron; and an A-pillar of which the inside is coupled with the cowl side member.
US08702146B1 Stowable vehicle seat
A vehicle may include a propshaft, a vehicle body and a seat assembly. The propshaft is coupled to a source of rotary power and a rear axle of the vehicle. The source of rotary power may be disposed in a front portion of the vehicle. The vehicle body includes an occupant cabin defined by a floor panel and a back wall panel. The floor panel is disposed above the propshaft and defines a lower boundary of the occupant cabin. The back wall panel extends upward from the floor panel and defines a rearward boundary of the occupant cabin. The seat assembly is disposed above the propshaft and is movable between a seating position and a stowed position. The seat assembly may be at least partially received in a space of the vehicle body that is separate from the occupant cabin when the seat assembly is in the stowed position.
US08702144B2 Vehicle instrument panel structure
There is provided a structure with which a lid can be easily removed from a vehicle instrument panel, and the lid hardly drops off. According to the present invention, a vehicle instrument panel structure having an opening portion (11) for maintenance of components disposed inside an instrument panel (10) for a vehicle and a lid (20) covering the opening portion (11) includes: a projection portion (23) projecting from an upper portion of the lid (20) to a rear surface side of a margin of the opening portion (11); and a protrusion portion (34) at which the projection portion (23) of the lid (20) stops by engagement in a state that a lower portion of the lid (20) is open on the rear surface side of the margin of the opening portion (11) of the instrument panel (10), wherein the protrusion portion is formed such that, when the lid (20) is moved downward in the state that the lower portion of the lid (20) is open, the projection portion (23) can move over the protrusion portion (34) that stops the projection portion (23) by engagement, and the lid (20) can be thereby removed from the instrument panel (10).
US08702142B2 Apparatus and method for handling a substrate
A grip mechanism for an end effector includes a grip member configured to be coupled to an effector body. A gripper of the grip member is movable based on movement of the grip member such that the gripper is movable along an engagement path to an engagement position where an object such as a substrate can be retained within a retaining region adjacent to the effector body. End effectors for handling objects incorporating one or more grip mechanisms, and methods of handling an object such as a substrate, are also disclosed.
US08702140B2 Dough ball lifter
For use to enhance operations in a mechanized doughmaking facility, disclosed is a dough ball lifter comprised of a pair of opposing surrounds, having cutaways to minimize contact between the surrounds and the dough ball, and which lifter preferably is attachable to a robotic arm to move the surrounds from open to closed positions, so that the dough ball can be lifted and placed.
US08702138B2 Collision energy absorption structure of vehicle
A collision energy absorption structure of a vehicle may include a bumper back beam that may be disposed in a traverse direction of the vehicle, a side member that may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the bumper back beam in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a crush box, of which a first side protrudes in a front direction of the bumper back beam and of which a second side may be interposed between the bumper back beam and the side member.
US08702137B2 Trailer mounted crash attenuator
A trailer-mounted crash impact attenuator is attachable to a host vehicle, which comprises an anti-rotational attachment system having an internal support tube and a plurality of external support tubes. The internal support tube has a connector on its front end for attachment to a suitable receptacle on the host vehicle, and the plurality of external support tubes each have an anti-rotation support pad on their front ends. At least one of the internal support tube and the plurality of external support tubes is comprised of a telescoping construction. A backup frame is disposed on a rear end of the attachment system, and a crash attenuator unit is disposed on an axle and pair of wheels for mobility. When the crash attenuator is impacted by an errant vehicle, the anti-rotational attachment system is actuated to prevent the trailer mounted crash impact attenuator from rotating relative to the host vehicle.
US08702135B2 Radar compatible automotive badge and fascia
A vehicle with a front fascia and a decorative badge integrated with the fascia. A rear surface of the badge is attached to a front portion of the fascia. The portion of the fascia to which the badge is attached is the badge mounting region, and the fascia's portion surrounding the badge mounting region is the fascia surrounding region. A radar system mounted behind the fascia emits radar beams in forward direction, which are intercepted by the fascia and the badge in the badge mounting region, and by the fascia, in the fascia surrounding region The rear surface of the fascia in the badge mounting region is indented the amount of the badge's average thickness, and the cumulative average thickness of the badge and the fascia material in the badge mounting region remains uniform throughout, equal to the average thickness of the fascia in the fascia surrounding region.
US08702127B2 Making bound document having fastener and spacer
Sheets are bound to form a bound document by fastening together the sheets and a binding strip. A spacer is applied to a back sheet adjacent to the feet of the fasteners. A wraparound portion of the binding strip is folded around the spine edges of the sheets so that adhesive on the strip contacts the spacer or the back sheet farther from the spine than the feet of the fasteners. The adhesive is affixed to the back sheet. The binding strip includes a spacer adjacent to the heads of the fasteners, protruding above the face-attachment portion at least as far as the heads of the fasteners do.
US08702125B1 Multi-strainer emission treatment for inflatable restraint system inflators
An exemplary embodiment can be an inflator module assembly. The inflator module assembly can include a module housing having a plurality of gas discharge openings; an inflator housed within the housing, the inflator, upon actuation, emitting gas from one lateral side or end thereof, and a gas treatment assembly mounted within the housing external the side or end of the inflator from which gas is emitted. The gas treatment assembly can include a first strainer element nestled within a second strainer element. The first and second strainer elements each have a side wall including a plurality of gas passage apertures, with at least either 1) the gas passage apertures of the first strainer element offset relative to the gas passage apertures of the second strainer element or 2) the gas passage apertures of the second strainer element offset relative to the module housing gas discharge openings.
US08702121B2 Airbag device
In an airbag inflatable inside a seating portion of a vehicle's seat, the design flexibility, in terms of shape and height, of the airbag in an inflated state is increased. An airbag device (1) includes an airbag (10) and an inflator (2). The airbag (10) is disposed inside a seating portion of a seat and is inflated under a seated occupant. The inflator (2) generates gas to inflate and deploy the airbag (10). The airbag (10) includes an upper base fabric piece (11), a lower base fabric piece (12), and a pair of side base fabric pieces (13), which are joined to one another and form an air chamber (14) therein. The pair of side base fabric pieces (13) are disposed at part of side portions between the upper base fabric piece (11) and the lower base fabric piece (12) and define the shape of the air chamber (14) in an inflated state.
US08702119B2 Trailer having a variable width
A trailer is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the trailer has an extension platform having a first side and a second side. The first side of the extension platform is pivotally connected to at least a portion of a side of the trailer. The extension platform is movable by way of the pivotal connection between a position that is substantially perpendicular to the trailer and a position that is substantially parallel to the trailer. A secondary platform is pivotally connected to the second side of the extension platform. The secondary platform is movable by way of the pivotal connection between a first position that is substantially perpendicular to the extension platform and a second position that is substantially parallel to the extension platform.
US08702118B2 Collapsible two seat perambulator
A buggy for transporting children has a frame (3a, 3b, 5) and wheels (9) that are rotatably mounted relative to the frame to support the frame above a ground surface. A primary seat (8) is operatively supported by the frame for supporting a first child. A secondary seat (17) is operatively supported by the frame for supporting a second child. The buggy is convertible between an in use configuration for transporting children and a folded storage configuration, whether or not the secondary seat is attached. The secondary seat may be detachable. The secondary seat may be positioned at least partly behind and at least partly below the primary seat.
US08702116B1 Aero seat post mounting device
An aerodynamically shaped seat post fabricated from carbon fiber is mountable to a seat tube by placing left and right bushings within the hollow center of the seat post. These bushings are accessible and engageable to left and right bolts when the desired height of the seat post is reached. In particular, the left and right bolts are fed through left and right holes formed in the seat tube. The seat post has left and right elongate slots which provide access to the bushings, and more particularly, to the threaded holes of the bushings so that the left and right bolts may engage those threaded holes and clamp the left and right sidewalls of the seat post and the left and right sidewalls of the seat tube together, respectively. This seat post mount eliminates stress concentrations to the seat post. Moreover, the seat post is not clamped down with opposed forces placed on the left and right sidewalls of the seat post.
US08702114B2 Tricycle with front and rear steering
A vehicle with front and rear steering is disclosed. The vehicle can be a cycle. The cycle includes a front wheel steered by a front hand-steering mechanism, and two back wheels steered by a back hand-steering mechanism. The back wheels are dual inclined casters with full rotational movement. A drive train forward of the front wheel drives the front wheel, while a rider is inclined in a seat in a recumbent orientation. The front and rear steering provides unlimited maneuverability and turning capabilities.
US08702113B2 Direct acting end link
An end link suitable for connecting a direct acting stabilizer bar to a steerable strut includes a rod having first and second grommets thereon. Bearing assemblies are provided adjacent the grommets and include portions thereof connected to for rotation with the grommets and other portions thereof independently rotatable relative to the grommets.
US08702109B2 Hydraulic suspension system for lowering the ride height of a vehicle
A hydraulic system for lowering the ride height of a vehicle includes at least one hydraulic shock mounted to the suspension of the vehicle. Each of the hydraulic shocks has a floating bearing in the hydraulic shock, and an inlet. The inlet is hydraulically connected to a central manifold that is adapted to move fluid into and out of the hydraulic shock for moving the floating bearing in each of the hydraulic shocks. When the floating bearing is moved in the hydraulic shock, the hydraulic shock shortens thereby lowering the ride height of the vehicle.
US08702108B2 Vehicle having a level compensation system
A vehicle having a multiple of level compensation systems is disclosed. The vehicle comprising a chassis having a left frame, a right frame and a base plate, a first level compensation system comprising a pivot joint for pivotably connecting the left and right frames to the base plate around a common rotational axis. A first axial distance from a left rotation axis of a left wheel pair to the rotational axis is different from at least one second axial distance from a right rotation axis of a right wheel pair to the rotational axis, such that the left and right wheel pair have at least one off-set to each other. Moreover a method for traversing stairs with such vehicle is disclosed.
US08702103B2 Apparatus, method, and system for card game with diagrammatic solutions for play outcomes
The present invention is directed to an apparatus, method, and system for playing a sports card game that features graphical, diagrammatic solutions for play outcomes. The preferred embodiment is directed to a representation of an American football game and consists of a deck of cards, half of which are offense cards, and half of which are defense cards. Offensive cards feature a play line while each defensive card features multiple possible play paths and a corresponding number of possible play outcomes. The method for playing the game involves the players picking cards and then flipping over their cards and aligning their edges at which point the play line on the offense card will line up with one of the possible play paths and outcomes on the defense card. An electronic version of the present invention is also disclosed.
US08702101B2 Automatic card shuffler with pivotal card weight and divider gate
A playing card handling device is disclosed. The device includes a first side and a second opposite side. Components of the device include a card infeed tray, a card output tray and a card handling zone. The card infeed tray and card output tray are on the same first side of the device and an upper surface of the card infeed tray and an upper surface of the card output tray are in the same plane. Card handling devices of the present invention also include a touch screen display, as well as a movable card gate.
US08702100B2 Playing card delivery systems for games with multiple dealing rounds
Playing card delivery systems include a shuffling apparatus and a processor programmed to direct the shuffling apparatus to deliver a first randomized set of a first number of playing cards, the first randomized set comprising a partial hand, and to deliver a second randomized set of a second number of playing cards to augment the partial hand. The first number of cards may be equal to or not equal to the second number of playing cards. Methods or providing cards to a player from a card delivery system include moving a first randomized set of cards from a shuffling apparatus to a card output area to provide a partial hand for a player and moving a second randomized set of playing cards from the shuffling apparatus to the card output area to augment the partial hand for the player.
US08702099B2 Light-up shuffleboard equipment
A light-up shuffleboard disc includes a lighting component, and a disc component containing the lighting component. The disc component is constructed so as to allow light from the lighting component to illuminate the shuffleboard disc when the lighting component is activated. A light-up shuffleboard set includes a plurality of light-up shuffleboard discs, some of which may be illuminated by a first color for representing a first player, and some of which may be illuminated by a second color for representing a second player.
US08702098B2 Printing system with sheet conveying device
A printing system includes a marking engine for applying a marking substance onto a sheet and a sheet conveying device. The sheet conveying device includes a belt arranged to carry sheets from an upstream end to a downstream end of a transport path, the belt having an array of perforations; an array of suction nozzles arranged below the belt for sucking-in ambient air through the perforations of the belt; and at least one blow nozzle arranged at the downstream end of the transport path for blowing out a gas through the perforations of the belt. The conveying device further includes an array of anti-friction blow nozzles interleaved with the array of suction nozzles and connected to a blower for blowing-out a gas towards the bottom surface of the belt during the traverse of the sheet along the marking engine.
US08702094B2 Media registration system with sheet curl control
According to aspects illustrated herein, a system, a printmaking device, and a method for pre-curling and registering media are provided herein. The system includes a media curler system and a deskew mechanism. The media curler system pre-curls at least one of lead edge and a trail edge of a sheet before delivery to a media hold-down transport. The deskew mechanism is coupled to the media curler system for pivoting the media curler system about a pivot axis to deskew the sheet. The pivot axis extends perpendicular to the media transport path. In operation, as the lead edge enters the pre-curling and registration system, the media curler system pre-curls the sheet towards the media hold-down transport. As the sheet is being pre-curled, the deskew mechanism pivots the media curler system about the pivot axis to correct any skew errors in the sheet.
US08702093B2 Sheet loading device and image reading apparatus having auxiliary restricting member
A sheet loading device includes a sheet tray, a lift plate, a restricting part, and an auxiliary restricting member. The restricting part is movable to a plurality of predetermined fixed positions and restricts a position of the sheets in a sheet width direction. The auxiliary restricting member is disposed on the one edge side of the restricting part. The auxiliary restricting member restricts, with first biasing force, the side edge of the sheets lifted by the lift plate when the number of sheets housed in the sheet tray is a first number of sheets, and restricts, with second biasing force that is greater than the first biasing force, the side edge of the sheets lifted by the lift plate when the number of sheets housed in the sheet tray is a second number of sheets that is greater than the first number of sheets.
US08702085B2 Notepad forming method and apparatus therefor
Theres is disclosed a device (10) for manufacturing a notepad (15) comprising a stack of sheets, a first side of each sheet having an adhesive to attach the first side to a reverse face of a sheet immediately facing said first side in said stack. The device (10) including a sheet feeder (20) for loading one or more loose sheets (24) of similar dimensions with the reverse face of each sheet (24) in said stack facing in the same direction and feeding each said sheet downstream of said device (10). A cutting means (40) is provided to cut each sheet (24) or a number of said sheets (24) to predetermined dimensions. An adhesive applicator (60) applies adhesive to a portion or portions of the first side of each sheet (24). A stacking means (100) stacks the cut sheets one on top of the other whereby a forming means (120) forms the cut sheets together to form the notepad (15).
US08702083B2 Rare earth magnet holding jig and cutting machine
A magnet holding jig comprises a platform and first and second holders disposed on opposite sides of the platform. The platform is provided with channels, the holders are comb-shaped to define digits and slits, the channels and the slits being aligned to define guide paths for permitting entry of a cutting tool therein, and the holders are also configured as digitate hooks. The holder hooks are in contact with a rare earth magnet block resting on the platform. The holders are pushed inward at their lower portions so as to elastically deform the digitate hook and move it backward and to bring the hook digits in pressure abutment with the magnet block, thereby holding the magnet block in place on the platform.
US08702082B2 Profile rail for positioning a fixing element and method for producing a multiple glazing unit
A method for producing a multiple glazing unit (100). According to the invention, a fixing element (21) can be positioned in a groove (N), between two planar elements (101, 102), forming the multiple glazing unit (100), in a simple manner and provisionally fixed during the production of the multiple glazing unit (100) without loss of the required positional accuracy of the fixing element (21) in the groove (N), wherein during the production of the multiple glazing unit (100), a profile rail (1) with at least one first leg section (10), a second leg section (20) and a bridge section (30) connecting the first and second leg sections (10, 20) is used. The second leg section (20) of the profile rail (1) is detachably connected to the bridge section (30, 31) and has a profile element (21) which is essentially U-shaped in cross-section and the fixing element, for positioning in the groove (N) formed between the two boundary sections (101′, 102′) of the planar elements (101, 102), is formed by the profile element of the profile rail (1), said element being essentially U-shaped in cross-section.
US08702078B2 Magnetic tool for robots
A magnetic tool to enable a robot arm to grip a metallic workpiece includes a hollow housing having a coupling member adapted to attach the tool to the robotic arm. A sleeve depends from the housing having a shaft slidably received therein. The shaft has a first end disposed in the housing and a second end extending axially outwardly from an open end of the sleeve. A magnetic member is disposed on the second end of the shaft. The magnetic member includes a main body having a cavity formed therein. A magnet is slidably disposed within the cavity and attached to an actuator adapted to adjust the distance between the magnet and an inner surface of a magnetic face of the main body of the magnetic member to vary the magnetic attraction force at the magnetic face.
US08702074B2 Controlling vibrations
In order to control vibrations of two parts of a piece of machinery, a variable force may be generated to oppose the vibrations, with the variable force being generated under control of a controller on the basis of an iterative relationship, the iterative relationship being such as to generate the force of one iteration using a controller output signal in frequency domain vector form derived from the controller output signal of the immediately previous iteration in frequency domain vector form plus a frequency domain vector quantity derived from the resultant vibration of more than one previous iteration. Where these two parts are connected by multiple (f) mounting devices, the controller output signals a previous iterations are taken into account, and the frequency domain vector quantity derived from the controller output signals and more than f previous iterations. The information corresponding to the vibration frequency may be derived from a rotating shaft, where the two parts are the engine and chassis of a vehicle. It is also possible generate a force between the two parts which is a harmonic of the frequency of vibration being suppressed.
US08702068B2 Animal-resistant fence and method for assembling and using the same
An animal-resistant fence preventing entry of animals includes a first post, a second post, and a first panel member extending between the two posts. The fence further includes a second panel member extending from an upper portion of the first panel member above the ground level, and a third panel member extending from a lower portion of the first panel member beneath the ground level.
US08702064B2 Cable installation using optical detection
A device for use with a conduit having a first conduit end and a conduit second end, into which conduit a cable can be installed using a flow of air into the first conduit end, the device being suitable for confirming that the flow of air is exiting the second conduit end, the device including a housing, means to enable connection of the device to the second conduit end, a light source, a detector arranged to detect a presence or absence of a light signal, and a light shield, wherein in use, the flow of air entering the device causes the light shield and at least one of the light source or the detector, to move to and to stay at a position relative to the other, permitting the detector to detect detections including one or more of a presence or absence of the light signal, an intensity level of the light signal, a change in the presence or absence of the light signal, or a change in the intensity level of the light signal.
US08702063B2 Method of pulling strands of a cable into a conduit and associated system
The invention provides a method for pulling strands or sub-groups of strands of a multi-strand cable into a conduit (3). In accordance with this method, a strand or sub-group of strands (2) to be pulled into the conduit is conveyed from one end of the conduit to the other by the movement of a drive element (1) in tension, to which the strand or sub-group of strands is temporarily coupled. In addition, the drive element in tension is designed not to enter a bundle of previously installed strands.
US08702057B2 Bellows seal assembly and bellows valve equipped therewith
A bellows seal assembly and bellows valve equipped therewith. The bellows seal assembly includes an internal bellows, an external bellows, a hollow upper bellows seat, a first hollow lower bellows seat, and a second hollow lower bellows seat. One end of the internal bellows is fixed to the upper bellows seat and the other end is fixed to the second lower bellows seat. One end of the external bellows is fixed to the upper bellows seat and the other end is fixed to the first lower bellows seat. The external bellows is sheathed around the internal bellows. The first lower bellows seat is sheathed around the second lower bellows seat. The bellows valve includes the bellows seal assembly.
US08702056B2 Plug valve and stem sealing assembly
A plug valve and stem sealing assembly capable of preventing leakage under demanding environmental and operating conditions while also improving the reliability of the valve seal. The valve includes a body, a flow-element, a bonnet and a self-adjusting stem sealing assembly. The body has a first port and a second port with a passage configured to flow a media extending between the first port and the second port. The flow-element is positioned between the first and second port and has a stem configured to actuate the flow-element between a closed position and an open position. The bonnet may be secured to the valve body and configured to secure the flow-element and stem sealing assembly in position. The self-adjusting stem sealing assembly is positioned adjacent to the stem and is configured to prevent media leakage from the valve.
US08702054B2 Fastening element
Fastening element (1) for fastening cleaning implements (2) to a cleaning cart (3) with unequal height/width ratios of non-rotationally symmetric supporting tubes (4) comprising a holding section (5) for fastening the fastening element (1) and also at least one first and one second receptacle element (6, 7), wherein these receptacle elements are constructed so that cleaning implements (2) can be attached in at least two different planes.
US08702048B2 Support assembly
An electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets, whereby each slotted frame cabinet can conveniently be attached to one or more vertically or horizontally positioned adjacent slotted frame cabinets by using connecting components which are generally located around the periphery of one or more slotted frame cabinets. Connecting components including splice bars, splice plates, and mounting clamps are aligned in, positioned along, and secured to backing bars which are co-located in backing bar slots in one or more of the slotted frame cabinets. Lift eyes can be variably located in one or more lift eye slots. The use of externally located connecting components, which do not extend through the cabinetry, minimize the entry of environmental elements into the interior of the electronic sign. Multiple slotted frame cabinets can be connected without the removal of LED display panels. Bracket assemblies and clamping assemblies are provided.
US08702047B2 Electrical box mounting bracket
A bracket is disclosed for mounting an electrical box on a mounting bar. The bracket comprises a front jaw and a rear jaw. The jaws are movable toward an open position for allowing movement of the bracket relative to the mounting bar and toward a closed position for gripping the mounting bar at a selected position along the mounting bar. The jaws are biased toward the closed position. An electrical box is attached to the front jaw. In one embodiment, the front jaw, rear jaw and a spring for urging the jaws closed are integrally formed from a single piece of sheet metal.
US08702045B1 Adjustably positionable display and lighting arrangement
An electronic display and lighting arrangement for viewing by, and illumination for, a person in a resting position includes: an electronic display assembly including a first carriage movable along a translation axis, a first pivot arm coupled to the first carriage with the first pivot arm pivotable about a first pivot axis, and an electronic display coupled to the first pivot arm; and a lighting assembly including a second carriage movable in a direction parallel to the translation axis, and a light coupled to the second carriage and adjustably positionable by movement of the second carriage. The electronic display is adjustably positionable both along the translation axis by movement of the first carriage, and about the first pivot axis by movement of the first pivot arm about the first pivot axis.
US08702044B2 Conduit bracketry, systems and methods
A bracket stores and separates conduits. The bracket includes two interchangeable halves having an engagement extrusion extending from an inner face. Each half has a corresponding receptive slot disposed in the inner face. The bracket half includes at least one conduit receptive channel defined in the inner face. The halves align and engage when each half's extrusion is inserted into the other half's slot. The channels align to secure a conduit therein. The engagement portions may comprise a dovetail and socket engagement. At least two stages of securement are provided. Securement may comprise snap fit, sliding or other methods. A first, temporary stage of engagement initially joins the halves, adjustably and releasably retaining the halves and the conduits together. The second and subsequent stages of engagement are tighter engagements between the tail and socket, achieved by applying more pressing force to the halves or inserting a fastener.
US08702040B2 Panel type artificial satellite and artificial satellite system therewith
An artificial satellite system includes at least two panel type artificial satellites closely connected with a plurality kind of multi networks and the minimum necessary essential tools for one artificial satellite installed on a substrate of each panel type artificial satellite, wherein the multi networks are formed by a communicating network for communicating data among data processing tools installed on each of the panel type artificial satellites, a heat pipe for providing thermal energy among tools installed on each of the panel type artificial satellites and a battery supplying line for connecting battery controlling devices installed in the each panel type artificial satellite so that the artificial satellite system can maintain higher and various controlling performance with a back-up effect of the multi network in the case that any function tool is damaged in one of the panel type artificial satellite.
US08702037B2 Translating stowage bin and method of assembly
A stowage bin is provided. The stowage bin includes a support assembly, a bucket including a pivot point, the bucket rotatable about the pivot point between a closed position and an open position, and a translating mechanism coupling the bucket to the support assembly such that when the bucket is rotated between the closed and open positions, the pivot point translates with respect to the support assembly between a first pivot position and a second pivot position.
US08702034B2 Test device for the detection of the recovery effort by a secondary flight ordering actuator, and associated test method
The disclosure relates to a device for testing means of detecting the loading of the secondary path of a flight control actuator of the type including a primary path and a secondary path able to take up the effort of the primary path in the event of a breakdown of the latter, wherein a tool is able to press against at least one zone of at least one element of the secondary path, as well as a lever arm which by tilting allows the tool to press against the zone so that it exerts a traction and/or compression force on the secondary path, the lever arm being mounted pivotingly on a support able to be fastened on a structure that is mechanically independent of the secondary path.
US08702033B2 Pilotless aircraft for commercial and military use
An aircraft control system is described having an Automatic Monitoring System (“AMS”), an Aircraft Parameter Management Computer (“APC”), and a Flight Management Computer (“FMC”) to monitor the parameters of the aircraft automatically and to fly the aircraft without requiring a pilot to fly. The system respond to data within the systems and with data provided by a communication/navigation aid of the airport. The built-in systems of the aircraft process the data to allow pilotless operation of the aircraft along a predetermined route while maintaining proper spacing from prior art and other automated aircraft. An aircraft in accordance with the invention utilizes programmed software, electronics circuit and feedback system to fly the aircraft within the designated/destined routes and airports automatically while providing increased security by preventing accidents caused by incorrect or unauthorized human influence.
US08702027B2 Adjustable bed mat roller
An bed roller machine for use in rolling a rug having a leading edge, comprising a main body having a main bed, a plurality of belts configured to move the leading edge of the rug into the cavity and up, a first set of fingers, each finger of the first set having a surface having a first concave cylindrical curvature, wherein the surfaces of the first set are aligned, and wherein the first set of fingers are movable as a set, and a second set of fingers, each finger of the second set having a surface having a second concave cylindrical curvature looser that that of the first surface, wherein the surfaces of the second set are aligned, and wherein the second set of fingers are movable as a set.
US08702022B2 Roller mill with driven grinding roller
A roller mill includes a mill housing which defines a grinding chamber, a grinding table which can rotate in the grinding chamber and at least one rotatable grinding roller which is in rolling engagement with the grinding table. A drive which is associated with the grinding roller and which has at least one gearing mechanism is further provided, at least a portion of the gearing mechanism being arranged in the grinding chamber in the region of the grinding roller and being in the form of an epicyclic gear system.
US08702020B2 Nozzle and fluidic circuit adapted for use with cold fluids, viscous fluids or fluids under light pressure
A fluid spraying or nozzle system adapted for use with cold fluids, viscous fluids or fluids under light pressure includes a fluidic oscillator having a power nozzle and an oscillation chamber coupled to the power nozzle for issuing a jet of fluid into the oscillation chamber and an outlet aperture spraying a jet of fluid into ambient space. The oscillator's walls define an oscillation inducing interaction region causing the jet of fluid to rhythmically sweep back and forth between the sidewalls in the oscillation chamber. The oscillation inducing interaction region defines an outlet throat width which is adapted to work with the power nozzle's width and an a bell-shaped feed that spreads the fluid jet as it leaves the power nozzle, so that the interaction region and feedback channels are quickly filled with fluid at a low pressure and the fluidic oscillator is activated to generate a desired fan pattern of fluid spray.
US08702017B2 Nozzle device employing high frequency wave energy
A nozzle device comprising a nozzle chamber includes a fluid inlet located at a first side of the nozzle chamber which is operative to introduce fluid into the nozzle chamber in an injection direction and a fluid outlet at a second side of the nozzle chamber which is operative to expel fluid from the nozzle chamber. A high frequency wave generator is also located in the nozzle chamber which is oriented and operative to generate high frequency waves in a direction which is substantially parallel to the injection direction, whereby to impart high frequency energy to the fluid in the nozzle chamber.
US08702016B2 Method and device for releasing a perfume or scent
A method for masking or modifying the olfactory or gustatory sensation generated in a user by a base product (7) includes releasing an aromatic or fragrant composition over time in a sequenced manner in relation to the release of the base product (7), the aromatic or fragrant composition being housed in at least one rupturable container (5). A device used to implement the method is also disclosed.
US08702012B2 System for maintaining humidity in existing air conditioning and heating units
A vertical heat pump has a vertical fan coil housing containing a fan, a coil, and a discharge plenum. A cavity is formed within the fan coil housing. A humidity steam generator is disposed within the cavity. A steam dispersion tube is mounted within an airstream to be generated by the fan for delivering steam via the discharge plenum. A steam transfer tube connects the steam generator to the steam dispersion tube.
US08702009B2 Biochip measuring system and biochip measuring apparatus and biochip and stamp marking and identification method
The present invention discloses a biochip measuring system. The cytometer system includes a biochip and a biochip measuring apparatus. The biochip includes a substrate, for carrying bio-molecule droplet, and a stamp marking area, for receiving or displaying a stamp for identifying whether the biochip is used. The biochip measuring apparatus includes a controller, a driver circuit, a driver interface, a light, a light detector, and a stamp marking unit, for marking the stamp on the stamp marking area of the biochip after the biochip measuring apparatus completes measurement of the biochip.
US08702005B2 Optically variable elements comprising an electrically active layer
There is described a security element having at least one optically variable device, in which at least one layer of the optically variable device is in the form of an electrically active layer (13, 14) of an electronic component and/or an electronic circuit.
US08701998B2 System and method for strong photon localization by disordered photonic crystal structures
Periodic high-index-contrast photonic crystal (PhC) structures such as two-dimensional arrays of air holes in dielectric slabs inhibit light propagation in bands of frequencies and confine light in dislocations where the lattice periodicity is broken. The present invention is a conceptually different approach to photon localization in PhC structures. The disclosed design concept introduces structural perturbations uniformly throughout the fabricated crystal by deliberately changing the shape or orientations of elements that form the lattice. Optimized introduction of such random structural perturbations produces optical nanocavities with ultra-small modal volumes and high quality (Q) factors of over 250,000. Applications of such disordered photonic crystal structures are disclosed for optical sensing systems and random nano-lasers.
US08701997B2 Decoding systems with a decoding engine running on a mobile device and using financial transaction card information to create a send funds application on the mobile device
A decoding system has a decoding engine running on a mobile device. The decoding engine decodes signals produced from a read of a first party's financial transaction card. The decoding engine accepts and initializes incoming signals from a read of the first party's financial transaction card. A transaction engine runs on the mobile device and is coupled to the decoding engine. The transaction engine receives as its input decoded first party's financial transaction card information from the decoding engine. At least a portion of a first party's financial card information or information relative to a first party's financial account is used to create a mobile device payment application on the mobile device.
US08701996B2 Cost effective card reader and methods to be configured to be coupled to a mobile device
A decoding system, with a decoding engine, runs on a mobile device. The decoding engine decodes signals produced from a read of a first party's financial transaction card. The decoding engine accepts and initializes incoming signals from a read of the first party's financial transaction card until the signals reach a steady state, identifies peaks in the incoming signals and digitizes the identified peaks into bits. A transaction engine is coupled to the decoding engine. The transaction engine receives, as its input, decoded first party's financial transaction card information from the decoding engine, and serves as an intermediary between the first party and a second party. The first party does not have to share his/her financial transaction card information with the second party. The transaction engine is configured to be coupled to a payment system and a first party's financial transaction card institution or a first party's financial account.
US08701995B2 Method and device for magnetic data demodulation
A method for demodulation where a plurality of preliminary data rows for creating the demodulated data are created according to intervals, each of which is a interval between peaks in a read signal coming from a magnetic head. Each preliminary data row includes first individual data identified according to the intervals, wherein a plurality of bits constitute the first individual data. At the time of creating the preliminary data row, standard intervals are identified for judging a first individual datum to be either “0” or “1”, and the standard intervals are assigned in a template saved beforehand. Then, intervals for judgment are compared with the standard intervals assigned in the template, with respect to each bit of each bit patterns. A bit pattern in relation to the preliminary data row is identified according to the comparison result, in order to set the preliminary data row with the identified bit pattern.
US08701994B2 Identifying information access device
It is possible to read from and write in an RFID tag, and also to operate other devices. A non-contact control device is provided which is formed to have no electrical contact with the electromagnetic wave generating antenna part and integrally with the electromagnetic wave generating antenna part. The non-contact control device receives an electromagnetic wave generated by the electromagnetic wave generating antenna part to generate electric power, and controls a controlled device based on the generated electric power.
US08701990B2 Providing service to a customer service center
A system includes automated banking machines that operate responsive to data read from data bearing records. Transactions can be carried out through communication with local and remote service providers. An automated banking machine is operable to conduct transactions for machine users responsive to data read from user cards and communication with a transaction host. The machine is operable to provide output signals which drive external displays. The machine is operable to receive visual and/or audio content from remote content sources, store data corresponding to the content, and then output the content through the external displays.
US08701987B2 Transaction product with paddle
A transaction product includes a paddle, a string, a ball, and an account identifier. The paddle defines an enlarged portion and an elongated handle extending from the enlarged portion. The paddle is formed as a single piece of material. The string defines a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the string is coupled to the paddle. The ball is coupled to the second end of the string and is configured to bounce on the paddle. The account identifier is statically connected to the paddle and links the paddle to at least one of an account and a record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal.
US08701986B2 Payment system and methods
Disclosed are payment system and methods.
US08701981B2 System and method for assisted maintenance in a gaming machine using a mobile device
A gaming system is disclosed for enabling a technician to open a door of a gaming machine without needing a physical key having a biometric controlled door lock. The system comprising: one or more gaming machines each having a door, a server connected to the one or more gaming machines via a network, and one or more mobile devices. The server stores a code decoding module for determining a gaming machine identifier (ID). The gaming machine ID is used by a gaming machine ID database to determine which gaming machine has been scanned. Each mobile device enables a technician to scan a code on the gaming machine using the camera on the mobile device. The mobile device transmits a mobile device identifier and a technician's personal identification number, after which the door unlocks after the gaming machine receives an unlock signal.
US08701979B2 Cabling work aiding system and work aiding method
In the cabling work aiding system, the RFID reader reads the RFID attached to at least one of the terminal, its terminal block, and cable member. A cabling work terminal device is connected to the RFID reader. The device is comprised of: a data base that records a template connection diagram containing the terminal-side RFID region constituted by RFID data as to the terminal and a cable-side RFID region constituted by RFID data as to the cable member; a relating part that relates the RFID read by the RFID reader to the terminal-side RIFD region and the cable-side RIFD region defined in the template connection diagram; a terminal-cable member correspondence table preparing part that prepares a correspondence table for leading correspondence between the RFID data as to the terminal and RFID data as to cable member from correspondence between the terminal-side RIFD region and the cable-side RFID related by the RFID read by the RFID reader.
US08701978B2 Two way electronic media mailer
A two way mailer for conveying an item from a sender to a recipient and back is disclosed. The two way mailer comprises a base panel, a sender address panel, and a recipient address panel. The base panel and the sender address panel may be made from a single contiguous piece of material or from non-contiguous pieces of material. The recipient address panel is preferentially part of the same contiguous material as the base panel and the sender address panel. The sender address panel is affixed by at least one adhesive region to the base panel to form a pocket for containing the item during mailing. The size of the pocket eliminates free space and flushes the item with an edge of the pocket which first enters automated postal processing equipment. In this configuration, a fragile item may be conveyed from the sender to the recipient and from the recipient back to the sender without damage to the item.
US08701973B2 Solder bump formation on a circuit board using a transfer sheet
A method of forming solder bumps on electrodes of a circuit board without producing bridging using a solder transfer sheet which does not require alignment includes superposing a circuit board and a solder transfer sheet having a solder layer adhered to at least one side of a supporting substrate, performing heating under pressure to a temperature lower than the solidus temperature of the solder to selectively perform solid phase diffusion bonding of the solder layer to electrodes, and peeling the transfer sheet from the circuit board. The solder layer is in the form of a continuous solder coating or in the form of a monoparticle layer of solder particles which are adhered to the supporting substrate by an adhesive layer.
US08701971B2 Printed board and bus bar assembly
A printed board includes a printed board body having a first side, a second side opposing the first side, and a through-hole; a printed conductor disposed on the first side of the printed board body; and a bus bar disposed on the second side of the printed board body, the bus bar including a terminal that extends through the through-hole. The terminal includes a plurality of branched terminal portions at a position corresponding to an interior of the through-hole, and at least one of the branched terminal portions is bent and attached to the printed conductor.
US08701967B2 Method for manufacturing a cooling element and a cooling element
A method for coating the base element of a cooling element used in connection with a metallurgical furnace or the like, said base element being mainly made of copper, at least partly with a metal coating involves a step wherein the metal coating is explosion welded to the base element of a cooling element mainly made of copper. A cooling element, particularly to be used in connection with metallurgical furnaces or the like, includes a base element mainly made of copper, in which base element there is arranged a cooling water channel system, said base element of the cooling element being at least partly coated with a metal coating. The metal coating is explosion welded to the base element that is mainly made of copper.
US08701964B2 Coated rotary tool
There is provided a tool for friction stir welding, which is capable of promoting temperature rise of materials to be joined during joining to achieve friction stir welding in a short time, is excellent in heat insulating property of a coating layer, and is excellent in oxidation resistance and wear resistance. A tool for friction stir welding according to the present invention is a tool for friction stir welding including a base material and a coating layer formed on the base material, wherein the coating layer is formed of one or more layers, and at least one layer of the coating layer has a thermal permeability of 5000 J/s0.5·m2·K or less.
US08701963B2 Medical anastomosis apparatus
A medical anastomosis apparatus is provided. The medical anastomosis apparatus includes a cylindrical body which has a hollow portion and extends in a longitudinal direction, a pressing rod which is provided inside of the hollow portion of the body to translate along the hollow portion, a knob which is coupled to the pressing rod to provide a driving force to translate the pressing rod, a guide member which is inserted into one end of the body and simultaneously coupled to expose a portion of the body and has a pressing unit formed therein to move radially upon translation of the pressing rod, and a staple cartridge which is inserted around an outer circumferential surface of the guide member and then coupled to the body and has built-in staple clips that protrude outward upon movement of the pressing unit.
US08701959B2 Mechanically pivoting cartridge channel for surgical instrument
A surgical instrument including a frame, an elongate portion, a drive beam and an end effector is disclosed. The elongate portion extends distally from the frame. The drive beam is disposed at least partially within the elongate portion and is translatable with respect to the elongate portion. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongate portion and includes first and second jaw members. The first jaw member is movable with respect to the second jaw member. The first jaw member includes a proximal camming surface and a distal camming surface thereon. A surgical fastener cartridge is disposed in the first jaw member. an actuation portion of the drive beam has an upper member arranged to contact the distal camming surface causing approximation of the jaw members. Proximal translation of the drive beam causes the actuation portion of the drive beam to contact the proximal camming surface effecting opening of the jaw members.
US08701958B2 Curved end effector for a surgical stapling device
The present invention includes a surgical stapler having a curved end-effector which is configured to deploy staples in at least one curved staple line. In various embodiments, the surgical stapler includes a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a cutting member having a cutting surface wherein the cutting member is relatively movable with respect to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In one embodiment, the staple cartridge can be configured to deploy staples along different, non-parallel axes. As a result, the staples can be deployed in a significantly curved staple line. In various embodiments, the surgical stapler includes a flexible driver operably engaged with the cutting member to move the cutting member relative to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In these embodiments, the driver can include an elongate cross-section defined by a width and a height wherein its width is greater, and in some cases, substantially greater, than its height.
US08701957B2 Method for controlling an internal combustion engine tool and the thus controlled tool
This invention relates to controlling a tool for driving fastening elements through firing a fuel. A valve, upon each shot, opens via a current (IA) in a component created by a voltage injection control (Uv). Upon the first one of a series of shots and after the control, the time to is detected of a drop of current in a measuring member upon the transient rise of current and, the opening period To of the valve being predetermined, the end of the injection control is triggered at the time td, after a period To, following the time to, reduced with a period To, of a first rise of the voltage injection control following the beginning of the drop of current or a rise, following the beginning of its drop, of the current.
US08701956B2 Hand-held tool, fastener residual quantity detecting mechanism, fastener residual quantity detecting method, and power saving method
A hand-held tool, in which multiple fasteners are successively fed, is provided with: an ejection detecting portion for detecting an ejection of the fasteners; and a control portion for switching from a power saving wait mode of small power consumption to an active mode capable of executing normal processing when the ejection detecting portion detects the ejection of the fasteners, and for switching from the active mode to the wait mode when the normal processing is ended.
US08701948B2 Stopper rod positioning and control apparatus for control of molten metal flow through a nozzle
A stopper rod positioning and control apparatus is provided for controlling the flow of a molten metal out of a bottom nozzle in a metal reservoir. The stopper rod can be aligned with the nozzle's opening by selectively rotating a pair of roller (ring) bearings that are centerline offset from each other along a first axis around which one end of an extended structural arm can pivot where the opposing end of the arm retains the stopper rod along a second axis parallel to the first axis. When the appropriate relative positions of the pair of roller bearings are located for a nozzle-centered stopper rod, the second axial position of the stopper rod is fixed by retaining the appropriate relative positions with a brake mechanism. In a dual nozzle bottom pour reservoir of molten metal a separate stopper rod positioning and control apparatus is provided for each of the two nozzles while a dual nozzle assembly may be utilized to facilitate replacement of a worn nozzle or alter the distances between the centers of the two nozzles.
US08701946B1 Fluid dispense pump with drip prevention mechanism and method for controlling same
A material dispensing pump includes a drip prevention system and method so as to avoid undesired dripping of the dispensed fluid. In one example, the fluid path is sealed. Positive pressure is applied to the fluid during a dispensing operation to present the fluid to the auger-style pump at a desired rate. Between dispensing operations, or when dispensing is completed, the fluid is placed in suspension, for example by applying a negative pressure, thereby preventing the fluid from being inadvertently released at the dispense tip. In addition, following a dispensing operation, the pump dispensing controller can be programmed to reverse the rotation of the feed screw, in order to draw the material in a reverse direction and to further suspend the fluid.
US08701944B2 Actuator systems and methods for aerosol wall texturing
A system for dispensing texture material comprises a container, an outlet assembly, and an aerosol valve assembly. The container stores texture material and propellant material. The aerosol valve assembly is arranged to allow control of fluid flowing out of the container. The outlet assembly is configured such that the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening corresponds to the desired pattern. The aerosol valve assembly is operated to allow the propellant material to force the texture material out of the container through the outlet opening defined by the outlet assembly. The texture material forced out of the container is deposited on the target surface in the desired pattern.
US08701943B2 Piston with frangible piston stop
A piston pump assembly in which a piston-forming element to be received in a piston chamber of a piston chamber-forming member carries a removable stop flange member which may be secured to the piston chamber-forming member to provide a retention stop to prevent the piston-forming element from being removed from the piston chamber.
US08701942B2 Disposable dispensing system comprising a collapsible container, a dispenser and a method for dispensing liquid from such dispensing system
A disposable dispensing system includes a collapsible container for liquid material sealingly connected to a pump. The pump includes a housing forming a chamber and a dispensing opening, wherein the pressure in the chamber may be varied for pumping liquid from the container to the chamber, and from the chamber to the dispensing opening. A regulator is fixedly arranged in the chamber for regulating flow of liquid between the container and the chamber, and between the chamber and the dispensing opening. The pump may assume a closed position, in which a volume of liquid is drawn from the container to the chamber by a negative pressure created in the chamber, and a dispensing position, in which a volume of liquid is drawn from the chamber to the dispensing opening.
US08701940B2 Apparatus for refrigerator dispenser recess integrated with door material
An apparatus includes a refrigerator door, comprising an inner door material and an outer door material, wherein a portion of the outer door material of the refrigerator is formed into a shape of a dispenser recess. The apparatus also includes a support structure, wherein the support structure is situated behind the dispenser recess of the outer door material and in front of the inner door material, and wherein the support structure facilitates implementation of one or more dispenser features. A refrigerator using the apparatus is also disclosed.
US08701936B2 Solid concentrate dispensing system
Dispensing systems facilitates formation and dispensation of a use solution from a solid concentrate. The dispensing system may include a cartridge attached to a spray bottle or other dispensing apparatus. The cartridge defines a reservoir configured to store a solid product concentrate. A diluent, such as water, is placed in a fluid reservoir of the dispensing apparatus. Activation of a dispensing mechanism, such as a trigger, creates a vacuum in the cartridge reservoir, opening a valve and drawing diluent from the fluid reservoir into the cartridge reservoir and onto the solid product. The flow of diluent onto the solid product causes a portion of the solid product to be dissolved, eroded, and/or otherwise mixed with the diluent to form a use solution. Actuation of the dispense mechanism may further draw the use solution from the cartridge reservoir and dispense the use solution through the nozzle.
US08701932B2 Cutlery dispenser trays
A utensil dispensing tray that cooperates with a dispenser. The tray includes at least one feature that causes the utensil, such as a knife, fork, spork, or spoon, to rotate from a first orientation to a second orientation for presentation as the utensil drops into the tray. The tray also includes one or more features that result in the utensil being consistently positioned in its second orientation within a dispensing area of the tray.
US08701928B2 Spout for a spill-proof beverage container
A spout for a spill-proof beverage container has a side wall defining an outer surface and an inner surface defining a discharge passage. A valve in the discharge passage includes two flanks formed integrally with the side wall and projecting from opposite sides of the inner surface of the spout. The front end faces of the flanks mate with one another along a slit that extends generally parallel to the longer axis of the spout. At least the front portions of the flanks are inclined away from the mouth of the spout such that pressure within the container acts to urge the flanks against one another so as to maintain the slit closed. Deformation of the side wall when the spout is held between the lips of a drinker acts to open the slit and create an opening between the flanks to allow the beverage to be discharged.
US08701924B2 Portable magnetic storage device and a method of storing material
A method of storing material includes placing material in a storage container and removably positioning a magnetic device in a cap. The magnetic device includes a gasket including a magnet. Moreover, the method includes removably fastening the cap to the storage container to form a storage device and magnetically attaching the cap to a metal surface.
US08701923B2 Containers with anti-buckling structural features
This disclosure is generally directed toward containers with improved anti-buckling performance by incorporating one or more structural reinforcement features into the containers. The container may include a bottom wall, opposing sidewalls each including a plurality of ribs, and opposing end walls interconnecting the sidewalls. The sidewalls may include at least one reinforcement protrusion having a geometric center disposed in the upper half of the sidewall. The container may also include a non-planar top rim to redistribute top load so that the anti-buckling performance of the container can be improved.
US08701921B2 Locking arrangement for a container closure
A closure system for a container includes a pair of primary anchors located opposite one another on an exterior surface of the neck. Each primary anchor has vertical and horizontal portions. A cap has an upper surface and a series of walls depending downwardly therefrom and at least first and second locking tabs extending downwardly from an underside of the cap. The locking tabs are located opposite one another, and there is at least one rib between the walls of the cap and the locking tabs. Each of the locking tabs has an inwardly extending anchor tab on an inside surface thereof the locking tab. The anchor tabs are arranged to engage the primary anchors when the cap is engaged with the neck and turned relative to the container. The vertical portions of the primary anchors are arranged to positively stop further rotation of the cap relative to the container.
US08701916B2 Plastic pan and drain plug assembly
A plastic pan and a plastic drain plug assembly is disclosed. The pan has upstanding walls, a bottom wall, an exterior surface and an interior surface. One of the walls has an opening extending through it. On the exterior, the opening has a circular raised collar with cutouts opposite each other and stop tabs located between the cutouts. On the interior, the opening has a circular raised non-threaded tubular wall. A portion of the non-threaded tubular wall has nibs projecting into the opening. The plug has a head portion, a body portion, an end portion. The head portion has an upstanding crown with downwardly extending tabs located opposite each other. The body portion has a circular groove, and a spiral groove. The end portion of the plug is tapered.
US08701905B2 Environmentally friendly liquid container and method of manufacture
A container for liquids comprising a first portion forming an approximate half container portion; a second portion forming an approximate half container portion, the first and second portions having a generally convex exterior shape with flange portions along perimeters thereof; a liquid impermeable barrier film being disposed on a concave interior portion of each of the first and second portions and extending onto the flange portions; the first and second portions being sealed together at the flange portions to form a liquid impermeable container; and there being provided a location on the container for the disposition of a closure device to allow contents of the container, once filled, to be removed.
US08701904B2 Crane vessel
A crane vessel including a revolving hoist crane and a method of using such a vessel are provided. The hoist crane includes a jib, main hoisting means and auxiliary hoisting means for raising and lowering a load. The main hoisting means include a main hoisting tackle with a main hoist upper block connected to the jib and a main hoist lower block. The main hoist lower block is assembled from a sheave block including the sheaves of the main hoist lower block and a load attachment assembly having the lowering weight and the main load attachment device. The crane vessel is provided with a load attachment assembly storage device for storage of the disassembled load attachment assembly and displacement means capable of engaging with and displacing the load attachment assembly while it is assembled to the sheave block and when the jib is supported by a jib rest.
US08701901B2 Shelving system and components
A shelving system including brackets and shelves suspended by straps from various types of shelving. One bracket for hanging shelves from straps from a solid surface shelf is provided. The bracket includes first and second legs and a connecting portion defining an opening for receiving the shelf. Another bracket for hanging shelves from straps from a wire shelf deck is provided. The bracket includes a plate with first and second edges bent in the same direction, and first and second substantially parallel slots in the plate receive a strap. A shelf for hanging from a plurality of straps is provided. The shelf includes a deck, which may include one or more materials, and a clamp mounted to the deck. A shelving system includes a bracket that engages a fixed shelf, a one strap depending from the bracket, and a shelf releasably attached to the at least one strap.
US08701899B2 One-piece paint brush holder and paint brush holder assembly
A one-piece paint brush holder for removable-insertion use with a container having a bottom surface, an inner side wall and an upper edge is provided in one embodiment. The holder includes a base portion. The holder further includes a post portion having a lower end extending from the base portion, an intermediate portion extending upwardly from the lower end, and an upper end supported above and extending from the intermediate portion. The holder still further includes a generally horizontal support portion extending from the upper end of the post portion and having a distal end. The intermediate portion of the post portion has a hook portion vertically between the base portion and the support portion. The hook portion has a downwardly opening shape to permit the holder to be supported on the upper edge of the container at a position above an inserted position in the container. The base, post, hook and support portions are formed by bending a single rod. In another embodiment, a paint brush holder assembly having various attachment portions is provided.
US08701898B2 Adjustable shelf assembly and appliances incorporating the adjustable shelf assembly
An adjustable shelf assembly for a dishwasher system is used to hold cups, bowls, spoons and other crockery items that are placed within the dishwasher. The vertical position of the shelf assembly within the dishwasher tub is adjusted by an adjustment mechanism comprising a carrier and a gripping projection. The gripping projection can move between a gripping position and sliding position. The carrier slides up and down a vertical bar. The adjustable shelf is capable of moving between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position the shelf can support crockery items. The shelf can be moved and held at any position between the deployed and stowed positions. The shelf assembly includes a cam mechanism that allows the shelf to move between a deployed position and a stowed position. The shelf is partially curved in the stowed position and flexes to become straight in the deployed position.
US08701897B2 Cable extension module
In one embodiment, a cable extension mechanism includes a housing and a plurality of cable tray segments adapted to retain elongate material therein, wherein each cable tray segment includes first and second cable trays. A sheave is disposed on an axle between the first and second cable trays thereby forming an extendable elbow. At least one wheel assembly is coupled to each cable tray segment to enable the tray segment to articulate between a first position wherein the elongate material is stored and has a first length shorter than an actual length of the elongate material and a substantially flat second position, thereby extending a length of the elongate material disposed thereon.
US08701890B2 Container and system of containers of surgical instruments for knee surgery
A system of surgical instruments for use with at least a first implant and a second implant of the same type but different sizes is provided. The system includes a first container containing at least a first surgical instrument of a first type that is size specific and a second surgical instrument of a second type that is size specific; a second container containing at least a third surgical instrument of the first type and a fourth surgical instrument of the second type, wherein both the third and fourth instruments are of a second size that is different from the first size and that corresponds to the second implant; and a third container containing at least a fifth surgical instrument of a third type that is size independent.
US08701882B2 Rolled goods handler
A container for goods having an axial dimension is provided, comprising a first end support having four corners and being oriented in a first plane, a second end support having four corners and being oriented in a second plane spaced axially from the first plane, at least two connecting rails having first and second ends, the first ends being removeably connected to the first end support and the second ends being removeably connected to the second end support, each rail being connected to a different corner of the first end support and a corresponding corner of the second end support, wherein at least one good may be suspended between and supported by the first end support and second end support.
US08701881B2 Container
A container comprising a housing defining a main storage space and a lid attachable to the housing to close said main storage space is disclosed. The lid includes a central recess and a cover attachable to the lid to close the central recess so to define a secondary storage space. Furthermore, the cover is magnetically detachable from the lid.
US08701876B2 Clips for attaching staples for joining conveyor belt ends and clip-staple assemblies
A clip for attaching a staple that joins conveyor belt ends that comprises a top portion and a plurality of claws that extend substantially perpendicular from the top portion and are adapted to extend through corresponding holes in the staple. The top portion is formed of a metal sheet, the configuration of which corresponds to that of an accommodation recess provided in a top plate of the staple. The top portion bears at least two claws of the plurality of claws. Each of the claws is connected to the top portion by a bend and each bend includes a re-entrant reinforcing rib embossed therein. Each reinforcing rib is provided in the longitudinal direction of the respective claw approximately in the middle of the width of the respective claw. The claws are formed either by bending the metal sheet at the bends or by attaching the claws to the metal sheet.
US08701873B2 Conveying system having a spark-detecting device
A conveying system includes a conveyor belt having a carrying-side cover plate for accommodating goods to be conveyed and a running-side cover plate free of goods. Each of the cover plates is made of polymer material having elastic characteristics. A drum engages the conveyor belt at one of the side cover plates whereat a spark can develop during operation of the conveying system. A device detects the spark and corresponds with an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is configured to transmit a signal to a fire-extinguishing unit upon detection of the spark.
US08701871B2 Belt conveyor with snagless retractable flights
A belt conveyor having snagless retractable flights. The flights rotate from a retracted position generally parallel to a top conveying surface on the conveyor belt to an extended position standing up and away from the top surface. In one version of the flight, a distal edge of the flight is bent downward into a cavity in the top surface of the belt when the flight is retracted. In another version, rollers at the distal end of the flight extend upstream of the distal edge of the flight. The flight rollers are rotated when the flight is retraced to lift and propel conveyed articles over the edges of the flight. Thus, both flights avoid snagging articles with discontinuous bottoms.
US08701870B1 Slat for a material moving system for an agricultural harvesting machine
A slat for use in an agricultural harvester including a web securable to a material moving system. A first and second leg extending outwardly from one side of the web, the first leg providing primary impetus for movement of crop material in a first direction by the material moving system. A third leg extending outwardly from an opposed side of the web and providing secondary impetus for movement of crop material by driven movement of the material moving system. In response to the slat encountering a foreign object that becomes wedged between the first leg, the third leg and structure of the material moving system and preventing driven movement of the material movement system in the first direction, upon application of force urging movement of the material movement system in an opposed second direction, the third leg facilitating a rotational movement of the slat for dislodging the foreign object.
US08701866B2 Mat for the transport of at least one object, a transfer device and a method for the transfer
A mat for the transport of an object on a top surface of the mat is disclosed. The mat comprises elastic material, and reinforcements are provided in the mat that are enclosed at least partially by the elastic material. The reinforcements are aligned parallel or approximately parallel to one another, and the elastic material and the reinforcements interact in such a way that a flexing of the mat at a first arc of curvature in a first plane can take place with less force than at a second arc of curvature in a second plane. A transfer device for at least one object in combination with the mat is also disclosed, whereby the transfer device comprises means for moving a mat and means for guiding the mat out of a transport plane. Methods for transferring an object are also disclosed.
US08701863B2 Diverter disc
Diverter disc for a conveyer system, comprising a circular outer periphery and an grip opening formed in the periphery of the diverter disc, where the grip opening is adapted to hold and divert a puck comprising a circular slide ring at the contact region and that the grip opening is shaped in a non circular shape such that a plurality of discrete contact points are formed in the grip opening. The advantage of the diverter disc is that it will be able to hold the slide ring of a puck in a more secure way due to the reduced contact surface compared with a conventional diverter disc.
US08701862B2 Disk transportation device and disk storage system
A disk transportation device includes a pair of rotation arms that are rotatable respectively about a fulcrum shaft extending in the same direction as the axial direction of a center shaft of a disk-shaped recording medium in both sides thereof that pinch the transportation passage of the disk-shaped recording medium transported between a disk changer and a disk drive device; and four transportation rollers of which two at a time are rotatably supported on the pair of rotation arms respectively, wherein the four transportation rollers contact the outer peripheral surface of the disk-shaped recording medium respectively and the pair of rotation arms are rotated in opposite directions to each other in a state where one of the transportation rollers at a time is supported at the pair of the rotation arms respectively contact the outer peripheral surface of the disk-shaped recording medium.
US08701861B2 Passenger conveyor with movable lateral panel members
A passenger conveyor includes an endless tread band having a plurality of treads. At least one endless drive chain is driven around a first and a second turn around section by a drive. The drivetrain includes a plurality of links that are associated with drive chain rollers. A plurality of the treads are connected with the drivetrain. At least one panel member is located on a lateral side of the treads. The panel member is moveable with respect to the treads and supported to remain stationary with respect to at least one of the drive chain links. Each of the treads is associated with at least one panel member.
US08701860B1 Coin processing systems, methods and devices
Systems, methods and devices for processing coins are presented herein. A coin processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving a batch of coins, a controller with a communication interface operatively attached to the housing, and a coin processing unit for counting, discriminating, and/or valuing coins received from the coin input area. The coin processing system also includes a mobile coin receptacle removably disposed within the housing and configured to receive coins from the coin processing unit. The mobile coin receptacle is configured to wirelessly communicate information to the communication interface of the controller. The mobile coin receptacle can include one or more electrical contacts that mate with one or more electrical contacts on the housing to wirelessly communicate the information.
US08701859B2 Shutter structure and automatic transaction apparatus
The present invention prevents water or the like from collecting on a shutter face by having a sufficient water discharge capability without requiring a bulky water discharge structure, in an automatic transaction apparatus that deposits and withdraws money by opening and closing the shutter. Namely, includes a sloping profile shutter having side wall faces at side faces on two sides, a casing cover that covers the side wall faces of the shutter, and that covers a shutter bottom edge portion at a position below the shutter face when the shutter is closed, and a chute that includes a water discharge outlet and is disposed to cover the shutter bottom edge portion from below when the shutter is closed.
US08701846B2 Inverted strut comprising an air damper combined with a hydraulic stop
A shock absorber includes a hydraulic compression stop. The hydraulic stop includes a pressure tube surrounding the pressure tube of the shock absorber and a piston in hydraulic communication with the interior of the pressure tube. The piston can be disposed within the pressure tube and can be attached to the pressure tube or to the shock absorber. The hydraulic stop can also include a hydraulic fluid chamber and the piston can be disposed within the hydraulic fluid chamber.
US08701842B2 Trailer breakaway switch cable
The present invention relates generally to trailer and towing safety devices, and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to trailer automatic braking devices that initiate braking when a trailer becomes separated from its tow vehicle.
US08701834B2 Mechanical actuator
A mechanical actuator for translating rotational motion to linear motion. The actuator includes a motor, a screw assembly, a bearing assembly, and first and second lubrication systems. The screw assembly includes a housing, a threaded screw shaft disposed within the housing, a nut assembly, and an extension tube. The threaded screw shaft is rotatable by the motor. The nut assembly is arranged to move in either direction along a longitudinal axis of the threaded screw shaft when the threaded screw shaft is in rotational motion, thereby moving the extension tube between an extended position and a retracted position. The bearing assembly is arranged to provide support to at least a portion of a length of the threaded screw shaft. A pathway of the first lubrication system is remote and isolated from a pathway of the second lubrication system.
US08701833B2 Distance limiting self-retractable lifeline
A self-retractable lifeline (“SRL”) having the combination of an active fall arrest braking system and a passive restraint distance limiting mechanism that allows a user to pretension and preset the distance that its cable is capable of paying out. The SRL's cable limiting mechanism includes a pretension assembly, which may include a pair of aligned plates and an actuator that temporarily mobilizes an arbor when the lever is opened. The arbor is affixed to the SRL housing and to an interior of a power spring that rewinds the cable back into the housing when the cable is paid out. The other end of the arbor is in a mechanical relationship to one of the aligned plates that prohibits rotational movement of the arbor when the aligned plates are engaged but allows rotational movement of the arbor when the aligned plates are temporarily disengaged.
US08701832B2 Tank plate erection system
A system for constructing a tank is made up of a plurality of generally rectangular prism sections, which are hinged together on the back side to form a platform, having an end section hinged to a frame section, a cantilever frame extending from the end section, a counterbalance frame attached to the cantilever and extending parallel to the platform and opposed to the end section, with the end section and the counterbalance frame being separated by a pair of saddle wheels mounted to the cantilever frame. At least one additional saddle wheel is mounted on a frame section for cooperative operation with saddle wheels on the cantilever to support the system on the tank wall and to move the platform within the tank wall as it is constructed. The hinge connections between the sections allow the platform to be adjusted to the arc of the internal wall of the tank under construction.
US08701826B2 Shock absorbing lanyard
A lanyard has an energy absorbing section which exhibits an arrest force which goes from at least 3 kilo newtons to at least 5 kilo newtons when subjected to a load of 160 kg which free fell from 5.9 feet.
US08701823B2 Exhaust system for motorcycle
A muffler of a motorcycle having an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter d1 of a rectilinear portion of a branch pipe is disposed at a transverse portion of an exhaust pipe. Since the muffler is formed to be roughly elliptic in sectional shape, the outside diameter of the muffler is represented by a major diameter da as the length in the direction of a major axis and a major diameter db as the length in the direction of a minor axis. When the muffler is disposed between a swing arm and a seat to be along the transverse portion of the exhaust pipe, the muffler can be disposed on the more vehicle front side while securing the capacity thereof. Therefore, protrusion of the muffler toward the rear of the vehicle is suppressed, and the external appearance of a vehicle rear portion is enhanced.
US08701822B2 Gas-guiding pipe comprising a noise-attenuating covering with variable porosity
A noise-attenuating covering configured for example for a pipe for guiding gases along a gas path. The covering includes a wall defining the gas path and at least one resonance cavity, the wall being pierced with holes for fluid communication between the gas path and the resonance cavity to attenuate noise. The holes have substantially identical diameters and, since the pipe is arranged to guide the gases in the downstream direction, a number of the openings per wall surface unit decreases continuously along the gas path in the downstream direction, such as to confer on the wall substantially constant acoustic resistance along the gas path, for which the noise attenuation is optimized along the gas path.
US08701821B2 Acoustic dampening sleeve for electronic equipment and method of making the same
An acoustic dampening sleeve for electronic equipment and a method of making the same is disclosed. An enclosure for abating noise generated therein includes a housing having a structure defining an internal chamber that has ventilation openings for the ingress and egress of cooling air. The structure cooperates with equipment disposed therein to define intake and exhaust plenums. Air outside the structure passes through the housing ingress opening, into the intake plenum, through the equipment, into the exhaust plenum, and exits the structure through the housing egress opening. The ingress and/or egress openings include baffles. The baffles comprise a resilient material defining openings in fluid communication with the internal chamber and a space outside the housing. The baffles are disposed to prevent or reduce a line of sight between the inside of the structure and the outside of the structure while maintaining open vent channels between the baffles.
US08701815B2 Drug interlock system having a safety function
An interlock system for a vehicle includes a sampling device (4) that receives a sufficient quantity of a body fluid sample from a person to be tested; a read-out unit (11) detecting substances that are contained in the body fluid sample; and an evaluating unit (2) evaluating the substances detected by the read-out unit (11), so that respective concentrations of the detected substances can be obtained. The detection and evaluation of the substances in the body fluid is effected by chemical, immunochemical, enzymatic, electrochemical or optical analytical methods. The quantity of body fluid delivered by the person to be tested is automatically detected and monitored. A control device (1) is coupled to the evaluating unit (2) and prevents the start process of the vehicle if an insufficient quantity of body fluid is present or if at least one of the substance concentrations is above a predetermined concentration limit value.
US08701809B2 Vehicle control device
A vehicle control device includes plural functional modules each of which is a minimum part unit that contributes to change in input/output potentials, and has an input and an output of one power line or one set of power lines, except for power lines having a same potential as that on an overhead wire side or that on a ground side. The functional module has an interface surface on one side surface, to which both of a signal line and the power line are connected. Each interface surface is divided into a first interface area in which a signal line terminal connected to the signal line is placed, and a second interface area in which a power line terminal connected to the power line is placed. The plural functional modules are adjacently arranged such that the interface surfaces face in a same direction, the first interface areas are located on one end side in common, and the second interface areas are located on the other end side in common.
US08701799B2 Drill bit cutter pocket restitution
A pocket restitution assembly comprises a pocket formed in a surface that includes a central axis, an anchor seated in the pocket and aligned with the central axis, a tool attachment comprising an end for connection to the anchor, and a hollow bit slidably and rotatably sitting on the tool attachment. The hollow bit may fit within the pocket. Weld material may be deposited within the pocket to form an interior of the pocket. The weld material may be shaped by the hollow bit to accept a cutting element.
US08701796B2 System for drilling a borehole
A rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched and unlatched with a docking station housing for use and removal, respectively. The system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with an active seal. A first sensor and a second sensor can be used to detect temperature, pressure and density of the supplied fluid at different locations and this data can be compared using a central processing unit (CPU). Also, a sensor can be used to detect the revolutions per minute of a rotating seal of the rotating control device and fluid can be provided to the rotating control device responsive to the detected revolutions per minute.
US08701794B2 High power laser perforating tools and systems
Systems devices and methods for the transmission of 1 kW or more of laser energy deep into the earth and for the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems, devices and methods for the laser perforation of a borehole in the earth. These systems can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perforate such boreholes.
US08701793B2 Power tool guard
A power tool including a power tool body, a rotatable driven member operable for releasably gripping a working element and having a front end and a rear end, the driven member extending from the rear end, located proximally and connected to the power tool body, and terminating at the front end. The power tool has a drive mode in which rotation of the driven member drives the working element and an adjustment mode in which rotation of the driven member causes the driven member to either grip the working element or release the working element or both. The power tool also includes a guard extending over the driven member from the power tool body and terminating adjacent to the front end of the driven member, wherein at least in the power tool drive mode the front end of driven member does not extend beyond the guard.
US08701787B2 Metal expandable element back-up ring for high pressure/high temperature packer
An expandable backup ring includes an outer surface, an inner surface having a plurality of protrusions projecting radially inwardly, and a plurality of segments, the segments defined by a plurality of outer surface cuts. The plurality of outer surface cuts extends radially inwardly from the outer surface and partially into each of the plurality of protrusions.
US08701786B2 Positionless expanding lock ring for subsea annulus seals for lockdown
Wellhead assemblies, seal assemblies, and methods of locking down an annulus seal disposed within an annulus between outer and inner wellhead members, are provided. A seal assembly is positioned in an annulus. An energizing member is axially translated downward to energize an annulus seal element and outwardly radially compress a high-strength lockdown member into contact with an inner diameter surface of a wellhead member. The wellhead member can include a set of wickers. During compression, the outer diameter surface of the lockdown member is plastically deformed onto the set of wickers.
US08701780B2 Hydraulically driven, down-hole jet pump
A down-hole jet pumping apparatus and method for removing accumulated water in a small diameter well bore are described. Chosen fluids are pumped under high pressure from a surface pump through a 3-way valve into a tube disposed in a well bore. The jet pumping apparatus includes a down-hole accumulator connected to an eductor. The high-pressure fluid is stored in the accumulator and may be released to the surface reservoir by the control valve through the tube along with the fluid to be pumped drawn into the eductor. When the accumulator is exhausted, the control valve again directs high-pressure fluid from the surface pump to the accumulator until a chosen pressure is achieved in the accumulator. The fluid pressure in the accumulator is maintained using a gas-charged metal bellows. Hydraulically driven jet boosters are described for increasing the fluid pressure along the tube in deep wells.
US08701779B2 Bellows valve
The invention relates to a valve device that is used in oil and gas wells. The valve device has an external housing (1), where at least one inlet (4) in the housing (1) is connected to an outlet (5) through a longitudinal bore in the housing longitudinal direction. Between the valve device's inlet and outlet there is mounted a valve seat (2) in the bore, where a valve body (3) shuts off the connection between the inlet and outlet. The valve body's position is controlled by a support (20), connected with a pressure-sensitive bellows device (6) comprising an upper and a lower bellows element (7, 71). When the lower bellows element is compressed in the valve device's axial direction, the compression will cause the two bellows elements'impact elements to be moved relative each other in order to lift the valve body out of abutment with the valve seat.
US08701777B2 Downhole fluid flow control system and method having dynamic response to local well conditions
A downhole fluid flow control system having dynamic response to local well conditions. The system includes a tubing string operably positionable in a wellbore. Annular barriers are positioned between the tubing string and the wellbore to isolate first and second zones. A fluid flow control device is positioned within each zone. A flow tube that is operably associated with the fluid flow control device of the first zone is operable to establish communication between the second zone and the fluid flow control device in the first zone such that a differential pressure between the first zone and the second zone is operable to actuate the fluid flow control device of the first zone from a first operating configuration to a second operating configuration.
US08701776B2 Downhole actuating apparatus
A mechanical counting device for actuating a plurality of output devices, the device comprising: linear indexing means adapted to count a plurality of actuating signals and to cause actuation of the output devices when a predetermined number of actuating signals for each output device has been received, wherein the mechanical counting device is adapted to cause actuation of a particular output device when a different predetermined number of actuating signals has been received such that the output devices are sequentially actuable.
US08701771B2 Managing treatment of subterranean zones
A downhole heated fluid generation system includes an air subsystem having at least one of an air compressor and an air flow control valve; a fuel subsystem having at least one of a fuel compressor and a fuel flow control valve; a treatment fluid subsystem having a fluid pump; a combustor fluidly coupled to at least one of the air subsystem, the fuel subsystem, or the treatment fluid subsystem, and operable to provide a heated fluid into a wellbore; and a controller operable to receive an input representing a heated fluid parameter; determine a virtual heated fluid generation rate based at least partially on the heated fluid parameter; and control at least one of the air subsystem, the fuel subsystem, or the treatment fluid subsystem by the virtual heated fluid generation rate.
US08701770B2 Heated fluid injection using multilateral wells
A well system includes a main wellbore extending from a terranean surface toward a subterranean zone. A first lateral wellbore extends from the main wellbore into the subterranean zone. A second lateral wellbore extends from the main wellbore into the subterranean zone. A liner junction device resides in the main wellbore and has a first leg extending into the first lateral wellbore and a second leg extending downhole in the main wellbore. A treatment fluid injection string extends from in the main wellbore through the liner junction and into the first lateral wellbore and terminates in the first lateral wellbore. A seal in the first lateral wellbore seals against flow toward the main wellbore in an annulus adjacent an outer surface of the treatment fluid injection string.
US08701764B2 Oil sand production without CO2 emission
A plant for generation of steam for oil sand recovery from carbonaceous fuel with capture of CO2 from the exhaust gas, comprising heat coils (105, 105′, 105″) arranged in a combustion chamber (101) to cool the combustion gases in the combustion chamber to produce steam and superheated steam in the heat coils, steam withdrawal lines (133, 136, 145) for withdrawing steam from the heat coils, an exhaust gas line (106) for withdrawal of exhaust gas from the combustion chamber (101), where the combustion chamber operates at a pressure of 5 to 15 bara, and one or more heat exchanger(s) (107, 108) are provided for cooling of the combustion gas in line (106), a contact device (113) where the cooled combustion gas is brought in countercurrent flow with a lean CO2 absorbent to give a rich absorbent and a CO2 depleted flue gas, withdrawal lines (114, 115) for withdrawal of rich absorbent and CO2 depleted flue gas, respectively, from the contact device, the line (115) for withdrawal of CO2 depleted flue gas being connected to the heat exchangers (107, 108) for heating of the CO2 depleted flue gas, and where the rich absorbent is regenerated an absorbent regenerator (116), the regenerated lean absorbent is recycled to the absorber (113), and a gas withdrawal line (121) connected to the absorber for withdrawal of CO2 and steam from the regenerator (116), is described.
US08701760B2 Electromagnetic heat treatment providing enhanced oil recovery
A method for using RF energy to facilitate the production of oil from formations separated from the RF energy source by a rock stratum comprises operating an antenna to transmit RF energy into a hydrocarbon formation, the hydrocarbon formation comprised of a first hydrocarbon portion above and adjacent to the antenna, a second hydrocarbon portion above the first hydrocarbon portion, and a rock stratum between the first hydrocarbon portion and the second hydrocarbon portion. The operation of the antenna heats water in the hydrocarbon formation to produce steam in the hydrocarbon formation, and the steam heats hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon formation and fractures the rock stratum to produce fissures in the rock stratum. The heated hydrocarbons in the second hydrocarbon portion flows into the first hydrocarbon portion through the fissures in the rock stratum.
US08701756B2 Internal lockdown snubbing plug
A snubbing plug is configured to be secured within a component of a mineral extraction system by an internal locking mechanism. In addition, the snubbing plug enables pressure equalization of regions above and below the plug before removal of the plug. Upon insertion of the snubbing plug into a well component, pressure may be equalized via fluid pathways through the snubbing plug. The pathways are sealed closed during snubbing operations and opened again when snubbing operations are complete. Manipulation of the fluid pathways may be accomplished via rotation of a load ring within the snubbing plug.
US08701755B2 Apparatus and method for pumping well fluids and debris
A pump comprising: a pump barrel for use within a well; a reciprocating plunger disposed within the pump barrel and operatively engaging a removable connector adapted to flushly secure over the top of the plunger; said connector operatively engaging a pumping unit; the connector further comprising: an inner and outer portion with an upwardly disposed tapered edge between the inner and outer portions; and one or more tubular ports extending generally diagonally from the axis of the connector and adapted to expel fluids through hydraulic pressure resulting from the reciprocating action of the plunger and wherein said ports are annularly disposed between the upwardly disposed tapered edge and the inner portion and accessing an inner cavity of the connector; the connector further comprising an axial bore adapted to allow fluids to pass through the connector and further comprising one or more upper fluid bypass ports disposed on the inner portion.
US08701754B2 Coiled tubing injector with strain relief
A coiled tubing injector, rollers on the backside of grippers on a gripper chain pass over at least one shallow groove or depression formed in, or gap between segments of, a planar roller contact surface of a skate, thereby momentarily removing or reducing the force being applied by the skate to the grippers as the grippers pass through at least one predetermined location within a gripping zone of the coiled tubing injector. The reduction or removal of the force on the grippers allows the grippers to reset their positions on the tubing at one or more predetermined locations in order to accommodate changes in the strain caused by changes in stress as the tubing moves through the injector.
US08701752B2 Refrigerator-oven combination for an aircraft galley food service system
A refrigerator-oven combination for an aircraft galley food service system includes a housing with a thermally insulated compartment, a heating device for heating the compartment in a heating mode, and a refrigeration device for cooling the compartment in a refrigeration mode.
US08701747B2 Method and an apparatus for cooling a computer
A heat exchanging system comprising circulating fluid through a tube coupled to an electronic component in a first part of a computing device and to a heat transfer plate in a second part of the computing device.
US08701744B2 Molding machine
A molding machine which allows a simplification of a sand filling operation, and the prevention of the formation of a bridge and an air channel in the sand tank, so that the sand filling operation of the molding machine is able to be performed steadily. The molding machine of the present invention includes: a sand tank for storing molding sand to be introduced to a molding flask; a pair of upper and lower sand filling nozzles to guide the molding sand in a horizontal direction, where the molding sand is supplied from a pair of upper and lower sand introducing parts which are located at the lower part of the sand tank; and at least one filter part with a plurality of air-injecting apertures on its entire body, which is attached to at least the entire inner surfaces of the pair of sand introducing parts; wherein the molding sand is fluidized by air injected through the air-injecting apertures of the filter part, and introduced to the molding flask through the sand filling nozzles.
US08701738B2 Cord controller of window covering
The present invention provides a cord controller to be mounted on a top rail of a window covering. The cord controller includes a base, a cord controlling device, and a cord regulating device. The base has a chamber therein and an inlet and an outlet on opposite sides of the chamber, and the cord controlling device and the cord regulating device are received in the chamber. The cord controlling device has a gap between the inlet and the outlet for the cord to pass through. The cord regulating device is adjacent to the outlet and has cord pressing bar to form a passageway between the cord pressing bar and the base for the cord to pass through. Therefore, the cord controller may avoid the cords twisting and keep a smooth movement of the cords.
US08701733B2 Shoe customization system having interchangeable platens
Heat press platens for a shoe customization/decoration system and a method of using the same are disclosed. The platens may be quickly interchanged to allow the same equipment to be used to dye shoes of different sizes. The platens individually accommodate a pair of assembled shoes and are shaped to: reduce print sizes, maintain symmetry and flatness of the shoe, and accommodate a range of shoe sizes. The size and shape of the platens enable one shoe to be fitted on one side of a platen and another shoe to be fitted on the opposite side. The platens position the shoes so that they are mirror images of each other. This positioning allows a single print, including mirror images of the same design, to be applied to two shoes at the same time.
US08701732B2 Apparatus and method for forming a hollow component
A flexible mandrel 100 has a plurality of flexible elements 130 extending between two spaced flanges 110, 120. A means for adjusting the radial position of each of the flexible elements 130 along the length of the mandrel 100 between the flanges 130 enables the plurality of flexible elements 130 to be configured in a variety of symmetrical and asymmetrical forms. Conventional composite fiber or tape laying techniques may then be used to form one-piece, revolute, composite components. The flexible mandrel 100 can then be collapsed and withdrawn from the interior volume 202 of the formed component.
US08701730B2 Device for sticking cover glass
Problems of a conventional cover glass sticking device, in which a slide glass having one end side, where a describing portion is formed, is stored in a storage container and the one end side is always projected from level of a protection liquid therein, are solved by the device of the present invention. The device sticks a cover glass onto a sample applied to a slide glass 12 having one end side, where a describing portion is formed, with an enclosure agent, the device comprises: a basket 22 into which the plurality of slide glasses 12 are inserted; a storage container 20 for immersing the basket in a protection liquid, which protects samples on the slide glasses 12, so as to immerse the entire slide glasses 12 therein; a lifting/feeding unit 36 for lifting the basket 22 to project one end side of the slide glass 12 from the level of the protection liquid and feeding the baskets 22 sequentially to a position of a detection sensor 42 for detecting the position of one end side of the slide glass 12 projecting from the protection liquid; a take-out unit 24 for holding a side face of one end side of the slide glass 12, which has been detected by the detection sensor 42, and taking out the slide glass 12 from the protection liquid; and a cage 34 for containing the slide glass 12, on which the cover glass has been stuck to cover the sample.
US08701728B2 Processes for preparation of cyclic and acyclic diene copolymer and rubber composition
A process for preparing a copolymer of an acyclic conjugated diene and a cyclic conjugated diene using a polymerization catalyst system comprising a transition metal compound or a lanthanide metal compound, an alkylating agent, and an inorganic halide alcoholate, and rubber compositions and tires comprising the same. The copolymer contains at least 90% acyclic conjugated diene monomer, has a number average molecular weight of between 40,000 and 300,000, and has a cis-bond content of at least 92%.
US08701726B2 Self-inflating tire
A self-inflating tire assembly includes an air tube connected to a tire and defining an air passageway, the air tube being composed of a flexible material operative to allow an air tube segment opposite a tire footprint to flatten, closing the passageway, and resiliently unflatten into an original configuration. The air tube is sequentially flattened by the tire footprint in a direction opposite to a tire direction of rotation to pump air along the passageway to an inlet device for exhaust from the passageway or to an outlet device for direction into the tire cavity. The inlet device is positioned within the annular passageway 180 degrees opposite the outlet device such that sequential flattening of the air tube by the tire footprint effects pumping of air along the air passageway with the tire rotating in either a forward or reverse direction of rotation. The invention further includes an inlet device for regulating the inlet flow of the air tube pump.
US08701724B2 Tyre for a vehicle wheel including a tread-band pattern
A tire for a vehicle wheel includes a tread band. The tread band includes a pattern, including at least two circumferential portions, an elongated ridge, and at least two shoulder blocks. The at least two circumferential portions are disposed in axial side-by-side relationship. At least one of the circumferential portions includes a first geometric module repeated along a circumferential extension direction of the tire. The elongated ridge is bounded by two grooves oblique to the circumferential extension direction and is divided into a plurality of intermediate blocks with respect to an axial extension direction of the tread band. The intermediate blocks are bounded by a plurality of cuts substantially transverse to the elongated ridge. The at least two shoulder blocks are associated with the elongated ridge, are circumferentially aligned along a side edge of the tread band, and are bounded by grooves oriented substantially transversely to the circumferential extension direction.
US08701722B2 Production installation for filling with products respectively in the form of a liquid filling material and buffer store for such a production installation
The invention relates to a production installation for filling bottles or similar containers with products in the form of a liquid filling material. The installation includes a device for providing a product, a filling machine connected to the device by at least one product line for filling the container with the product, and at least one buffer store connected to the product line and forming a storage space for the product.
US08701718B1 Emergency air system and method of a marine vessel
Disclosed is an emergency air system and method of a marine vessel. In one embodiment, a method of safety of a marine vessel includes affixing an emergency support system to the marine vessel. In addition, the method includes pressurizing the emergency support system of the marine vessel to facilitate an air extraction process through the marine vessel. The method also includes expediting the air extraction process from the emergency support system by including a rapid fill fitting to a fill panel to fill a breathable air apparatus.
US08701716B2 Protective textile sleeve having high edge abrasion resistance and method of construction
A textile sleeve for protecting elongate members and method of construction thereof is provided. The sleeve includes both monofilament and multifilament yarns woven in both warp and fill directions. The warp yarns are woven in a warp-faced pattern with the fill yarns. As such, the warp yarns float over 2 or more of fill yarns. The warp monofilaments provide the sleeve with increased abrasion resistance, while the warp multifilaments provide the sleeve with increased flexibility and coverage protection to protect elongate members within a cavity of the sleeve. The fill monofilaments provide the sleeve with increased abrasion resistance and the fill multifilaments provide the sleeve with increased flexibility and coverage protection. The method includes weaving the warp and fill yarns in one of an open or closed wall construction. The method can include heat-setting the monofilament fill yarns to bias the open wall into a self-closing tubular configuration.
US08701714B2 Multiple layer pipe
Abrasion resistant polymer pipe and a process for the production thereof. The pipe comprises a first, abrasion resistant inner layer (1) and a second, structural layer (2), which is placed on the outer side of the inner layer. The first and the second layers comprise extrudable polymer materials and they are preferably separated by an alarm layer which indicates wear or depletion of the inner layer. The pipe is suitable for use in the mining industry and generally for conducting liquid and gaseous fluids containing abrasive particles.
US08701713B2 Heating device for a device for transporting a fluid containing a hydrocarbon
The invention relates to a heating device for a device for transporting a fluid containing a hydrocarbon. The heating device comprises a rigid structure extending between two lateral walls, forming a space between the lateral walls. A flexible membrane comprising a heating structure extends into the space in order to define, in the space, an inner cavity and an outer cavity. Pumping structure designed to supply a fluid to the inner cavity, remove the fluid therefrom, or keep the fluid therein, in order to bring the membrane into contact with the transport device so as to heat same.
US08701711B2 Continuously adjustable, multi-port selection, constant flow capability, externally-actuated rotary flow valve apparatus, system and method
A rotary flow valve apparatus and associated systems and methods, comprising: a front plate (11) comprising a plurality of fluid entry ports (14) running therethrough; a rear plate (12) comprising one central fluid exit port (30) running through a substantial center thereof and P peripheral fluid exit ports (31-36) running through a substantially circumferential periphery thereof; P flow selector bars (91) integrally connecting the front plate (11) with the rear plate (12) and fixing the front plate relative to the rear plate; P inter-bar flow channels (92) defined between rotationally-adjacent pairs of the flow selector bars (91); and a selector cylinder (13) seated over and freely and continuously rotatable around the flow selector bars and relative to the front and rear plates.There are twice as many entry ports (14) as peripheral exit ports (31-36). When peripheral flow channel (62) aligns with two such ports, flow to central exit port (30) is blocked by a selector bar (91) and fluid exits only through the selected peripheral exit port. When the peripheral flow channel (62) aligns with a blank on plate (12) radially aligned with a flow channel (92), flow is allowed through channel (92) and fluid exits only through the central exit port (30). When the peripheral flow channel (62) is in an intermediate position fluid exits through both a peripheral exit port and the central exit port.
US08701710B2 Pressurized gas containing system
An apparatus for dispensing gas from a container containing gas under pressure comprises an adjustable flow regulator and a valve, as well as a cowling and mounting ring.
US08701707B2 Pressure control valve device
A pressure control valve device with at least one inlet area and first and second outlet areas which can be connected by two poppet valves. A flow guide device (21), with inflow and outflow areas (22, 23) for guiding the fluid flowing from the inlet area in a defined manner in the direction of the second poppet valve, is located upstream of the second poppet valve, between the first and second outlet areas. The fluid in the flow guide device (21) passes in the area between the inflow and outflow areas (22, 23) through a plurality of channel areas distributed around the periphery of the flow guide device (21) and separated from one another, which are shaped at least approximately helically and impart an at least approximately vortex-like flow pattern to the fluid flowing in the direction of the second poppet valve downstream of the outflow area (23).
US08701705B2 Fuel delivery module
The present invention is directed to providing a transfer tube assembly mounted on a saddle type fuel tank. The assembly of the present invention includes: a main fuel pump allowing a fuel pump system to deliver fuel to the engine; a sender delivering residual fuel to the main fuel pump; a wire harness connecting the main module and the sender and configured to inform of a fuel amount in the sender; and a transfer tube for transferring the residual fuel in the sender to the main fuel pump. The wire harness and the transfer tube are integrally coupled and configured so that a function of the wire harness can be performed simultaneously with a function of the transfer tube.
US08701703B2 Method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly
The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly. In at least one embodiment, the assembly is configured to drive its shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position, in response to detecting a valve closure condition. The assembly in one or more embodiments operates as an intelligent node in an AMR network, and it interprets a received closure command as a closure condition. Additionally, or alternatively, the assembly detects abnormal operating conditions as the closure condition. Advantageously, the assembly performs initial closure verification, based on detecting movement of the valve into the closed position, and performs subsequent closure verification, based on monitoring downstream gas pressure. In the same or other embodiments, the assembly provides enhanced stand-alone reliability and safety by incorporating one or more valve clearing/cleaning routines into its operations.
US08701701B2 Float switch of a humidifier
A float switch of a humidifier at least includes a main body, a water tank and a float switch. The main body has a base located at a bottom and provided with a water tank groove and a water basin having a projected portion formed at a bottom. The water tank possesses a water outlet with plural ribs to engage with a float, a circumferential wall used to combine with a protective hood of the float switch, and a space formed between the water outlet and the circumferential wall for containing the float. The float switch is set between the water tank and the water basin, used to automatically fill water in the water basin by means of the float. When the water tank is separated from the main body, a compressing end of a pressing plate is to push up the float enabling a water stopper to seal the water outlet to prevent water from leaking outside.
US08701699B2 Hot tapping seal assembly
A hot tapping assembly for hot tapping into a multiple string configuration to obtain access to the production tubing without removing outer layers of casing, the hot tapping assembly including a hot tapping clamp and a hot tapping seal assembly. In one embodiment, the hot tapping clamp includes a clamp plate having an access bore. The clamp plate can engage with an outer surface of a pipe. In another embodiment, the hot tapping seal assembly can engage with the hot tapping clamp, and includes a hot tapping tubular that can engage with the outer surface of the pipe through the hot tapping clamp's access bore.
US08701695B2 Wastewater valve arrangement
The present invention relates to a wastewater valve arrangement. The valve arrangement includes a first receptacle for receiving a filter to filter wastewater. A second receptacle receives the filtered wastewater. A valve is provided for impeding the egress of filtered wastewater from the second receptacle. In one embodiment, the valve is configured to be normally open, and is configured to permit the release and ingress of air relative to the second receptacle. The valve may include a float that defines a recess.
US08701693B2 Nozzle check valve
A check valve includes a valve body having a valve seat, a diffuser, a disc coupled to the diffuser, and a compression spring. The diffuser is positioned inside the valve body and has a forward face. The disc is coupled to and movable relative to the diffuser and has an upstream face and a downstream face. The compression spring biases the disc into a normally open position during forward flow. A check valve apparatus further comprises at least one test bore through the valve member in communication with the disc. A method for testing the operation of a passive check valve is also disclosed.
US08701692B2 Collapsible portable shelter
A collapsible shelter includes an improved attachment of the roof poles to the legs. A shelter frame has a leg at each corner. Each leg may have an angled top edge or surface. A scissor assembly attaches adjacent legs to each other. An offset link pivotally attaches the roof poles to the legs, adjacent to the top of each leg. The roof poles can be rigidly attached to the offset link. Extension poles are attached to the roof poles with a bungee or similar elastic element.
US08701690B2 Horizontal frame tensile structure and canted corner elements therefor
The present invention relates to horizontal frame tensile structures (“HFTS”) of the kind employing corner elements to interconnect beams and posts. The corner elements of the invention comprise 1) two arms that engage the ends of adjacent beams, and 2) a leg that engages the top of a post. The arms are splayed so as to produce canted corner angles. Optionally, or additionally, the leg angle of the corner element is canted. Canting the corner angle and/or the leg angle causes the beams to bow upwards and/or outwards, thereby effectively increasing the angle in the horizontal plane between adjacent beams. This bow in the beams is reduced or eliminated when the membrane is attached to the frame, thereby providing straight beams and an aesthetically pleasing profile and introducing beneficial increased tension into the frame.
US08701685B2 Eyelash extension trays
An eyelash extension system includes an extension strip with a backing and a plurality of eyelash extensions. Each extension has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of each extension is joined to the backing and distal end of each extension extends away from the backing. The system also includes an extension tray with at least one curved extension attachment surface to receive the extension strip such that adhering the extension strip to the curved extension attachment surface spreads the distal ends of the extensions farther apart than the proximal ends of the extensions joined to the backing.
US08701683B2 Hair highlighting application tool
Disclosed herein is an application tool (1) and methods to use the same. The application tool (1) comprises two plates (22), connected together. At least one of said two plates (22) comprises a fluid control zone (50), which run along the perimeter edge (30) of said at least one plate (22), a displacement zone (60), which at least partially separate said fluid control zone (50) from a containment zone (70). A hair treatment composition may be loaded onto the containment zone (70). Application of hair treatment compositions through the application tool (1) according to the invention allows for a precise, non-messy and clean targeting of the hair treatment composition on a hair strand and it is especially useful for highlighting and dyeing compositions.
US08701674B2 Immobilization device
An immobilization device including an anterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human chest and an anterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped anterior section generally corresponding to the sternum of the wearer. The device also includes a posterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human back and a posterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped section corresponding to the spinal column of the wearer, with elongate cushion elements connected to and extending within a width of the posterior outwardly bowed area. A strapping system connects both the anterior and posterior components to one another.
US08701673B2 Bruxism protective device
A one-piece molded bruxism treatment device which in upright orientation has top and bottom parts, including: an elongated band having a generally U-shape defining a closed front end part and legs extending rearward and adapted to be positioned around the outer surfaces of a person's upper gums and teeth, and two generally planar resiliently deformable bite pads oriented generally horizontally, each extending from one of the feet of the band medially toward the other.
US08701667B1 Patient interface device with limited support area on the face
A patient interface device includes a support member, a sealing assembly attached to the support member, and a pair of contacting members. The contacting members are coupled to the support member on each side of the sealing assembly. The contacting members are each configured and arranged to contact the user over a limited contacting region, which corresponds to a junction of the orbicularis oris facial muscle, the zygomaticus facial muscle, and the risorius facial muscle.
US08701664B2 Apparatus and method for relieving dyspnoea
Apparatus (1) for relieving dyspnoea in an ambulatory exercising subject comprises a housing (3) to be worn on the subject, and within which a variable speed air blower motor (5) is located for delivering an air supply to the subject through a mouthpiece (10) at a pressure similar to average intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure of the subject. A pressure transducer (25) in the mouthpiece (10) monitors the pressure during breathing cycles of the subject, and a control circuit (22) determines the average intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure of the subject over five breathing cycles. The control circuit (22) operates the air blower motor (5) for delivering the air supply to the subject at a pressure similar to the determined average intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure.
US08701663B2 System and method for determination of transpulmonary pressure in a patient connected to a breathing apparatus
A breathing apparatus (1) is disclosed that is adapted to determine a transpulmonary pressure in a patient (125) when connected to said breathing apparatus. A control unit (105) is operable to set a first mode of operation for ventilating said patient with a first Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) level; set a second mode of operation for ventilating said patient with a second PEEP level starting from said first PEEP level; and determine said transpulmonary pressure (Ptp) based on a change in end-expiratory lung volume (ΔEELV) and a difference between said first PEEP level and said second PEEP level (ΔPEEP). Furthermore, a method and computer program are disclosed.
US08701657B2 Systems for generating nitric oxide
In one aspect, a system for delivering nitric oxide to a patient can include a first gas source including nitrogen dioxide mixed in air or oxygen, a second gas source supplying compressed air, a ventilator coupled to the first and second gas sources, where the ventilator can be resistant to nitrogen dioxide, and where the ventilator provides a gas flow having a proper amount of nitrogen dioxide, one or more conversion devices operably coupled to the ventilator, where the conversion devices covert nitrogen dioxide into nitric oxide, and a patient interface operably coupled to the conversion devices, where the patient interface delivers nitric oxide to the patient.
US08701656B2 Inhaler
An inhaler (1) is proposed for delivering a preferably powdered formulation from a blister strip (3) having a plurality of blister pockets (4). The inhaler comprises a life span blocking device (31) which blocks opening of a cover (15) of the inhaler in a blocking state by means of locking element (39) interlocking the cover with a housing (19) of the inhaler.
US08701639B2 Open railgun with steel barrel sections
An elongated electromagnetic railgun (1) adapted to propel a moving armature (30) through a bore (11) along the length of the railgun (1) from its breech end (21) to its muzzle end (22). The railgun (1) comprises two elongated mechanically rigid electrically conductive barrel sections (13), said sections (13) being spaced apart from each other along the length of the railgun (1). Mechanically coupled via a dielectric (18) to each barrel section (13) is an elongated current carrying rail (14) for providing electromagnetic propulsive force to the armature (30). The two rails (14) face each other across an elongated open channel, defining the bore (11). The two barrel sections (13) are electrically connected to each other at a maximum of one location of the railgun (1).
US08701637B2 Internal combustion engine exhaust gas recirculation apparatus and method of operation
An internal combustion engine system includes a fresh air system, an exhaust gas system and an exhaust gas recirculation system. The exhaust gas recirculation system has an exhaust gas valve assembly for controlling a removal flow at a recirculation line removal point and a fresh air valve assembly for controlling an introduction flow at a fresh air line introduction point. The exhaust gas valve assembly is permanently displaceable between a first position and a second position for generating the removal flow. The fresh air valve assembly is permanently displaceable between a first position and a second position for generating the introduction flow. The valve assemblies are synchronized such that the positive pressure pulses entering at the removal point into the recirculation line meet the negative pressure pulses at the introduction point.
US08701636B2 Variable input driving system and method
A variable-input driving system includes first and second rotatable components rotating at different speeds. First and second sensors measure the rotation of the first and second components, and provide signals to an electronic controller. A drive selector has an input connected to each of the first and second components and an output connected to a driven component. The drive selector is responsive to a command signal from the electronic controller to selectively engage the first or second input with the output such that rotation of the first or second input is transmitted to the driven component based on the first and second signals.
US08701634B2 Zero-governor fitting configuration in gas engine
A zero-governor fitting structure for a gas engine, configured in such a manner that the lower half of a fuel tank for a gasoline engine is utilized as a support box for supporting the zero-governor in which a gas supply inlet pipe and a zero governor can be reliably mounted with vibration and heating of the zero-governor avoided. A zero-governor mounting structure for a gas engine equipped with a zero-governor is provided with a support box fixed to the upper part of the gas engine. The support box is formed as a box having two depths. The zero-governor is supported, through a vibration insulation gasket, on the bottom plate of the shallower depth space of the support box. A gas supply inlet pipe and an elbow joint which is connected to the gas supply inlet pipe and can be bent the direction of the gas flow at a right angle toward the zero-governor are received in the deeper depth space, and the elbow joint is connected to the bottom inlet of the zero-governor.
US08701633B2 Method of fluid injection
The present invention relates to a method of operating an internal combustion engine. With reference to FIGS. (1), (2) and (5), fluid is supplied to charge air using an injector (116, 3116a, 3116b) which in each operation delivers a set amount of fluid. The amount of fluid supplied to the charge air in each engine cycle is controlled by how many times the injector (116, 3116a, 3116b) operates in each cycle. A desired fluid demand is calculated as a number of operations of the injector per cycle, calculated to at least one decimal place. The desired fluid demand is always rounded down or always rounded up to a near integer to provide an output fluid demand for the injector as a number of operations of the injector for the next operating cycle in varying operating conditions of the engine. The rounding difference is aggregated and when the aggregate passes an integer then the fluid demand is adjusted.
US08701632B2 Fuel injector mount
A direct fuel injection fuel system includes a fuel rail cap and a fuel injector received within the fuel rail cap. A clip extends through slots in the fuel rail cap and engages the fuel rail to support the fuel rail within the fuel rail cap. The fuel rail cap includes a groove adjoining the slots to accept a portion of the clip. The clip engages a shoulder on the fuel injector assembly. The shoulder may be on the injector body or on an adapter secured to the injector body.
US08701631B2 Pressure relief valve and high pressure pump with such valve
A valve member of a pressure relief valve has a shaft portion, a pressure receiving portion, and a guide portion, wherein the valve member is axially movable in a fuel return passage. When a forward end of the shaft portion is seated on a valve seta, the fuel return passage is closed, while the shaft portion is separated from the valve seat the fuel return passage is opened. A notched portion is formed at an outer wall of the guide portion to thereby form an outer-surface passage. A fuel inlet port is formed in the valve member for communicating a fuel inlet chamber to the fuel return passage at a downstream side of the valve member.
US08701624B2 Vibration damped article
A vibration damped enclosure comprises side walls and a vibration damping plate structure which extends across the enclosure and is attached to internal surface portions of a first and a second side walls. The vibration damping plate structure (2) comprises a non-rigid layer (12) sandwiched between two rigid layers (13, 14), wherein each rigid layer between the first and second side walls (5, 6) comprises at least one cut (15, 16) through the rigid layer (13, 14) which makes the extension of each rigid layer between the first and second sidewalls (5, 6) discontinuous.
US08701623B2 Multi-link, adjustable-stroke type engine
A multi-link, adjustable-stroke type engine includes: a timing gear provided on and concentrically with a crankshaft; an eccentric gear provided on an eccentric shaft and meshing with the timing gear so that rotation of the timing gear is transmitted to the eccentric gear; a lubricating oil passage provided in a cylinder barrel for supplying lubricating oil to lower shaft end portions of the crankshaft and eccentric shaft; and an ejection section provided in the lubricating oil passage for ejecting lubricating oil toward a meshing engagement section between the timing gear and the eccentric gear.
US08701622B2 Lubrication system for portable four-stroke engine
A lubrication system for a portable four-stroke engine includes an opening end of the breather passage is disposed at substantially a center of a valve-operating chamber, and the valve-operating chamber is formed by attaching a valve-operating chamber cover. An inner cover is attached to an inner surface of the valve-operating chamber cover so as to be provided along and in contact with the inner surface of the valve-operating chamber cover. A suction passage is formed as a gap between the circumferential edge of the top plate portion and the inner cover. Three or more suction tubes that are in communication with the suction passage are provided in the inner cover, each of the suction tubes having an opening end. At least one of the opening ends of the suction tubes is provided lower than the opening end of the breather passage in an attitude of the engine during use.
US08701621B2 Four-cycle engine, bush cutter and engine-driven tool having same
There is provided a four-cycle engine which can appropriately circulate oil in an engine regardless of a tilted condition with a simple structure. A crankcase (4) of a four-cycle engine (1) has a crank room (41) which rotatably supports a crankshaft (10) and an oil room (42) which is provided adjacent to the exterior of the crank room (41). The crankcase (4) also has partition walls (43) and (44) which partition the interior of the crankcase (4) into the crank room (41) and the oil room (42), respectively, and a communication path (45) which communicates the crank room (41) with the oil room (42). The partition walls (43) and (44) each has a cross section formed in a substantially V shape, and the communication path (45) is formed at an apex between the partition walls (43) and (44).
US08701619B2 Internal combustion engine piston
An internal combustion engine piston includes a piston crown, a thrust-side skirt, an anti-thrust-side skirt, a first apron, and a second apron. The first and second aprons are connected to the thrust-side and anti-thrust-side skirts through connecting sections. Each connecting section has a thickness that gradually increases as followed from a proximal longitudinal end to a distal longitudinal end, wherein the proximal longitudinal end is closer to the piston crown, and the distal longitudinal end is closer to a distal longitudinal end of a corresponding one of the thrust-side and anti-thrust-side skirts.
US08701612B2 Laser ignition apparatus
An apparatus for coupling laser light into a combustion chamber of a combustion engine includes a combustion chamber window and a structural element, wherein the combustion chamber window is releasably fixable to the structural element, wherein there is provided an optical window which is arranged at the structural element and is at least region-wise covered by the combustion chamber window.
US08701611B2 Engine drive system
A system for an engine drive that engages a timing band with a camshaft and a crankshaft is provided. The system further includes a coupling device that couples the camshaft to another camshaft that is not engaged with the timing band. The coupling device and the camshafts are in such a configuration that the camshafts rotate in opposing directions.
US08701607B2 System and method for engine valve lift strategy
A system for controlling a valve in an engine is provided. The system includes a pump piston operably coupled to the valve. The valve is displaceable with electro-hydraulic variable valve actuation. The system also includes a cam lobe operably coupled to the pump piston. The cam lobe includes a profile configured so rotation of the cam lobe directs movement of the pump piston. The pump piston movement includes an increasingly accelerated first duration, followed by a decreasingly accelerated second duration, followed by an increasingly accelerated third duration, wherein when the valve is actuated the valve movement is in accordance with the configuration of the cam lobe.
US08701606B2 Variable compression ratio V-type internal combustion engine
A variable compression ratio V-type internal combustion engine joins the cylinder blocks of two cylinder groups together and makes the joined cylinder blocks move relative to a crankcase. The variable compression ratio V-type internal combustion engine includes a first relative movement mechanism and a second relative movement mechanism. The first relative movement mechanism and the second relative movement mechanism can be independently controlled, and a first relative movement distance at one cylinder group side of the cylinder block in the direction of the centerline of the engine which passes through the center of the crank shaft as seen in the front plan view caused by the first relative movement mechanism and a second relative movement distance at the other cylinder group side of the cylinder block in the direction of the centerline of the engine caused by the second relative movement mechanism are able to made different.
US08701602B2 Waste heat steam generator
A waste heat steam generator including evaporator tubes is provided. The evaporator tubes are connected in parallel on the flow medium side, a plurality of overheating tubes are mounted downstream of the evaporator tubes using a water separation system. The water separation system includes water separation elements, each water separation element being respectively mounted downstream of the plurality of evaporator tubes and/or upstream of a plurality of overheating tubes. Each water separating element includes an inlet pipe which is respectively connected upstream to the evaporator tubes, the inlet pipe extending into a water evacuation pipe when seen in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of outflow pipes branch off in the transitional area, the pipes being connected to an inlet collector of the overheating tubes which are respectively connected downstream. A distribution element is arranged on the steam side between the respective water separating element and the inlet collector.
US08701597B2 Apparatus for applying chemicals to rodents
An enclosure is provided having openings for entry of rodents within the enclosure. There is arranged one or more applicators in the form of a suspended flexible web configured to contact rodents entering the chamber and having a chemical on the web for application to the rodents.
US08701592B2 Mask frame assembly, method of manufacturing the same, and method of manufacturing organic light-emitting display device using the mask frame assembly
A mask frame includes a frame and a mask installed on the frame while being stretched in a first direction. The mask includes a deposition area including a plurality of deposition pattern portions, an edge unit formed to have a thickness greater than a thickness of the deposition area and including a first edge and a second edge that extend in the first direction on two sides of the deposition area, and two or more ribs formed to have a thickness greater than the thickness of the deposition area between deposition pattern portions adjacent to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.