最新美国发明专利第2014-05-06期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08715498B2	System and apparatus for treating well flow-back and produced water or other wastewater A polymer-free method and self-draining self-cleaning apparatus for treatment of water with high total dissolved solids including optional pretreatment, precipitation/flocculation, and separation. The pH is raised by addition of caustic soda and/or soda ash. In a vertical clarifier silo, the feed is gently mixed to cause dissolved solids to precipitate and agglomerate to form suspended flocculates. The clarifier includes an internal mixer surrounded by a cylindrical tube diffuser. Rotation of the mixer provides gentle dual circulation patterns within the clarifier that allow for flocculates of a predetermined size to settle from suspension. The clarifier may also include one or more vertical recirculation lines to recirculate some of the heavier flocculates at the bottom of the vessel into the mixer chamber to enhance precipitation via the seeding effect. The suspended flocculates are stripped from the feed water in a centrifugal separator. The clarifier silo may be trailer mounted for rapid deployment.
US08715495B1	Downspout drain connection and filter Included in this disclosure is a downspout drain filter for rain gutter downspouts. The downspout drain filer comprises elongated housing having an axis, a top portion, and a bottom portion. A transition portion connects the top portion to the bottom portion. The top portion includes an intake opening, a top portion perimeter, a debris opening, a filter attachment location, and a downspout attachment location. The downspout attachment location includes a flexible collar that defines a downspout attachment location perimeter that is less than the top portion perimeter. The bottom portion includes a flexible collapsible body that extends from the transition portion. A connection end is positioned opposite the transition portion as a part of the bottom portion. A filter is positioned in the top portion to direct debris out the debris opening and to permit liquid to pass to the bottom portion.
US08715488B1	Method and apparatus for making hybrid crude oils and fuels A simplified process is provided for creating hybrid crude oils and hybrid crude fractions with characteristics superior to the original. The process uniquely combines gases with crude oil or crude fractions in an effervescent turbulent manner at low temperatures and pressures and without the further aid of catalysts. The process breaks large chain hydrocarbons into smaller chain hydrocarbons, molecularly combines carbon, hydrogen, and/or hydrocarbon molecules from the gases with and into hydrocarbon molecules of the crude or crude fraction, and separates contaminants and impurities.
US08715482B2	Electrolytic production of lithium metal The present invention provides a process for preparing lithium alloy or lithium metal from lithium carbonate or its equivalent lithium ion source such as spudomene ore without creating toxic byproducts such as halogen gases and a system adopted for such a process.
US08715479B2	Electroosmotic movable device An electroosmotic movable device is provided, which includes a liquid chamber that houses a liquid, a conductive movable structure that is placed in the liquid chamber and has a rotating shaft or a supporting point and further has a conductive portion, and an electrode for applying an electric field to the conductive movable structure. The conductive movable structure is enabled to move by an electroosmotic flow which occurs in an electric double layer portion formed by being paired with an electric charge induced in the conductive movable structure owing to the electric field which is applied from the electrode.
US08715478B2	Electrically controlled ion transport device A device for electrically controlled transport of ions between a source and a target electrolyte, including: a first source electrode and a first target electrode, each capable of conducting ions and electrons, wherein the source electrode is arranged to receive ions from the source electrolyte and the target electrode is arranged to release ions to the target electrolyte.
US08715476B2	Instrument for independent electrotransfer in multiple cassettes Electrotransfer is performed in an instrument that receives electroblotting cassettes and that contains an integrated power supply, controls, and a display that allows the user to monitor and control each of a plurality of cassettes individually through electrical contacts within the housing that mate with corresponding electrical contacts on the cassettes.
US08715475B2	Microfluidic device for separating, fractionating, or preconcentrating analytes contained in an electrolyte A microfluidic device for separating, fractionating, or preconcentrating analytes contained in an electrolyte having at least two reservoirs separated by at least one microchannel and/or nanochannel. At least part of the wall of the microchannel is made of and/or coated interiorly with a conducting and polarizable material or group of materials constituting a polarizable interface or a network of polarizable interfaces. In that at least one electrode or at least one electrode network is connected at at least one point of the polarizable material or group of materials, the surface electrical conductance of said material being equal to at least 100 nS.
US08715472B2	Substrate processing methods for reflectors A substrate processing method may include forming a plasma; extracting ions from the plasma and accelerating the ions to have uniform or substantially uniform directivity using a grid system; irradiating the ions at a reflector, wherein the reflector includes a plurality of reflecting plates each having a metal plate and an insulating layer on the metal plate, wherein the reflecting plates are parallel or substantially parallel such that the insulating layers are exposed to the ions; reflecting the ions incident on the reflecting plates away from the insulating layers of the reflecting plates; colliding the ions reflected away from the insulating layers with the metal plates to convert the ions into neutral beams; and irradiating the neutral beams onto a substrate to process the substrate.
US08715471B2	Magnetron sputter cathode To be able to realize a relatively wide magnetron sputter cathode, it is proposed that on the vacuum side of a carrier (2) is disposed the sputter target (4) with a backing plate (3), which maintains a gap (14) from the carrier (2). The backing plate (3) is developed as a cooling plate. In it are located cooling means channels (15), which, via an inlet (16) through the carrier (2), are supplied with cooling fluid, which can flow out again via an outlet (17) through the carrier (2). On the atmospheric side is located a magnet configuration (5).
US08715469B2	Disk device for galvanic processing of drinking water An improved galvanic processing device includes disk shaped electrodes made from a metal which have circumferential segments aligned at an angle α relative to the plane of the circumference of the electrode. The circumferential segments may have portions aligned at a different angle β relative to the plane of the circumference of the electrode.
US08715467B2	Method for purifying a chlorine supply This invention provides a method for purifying a chlorine supply that includes a chlorine component, a bromine component, and nitrogen trichloride. The method includes the steps of introducing the chlorine supply into a vaporizer, heating the chlorine supply in the vaporizer to form a vapor, and introducing the vapor into a distillation system to provide purified chlorine gas, a distillate that includes liquid chlorine and the bromine component, and a bottoms component including the nitrogen trichloride. The method also includes the steps of condensing the vapor in a reflux condenser, heating the condensate in a reboiler, removing the purified chlorine gas from the distillation system, and removing the distillate from the distillation system.
US08715461B1	System for preparing at least one flavorant having an aroma and taste of a predetermined form of grilling A system and method for preparation of meat flavorants, and flavorants, having increased flavor and aromatic intensity and which more closely resemble the natural flavor and aroma of cooked meat. Preheated edible, food grade oils and fats are exposed to temperatures between 290° C. and 475° C. under vacuum, in the presence of oxygen. The developing flavor vapors are immediately and completely removed from the heated oils and fats. The mixture of air-purge/flavor-vapor is immediately carried away from the heat transfer surface of the edible oil or fat. An evaporator, preferably a spinning disc, spinning band or thin film evaporator, without a condenser is used as process equipment. The air-purged flavor-vapors are diffused and absorbed in an absorption device into suitable food-grade liquids.
US08715460B2	Apparatus and method for removing a CMP pad from a platen A method and apparatus for removing a pad adhesively secured to a platen. The apparatus includes a barrel assembly having a clamp assembly fixedly attached to a perimeter of the barrel assembly; a rotatable handle assembly nested within the barrel assembly; and a ratchet assembly nested between the handle assemble and the barrel assembly the ratchet assembly configured to engage the rotatable handle assembly.
US08715457B2	Method for detaching and removing a semiconductor chip from a foil The detachment and removal of a semiconductor chip from a foil occurs in accordance with the invention in three phases. In the first phase there is a partial detachment of the semiconductor chip from the foil with mechanical means, but without the participation of a chip gripper. In the second phase the semiconductor chip is further detached from the foil, with the semiconductor chip being held by the chip gripper. In the third phase the chip gripper is lifted and moved away.
US08715454B2	Sealing film and a semiconductor device using the same A method for sealing electrodes on a semiconductor device using a sealing film which includes a resin layer having a flow within the range of 150 to 1800 μm at 80° C., or having a resin layer with a viscosity within the range of 10,000 to 100,000 Pa·s in a B-stage state at 50 to 100° C. in thermosetting viscoelasticity measurement, and containing: (A) both (a1) a high-molecular-weight component including crosslinking functional groups and having a weight-average molecular weight of 100,000 or more and a Tg within the range of −50 to 50° C. and (a2) a thermosetting component including an epoxy resin as a main component, (B) a filler having an average particle size within the range of 1 to 30 μm, and (C) a colorant.
US08715453B2	Method for preparing consolidated multi-layer article using curable epoxy composition with quaternary ammonium bicarbonate curing catalyst Quaternary ammonium bicarbonates are suitable for use as catalysts in curable epoxy compositions. The curable compositions prepared therewith are used to prepare coated substrates, and to produce conformally sealed printed wiring boards and flexible circuits. Methods for preparation and curing are also provided. Of particular utility are compositions comprising benzytrimethyl ammonium bicarbonate. The curable composition is coated onto a first film or sheet, including a polyimide film or sheet. The coated sheet is then contacted to the surface of second film or sheet, where preferably there are discrete metallic conductive pathways disposed thereupon.
US08715451B2	Heat pressing apparatus with puncture prevention function and method for producing woody material [Problem to be Solved] When a wood raw material is heat-pressed in order to produce a woody material or woody board, steam is generated in an interior of the wood raw material. The heat-pressed wood raw material is then decompressed with the steam staying in the interior of the wood raw material. This causes a puncture or a rupture of the woody material. The puncture occurs in the last phase of the production process, thus spoiling the entire production process. In order to avoid the puncture, the wood raw material needs to be dried completely. This requires a large amount of energy.[Solution] In order to solve the foregoing problems, the present invention provides a heat pressing apparatus and a method for producing a woody material, the method including the steps of: (a): coating or spraying a bonding material on a wood raw material that is an aggregate composed of a single plate, a sheet-like article in which fibers are opened by a rolling, a thin stick-like article, a flake-like article, a strand-like article, and the like; (b): forming the wood raw material coated or sprayed with the bonding material in the step (a) into a specified shape; and (c): heat-pressing the wood raw material formed into the specified shape, while subjecting the wood raw material to degassing treatment to release the steam, which is generated and stays in the interior of the wood raw material, to the outside, thus to obtain the woody material.
US08715450B2	Foamed member, foamed member laminate, and electric or electronic device using foamed member The present invention provides a foamed member capable of inhibiting or preventing foam breakage at the time when the foam member is peeled from a carrier tape, even when the foamed member has a high expansion ratio. The foamed member has a thermoplastic resin foam layer containing a thermoplastic resin foam formed through a step of impregnating a high-pressure inert gas into a thermoplastic resin and subsequently reducing pressure, and at least one of a thermoplastic polyester-based resin layer and a thermoplastic elastomer resin layer disposed on at least one side of the thermoplastic resin foam layer.
US08715449B2	Process for forming an insulated container having artwork A container is formed to include and interior region and a mouth opening into the interior region. The container includes a floor, a side wall coupled to the floor to define the interior region between the floor and the side wall, and artwork on the side wall.
US08715447B2	Laminated microfluidic structures and method for making A method for making a polymeric microfluidic structure in which two or more components (layers) of the microfluidic structure are fixedly bonded or laminated with a weak solvent bonding agent, particularly acetonitrile or a mixture of acetonitrile and alcohol. In an aspect, acetonitrile can be used as a weak solvent bonding agent to enclose a microstructure fabricated in or on a non-elastomeric polymer such as polystyrene, polycarbonate, acrylic or other linear polymer to form a three-dimensional microfluidic network. The method involves the steps of wetting at least one of the opposing surfaces of the polymeric substrate components with the weak solvent bonding agent in a given, lower temperature range, adjacently contacting the opposing surfaces, and thermally activating the bonding agent at a higher temperature than the lower temperature range for a given period of time. The contacted polymeric substrates may also be aligned prior to thermal activation and compressed during thermal activation. A laminated, polymeric microfluidic structure is also disclosed.
US08715444B2	Imaging device and imaging device manufacturing method A technique capable of satisfying both higher functionality and higher accuracy in a compact imaging device is sought to be provided. In order to accomplish the above object, an imaging device is formed by lamination of a plurality of layers including: an imaging element layer that has an imaging element part; a lens layer that has a lens part whose distance from the imaging element part is changeable, and is disposed between a subject and the imaging element part; and an actuator layer that has an actuator part to move the lens part, and is disposed between the subject and the imaging element part.
US08715443B2	Method for producing spectroscopic sensor A method of manufacturing a spectroscopic sensor 1 comprises a first step of forming a cavity layer 21 by nanoimprinting on a handle substrate; a second step of forming a first mirror layer 22 on the cavity layer 21 after the first step; a third step of joining a light-transmitting substrate 3 onto the first mirror layer 22 after the second step; a fourth step of removing the handle substrate from the cavity layer 21 after the third step; a fifth step of forming a second mirror layer 23 on the cavity layer 21 without the handle substrate after the fourth step; and a sixth step of joining the light detection substrate 4 onto the second mirror layer 23 after the fifth step.
US08715440B2	Method and means for protecting a windshield from further damage before repair is possible One possible embodiment of the invention could be a methodology of preventing an existing crack or break in the vehicle windshield from becoming larger comprising of the steps, providing a laminate with a UV light-permeable barrier film having least one side to which UV light curable adhesive is applied to it, a peel-able cover reversibly applied over the adhesive; providing a windshield with at least a small crack or chip in its surface; removing the peel-able cover from the adhesive; applying the barrier film to the windshield in a manner to cover the crack or chip so that the adhesive comes in contact with the windshield; and transmitting UV light through the film to the adhesive to cure it into a rigid substrate connection between the barrier film and the windshield that resists various forces acting upon the windshield that would otherwise increase the size of crack or chip.
US08715438B2	Gimbal press A computing device includes a touchpad having a plurality of internal diaphragms that allow the touchpad to sense downward force inputs. The diaphragms are evenly glued about their circumferential edge portions to an internal flat surface by way of a gimbal press. The gimbal press can include a force delivery component coupled to an upper plate having an internal depression, a lower plate having a ball bearing that accepts force from the upper plate via the internal depression, a flexible ring member, and a compliant annular component. Both plates have a plurality of interlocking features with grooves extending therethrough that accept the flexible ring member. Force is evenly distributed to the diaphragm via a gimbal effect at the ball bearing, and the flexible ring member centers the upper and lower plates with respect to each other while permitting some relative tilt and rotation between the plates.
US08715436B2	Microfabricated biopolymer scaffolds and method of making same The invention is a series of soft lithographic methods for the microfabrication of biopolymer scaffolds for use in tissue engineering and the development of artificial organs. The methods present a wide range of possibilities to construct two- and three-dimensional scaffolds with desired characteristics according to the final application. The methods utilize an elastomer mold which the biopolymer scaffold is cast. The methods allow for the rapid and inexpensive production of biopolymer scaffolds with limited specialized equipment and user expertise.
US08715434B2	Method of removing an out-of-tolerance area in a composite structure A method of removing an out-of-tolerance area in a composite structure may comprise determining a location of the out-of-tolerance area within the composite structure, and selecting a volume of the composite structure to be removed based on the location of the out-of-tolerance area. The method may further include programming a machine tool to remove the volume and to pause after removal of each one of a quantity of layers of the volume. The method may additionally include removing one of the layers using the machine tool.
US08715433B2	Method for fabricating liquid crystal display panel A method for fabricating a liquid crystal display panel includes a step where, on a first mother substrate having an alignment film formed thereon, a first sealing member is provided to surround a display area and overlap the alignment film, and a second sealing member is provided such that the second sealing member extends along at least a side of the first sealing member and is spaced from the alignment film; and a step where the first mother substrate having the first and second sealing members provided thereon and a second mother substrate having an alignment film formed thereon are attached to each other such that the first and second sealing members are united each other with their side edges being in contact with each other.
US08715427B2	Ultra high strength steel composition, the process of production of an ultra high strength steel product and the product obtained The present invention is related to a steel composition, a process for producing a steel product having said composition, and said steel product itself. According to the invention, a cold-rolled, possibly hot dip galvanized steel sheet is produced with thicknesses lower than 1 mm, and tensile strengths between 800 MPa and 1600 MPa, while the A80 elongation is between 5 and 17%, depending on the process parameters. The composition is such that these high strength levels may be obtained, while maintaining good formability and optimal coating quality after galvanising. The invention is equally related to a hot rolled product of the same composition, with higher thickness (typically about 2 mm) and excellent coating quality after galvanising.
US08715424B2	Method of removing material from a surface of a metal work piece A method of removing material such as surface treatments, metal coatings, and other material layers from an edge region of a metal work piece where they could potentially contaminate a nearby weld. According to one embodiment, a scraper tool includes a body having a base portion and a tab portion, and several scraping elements attached to the base portion. During operation, the scraping elements scrape one or more surfaces of the edge region so that the depth to which the scraping element engage the metal work piece is generally affected by the amount of rotation of the scraper tool about a pivot axis.
US08715422B2	Shoe sole cleaning system and method A shoe sole cleaning device includes a housing for storing a plurality of sanitation wipes therein. The cleaning apparatus includes a separation platform for supporting a scrubbing member thereon and a plurality of displacement pins coupled to the platform. The pins are positioned and configured to force a portion of a sanitation wipe into a corresponding retention member coupled with a scrubbing pad of a hand-held scrubbing member. There is also provided a lid that atmospherically seals the cleaning system to prevent evaporation and drying of the plurality of sanitation wipes.
US08715419B2	Method for treating, pressing and washing biomass A method to process cellulosic material in a treatment vessel including: introducing the cellulosic material to a processing chamber of the vessel; adding heat energy or pressure to the vessel to hydrolyze the cellulosic material in the processing chamber and dissolve hemi-cellulosic from the cellulosic material; compressing the cellulosic material in the processing chamber; extracting the dissolved hemi-cellulosic material through a screen from the processing section; draining the extracted hemi-cellulosic material from the vessel; and discharging the cellulosic material from the vessel separately from the extracted hemi-cellulosic material.
US08715417B2	Film forming apparatus The invention provides a multi-film forming apparatus including a substrate holder stock chamber for storing a plurality of substrate holders separately from a path in the multi-film forming apparatus, so that production can be performed without being affected by the process of removing a film accumulated on the surface of the substrate holder and the process of replacing the substrate holder, or by the process of removing a film accumulated on the surface of the substrate holder or the process of replacing the substrate holder, and hence high-throughput production is possible. A branch path is provided on the path of the multi-film forming apparatus, and a substrate holder stock chamber for storing a plurality of substrate holders which enables retrieval of the substrate holder from the path and feeding of the substrate holder to the path is provided.
US08715415B2	Vitreous silica crucible for pulling silicon single crystal Provided is a vitreous silica crucible for pulling silicon single crystals, which can melt a silicon raw material in a short time and improve production yield of silicon single crystals by temporal change of an opaque vitreous silica layer. The vitreous silica crucible includes an opaque vitreous silica layer(11) provided on an outer surface thereof and containing plural bubbles, and a transparent vitreous silica layer(12) provided on an inner surface and not containing bubbles substantially. The opaque vitreous silica layer(11) has a bubble diameter distribution in which the content of bubbles having a diameter of less than 40 μm is 10% or more and less than 30%, the content of bubbles having a diameter of 40 μm or more and less than 90 μm is 40% or more and less than 80%, and the content of bubbles having a diameter equal to or more than 90 μm is 10% or more and less than 30%. Relatively small bubbles contained in the opaque vitreous silica layer(11) contribute to the thermal conductivity of a crucible at an initial pulling stage, and relatively large bubbles contained in the opaque vitreous silica layer are expanded through a long-term pulling process to thereby largely contribute to the warmth retaining property of the crucible at a later pulling stage.
US08715414B2	Process for producing Si(1-v-w-x)CwAlxNv base material, process for producing epitaxial wafer, Si(1-v-w-x)CwAlxNv base material, and epitaxial wafer There are provided a Si(1-v-w-x)CwAlxNv substrate that achieves high crystallinity and low costs, an epitaxial wafer, and manufacturing methods thereof.A method for manufacturing a Si(1-v-w-x)CwAlxNv substrate according to the present invention includes the steps of preparing a different type of substrate 11 and growing a Si(1-v-w-x)CwAlxNv layer having a main surface on the different type of substrate 11. The component ratio x+v at the main surface of the Si(1-v-w-x)CwAlxNv layer is 0
US08715412B2	Laser-irradiated thin films having variable thickness Systems for processing thin films having variable thickness are provided. A crystalline film includes a first crystalline region having a first film thickness and a first crystalline grain structure; and a second crystalline region having a second film thickness and a second crystalline grain structure. The first film thickness is greater than the second film thickness and the first and second film thicknesses are selected to provide a crystalline region having the degree and orientation of crystallization that is desired for a device component.
US08715408B2	Aggregate-based mandrels for composite part production and composite part production methods A method for forming a composite structure, using a mandrel that is later removed from the composite structure, involves production of a mandrel by depositing a particulate mixture, including an aggregate and a binder, into a mold and removing the mandrel from the mold. The mandrel may be treated while still in the mold by heating, curing with an agent, microwave energy, or by some combination thereof. Once finished, the mandrel can be used in manufacturing polymer and/or composite components. The mandrel can also be include materials that can be easily removed from the finished composite structure by water, shakeout, chemically dissolving, or by some combination thereof.
US08715405B2	Sol for sol-gel process coating of a surface and coating method by sol-gel process using same Sol for the sol-gel coating of a surface, said sol comprising, in percent by weight: a)—3% to 30%, preferably 5% to 20%, more preferably 7% to 15%, especially 8% to 14%, more especially 10% to 13%, for example 10.8% or 12%, of at least one organometallic compound of zirconium, aluminium or titanium; b)—5% to 50%, preferably 5% to 40%, more preferably 10% to 40%, especially 15% or 20% to 30%, for example 22% or 23%, of at least one organosilane compound; c)—1% to 15%, preferably 2% to 10%, more preferably 3% to 8%, for example 5%, of at least one compound selected from acids, bases, glycols and ethoxyethanol; d)—the remainder to 100% of demineralized or distilled water; the total amount of a) and b) being greater than 30%, preferably greater than 31.2%; 31.5%; 32%; or 33%, more preferably greater than 35%, especially greater than 40%, more especially greater than 50%. Kit comprising: a first container containing a first part A, in liquid form, comprising components a), c) and d) of the sol; a second container containing a second part B, in liquid form, comprising component b) of the sol. Process for preparing a sol-gel layer employing said sol and layer thus obtained, and substrate coated with at least one such sol-gel layer.Process for preparing a coating comprising two or more layers on a surface of a substrate, at least one of these layers being a sol-gel layer prepared by the process above.
US08715401B2	Methods and systems for separating condensable vapors from gases Condensable vapors such as carbon dioxide are separated from light gases in a process stream. The systems and methods employ a particle bed cooled by an in-bed heat exchanger to desublimate the condensable vapors from the process stream. The condensable vapors are condensed on the bed particles while the light gases from the process stream, which are not condensed, form a separated light-gas stream. The separated light-gas stream can be used in a recuperative heat exchanger to cool the process stream.
US08715400B2	Double vacuum pump apparatus, gas purification system provided with double vacuum pump apparatus, and exhaust gas vibration suppressing device in double vacuum pump apparatus A double vacuum pump apparatus (Y2) includes positive displacement vacuum pumps (40A, 40B) and lines (52, 60). Each of the vacuum pumps includes a suction port (41) and a discharge port (42), and a pressure detector (80) is provided in the vicinity of the suction port (41) of the double vacuum pump apparatus (Y2). The line (52) connects the discharge port (42) of the vacuum pump (40A) to the suction port (41) of the vacuum pump (40B). The line (60) has an end (E6) and an end (E5) that are connected to the connection line (52), and includes a buffer tube (Z1) and an on-off valve (61) located between the tube (Z1) and the end (E5). A pressure detection signal from the pressure detector (80) is used as an on/off signal for the on-off valve (61).
US08715399B2	Particulate filtering with filter cartridges having cylindrical segment shapes A filter cartridge which includes a filter medium having a cylindrical segment shape and a channel disposed within the filter medium for receiving fluid filtered through the filter medium. A method of increasing a filter medium surface area of a filter or lowering pressure drop across the filter that has a plurality of filter cartridges disposed in a filter vessel. The method includes removing at least one filter cartridge from the filter vessel and replacing the removed filter cartridge with a filter cartridge that includes a filter medium having a cylindrical segment shape. The latter filter cartridge also includes a channel disposed within the filter medium for receiving fluid filtered through the filter medium.
US08715391B2	High temperature filter A high temperature filter containing a membrane, a support substrate, and a porous adhesive layer. The porous adhesive layer is adjacent the inner surface of the membrane and the inner surface of the support substrate such that the membrane and the support substrate sandwich the porous adhesive layer. The porous adhesive layer comprises an adhesive having an adhesive operating temperature of at least about 450° F. The support substrate is a woven textile, a non-woven textile, a knit textile, or a film, and has a support operating temperature of at least about 500° F.
US08715390B2	Method of separating off trace components from a fraction containing at least nitrogen and helium A method is described for separating off trace components from a fraction (1) containing at least nitrogen and helium, wherein this fraction is partially condensed (E) before enrichment of the helium. The partially condensed fraction (2) is fed at least in part to at least one separation column (T) and separated therein into a helium-rich gas fraction (6) and a nitrogen-rich liquid fraction which also contains the unwanted trace components (5).
US08715389B2	Co-current and counter current resin-in-leach in gold leaching processes A method and system are provided in which a gold and/or silver-collecting resin-in-leach circuit comprises both co-current and counter-current sections.
US08715388B2	Process of precious metal recovery and color removal from an organosilicon product-containing liquid reaction medium The present invention relates to a process for recovery of a precious metal catalyst from an organosilicon product-containing liquid reaction medium containing precious metal catalyst.
US08715387B2	Process for making silver powder particles with small size crystallites The process for making silver powder particles with small size crystallites uses a combination of gum arabic and maleic acid with the reduction of a silver salt with ascorbic acid. Silver thick film paste containing these silver powder particles can be used in electronic applications to form electrodes for semiconductor devices and, in particular, solar cells.
US08715383B2	Method and apparatus for applying air filters A filter clip for holding a filter media over a supply/return/exhaust of an HVAC system includes a hook portion that secures to a grid of a suspended ceiling system and a filter holding portion that is connected to the hook portion such that the filter holding portion is biased towards the grid and/or a grille. An air filter placed between the filter holding portion and the grid and/or grille is held against the grid and/or grill until, for example, until construction is complete or the filter needs to be changed or removed, thereby covering the supply/return and reducing contamination of the HVAC system from construction dirt/debris.
US08715382B2	Ventilation member A ventilation member (100) of the invention includes a tubular part (11), a gas permeable filter (19), and a cover part (31). In an attached state where the tubular part (11) is fit into the cover part (31), gaps functioning as gas passages (AR2 and AR3) are formed between a bottom portion (35) of the cover part (31) and the gas permeable filter (19) and between a side wall portion (39) of the cover part (31) and a body portion (17) of the tubular part (11). The opening area (S2) of a filter-end opening (15) with respect to an in-plane direction (WL) perpendicular to the thickness direction of the gas permeable filter (19) is larger than the opening area (S1) of a connection-end opening (13) with respect to the in-plane direction (WL).
US08715381B2	Bonded abrasive article and method of forming An abrasive article includes a body having abrasive grains contained within a bond material comprising a metal or metal alloy, wherein the body comprises a ratio of VAG/VBM of at least about 1.3, wherein VAG is the volume percent of abrasive grains within the total volume of the body and VBM is the volume percent of bond material within the total volume of the body.
US08715375B2	Fuel compositions A diesel fuel composition comprising a performance enhancing additive, wherein the performance enhancing additive is the product of a Mannich reaction between: (a) an aldehyde; (b) a polyamine; and (c) an optionally substituted phenol; wherein the molar ratio of component (c) to component (b) in the reaction mixture used to prepare the performance enhancing additive is at least 1.5:1.
US08715374B2	Methodology of post-transesterification processing of biodiesel resulting in high purity fame fractions and new fuels A methodology for separation and subsequent handling of FAME fractions of biodiesel, comprising of the steps, providing a biodiesel containing several different FAME fractions mixed together, the biodiesel being at a first temperature wherein at the first temperature none of the FAME fractions of the biodiesel have crystallized; bringing the biodiesel to a first crystallizing temperature, wherein when the biodiesel reaches the first crystallizing temperature, a first FAME fraction remains in a non-crystallized, liquid phase while the remaining FAME fractions crystallize; and separating the liquid first FAME fraction from the remaining crystallized FAME fractions.
US08715371B2	Fuel composition A domestic heating fuel composition, comprising (a) a paraffinic hydrocarbon composition comprising at least 90 wt % normal paraffins and/or iso-paraffins comprising from 6 to 24 carbon atoms, wherein the weight ratio of iso-paraffins to normal-paraffins is below 6 to 1, and (b) at least one compound having a C/H molar ratio of above 0.8 and soluble in component (a) at ambient conditions, wherein the component (b) is present in the fuel composition in an amount effective to increase the responsiveness of a yellow/red flame detector to a required threshold level.
US08715369B2	Laundry treatment compositions The present invention provides a treatment composition comprising a hydrophobic dye.
US08715368B2	Thiophene azo dyes and laundry care compositions containing the same This application relates to thiophene azo dyes for use as hueing agents, laundry care compositions comprising such thiophene azo dyes, processes for making such thiophene azo dyes, and laundry care compositions and methods of using the same. The thiophene azo dyes contain a formally charged moiety and are generally comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. Suitable chromophore components generally fluoresce blue, red, violet, or purple color when exposed to ultraviolet light, or they may absorb light to reflect these same shades. These thiophene azo dyes are advantageous in providing a hueing effect, for example, a whitening effect to fabrics, while not building up over time and causing undesirable blue discoloration to the treated fabrics. The thiophene azo dyes are also generally stable to bleaching agents used in laundry care compositions.
US08715365B1	Injectable hip hemiarthroplasty The invention discloses a surgical technique and apparatus for minimally invasive replacement of a fractured femoral head in hip arthroscopy. The fractured femoral head is first removed from the patient, and an incision made on the patient on a lateral aspect of the operative thigh. A hole is then drilled into the cortex of the operative femur of the patient through the incision. The femoral neck and femoral canal of the operative femur are reamed by inserting a reamer through the drilled hole. A hip prosthesis is then inserted into the wound and injected with molding. The hip prosthesis includes a femoral component having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end inserted and anchored in the reamed femoral canal, and a femoral head component with smooth surface. The femoral head component contains a deflated balloon that, when inflated with molding, is similar to a neo-femoral head.
US08715364B2	Aspheric hip bearing couple A joint prosthesis device comprises a head configured to fit within a cup. The cup includes a concave cup surface defined by at least one radius of curvature RC. The head includes a convex head surface defined by at least one radius of curvature RH. The convex head surface is configured to engage the concave cup surface. The convex head surface provides an articulation zone where the head surface engages the cup surface. RC differs from RH in the articulation zone by a first amount. The convex head surface also provide a peripheral zone outside of the articulation zone. RC differs from RH in the peripheral zone by a second amount that is greater than the first amount. The peripheral zone generally extends over an area subtended by a minimum angle having a vertex at a center of the head.
US08715358B2	PCL retaining ACL substituting TKA apparatus and method A new class of total knee replacement includes a posterior cruciate ligament retaining anterior cruciate ligament substituting apparatus and method. Particular design considerations include: 1) a specific extension surface separate from the flexion surface, 2) rotational control in full extension to create the so-called screw-home mechanism, 3) translation restraints that will substitute for ACL function including a CAM-post or other abutment mechanism while allowing normal PCL function which should improve natural proprioception, 4) a modified femoral component with separate radii of curvature for the flexion and extension arcs of at least one condyle, and 5) a tibial component with slope built into the posterior aspect of its bone contacting surface on both sides of the PCL.
US08715355B2	Spinal fusion cage with removable planar elements The present disclosure relates to an intervertebral fusion cage that is equipped with generally planar elements disposed on at least one of the top, bottom or lateral wall of a fusion cage, such planar elements reversibly covering at least one opening to prevent leakage of fusion promoting material.
US08715354B2	Intervertebral implant An intervertebral implant includes a three-dimensional body and a securing plate. The three-dimensional body includes a front surface and a rear surface. The three-dimensional body further includes a plurality of boreholes for accommodating fixation elements. The intervertebral implant also includes a front plate disposed at the front surface of the three-dimensional body and having a plurality of boreholes. A securing plate can be fastened to the front plate.
US08715352B2	Buckling disc replacement An artificial disc replacement implant is provided that includes an implantable body having a superior surface adapted to be positioned adjacent to an endplate of a superior vertebra, and an opposite inferior surface adapted to be positioned adjacent to an endplate of an adjacent inferior vertebrae. The implantable body includes at least one wall formed therein and extending between the superior and inferior surfaces. The wall(s) can be adapted such that, when the implantable body is disposed between the endplates of adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae, the wall(s) will buckle by moving laterally and shorting in height under a load applied thereto by movement of the adjacent vertebrae. The implantable body can also include at least one opening formed adjacent to the wall(s) and extending between the superior and inferior surfaces of the implantable body.
US08715345B2	Accommodating intraocular lens Systems, devices, and methods are presented for a prosthetic injectable intraocular lens. The lenses can be made from silicone, fluorosilicone, and phenyl substituted silicone and be semipermeable to air. One or more silicone elastomeric patches located outside the optical path on the anterior side but away from the equator can be accessed by surgical needles in order to fill or adjust optically clear fluid within the lens. The fluid can be adjusted in order to set a base dioptric power of the lens and otherwise adjust a lens after its initial insertion. The elastomeric patches are sized so that they self-seal after a needle is withdrawn. A straight or stepped slit in the patch can allow a blunt needle to more easily access the interior of the lens.
US08715342B2	Annuloplasty ring with intra-ring anchoring Apparatus is provided that includes an annuloplasty system for use on a subject. The system includes an annuloplasty ring, which includes a sleeve having a lumen, and at least one anchor, shaped so as to define a coupling head and a tissue coupling element, which tissue coupling element is shaped so as to define a longitudinal axis, and is configured to penetrate cardiac tissue of the subject in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The system further includes an anchor deployment manipulator, configured to be removably positioned within the lumen of the sleeve, and, while so positioned, to deploy the tissue coupling element from a distal end of the deployment manipulator through a wall of the sleeve into the cardiac tissue in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tissue coupling element and parallel to a central longitudinal axis through the distal end of the deployment manipulator.
US08715340B2	Endovascular device with membrane Embodiments of a uniformly porous membrane covering an endoprosthetic device, for example, a stent used to treat an aneurysm, are described. Some embodiments have a pore size and spacing that provides a material ratio of between 70-80% in the deployed state. Material ratio is the proportion of the total porous segment of the membrane that corresponds to membrane material, the remainder being pores. In some embodiments, pore size ranges from about 10-100 μm. In some embodiments, pores are equidistantly spaced with pore spacing in a range of about 40-100 μm. The combination of pore size and spacing are effective to provide a membrane that substantially prevents flow to the aneurysm, while maintaining flow to perforator vessels. In some embodiments the membrane includes permanently attached agents that promote attachment of endothelial cells or progenitors and healing of the aneurysm, or reduce immune responses detrimental to the healing process.
US08715339B2	Bioerodible endoprostheses and methods of making the same A bioerodible endoprosthesis erodes by galvanic erosion that can provide, e.g., improved endothelialization and therapeutic effects.
US08715331B2	Stent edge protection and methods A catheter assembly and related methods directed to stent edge protection for an edge of a stent. One example stent edge protect member is positioned with a distal end portion of the stent edge protect member arranged proximal of and adjacent to a proximal end of the stent. The stent edge protect member defines an outer surface that transitions from an outer surface of the stent at the proximal end of the stent to an outer surface of the catheter branch on which the stent edge protect member is positioned. The stent edge protect member can be positioned on a single catheter branch or multiple catheter branches.
US08715329B2	Thermal treatment device The present invention is directed to a reusable pain relieving treatment device, such as a belt, and a disposable thermal device having one or more thermally conductive components that extend from a surface of the device and are capable of transferring heat, cold or vibrations from disposable or reusable devices to targeted sections of the user's body.
US08715325B2	Bone joining apparatus and method Provided is a bone joining device suitable for joining a first bone piece to a second bone piece. Also provided is a method of joining a first bone piece with a second bone piece in a living mammal. The method comprises inserting the above bone joining device between the first bone piece and the second bone piece.
US08715321B2	Spinal facet fastener A spinal implant includes a first leg configured to abut a surface of an inferior articular process of a first vertebra that forms one portion of a spinal facet joint between the first vertebra and an adjacent second vertebra, a second leg configured to abut a surface of a superior articular process of the adjacent second vertebrae that forms another portion of the spinal facet joint between the first vertebra and the adjacent second vertebra, and a cross-member connected between the first and second legs and maintaining the first and second legs in a spaced-apart relationship. The spinal implant may restrict flexion and/or extension of the spinal facet joint when received about the spinal facet joint.
US08715316B1	Offset vascular treatment devices Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measurable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.
US08715314B1	Vascular treatment measurement methods Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measureable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.
US08715311B2	K-wire and method for surgical procedures A surgical guide wire or K-wire and method of use are provided. The K-wire or guide wire has opposite end portions and a shank portion in between. One end portion has a deformable end portion that, once outside of a confining guide passage, can be deformed to present a projected forward facing area that is larger than the transverse cross section of the K-wire or guide wire while in the passage. The increased area will provide increased resistance to additional forward axial movement into the surgical site.
US08715300B2	Delivery system, method, and anchor for medical implant placement A delivery system and method for placing a medical implant, such as for diagnosing, monitoring and/or treating cardiovascular diseases. The delivery system includes a hollow catheter, an anchor coupled to the catheter, and an implant secured within the anchor. The anchor has a base portion with first and second longitudinal ends and a cage therebetween. The anchor further has flexible arms, flexible legs, features for securing the medical implant within the cage of the base portion, and a coupler portion connected to and spaced apart from the second longitudinal end of the base portion. Surfaces of the arms and legs are adapted to clamp the anchor to a wall. The system further includes a pusher wire adapted to cause the anchor to acquire a stowed configuration in which the legs axially extend from the base portion, permitting the anchor to be retrieved after its deployment.
US08715295B2	Temporary retention device A retention device for anchoring indwelling catheters, sheath introducers, feeding tubes, ostomy bags or other medical devices beneath the skin of a patient includes an deployable section coupled to a medical device; following introduction into a patient, the deployable section is subcutaneously deployed, securely anchoring the device and coupled medical device for the duration of treatment.
US08715292B2	Hand held integrated pedicle screw placement device A device for applying a medical element has a housing defining a longitudinal axis with a channel disposed therethrough. The housing has a proximal and a distal opening. The device also has at least one sensing device positioned adjacent to the distal opening. The device also has a signaling device disposed adjacent the housing. The at least one sensing device interrogates a bone location for one or more variables of the bone location as the device is moved over the bone location. The at least one sensing devices outputs a signal to the device and the signaling device signals an identification of a homogenous bone region. The medical element is applied to the homogenous bone location coaxially from the proximal opening through the channel and through the distal opening without removal of the device from the homogenous bone region.
US08715291B2	Arthroplasty system and related methods A method of manufacturing an arthroplasty jig is disclosed herein. The method may include the following: generate two dimensional image data of a patient joint to undergo arthroplasty, identify in the two dimensional image data a first point corresponding to an articular surface of a bone forming the joint, identify a second point corresponding to an articular surface of an implant, identify a location of a resection plane when the first point is correlated with the second point, and create the arthroplasty jig with a resection guide located according to the identified location of the resection plane.
US08715289B2	Patient-specific numerically controlled instrument A medical device for preparing a bone of a joint of a patient includes a numerically controlled instrument having a housing including a controller, a processor and a tool driver, a patient-specific reference guide removably couplable to the housing, and a cutting tool removably coupled to the tool driver. The patient-specific reference guide has a three-dimensional inner surface preoperatively configured to mirror and mate with a corresponding surface of a bone of a joint of a patient in only one position. The patient-specific reference guide is configured to automatically register the numerically controlled instrument to the patient's bone portion intraoperatively. The cutting tool is movable along a patient-specific tool path determined during the preoperative plan for preparing a portion of the bone.
US08715285B2	Pectus bar stabilizer A pectus bar stabilizer assembly and method includes a first base part separable from a second base part. The first and second base parts combine to define a channel therebetween. A pectus bar is received by the channel and a retainer assembly retains the pectus bar in the channel.
US08715280B2	Magnetically guided catheters A magnetically-guided catheter includes a tip positioning magnet in the distal electrode assembly configured to interact with externally applied magnetic fields for magnetically-guided movement. A magnetically-guided mapping catheter includes an electrically-conductive capsule in the form of a casing that includes a distal ablation surface and isolates the positioning magnet from bio-fluids to prevent corrosion. An open irrigation ablation catheter includes an isolated manifold that isolates the positioning magnet from contact with irrigation fluid to prevent corrosion.
US08715277B2	Control of jaw compression in surgical instrument having end effector with opposing jaw members A surgical instrument comprising a surgical instrument with opposing jaw members for clamping tissue therebetween. The surgical instrument may comprise a latch at a distal end of the end effector. The latch latches the distal end of the first jaw member to the distal end of the second jaw when the jaw members are in the closed position. Also, one of the jaw members may comprise a moveable tissue-contacting portion and a thermally-controlled spring adjacent to the tissue-contacting portion. The thermally-controlled spring is transitionable between a contracted state and an expanded state. The thermally-controlled spring may comprise a temperature-dependent, two-way memory effect, shape memory material. In the expanded state, the thermally-controlled spring urges the moveable tissue-contacting portion in a direction toward the other jaw member when the jaw members are in the closed position.
US08715267B2	Assemblies, systems, and methods for vacuum assisted internal drainage during wound healing Assemblies, systems, and methods convey fluid from an internal wound site or body cavity by applying negative pressure from a source outside the internal wound site or body cavity through a wound drain assembly that is placed directly inside the internal wound site or body cavity.
US08715262B2	Barrier flap for an absorbent article An elastic barrier flap for an absorbent article includes a web configured to define a gap and a plurality of elastic members captured by the web. The plurality of elastic members is symmetrically arranged about the gap defined by the web. The web and plurality of elastic members are adapted to inhibit the transverse flow of body exudates released by a wearer of the absorbent article.
US08715259B2	Casing A casing for an injection device of the type having a safety device which prevents operation of the device, incorporating an actuator means by which the safety means of the device can be actuated to allow operation of the device. Also a casing for a medicament container having an opening closed prior to use by a break-off tip, having relatively movable first and second casing parts, which on relative movement apply a breaking force to the break-off tip. A preferred embodiment includes both such features.
US08715255B2	Fastening device for a drainage container A fastening device for fastening an outer container (1) of a drainage container comprises a snap lock (12). Said snap lock (12) has a slot/slot pin connection (42, 13). A leaf spring (12) having a projecting nose (12′) is arranged at a lower end of the connection and engages behind a lower edge of the slot (42) or the slot pin (13). The fastening device according to the invention allows the drainage bag to be replaced in a simple and reliable manner. The corresponding drainage container is inexpensive to produce and allows a reliable operation.
US08715253B2	Reduced pressure, compression systems and apparatuses for use on joints A system for providing reduced-pressure treatment to a moveable tissue site, such as a joint, includes a flexible dressing bolster. The flexible dressing bolster has a first side and a second, inward-facing side, and a plurality of flexion joints formed on the flexible dressing bolster. The system further includes a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal over the flexible dressing bolster and the patient's epidermis and a reduced-pressure subsystem for delivering a reduced pressure to the sealing subsystem. The sealing subsystem and reduced-pressure subsystem are operable to deliver a reduced pressure to the moveable tissue site. The flexible dressing bolster is operable to allow articulation or movement of the moveable tissue site. The sealing subsystem may include a drape with folds. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are presented.
US08715252B2	Apparatus for applying roll-on and rub-on medications A clamp and handle is designed exclusively for holding purchased containers of rub on and roll on pain killers, deodorants and any other substance that is in a container with a built in applicator. The handle is for applying these substances to hard or impossible places to reach due to anatomy or injury. The clamp, handle and knob are constructed from PVC that has a smooth glossy finish for the purpose of not causing any injury. The PVC can move smoothly over skin. The knob is flower shaped to make it easier to grip. The knob and clamp body prevent the stainless steel screw from scratching any skin. The screw will never rust.
US08715251B2	Surgical access port and method of using same A surgical access port for insertion into a body cavity can have an elongate tubular body extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end, and a tip at the distal end of the tubular body for penetrating through a body wall and into the body cavity. The distal tip moves from a first, penetrating position to a second, retaining position when the body wall has been traversed. The surgical access port may further comprise a seal housing connected to the proximal end of the tubular body, the seal housing having an access port providing an opening into the tubular body to allow passage of surgical instruments. The distal tip may be sharp, pointed or bladed. The distal tip may also be substantially blunt or have a conical surface. The access port may further comprise a retention member for connecting the tubular body and the distal tip.
US08715250B2	Safety catheter and needle assembly An intravenous catheter and safety needle assembly is disclosed which includes a catheter assembly, a needle assembly and a needle guard. The needle guard is supported within a hub of the catheter and is positioned to engage an enlarged diameter portion of a needle of the needle assembly during withdrawal of the needle from the catheter assembly to effect an inversion of the needle guard about a sharpened tip of the needle.
US08715249B2	Trocar safety cap A safety cap for use with a trocar, the cap including an opening in the cap adapted to receive a trocar therein, a releasable lock mechanism disposed within the opening, and a permanent lock mechanism disposed within the opening. The safety cap may be provided on a trocar, the releasable locking mechanism being actuated to release the trocar from the cap. After use, the trocar may be reinserted into the safety cap and permanently locked therein by the permanent locking mechanism, thereby providing for safe disposal of the used trocar.
US08715248B2	Vascular access device time sensitive status indication A vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a period of time has elapsed in relation to the use of the vascular access device.
US08715246B2	Medicament container holder arrangement The present invention relates to a medicament container holder arrangement comprising a medicament container holder 16 and a medicament container 18 wherein the medicament container holder 16 is provided with distally arranged support surfaces 25 for flanges 24 arranged on a distal part of the medicament container 18 to be placed in said medicament container holder 16, which medicament container 18 is arranged with a needle shield 20 to the proximal end thereof, wherein said needle shield 20 has a diameter generally equal or larger than the diameter of said medicament container 18, wherein said medicament container holder arrangement further comprises holders arranged on the container holder for holding said medicament container 18 around a proximal shoulder portion 22 thereof and a resilient support element 23 arranged between the flanges 24 and the support surfaces 25 whereby the holders and the resilient support element 23 absorb and spread forces between the medicament container and the container holder.
US08715242B2	Snap-seal sterile intravascular catheter-dressing system Devices and methods are provided for inserting a sterile catheter, and for maintaining a sterilely sealed catheter and catheter insertion site over time. In one embodiment, a four-part integrated system is provided that includes (1) a novel vascular catheter with integrated uniform diameter mounting, capping, and needle safety procurement features, (2) a novel vascular catheter dressing designed to specifically mate with and seal to this vascular catheter to achieve a sterile seal both at the catheter-skin insertion site and the catheter-dressing exit site, (3) a hub protection and sterilizing apparatus that serves to stabilize, protect, and sterilize the working end of the catheter hub as it protrudes from the sterile dressing, and that also helps to improve the ergonomics of the catheter-dressing complex in order to avoid snagging on clothing etc., and (4) a whole dressing accessory secondary cover and securement device.
US08715240B2	Apparatus and method for convection enhanced therapeutic delivery A system for convection enhanced delivery of therapeutic comprises one or more flexible, biocompatible microcatheters that are directed to a target location to deliver a therapeutic agent. The microcatheter is releasably coupled to a guide tube and directed to the desired location. The microcatheters are small and flexible in order to reach the target areas, minimize trauma at the injection site, and minimize reflux of the injectable therapeutic.
US08715237B2	Method and apparatus for detecting errors, fluid pressure, and occlusions in an ambulatory infusion pump An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting a force sensor failure in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on the current measurements, the infusion pump detects when the plunger slide is seated in the reservoir, and detects a problem with the force sensor when the force sensor independently fails to register a value indicating that the plunger slide is seated in the reservoir.
US08715234B2	Device for locating epidural space while safeguarding against dural puncture through differential friction technique A device for locating a cavity within two walls including a syringe including a syringe piston slideable in a first syringe barrel for discharging air or fluid contained in the first syringe barrel on forward movement of the syringe piston into the cavity, the first syringe barrel being attached to a hub of a needle cannula; and a frame which at least in part encases the syringe and which is solely connected to the back of the syringe piston.
US08715232B2	Portable infusion pump with cannula inserter and pain reduction mechanism An apparatus for insertion of a subcutaneously insertable element within a body of a patient is described: The apparatus is used for delivery of a therapeutic fluid into a body of a patient and/or sensing of a bodily analyte The apparatus allows alleviating of pain associated with the penetrating of the skin of the patient during needle insertion.
US08715231B2	Hinged cap for needle device A hinged cap device for use with a syringe includes a base defining an interior cavity for mounting onto a tip and a cap connected to the base by a living hinge. The cap is moveable from a ready position to an open position to expose a needle, and from the open position to a secured position to prevent relative rotation between the cap and the base. A first latching mechanism is on the cap for engaging the needle, the first latching mechanism locatable on a first side of the needle in the ready position and locatable on a second side of the needle in the secured position. The needle is disengageable from the first latching mechanism in the ready position, and the needle is not disengageable from the first latching mechanism in the secured position.
US08715226B2	Active cannula for bio-sensing and surgical intervention A method for guiding a surgical cannula having a plurality of overlapping flexible tubes includes determining a desired cannula path; selecting the plurality of flexible tubes, wherein each of the flexible tubes within the plurality has a pre-formed curvature and a flexibility; determining a final overlap configuration of the plurality of flexible tubes such that a resulting curvature of the overlap configuration substantially corresponds to the desired cannula path; and determining a plurality of intermediate overlap configurations of the plurality of flexible tubes. Each of the intermediate configurations correspond to the desired cannula path.
US08715224B2	Infusion pump apparatus, method and system An infusion pump system is disclosed. The system includes a syringe having a plunger within the syringe barrel, the syringe having an exit end, at least one temperature determination device adjacent to the syringe, at least one device to determine the distance the plunger has moved with respect to the syringe barrel, and a pump processor in communication with the at least one temperature determination device and the at least one optical sensor, wherein when the controller determines a change in temperature and a corresponding plunger movement, the controller increases or decreases a preprogrammed basal rate of the infusion pump by a predetermined amount for a predetermined time.
US08715223B2	Device and method for delivery of a drug depot near the nerve Drug depot delivery devices and methods are provided for delivering one or more drug depots in close proximity to the nerve of a patient with or without repositioning the cannula. The device includes 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 near the nerve.
US08715222B2	Fluid control device with valve and methods of use A fluid control device for directing fluid flow comprising a needleless access device for transferring fluids and methods of directing fluid flow. The fluid control device may have a first port, a second port, a third port and a connecting portion joining the first, second and third ports. A first valve element may be positioned within the first port and a fluid director may be positioned within the connecting portion. The first valve element may move between an opening position, where fluid may flow past the first valve element, and a closed position, where fluid may be prevented from flowing past the first valve element. The fluid director may have at least one passageway for connecting at least two of the first, second and third ports such that fluid may flow therebetween. An actuation mechanism may be used to orient the fluid director and, consequently, the at least one passageway within the connecting portion.
US08715214B2	Method and device for filling a supply device of a therapy appliance A method is provided for the filling of a metering apparatus of a therapy device having an extracorporeal circuit with which the metering apparatus is in communication such that an agent can be infused into the extracorporeal circuit during the operation of the therapy device by means of the metering device. The method includes a step of diluting a concentrate located in the metering apparatus by taking up a diluting agent from the extracorporeal circuit.
US08715212B1	Neck/back support system A belt positionable around a lower back of a wearer has a first end, a second end, a center, an interior surface and an exterior surface. A neck support has a base fabricated of a rigid material covered with a padding layer of a closed cell elastomeric foam material. The base is in a cylindrical configuration with a horizontal axis. A tube assembly is formed of upper and lower tubes each having an upper end and a lower end. A lower bracket is coupled to the exterior surface of the belt at the center. The lower end of the lower tube has a lower pivot pin pivotably coupled to the lower bracket. An upper bracket is attached to the base of the neck support at an axial central extent. The upper end of the upper tube has a pivot pin pivotably coupled to the upper bracket.
US08715211B1	Versatile foot cushion A cushioning device is capable of conforming to a variety of areas on the human foot. The device includes a thin, transparent, circular body of compliant material and a notch with angled sides and an extended base. The shape and placement of the notch allows the body to fit complex contours.
US08715209B2	Methods and devices to modulate the autonomic nervous system with ultrasound In some embodiments, sympathetic nerves surrounding arteries or leading to organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate physiologic processes. In some embodiments, different types of energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In some embodiments, bioactive agents or devices activated by the energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the energy is enhanced by such agents.
US08715208B2	Assessment of gait A method of monitoring or assessing the motion of the limbs of a body when performing repetitive cyclic activity uses inertial measurement units secured to each of the limbs to be monitored. The operation of all of the IMUs is synchronized by way of a pulse from a computer. On performing the repetitive cyclic activity such as walking, running, trotting or galloping, the outputs of the IMUs are assembled and analyzed in realtime, to determine the relative phase of the limb movements, from which an assessment of the gait may be made.
US08715206B2	Acoustic patient sensor According to certain described aspects, multiple acoustic sensing elements are employed in a variety of beneficial ways to provide improved physiological monitoring, among other advantages. In various embodiments, sensing elements can be advantageously employed in a single sensor package, in multiple sensor packages, and at a variety of other strategic locations in the monitoring environment. According to other aspects, to compensate for skin elasticity and attachment variability, an acoustic sensor support is provided that includes one or more pressure equalization pathways. The pathways can provide an air-flow channel from the cavity defined by the sensing elements and frame to the ambient air pressure.
US08715205B2	Loop tip wire guide An elongate medical device configured for navigation through a lumen is provided. The device includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion includes a first interlocking connector. The device further includes a loop portion operably connected to the distal portion. The loop portion includes a second interlocking connector configured for connecting to the first interlocking connector. A medical system is also provided including a catheter and a wire guide. A method of making a wire guide is provided.
US08715204B2	Wireless vaginal sensor probe Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a temperature sensing device that can comprise an elastic ring structure. The temperature sensing device can further comprise a transducer device, such as a temperature sensor, and a microprocessor, memory and wireless transmitter. Such an arrangement can incorporate a passive (battery free), battery assisted or active battery powered transponder circuit with temperature measurement capability. The elastic ring structure can be forced in a spring loaded state when elastically deformed thus becoming retained when disposed in a vaginal vault. In one embodiment, an active RF receiver or an RFID reader is brought in proximity to the temperature sensing and transmitting device arrangement, such as near a woman's pelvis from the outside to read the temperature and record it in a Central Processing Unit, CPU, associated with the receiver or RFID reader, such as a portable, handheld computer or wireless device.
US08715203B2	Composite electrode An electrode for applying electric fields to a patient includes a plurality of ceramic elements (e.g., ceramic discs) that are designed to be positioned against the patient's skin. Electrical connections are made to the ceramic elements (e.g., using a flex circuit). Temperature sensors (e.g., thermistors) are preferably provided at at least some of the ceramic elements to sense the temperature at the skin beneath the ceramic elements, so that appropriate action can be taken if an overtemperature condition is detected.
US08715201B2	Detection of body sounds Disclosed is a method for detecting and monitoring body sounds in humans and animals, in which bioacoustic sensors and analyzers that are mounted downstream are used for the stationary or mobile long-term monitoring of intensive care patients' respiration, for example. The patients' lung sounds are detected and stored along with measured data which are available right away especially for the early detection of diseases and acute disturbances. Adequately monitoring intestinal sounds makes it possible to evaluate peristalsis and detect mechanical/paralytic ileus early on. An early warning system for the clinical sector immediately generates signals allowing doctors and nurses to take rapid action in case of an emergency. The inventive apparatus requires a maximum of only three bioacoustic sensors (12), each of which can be fixed to a point of an object body (K) facing the object, a maximum of one sensor (14) for recording surrounding noises, a maximum of four separable channels (11) for recording and transmitting sound signals or sound data detected by the sensors (12), and devices for supplying power and forwarding, converting, storing, and displaying sequences of signals or data on or in a recorder or a computer unit (20).
US08715195B2	System and method for accurate placement of a catheter tip in a patient A system for accurate placement of a catheter tip in a patient, the system including a catheter adapted for placement within a patient, the catheter having a tip at a distal end thereof and having a proximal end which is normally located outside of the patient, a pressure sensor adapted to sense pressure at the tip of the catheter and catheter tip placement location indicating circuitry operative in response to at least an output of the pressure sensor for indicating the location of the catheter tip in the patient.
US08715193B2	Determination of the clinical state of a subject The invention relates to the determination of the clinical state of a subject. In order to bring about an uncomplicated method for monitoring the clinical state of a subject and for accomplishing a diagnostic scale, such as a nociception scale, on which a certain reading corresponds to the same level for all patients, a normalization transform is applied to a measurement signal containing physiological data obtained from a patient, whereby a normalized measurement signal having a predetermined value range is obtained. The normalization transform is dependent on predetermined history data, such as previous signal data of said measurement signal. A diagnostic index dependent on the normalized measurement signal is then formed, the diagnostic index serving as a measure of the clinical state of the patient. The diagnostic index may be formed based on one or more normalized measurement signals.
US08715192B2	High voltage ultrasound transmitter with symmetrical high and low side drivers comprising stacked transistors A system and method for providing a high voltage ultrasonic drive signal from an ultrasound transmitter are disclosed herein. An ultrasound transmitter includes a first driver and a second driver. Each of the drivers includes an N-type device and a P-type device. The N-type device and the P-type device of each driver are serially coupled. Activation of the first driver drives an ultrasound transmitter output to a first voltage. Activation of the second driver drives the ultrasound transmitter output to a second voltage. The driver activations produce an ultrasonic drive signal at the ultrasound transmitter output.
US08715188B2	Medical diagnostic ultrasound scanning and video synchronization Real-time scanning and display of images is synchronized for ultrasound imaging. The scanning rate requirements for obtaining a frame of ultrasound data are determined. The video rate for imaging is adjusted as a function of the scanning rate.
US08715180B2	Medical data management system and process Systems and processes for managing data relating to one or more medical or biological conditions of a plurality of subjects (such as patients) over a wide area network, such as the Internet, may be employed for diabetes subjects or subjects with other medical conditions requiring monitoring and/or treatment over time. Such systems and processes provide various functions for several types of users, including patients or subject-users, healthcare provider-users and payor entity-users and combinations thereof, which allow for improved treatment and medical data management of individual subjects and groups of subjects and which allow collection and analysis of aggregate data from many subject sources, for improving overall healthcare practices of providers and subjects (e.g., patients).
US08715179B2	Call center quality management tool Systems and methods for call center quality management are provided. A sensor may monitor a response of a dialogue participant. A reference index may correlate the response to a known condition. A processor device may detect the known condition or a threshold number of known conditions. The processor may relate the known condition to feedback. A feedback mechanism may provide the feedback to the participant. The feedback may be provided based on the known condition. The feedback may be configured to improve call center quality. The feedback may be transmitted during a call. The feedback may be based on the threshold number.
US08715178B2	Wearable badge with sensor Systems and methods for a wearable badge with a sensor are provided. The badge may include a sensor. The sensor may monitor a response of a wearer. The sensor may monitor a response of an individual facing the wearer. A reference index may correlate the response to a known condition. A processor device may detect the known condition or a threshold number of known conditions. The processor may relate the known condition to feedback. A feedback mechanism may provide the feedback to the wearer. The feedback mechanism may provide the feedback to the individual facing the wearer. The feedback may be provided based on the known condition. The feedback may be configured to provide guidance to the wearer and the individual facing the wearer. The feedback may be based on the threshold number.
US08715170B2	Objective optical system for endoscope An endoscope objective optical system includes, in order from an object side, a first lens composed of a negative single lens, a second lens composed of a positive single lens, an aperture stop, a third lens composed of a positive single lens, and a fourth lens composed of a positive combined lens, the third lens having a meniscus shape having a convex surface facing the image side. The endoscope objective optical system satisfies the following conditions: 0.3n1, (3) 0.61.8 (5) Df is the distance from a surface of the first lens facing the object side to the aperture stop, f is the focal length of the entire system, IH is the maximum image height of the entire system, and d1 is the center thickness of the third lens.
US08715163B2	Electronic apparatus with noise shielding A processing device (2) includes an analog circuit block (6), a digital circuit block (7), a casing (12) which houses elements including (6) and (7) and serves as a conductive shield member, and a connecting connector (13) which has functions, for example, of electrically connecting the casing (12) and a first ground terminal (6a) provided in the analog circuit block (6). Level of noise signals generated from the analog circuit block (6) is lower than the level of noise signals generated from the digital circuit block (7). Therefore, when the casing (12) is electrically connected to the first ground terminal (6a) provided in the analog circuit block (6), the casing (12) can maintain a stable potential thereby more effectively working as the conductive shield member. Thus, leakage of the noise signals generated at driving of internal electronic circuitry is effectively suppressed in an electronic apparatus such as a receiving apparatus.
US08715160B2	Method and apparatus for external stabilization of the heart The present disclosure is directed to an external cardiac basal annuloplasty system (ECBAS or BACE-System: basal annuloplasty of the cardia externally) and methods for treatment of regurgitation of mitral and tricuspid valves. The BACE-System provides the ability to correct leakage of regurgitation of the valves with or without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, particularly when the condition is related to dilation of the base of the heart. This ECBAS invention can be applied to the base of the heart epicardially, either to prevent further dilation or to actively reduce the size of the base of the heart.
US08715154B2	Optically coupled cochlear actuator systems and methods A transducer is configured to couple to the cochlear fluid so as to transmit sound with low amounts of energy, such that feed back to a microphone positioned in the ear canal is inhibited substantially. The cochlear fluid coupled hearing device can allow a user to determine from which side a sound originates with vibration of the cochlea and the user can also receive sound localization cues from the device, as feedback can be substantially inhibited. The transducer may be coupled to the cochlear fluid with a thin membrane disposed between the transducer and the cochlear fluid, for example with a fenestration in the cochlea. In some embodiments, a support coupled to the transducer directly contacts the fluid of the cochlea so as to couple the transducer to the cochlear fluid.
US08715153B2	Optically coupled bone conduction systems and methods A hearing device can allow a user to determine from side which a sound originates with bone conduction vibration of the cochlea and the user can also receive sound localization cues from the device, as feedback can be substantially inhibited with bone conduction vibration of the cochlea. An output transducer assembly can be positioned on a first side of the user to vibrate a first bone tissue near a first cochlea with a first amount of energy, such vibration of a second cochlea on a second side with a second amount of energy is attenuated substantially, for example at least about 6 db, such that the user can localize the sound to the first side. A microphone may be located on the first side and coupled to the output transducer assembly, such that the user localizes the sound to the first side detects sound localization cues.
US08715147B2	Handle assembly with compressible rotating grip mechanism An attachment for exercise equipment is disclosed. The attachment is a handle assembly with a compressible rotating grip mechanism. The grip mechanism includes a swivel grip rotatably attached to the handle, and a floating grip coupled to the swivel grip by one or more pins. The grip mechanism includes one or more springs between the swivel grip and the floating grip.
US08715141B2	Fitness device and production method The invention relates to a fitness device for exercising the lower limbs, characterized in that the pedals (112), the frame (12) and the various means (13) for articulation, pressure resistance and pedal-restoring, are designed as a single component, consisting of at least one single plate (1) in an elastic material in a V shape with a rounded apex or a U shape with parallel or flared branches, one of the branches (11) thereof being provided with an opening (111) opening up at the base of the “V” or the “U”, for forming the two pedals (112), the other branch (12) thereof forming the frame for the two pedals, and each rounded apex (13) thereof that connects each pedal (112) to the frame (12) forming, as a single component, the means for articulation, pressure-resistance and restoring each pedal.
US08715139B2	Portable fitness monitoring systems, and applications thereof Portable fitness monitoring systems, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, a portable fitness monitoring system includes a portable fitness monitoring device, a sensor in communication with the portable fitness monitoring device for sensing performance parameters during a physical activity conducted by the user and communicating performance parameter data to said portable fitness monitoring device, a portable music device coupled to the portable fitness monitoring device, and an audio output device coupled to the portable fitness monitoring device, wherein music is transmitted from the portable music device to the audio output device through the portable fitness monitoring device.
US08715136B1	Torque converter slip control based on motor torque during transient events A hybrid vehicle with an engine, an electric drive motor and battery, an automatic transmission with a torque converter having a bypass clutch, and a powertrain controller dynamically adjust the torque converter slip to balance fuel economy and drivability during a transient torque request by using motor torque to satisfy the transient torque and applying feed forward control of the fluid pressure in the bypass clutch based on the motor torque and feedback control of the slip to maintain torque converter torque ratio substantially constant during the transient event.
US08715135B2	Control device for hybrid vehicle automatic transmission A control device for a hybrid vehicle automatic transmission. A friction engagement element control unit includes a first play elimination control unit that sets a first pressure as the pressure for a first set time where the predetermined friction engagement element is engaged using a hydraulic pressure from the electric oil pump in a travel state in which only the rotary electric machine serves as a drive source. The first play elimination pressure is lower than a play elimination pressure for use in the case where the predetermined friction engagement element is engaged using a hydraulic pressure from the mechanical oil pump in a travel state in which the internal combustion engine serves as a drive source.
US08715134B2	Stepless gear ratio variator A stepless gear ratio variator for wind generators wherein the transmission of motion between a driving member and a driven member takes place through friction of the respective convex contact surfaces translating simultaneously along respective incident axes of rotation; these surfaces being constrained, in use, to remain constantly in contact by means of a pair of support brackets mutually connected in an articulated manner by means of a pair of plates, pivoted to the same support brackets according to axes passing through the center of the contact surfaces of the driven and driving members.
US08715133B2	Rotary units, rotary mechanisms, and related applications The invention relates to rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate.
US08715123B2	Rotation urging mechanism and pulley device A rotation urging mechanism includes an outer member which includes an outer raceway surface on an inner periphery thereof and is rotatable about a first axis, an inner member which includes, on an outer periphery thereof, an inner raceway surface disposed on a radially inner side of the outer raceway surface and is rotatable about the first axis, and a ball disposed rollably between the outer raceway surface and the inner raceway surface. One of the outer and inner raceway surfaces is formed about a second axis which is inclined with respect to the first axis, and the other raceway surface is formed about a third axis which is inclined with respect to the second axis and is disposed so as to cross the one raceway surface. The ball is disposed at a portion of intersection between the outer and inner raceway surfaces.
US08715119B1	Adjustable drive system An adjustable chain drive system is adapted for uses such as moving product through a conveyor system, and can be configured using a chain, belt or similar structure. Two driven sprockets are movable on a slide, allowing the distance between them to be adjusted. In one example, such adjustment allows conveyor belts to be separated by a desired distance. A drive sprocket and endless chain is used in the drive system. In one configuration, the endless chain includes an adjustable chain segment separating the first and second driven sprockets. To compensate for movement of the first and/or second driven sprockets and change in length of the adjustable chain segment between them, lengths of first and/or second secondary adjustable chain segments adjacent to the adjustable chain segment are varied.
US08715115B2	Disc hoops game and apparatus A game apparatus comprising a mount and a goal can be attached to basketball hoops and serve as a target. This allows a basketball court to be used for an entirely new game using said game apparatus and flying sport discs. The method of playing includes two teams of players, each attempting to score on one target while preventing the opposing team from scoring on a separate target. Players may move with, pass, and shoot the flying sport disc. Points are accumulated for goals scored when the flying sport disc is thrown through a target. The basketball court provides ready markings used for shots, throw-ins, and defining out of bounds in the present game method.
US08715110B2	Foam-core golf balls A golf ball with a controlled moment of inertia and controlled spin rate is disclosed. In one embodiment, the golf ball comprises a core, an intermediate layer and a cover, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a foamed highly neutralized polymer, has its specific gravity reduced to less than about 1.05, wherein the reduction in the specific gravity of the intermediate layer is less than about 25% to minimize the reduction in the coefficient of restitution of the golf ball to about 6% or less.
US08715107B2	Golf club head A golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention may include a face portion or strike-face wall comprising a top inner boundary, an intermediate inner boundary, and a bottom inner boundary having a bottom-inner-boundary toe portion and a bottom-inner-boundary heel portion. The strike-face wall may further include a first uniform-thickness region, adjoining the top inner boundary, and a variable-thickness region adjoining the uniform-thickness region and a majority of the bottom inner boundary. In another example, the variable-thickness may adjoin a majority of the top inner boundary and the uniform-thickness region may adjoin a majority of the bottom inner boundary.
US08715105B2	Golf club head having an interchangeable bridge member A cavity back golf club head having an interchangeable bridge member is disclosed. The interchangeable bridge member extends across a rear cavity connecting a heel and a toe of the golf club head to control the trajectory of a golf ball.
US08715101B2	Iron golf club An iron golf club has a club length L measured in accordance with 60-degrees method of at least 36.5 inches, and it includes: a carbon shaft; a weight attached to said carbon shaft; a grip attached to one end of said carbon shaft; and a head attached to the other end of said carbon shaft. Sum total of mass of the carbon shaft, the weight, the grip and the head is at least 0.3996 kg and at most 0.4197 kg. A value r/L, where r represents a distance from an upper end of the grip to the center of gravity of the iron golf club, is at least 0.765 and at most 0.795. Thus, an iron golf club realizing improved easiness of swing can be provided.
US08715090B2	Information processing device, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium An information processing device configured to control a game in which a plurality of teams competes in a game field including a plurality of unit areas for occupation of the unit area, the information processing device includes: an occupant team determination unit configured to determine a team to occupy the unit area; a point providing unit configured to provide a point set to the unit area to a team to occupy the unit area; a storage unit configured to store an acquired point of each of the teams; a comparison unit configured to compare the acquired points of the teams; and a special area setting unit configured to set a special area that provides a special point in the unit area at a position where a team having a few acquired points more easily occupies the special area than a team having many acquired points from among the plurality of unit areas in accordance with the compared acquired points of the teams.
US08715087B2	Video game including user determined location information A method, apparatus and computer program product for a video game including user determined location information is presented. Location information (e.g. GPS, Google Maps, an entered address or the like) determined by a user of a video game is acquired. Then user determined location information relating to a physical location determined by the user is mapped to a video game environment wherein the user of the video game experiences objects from the users entered location while playing the video game.
US08715081B2	System and method for using a game to interact with television programs A system, computer-readable storage medium including instructions, and a computer-implemented method for obtaining votes for participants in a television program are described, in which code for a game is transmitted to a computer system, where the game includes an in-game voting module that allows a player of the game to cast votes for participants in a television program. At least one vote for at least one participant in the television program is received from the in-game voting module. A database including vote counts for the participants in the television program is updated based on the at least one vote for the at least one participant.
US08715080B2	Game system, game controller A first game controller that can be used by both a first game apparatus and a second game apparatus transmits its operation data by using a data format having a first data region including a header, a second data region including key data, and a third data region including data of an extended controller. A second game controller that can be used by the first game apparatus also uses a data format having similar three data regions, but the second data region is merely secured as a region, while all operation information is included in the third data region and transmitted.
US08715079B1	Curved floating virtual display An apparatus comprises a video device configured to output a video image. The apparatus comprises a curved beam splitter positioned in optical alignment with the video device, wherein a convex surface of the curved beam splitter is configured to receive the video image being output from the video device. The apparatus also includes a rotationally symmetrical mirror positioned in optical alignment with the curved beam splitter such that a part of the video image from the video device is directed to the rotationally symmetrical mirror, wherein the part of the video image reflected off the rotationally symmetrical mirror produces a curved aerial image.
US08715078B1	Advertising and golf practice device An advertising and golf training device is provided with a ball impact detector, image display, a database of advertising images, controller for selecting an image from the database for display and displaying the image upon display in response to signal from the ball impact detector, and confirmation system.
US08715076B2	Wagering game with multiple viewpoint display feature A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game. The gaming system further includes at least one display for displaying a plurality of game elements. The at least one display is adapted to display a first three-dimensional view of the plurality of game elements from a first viewpoint and a second three-dimensional view of at least one of the plurality of game elements indicating a randomly-selected outcome from a second viewpoint. The first three-dimensional view and the second three-dimensional view are rendered in real-time.
US08715073B2	Controlling application data in wagering game systems A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include receiving application data provided from multiple applications on a wagering game machine. The application data can indicate needs by the multiple applications to present content on the wagering game machine. The operations can also include prioritizing the presentation of the content based on control rules that govern interoperability between the multiple applications. The operations can also include determining access rights, subscription levels, or other limitations on the multiple applications to present the content and access to each other's application data. The operations can further include presenting controls so that player accounts can modify the manner or priority of presenting the content.
US08715072B2	Generating rules for maintaining community integrity Various metrics as may be deployed in an active, passive, or hybrid validation architecture are disclosed. A computing device configured to monitor network game activity may identify an inconsistency between user game data and a particular game metric governing a particular aspect of the network gaming environment. Upon identification of an inconsistency between game data and a game metric, which may indicative of illicit game play, a validation process (e.g., active, passive, and/or hybrid) may be implemented to further confirm the existence of illicit game. Alternatively, an action to maintain integrity of the gaming community may be executed without further confirmation whereby a purportedly illicit game device may be ejected from the network.
US08715071B2	Power winners processing system and method A system and method is disclosed for running an automated campaign for progressive games. The system automatically awards a maximum amount of progressive prizes set by the casino during a progressive prize time to multiple progressive winners.
US08715069B2	Head-to-head and tournament play for enriched game play environment Methods and systems for enhanced head-to-head hybrid gaming are provided. An enhanced head-to-head hybrid game has a gambling game with a real world engine that provides a randomly generated payout for the gambling game, an entertainment software engine that executes an entertainment game providing outcomes upon a player's execution of the entertainment game, and a game world engine that manages the entertainment software engine and communicates gameplay gambling event occurrences based upon a player's execution of the entertainment game that trigger the gambling game. A global betting manager receives player performance measurements from the game world engine, determines tournament eligibility, assigns a tournament handicap based at least in part upon the performance measurements from the game world engine and sends information concerning these parameters to the game world engine which is configured to implement each assigned handicap and tournament eligibility within the enhanced head-to-head hybrid game.
US08715068B2	Anti-sandbagging in head-to-head gaming for enriched game play environment Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention operate an anti-sandbagging hybrid game. One embodiment includes an anti-sandbagging hybrid game, including: a gambling game; an entertainment game; a game world engine constructed to manage the entertainment game and communicate gameplay gambling event occurrences based upon a player's skillful execution of the entertainment game that trigger randomly generated payouts for the gambling game to the gambling game; and an anti-sandbagging module constructed to: receive player performance measurements for at least one player from the game world engine; assign an anti-sandbagging provision to the at least one player based at least in part upon the performance measurements for the at least one player from the game world engine; and send information concerning the anti-sandbagging provision to the game world engine that configures the game world engine to implement the assigned anti-sandbagging provision within the anti-sandbagging hybrid game.
US08715066B2	System and method for electronic fund transfers for use with gaming systems An electronic fund transfer (EFT) system for managing and transferring electronic funds from a user's financial account to a credit system includes a credit system configured to dispense credit to a user via physical or electronic credit means, an electronic fund transfer (EFT) device, a secure payment gateway configured to connect to the user's financial accounts via a financial asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network, a host system connected to the credit system via a local network, a funds management portal connected to the host system and the secure payment gateway, and means for transferring electronic funds from the user's financial account to the credit system via the secure payment gateway. The funds management portal accounts and reconciles the transferred electronic funds. All communications between the secure payment gateway and the host system pass through the funds management portal. The EFT device includes a secure client-side application for receiving instructions from the user for transferring electronic funds from the user's financial account to the credit system and means for transmitting the fund transfer instructions to the user's financial account. The EFT device is configured to connect to the secure payment gateway and to communicate with the user's financial account and to transmit the instructions for transferring electronic funds from the user's financial account to the credit system via the secure payment gateway.
US08715060B2	Secondary game triggering technique for bonus game A secondary game is played continuously over a series of reel-type main games on a video gaming device, where the successful outcome of the secondary game is the initiation of a bonus game. Therefore, the player is enticed to keep playing due to the player's investment in the secondary game and the expectation of playing the bonus game. At the beginning of a playing session, a visual indicator, such as a colored tile, is located at each of the symbol positions. The virtual reels are then spun and randomly stopped to display random symbols. If there is a winning combination of symbols, such as three of a kind, the indicators at those symbol positions are changed, such as being extinguished. The player keeps playing the main games until there are no more indicators. When all indicators are extinguished, a bonus game is initiated.
US08715058B2	Reel and video combination machine Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for displaying game related information on gaming machines. The gaming machines include two or more game presentation devices such as rotating reels, video display screens, touch screens, etc. One or more of these game presentation devices can be moved into and out of position with respect to other game presentation devices. This may allow, among other things, flexibility in presenting different types of games or different game features within a single game.
US08715057B2	Multi-win bingo gaming system and method A system and method for playing a game of chance, either as a primary or secondary game offering, having a first winning criterion associated with matching player indicia on a player card to house indicia selected or otherwise determined by operator calls include awarding a first prize for every player card that satisfies the winning criterion after each operator call less than or equal to a first number of operator calls and awarding a subsequent prize for every player card that satisfies the same winning criterion after each call up to and including a second number of operator calls and continuing the game until at least all calls up to and including the second number of calls have been made.
US08715054B2	Gaming system and a gaming method A gaming system with a free play mode. The gaming system has a game controller configured to process game play instructions in accordance with game rules to produce game outcomes. A credit meter is under the control of the game controller, the credit meter incremented or decremented in accordance with the game outcomes during normal play. A player interface is in data communication with the game controller. The player interface comprising a display that displays game outcomes to the player and operable to cause a free mode instruction to be communicated to the game controller. The game controller is configured to deactivate the credit meter in response to receipt of a free mode instruction.
US08715053B2	Clock hand bonus game In various embodiments, a clock hand bonus game is provided. Moreover, in various embodiments, a system, method and apparatus is provided for a bonus gaming machine. The bonus gaming machine operates with a face and two clock hands which rotate about the face. The bonus gaming machine operates in conjunction with a base gaming apparatus. The face displays a set of indicia which the two clock hands may point to as indication of a prize. The prize may be awarded in conjunction with a prize of the base gaming machine or independently.
US08715051B2	Continual limit hold'em quasi-tournaments A method of simulating a gaming tournament utilizing a plurality of electronic game machines in a quasi-tournament includes the steps of: a) receiving value from a plurality of human users of the electronic game machines, the received value corresponding to a plurality of wagering credits whereby each human user is provided with a plurality of wagering units enabling the human user to participate in the quasi-tournament by playing one or more games on one of the electronic game machines, b) initiating a machine-implemented game on each game machine used in the quasi-tournament, whereby a human user may play the game using the electronic game machine to participate in the quasi-tournament, c) receiving input from the human user via a user interface associated with the electronic game machine to play the machine-implemented game, d) determining an outcome for each machine-implemented game played by each of the plurality of human users using the electronic game machines, e) updating the number of wagering units held by each human user based upon each outcome determined in step d), f) repeating steps b)-e) for the duration of the tournament, g) comparing the number of wagering units won by each human user in the quasi-tournament and determining one or more winners of the quasi-tournament and h) providing value to the one or more winners of the quasi-tournament.
US08715047B2	Ceiling-mounted air conditioner A ceiling-mounted air conditioner is provided. The ceiling-mounted air conditioner includes a main body which is fixed onto a ceiling of a room where the ceiling-mounted air conditioner is installed and includes an air intake formed at the bottom thereof; a door panel which is connected to the bottom of the main body so as to be able to be attached to or detached from the main body and shuts or opens the air intake by being lifted up or down; a plurality of moving elements which are fixed onto the top surface of the door panel, are a predetermined distance apart from one another, and are lifted up or down so as to be able to lift up or down the door panel; and a plurality of rotation elements which are disposed at the main body so as to be able to rotate and thus to lift up or down the moving elements, wherein each of the moving elements includes a vertical portion having a cavity portion extending vertically therein and protruding vertically from the top surface of the door panel, a driving force transmitting portion formed on one side of the cavity portion and contacting a corresponding rotation element, and an elevation guide portion formed on the other side of the cavity portion and guiding the elevation of the vertical portion. Therefore, it is possible to improve the exterior appearance of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner.
US08715044B2	Method and apparatus for processing slaughtered poultry A method and apparatus for processing slaughtered poultry that is conveyed in a slaughter line of a slaughter house is provided in order to determine at the start of the slaughter line whether the poultry was alive or dead on arrival at the slaughter house. The method and apparatus can include the detection of a temperature of the slaughtered poultry when the poultry is suspended by the legs in the slaughter line after stunning the poultry. The temperature of at least a breast of the slaughtered poultry is detected. The temperature of other regions of the slaughtered poultry may also be detected and may be compared. Further action may be taken based on the temperature information obtained.
US08715042B1	Shellfish shucking device A device designed to assist in the removing shellfish meat from the shell includes a frame that supports a removable handle assembly having a blade. The blade includes a sharp pointed end which presses against the hinge of the shellfish, thus forcing open the shell. The supporting frame includes a plurality of differently positioned slots to position the handle so as to accommodate different sizes of shellfish. The shellfish is placed between the blade and the frame and the handle is pressed to guide the blade into the hinge opening to separate the two halves.
US08715040B2	Workholder A workholder includes a connecting member, a polishing member mounted on the connecting member, an elastic member sleeved on the connecting member, and a fixing assembly for movably receiving the connecting member. An end of the elastic member resists the polishing member, and the other end of the elastic member resists the fixing assembly, such that the connecting member is moveable to adjust a position of the polishing member when polishing.
US08715039B2	Machine tool providing a large grinding area A machine tool providing a large grinding area includes a tool body, a rotary bracket driven by the tool body and a plurality of grinding portions coupled to the rotary bracket. The tool body includes a driving motor and a spindle driven by the driving motor to spin axially. The rotary bracket is coupled to and driven by the spindle to rotate and includes a plurality of connecting portions equally spaced from each other on the circumference formed by rotation of the rotary bracket. The grinding portions are coupled with the connecting portions and have grinding zones at the same horizontal level and are driven by the rotary bracket to rotate synchronously therewith to jointly form a grinding plane. Thereby a larger grinding area can be achieved through smaller grinding discs.
US08715037B2	Materials processing medium and method An abrasive element consisting substantially of a glass material that is at least partially devitrified.
US08715027B2	Inflatable pinata An expandable piñata including a body having a front wall, a rear wall, a left side portion, a right side portion, a top portion, and a bottom portion that define an interior cavity of the piñata; one or more pouches coupled to each of the front wall, back wall, left side portion, and right side portion; and a valve coupled to the body and configured for selectively inflating and deflating the interior cavity, the body being inflatably and deflatably adjustable between a first, substantially flat configuration, and a second expanded configuration.
US08715025B2	Laser welded spark plug electrode and method of forming the same An electrode for a spark plug includes an electrode tip end. A first weld affixes at least a portion of the noble metal tip to the tip end of the electrode. The noble metal tip has a fold around its periphery. A second weld joins the fold of the noble metal tip to the tip end of the electrode and creates a seal over the first weld.
US08715023B2	Personal emergency vessel/shelter The invention is both a functional piece of furniture, but also claims to serve as an emergency haven that can be used as a tornado shelter or as a floating device. The device may offer protection for people who may not have the ability to reach a shelter, due to physical handicaps, distance to shelter, and deficiencies in their habitats. It offers protection if airlifted and a shield against flying debris, in case of flood the top is detached and the bottom can be used as a canoe-shape floating device. The sofa is built with an aluminum titanium alloy covered in glass reinforced GRP; it is sized to accommodate two adults. It has ventilations slots covered with built-in air filters; it has removable cushions and non-removable foam padding. The device is equipped with a callout GPS and a safe storage compartment for valuables and medications.
US08715021B2	Service space for a retractable propulsion device The invention relates to a service space of a retractable propulsion device or corresponding system in a vessel or corresponding floating structure, which service space (11) comprises a closed or closable space limited by walls, a top structure and a bottom in which an access has been arranged for the crew (C) from the other parts of the vessel or corresponding floating structure. The service space (11) is constructed into connection with the bottom (2) of the vessel or corresponding floating structure so that the propulsion device (4) or corresponding system is retractable from an operating position into a service/storage position within the service space (11) and correspondingly lowerable from the service space (11) down into the operating position. According to the invention, the service space (11) is located at least mainly below a waterline (WL) of the vessel or corresponding floating structure and is provided with watertight closing devices (14) arranged on the level of the bottom (2) of the vessel or corresponding floating structure. When opened, the closing devices (14) constitute a direct access from the service space (11) to water via the bottom (2) of the vessel or corresponding floating structure for lowering the propulsion device (4) or corresponding system from the service space (11) to water into the operating position i.e. operating mode and correspondingly for lifting it from water within the service space (11) into the service/storage position i.e. service/storage mode. When closed, the closing devices (14) constitute together with the top and wall structures of the service space (11) a watertight space from which water is removable after closing the closing devices (14).
US08715018B2	Terminal structure In a terminal structure, at least one pair of left and right clamp pieces are formed in a terminal in which an electrode is slide-inserted. The left and right clamp pieces elastically press the electrode from both right and left sides when the electrode is inserted in the terminal. A contact piece is formed on at least one of left and right sides of the terminal, and is separated in the slide-insertion direction by a slit from a clamp piece-formed portion where the clamp piece is formed. The clamp piece is elastically deformed to contact the contact piece when the electrode is inserted in the terminal.
US08715013B2	Communications connector with improved contacts A network cable jack includes a printed circuit board (PCB) for balancing both inductive and capacitive coupling. Using a PCB allows compact trace paths to be formed without significantly increasing manufacturing costs. By including on each trace path two distinct inductance zones separated by a neutral zone, significant gains in degrees of freedom are achieved for designing PCB trace patterns in which a pair of inductive coupling zones jointly offset the inductive coupling caused by a specification plug and the jack contacts, both in magnitude and phase angle. Further, using distinct inductance zones offers more freedom regarding the placement of capacitive plates for use in capacitance balancing as well as the placement of terminals and insulation displacement contacts. Although the magnitude of a capacitive coupling is determined by the length of the capacitor plates parallel to current carrying traces, the approach allows capacitive and inductive coupling to be balanced independently.
US08715010B2	Electric connector with multi-transmission interfaces An electric connector includes a main body, a plurality of first terminals, a plurality of second terminals, and a plurality of third terminals. The main body includes a socket, a base, and a tongue. The base is disposed in the socket. The tongue includes a first tongue portion and a second tongue portion. The first tongue portion has a first thickness, and the second tongue portion has a second thickness different from the first thickness. The first terminals are disposed on the first tongue portion for transmitting a first signal meeting the first standard. The second terminals and the third terminals are respectively disposed on the two surface of the second tongue portion for transmitting a second signal meeting the second standard.
US08715008B2	Modular open fuse holder with multi-stage positionable cover A modular fuse holder includes a cover that is movable from a closed position to an open position relative to a base along two different paths of motion to prevent inadvertent opening or closing of the cover.
US08714999B1	Vehicle transmission and charge device The vehicle transmission and charge device contains a casing, a power conversion module, a cable winding device, and at least a transmission cable. The casing has a number of openings and an axle, and a tongue piece. The power conversion module is inside the casing and contains a transformer module, a power input connector, and a power plug. The cable winding device is inside the casing and contains a wheel base, an elastic element, and a winding module. The winding module contains a power output connector and a circuit board. The transmission cable has one end electrically connected to the winding module and the other end connected to a head piece after running through an opening of the casing. A cigarette lighter plug is connected to the power input connector, and then plugged into a cigarette lighter receptacle of a vehicle.
US08714997B2	Terminal and terminal connecting construction A terminal connecting construction includes a substrate and a terminal. A heat-generating element is mounted on the substrate. A contact portion is provided in the terminal, and is contacted with the heat-generating element.
US08714996B2	Capped insulation displacement connector (IDC) An electrical insulation displacement connector (IDC) assembly includes a body having at least one channel with an open top side for receipt of an insulated conductive core wire. A contact element is fixed in the body with a first insulation displacement end defined by opposed blades oriented across the channel, and a second end extending from a bottom surface of the body for electrical contact with a PCB. The IDC assembly includes a cap having a size and configuration to engage over the body, with the cap including a recess with an open bottom that is aligned with the body channel in a fitted configuration of the cap on the body. The wires may be initially received in the cap recesses wherein upon pressing engagement of the cap onto the body, the insulated conductive core wire is pressed into the body channel between the contact element.
US08714995B2	Safety socket A safety socket of the present invention is adapted for receiving a plug and further alternatively locking the plug. Specifically, an operation portion adapted for a user to switch moves substantially parallely to a front plate of the safety socket so that the operation portion is adapted for being switched between locking state and unlocking state.
US08714993B2	Button structure and keyboard structure using the same A button structure includes a key cap, a first supporting member, a second supporting member, an elastomer and a base plate. The first supporting member has a first bending portion and a second bending portion. The second supporting member is cross-connected with the first supporting member. The second supporting member has a third bending portion and a fourth bending portion. The third bending portion passes through the first bending portion and abuts an inside of the first bending portion. The second bending portion passes through the fourth bending portion and abuts an inside of the fourth bending portion. The elastomer below the key cap supports the key cap. The base plate is for supporting the first supporting member, the second supporting member and the elastomer. The key cap is able to move up and down through operations of the first supporting member, the second supporting member and the elastomer.
US08714992B2	Receptacle connector having a base part with sealing lips fitted in a housing wall A receptacle connector having a base part, which has at least one insulation displacement contact for making electrical contact with an electrical conductor, and having a top part, which has at least one conductor infeed opening for in each case one electrical conductor with which contact is to be made, and at least one contact accommodation opening, which in each case opens out into an associated conductor infeed opening, for accommodating an insulation displacement contact of the base part when the top part is fitted onto the base part. The receptacle connector is designed for fitting into a housing. For this purpose, the base part and/or the top part have sealing lips with a contour which is matched to an associated housing wall in order to fit the base part and/or the top part into a housing wall in a sealed manner.
US08714991B2	Busbar adapter comprising a mounting rail for attaching a switching device A busbar adapter has a mounting rail for attaching a switching device to the busbar adapter, wherein the mounting rail can be attached to the busbar adapter at different positions. The mounting rail includes leg elements and the busbar adapter includes passages through which a respective one of the leg elements of the mounting rail extend with a latch from a first boundary surface of the passages on which the mounting rail rests, to a second boundary surface of the passages, such that the respective latch of the leg elements is, with a retaining surface thereof, arranged in a distance to the second boundary surface which corresponds to a dimension of a slider positively insertable between the retaining surface and the second boundary surface.
US08714986B2	System and method for providing differentiated content based on skill level A system and method is disclosed for providing differentiated content to a user comprising determining a skill level of the user, obtaining unmodified content, aligning the unmodified content to a set of content standards, modifying the aligned content in accordance with the user's skill level, providing the modified aligned content to the user, re-assessing the user's skill level based on a response from the user to the modified aligned content, and modifying new aligned content in accordance with the re-assessed user's skill level.
US08714981B2	Automatic trace analysis and comparison system for interactive learning and training systems A learning and training process that memorizes traces of a learner solving an exercise, attaches meta labels to the learner traces, and compares the learner traces to reference traces of a referent solving the exercise, meta labels being attached to the reference traces.
US08714980B1	Inflatable aircraft trainer and method to use One of the challenges for airports is to provide effective emergency response training in the event of aircraft emergency scenarios. For airports there is the additional expense to provide that training that is typically performed at a remote facility. A portable inflatable training aircraft will provide this training and reduces the cost to the airport management so that the training can be ongoing and effective without interfering with the normal operation of the airport.
US08714979B2	Missile simulator A method and apparatus for simulating a missile. A simulation program for a weapon using a processor unit is executed in a simulation unit. A number of input signals is received from a control station in a vehicle through an interface system connected to a weapons interface on the vehicle. The interface system is in communications with the processor unit. The control station is capable of operating the weapon connected to the weapons interface. A number of output signals is generated using a simulation of the weapon. The number of output signals is sent through the weapons interface to the control station.
US08714978B2	Endodontic system and method Disclosed herein is a system for the endodontic treatment of a root canal. The system includes an endodontic instrument; an endodontic handpiece having a drive motor for rotating the endodontic instrument releasably attached to the handpiece; and a control unit for controlling the rotation of the endodontic instrument according to one or more predetermined rotational sequences. The rotational sequences include reciprocating the endodontic instrument by continuously sequentially rotating the endodontic instrument in a first direction followed by reversing the direction of rotation so that 0.5×Ψ≦α<Ψ and 3≦α/β≦20, where α represents a rotational angle in a direction in which the rotating endodontic instrument removes debris from the root canal, β represents a rotational angle in the opposite direction, and Ψ represents the elastic angle of the endodontic instrument at which plastic deformation occurs in the direction of α.
US08714974B2	Orthodontic attachment module for intra-oral bite correctors A module for attaching an orthodontic bite corrector to an orthodontic buccal tube appliance includes two segments, and each segment includes a rotation stop for limiting undesired rotational movement of bite corrector during movement of the patient's jaws. The segments are movable relative to each other during installation of the attachment module for facilitating placement of the rotation stops in regions next to the buccal tube appliance that might otherwise be difficult to access.
US08714972B2	Self-ligating bracket Disclosed is a bracket including a base plate on which two retaining wings are formed running parallel to one another and defining an intermediate space in which a wire arch may be held. The intermediate space has a trapezoidal structure such that the wire arch is always pushed upward under the elasticity of the bracket by the inclined retaining wings toward the retaining surfaces, such that the wire arch is held in the intermediate space in an aligned fashion without play. The cross sectional shape of the wire arch is selected such that no surface contact occurs in the intermediate space.
US08714967B2	High velocity burner apparatus and method A high velocity burner apparatus and method includes an air intake funnel and an air-fluid mixer connected with the air intake funnel. A fluid input is connected with the air-fluid mixer. A magnetic tube container with an entrance and an exit is provided where the entrance is connected with the air-fluid mixer and where the magnetic tube container includes a plurality of individual magnetic tubes connected within the magnetic tube container such that adjacent magnetic tubes are misaligned with each other. An air suction device is connected with the exit of the magnetic tube container such that suction is applied through the magnetic tube container to the air intake funnel and a burner device is connected with the air suction device for burning fluid that passes through the magnetic tube container.
US08714966B2	Apparatus for the injection moulding of containers in plastic material The apparatus (1) for the injection molding of containers in plastic material comprises a mold (2) having a female matrix die (3) and a corresponding male element (4) that can be coupled to one another, between the female matrix die (3) and the male element (4) being defined a forming inter-space (5) of at least a container, and at least a centering stem (10) for centering the male element (4) with respect to the female matrix die (3), which comprises a first extremity (12) having a locator surface (12a) for the male element (4), is sliding along a sliding direction (D) substantially transversal with respect to the male element (4) inside a corresponding centering hole (11) obtained in the female matrix die (3), and is mobile with reciprocating motion between a backward configuration, in which the locator surface (12a) is substantially arranged in correspondence to the inner surface of the female matrix die (3), and a forward configuration, in which the locator surface (12a) is up fast on the male element (4), the first extremity (12) of the centering stem (10) having a cross section substantially decreasing towards the locator surface (12a).
US08714963B2	Liquid or hydraulic blow molding An apparatus and method for simultaneously forming and filling a plastic container is provided. A mold cavity defines an internal surface and is adapted to accept a preform. A pressure source includes an inlet and a piston-like device. The piston-like device is moveable in a first direction wherein liquid is drawn into the pressure source through the inlet and in a second direction wherein the liquid is urged toward the preform. A blow nozzle may be adapted to receive the liquid from the pressure source and transfer the liquid at high pressure into the preform thereby urging the preform to expand toward the internal surface of the mold cavity and creating a resultant container. The liquid remains within the container as an end product.
US08714962B2	Thermoforming mould with thermal insulation and associated method The invention relates to a mold for thermoforming food pots having a decoration, and to an associated method, the mold (1) being in the form of a plate in the thickness of which at least one cell (2) for thermoforming a pot is formed, characterized in that it comprises an element (3) with an effusivity less than that of the mold, which is arranged on at least a part of the peripheral wall (21) of the cell, the said part being intended to be in contact with an overlap zone of the decoration.
US08714959B2	Mold for producing molded blocks and device for producing molded blocks A mold, for producing molded blocks with at least one lateral face which has a texture, comprises a mold lower part and at least one flexible belt, wherein the flexible belt surrounds at least one mold wall of the mold lower part that delimits a mold cavity of the mold lower part in order to act on the material for producing the molded block that is received in the mold cavity, to impress a texture on at least one of the lateral faces of the molded block, wherein the flexible belt is moveable relative to the mold lower part and is mounted in such a way that the flexible belt moves around the mold wall when the molded block is ejected from the mold cavity. The mold comprises an active auxiliary device by means of which a rolling resistance of the flexible belt can be varied.
US08714958B2	Blow mould assembly A blow mould assembly for moulding plastic preforms into plastic containers may include a blow mould unit forming a cavity, within which the plastic preforms can be expanded into plastic containers. The blow mould unit may be of a design that includes at least two parts. The assembly further includes a blow mould holder for receiving the blow mould unit. The blow mould holder may include at least two mould holder elements for receiving parts of the blow mould unit. The assembly further includes a locking mechanism configured to arrest at least one part of the blow mould unit with respect to at least one mould holder element. The locking mechanism includes an engagement member that exerts a force, in a latched condition of the part of the blow mould unit with respect to a mould holder element, onto a section of the part of the blow mould unit. The force holds the part of the blow mould unit relative to the mould holder element. The locking mechanism has an actuating member configured to release a latching engagement between the mould holder element and the part of the blow mould unit. An orientation of the engagement member is latched in a first position of the actuating member and the orientation of the engagement member can be changed in a second position of the actuating member.
US08714954B2	Tire vulcanizer Provided is a tire vulcanizer capable of adjusting the height of an upper mold attaching member or a lower mold attaching member while fixing the position of the upper mold attaching member or the lower mold attaching member, with a simple structure. A tire vulcanizer (2) includes: a guide frame (5) that supports an upper mold attaching member (21) and a base frame (26); a fixed rack (6) that is provided to the guide frame (5) along the height direction of a mold (23) and includes a plurality of teeth, the mold (23) including an upper mold (4) placed in the upper mold attaching member (21) and a lower mold (35) placed in the base frame (26); a movable rack (7) that is provided to the upper mold attaching member (21), meshes with the fixed rack (6), and includes a plurality of teeth; and an air cylinder that moves the movable rack (7) in the height direction of the mold (23) with respect to the upper mold attaching member (21) while keeping the height of the upper mold attaching member (21) constant.
US08714949B2	Washer fluid pump In a washer fluid pump (2) for a window cleaning system (3) of a motor vehicle, a ventilation duct (21) of an electric motor (9) is guided in a labyrinth from a first plane (22) arranged in the electric motor (9) into the environment via a second plane (24) arranged in a collecting space (23). For this purpose, the ventilation duct (21) has two first sections (20) which lead vertically from the electric motor (9) into the collecting space (23), and two second sections (26) which open out vertically from the collecting space (23) into the environment. The first and the second sections (20, 26) are offset with respect to one another by 90°, so as to prevent an infiltration of spray water into the electric motor (9).
US08714943B2	Mounting and damping system for a compressor A mounting and damping system for a compressor including a mounting lug removably coupled to at least a portion of a housing of the compressor and a damping member disposed therebetween. The mounting lug and the damping member include at least one aperture formed therein to receive a bushing therethrough, wherein an outer diameter of the bushing is substantially smaller than a diameter of the aperture formed in the mounting lug to militate against contact therebetween.
US08714941B2	Motor-pump assembly Disclosed is a motor-pump assembly (1) for a brake actuating device of a motor vehicle brake system with a pneumatic brake booster. An electric motor (3) drives a double diaphragm pump (2) with two working diaphragms (4) which are located opposite one another. Air expelled from the working spaces (7) is directed into an interior space (22) surrounding a crank drive (8) of the pump housing (5). An air outlet unit (23, 53) has a filter housing (32, 54), a filter (33, 59), an air outlet cover (34, 56), a valve holding element (38, 70) and a valve body (31). A partition wall (37, 55) deflects the air emerging from the interior space (22) in the air outlet unit (23, 53 between the filter housing (32, 54) and the air outlet cover (34, 56), with an integrally molded valve holding element (38, 70).
US08714940B2	Liquid pressure generating apparatus and driving apparatus A liquid pressure generating apparatus including a pump; and two one-way clutches arranged coaxially with the pump's drive shaft. Inner races of the respective two one-way clutches are integrated with each other to form a common inner race. Outer races of the respective two one-way clutches are formed independently from each other and are driven respectively by pump driving members different from each other. The common inner race includes a coupling portion coupled to the pump drive shaft and extending in the radial direction and a cylindrical body portion extending from the coupling portion in a second axial direction opposite from the first axial direction on the radially outside the pump drive shaft. The body portion includes a depression indented radially outward on an inner peripheral surface thereof. A lubricant supply portion for the depression is provided radially inside the depression.
US08714939B2	Pump having an electromagnetic clutch system A water pump includes a housing, a pumping mechanism, and a pulley that receives an input torque. Rotation of a clutch disk provides a rotational force to the pumping mechanism. A ferromagnetic clutch ring rotates in unison with the pulley. The clutch ring moves between a disengaged position and an engaged position to selectively rotate the clutch disk in response to the input torque. A magnet disposed on the clutch disk attracts the clutch ring toward the engaged position, and an electromagnetic coil is operable to selectively diminish the attraction of the clutch ring to the magnet to move the clutch ring between the engaged and disengaged positions.
US08714938B2	Variable displacement compressor The variable displacement compressor has a suction-pressure region, a discharge-pressure region and a crank chamber. The compressor includes a supply passage, a bleed passage and a control valve that adjusts cross-sectional area of the bleed passage. The control valve includes a valve chamber, a valve portion and a valve seat member. The valve portion is disposed in the valve chamber for dividing the valve chamber into a bleed chamber, a backpressure chamber and a communication passage. The bleed chamber forms a part of the bleed passage. The backpressure chamber communicates with the supply passage. The communication passage is formed between an outer circumferential surface of the valve portion and an inner circumferential surface of the valve chamber for providing fluid communication between the bleed chamber and the backpressure chamber. The valve seat member is disposed in the bleed chamber and provided separately from a compressor housing forming the valve chamber.
US08714926B2	Turbine component cooling channel mesh with intersection chambers A mesh (35) of cooling channels (35A, 35B) with an array of cooling channel intersections (42) in a wall (21, 22) of a turbine component. A mixing chamber (42A-C) at each intersection is wider (W1, W2)) than a width (W) of each of the cooling channels connected to the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber promotes swirl, and slows the coolant for more efficient and uniform cooling. A series of cooling meshes (M1, M2) may be separated by mixing manifolds (44), which may have film cooling holes (46) and/or coolant refresher holes (48).
US08714922B2	Diffuser for decelerating a compressed fluid A diffuser for decelerating a compressed gas, is provided, which includes a ring divided at circumferential positions around the ring into several arcuate sections, the complete ring is assembled from these sections. The ring defines one or more passages, the cross-section of which increases in the direction of flow of a fluid through the diffuser. The interface between adjacent sections is configured so that relative movement between the sections is prevented. The interface is configured to have a series of interlocking serrations along the axial length of the diffuser. In an embodiment, there are two arcuate sections involving two interfaces, and the peaks and troughs of the serrations of each of the two sections are arranged at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the diffuser. A small relative movement between the sections is achieved when the two angles at the two interfaces have opposite signs.
US08714920B2	Turbine airfoil to shround attachment A turbine airfoil (31) with an end portion (42) that tapers (44) toward the end (43) of the airfoil. A ridge (46) extends around the end portion. It has proximal (66) and distal (67) sides. A shroud platform (50) is bi-cast onto the end portion around the ridge without bonding. Cooling shrinks the platform into compression (62) on the end portion (42) of the airfoil. Gaps between the airfoil and platform are formed using a fugitive material (56) in the bi-casting stage. These gaps are designed in combination with the taper angle (44) to accommodate differential thermal expansion while maintaining a gas seal along the contact surfaces. The taper angle (44) may vary from lesser on the pressure side (36) to greater on the suction side (38) of the airfoil. A collar portion (52) of the platform provides sufficient contact area for connection stability.
US08714917B2	Anti-airlock pump A pump having anti-airlock provisions. The pump is comprised of a volute comprised of a volute wall, and an impeller comprising back vanes on a side of the impeller that is proximate to the volute wall, with the back vanes having a length extending radially outwardly along the impeller. A bleed hole is formed in the volute wall in communication with the portion of the volute between the back vanes and the volute wall, and the exterior of the volute, such that the bleed hole is located midway along the length of the back vanes. When the pump is operating with air, liquid, or a combination of air and liquid in the volute, the bleed hole is under positive pressure with respect to the exterior of the volute. The bleed hole may be in communication with the exterior of the volute through a lateral tunnel formed in the pump.
US08714912B2	Detection of deformation of a wind turbine blade An arrangement for detecting bending deflection of a wind turbine blade is provided. The arrangement for the wind turbine includes a radio transmitter and a linear antenna array assigned to the radio transmitter. The radio transmitter is mounted on the blade tip and emits a signal. The antenna array is mounted on the rotor of the wind turbine in a co-rotating manner and receives the signal. On the basis of the transit times of the signal from the rotor to the individual antennas of the array, the position of the radio transmitter relative to the array is determined. In the event of blade deflection, for example when a high wind load is present, the relative position changes which is detected by the arrangement.
US08714911B2	Impingement plate for turbomachine components and components equipped therewith An impingement plate adapted to reduce thermally-induced strains and stresses that may damage the plate or its attachment to a second component. The plate includes an interior region having cooling holes, a peripheral wall surrounding the interior region and projecting out of the plane of the interior region, a peripheral flange surrounding the peripheral wall and lying in a plane spaced apart from the plane of the interior region, and one or more through-thickness rib. One such rib may be disposed in the interior region, project away from and out of the plane of the interior region, and linearly extend across the interior region. Alternatively or in addition, one such rib may be disposed between the peripheral wall and flange and project out of the plane of the flange.
US08714909B2	Platform with cooling circuit A turbine engine component has an airfoil portion, which airfoil portion is bounded by a platform at one end. The platform has an as-cast open cavity bordered by at least one as-cast landing. A plate is welded to the at least one as-cast landing to cover and close the as-cast open cavity. A process for forming the turbine engine component is described.
US08714900B2	Wear system for receptacle with sliding frame A system for reducing wear includes a receptacle having at least one wall and a floor for holding material within the receptacle. An opening is located in the floor for accessing material held in the receptacle. A sliding frame is located above and parallel to the floor for agitating material held in the receptacle. At least one component is included inside the receptacle to reduce wear on the floor and/or sliding frame, and/or a wear indicator is located outside of the receptacle to monitor wear on the floor and/or the sliding frame.
US08714898B2	Shielding and insulation fastener A manually installed fastener includes a fastener body having parallel first and second plates, the second plate having an aperture. A bend member integrally joins the first and second plates. The bend member has an outer deflectable leg integrally connected to the first plate and an inner deflectable leg integrally connected to the second plate. A first barb is integrally connected to the first plate and extends through the aperture of the second plate. A second barb is integrally connected to the second plate and is oppositely oriented with respect to the first barb. The second barb and the second plate are elastically displaced with respect to the first barb and the first plate to change a clearance diameter between the first and second barbs.
US08714891B2	Apparatus for making variable diameter holes in metal plates An apparatus for making variable diameter and shape holes through metal plates in a sheet plate machining gantry machine comprises two parallel cross members and two horizontal parallel guides integral with the cross members and supporting a horizontal cross arm which is controllably driven on the guides, the horizontal arm supporting horizontal parallel guides therealong is controllably driven an apparatus including a milling tool which can controllably driven in a vertical plane. The method comprises the step of controllably simultaneously driving a two-fluted mill both in a vertical plane (Z), and in a horizontal plane (U).
US08714890B2	Cutter for drilling and reaming Embodiments of the disclosure provide a drill bit including a drill bit body having a central axis. A first cutting edge is disposed on the drill bit body at a first radial distance from the central axis as measured within a plane normal to the central axis. And a second cutting edge is disposed on the drill bit body at a second radial distance from the central axis as measured from within the plane. The first radial distance is less than the second radial distance.
US08714887B2	Fascia counter-bore bit and fascia screw A drill bit has a drill portion having a first diameter, a cutting point at one end, and a counter-bore portion at the other end. The counter-bore portion has a second diameter larger than the first diameter. A stop portion located adjacent the counter-bore portion on a side opposite to the drill portion has a third diameter larger than the second diameter.A screw for use with the drill bit has an unthreaded portion, a threaded portion on one end and a head on the other end. The first diameter of the drill bit is about 1.5 to 2.5 times as large as the diameter of the unthreaded portion of the screw, and less than the diameter of the head of the screw. The diameter of the head is substantially the second diameter of the drill bit, and the head has a depth substantially equal to the depth of a recess made by the counter bore portion of the drill bit.
US08714886B2	Threading cutting tool and double-sided indexable threading cutting insert therefor A double-sided indexable threading cutting insert includes two opposite end surfaces and a common periphery extending therebetween. The periphery includes exactly five identical peripheral sections and exactly five identical peripheral segments. Each peripheral segment extends between two adjacent peripheral sections and each peripheral section includes two adjacent abutment sections located between two rake faces. In a plan view of each end surface, each abutment section lies on a portion of an imaginary five-pointed star which includes five outer vertices alternating with five inner vertices. The cutting insert includes five cutting portions, each cutting portion is associated with a respective outer vertex, each cutting portion extends outwardly, and each cutting portion includes two opposite cutting tips.
US08714885B2	Throwaway rotary cutting tool In a rough cutting cutter, square tips and rectangular tips are disposed in a staggered pattern in an axial direction in second to fourth step portions, so a cutting edge is formed by a pair of one of the square tips and one of the rectangular tips. It is therefore possible to effectively reduce a frequency of contact with a blade root. Furthermore, in the second to a fifth step portions, ARs (rake angles in the axial direction) and RRs (rake angles in a radial direction) of the square tips and the rectangular tips gradually increase in order from a tip end to a back end of a tool body. It is therefore possible to suppress chatter vibration during machining and is possible to reduce roughness of a cut surface of a work material.
US08714881B2	Multiple pile foundation locking systems Low environmental impact, surface installed, multiple pile foundation locking systems providing stable connection between above ground structures and the earth, having a plurality of driving holes in an engineered component through which piles may be driven into the surrounding soil and locked in a predetermined position to create, in differing configurations, the necessary resistances to any combination or relative proportions of bearing, uplift and lateral loads associated with such structures. The piles are driven at predetermined angles relative to the supported structure, consistent with its loading characteristics, and are locked in the driving holes through which they pass, further binding in their configuration under load.
US08714878B2	Pipe laying apparatus and method Apparatus for laying conduit from a vessel comprises reel carrier arranged to receive a reel (202) wound with conduit (204) and capable of being reciprocated along the direction of the axis (214) of the reel as the conduit is unwound. The apparatus further comprises a straightener (208), and a control unit arranged to control the reel carrier such that the fleet angle created between the conduit and the straightener is reduced. Such an arrangement ensures that the conduit is not bent past its limit of elastic deformability while allowing the straightener to be situated relatively close to the reel.
US08714872B2	Transverse spreading arrangement for a road finishing machine A transverse spreading arrangement for a road finishing machine includes spreading screws that work in opposite directions, a screw suspension that holds both spreading screws, and two screw bearing brackets that are each allocated to an outer end of a spreading screw. Each screw bearing bracket comprises a closed tube which is at least partially made of wear-resistant steel.
US08714866B2	Energy attenuating safety system An energy absorbing system with one or more energy absorbing assemblies is provided to reduce or eliminate severity of a collision between a moving vehicle and a roadside hazard. The energy absorbing system may be installed adjacent various roadside hazards or may be installed on highway service equipment. One end of the system may face oncoming traffic. A collision by a motor vehicle with a sled assembly may result in shredding or rupturing of portions of an energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the vehicle collision.
US08714863B2	Fasteners A fastener for a furniture jointing device is made in two parts. The first part (10), including head (12) and shank (11) portions, is made from a first material such as steel. The second part (13) is made from a second material such as zinc and is conveniently cast directly onto the first part (10). The second part (13) is made with thread formations to enable it to be anchored to a first furniture component (15). The head portion (12) of the first part (10) is designed to engage with a camming element (16) mounted in a second furniture component (18).
US08714861B2	Sealing assembly of a ball joint and ball joint A sealing assembly of a ball joint, in particular for a vehicle, comprises a retaining ring which includes a ring axis and a radial ring flange having a flange upper side and an opposed flange lower side, and a sealing element which rests against the flange upper side and against the flange lower side and is exclusively connected to the retaining ring with an interlocking fit, the interlocking fit being configured such that the retaining ring and the sealing element are fixed to each other free of play in the axial and in the radial direction, and the flange upper side having an exposed contact surface for a sealing bellows.
US08714860B2	Mounting fixture including an articulation joint A mounting fixture for positioning a workpiece in a desired relationship with an apparatus including an articulation joint for coupling first and second tubular members in a desired angular relationship. The articulation joint includes a first end portion clamped to an interior surface of the first tubular member and a second end portion clamped to an interior surface of the second tubular member. First and second clamping members of the articulation joint are clamped together to prevent pivotable movement between a first articulation member and a second articulation member of the articulation joint.
US08714856B2	Ballpoint pen tip, ballpoint pen refill, ballpoint pen, and method of manufacturing ballpoint pen tip Provided are a ballpoint pen tip which can, even if ink having properties which assures that the amount of supply of the ink to the pen tip by shear of a writing ball is sufficient is adopted, prevent partially faint written traces from occurring and provide smooth writing, a ballpoint pen refill, a ballpoint pen, and a method of manufacturing a ballpoint pen tip. A triangular pyramid-shaped recess (42) gradually tapered toward an ink guide hole (36) is provided in the bottom of a ball housing (31), and troughs (44) formed in the recess (42) are utilized as ink reservoirs and ink paths. Because the troughs (44) have sufficient length, width, and depth, the amount of containment of the ink and the amount of supply of the ink are increased. Also, even if ink which is supplied to the pen point mainly by shear of a writing ball (2A) is adopted, the supply of the ink to the pen point is not interrupted, the occurrence of partially faint written traces of ink is sufficiently prevented, and friction between the writing ball and a ball receiving seat surface can be reduced.
US08714852B2	Sheet-supply tray An image recording apparatus, including a sheet-supply tray device which accommodates and holds a plurality of recording sheets and which supplies the recording sheets, one by one, in a sheet-supply direction; and an image recording device which records an image on each of the recording sheets supplied from the sheet-supply tray device. The sheet-supply tray device includes a first tray which accommodates and holds at least one first sheet of the plurality of recording sheets; a second tray which accommodates and holds at least one second sheet of the plurality of recording sheets, and which selectively takes a stacked posture thereof in which the second tray is stacked on the first tray, and an opening posture thereof in which at least a portion of the second tray opens at least a portion of the first tray; and a supporting device which supports at least a portion of the second tray while permitting the second tray to selectively take the stacked posture thereof and the opening posture thereof such that the at least one second sheet held by the second tray is not plastically deformed.
US08714850B2	Backlight module and lighting keyboard A backlight module is used in a lighting keyboard. The backlight module includes a light guiding plate and a masking. The masking is disposed on the light guiding plate. The masking includes a support layer, a cover layer and a reflective layer. The support layer includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The cover layer is disposed on the first surface. The cover layer includes a first opening. The reflective layer is disposed on the second surface and faces the light guiding plate for reflecting light emitted from the light guiding plate, so as to enhance lighting efficiency on the first opening. The reflective layer includes a second opening. A shape and a position of the second opening are respectively corresponding to a shape and a position of the first opening.
US08714848B2	Conveyance mechanism for image forming apparatus with switchable store and discharge sections A conveyance mechanism includes a first conveyed material storage section and a second conveyed material storage section that respectively store a first conveyed material and a second conveyed material. When a position of the first conveyed material storage section is changed to a conveyed position where the first conveyed material is to be conveyed, a discharge destination of a discharge member is switched to a first conveyed material discharge section. When the position of the first conveyed material storage section is changed to an evacuation position evacuated from the conveyed position, the discharge destination of the discharge member is switched to a second conveyed material discharge section.
US08714839B2	Receptacle cage, receptacle assembly, and transceiver module assembly In a receptacle cage, a front EMI fingers in a tubular shape serving as a first shield member is provided on the entire periphery of a substantially rectangular module slot. In addition, a gap between outer peripheral surfaces of an upper case as well as a lower plate of an optical module connected to a receptacle connector in a receptacle connector accommodating portion and an inner surface of the cage is shielded by a top EMI fingers serving as a second shield member and side EMI fingers serving as third shield members. Moreover, the lower plate comes into contact with a bottom wall portion which is grounded.
US08714827B2	Bearing for transmission A bearing assembly for a transmission, which is capable of avoiding an ingress of foreign matter, reducing seal torque and reducing shear resistance between a retainer and balls, includes a recessed portion in an inner face of a pocket of the retainer, in which the surface area of contact with a ball is smaller than the surface area of contact when no recessed portion is provided. A sealing member is a contact seal and material of a tip portion of a sealing lip region is highly wearable material which, when the bearing assembly is rotated, wears to define a non-contact or the like. A grease contains a base oil and a thickening agent and the base oil is a mineral oil alone or a mixed oil of mineral oil and poly-α-olefin oil and has base oil kinetic viscosity not higher than 100 mm2/s at 40° C.
US08714819B2	Reclosable fastener This invention is directed to an improved reclosable bag having first and second walls and an open top. The open top has first and second flexible fastener strips attached thereto. One of the strips has a profile portion forming a groove; the other strip has a profile portion forming a rib with a portion of the rib received and retained in the groove when the bag top is closed. Each of the fastener strips has a base connected to the respective walls. The bag has a slider mounted on the fastener strips which is movable longitudinally along the fastener strip to progressively separate the rib from the groove to open the bag, and is movable in the opposite direction to progressively return rib to a retained condition in the groove and create a leak-proof seal. A cradle is formed near one end of the fastener strip which is sized, constructed and arranged to receive and retain the base of the slider when the fastener strip is sealed to prevent leakage from that end of the fastener strip. The cradle preferably has a length greater than the length of the slider so it is retained therein and is curved in its interior configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the cradle has a tab which is also curved and extends angularly from the cradle for abutment against and retention of the slider within the cradle.
US08714815B2	Temperature detection and reporting system and method in power driving and/or consuming system An apparatus, in one embodiment, can include a configuration including a plurality of heat generation devices. The apparatus also includes a plurality of thermal sensors respectively, operably connected to each of the plurality of heat generation devices, wherein each thermal sensor of the plurality of thermal sensors includes a respective output terminal configured to provide a voltage representative of the temperature of the respective heat generation device. The apparatus further includes an output circuit configured to output the highest temperature information among the heat generation devices. The output terminals of the plurality of thermal sensors are tied together. A corresponding method is also discussed.
US08714812B2	Electronic timepiece Disclosed is an electronic timepiece, comprising: a second hand and a minute hand; a stepping motor which performs a stepping drive of the hands; a rotating body which includes a target section, and rotates with the second hand; a detection section which detects an existence of the target section; a detection control section which makes the detection section operate by every rotation period, to make the detection section detect the existence of the target section at a first timing and at a second timing; a hand position counter which counts estimated positions of the hands based on the number of drive times of the stepping motor; a counted value holding section capable of temporarily holding a value of the hand position counter; a counted value saving section which makes the counted value holding section hold the value; and a counted value correcting section which corrects the value.
US08714811B2	Multiple helical vortex baffle A baffle includes a body member having a first surface, a second opposed surface, and an outer peripheral edge. An aperture may be formed through the body member to define an inner peripheral edge. The inner peripheral edge is distorted to be non-planar. An apparatus includes a first conduit having a first end, a second end, and a first channel extending therebetween. At least one baffle is disposed in the first channel and includes a body member having a first surface, a second opposed surface, and an outer peripheral edge. At least one aperture may be formed through the body member to define an inner peripheral edge. The inner peripheral edge is distorted to be non-planar. A second conduit may be disposed inside the first conduit and extend through the aperture in the baffle. The apparatus may be an ultraviolet light reactor, a heat exchanger, or a static mixer.
US08714810B2	Processing biomass Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can convert feedstock materials to a sugar solution, which can then be fermented to produce ethanol. Biomass feedstock is saccharified in a vessel by operation of a jet mixer, the vessel also containing a fluid medium and a saccharifying agent.
US08714802B2	Display device and input device with multi pattern layers The present invention discloses an input device with multi pattern layers including an input interface, a first light emitting element for generating a first light beam, a first light guiding plate, a second light emitting element for generating a second light beam, a second light guiding plate, a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The input interface is stacked on the first light guiding plate, and the first light guiding plate is stacked on the second light guiding plate, such that a first space and a second are formed individually at the two ends of the first light guiding plate and the second light guiding plate. The first circuit board and the second circuit board block the first light beam and the second light beam individually by inserting into the first space and the second space individually.
US08714801B2	Input device with multiple layers of luminous patterns An input device with multiple layers of luminous patterns is provided. The input device includes an input interface, a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a light guide plate. The light guide plate includes an upper light-guiding layer, a lower light-guiding layer, and a gap. The upper light-guiding layer and the lower light-guiding layer are separated from each other by the gap. The light guide plate has multiple layers of luminous patterns, which are selectively visible. Consequently, the overall thickness of the input device is reduced.
US08714796B2	Outer casing for headlight and headlight An outer casing for headlights and a headlight using the outer casing can include an outer lens having an opening portion and a casing having an opening portion. The opening portion of the outer lens can include a sealing projection and a water guard rib, and the opening portion of the casing can include an end surface and a sealing concave portion. The outer lens can be attached to the casing so that the sealing projection is inserted in the sealing concave portion while the water guard rib contacts the end surface. The outer lens can be casted by a simple molding tool such that a burr is prevented from occurring on the opening portion. Therefore, the headlight using the outer casing can incorporate various lamps with an airtight structure and an adequate mechanical strength even when the outer lens is formed in a thickness of less than 2.5 millimeters.
US08714793B2	LED headlight with one or more stepped upward-facing reflectors A headlight is disclosed, having separate low-beam and high beam housings. The high-beam housing includes four planar inward-facing reflectors, in the shape of a pyramid, with the high-beam LED array at the apex and a plano-convex high-beam lens at the base. The low-beam housing includes three planar inward-facing reflectors along the top and lateral sides, similarly arranged as three sides of a pyramid. The low-beam housing has one or more planar, horizontal upward-facing reflectors, disposed below the longitudinal axis of the low-beam housing. Light propagating downward from the low-beam LED array directly strikes either the incident face of the low-beam lens or exactly one upward-facing reflector. When viewed from the front of the low-beam housing, the upward-facing reflectors resemble steps that descend from a lower edge of the low-beam LED array.
US08714792B2	Light bar and bumper A bumper adapted for mounting to a trailer is provided. The bumper comprises a tail skirt extending horizontally across the rear of the trailer. Upright bars mount to and intersect the tail skirt. The tail skirt comprises a groove for receiving a recessed light bar comprising multiple signal lights. The wiring harness extends from the light bar into a space behind the upright bars and passes through openings in the tail skirt behind the upright bars.
US08714791B2	Detachable luggage lamp A detachable luggage lamp is used as a luggage lamp by fixing a flashlight to a stationary part at ordinary times and used by separating the flashlight from the luggage lamp, if necessary. The flashlight of the luggage lamp may include a lamp housing having an opening surface formed on one side thereof, a lamp disposed in the opening surface, and a battery embedded in the lamp housing and supplying power to the lamp and a stationary part including a stationary housing having an accommodating part having a shape corresponding to the lamp housing and having an inclined reflective surface mounted on a surface thereof corresponding to the opening surface of the lamp housing, wherein the lamp housing and the stationary housing include a fastening member.
US08714786B2	Lamp A lamp includes a base, a cooling fan and a circuit board. The base has a coupling portion, with a LED member mounted on the base. The cooling fan has a frame coupled with the coupling portion of the base, wherein the frame receives a driving unit and a fan wheel coupling with the driving unit in a rotatable way and has a first fixing portion. The circuit board has a second fixing portion coupling with the first fixing portion of the frame, with the circuit board electrically connecting with the driving unit of the cooling fan.
US08714784B2	LED lamp including light guide and method of reflecting light using same An LED lamp including a light guide/light pipe, and a method of reflecting light using same, are disclosed. The LED lamp includes a transparent light pipe enclosed in an envelope, where the light pipe has a lower section and an upper section. The lamp also includes an LED in a recess at a lower end of the lower section, and a reflector formed by an indentation in an upper end of the upper section. The lower section may be a compound parabolic concentrator, and the upper section may be a tapered cylinder. The lower section of the light pipe collects light emitted from the LED, the upper section of the light pipe directs the collected light onto the reflector, and the reflector reflects the directed light in a radial direction.
US08714782B1	Light assembly for flashlights A nonimaging light assembly for flashlights, including a light source and a lens symmetrical about an optical axis for receiving light from the light source and producing therefrom a light beam having concentrated and divergent components resulting in a high intensity core beam surrounded by a smoothly transitioning lower intensity surround beam. In a preferred embodiment utilizing a light emitting diode as the light source, the combined light beam produced by the light assembly has a substantially circular cross section.
US08714775B2	Light fixtures, methods of suspending a plurality of light sources, an ornament mounting, and a method for mounting an ornament Light fixtures, lighting methods, and devices for mounting ornaments are provided. The light fixtures and methods overcome the limitations of the prior art by permitting electrical power transmission to the light sources, such as, LEDs, through the light fixture suspension elements. The light fixtures include a first ring suspended by a plurality of first cords; and a second ring suspended by a plurality of second cords from the first ring; wherein at least one of the first ring and the second ring comprises a plurality of light sources; and wherein at least one of the plurality of first cords and at least one of the plurality of the second cords are adapted to transmit electrical power to the plurality of light sources. Methods of mounting light sources and ornament mounting arrangements are also disclosed.
US08714773B2	LED lighting device with uniform color mixing The invention relates to a light emitting diode (LED) lighting device that is comprised of a plurality of LED components and is characterized by the mixture of a primary light provided by the first and majority group of components and a secondary light provided by a second minority group of components and the components emitting the secondary light source have a viewing angle in the range of 130° to 160° and is greater than that of the primary light source. This wide angle of emission ensures that the secondary light is uniformly mixed into the primary light.
US08714771B2	Illumination apparatus and illumination system including a plurality of illumination apparatuses An illumination apparatus includes an elongate chassis, a plurality of light emitting devices, a plurality of lenses, an elongate populated board, an elongate holding member, and a heat radiation member. The chassis includes a supporting portion supporting the opposite, longer-side ends of the populated board and a first engagement portion fitting and securing the holding member to the chassis. The holding member includes a plurality of second engagement portions fitting and securing each lens to the holding member and a resilient biasing portion resiliently biasing the longer-side ends of the populated board toward the supporting portion. The populated board is pinched and secured by the resilient biasing portion and the supporting portion and the heat radiation member is sandwiched and thus secured by the populated board and a bottom wall in contact with the populated board and the bottom wall.
US08714767B2	Modular stair unit The present invention includes a modular stair unit, and kit for assembling the modular stair unit, that may be utilized as either a stair tread or stair riser. The modular stair unit includes a body, housing adjoined therewith, and light source within the housing. The body includes a generally planar dorsal surface and a ventral surface and forms a void between the dorsal surface and the ventral surface, which allows light passage. It is preferred that interior surfaces of the housing are fabricated of a substantially diffusive material.
US08714766B2	Planar element, and method for the production thereof A planar element as well as a method for producing such planar elements in such way that the planar element is easily and inexpensively to produce on the one hand and allows remarkable optical effects to be obtained on the other hand, it is proposed to apply at least one coating to at least one area or side of at least one support substrate, especially of at least one support plate.
US08714764B2	Light emitting module, light emitting module unit, and backlight system A light emitting module board which is compatible with a plurality of screen sizes and is used for a backlight apparatus of a liquid crystal display panel is provided. A light emitting module includes a first connector 15 and a second connector 16, each including a plurality of cathode terminals and at least one anode terminal, at each end of the board, and can be connected to another one to each other through the connectors in multi-level. A cathode wiring 14 for supplying a cathode control signal includes first cathode wirings which connect the cathode terminals of the first connector and light emitting bodies to supply a control signal to the light emitting bodies in the light emitting module, and second cathode wirings which connect the cathode terminals of the first and second connectors to supply a control signal to the light emitting bodies on a downstream light emitting module.
US08714762B2	LED light source and manufacturing method thereof A LED light source includes one or more LED light source arrangements, wherein each of the LED light source arrangements includes a LED member having a first light emitting surface and an opposed second light emitting surface, and two fluorescent members on top of the first and second light emitting surfaces of the LED member respectively to retain the LED member in position such that the illumination generated from the LED member is capable of passing through the two fluorescent members from the two light emitting surfaces respectively. The LED light source arrangement provides illumination at an angle greater than 180° and direct effective heat dissipation at all sides of the LED member.
US08714757B1	Retroreflective sheeting including cube corner elements The present disclosure is directed to lamina(e) comprising cube corner elements, a tool comprising an assembly of laminae and replicas thereof. The disclosure further relates to retroreflective sheeting.
US08714753B2	Projector for preventing thermal deterioration of a light shielding member A projector includes: a light source device; an optical modulation device configured to modulate a luminous flux emitted from the light source device in accordance with image information, forming an image; projection optical device configured to project the image; a shutter device including a light shielding plate which can move into and out of an optical path of the luminous flux ranging from the light source device to the optical modulation device, shields the luminous flux by the light shielding plate moving into the optical path; and a light control device which being disposed on the optical path's upstream side of the shutter device, changes the area of a light passage through which the luminous flux passes, controlling the quantity of the luminous flux.
US08714751B2	Visible and infrared light source for illumination system and projection device comprising the same An illumination system and a projection device comprising the same are provided. The projection device comprises an image-forming system and the illumination system. The illumination system comprises a first light source device, a second light source device and a first light guiding device. The first light source device generates a visible light, while the second light source device directly generates a substantially pure infrared light. The first light guiding device is adapted to guide the visible light and the infrared light to the image-forming system for processing to make the visible light form a visible light image and make the infrared light form an infrared light image.
US08714750B2	Displaying projector status visibly The status of a ceiling mounted projector is provided. Status is provided wirelessly to a remote control (RC) of the projector. Or, status is projected on the screen using a separate projection method such as a laser or light emitting diode (LED), which projects a color corresponding to status or which projects the status using words.
US08714748B2	Light source system for projection device and projection device comprising the same A light source system for a projection device and a projection device comprising the same are provided. The light source system comprises an optical component assembly and a first light source module. The first light source module has a first light emitting diode (LED) and a first reflection cover. The first LED is configured to generate beams. The first reflection cover has a curved surface to reflect and collect the beams from the first LED into the optical component assembly.
US08714745B2	Color splitter and combiner system and projection display apparatus A color splitter and combiner system includes a first transparent member located on an optical path between a first polarization beam splitter and an optical path combiner, and a second transparent member located on an optical path between a second polarization beam splitter and an optical path combiner. 0.05 (mm)<\|t1/ν1−t2/ν2\|<1.00 (mm) is met, where t1 is a thickness of the first transparent member, t2 is a thickness of the second transparent member, ν1 is an Abbe number of a material of the first transparent member, and ν2 is an Abbe number of a material of the second transparent member.
US08714744B2	Gimbaled handle stabilizing controller assembly A stabilizing controller to balance, support and orient a device. The stabilizing controller includes a gimbal assembly positioned at the center of balance of the stabilizing controller with the device attached, A handle is disposed around the gimbal assembly. A center post is coincident with at least a portion of the centerline of the gimbal apparatus and has a longitudinal balancing axis Z. Motion about at least one of the mutually perpendicular X-axis, Y-axis, and the Z-axis is isolated from the motion of the other axes via one or more assemblies comprising resilient components.
US08714739B2	Product comprising a flexible ophtalmic lens, and method for mounting such a flexible ophtalmic lens on an eyeglasses lens A product (30) for optical use and a method of using the product, which includes at least two splittable superposed layers, namely a transparent and flexible optical layer (31) suitable for sticking onto a lens of an eyeglass frame, and a first packaging layer (35) for packaging the optical layer and presenting stiffness greater than the stiffness of the optical layer so as to enable the product to be machined via a conventional appliance for shaping eyeglass lenses.
US08714736B2	Platen unit and liquid ejecting apparatus A platen unit includes a platen that has a hole for sucking a medium, a platen supporting member that has an internal space which communicates with the hole of the platen, and an elastic member that is provided between the platen and the platen supporting member, and keeps airtightness between the platen and the platen supporting member. In the platen unit, the platen is movable in an up-down direction on the elastic member.
US08714735B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes: a platen in which first suction holes passing through from a medium support surface to a rear surface are formed; first pressure chambers provided to communicate with the first suction holes; a second pressure chamber disposed on the side opposite to the platen and communicating with the first pressure chambers; a wall section which is disposed between the first pressure chambers and the second pressure chamber and in which second suction holes each making the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber communicate with each other are formed; a suction mechanism which suctions rolled paper on the medium support surface through the first and second suction holes; and a slide plate movable in a parallel fashion along the wall section and provided with blocking portions having different lengths in a direction of parallel movement and capable of blocking the second suction holes.
US08714727B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a support portion including a support surface that supports a target; a liquid ejecting head that ejects a liquid onto the target supported by the support surface, from a position opposed to the support surface; a housing portion that includes the support portion in a wall portion opposed to the liquid ejecting head and that is formed in a location so that an air suction port that takes in air from the exterior is further from the liquid ejecting head than the support surface in a direction that is orthogonal to the support surface; and an air exhaust unit that exhausts air from the interior of the housing portion.
US08714723B2	Robust curable solid inks and methods for using the same Curable solid inks and low shrinkage curable solid inks which are solid at room temperature and molten at an elevated temperature at which the molten ink is applied to a substrate. In particular, the solid inks of the present embodiments retain the advantages of handling, safety, and print quality usually associated with conventional solid phase change inks but provide additional breakthrough performance characteristics such as enhanced curing and robustness, lower jetting temperature, and ultra-low shrinkage upon crystallization, which allow the inks to be used as novel materials in inkjet-based print applications.
US08714710B2	Print head Thermal inkjet print head, comprising a fluid feed channel for delivering fluid, fluid chambers arranged near the fluid feed channel for receiving fluid from the fluid feed channel, resistors for actuating the fluid in the chambers, arranged in a staggered pattern with respect to a fluid feed channel wall, and a cantilever extending over the fluid feed channel wall, having a staggered edge that follows the staggered pattern of the resistors.
US08714709B2	Inkjet printhead An inkjet head (3) comprises a wiring board (80) which. has, two-dimensionally arranged thereon, sets of nozzles (11) , pressure chambers (41) , and actuators (60) and which also has lines of wiring (87, 91) through-vias (85) , and ink flow paths (88); and connection sections (110, 111) which connect the lines of wiring to a drive section, the connection sections (110, 111) being disposed outside the arrangement region (R) in which the sets of the nozzles, the pressure chambers, and the actuators are arranged two-dimensionally. The nozzles are arranged in N rows (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) , with each of the N rows comprising M nozzles (M is an integer greater than or equal to 2) which are arranged rectilinearly. The through-vias which correspond. to the nozzles of arbitrary n nozzle rows of the N nozzle rows (1≦n
US08714708B2	Liquid ejection head and image forming apparatus including same A liquid ejection head including a nozzle plate having a nozzle array constructed of multiple nozzles, a channel member that forms multiple individual channels communicating with the multiple nozzles, a pressure generator to pressurize liquid within the multiple individual channels, and a common channel member that forms a common channel from which the liquid is supplied to the multiple individual channels. The channel member includes a first surface facing the common channel, a second surface provided at both ends of the channel member and protruding beyond the first surface toward a direction opposite a direction of flow of the liquid, and a third surface that connects the first and second surfaces. At least a gap between the common channel member and a part of the second surface is sealed by a seal member that forms a wall of the common channel between the channel member and the common channel member.
US08714705B2	Liquid ejection head A liquid ejection head includes a plurality of pressure chambers, respectively communicating with a plurality of ejection orifices for ejecting a liquid, for storing the liquid to be ejected from the plurality of ejection orifices. At least a part of a wall portion forming each of the plurality of pressure chambers is formed of a piezoelectric member, and the plurality of pressure chambers causes the plurality of ejection orifices to eject the liquid by deformation of the piezoelectric member. A plurality of space portions is arranged in parallel to the plurality of pressure chambers at intervals, with some of the plurality of space portions being decompressable. A gas permeable member is provided between the pressure chambers and the decompressable space portions so that a gas inside the pressure chambers is exhausted via the decompressable space portions.
US08714699B2	Image forming apparatus having carriage mounting recording head for ejecting liquid droplets An image apparatus includes a carriage, a first recording head, a second recording head, and a maintenance assembly. The carriage is movable in a main scanning direction. The second recording head is displaced from the first recording head on the carriage in a sub scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. The maintenance assembly includes a frame member, a first maintenance device, and a second maintenance device. The frame member has a guide portion, a first contact portion, and a second contact portion. The second maintenance device is reciprocally movable along the guide portion in the sub scanning direction between a first position to oppose the first recording head and a second position to oppose the second recording head. The second maintenance device stops at the first position in contact with the first contact portion and at the second position in contact with the second contact portion.
US08714694B2	Image recording apparatus There is provided an image recording apparatus including: a recording head; an ink storage section; a tube having one end thereof connected to the ink storage section; a channel member having an ink channel that communicates with the recording head formed therein; a joint connecting the other end of the tube and the ink channel in the channel member; a circuit board mounted on the recording head; and a cable electrically connected to the circuit board. The channel member, the cable, and the tube are disposed in this order from a lower side to an upper side in a vertical direction.
US08714689B2	Image forming apparatus and defective nozzle detecting method An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet by discharging ink droplets from nozzles provided in a print head on the recording sheet includes: a light emitting unit that generates detection light intersecting a discharge path of the ink droplets; a discharge signal output unit that outputs a discharge signal used to discharge the ink droplets from a detection target nozzle; a first light receiving unit that receives scattered light generated by irradiating the ink droplets with the detection light and outputs a first detection signal; a second light receiving unit that receives the detection light having passed through the discharge path of the ink droplets without irradiating the ink droplets and outputs a second detection signal; a determination unit that determines whether the detection target nozzle is a defective nozzle; and a correction unit that corrects a determination result of the determination unit.
US08714687B1	Web skew compensation in a printing system A printing system includes one or more lineheads that jet ink onto a first side of a print media. At least one roller supports a second side of the print media as the print media is transported through the printing system. A roller deformation adjustment mechanism abuts at least one roller and is configured to apply a force to the roller to deform the roller. The deformation of the roller compensates for web skew by changing the relative timing of ink flight times from the linehead to the first side of the print media. The linehead can be disposed on a movable support. The printing system can also include one or more linehead skew adjustment mechanisms configured to move the movable support to adjust a skew of the linehead.
US08714684B2	Printing apparatus and double-sided printing control program There is provided a printing apparatus including: a printing section; a transport mechanism in which a transport route and a re-transport route are formed, the transport mechanism including an install section to which a transport unit is to be installed; and a print control section which controls the printing section and the transport mechanism to execute a plurality of kinds of double-sided printing processes having different maximum numbers of sheets present at the same time in the transport mechanism from each other so that in a case that the transport unit is installed to the install section, a double-sided printing process in which a maximum number of sheets is large as compared with a case in which the transport unit is not installed to the install section is executed.
US08714676B2	Drop formation with reduced stimulation crosstalk A liquid stream is caused to jet from a nozzle. A small or large drop waveform applied to a drop forming mechanism causes the liquid stream to break up into a small or large volume drop, respectively. The small drop waveform includes a pulse having a pulse energy Es, and a period XS, where XS≈1/fR, and where fR is the Rayleigh frequency of the liquid. The large drop waveform has a period XL, where XL=NXS, with the large volume drop being N times the small volume drop. The large drop waveform includes a first pulse having a pulse energy EL1, where EL1≧ES and a second pulse occurring within a time period X2, where X2≦XS, of an initial pulse of a subsequent small or large drop waveform, the second pulse including a pulse energy EL2, where EL2
US08714673B2	Refrigerator door and refrigerator having the same Disclosed herein are a refrigerator door having an improved configuration to prevent damage to a printed layer of a door front panel and a refrigerator having the same. The refrigerator includes a door to open and close a storage compartment. The door includes a front panel on a rear surface of which a printed layer is formed, a door sash coupled to the front panel and having at least one opening, and a foamed material charged in a space defined by the front panel and the door sash. The front panel includes a release layer formed on a surface of the printed layer to correspond to the contour of the at least one opening.
US08714672B2	Appliance door The present invention relates to a door for an appliance. The door has a front panel and a rear panel and edges extending between the front panel and rear panel to create an internal cavity between the front panel and the rear panel. A filler material is contained in the internal cavity, and an intermediate material is interposed between a rear surface of the front panel and the filler material. The intermediate material or front panel is adapted to retain the front panel relative to the filler material by a magnetic field and release a portion of the front panel relative to the filler material upon excessive localized deformation of the filler material.
US08714667B2	Configurable enclosure for electronics components Enclosures for electronic components and methods for manufacturing the same are shown. In one embodiment, the enclosure includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall, and a fourth sidewall defining an interior space of the enclosure. A first mounting channel and a second mounting channel can be coupled to each one of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall, and the fourth sidewall. A side channel can be removably coupled to the first mounting channel and the second mounting channel. A mounting panel can be removably coupled to the side channel, the mounting panel providing a flat surface extending away from the side channel towards a sidewall opposite a sidewall nearest the side channel and adapted to support electronic components.
US08714664B2	Environmental containment An environmental containment system has a wall frame for mounting to a wall. The wall frame has a left section and a right section. The wall frame has a top section and a bottom section. The wall frame extends horizontally from a vertical plane and has a wall side opening and a working side opening. A suction opening is formed on the wall frame. A filter is mounted to a filter opening formed on the wall frame. A pair of mounting brackets are spaced apart horizontally at a set predetermined distance. The pair of mounting brackets includes a right mounting bracket and a left mounting bracket. The right mounting bracket has at least one right screw opening, and the left mounting bracket has at least one left screw opening. The pair of mounting brackets are mounted to an inside surface of the wall frame.
US08714663B2	Wheel brake/drive force control device A target braking-driving force Fvn and a target yaw moment Mvn of the entire vehicle are calculated, and when the target braking-driving force Fvn and the target yaw moment Mvn cannot be achieved by the braking-driving forces of the front wheels, a target braking-driving force Fvft and a target yaw moment Mvft of the front wheels are adjusted such that the magnitudes of the braking-driving force and yaw moment of the vehicle produced by the braking-driving forces of the front wheels become the maximum at a ratio between Fvn and Mvn. A target braking-driving force Fvrt and a target yaw moment Mvrt of the rear wheels are calculated on the basis of Fvn, Mvn, Fvft, and Mvft, and similar adjustment is performed for them when necessarily.
US08714661B2	Wheel frame, assembly and method A wheel frame for a vehicle including a unitary cylindrical body having a radially inward facing surface and a radially outward facing surface surrounding a wheel axis and extending from an integrally formed mounting flange to an open hub end. The radially inward facing surface of the body including a portion adjacent the hub end of the body that is enlarged for receiving at least a portion of an electric motor assembly.
US08714658B2	Hopper for transportation of mineral or aggregates A hopper for transportation of mineral or aggregates which prevents the material from falling off due to movements or slope, and which improves load performance and facilitates the download. In the joining areas between the front and the floor and between the sides and the floor there are folded or cylindered pieces giving curvature to such joining points, thus adding anti-adherent features to this hopper. The front is folded with a wide radius, also achieving an anti-adherent feature. There are also folds in the front and the shield to avoid beams in those areas of the hopper, thus decreasing the total weight of such hopper and reducing the appearance of cracks and lessening the amount of welding. Additionally, the area of release is wider than the front and shield portions to allow for a better sliding of the material during unloading.
US08714657B1	Method and device for holding the tailgate of a dump truck partially open A method and device for securing the tailgate of a dump truck in a partially open position employs a removable post having a horizontal hole through its distal end and a vertical opening in its proximal end. The distal end of the post is attached to the tailgate by inserting the latch pin through the hole in the distal end of the post. The proximal end of the post is inserted into the latch of the dump truck, and the dog of the latch is inserted into the opening in the proximal end of the post to secure the proximal end of the post to the latch.
US08714651B2	Rotatable armrest An armrest for a chair having a first member connected to the chair; a second member selectively rotatable relative the first member; means disposed between the first and second members for resisting the rotational movement between the first and second members.
US08714650B2	Seat assembly having a moveable head restraint assembly A seat assembly having a seat back and a head restraint assembly disposed on the seat back. The head restraint assembly includes a support post and a headrest disposed on the support post. The headrest is inhibited from moving away from a head of a seat occupant until the headrest is actuated toward the head of the seat occupant.
US08714648B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat is provided with an operation member operated to tilt a seatback forward and disposed at such a position as to be operated from behind a seat body. The vehicle seat includes: an operation link connected at one end to the operation member and operated to be pivoted; a link mechanism that is pivotally connected to a lower end of the operation link, receives force, generated by an operation of the operation member, from the operation link to be moved, and outputs the force for cancelling fixation of a reclining angle of the seatback; and a torsion spring that is wound around a pivotally-connected portion at which the link mechanism is pivotally connected to the operation link, and biases the operation link such that the operation link is pivoted toward an initial position in which the operation link is located before being operated.
US08714645B2	Pivoting mechanism with gross and fine resistance adjustment A pivoting mechanism with gross and fine adjustment with a housing, an elongate shaft pivotally retained by the housing, resiliently deformable members retained by the housing, cam members coupled to the shaft wherein the cam members are disposed to deform the resiliently deformable members when the cam members are pivoted, and a locking slide bar for selectively causing the cam members to pivot with the shaft to produce gross adjustments in pivoting resistance. First and second ends of the shaft can act as an output interface for outputting the pivoting resistance exhibited by the shaft to a seat back structure, a seat bottom structure, or some other structure. A threaded rod rotated by a handle can adjust an initial deformation of the first resiliently deformable member for fine pivoting resistance adjustment.
US08714642B2	Blast attenuation seat A seat for supporting an occupant of a vehicle and absorbing a force between the occupant and the vehicle created by relative movement between the occupant and the vehicle including a seat bottom and a seat back extending from the seat bottom. At least one of the seat bottom and the seat back includes a first energy absorbing device for absorbing at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a first magnitude. The one of the seat bottom and the seat back also includes a second energy absorbing device for absorbing at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude. The second energy absorbing device supports the first energy absorbing device so that the first energy absorbing device transmits a portion of the force to the second energy absorbing device when the force reaches the second magnitude.
US08714641B2	Vehicle seat There is provided a vehicle seat including: a seatback including a seatback frame skeleton member covered by a seatback pad cushion member on at least a front side of the seatback frame; a headrest including a headrest frame skeleton member disposed above the seatback; and a shock absorbing member disposed further to the front side than the headrest frame and being at a top portion of the seatback, attached to the seatback frame and absorbing impact energy by plastic deformation when an impact is imparted to the top portion of the seatback from the front side.
US08714640B2	Seat attachment device A seat attachment device is provided that uses a single bolt to secure the seat rails to the seat attachment device and the seat attachment device to a post.
US08714638B2	High leg reclining seating unit with extendable footrest A reclining seating unit includes: a base that rests on an underlying surface; a seat; a backrest; an ottoman; and a reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links and attached to the base, seat, backrest and ottoman. The reclining mechanism moves the seat, backrest and ottoman relative to the base between (a) an upright position, wherein the backrest is generally upright, the seat is generally horizontal, and the ottoman is positioned beneath the seat and faces generally downwardly, (b) a TV position, wherein the backrest is generally upright and the ottoman is generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat, and (c) a fully reclined position, wherein the ottoman remains generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat and the backrest takes a shallower angle relative to the seat than in the upright and TV positions. The ottoman is between about 8 and 12 inches in length.
US08714636B2	Chassis structure of a motor vehicle body A bearing structure arrangement of a motor vehicle body is provided with at least one bearing structure component extending essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is provided in the interior or dry area of the motor vehicle to form a single-piece connection between the vehicle front wall and a rear frame of the body.
US08714629B2	Construction machine A canopy (23) is provided to rise in an upper revolving structure (3) for covering an upper side of an operator's seat (19). A bend portion (25B) extending in the left-right direction and projecting upward is provided in a front end side of a roof plate (25) in the canopy (23). A plate-shaped left front lifting bracket (26) is provided in a left front connecting portion (24J), and a plate-shaped right front lifting bracket (27) is provided in a right front connecting portion (24L). The left and right front lifting brackets (26, 27) sandwich the bend portion (25B) from both sides in the left-right direction. Further, the left and right front lifting brackets (26, 27) are provided with lifting holes (26A, 27A) and also discharging notches (26B, 27B).
US08714621B2	Visor with movable pivot A visor is provided which pivots downwardly away from the windshield and includes a movable pivot axis that moves the visor toward the vehicle windshield and away from the operator as the operator lowers the visor. This moves the visor to a comfortable and functional position for the operator.
US08714618B1	Vehicles having utility bed and locking device A vehicle includes a frame, a utility bed, a seat, and a locking device. The utility bed includes a bed frame and is pivotally coupled with the frame between a hauling position and a dumping position. The seat includes a seat back that is pivotally coupled with the bed frame between a stowed position and a deployed position. The locking device is coupled with the bed frame and includes a latch. The latch is moveable relative to both the bed frame and the seat back, between a lock position and an unlock position. When the seat back is in the stowed position, the latch is in the unlock position and disengaged from the frame. When the seat back is in the deployed position and the utility bed is in the hauling position, the latch is in the lock position and engaged with the frame.
US08714616B2	Protecting frame structure for power supply apparatus The present invention is intended to reduce impact of external forces on a power supply apparatus by placing the power supply apparatus close to a peripheral component inside a vehicle and as far away as possible from ends of the vehicle, which are susceptible to the impact of the external forces from outside the vehicle. The present invention provides a protecting frame structure for a power supply apparatus, including a power supply apparatus, a protecting frame structure, a floor panel adapted to fasten a lower end portion of the protecting frame structure, a peripheral component which includes a tilting structure adapted to tilt to a side on which the protecting frame structure is installed, wherein the protecting frame structure includes first and second frames extending in a vertical direction of the vehicle and a third frame extending in a width direction of the vehicle, the first and second frame have respective bending portions and inclined portions and are coupled at respective upper ends to the third frame, the inclined portions being located on an upper side of the vehicle above the bending portions and being inclined toward a rear side of the vehicle, and the third frame has coupling portions which couple to the first and second frames and is connected at both ends to lateral surfaces of the vehicle.
US08714615B2	Motor vehicle interior structure having a door with impeded movement, and dashboard and motor vehicle equipped with the same A motor vehicle interior structure comprises a receptacle having an opening; a door for covering the opening; a pivot connection of the door to the receptacle for movement around a first axis of rotation; and a member for impeding the displacement of the door. The member includes a movable piston carried by a body that is attached to the receptacle. The structure further includes a link pivotally mounted on the receptacle and interconnecting the piston and door via first and second connecting points, respectively. The link pivots about a second axis of rotation and the first and second connecting points are located relative to the second axis of rotation so that a rotary movement in the counter-clockwise direction of the first connecting point around the first axis of rotation drives the second connecting point into rotation around the second axis of rotation in the clockwise direction.
US08714614B2	Instrument panel An instrument panel allows increase in the strength of supporting a striker, and improvement of the rigidity of an opening part formed in a front wall of an instrument panel body, thereby easily maintaining a constant gap at a joint between the opening part and a glove compartment, even if the instrument panel or the glove compartment is made larger. An opening part is formed in a front wall of an instrument panel body, a glove compartment is provided on a back side of the opening part, a lower end portion of the opening part is fixed to brackets extending from a steering member, a reinforcement including a striker is fixed to a back surface of an upper end portion of the opening part, one end portion, on the inner side of the vehicle interior, of a cover panel that covers an upper portion of an article storage part is fixed to the reinforcement, and an opposite end portion of the cover panel is fixed to the brackets.
US08714613B1	Center console and tray assembly A console assembly includes a console housing with first and second compartments. Each compartment includes one or more track members disposed on an interior portion of each compartment. A tray assembly includes engagement tabs which are adapted to couple to the track members of the first compartment in a first configuration, and further adapted to couple to the track members of the second compartment in a second configuration. Thus, the tray assembly is removable and can be positioned in either the first compartment or the second compartment. The tray assembly is adapted to move between fore and aft positions along the track members, and the tray assembly is also operable between forward and rearward tilt positions in either compartment in assembly.
US08714609B2	Method and system for repositioning of a flexible substrate A material handling system includes a body including a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member define a hollow cavity within the body, and a gap disposed between the first member and the second member. The body is in flow communication with a first gas source to provide pressurized gas flow through the gap to generate a lifting force on an object placed adjacent to the body. The body has channels disposed within a central region of the body in flow communication with a second gas source. The channels are arranged to controllably disengage the object from the body.
US08714606B2	Locking tong Certain embodiments of tongs are disclosed herein having a locking feature disposed upon an arm thereof.
US08714603B2	Energy absorber for vehicle An energy absorber for a vehicle includes a structure with an I-shaped cross-sectional structure, preventing collision energy from causing a buckling phenomenon. Particularly, the wiring for an electric wire connected to a sensor can be realized by making use of extra space.
US08714602B2	Locking device for locking a structural element against an adjacent structure, an aircraft provided with said device, and an extraction method implemented by said device The present invention relates to a locking device provided with a latch (10) and a retaining pin (100), said latch (10) having a handle (11) and a locking arm (20) hinged to said handle (11) by a pivot peg (13). The retaining pin (100) comprising a first transverse branch (101) and a second transverse branch (102) separated by a space (103), a second end (22) of said locking arm (20) has a contact finger (23) provided with a first surface and with a second surface (25) opposite from said first surface (24), said first surface (24) comprising closure means for co-operating with said first transverse branch (101), said second surface (25) comprising extractor means of said latch (10) for co-operating with said second transverse branch.
US08714596B1	Binding element and associated method for binding A binding structure for binding a bundle of sheets and that includes a base and a pair of opposed position legs that are integrally formed with and extend from respective sides of the base. The pair of legs and base together defines a retention area in which the bundle of sheets is held. The pair of legs is constructed and arranged with a resilient bias toward each other, but separable to enable the bundle of sheets to be held therebetween under a biasing force. The legs each have at least one inwardly directed rib arranged for contact with opposed sides of the bundle of sheets, and a thermal adhesive layer is disposed on the base and upon which the bundle of sheets rests, to be later formed in a thermal binding machine.
US08714595B2	Neck injury mitigation systems and methods Seat belt systems and inflatable airbags can be used to mitigate the potential for injury to an occupant's neck. The seat belt systems provide for moderating the seat belt loads acting on the occupant to allow an improved synchronization of the occupant torso and head rebound timing, which in turn limits head and torso differential loading (frontal whiplash) and therefore occupant neck loads and neck, based on the position of the occupant, loads on the seatbelt, or a predetermined time in the crash event. Airbags are also provided with a sloped impact face. Additionally, airbags are also provided with a relatively flat top portion.
US08714592B1	System for securing a vehicle during transport against movement under forces from multiple directions A system for securing a vehicle during transport comprises in combination a vehicle having a frame with at least one deformation zone, multiple tie-downs affixed to the frame at spaced-apart locations, a supporting surface with multiple anchor points at spaced-apart locations, and multiple ties extending between each tie-down and a respective anchor point. Each front and rear side of the frame has at least two tie-downs, and each left and right side of the frame has at least one tie-down. At least two anchor points are located on the supporting surface outwardly from each side of the vehicle. Each tie extends between one tie-down and a respective anchor point at a corresponding side of the vehicle. The ties are selectively arranged in relation to one another to retain the vehicle substantially against movement on the supporting surface but without deforming the deformation zone of the vehicle frame.
US08714590B2	Gas generator for restraining device A gas generator for a restraining device includes: a housing formed by a diffuser shell having a gas discharge port and a closure shell, an ignition device chamber in which an ignition device is accommodated, and a combustion chamber in which a gas generating agent is accommodated, being defined inside the housing, the ignition device chamber being defined inside an inner tube disposed in the housing, and the combustion chamber being defined outside the inner tube, the inner tube including, openings on both ends being fixed to a bottom surface and a top surface of the housing, a flame-transferring hole being formed in a circumferential wall portion to communicate the ignition device chamber with the combustion chamber, and a reduced strength portion being provided in the circumferential wall portion between the flame-transferring hole and the top surface of the housing.
US08714587B2	Curtain airbag The curtain airbag includes: a curtain bag section configured with cloth panels joined in a bag shape, housed prior to use in a folded state in a vehicle roof side edge section and deploying and inflating downwards when injected with deployment gas; a collision detector for detecting a collision and/or signs of an imminent collision of the vehicle; a gas generator for supplying the deployment gas to the curtain bag section in response to a detection result of the collision detector; and a guide member configured with a cloth panel, rolled up from the bottom of the curtain bag section that has been folded prior to use, via the vehicle width direction inside towards the top of the curtain bag section, the guide member being disposed at a position overlapping with the vehicle front-rear direction position of an interior member provided inside the vehicle compartment.
US08714585B2	Knee airbag An airbag in which no choking occurs and which can be rapidly deployed. A cushion section of the airbag internally accommodates a cylinder-type inflator that includes an insertion hole for inserting the inflator from an outside to an inside, and a diffuser into which the inflator is inserted, and a diffuser having a tubular portion obtained by folding back a section of cloth to form symmetrical portions with an upper base formed by the folded back part and a lower base formed by adjacent ends of the symmetrical portions. The cushion section is folded back at both lateral sides of the along first folding lines that are substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the diffuser.
US08714578B2	Safety binding for ski touring Safety binding for the practice of ski touring, including a baseplate having a rear end and a front end, the baseplate being adapted to be pivotally mounted relative to a ski; a rear base adapted to be fixed to the ski; a heel lift capable of taking at least a support position in which the heel lift limits the rotation of the baseplate, and a storage position in which the heel lift does not limit the rotation of the baseplate; and a mechanism enabling the baseplate to be alternatively fixed to and released from the rear base. The mechanism includes a locking device capable of switching from a first closed position to a second open position. The binding also includes a release member having an actuation surface adapted to be manipulated by the user, the bias of the actuation surface thereof driving the locking device toward the second open position; and a return member biases the locking device toward their first closed position. The first closed position of the locking device is the only stable position of the mechanism.
US08714574B2	Independent wheel suspension of an at least slightly steerable rear wheel of a double-track vehicle A swivel bearing of a wheel suspension is connected to a longitudinal control arm via two joints at different heights viewed in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, in an articulated manner such that the joints determine a steering axis of rotation extending primarily perpendicularly when viewed from the side, and which has a negative scrub radius. Each transverse control arm is attached to the longitudinal control arm via one rubber mount or joint having a minimal degree of rotary freedom. The swivel bearing is guided by a tie rod, which is supported on a soft rubber bearing. The tie rod is connected to an actuator adjuster element, whose actuator is arranged substantially in a center of the vehicle and acts for the two rear wheels thereof. The tie rod is moveable substantially in the transverse direction to minimally steer the rear wheel.
US08714569B2	Modular cart The instant disclosure relates to a modular cart, which includes a base and a tower. The tower can be assembled and disassembled. The base has a mounting seat supported on wheels. The wheels allow the mounting seat to move on a working surface. The mounting seat further defines an axis extending away from the working surface. The tower is mounted on the mounting seat and has N number of main bodies and N−1 number of couplers. With N≧2, the main bodies and the couplers are interconnected into a predetermined length. Each coupler is connected between two main bodies.
US08714567B2	Ski boot that can support at least part of a skier's weight and associated ski boot/ski assembly A ski boot (1) includes an inner boot (1.1) that is designed to accommodate the skier's foot and a leading shell (1.2) that surrounds the inner boot (1.1), making it possible to hold the skier's ankle in place. This boot (1) also includes a calf support (3) attached to the shell (1.2) that is designed to accommodate the skier's calf, and a thigh support (5) that forms an angle (α) with the calf support (3) that is designed to accommodate the skier's thigh when the latter is in the bent position. Preferably, the boot includes a damping element (8, 23, 27) that is installed between the calf support (3) and the thigh support (5), as well as elements (25, 26) for adjusting the angle (α) between the calf support (3) and the thigh support (5).
US08714564B2	Cylinder head gasket A cylinder head gasket 1 has gasket base plates 4 and 5 including: combustion chamber holes 7; a water hole 9 formed in a manner adjusted to the position of a cooling liquid path 3b formed in a cylinder block; and full beads 4a and 5a surrounding the combustion chamber holes.Neighboring full beads are formed at locations distant from each other. Furthermore, two coupling beads 4b and 5b are provided at locations having disposed therebetween a centerline connecting the centers of the neighboring combustion chamber holes, and the two coupling beads 4b and 5b branch out from one full bead and join the other full bead and protrude in the same direction as the full beads.The water hole is disposed outside an area surrounded by the full beads and the coupling beads.
US08714562B2	Lip type end face sealing device A lip type end face sealing device having excellent sealability to different kinds of liquids on both sides in the axial direction and having excellent durability. A case is tight fitted to an inner peripheral face of a housing and includes case members. One pair of seal lips is integrally fitted to inner peripheral flange parts, positioned oppositely each other in the axial direction, and opened in a tapered shape. One pair of the seal lips is slidably contacted with flange parts of slingers tight fitted to an outer periphery of a rotary shaft. Pressure in seal internal spaces between the seal lips is released through a vent hole.
US08714560B2	Bidirectional seal assembly for use with valves A seal assembly for use with valves is described. An example seal assembly includes a first seal and a second seal opposite the first seal. The first and second seals are to sealingly engage a closure member of a valve and a sealing surface opposite the closure member. A spacer ring is disposed between the first and second seals to prevent the first and second seals from contacting each other. Additionally, the spacer ring is sized so that the spacer ring does not contact the closure member or the sealing surface.
US08714554B2	Multifunctional shooting target structure A multi-purpose shooting target includes a target box with an inner space, a deceleration projectile stopping device and a double-faced target plate. A projectile collecting groove is disposed in the inner space at the lower side of the target box, and the double-faced target plate provides a combined blowgun/darts target plate. After a projectile pierces a target sheet, the momentum of the projectile is absorbed by the deceleration projectile stopping device. Finally, the projectile drops into the projectile collecting groove, providing highly efficient stopping and collecting of projectiles. A user can enjoy shooting safely, while avoiding risks associated with ricocheting projectiles. Since the face of the double-faced target plate can be changed quickly, it can be used as a shooting target structure for a toy gun, a blowgun target and a dartboard, allowing a shooting activity that is both safer, more diversified and amusing.
US08714553B2	Method, apparatus, and computer readable storage for implementing a side wager for a blackjack game A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a side bet for a blackjack game. If the player's initial two cards have a point total under 10, then the player wins a first payout on the side wager, otherwise the player loses the side wager. Then, the blackjack game is completed, and if the player won the first payout and the player wins the blackjack game then the player wins a second payout on the side wager. If the player won the first payout and the player loses the blackjack game then the player loses the side wager.
US08714550B2	LED pinball machine graphics display The subject invention discloses an improved pinball machine and a method of updating existing pinball machines by replacing existing internal gas tube graphic displays with bright, large LED dot matrix or plasma dot matrix displays. These bright and large displays may be attached to a pinball machine within the backbox, external to the backbox or both. These large graphic displays contain multiple display circuit boards that can be separately removed and replaced devices for cheaper maintenance. This method allows any existing pinball machine to be updated with large, bright displays that can illuminate in a variety of colors with adjustable brightness.
US08714549B2	Post-processing device A post-processing device includes a cylindrical body and branching guides. The cylindrical body is rotatable. The cylindrical body and the branching guides convey paper to a processing unit that processes the paper and to an ejection tray. A paper reversing mechanism is composed mainly of the cylindrical body and the branching guide, in which a first face of the paper is directed to a peripheral surface of the cylindrical body and the paper is wound therearound by rotating the cylindrical body. The paper reversing mechanism then rotates the cylindrical body in a reverse direction and switches the posture of the branching guide, to thereby separate the paper from the peripheral surface and eject.
US08714548B2	Image recording apparatus An image recording apparatus includes: a first motor for rotating first and second rollers; a second motor; a recording portion provided downstream of the first roller, the second roller provided downstream of the recording portion; a sensor portion provided between the recording portion and the second roller to sense a sheet; and a first gear movable between a first position and a second position where reverse rotational power of the first roller is transmitted to the second roller. When a controller determines that an upstream edge of the sheet in a conveying direction has reached a third position located between the recording portion and the sensor portion, the controller starts driving the second motor to move the first gear from the first position to the second position and thereafter controls the first motor to perform a forward rotation and a reverse rotation alternately a set number of times.
US08714547B2	Paper discharge apparatus and image forming apparatus equipped with paper discharge apparatus A paper discharge apparatus including, a paper loading portion for loading a paper which is discharged; a paper rear-end abutting portion which a rear end of paper in a paper conveying direction abuts; a pair of paper holding members for holding the paper at the paper holding position when the paper is discharged; a paper holding member moving device which is connected to at least one of the pair of the paper holding members and moves the pair of the paper holding members from a paper holding position to a paper loading position; when the pair of the paper holding members reach the paper loading position, the paper holding member moving device moves at least one of the pair of the paper holding members in the opposite direction of the paper conveying direction and makes the rear end of the holding paper abut the paper rear-end abutting portion.
US08714546B2	Paper discharge device In an image forming apparatus, a paper discharge roller of a paper discharge unit has an upper roller as a driving roller and a lower roller as a driven roller. The lower roller has a nip roller which is fixed to a shaft and holds paper between the nip roller and the upper roller, and forming rollers having a diameter larger than that of the nip roller and arranged on both sides of the nip roller. Since a conveyance speed of the paper is constant, the number of revolutions of the forming roller having a large outer diameter is smaller than that of a nip roller having a small outer diameter. The friction between the forming roller and the paper is lower than that in conventional art. Attachment and accumulation of ink are suppressed, and inconvenience of contamination of the paper with ink upon paper discharge hardly occurs.
US08714545B2	Paper inverting device A paper inverting device includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a guiding structure, a power mechanism, and a controller. The power mechanism is used for driving rotation of the guiding structure. The first sensor is used for detecting the position of the paper. The second sensor is used for detecting the thickness of the paper. According to the sensing signals from the first sensor and the second sensor, the controller may determine the timing of rotating the guiding structure and the rotating direction and the rotating angle of the guiding structure. Consequently, the guiding structure may be controlled to stop the paper and further invert the paper.
US08714542B2	Feeder and image forming apparatus provided with the feeder Air is taken in through air holes of a paper transfer belt and through air inlets of an air intake duct, and a recording sheet of paper is sucked onto front surfaces of the paper transfer belts, forming the recording sheet of paper into a curved (waved) shape along the front surfaces of the paper transfer belts.
US08714541B2	Image recording apparatus and control method thereof An image recording apparatus, for conveying a roll paper as a sheet and a cut paper as a sheet to record an image on the sheet, includes a sheet type selecting unit, a rotation amount measurement unit, a determination unit, a conveyance suspension unit, and a first conveyance restarting unit. The sheet type selecting unit allows a user to select a roll paper mode and a cut paper mode. The determination unit determines whether a conveyed sheet is the roll paper or the cut paper based on the rotation amount measured by the rotation amount measurement unit. The conveyance suspension unit suspends the sheet conveyance in response to it being determined that the conveyed sheet is different from the selected sheet type. The first conveyance restarting unit restarts a sheet conveyance by the conveyance suspended during the cut paper mode, by switching to the roll paper mode.
US08714539B2	Recording medium cassette and recording apparatus A recording medium cassette includes a lower sheet placement unit on which a first recording medium is placed, an upper sheet placement unit on which a second recording medium is placed and configured to slide with respect to the lower sheet placement unit, and a recorded medium receiver on which the first recording medium and the second recording medium that have undergone a recording operation of a recording unit are placed. The recorded medium receiver is pivotably disposed at an end portion of the lower sheet placement unit in a feed direction. The upper sheet placement unit is pivotably disposed at the other end portion of the lower sheet placement unit in the feed direction.
US08714538B2	Sheet stacking apparatus When information about weight of a sheet indicates weight less than a predetermined weight, a sheet stacking apparatus configured to align sheets to be stacked on a stacking tray discharges the sheet onto the stacking tray while overlapping the sheet with another sheet by an overlapping unit, and, when the information about the weight of the sheet indicates weight not less than the predetermined weight, the sheet stacking apparatus discharges the sheet onto the stacking tray without overlapping the sheet with another sheet by the overlapping unit.
US08714531B2	Telescoping spring assembly for mattresses and the like A spring assembly includes telescopically adjustable inner and outer members biased in an extension direction by a coil spring. A non-stretch fabric sleeve fitted about an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the coil spring is closed at its opposite ends to apply a compression preload to the coil spring. The fabric sleeve prevents transmission of the preload to the inner and outer telescoping members, thereby eliminating stickiness and the popping sound that are drawbacks of the prior art, and the fabric sleeve also provides general noise reduction when the spring assembly changes length.
US08714530B2	Fluid-filled vibration-damping device A fluid-filled vibration damping device including: a partition member having first and second partition plates overlapping, and a holding area formed between overlapping surfaces of center parts of the two partition plates; and a movable membrane held and arranged in the holding area. A claw-shaped part and a perforation window are formed at respective corresponding positions of outer circumference parts of the two partition plates, and a fixing mechanism is constituted with the claw-shaped part latched in a circumference edge part of the perforation window. A widening area is provided between an outer circumference surface of the movable membrane and an inner circumference surface of the holding area by partially making a large distance therebetween. At least one of the two partition plates has a first air vent hole piercing a part constituting a wall part of the widening area.
US08714527B2	Deceleration device A deceleration device includes a driving device and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a driving member, a first active subassembly, a second active subassembly, a first transmission member, a second transmission member and two regulatory mechanisms. The driving member is connected to the driving device. The first transmission member connects the driving member to the first active subassembly, and is driven by the driving device, and rotates the first active subassembly. The second transmission member connects the first active subassembly to the second active subassembly, and is driven by the first active subassembly, and rotates the second active subassembly. The two regulatory mechanisms elastically resist the first transmission member and the second transmission member, respectively.
US08714526B2	Pulling eye with integrated lug for electrically coupling conductor to terminating equipment Pulling eyes are provided with an integrated lug for electrically coupling conductors or cables to terminating equipment. The pulling eyes may include body portions that define interior cavities that are sized to snugly engage a bare metal portion of the conductors or cables. The body portions are sized to be deformably crimped onto the bare metal portions of the conductors or cables. The pulling eyes may also include head portions joined to the body portions, with the head portions are assembled to pulling ropes or cables for installing the conductors or cables. The pulling eyes may further include integrated lugs electrically attached or coupled to the body portions and configured to electrically couple the conductor to terminating equipment.
US08714525B2	Portable manipulator for carrying out works on energized overhead electrical lines A manipulator for lifting conductors of an energized electrical line from a first pole to a second pole. The manipulator has a vertical lifting assembly on which a transverse displacement assembly is mounted. The vertical lifting assembly is attachable to one of the poles by a fastening assembly. The transverse displacement assembly has a mobile element provided with a number of insulators on which conductor holders for receiving the conductors of the electrical line to be lifted are mounted. The transverse displacement of the mobile element and the displacement of another mobile element of the lifting assembly are achieved by motor units controlled by a control unit.
US08714524B2	Belt-driven transportation system A belt-driven transportation system including a first set of pulleys rotatably attached to a first member and a second set of pulleys rotatably attached to a second member. The first and second members have relative movement to each other. The system further includes a unitary belt that is guided through a path defined by the first and second sets of pulleys. A plurality of flange members maintain a proper positioning of the belt on the pulleys.
US08714519B2	Solenoid valve, in particular for slip-controlled motor-vehicle brake systems Disclosed is a solenoid valve, the valve housing of which has a thick-walled tubular body (4) for fastening in a valve receiving bore (11), which thick-walled tubular body (4) is connected to thin-walled sleeve (1). The thin-walled sleeve (1) has a radially circumferential collar (2) which makes contact with an inner shoulder (3) in the tubular body (4), and for the tubular body (4) to have a recess (5) at a radial spacing from the inner shoulder (3) The radial spacing is selected in such a way that a plastically deformable banded collar (6) remains between the inner shoulder (3) and the recess (5) on the tubular body (4). As a result, a frictional, tight connection of the tubular body (4) with the sleeve (1) is possible.
US08714511B2	Umbrella stand The present disclosure provides a compact portable lightweight strong umbrella stand that can be quickly and easily attached to different metal objects and that is configured to securely hold a relatively heavy umbrella such as a patio umbrella.
US08714510B2	Electronic device holder and stand A case for an electronic device such as a tablet computer includes book configuration and stand configuration. In the stand configuration, the back panel of the holder, against which the electronic device is held, is disposed at an incline with respect to the front panel. The stand configuration is achieved through folding seams in the front panel and pockets in the back panel such that the front panel is folded back such that the front panel exterior surface generally faces the back panel exterior surface and respective front panel corners are folded along the folding seams and disposed within the back panel pockets.
US08714508B1	Telescoping support stand apparatus A telescoping support stand comprising a first tube partially defining a first enclosed area and a second tube partially defining a second enclosed area. A first end of the second tube may be telescopically slidable within the first tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first locking mechanism attached to the second tube. The first locking mechanism may releasably secure the first tube to the second tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first air exchange aperture dimensioned to allow air to flow between the first and second enclosed areas. The telescoping support stand may further comprise a release mechanism and a release rod attached to the first locking mechanism. The release mechanism may comprise a displacement member adjacent to the release rod, the displacement member being configured to displace the release rod and release the first locking mechanism.
US08714506B2	Mounting assembly for electrical fixture A mounting assembly and method are provided for mounting an electrical fixture to a ceiling structure. The mounting assembly includes a mounting plate and a cover plate overlying the mounting plate. The mounting plate includes a plurality of strengthening ribs and a plurality of fastener holes for receiving fasteners to mount the mounting plate directly to the ceiling support structure. The mounting plate has a dimension to overlie the support structure and a portion of an electrical box mounted adjacent the support structure to define an open area of the electrical box. Mounting bolts extend downwardly from the mounting plate for attaching to a bracket which supports an electrical fixture such as a ceiling fan. The mounting bolts and the bracket supporting the electrical fixture are cantilevered with respect to the ceiling support. The mounting assembly can be used as a retrofit and mounted over an existing ceiling substrate with screws that can pass through the ceiling substrate into the ceiling support. The cover plate has a dimension to cover the mounting plate and the open area of the electrical box.
US08714502B1	Bracket assembly A bracket assembly includes an elongated plate that has a first end, a second end, a front side, a back side, an upper edge and a lower edge. A first coupler is attached to and extends away from the back side. The first coupler is positioned adjacent to the first end. A second coupler is attached to and extends away from the back side. The second coupler is positioned adjacent to the second end. A catch is attached to and extends away from the front side of the plate. The catch is positioned between the first and second ends. The first and second couplers are engageable with opposite sides of a support member to allow an article to be positioned on the catch.
US08714498B2	Tray stand A modular portable stand that can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled by a solo user without the need for any tools or hardware in a very short time. In its disassembled condition, the stand includes a first and second base frame, a first and second side frame, and four legs, for a total component count of eight, with only three unique components, the base frame, side frame, and leg. The modularity of components provides simplified manufacturing, while allowing for relatively small disassembled packaging for transport, shipping or storage. The interlocking of the components at each corner provides a stiff and sturdy perimeter frame when assembled, that becomes more rigid as loaded with plant propagation trays, fish tanks, or other heavy items than require level secure support.
US08714497B2	Tool stand suitable for tools with elongated handles and a combination tool and tool stand A tool stand mountable to a tool having a relatively long handle. The handle has a tool head mounted to the second end of the handle. The tool stand has a pivot member, an axle, a rotational stop arm and a leg assembly. The pivot member is coupled to a handle between the first and second end thereof. The axle is rotatably coupled to the pivot member, with the axle rotation in an orientation that is oblique or substantially perpendicular to a handle. The rotational stop arm is fixed to the axle. The leg assembly extends toward a second end of a handle, with the rotational stop arm and the leg assembly being angled at an angle that is less than 180°. The leg assembly, the rotational stop arm and the axle are rotatable about the pivot member between a stowed orientation and an operational orientation.
US08714490B2	Roller conveyor A floor module with roller conveyors which define an aircraft cargo hold floor with a loading level is provided. The floor modules have cross-members to which the roller conveyor is attached. A rail with two side pieces is provided, between which rollers are rotatably mounted in such a way that they protrude above upper edges of the rails. The side pieces are joined to one another by a floor section. To improve the strength of the floor module, the floor section has a bent region inclined in cross-section at an angle to the loading level, the bent region dividing the floor section into one partial section lying higher and one partial section lying lower relative to the upper edges.
US08714489B2	Structural bonding arrangement A leading edge component (30) for an aircraft. The component includes at least one supporting rib (40); a skin of the leading edge; and an ice-protection system comprising a thermoelectric heater mat (10) located between the rib and the skin, the heater mat comprising an electrically resistive heater element (12, 22) embedded in a thermoplastic layer (16, 26, 28), wherein the rib is bonded to the skin by the thermoplastic of the heater mat. A method making a leading edge component for an aircraft. The method includes: providing at least one rib, a skin of the leading edge, and an ice-protection system comprising a thermoelectric heater mat having an electrically resistive heater element embedded in a thermoplastic layer; locating the heater mat between the rib and the skin; and bonding the rib to the skin using the thermoplastic of the heater mat.
US08714484B2	Aircraft seat assembly structure, and fitted fuselage An aircraft seat assembly structure (4) comprises at least one seat structure (5) that supports at least one seat, with which seat assembly structure is associated a reference frame that is defined by a longitudinal X-axis according to which the seat structure (5) comprises a front part and a rear part, by a Y-axis that is perpendicular to the X-axis, and that forms with said X-axis a horizontal XY plane when at least one seat is horizontal, and by a Z-axis that is perpendicular to the XY plane. In the front part, the seat structure (5) comprises a torsion bar (50) that is essentially parallel to the Y-axis that is equipped at a first lateral end (502) with a front lateral fastening device (500) that is designed to be made integral with lateral attachment means (26) of a shell structure (2) of an aircraft. The invention also relates to a fuselage that comprises said shell structure that is equipped with said lateral attachment means, whereby the aircraft comprises said fuselage and the seat assembly structure (4).
US08714482B2	Method and apparatus for automated launch, retrieval, and servicing of a hovering aircraft Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured to automatically retrieve, service, and launch an aircraft. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of the apparatus. In certain instances, the cable is dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot until its free end is captured. The aircraft becomes anchored to the apparatus, and is pulled downward by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture of the apparatus. Once mated, the aircraft is automatically shut down and serviced. When desired, the aircraft is automatically started and tested in preparation for launch, and then released into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle is thus accomplished with a simple, economical apparatus.
US08714479B1	Centering, release and reset mechanism The mechanism includes a primary load path element having at least one slot. A pin-key within the primary load path element slot allows freedom of movement in a rotational direction orthogonal to a positioning direction. A secondary load path element includes at least one secondary load path element slot. A key is positioned between the load path elements. A compression cam is positioned within an opening in the secondary load path element that defines a grooved cam seat. A tension cam is positioned within the opening in the secondary load path element. The tension cam has a defined pivot and stop. A cam follower rests on lobe surfaces of the cams. The cam follower applies a preload force to both cams opposing the cam's rotation. A push rod is seated in a hole in the cam follower and extends through a respective hole in the secondary load path element.
US08714475B2	Aircraft with reduced environmental impact An aircraft with reduced environmental impact includes two turboprop engines mounted on the back of the aircraft at the rear thereof, and one acoustic masking device per turboprop engine. The acoustic masking device includes a masking element, such as a flap, which can move between a position in which it is retracted into the wing, and a position in which it is extended toward the rear of the wing. In the extended position, the flap intercepts the noise area generated toward the front by the turboprop engine, so as to reduce the perception of noise on the ground.
US08714474B2	Aircraft with at least one net for reducing aerodynamic noise from a structural element of the aircraft An aircraft includes at least one net for reducing aerodynamic noise from a structural element of the aircraft. The flexible net associated with the structural element is retractable and capable of occupying at least one position located between the following two end positions: a deployed position, in which the net is placed in a turbulence area, and a retracted position, in which the net is at least partially outside the turbulence area. The net may be automatically moved between positions based on an aircraft parameter such as speed or altitude.
US08714473B2	Landing gear An aircraft landing gear is arranged such that in its deployed position it is configured to reduce, during the approach on landing, the noise generated by the interaction of the landing gear and the air flowing past the landing gear. Various means are described to reduce the amount of turbulent air flow generated in the region of the landing gear, including inverting and fairing the nose-gear shock-absorbing leg, providing faired twin in-line oleos and providing fairings that produce shielding air curtains.
US08714471B2	Friction core brake A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a core, a cartridge housing defining a cavity that receives the core, a shaft extending from the cartridge housing into the cavity and at least part way into the core, and a torsion spring. The torsion spring is helically wound to define a coiled outer surface that is received in the core and also includes at least one end that engages the shaft. When the core is rotated in a first direction about the shaft, a circumference of the coiled outer surface of the torsion spring increases thereby restricting a rotation of the core in the first direction. When the core is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, the coiled outer surface provides a controlled amount of drag to resist a rotation of the core in the second direction.
US08714470B2	Fishing reel A fishing reel that includes line guide (23) with fishing line guide hole (24) formed into a rectangular shape as viewed from the front of the guide body (22) extending in the right-and-left-direction along the axis of spool (5); and pillar (30) movable in a vertical direction in the vicinity in the anterior posterior direction of the line guide (23). The pillar (30) includes fishing line guide member (31) extending along the axis. The pillar (30) is configured to be movable between a first position where the fishing line is held in the center portion (24c′) and a second position retracted from the first position. The pillar (30) may take the first position by moving downwardly for fishing line winding operation to cause the fishing line guide member (31) to guide the fishing line to the center portion (24c′) of the fishing line guide hole (24).
US08714466B2	Fire-fighting monitor with remote control A high pressure monitor includes an outlet body with a transverse passage, which extends through the body to form two inlets of the outlet body, and a second passage, which is in communication with the transverse passage and extends through the outlet body to form an outlet. The monitor further includes first and second bodies, with the outlet body mounted between the first and second bodies. Each of the first and second bodies has a transverse passage, which are in fluid communication with the inlets of the outlet body. A first swivel joint is provided between the outlet body and the first body. A second swivel joint is provided between the outlet body and the second body. Further, each of the swivel joints comprises a pressure balanced hydraulic fitting with seals and bearings, wherein the seals and bearings are oriented to reduce the axial pressure on the bearings from fluid flowing through the monitor.
US08714464B2	Bicycle misting system Various embodiments provide a bicycle misting system or apparatus. Example embodiments include a manual (e.g., trigger-activated) or automated (e.g., valve-activated) system that is sell-contained, small, and light-weight. Various embodiments improve safety, allow convenient interchangeability of the fluid reservoir, and enable easy installation on a bicycle with or without a mounting system on the bicycle itself. Embodiments also allow the rider to select a variety of spray types, stream, spray, or mist depending on the intended use or amount of fluid desired for each release. The various embodiments provide for an improved cooling fluid delivery system of design simplicity, ease of use, and interchangeability that allows a cyclist an evaporative cooling concept safely, efficiently and conveniently, while riding in conditions of elevated or extreme temperatures.
US08714463B2	Overhead or lateral shower head A shower head or lateral shower head is provided for installation in a ceiling or wall, having a pivotable jet-producing device which is mounted in a ball housing by a ball-and-socket joint through which water flows, the housing surrounding the jet-producing device and being arranged in a manner both tiltable and displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the ceiling or wall, and the housing having an outer flange which extends to the surface of the ceiling or wall. A connection element is provided between a water connection and the ball housing.
US08714459B2	Scalable high-bandwidth connectivity A scalable, high-bandwidth connectivity architecture for portable storage devices and memory modules may utilize EHF communication link chip packages mounted in various two-dimensional and three-dimensional configurations on planar surfaces such as printed circuit boards. Multiple electromagnetic communication links between devices distributed on major faces of card-like devices may be provided with respectively aligned pairs of communication units on each device. Adjacent communication units on a printed circuit board may transmit or receive electromagnetic radiation having different polarization, such as linear or elliptical polarization. Power and communication between communication devices may both be provided wirelessly.
US08714457B2	Networked loyalty cards A networked card for identifying and tracking animate and inanimate objects and personnel, the card including: a radio frequency modem operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding one megahertz, the modem including a full duplex transmitter and receiver; a loop antenna operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem, the antenna operable within a range of hundreds of feet; a programmable microprocessor operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem and fully programmable within a network; a memory operatively coupled with the programmable microprocessor, the memory holding identification data; and a battery for providing power to the microprocessor.
US08714456B2	Two-dimensional code, two-dimensional code reader, and program The aim is to reduce the influence of the filming environment of an image that represents a two-dimensional code when determining a color that has been added to a cell in the two-dimensional code. Disclosed is a two-dimensional code (100) in which a mark is added to each cell group in an information color or a combination color that is correlated with the information indicated by the cell group, and the mark for each cell (C) in the cell group is added in a specified coordinate color within a component domain from among a component model representing the distribution of color components, that is disposed in a positional relationship void of mutual interference.
US08714451B2	Image forming apparatus management system, image forming apparatus, managing apparatus, terminal apparatus, image forming apparatus managing method, and image forming program A disclosed managing apparatus and image forming apparatus management system ensure confidentiality of information in an image forming apparatus while usability is maintained. An image forming apparatus acquires IC card identifying information with an IC card reader. A management server acquires a user ID associated with the acquired IC card identifying information and use limit information concerning use of the image forming apparatus. A process is performed in the image forming apparatus in accordance with the use limit information.
US08714450B2	Systems and methods for transactional ballot processing, and ballot auditing A voting unit and a ballot transaction processing system for processing a voting session. The voting unit includes an optical ballot scanner and a printer that is capable of printing a non-human readable barcode on ballots that are fed into the voting unit. The ballots are filled out (or cast) by the voter before being inserted into the voting unit. The voter can confirm the voting unit's interpretations of his/her selections on the scanned ballot via a display and confirm that the interpretations are correct via an input section on the voting unit. The ballot transaction processing system is also capable of generating, assigning and communicating to a plurality of voting units a set of unique transaction codes. In so doing, the ballot transaction processing system maintains voter secrecy, prevents ballot stuffing and provides a one-to-one correspondence between images of optically scanned ballots and the ballots themselves.
US08714449B2	Method and device for arming and disarming status in a facility monitoring system Security systems and methods are implemented using a variety of devices and methods. According to one such implementation, a controller arms or disarms a security system responsive to a contactless card reader. The contactless card reader includes a circuit for wirelessly interfacing with the controller, a battery circuit, and a sensor for detecting a contactless card. The card reader further includes a power-control circuit, responsive to the sensor, to control use of the battery circuit, and a coil for energizing the contactless card in response to the contactless card being detected by the sensor. The contactless card transmits data to the contactless card reader when the contactless card is energized. Responsive to the data transmitted by the contactless card, the contactless card reader wirelessly interfaces with the controller, which arms or disarms the security system based on the data transmitted by the card.
US08714444B1	Time analysis at a banking system controlled by data bearing records A banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records utilizes a telephone system in acquiring, communicating, and/or processing time analysis data related to the duration of financial transaction activity in a drive-through lane of a bank facility. Vehicle sensors sense arrival and departure of vehicles in the drive-through lane. The system can calculate and store time data corresponding to each vehicle.
US08714442B2	System for and method of securing articles along a supply chain A system and method for securing articles of commerce passing through points along a supply chain against theft, diversion, product overruns, counterfeiting and like unauthorized activity, capture authentication information and identification information associated with the articles with an interrogation device at one or more points in the supply chain. The articles may be authenticated from the captured authentication information as being authorized or unauthorized at each point, and may be identified from the captured identification information at each point. Transactional information about the article, e.g., authorized/unauthorized status and a time and place of the authentication, is reported to a brand manager/law enforcement.
US08714438B2	Method for interactive false checking of a product by using colored 2 dimensional bar codes and a system for performing the same A method for interactive false checking of a product by using colored 2 dimensional bar codes comprises the steps of (a) generating a unique colored forgery-proof bar code 40, a fixed data 41 and a 2D variable bar code 42 by inputting a product related data and generating a database in the auto-bi-directional comparison and the responding system 6; (b) printing a colored 2D variable bar code containing the product data by a digital printing device; (c) printing the colored 2D variable bar code on a tag; (d) a consumer scanning the 2 dimensional variable bar code so as to get the product data which transferred to the system for comparison; (e) after comparison, a comparison result being transferred to the consumer's handset; and (f) the phone numbers of the phone or handset of the consumer for future using. A system for performing the same is also provided.
US08714437B2	Separable or opening portions for printable sheet material A printable sheet or container material includes a front panel having an integral separable portion formed by a tearable line or lines. When desired a patch, second layer or folded panel may be incorporated adjacent to or behind the separable portion and attached with at least one affixation point. The tearable line has a plurality of cut lines separated by connectors and can include channeling cuts and/or partially overlapping cuts to ensure a desired tearing path. The patch, second layer or folded panel can have windows, layers or patches, printed graphics or other embellishments. The separable portion, a remaining portion and/or the patch can include a foldable, or overlapping, or tearable or detachable section that can be utilized as an advertising or messaging device and an affixation device to reseal and or reuse the separable portion, or portions, or patch, or section.
US08714430B2	Indicator for surgical stapler A surgical stapler for visually indicating to a user the stage of operation of the stapler. The surgical stapler includes a body, a stapling assembly positioned on a distal end of the body including a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly, and a thrust bar slidably disposed within the body. The thrust bar is configured to advance distally from a retracted position to a first advanced position during approximation of the cartridge assembly towards the anvil assembly and advance further to a second advanced position to cause the release of staples from the cartridge assembly. An indicator member is connected to the thrust bar and configured to provide visual indication to a user upon complete approximation of the cartridge assembly and upon release of staples from the cartridge assembly.
US08714428B2	Sheet product dispenser A sheet product dispenser includes a housing to partially enclose a roll of sheet product, at least one end-opening at a longitudinal end of the housing to load said roll within the housing, and a longitudinal slit along a length of the housing to allow a leading edge of said sheet product to be unrolled therethrough defined by an upper and lower lip of the housing. The upper lip can flex to contact the lower lip to hold the sheet product in place during a cutting operation. The dispenser may further include a deforming projection disposed on a portion of the lower lip to deform the sheet product during a cutting operation to prevent roll-back of the sheet product.
US08714425B2	Cinch sack backpack with padded straps A bag configured to be worn or carried on the back by a user having a cinched top and including padded straps which extend over the user's shoulders. Each of the straps includes a strap member which may be a cord or a drawstring which is attached to the bottom of the bag and loops around the perimeter of the top of the bag. Each of the straps also includes a padded member which encircles a portion of the strap member to provide additional comfort to the user by cushioning the strap member and distributing the weight of the bag over a larger surface area.
US08714424B2	Carrying device waist belt system One embodiment of the present invention relates to a user based carrying system capable of independent transportation of a load including a hip-based user attachment system. The carrying system includes an enclosure member having an internal region encased by an internal surface. A user attachment system releasably secures the carrying system to the user for independent transportation without requiring muscular engagement. The user attachment system includes a hip attachment system with a dorsal articulation member and a strap member. The dorsal articulation member includes a front and rear member three-dimensionally moveably coupled to one another. The rear member is coupled to the enclosure member and the front member is coupled to the strap member. The three-dimensional moveable coupling between the front and rear members includes three restricted degrees of freedom configured to efficiently absorb corresponding user hip movements and directly support other user hip movements.
US08714422B2	Wrist-based systems and methods to carry mobile device(s) Systems and methods are disclosed to conveniently carry a mobile device, among others, on a wrist brace. The systems include a case to enclose the mobile device and a system to wear the apparatus on a wrist. The system is comprised of the case; a case tether coupled to the case; a wristband tether coupled to a wrist brace; a finger ring to loop around a finger and a case lock to secure the case in a closed position. Also presented, a method to carry and use the device while tethered to a wrist.
US08714420B2	Stringer spike sheath A spring-loaded receptacle designed to accept and reversibly link a stringer spike to an angler or watercraft to collect and combine fish. The sheath is a dual lumen device comprised of an outer tubular shell, a vertically movable, hollow inner stem, and a helical spring about the lower portion of the inner stem. The inner stem manifests three holes drilled at 120 degrees from one another and beads placed in these holes for engaging and securing the spike. A conically shaped bead deflector skirts the inner stem, surrounds the bead system, and exhibits a widening circumference as it descends into the outer shell. Spike insertion is accomplished by depressing the stem, compressing the spring, and allowing bead movement downward and outward away from the sheath center. The beads grip the spike when the stem is released, the spring expands, and the beads move into the bead deflector's tapered angle.
US08714417B1	Injection molded jar with pour feature A jar body is unitarily formed as a single piece and includes an externally-threaded neck having a rim defining a jar mouth. A main body has a sidewall and a base. A shoulder extends outward from an upper end of the main body to couple the main body to the neck. An interior pour channel is formed along the neck.
US08714411B2	Portable fluid treatment and dispensing system An apparatus and method for dispensing fluid to large numbers of people are disclosed. One embodiment of a portable apparatus for treating and dispensing fluid includes a housing that is fluidly attached to a fluid source. Several fluid delivery components are disposed within the housing to dispense fluid to a user. The fluid delivery components may include a pressure regulator, a backflow preventer, filters, cooling misters and dispensing valves such that the such that the fluid source integrity is protected, the fluid purity is improved, and the air within the housing is cooled which in turn provides cooling to the fluid delivery components and the fluid itself. This embodiment also includes a mechanism for providing ballast in the lower portion of the housing in order to stabilize the device and keep it from moving when bumped into by people (accidentally or intentionally) or in windy conditions, and a mechanism to empty the ballast for removal of the system.
US08714408B2	Self-cleaning tip The invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a generally liquid or viscous product, including a container for containing the product to be packaged and dispensed in the form of clean or sterile calibrated doses or drops using a dispensing accessory including a tip, wherein the assembly of the container and the accessory includes an additional flexible and deformable chamber actuated simultaneously with the accessory and capable of either sucking the residual drop at the end of said accessory after dispensing a calibrated dose or drop, or of blowing said calibrated dose or drop without permitting the formation of a residual drop. The invention can be used for packaging and dispensing clean or sterile products, in particular doses or drops in the field of ophthalmology.
US08714401B2	Stretched and foamed plastic container and method of producing the same [Problems] To provide a foamed plastic container in which the cell diameters are varying along a gradient so will not to decrease the content protection performance, quite differently from the foamed cells distributed in the conventional foamed containers.[Means for Solution] The foamed plastic container has a container wall 10 formed by using a plastic material and in which foamed cells 1 are distributed, the lengths of the foamed cells in the surface direction of the container wall 10 decreasing from the outer surface of the container toward the inner surface thereof.
US08714382B2	Composite interlocking stopper and method of manufacture A composite synthetic cork is provided, wherein the synthetic cork is operatively coupled with a cap via an interlocking contour. In an exemplary embodiment, the interlocking contour(s) is molded on or within an otherwise flat bottom portion of the cap. In other exemplary embodiments, the cap and the cork are assembled via co-injection molding.
US08714380B2	Reclosable opening device for packages of pourable food products A reclosable opening device for a sealed package of a pourable food product includes a frame fitted about a pierceable portion of the package and defining a through pour opening; a removable threaded cap that screws onto the frame to close the pour opening; a tubular cutter engaging the pour opening and having a cutting device which cooperates with the pierceable portion to unseal the package; a first connector connecting the cap to the cutter, and which, as the cap is unscrewed, pushes the cutter towards the pierceable portion and a second connector connecting the frame to the cutter, and which, in use, feed the cutter along a predetermined piercing path through the pierceable portion in response to unscrewing of the cap; and the piercing path, as the cap is unscrewed, has a first portion of pure axial translation, followed by a second portion of both axial and rotary motion.
US08714379B2	Container closure having a vacuum releaser A closure including a shell having a base wall with an axial outer surface and an undersurface, an annular skirt around a periphery of the base wall, and circumferentially spaced securement elements extending radially inwardly from the skirt. A gasket is carried by the shell, and has a base surface in contact with the undersurface of the base wall of the shell and an oppositely disposed sealing surface. An elongated flexible member extends between the sealing surface of the gasket and the axial outer surface of the shell and around a portion of the skirt circumferentially between the securement elements.
US08714376B2	Heavy-duty pivot plate adjusting joint A heavy-duty pivot plate adjusting joint for railroad freight cars connects multi-part car sections. To this end, the adjusting joint is configured such that each drawbar end is provided with only one end coupling rod part having a spring column, and the drawbar is connected by way of the drawbar end plates to the support bearing plates of an under frame provided on a car side. Each adjusting joint is provided with an adjusting point pivot plate, wherein a pivot plate roll surface is present directly at the pivot plate or at the adjoining contact surfaces transmitting pressure force, the surfaces having a spherical or two-dimensional shape. A configuration of the adjusting joints in a “regular embodiment” is proposed, wherein the distance of the transmission end points of balance is smaller than the distance of the spring travel limiters.
US08714373B2	Stackable glide rack for maximizing product selection A stackable glide rack includes an elongated member having a plurality of vertical partitions forming at least one row for storing a plurality of beverage containers, multiple protrusions and indentations for allowing a group of individual glide racks to be stacked in a vertical manner and an identification unit for identifying a type of beverage container stored in each row. When so oriented, a plurality of glide racks can provide an increased product selection choices without occupying additional space in a refrigerated display case.
US08714372B2	Kit for assembling a rigid support structure Kit for assembling a rectangular rigid support structure including a pair of vertical support rails and an upper spacer and a base spacer. The two spacers are rigidly attachable to and space apart the pair of vertical support rails. The spacers have spacer ends with integrally formed inter-engagement arrangements for mechanical inter-engagement with and attachment to the support rails. The inter-engagement arrangements include one or more integrally formed projections intended for insertion into the support rails. The spacers in the kit each have two pieces that can be rigidly assembled together.
US08714370B2	Systems and methods for securing footwear to a bag, back-pack, or other object The invention generally relates to a footwear clamp bag accessory used to clamp a pair of shoes together and couple the clamped shoes to some other object using a claw-lock/clip. The footwear clamp bag accessory can include a base, at least two clamps, a locking mechanism, and a claw-lock/clip. The base can be the main structure that at least a portion of the clamps ride and that the claw-lock/clip is affixed to via a strap/cord. The at least two clamps can be a left clamp and a right clamp. Each of the left and right clamps can include a portion that rides a portion of the main structure. Further, clamp pads can couple to the left clamp and right clamp.
US08714365B2	Fruit handling equipment Fruit handling equipment comprising a conveyor having a plurality of linked carriages, each supporting at least one fruit carrying cup pivotally secured to the carriage, each cup having a latching mechanism operable to hold the cup in a fruit carrying mode and releasable to cause the cup to pivot to a delatched position to eject the fruit, and remotely controllable means in each carriage to release the latching mechanism.
US08714363B2	Supplying filtered granular material using an angled sieve A method and apparatus for supplying filtered slush molding powder or other granular material using a material feeder and angled sieve. The feeder includes a feeding member for moving the granular material, a feeder loading region, and a feeder unloading region. The sieve is positioned relative to the feeder unloading region so that it receives the granular material exiting the feeder. The sieve is positioned at an angle of inclination greater than zero degrees. An agitator that causes vibration of the sieve can be included to help sift the granular material through the angled sieve.
US08714361B2	Process for the separation of materials from recycled electrochemical cells and batteries Materials in battery and electrochemical cells are separated in a form suitable for recycling by employing froth flotation techniques. Bulk materials, such as casings, are removed from converted battery scrap and the resultant pulp is subjected to froth flotation. Froth flotation agents, including frothers, collectors and/or depressants, are used to manipulate the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the materials in the scrap. Hydrophobic materials are entrained in the air bubbles of the froth and float out of the froth flotation vessel while those that are hydrophilic remain in the vessel, thereby separating battery grid materials without resort to pyrometallurgical, energy intensive or other environmentally undesirable processes.
US08714359B2	Rotating classifier [Problem] To provide a rotating classifier which can keep classification performance high and which can prevent blockages caused by biomass and the like.[Means for Resolution] The rotating classifier is characterized in that: comb teeth-like protrusion portions protruding toward a fixed member side are provided on top of rotary classification fins at intervals along the circumferential direction of the rotating classifier fins; a first gap is provided between an upper end portion of each of the comb teeth-like protrusion portions and a lower surface of the fixed member; a second gap formed between a protrusion portion and a protrusion portion adjacent to the protrusion portion is connected to the first gap; and an air stream flowing from the radial outside to the radial inside of the comb teeth-like protrusion portions through the first gap and the second gap is formed due to the rotation of the rotary classification fins.
US08714358B2	Earphone protector device An earphone protector device includes top and bottom compartments partitioned by and releasably attachable to opposite sides of a central partition member. A passage through the partition member is sized for insertion of earphone cords, wherein the corresponding earphones are located on the top side of the partition member and the earphone plug is located on the bottom side of the partition member. When used in conjunction with a portable media player, the earphones and earphone plug may be extended through slots located on each corresponding compartment, thereby limiting the amount of slack in the earphone cords during use. In another embodiment of the device, the central partition member does not include a passage and the device may be used for separately storing complimenting articles in the two compartments.
US08714352B2	Cartridge shipping aid A cartridge shipping aid is provided to retain staples within staple pockets of a staple cartridge during shipment. The cartridge shipping aid includes a base and a longitudinal rib extending perpendicularly from an underside of the base and indiscernible into a knife slot formed in a staple cartridge. One or more perpendicular keys are formed along a lower edge of the longitudinally extending rib for engagement with an underside surface of the staple cartridge. The cartridge shipping aid may additionally include sidewalls projecting perpendicularly from outer edges of the base. Projections are formed on one end of the base for engagement with associate detents formed on the staple cartridge. Grasping structure is formed adjacent one end of the base and longitudinal rib.
US08714351B2	Cover for tablet computer A protective cover for a tablet computer includes a front board, a back board having a hinge, and a spine board. A cradle assembly affixed to a first portion of the back board releasably grips the tablet computer. A riser board is attached to the back of the cradle assembly. Attachment means removably attach the riser board to the back board to provide an adjustable angle between the cradle assembly and a second portion of the back board. The attachment means may be a mechanical stopper, a magnet, a clasp, a rivet, or an adhesive. The protective cover may include a wrapping that conceals the front board, the back board, and the spine board and that provides a pattern, a logo, or a pleasing image.
US08714346B2	Conveyor belt for a treadmill A conveyor belt for a treadmill has a contoured structure on its upper surface which causes a runner to experience bumps and depressions when running. The contoured features may be provided by plates attached to the conveyor belt, and/or by inserts placed onto the belt or within chambers defined in the belt. The contoured features may vary in hardness.
US08714343B2	Container-handling machine There is described container-handling machine comprising a carousel rotatable about an axis and supporting a plurality of holding elements adapted to cooperate with respective containers; and a slip-ring comprising a first rotor rotatable integral with carousel about said axis, and a first stator exchanging, in use, at least one between power and control signals with first rotor and fixed with respect to carousel; container-handling machine further comprises an encoder housed within a cavity defined between first stator and first rotor, adapted to detect at least the angular position of carousel with respect to axis, and comprising a second rotor rotatable integrally with first rotor and a second stator connected to first stator.
US08714342B2	System and method for gapping conveyed substrates A method for gapping substrates conveyed through a vacuum chamber is disclosed. The method may include positioning an upstream substrate outside the vacuum chamber as a downstream substrate is conveyed within the vacuum chamber, detecting a position of the downstream substrate within the vacuum chamber and conveying the upstream substrate into the vacuum chamber at a conveyance rate greater than a conveyance rate of the downstream substrate to set a gap between the downstream substrate and the upstream substrate.
US08714340B2	Method and apparatus for redirecting on-edge envelopes The invention can be used with an automated mail tray filling apparatus for taking envelopes from a vertical stacker output of an inserter machine and placing them in mail trays. A take-away feeder is positioned over the vertical stacker table and is arranged to withdraw individual envelopes from the vertical stack in a sideways direction. The envelope is then redirected in a downward direction by ejecting the envelope into an open space. A downward tamping mechanism positioned above the open space moves downward to push on a top edge of the free-floating envelope. A downward transport positioned beneath the open space receives and transports envelopes pushed downward by the downward tamping mechanism.
US08714335B2	Currency processing and strapping systems and methods A method and device for evaluating currency bills using a strapping unit that allows a currency evaluating device to automatically strap stacks of currency bills. Currency bills are placed in an input receptacle and an evaluating unit processes each currency bill one at a time. The currency bills are then transported to a plurality of output receptacles. A stack moving mechanism transports a stack of currency bills, which contains a predetermined number of currency bills, from each of the plurality of output receptacles to the strapping unit or a strapping position. Each stack of currency bills is strapped using strapping material.
US08714332B2	Power transmitting device A main shaft has a shaft cylindrical portion extending from an outer periphery of a large-diameter portion. A drum has a drum cylindrical portion extending from an outer periphery of a drum plate portion. An axial forward end of the drum cylindrical portion is arranged in an inside of the shaft cylindrical portion. A frictional engagement unit of a clutch is provided in an inside of the shaft cylindrical portion. A motor generator has a rotor, which is firmly fitted to outer walls of the large-diameter portion and the shaft cylindrical portion and rotatable relative to a stator. A working-oil supply passage is formed in an inside of an input shaft.
US08714331B2	Starting clutch The present invention provides a starting clutch disposed between a transmission and an engine and having a wet type multi-plate clutch for transmitting a power, in which the wet type multi-plate clutch includes a plurality of friction plates housed for an axial sliding movement, a clutch drum for housing the friction plates, and a piston for urging a radial central region or therearound of the friction plate to engage the friction plates, and oil which has lubricated the wet type multi-plate clutch is temporarily trapped within the clutch drum and then is discharged.
US08714330B2	Electromagnetic clutch apparatus An electromagnetic clutch apparatus includes: a rotational shaft rotatable for an input and output of a rotational driving force; a rotor integrally rotated with the rotational shaft about an axis and provided with a plurality of magnetic poles each having a first polarity and a second polarity being different from the first polarity, the first and second polarities of the magnetic poles being arranged alternately along a circumferential direction of the rotor; an armature supported to be rotatable relative to the rotor; a rotational member rotated for the one of the input and output of the rotational driving force relative to the armature; an exciting coil stored in the rotor and generating magnetic flux so that the rotor electromagnetically attracts the armature; and a magnetic flux detecting element arranged to face the magnetic poles along a direction of the axis so as to detect magnetic flux of the magnetic poles.
US08714328B2	Hub assembly with the ratchet member movable in two directions A hub assembly includes a ratchet mechanism located between the hub and the tubular portion on one end of the hub, and including a driving member which is located in the tubular portion and is movable linearly. One side of the driving member has a cone-shaped first ratchet portion located axially and is composed of two triangular contact surfaces. A passive member is movable in the first slot and one side of the passive member has a cone-shaped second ratchet portion which is engaged with the first ratchet portion. A returning member unit is located between the hub and the passive member, and between the tubular portion and the driving member. By the triangular cone-shaped first and second ratchet portions, the contact area and the friction between the ratchet portions are reduced, and the engagement and disengagement is more quick and smooth.
US08714325B2	Hydraulic pressure control device A hydraulic pressure controller, which controls hydraulic pressure supplied to a torque converter including a lock-up clutch that is engageable using a hydraulic pressure from a mechanical pump, including a first pressure regulation valve that regulates pressure in a first passage connected to the pump while discharging oil in the first passage to a discharge passage; a bypass passage branched from the first passage bypassing the first pressure regulation valve; a first switching valve selectively switchable between a first state in which the bypass passage and a second passage are connected to each other and a second state in which the discharge passage and the second passage are connected to each other; and a second pressure regulation valve that regulates a hydraulic pressure in the second passage. The first switching valve is switchable into the first state to engage the clutch and into the second state to disengage the clutch.
US08714323B2	Braking system for a vehicle A braking system for a vehicle includes a brake assembly, a pedal simulator and a branching device for transmitting the pedal travel of the brake pedal between the brake assembly and the pedal simulator, the branching device having a transmission and distribution linkage in a distribution housing, which is to be operated by the brake pedal. The transmission and distribution linkage includes an adjusting spindle, which is fixedly mounted in the housing and runs transversely to the adjustment direction, and at least one transmission rod supported on the adjusting spindle and held adjustably in the axial direction of the adjusting spindle as well as transversely to the axial direction.
US08714320B2	Nested check high speed valve A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly which functions during a compression stroke, a rebound valve assembly which functions during a rebound stroke and a velocity sensitive valve which is in series with one or both of the compression valve assembly and the rebound valve assembly. The compression valve assembly, the rebound valve assembly and the velocity sensitive valve can be incorporated into a piston assembly, a base valve assembly or both.
US08714318B2	Parking brake chamber internal breathing system A spring-type brake actuator for a pneumatically-operated vehicle brake is provided, in which the portion of the brake actuator containing the parking brake actuation power spring is arranged to be vented to atmosphere but not to permit entry of outside environmental air into the power spring chamber, the spring-type brake actuator being provided with an internal breather valve which permits clean dry air from the parking brake release chamber to enter the power spring chamber which the pressure difference between the chambers falls to within a predetermined pressure range.
US08714314B1	Locking mechanism of drawbar braking castor A locking mechanism of a drawbar braking castor includes an abutting base, an actuating space, a pressing member, a transverse sliding seat, a round ear ring, an embedded locking frame, a first resetting assembly, a spacing base, a flexible inhaul cable, a variable driving member and a second resetting assembly. When the transverse sliding seat is pressed downwards by the extensible drawbar, the embedded locking frame is pulled to move via the flexible inhaul cable, such that the locating flange of the gear ring could be interlocked by the embedded portion. Hence, the locking mechanism of the drawbar braking castor could be adapted to various mobile drawbar carriers with a spacing between the castors and extensible drawbars, significantly improving applicability of the products.
US08714311B2	Monomast for a materials handling vehicle A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a vehicle power unit having a longitudinal centerline, a monomast coupled to the vehicle power unit and having a centerline offset from and generally parallel with the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle power unit, and a fork carriage apparatus movably coupled to the monomast.
US08714307B2	Portable workstation structure A support structure of the present disclosure provides a stable and expansible material storage system or work platform. The support platform includes a plurality of apertures, typically sized and configured to receive standard grade lumber sizes. The support platform may be used singly for storing materials or for working on the materials or two or more additional support structures can be combined to support multiple work pieces in a tiered and/or side-by-side arrangement, or to create a stable workstation. The material support capability of support structure is also expansible both horizontally and vertically, and for ease of storage, multiple support structures are nestable or may be individually collapsible.
US08714305B2	Quick connect roof clip and roof jack A quick connect roof clip is releasably attachable to at least one quick connect roof jack. The quick connect roof clip is releasable from the quick connect roof jack and may be left in place for later use. A structure or element is provided for attachment of a lanyard attachment. The quick connect roof clip and quick connect roof jack may be releasably connected by a quick connect attachment head.
US08714302B2	Cooling apparatus for cooling a power electronic device Exemplary embodiments are directed to a cooling apparatus for cooling a power electronic device, the apparatus including at least one panel that is adapted to be thermally connected to a heat source in order to receive heat from the heat source. The panel is also adapted to be thermally in contact with an air flow in order to transfer heat from the panel. The panel includes at least one hole between a first side of the panel and a second side of the panel. The hole is adapted to attenuate a vibrating air pressure generated by an acoustic noise source and carried by the air.
US08714301B2	Firearm noise suppressor system A noise suppressor system for attachment to a firearm including a barrel having a longitudinal axis. The noise suppressor system including the combination of: a flash suppressor adapted to be attached to the muzzle of the barrel coaxially therewith, a noise suppressor including a proximal mount assembly having a bore for coaxially receiving the flash suppressor, and a means for selectively securely coupling the noise suppressor system to the firearm.
US08714298B2	Pump apparatus A pump apparatus includes a pump housing; a drive shaft; a pump element; a cam ring arranged to vary an inherent discharge amount based on the eccentric amount of the cam ring; a steering state sensing section configured to sense or estimate a steering angle, a steering angular speed or a steering angular acceleration, and to output the steering angle, the steering angular speed or the steering angular acceleration as a steering state sensing signal; and a solenoid configured to be controlled to suppress the eccentric amount of the cam ring so as to decrease the inherent discharge amount with respect to the steering state sensing signal when the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a first predetermined vehicle speed, relative to the inherent discharge amount when the vehicle speed is smaller than the first predetermined vehicle speed.
US08714297B2	Single wheel suspension of a non-steerable driven wheel of a two track vehicle A single-wheel suspension of a non-steerable driven wheel of a two-track vehicle is provided. The suspension includes two longitudinal control arms that pivot in a vertical plane. The first control arm is supported by a vertical pendulum support and supports a wheel bearing. The second control arm is supported with one rotational degree of freedom on the vehicle and is connected to the first control arm with one rotation degree of freedom by a connecting member between the wheel bearing and the pendulum support. At least a section of the first control arm between the wheel bearing and the connecting member is located inside the wheel rim space. A gear mechanism at least partially inside the wheel rim includes two transmission stages laterally offset from one another. The rotational axes of a connection shaft connecting first and second transmission stages and the connection element between the two control arms coincide.
US08714293B2	Constant velocity joint with cooling ring A constant velocity joint includes an outer housing and an inner race disposed inside the outer housing and spaced therefrom. The outer housing and inner race are respectively rotatable about a first and second rotation axes, and moveable relative to one another to change an angle between the rotation axes. A cage, disposed between the outer housing and the inner race, has cage windows defined therethrough. A plurality of balls, each retained in a corresponding cage window roll along corresponding outer housing grooves and inner race grooves, respectively defined on an inner surface of the outer housing and an outer surface of the inner race. Rotation of one of the outer housing and the inner race about their respective rotation axis, causes rotation of the other. A cooling member disposed on the outer housing contacts at least a portion of its outer surface. Powertrains and vehicles are also disclosed.
US08714288B2	Hybrid variant automobile drive The present invention relates to a hybrid variant automobile drive which improves a fuel efficiency of the automobile while retaining an acceleration profile of the automobile. In one embodiment, the present invention includes an engine, wheels, and/or a supplemental motor. The engine primarily drives the wheels, but can be aided by the supplemental motor. An amount of force supplied by the engine can be dependent on an amount of force supplied by the supplemental motor. The supplemental motor uses alternative energy sources aside from the fuel used by the engine to drive the wheels. The supplemental motor can be powered by a capacitor which is charged by an energy generation unit. The energy generation unit can generate energy using, for example, solar panels, a ram induction generator, a regenerative braking unit, and/or a heat exchange unit.
US08714287B2	Power train of hybrid vehicle According to the present invention, since a rotor shaft of a motor can be connected/disconnected with/from an input shaft of a transmission, it is possible to reduce or block vibration and noise between the motor and the transmission, thereby improving durability of the motor and achieving smooth gearshift. Further, when a vehicle is driven with the engine directly connected with the input shaft of the transmission, it is possible to easily implement driving sub-control and regenerative braking control by the motor, thereby achieving good properties against noise and vibration.
US08714279B2	Impact tool An impact tool includes a motor, a hammer casing with an opened rear end and a disk-shaped member coupled to the hammer casing to close the opened rear end and to rotatably support a spindle. A first engagement member is formed on an outer face of the disk-shaped member. A second engagement member is formed on an inner face of the recess and engaging with the first engagement member to restrict a movement of the hammer casing in a second direction parallel to a rotation axis of the spindle. A third engagement member is formed on an outer face of the hammer casing. A fourth engagement member is formed on an inner face of the housing body and engaging with the third engagement member so as to restrict a movement of the hammer casing in the first direction.
US08714275B1	Turf aerator A turf aerator comprising a foot plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front end, a rearward end, a left side, and a right side; at least a first turf coring tine fixedly attached to and extending downwardly from the foot plate; a lever arm fixedly attached to and extending upwardly from the foot plate; and a ground contacting fulcrum fixedly attached to and extending rearwardly from the foot plate.
US08714274B2	Ceiling-only dry sprinkler systems and methods for addressing a storage occupancy fire A ceiling-only dry sprinkler system configured to address a storage occupancy fire event with a sprinkler operational area sufficient in size to surround and drown the fire. The system and method preferably provide for the surround and effect by activating one or more initial sprinklers, delaying fluid flow to the initial activated sprinklers for a defined delay period to permit the thermal activation of a subsequent one or more sprinklers so as to form the preferred sprinkler operational area. The sprinklers of the operational area are preferably configured so as to provide sufficient fluid volume and cooling to address the fire-event with a surround and drown configuration. The defined delay period is of a defined period having a maximum and a minimum. The preferred sprinkler system is adapted for fire protection of storage commodities and provides a ceiling only system that eliminates or otherwise minimizes the economic disadvantages and design penalties of current dry sprinkler system design.
US08714273B2	High expansion metal seal system A seal system for forming a fluid seal from an inner tubular member outwardly against an outer tubular member. The seal system includes a packer element that is radially expandable from a reduced diameter, unset condition to an enlarged diameter, set condition; and a radially expandable seal element surrounding the packer element and creating a fluid sealing engagement outwardly against the outer tubular member.
US08714267B2	Debris resistant internal tubular testing system A tubular string testing system for use with a tubular string having a longitudinally extending flow passage can include a valve which selectively permits and prevents fluid communication between sections of the flow passage, a bypass passage which provides fluid communication between the sections of the flow passage when the valve is closed, and a filter which filters fluid that flows through the bypass passage. A method of testing a tubular string can include permitting fluid to flow through a bypass passage which connects sections of a flow passage extending longitudinally through the tubular string, a filter filtering the fluid which flows through the bypass passage, a valve of a tubular string testing system preventing flow of the fluid between the sections of the flow passage through the valve, and flow through the bypass passage being prevented in response to a predetermined pressure differential being created across the filter.
US08714255B2	Completion fluid with friction reduction A method for reducing the friction forces between tubulars, for example coiled tubing in casing, is disclosed. The method includes mixing a selected surfactant and particles of TEFLON in oil, then adding the oil to water and pumping the mixture down the tubing. The mixture is particularly useful in coiled tubular drilling inside casing. The formulation has also been found to reduce corrosion on metal surfaces.
US08714254B2	Method for mixing fluids downhole Methods and devices for mixing a first fluid with a second fluid downhole include a chamber having a first end, a second end and an opening for fluid to flow there through. A top surface of a piston is capable of contacting the second end of the chamber. The piston is located at a first position within the chamber based upon characteristics of a second fluid. A fluid delivery system supplies the first fluid and supplies a second fluid through a first opening of the chamber, wherein the second fluid is at a pressure that moves the piston approximate to the second end of the chamber. The piston includes an agitator mixing device that is attached to a bottom surface of the piston, wherein mixing of the first fluid with the second fluid primarily occurs upon movement of the piston by actuating device.
US08714244B2	Stimulation through fracturing while drilling A method for preparing a formation surrounding a wellbore to bear hydrocarbons through a borehole is disclosed. In one step, a bottomhole assembly is inserted into the borehole. The formation is drilled with the bottomhole assembly. The formation may be characterized with logging tools, probes, sensors, seismic system and/or the like to create first information. One or more fractures are placed in the formation without removal of the bottomhole assembly from the wellbore. Further, continuous drilling of the formation is performed with the bottomhole assembly after/during placing the fractures. Further characterizing of the formation with the probes, sensors/systems or the like is performed to produce second information. Another fracture is placed with feedback from the second information. Repeating the drilling, characterizing and placing of fractures as necessary during the formation preparing process.
US08714236B2	Embedded heat exchanger for heating, ventilatiion, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and methods A zone-control unit for use in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the zone-control unit includes a heat exchanger, an inlet piping assembly coupled with the heat exchanger for supplying fluid to the heat exchanger, an outlet piping assembly coupled with the heat exchanger for receiving fluid from the heat exchanger, a bracket that maintains the inlet piping assembly and the outlet piping assembly in positional relationship, and an ancillary component coupled with the heat exchanger.
US08714235B2	High temperature directionally solidified and single crystal die casting A high-temperature die casting die includes a first die plate with a first recess and a second die plate with a second recess, the first and second recesses defining a main part cavity and gating. A grain selector is in fluid communication with the main cavity, and an in situ zone refining apparatus is adapted to apply a localized thermal gradient to at least one of the first and second die plates. The localized thermal gradient and the at least one die plate are movable relative to each other so as to apply the localized thermal gradient along a first direction extending from the grain selector longitudinally across the main part cavity.
US08714234B2	Sensor and method for measuring the surface level of a liquid phase metal A sensor for measuring the surface level of a liquid phase metal includes an air excitation coil and lower and upper air reception coils. Excitation coil is perpendicular to an upper surface of an ingot mold and powered by a current for generating a magnetic field. Magnetic field lines propagate along upper field lines away from the ingot mold and along lower field lines covering the upper surface and the molten metal surface. Lower air coil is parallel to the excitation coil, whereby an induced voltage is generated by the lower field lines, the latter being modified by varying the level of the metal surface. Upper air coil is parallel to the excitation coil, vertically adjacent to the lower air coil, with a shape and characteristics identical to the lower air coils. Upper field lines generate the induced voltage and are substantially free of disturbances generated by the metal surface.
US08714224B2	Labelling machine There is described a labeling machine for dispensing labels derivable from a web travelling along a feed path and applying them to articles travelling along an article path. The machine includes a web supply reel; a dispenser to unwind the web off the supply reel and for feeding the web towards an affixing station of the labeling machine, at which the labels are sequentially applied to the articles sequentially arriving thereat. The dispenser including a driver to control the advancement along the feed path of the web from which labels are derivable in accordance with the advancement along the article path of the articles to which the labels are to be applied; and a web tension control selectively actuatable to exert on the supply reel a torque directed against the unwinding sense of the web.
US08714217B2	Non-pneumatic wheel assembly and wheel, suspension and tire used therein A non-pneumatic wheel assembly includes a wheel, a shock absorbing member coupled to an outer periphery of the wheel and absorbing or attenuating noise and vibration due to external shock, a plurality of resilient members arranged around and coupled to an outer periphery of the shock absorbing member in a radial direction and having a plurality of resilient rings that are resiliently deformed in response to an external force, resilient links respectively coupled to the resilient rings to evenly transmit external shock to the resilient rings, rail plates to which sliders formed at both ends of the resilient links are slidably coupled, and a tire having a plurality of coupling grooves formed along an inner periphery such that the rail plates are inserted into the coupling grooves.
US08714213B2	Tank filler neck This disclosure relates to a tank filler neck which comprises a housing, in which at least one flow aid and a head part are arranged. The flow aid and the head part, which may be designed with a screw thread, are connected to form an insert, which by insertion in the housing can be connected thereto, a flap comprising a grounding lug being connectable to the head part.
US08714212B2	Fuel inlet including a nozzle retention device One embodiment of a fuel inlet includes a tube including a side wall having an interior surface that defines an interior adapted for receiving a fuel nozzle therein and for receiving fuel there through, and the side wall including a raised region that extends circumferentially around the interior surface of the side wall and inwardly into the interior.
US08714209B2	Filling element and filling machine for filling bottles or similar containers Filling element for filling bottles or similar containers with a liquid filler, comprising a liquid channel which is formed in a filling-element housing and which has a connection for delivery of the liquid filler into the liquid channel and has a discharge opening for discharging the liquid filler into a container that is to be filled, and comprising at least one liquid valve, which is arranged in the liquid channel and controls the discharging of the liquid filler, said liquid valve having a valve body provided on a gas tube that can be moved in a controlled manner in a filling-element axis in order to open and close the liquid valve and that acts as valve plunger.
US08714203B2	Hybrid high pressure hose A high pressure hose and method of manufacturing the hose is disclosed. The hose is comprised of an elastomer, thermoset rubber inner tube, reinforced with one or more layers of braided or spiralized high tensile strength wire or high tenacity textile yarn and covered with a highly flexible thermoplastic sheath.
US08714202B2	Pipe repair device A repair device for repairing a leaking section in a pipe includes a sealing member of resilient material which fully surrounds the leaking section. The sealing member includes first and second annular sealing faces arranged for sealing engagement with the pipe about a full circumference thereof on opposite sides of the leaking section, and an envelope section fully spanning between the first and second annular sealing faces. The envelope section, the first annular sealing face, and the second annular sealing face are formed of resilient sealing material integrally joined with one another A rigid housing surrounds the sealing member and a clamp compresses the sealing member between the rigid housing and the leaking section of the pipe about the full circumference.
US08714201B2	Water-saving device structure A water-saving device structure is provided. When the pressure of an entry water is high, a water-barrier sheet body is pressed to cause a downwardly-moved elastic stopping portion to block a water-inflow opening of a water-outflow seat body, so that the water flow is conducted to a water-outflow opening through a water-conducting opening of the water-barrier sheet body. When the pressure of the entry water is low, the entry water is conducted to the water-outflow opening via one path traveling from the water-conducting opening of the water-bather sheet body to the water-outflow opening of the water-outflow seat body and the other path traveling along the clearances of stopping wall portions of the water-outflow seat body, a water-storage circular slot portion, the water-inflow openings of the water-outflow seat body and the water-outflow opening of the water-outflow seat body. Therefore, the outflow water with steady flow rate can be obtained.
US08714200B2	Check valve flap for fluid injector A backflow-prevention system that substantially prevents contaminant backflow at a treatment site. The system includes a fluid ejector tube for insertion into the patient's mouth and a backflow prevention device that receives fluid from the fluid ejector tube. The backflow prevention device includes an internally positioned valve member. The valve member limits contaminant backflow. The valve member is movable between open and closed positions based on a vacuum pressure condition in the system.
US08714198B1	Control valve mechanism for faucets An improved faucet control valve has a valve seat, a spring, a one-piece valve stem, an expanded end, a flexible hooking portion and a control unit. The one-piece valve stem manufactured integrally enables to realize convenient manufacturing, cost reduction and structural simplification of control members. The one-piece valve stem is only required to penetrate the valve port of the valve seat from top to bottom, enabling engagement of the flexible hooking portion for simple and fast assembly.
US08714195B2	Fluid control valve A fluid control valve wherein a main valve body includes: a high-pressure passage providing communication between a suction port and a sleeve in which a spool is fitted; a tank passage providing communication between a discharge port and the sleeve; a lift lock poppet located between the sleeve and a cylinder port and assuming an open position for providing communication between the sleeve and the cylinder port; a hydraulic fluid discharge passage providing communication between a back-pressure chamber provided within the lift lock poppet and the sleeve; a hydraulic fluid delivery passage located between the sleeve and the lift lock poppet; a cylinder passage located between the lift lock poppet and the cylinder port that communicates with the hydraulic fluid delivery passage when the lift lock poppet is in the open position, and a communication passage providing communication between the hydraulic fluid discharge passage and the hydraulic fluid delivery passage.
US08714191B2	Water cut-off valve A valve that is to be employed in a line through which fluid passes. The valve includes a movable valve element that is urged under the influence of gravity away from a valve seat but urged to engagement therewith if there is a failure downstream of the valve. The inlet passage is at least partly provided by a passage providing member having surfaces to engage water passing thereby, to cause the water to move angularly about a direction.
US08714183B2	System for hydrogen charging A system for hydrogen charging has an orifice provided as a flow restrictor between a hydrogen charging port and a hydrogen tank having a larger heat flux value. No orifice is provided on the side of a hydrogen tank having a smaller heat flux value. The orifice has a function of increasing the channel resistance. With the above, it is possible to initially have the hydrogen tank having a smaller heat flux value in the fully charged state, and thereafter the hydrogen tank having a larger heat flux value in the fully charged state. Alternatively, a check valve having a cracking pressure ΔP2 can be provided as a flow restrictor on the side of the hydrogen tank having larger heat flux, and a check valve having a cracking pressure ΔP1 can be provided as a flow restrictor on the side of the hydrogen tank having smaller heat flux, wherein ΔP2>ΔP1.
US08714181B2	Irrigation control system A tensiometer for use in determining matric potential of a soil includes a water inlet; a hydraulic coupler comprising a porous material for providing hydraulic coupling between water that enters the inlet and the soil; and a septum that seals water that enters the inlet against ingress of air via the porous material.
US08714177B2	Automated yield monitoring and control A system is adapted to automatically maintain a desired yield level for a slurry flow. Measurements of the electrical conductivity of a slurry are taken and corrected for the effects of temperature and pressure. The corrected conductivity measurements are used to arrive at a value for system yield. The system automatically determines if the yield is too high or too low relative to a desired level, and controls the rate at which accelerator is added to the slurry in order to increase or decrease yield.
US08714175B2	Pressure relief system for pressure vessels A pressure relief system for depressurizing a bottled pressure vessel. In one embodiment, the system includes a pressure relief device having a hollow outer member coupled to a fluid port in the vessel and an inner member at least partially disposed in and movably supported by the outer member. The system may further include a rupture disk disposed in the port between the vessel interior and exterior. In operation, the outer member remains stationary while the inner member is advanceable therein towards the pressure vessel. In one embodiment, the inner member includes a piercing element which is projectable to penetrate the rupture disk and into the vessel interior through material deposits that may obstruct the fluid port thereby releasing captive pressure in the vessel.
US08714173B2	Walking aid with support A walking aid for use on a support surface is provided. The walking aid includes an elongated member having an upper end and a lower end and defining an interior cavity and a longitudinal axis, a stopper coupled to the lower end of the elongated member, and a support apparatus for supporting the walking aid. The support apparatus is translatable through the stopper and the interior cavity to a retracted position within the stopper and interior cavity, and to an extended position projecting from the stopper. The support apparatus is also biased radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis, and configured to extend away from the longitudinal axis and contact the support surface in the extended position.
US08714170B1	Mobility assistance retrieval system A mobility assistance retrieval system to help users grab objects out of reach featuring a cane, walker, or scooter, a grabber, and one or more clips for attaching the grabber to a leg shaft of the cane, walker, or scooter. The user can unclip the grabber from the cane, walker, or scooter and obtain an object without having to reach or bend for the object.
US08714168B2	High-pressure cleaning appliance The invention relates to a high-pressure cleaning appliance, comprising a heatable heat exchanger for heating a liquid that can be discharged by the high-pressure cleaning appliance, a motor having a drive shaft that defines a drive axis, a pump unit for increasing the liquid pressure, a blower wheel for generating a combustion air flow, and a fuel pump for delivering a fuel to the heat exchanger, wherein the pump unit, the blower wheel, and the fuel pump are disposed along the drive axis and can be driven by means of the drive shaft and form an assembly together with the motor. In order to improve such a high-pressure cleaning appliance in such a manner that it has a more compact construction and a smaller space requirement, the assembly of the high-pressure cleaning appliance according to the invention, with regard to a height direction thereof, is disposed below the heat exchanger.
US08714167B2	Dishwasher A dishwasher is provided that effectively cleans a filter. The dishwasher may include a rack positioned in a washing space and at least one nozzle that directs washing fluid into the washing space, a sump that receives washing fluid to be supplied to the washing space, and a filter device provided in the sump, including a first filter and a second filter. A driver rotates the first filter or the second filter so as to separate foreign materials from the filter device and prevent the filter device from clogging.
US08714166B2	Method and apparatus for showerhead cleaning Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and apparatus for ex-situ cleaning of a chamber component part. In one embodiment, a system for cleaning component parts in a cleaning chemistry is provided. The system comprises a wet bench set-up comprising a cleaning vessel assembly for holding one or more component parts to be cleaned during a cleaning process and a detachable cleaning cart detachably coupled with the cleaning vessel assembly for supplying one or more cleaning chemistries to the cleaning vessel assembly during the cleaning process.
US08714162B1	Portable pipe bowl cleaner A portable pipe bowl cleaner may include a poker for cleaning pipe bowls. The poker may generally extend linearly and have a top portion that is used to perform the cleaning. The portable pipe bowl cleaner may also include a base and a suction cup. One side of the base may be coupled with a bottom portion of the poker. Another side of the base may be coupled with the suction cup. The suction may have an internal cup surface that is capable of being removably affixed to a smooth, non-porous surface.A method of using a portable pipe bowl cleaner may include holding the base over a smooth, non-porous surface, with the suction cup facing toward the surface. By momentarily pressing the base toward the surface, the suction cup is pressed against and removably affixed to the surface.
US08714161B2	Electronic cigarette with solid tobacco substance The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette with solid tobacco substance, which includes a shell with a mouthpiece at one end; a reservoir in the shell for storing tobacco substance; an atomizing device in the shell having an atomizing cup, an atomizer in the atomizing cup for vaporizing tobacco substance; and an aerosol passage connecting the mouthpiece with the atomizing cup; and a guiding unit for drawing tobacco substance from the reservoir to the atomizing device. The atomizing cup is accommodated in the reservoir, the guiding unit penetrates sidewall of the atomizing cup and extends in the reservoir, and solid tobacco substance encases the atomizing cup and guiding unit therein. The present invention solves the problem of solid tobacco substance melting slowly and uneasy assembly of the cigarette; and obtains to improve the melting efficiency of solid tobacco substance and facilitate the assembly.
US08714159B2	Laryngeal mask A device for maintaining an airway in a patient. This device includes a mask having a resilient conformable peripheral portion that is shaped such that the mask forms a seal with the larynx when the mask is positioned in the laryngo pharynx to thereby prevent ingress of extraneous fluids into the larynx. The peripheral portion of the mask define at least one cavity for providing fluid communication to the esophagus when the mask is inserted into the laryngo pharynx. An airway tube is connected to or formed with the mask for passing gas to the larynx when the mask is properly inserted into the laryngo pharynx. The airway tube preferably is curved as it leaves the mask.
US08714157B2	Mask A mask (30) is disclosed that has a gas outlet (37) which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet (37) is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a users chin in use.
US08714153B2	Method for selecting a device adapted to treat disordered breathing A method for selecting a device adapted to treat disordered breathing includes determining a number of characteristics associated with at least a portion of the airway of a patient, comparing each of at least some of the number of characteristics to a corresponding threshold, and selecting such a device in response to the comparison. An alternative method for selecting a device adapted to treat disordered breathing includes delivering a flow of breathing gas to the airway of a patient, determining a minimum effective therapeutic pressure associated with such patient, and selecting, relative to the minimum effective therapeutic pressure, an oral appliance or one of a number of patient interface devices.
US08714151B2	Atomizing device, inhaler and method for dispensing a liquid formulation An atomizing device (1), an inhaler and a method for dispensing a liquid formulation (5) are proposed. An insert (2) comprises a cylinder (4) filled with the liquid, an atomizing nozzle (7) and a piston (6). The piston is moved in the cylinder to pressurize the liquid and force it out of cylinder through the atomizing nozzle in order to generate a spray (13). The insert is received in a holder (3) which is sealed. The insert is moved within the holder so that the sealing (9) is ruptured before the spray is generated.
US08714147B2	Modular quiver apparatus and method An arrow quiver includes a base member, a bow attachment member configured to mount the base member to an archery bow, at least one arrow mounting assembly, and a hood assembly. The at least one arrow mounting assembly includes a first arrow mounting portion mounted to the base member and configured to retain a first plurality of arrows, and a second arrow mounting portion releasably mounted to the first arrow mounting portion and configured to retain a second plurality of arrows. The hood assembly is mounted to the base member and configured to at least partially hood arrow points of the plurality of arrows retained by the at least one arrow mounting assembly.
US08714140B2	Method for controlling an injection valve, fuel injection system, and internal combustion engine A method and system for controlling an injection valve has the following steps: recording a voltage curve of a voltage present at a piezoelectric actuator of the injection valve and a time characteristic curve of an electric charge which is shifted in a circuit with the piezoelectric actuator during a reference injection, computationally determining a force curve of a force applied by the piezoelectric actuator to a moving closing element of the injection valve during the reference injection from the voltage curve and the time characteristic curve of the electric charge, determining a location of a maximum of the force curve,—specifying an activation time instant and/or an activation duration and/or an activation pulse intensity for at least one subsequent injection as a function of a time offset between an activation time instant selected for the reference injection and the maximum of the force curve.
US08714130B2	Integrally cast block and upper crankcase An integrally cast four-stroke engine mono-block includes integrally cast cylinder block, cylinder head, and portion of a crankcase including crankcase outboard and inboard walls. At least parts of outer and inner bearing bosses are integrally cast with the cylinder block with the inner bearing boss integrally cast in the inboard wall. At least one cored out longitudinally extending open valve train chamber is disposed between the outboard wall and the cast cylinder block. An alternative embodiment of the integrally cast four-stroke engine mono-block includes at least parts of an outer bearing boss and/or an inner bearing boss integrally cast in the outboard and inboard walls respectively with the cast cylinder block. At least one cored out longitudinally extending open valve train chamber is disposed between the outboard wall and the cast cylinder block. Push tube passages or a belt drive passage may be in the valve train chamber.
US08714129B2	Piston for an internal combustion engine A multi-part piston for an internal combustion engine has a piston upper part and a piston lower part. The piston upper part comprises a piston head, a continuous fire land and a continuous ring part. The piston upper part and the piston lower part are connected together by securing means and form a continuous cooling channel. According to the invention, the connecting means connecting the piston upper part and the piston lower part are embodied as cooling elements that are arranged in the cooling channel and that are made of heating-conducting material.
US08714128B2	Cylinder head for an internal combustion engine, with integrated exhaust manifold and subgroups of exhaust conduits merging into manifold portions which are superimposed and spaced apart from each other A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine has a body integrating, in a single cast piece, an exhaust manifold and including a lower cooling jacket and an upper cooling jacket, The lower cooling jacket is longitudinally divided into a plurality of separate transverse chambers associated to various engine cylinders, while the upper cooling jacket has a portion extending longitudinally over the entire development of the head and communicating with separate transverse chambers located on the intake side of the head. The exhaust conduits integrated in the head form separate subgroups of exhaust conduits merging into manifold portions superimposed and spaced apart from each other. The lower cooling jacket has a portion thereof which extends in the area of the body of the head which separates the superimposed portions of the abovementioned subgroups of exhaust conduits.
US08714126B2	Solar panel motor oil heating system, product and method A motor oil heating system for a vehicle comprising one or more solar panels comprised of one or more photovoltaic cells; one or more heaters thermally coupled to the motor oil, wherein the solar panels are electrically coupled to the heaters and power the heaters based on a voltage generated by the solar panel such that the heaters warm the engine oil.
US08714124B2	Cover structure for internal combustion engine A cover structure, for an internal combustion engine, that can inhibit lubricating oil from remaining at a protrusion portion is provided. The cover structure for an engine includes a chain case that covers a timing train mechanism, and a timing train chamber is formed between the chain case and the engine main body. The chain case includes bolt insertion holes provided at side marginal portions and directed toward the engine main body, a variable-valve boss portion and a second-oil-path boss portion that protrude from a wall portion toward the engine main body and form a recessed portion where lubricating oil for lubricating the timing train mechanism remains, and a first rib that is protruding from the wall portion toward the engine main body and provided upper than at least the recessed portion.
US08714121B2	Split-cycle air hybrid V-engine A split-cycle air hybrid engine with improved efficiency is disclosed in which the centerline of a compression cylinder is positioned at a non-zero angle with respect to the centerline of an expansion cylinder such that the engine has a V-shaped configuration. In one embodiment, the centerlines of the respective cylinders intersect an axis parallel to, but offset from, the axis of rotation of the crankshaft. Modular crossover passages, crossover passage manifolds, and associated air reservoir valve assemblies and thermal regulation systems are also disclosed.
US08714120B2	Single component intake/exhaust valve member, fuel distribution system, and cooling system for combustion-powered fastener-driving tool A new and improved combustion-powered fastener-driving tool utilizes a new and improved single component in-take/exhaust valve member which integrally defines both the intake and exhaust valves thereon. The intake/exhaust valve member is axially movable within the combustion chamber, and operatively cooperates with wall structure of the combustion chamber. When the intake/exhaust valve member is disposed, for example, at a first upper position, both the intake and exhaust ports defined within the wall structure of the combustion chamber are closed so as to permit the ignition and combustion phases of the tool-firing cycle to proceed, whereas, conversely, when the intake/exhaust valve member is disposed, for example, at a second lower position, both the intake and exhaust ports within the combustion chamber are open so as to permit incoming air to scavenge combustion exhaust products and to subsequently mix with injected fuel in preparation for the commencement of another tool-firing cycle.
US08714118B2	Balanced five stroke, five cylinder barrel cam type internal combustion engine A balanced five-stroke cycle, five cylinder engine, wherein the five cylinders are parallel and arranged around a shaft mounted in a centrally disposed bore in the engine block, wherein the shaft is parallel to the cylinders, wherein power pistons in the cylinders dwell motionless for the intake part of the cycle between the vacuum stroke and the compression stroke of each power piston; induction of the combustion mixture resulting from the partial vacuum created by the vacuum stroke of the power piston, and wherein the position of each power piston is governed by a power piston cam mounted on the shaft, the shaft and bore on the centroidal axis of symmetry of the radially spaced apart array of five cylinders corresponding to the pistons, the opening and closing of exhaust ports governed by an exhaust piston cam mounted on the shaft moving exhaust pistons along the cylinders.
US08714117B2	Free piston linear alternator utilizing opposed pistons with spring return A free piston linear alternator includes a cylinder having a pair of outer chambers, a pair of opposed pistons and a combustion chamber disposed between the opposed pistons. Each outer chamber is disposed between respective ones of the pistons and a respective outer end of the cylinder. The pistons are axially opposed from each other and independently generate electric current when each of the pistons linearly translate. Each of a pair of return members is disposed within a respective one of the outer chambers, and each of the return members is configured to return respective ones of the pistons to a respective first position from a respective second position after combustion.
US08714116B2	Engine cooling fan speed control system A fan cooling system and method are provided to control fan speed for cooling vehicle motor components while minimizing power consumption by the fan and reducing engine fuel consumption for an engine partially powering the fan. The fan cooling system raises engine coolant temperature of a vehicle in motion to derive a fan speed demand so that fan speed may be reduced. The fan cooling system selects a maximum fan speed demand from one or more fan speed demands to command fan speed based on various sensed inputs, including engine coolant temperatures. The fan cooling system also improves cooling efficiency by incorporating slipheat protection for the fan so as not to overdrive the fan for cooling.
US08714113B2	Bark deterrent apparatus with internal vibration sensor A bark deterrent apparatus with an internal vibration sensor. The probeless bark deterrent apparatus uses an internal mechanical vibration sensor that detects vibrations induced in the housing. The probeless bark deterrent apparatus eliminates the external probe used in conventional bark deterrent devices to pick up vibrations at the dog's throat and communicate them to a mechanical vibration sensor to be eliminated while still allowing accurate bark detection.
US08714109B2	Animal fixation device and animal fixation method In order to provide an animal fixation device and an animal fixation method which are able to euthanize and fix the animal instantaneously and steadily, a columnar cage in which animal is arranged, a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the cage, an euthanizing gas supply mechanism configured to supply euthanizing gas into the cage, and a solid refrigerant supply mechanism configured to supply a solid refrigerant into the cage are provided. The euthanizing gas supply mechanism includes a gas manifold for euthanizing which is connected to the cage so that the euthanizing gas flows on an inner wall of the cage along a circumferential direction. The solid refrigerant supply mechanism includes a solid refrigerant supply line which is connected to the cage so as to be able to supply the solid refrigerant during rotation of the cage.
US08714107B2	Automatic milk separation The present invention, relates to separating a first quantity of milk drawn from a milking animal in an automatic milking machine from a second quantity of milk drawn from a milking animal in said milking machine. Comprising the steps of milking an animal using said automatic milking machine, collecting a small representative amount of said milk during said milking, analysing at least a part of said small representative amount of milk using an on-line cell counter for counting the number of cells in said milk, and operating a valve depending on the counted number of cells so that if the counted number of cells are below a threshold said milk is collected in a first container and if said counted number of cells are equal to or above said threshold said milk are directed to either a drain or a second container.
US08714101B2	Powder coating booth A powder spray for lengthy parts includes a booth wall structure comprised primarily of doors. A moveable roof may be raised and lowered to clean powder overspray from the interior surfaces of the booth. A cleaning process may be performed with a sideways extraction mode and a downward extraction mode. The mode change occurs when a bulkhead that travels with the moveable roof blocks the inlet duct to the recovery system. The recovery system may be a cyclone system for example. The doors of the booth are hinged so that they can be positioned for spraying operations and cleaning operations. Live hinge designs are provided and hose stress relief designs are also provided. The roof may carry accumulators for pressurized air that feed cleaning nozzles as the roof descends. In addition, exhaust air may be used to assist cleaning the interior surfaces as the roof descends. All of the energy provided for cleaning and color change may be provided by accumulators.
US08714099B1	Pontoon framing system A pontoon framing system using complimentary cross members and pontoons to form a pontoon frame. Making the pontoon is done by providing a flat sheet of material that has lateral edges. Rectangular notches extending inwardly at lateral edges are located opposite each other. The sheet is rolled into a cylinder so the notches in the sheet form a notch into the final cylinder that forms a central portion to the pontoon. The lateral edges are joined, and this is typically done by welding. A cross member having a rectangular cross section is placed into the notch formed in the cylindrical central portion. The cross member is then joined to the cylinder.The complimentary shape of the cross member and pontoon may also be produced by having a cylindrical central portion and then removing an arcuate portion of material in the cross member to match the shape of the pontoon.
US08714097B2	Seed metering cassette for seeding implement The present invention is directed to a seed metering assembly comprised of a set of stand-alone modular seed metering units. Each seed metering unit is selectively driven by a common drive member, such as a drive shaft. When a seed metering unit is engaged with the drive member, the unit will meter granular material. On the other hand, when the seed metering unit is not engaged with the drive member, the metering unit will not meter granular material. Hence, the present invention provides a seed metering apparatus in which the number of seed metering units can be scaled to match the number of distribution headers of a seeding implement.
US08714095B2	Method and device for controlling bed height of fluidized bed gasification furnace in gasification facility A fluid medium separated by a medium separator is supplied to a gasification furnace into which a raw material is also charged. The fluid medium is extracted through any of fluid medium extraction ports connected to a gasification furnace at vertical intervals, and is guided to a combustion furnace. Thus, a bed height and a retention time of the fluid medium in the gasification furnace are separately controlled.
US08714094B2	Fuel fluidizing nozzle assembly A grate assembly for a fluidized bed reactor includes a plurality of parallel air ducts extending side-by-side in a substantially horizontal plane and defining spaces therebetween through which coarse material from the fluidized bed descends. A plurality of nozzle assemblies is attached to each air duct for supplying fluidizing air from within the air duct into the fluidized bed. Each of the nozzle assemblies includes a nozzle formed from a tube having an inlet end in fluid communication with the air duct, and an outlet end in fluid communication with the inlet end. An orifice is disposed at the outlet end of the nozzle, and the nozzle is bent proximate the outlet end to direct a primary direction of a stream of fluidizing air flowing from the orifice toward the air duct such that an angle θ between the primary direction and the substantially horizontal plane formed by the air ducts is between about 30 to about 90 degrees.
US08714092B2	Pivot switch system and method A switch system for a guided automatic transit vehicle (GATV) is adapted for maintaining a first path of travel or for redirecting the first path of travel of the GATV. The switch includes a continuous guide having a first end and a pivotable second end opposite the first end. The continuous guide has a first edge with a first edge profile and a first continuous sidewall and a second edge with a second edge profile and a second continuous sidewall. A pivot point having a pivot axis is provided at the pivotable second end. The switch system pivots about the pivot point from a first position and a second position. In the first position, the switch system maintains the GATV along the first path of travel via the first continuous sidewall. In the second position, the GATV travels along a second path via the second continuous sidewall.
US08714091B2	Gas generator A gas generator includes, a housing integrated at an upper circumferential wall plate and a lower circumferential wall plate, an ignition device chamber defined by a cup-shaped container disposed at a bottom plate of the housing, a combustion chamber surrounding the ignition device chamber, an annular filter facing a top plate of the housing, and a retainer supporting the filter and including an annular bottom surface supporting a lower surface of the filter and a cylindrical wall surface being press-fitted directly or indirectly to a circumferential wall plate of the housing. A circumferential wall of the cup-shaped container in the vicinity of the bottom surface abuts against or is positioned close to an inner circumferential surface of the filter. During activation, when the housing deforms, the annular filter gas-tightly attaches to the top plate of the diffuser shell, and a combustion gas is discharged radially outward through the filter.
US08714090B2	Time control device for the movement of a micro-machined and safety and arming device comprising such a time control device A time control device for the movement of a micro-machined or micro-engraved counterweight with respect to a substrate, said counterweight incorporating at least one face having at least one indentation intended to cooperate with at least one other indentation on a housing in which said counterweight moves so as to ensure the delaying of said movement of said counterweight, wherein said one indentation on said counterweight respectively on said housing receiving said counterweight is made on at least one flexible tongue itself integral with said counterweight respectively said housing, said at least one flexible tongue being able to be deformed by bending during the displacement of said counterweight.
US08714084B2	Screen printing apparatus and screen printing method The present invention provides a screen printing apparatus and screen printing method which, in screen printing that is to be performed on the upper surface of a circuit board, and the bottom surfaces of recess openings in the upper surface, can efficiently perform a printing work while ensuring an excellent printing quality. In a screen printing apparatus which prints a paste for bonding an electronic component on an upper surface and a bottom-surface of a recess, a printing apparatus 2(1) and a printing apparatus 2(2) which sequentially 10 print the paste in two steps on the circuit board are placed in series. The printing apparatus 2(1) on the upstream side includes a bottom-surface printing mask which is provided in correspondence with the bottom surface of the recess, and a closed squeegee mechanism 36A which butts against and slides over an upper surface of the bottom-surface printing mask to 15 pressurize and supply the paste. The printing apparatus 2(2) on the downstream side includes an upper-surface printing mask which is provided in correspondence with the upper surface and an opened squeegee mechanism 36B which butts against and slides over an upper surface of the upper-surface printing mask to fill the paste into pattern holes.
US08714081B2	Press for ultrasonic welding device A safety device for a press having a head for applying force, a single fixed pressure source for actuating a low force pressure driven actuator and a high force pressure driven actuator for the head, wherein the operation of the head is limited to only with the low force actuator until the head is in a safe position, when the head is determined to be in a safe position the high force actuator's use is permitted.
US08714078B2	Apparatus for spacing and aligning pieces of food dough An apparatus for spacing and aligning triangular-like shaped pieces of food dough in one direction, which pieces are arranged so that they form a plurality of columns, wherein the directions of the pieces of the adjacent columns are alternately opposite each other, by rotating the pieces clockwise and counterclockwise at 90 degrees.The apparatus continues to alternately rotate the pieces 9 clockwise and counterclockwise at 90 degrees, which pieces 9 are cut and separated from a sheet 7 of food dough and are carried sequentially downstream from upstream by conveyors 3, 5, comprising pin-holding members 67 fixed to rotating rods 63, which rods 63 can move vertically and rotate clockwise and counterclockwise at 90 degrees, wherein the pieces 9 can be aligned so that one of the apexes of the triangular-like-shaped pieces 9 is oriented toward the upstream side of the direction for carrying the pieces 9.
US08714076B2	Tea steeping assembly A system and process for steeping tea in a vessel is disclosed. The present invention incorporates the use of an infusing filter seated on or within a vessel and a lid or retaining mechanism to steep tea in water. The vessel has an retaining ledge that supports a mating infuser placed inside. The infuser seats in a stationery position on the mating ledge inside the vessel, offset from the center of the vessel, to allow for stirring, pouring or drinking of the resulting beverage without introducing the infusible material into the resulting steeped beverage product. The infuser comprises a filter element that holds the infusible material and allows contact with the water. The infusing filter is retained in its seated position in the cup, ether by a lid or positive locking mechanism that allows for the safe and convenient portage of the tea steeping assembly. The tea steeping assembly introduces a system that has the ability to produce a beverage product in a process that is entirely biodegradable and compostable.
US08714074B2	Length-adjustable piston cylinder unit comprising a safety device A length-adjustable piston cylinder unit comprises a casing; a guide and sealing unit; a piston rod; a piston; a first interior portion; a second interior portion which faces away from the first interior portion; an adjustment valve; a guide sleeve which is arranged for displacement on the casing, the guide sleeve being secured to the piston rod at a sleeve end and comprising at least one latch opening which is spaced from the sleeve end along the central longitudinal axis; and a latch sleeve arranged on the guide sleeve, the latch sleeve comprising a latch protrusion for engagement into the latch opening, with the latch protrusion of the latch sleeve being arrangeMc in the latch opening of the guide sleeve for arranging the piston cylinder unit in a secured position so that the displaccability of the guide sleeve connected with the piston rod relative to the casing is blocked.
US08714069B1	Mine clearance system and method A mine clearing system and method remotely deploys line charge from a remotely controlled two-wheeled vehicle. The wheels are connected together via a central hub shaft. Individual battery operated hub motors on each wheel communicate with a central controller and receiver mounted inside the hub shaft. The power source for the motors is contained within the hub shaft, with a battery recharge port located on the hub shaft. The line charge is wrapped around the central hub shaft. An operator uses a remote control console in communication with the receiver and central controller in the hub shaft to independently control each wheel of the vehicle. A camera can hang from a hub shaft bearing on the outside of one wheel so as to be gravitationally stabilized during vehicle movement. The camera can broadcast signals to a display at the remote control console.
US08714066B2	Apparatus for holding a plate-like material during a separation process An apparatus for holding a plate-like material during a separation process. The apparatus includes a separating device that is movable, during the separation process, in a first axial direction that is transverse to a second axial direction that the plate-like material is conveyed in during the separation process. The apparatus also includes first and second transport tables. The first transport table has a first contact surface and the second transport table has a second contact surface. The first contact surface and the second contact surface are spaced apart by a gap along which the separating device is movable. The apparatus also includes at least one holding device that is operable hold the plate-like material relative to the first and second contact surfaces such that the plate-like material is movable along the first and second contact surfaces. The holding device is configured to support the plate-like material such that a first surface of the plate-like material, on which a cutting beam of the separating device impinges, faces toward the first and second contact surfaces during the separation process.
US08714063B2	Cutting and transferring apparatus and cutting and transferring method A cutting and transferring apparatus configured to from a second sheet by cutting a continuous body of second sheets and to transfer the second sheet onto a continuous body of topsheet. The cutting and transferring apparatus includes a blade roll having a blade; a bed knife; and a transfer roll configured to transfer the second sheet onto the continuous body of topsheet. The transfer roll receives an edge portion of the continuous body before cutting. The blade and the bed knife cut the continuous body of the second sheets, in a state where the machine direction MD and a vertical direction coincide with each other.
US08714062B2	Cutting device, method and use for cutting of a line extending from a floating vessel Cutting device, method and use are for cutting of a line extending from a floating vessel. The cutting device is structured for placement on the vessel. The cutting device comprises: at least one guide structured for directional steering of the line past a cutting area for the line; and at least one of the following cutting-promoting devices: at least one induction coil device directed inwards toward the cutting area and structured for heating, hence weakening, of the line within the cutting area; and at least one moveable cutting knife with an opposite contact surface directed inwards toward the cutting area and also structured for cutting of the line within the cutting area.
US08714060B2	System for accurately cutting sheet material Successive strips of material may be cut to uniform widths by placing at least a first spacing guide on an edge of the material so that the first spacing guide overlies the material and placing at least a second spacing guide in contact with the first spacing guide so that the second spacing guide overlies the material and so that combined widths of the spacing guides correspond to desired width of the strips. A hand support maybe placed adjacent the second spacing guide and in overlying relationship with the material. The first and second spacing guides may be removed from the material and the material may be cut along an edge of the hand support.
US08714057B2	Ratcheting device for an electronic torque wrench An electronic torque wrench including a wrench body, a wrench head configured to engage a workpiece, a first sensor producing a first output signal, that is proportional to an amount of torque being applied to the workpiece, a grip handle, a second sensor producing a second output signal that is proportional to an amount of rotation being applied to the workpiece, a user interface including an input device for inputting a preset torque value, and a processor for converting the first output signal into a current torque value, comparing the current torque value to the preset torque value, and converting the second output signal into a first angle value through which the workpiece has been rotated after the current torque value exceeds the preset torque value.
US08714056B2	Torque limiting mechanism with lock bushing A torque limiting mechanism used for securing fasteners is described. The torque limiting mechanism consists of a shaft, a torque gear having a plurality of ball bearings, a threshold bearing and a variable force applying subassembly. The torque limiting mechanism further consisting of a lock bushing and retaining ring placed circumferentially around the proximal end of the shaft. The lock bushing and retaining ring reduce structural misalignments and increase the accuracy of the device.
US08714055B2	One-way ratchet wheel element A one-way ratchet wheel element has engaged and linked driving wheel and driven wheel in a body. The side of the body that connects with the driving wheel has a shifting space. A tooth section is provided on a wedge opposite to the shifting space. When the driven wheel rolls and engages with the tooth section, there is a resistance to the rotation of the driving wheel, forming an engagement state. When the driven wheel is away from the tooth section on the wedge, it is in the idle state.
US08714050B2	Faucet handle A faucet handle includes a handle having a containment space, the containment space having an assembly aperture on a top surface, the assembly aperture accepting a limiting member, with two limiting ribs disposed adjacent to two opposite sides of the assembly aperture. A plurality of adjusting members respectively have a through aperture and two engaging columns adjacent to sides of the through aperture. Each engaging column is inserted between the two limiting ribs of the handle. The adjusting member also has two engaging slots adjacent to another side of the through aperture and an assembly device having an assembly base. The assembly base has an assembly space and two positioning columns adjacent to the assembly space, and each positioning column engages with an engaging slot of the adjusting member.
US08714039B2	Stroke-restricting device of linear actuator and wire-reeling mechanism thereof The present invention relates to a stroke-restricting device of a linear actuator and a wire-reeling mechanism thereof. The linear actuator includes a base and a telescopic pipe. The stroke-restricting device includes a box, a movable member, a block, a pair of switches, and a wire-reeling mechanism. The box is fixed to the base and has a wall plate. The wall plate is provided with a through-hole. The movable member includes a rod penetrating the through-hole and movable with respect to the box. The block is fixed to the rod. The pair of switches is fixed to the box to correspond to the block. Each of the switches has a trigger portion for generating electrical signals by means of contact of the block. Each of the trigger portions is located at two opposite ends of a moving path of the block. The wire-reeling mechanism includes a wire disposed in the telescopic pipe and moving therewith. One end of the wire is connected to the movable member. By this structure, only a small space can be used to control a limit position of a long distance.
US08714034B2	Gas flux measurement using traps A passive sampling apparatus and method for measuring the cumulative mass of a selected gas being transported through a known cross-sectional area, for example, a soil surface, during a chosen period of time, using absorbent material, are described. Two quantities of absorbent material are disposed in a hollow container, such as a pipe section, and spaced apart such that they may be readily separated for analysis. The absorbent material closest to the soil captures the gas leaving the soil. Under reversed flow conditions, for example when the ambient air enters the ground because of fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, the upper absorbent material captures the component of interest entering the apparatus, thereby preventing this gas from entering the lower material and disturbing the measurement. The apparatus can therefore sequester the component of interest without being affected by the direction of gas transport.
US08714033B2	Catcher pin assembly A catcher pin assembly for attachment to a catcher link of an aircraft frame, the catcher pin assembly having an engine mounting element, a catcher pin, a compressible element, and a nut, which is lockable to the catcher pin, the compressible element being compressed between the pin and the mounting element and/or between the mounting element and the nut, in the assembled condition of the assembly, such that the compressible element applies a predetermined resistance to rotation of the catcher pin relative to the mounting element. The invention also relates to a method of testing a catcher pin assembly to determine if the catcher pin is carrying load from the catcher link, the method including applying a predetermined torque to the catcher pin sufficient to overcome the resistance to rotation of the catcher pin when it is unloaded, and determining whether the catcher pin rotates relative to the mounting element.
US08714032B2	Universal force measurement apparatus and method A universal force measurement apparatus has a top plate onto which a first test object is mounted. The top plate is connected to a middle plate via a sliding member, for example a linear ball slide having a one dimensional degree of freedom. A first load cell is connected to the top plate and the middle plate, hereby preventing them from moving relative to one another in the direction of the degree of freedom of the sliding member. The mid plate is then connected to a second load cell which registers forces in the vertical direction. The second load cell is also connected to a base plate which is placed on a rigid surface. Forces from another object or media acting on the first test object will now be registered by the first and second load cells in the horizontal and vertical directions.
US08714031B2	Flowmeter materials for a beverage machine A flowmeter, in particular for a beverage preparation machine, includes a housing, such as a moulded housing, delimiting a measuring chamber, and a measuring body, such as a moulded body, rotatably mounted in the measuring chamber. The housing and the measuring body are made of at least one of polyoxymethylene, polyformaldehyde or polybutyleneterehpthalate.
US08714028B2	Insertion vortex fluid flow meter with adjustable geometry A fluid flow meter includes a fitting attachable to a waterworks valve or pipeline so as to extend at least partially through an insertion aperture thereof. A measurement cylinder is pivotally attached to the fitting, and includes a fluid vortex generating obstruction. A sensor body extends through the fitting and has a sensor element at an end thereof disposed in the measurement cylinder and generally aligned with the obstruction to detect fluid vortices generated by the obstruction. The measurement cylinder is selectively movable from a position generally aligned with the fitting, to a position generally parallel to the fluid flowing through the valve or pipeline.
US08714026B2	Strain sensing with optical fiber rosettes One or more mechanical parameters of a structure subjected to a force or condition are measured using distributed, optical fiber sensing technology. At least a curved portion an optical fiber having is attached to an object. A distributed, optically-based, strain sensing technique is used to determine strain information associated with multiple points along the curved portion of the fiber. The determined strain information is processed to generate one or more representations of one or more of the following: an expansion of the object, a thermal gradient associated with the object, or a stress-induced strain at multiple locations on the object corresponding to ones of the multiple points. An output is generated corresponding to the representation.
US08714024B2	Load measurement method and device A device for axial load measurement on a mechanical control device having a rotating shaft may be used to derive a torque measurement. A mechanical control device may comprise a valve actuator for fluid flow control devices. The load measurement device may include a beam operatively connected to a rotatable shaft and configured to deform under axial displacement of the shaft. A sensor may be coupled with the at least one beam and configured to produce an output signal related to the axial displacement of the shaft. The beam may be retained between two bearings on the rotatable shaft at a first end, and fixed to a housing of the mechanical control device at a second end. The first end of the beam may displace axially with the rotatable shaft. The beam may comprise a discrete segment of a uniform width and thickness.
US08714022B2	Capacitance pressure sensor The present invention provides a capacitance pressure sensor having a traces structure which can stably measure a pressure. A capacitance pressure sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate having a first insulation layer to a third insulation layer; a diaphragm placed to face the substrate so that a reference chamber is formed between the diaphragm and the substrate; a first electrode on the substrate 1, facing to the diaphragm; a second electrode on the diaphragm, which is disposed so as to face the first electrode; a trace connected to the first electrode, for electrically connecting the first electrode to the outside; and a second trace connected to the second electrode, for electrically connecting the second electrode to the outside. The traces penetrate the first insulation layer from the reference chamber side of the substrate toward the side opposing to the reference chamber of the substrate, and also are bent between each of the insulation layers.
US08714018B2	Method for the non-destructive testing of a test object by way of ultrasound and corresponding device The non-destructive testing of a test object by way of ultrasound includes: (a) radiating directed ultrasonic pulses into the test object at an irradiation angle β wherein the irradiation angle β is set electronically, (b) recording echo signals that result from the ultrasonic pulses radiated into the test object, and (c) determining an irradiation position X0 in which echo signals can be recorded that can be associated with an error in the volume of the test object. The method also includes (d) determining the irradiation angle βmax for which the ERS value of the error reaches its maximum at position X0, (e) changing the irradiation position X0→X1 on the surface of the test object, the change of the irradiation position being captured, and (f) electronically adjusting the irradiation angle β in such a manner that the ERS value of the error reaches its maximum in the changed irradiation position X1.
US08714015B2	Joint quality inspection and joint quality inspection method A joint quality examining device and method for accurately examining in real time the qualities of the joints of all the products where joining members are joined to members to be joined. A joining device includes an ampere meter, a frequency meter, an encoder, and a recording unit the four for detected the joining waveform produced in a joining process, a feature point extracting unit for extracting from the deleted joining waveform a feature point related to an after-endurance physical quantity usable for evaluation of the quality which the joint is required to have after an endurance test, a calculating formula setting unit storing the calculation formula for calculating the after-endurance physical quantity, a calculating unit for calculating the after-endurance physical quantity of the joint from the feature point extracted by using the calculation formula, and a judging unit for judging whether or not the joint quality of the joint is acceptable on the basis of the comparison of the calculated after-endurance physical quantity and a predetermined threshold.
US08714012B2	Microelectromechanical gyroscope with inversion of actuation forces, and method for actuating a microelectromechanical gyroscope A microelectromechanical gyroscope includes a body and a driving mass, which is movable with respect to the body according to a driving axis and is capacitively coupled to the body. The gyroscope moreover includes a driving device, which forms a microelectromechanical control loop with the body and the driving mass and is configured for supplying to the driving mass driving signals having a common-mode component and respective differential components so as to maintaining the driving mass in oscillation according to the driving axis. The driving device is provided with an actuation stage configured for inverting in a controlled way the sign of the differential components of the driving signals.
US08714008B2	Thermal fluid flow sensor and method of manufacturing the same In a thermal sensor with a detection part and a circuit part formed on the same substrate, an insulating film for protection of the circuit part causes problems of lowering in sensitivity of a heater, deterioration in accuracy due to variation of a residual stress in the detection part, etc. A layered film including insulating films is formed on a heating resistor, an intermediate layer is formed thereon, and a layered film including insulating films is formed further thereon. The intermediate layer is specified to be a layer made up of any one of aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, titanium nitride, tungsten nitride, and titanium tungsten. This configuration enables the layered film on the upper part of the detection part to be removed using the intermediate layer as an etch stop layer, which solves problems of lowering in sensitivity, a variation in residual stress, etc. resulting from these.
US08714003B2	Wind tunnel with a closed section for aeroacoustic measurements with an anechoic coating A wind tunnel with a closed section for aeroacoustic measurements with an anechoic coating including: a) a first cavity having a thickness D1 in a range of 20≦D1≦50 mm filled with a fibrous material with a flow resistance R in a range of 10≦R≦50 kRayl/m; b) a first microperforated panel having a thickness t1 in a range of 0.25≦t1≦0.75 mm and with a perforation percentage p1 in a range of 15%≦p1≦30%; c) a second air cavity having a thickness D2 in a range of 10≦D2≦30 mm; d) a second microperforated panel having a thickness t2 in a range of 0.25≦t2≦0.75 mm and with a perforation percentage p2 in a range of 15%≦p2≦30%. The perforations of the panels can be circular or longitudinal slot-shaped having a diameter d or width w in a range of 0.2≦d, w≦0.5 mm.
US08713999B2	System and method for automated optical inspection of industrial gas turbines and other power generation machinery with multi-axis inspection scope Internal components of power generation machinery, such as gas and steam turbines are inspected with an optical camera inspection system that is capable of automatically positioning the camera field of view (FOV) to an area of interest within the machinery along a pre-designated navigation path and capturing images without human intervention. Automatic camera positioning and image capture can be initiated automatically or after receipt of operator permission. The pre-designated navigation path can be defined by operator manual positioning of an inspection scope within the power machine or a similar one of the same type and recording of positioning steps for future replication. The navigation path can also be defined by virtual simulation. The inspection system includes a multi-axis inspection scope suitable for inspection within the turbine section of a gas turbine.
US08713997B2	Systems and methods for collecting tear film and measuring tear film osmolarity A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.
US08713995B2	Liquid gas vaporization and measurement system and method A liquid gas vaporization and measurement system, and associated method, for efficiently vaporizing a continuous sample of liquid gas, such as liquid natural gas (LNG), and accurately determining the constituent components of the gas. A constant flow of liquid gas sampled from a mass storage device is maintained in a vaporizing device. Within the vaporizing device the liquid gas is flash vaporized within heated narrow tubing. The liquid gas is converted to vapor very quickly as it enters one or more independently operating vaporizer stages within the vaporizing device. The vapor gas is provided to a measuring instrument such as a chromatograph and the individual constituent components and the BTU value of the gas are determined to an accuracy of within +/−0.5 mole percent and 1 BTU, respectively.
US08713992B2	Device and method for analysing a performance of an engine The present invention relates to a device for analyzing a cylinder wise performance of an internal combustion engine, comprising ion current measurement means that are arranged to measure an ion current in a engine and that are also arranged to produce a first signal corresponding to a measurement performed by said ion current measurement means, and also comprising an amplifier that is connected to said ion current measurement means and that is arranged to receive and amplify said first signal in order to produce an amplified signal, and further also comprising first analyzing means for analyzing said amplified signal for detecting an indication of a knock event in the engine, wherein said amplifier is a variable-gain amplifier and that said device further comprises second analysis means that is arranged to receive and analyze said amplified signal and to adjust a gain of said amplifier. The invention also relates to a method for analyzing a performance of a engine.
US08713988B2	Use of gas void fraction measurement is the closed loop control of a fermentation process A technique related to a fermentation process; where a signal processor receives a signal containing information about an amount of entrained air in a mixture forming part of a fermentation process in a tank; and determines a level of foam in the tank based at least partly on the amount of entrained air in the mixture. The signal processor may also provide a control signal for controlling an amount of defoamer (or antiforming agent) added to the mixture in the tank so as to control the production of foam within the tank by controlling the amount of defoamer added to the mixture in the tank.
US08713986B2	Electronic torque wrench calibration device and using method thereof An electronic torque wrench calibration device is for calibrating a torque value and a pivot angle of an electronic torque wrench. The electronic torque wrench calibration device includes a base, a driving member, a torque setting member and a dial plate. One end of the driving member is driven by a electronic torque wrench, and the other end of the driving member is pivotally connected to the base. The torque setting member is disposed on the base. The torque setting member provides the driving member with a predetermined resistance against a pivotal rotation. The dial plate is pivotally disposed on a surface of the base and linked with the driving member. The dial plate includes a plurality of angular scale markings located on a surface of the dial plate.
US08713985B2	Calibration and accuracy check system Calibration and accuracy check systems for a chemical sniffer, such as a breath alcohol tester, which utilize the dispensing of droplets with determinable concentration of alcohol and/or other liquids in a determinable number either directly to a reaction chamber, or into a carrier gas which can be sampled. The systems generally provide for accurate sample concentration being provided to the breath tester while also providing for a simplified system which can be easier to move, and require less operational complexity, than prior wet or dry calibrating systems.

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